Qin family's young madam

Beijing, Moon Villa...

Since she was already married to him, whether she wanted to or not, they would be living together. It was a fact, so she followed him silently.

Once inside the house, Qin Yuheng introduced her to the housekeeper and other staff. "She is your Young Madam," he announced, as though it were a title he had long expected to bestow. Young Madam of the Qin family.

The servants were stunned for a moment before quickly smiling, exchanging looks. This must be the woman their young master had been searching for all along.

Qin Yuheng turned to Shen Ning. "This is your house now too. If you want anything, you can ask the housekeeper or the maids. They will take care of you."

The last sentence was for everyone to hear, making it clear that they were to obey her without question.

"Mm." Shen Ning's answer was brief, her expression neutral.

He led her to the master bedroom. "Go take a shower and come downstairs for dinner."

He gestured toward the wardrobe, where clothes in her size were neatly arranged. The sight of the clothes almost blinded her with their beauty. Everyone liked beautiful things, and she was no exception. A small smile played at her lips.

She took the clothes and went to the bathroom, leaving him alone.

Qin Yuheng stood for a moment, watching her retreating figure. Was this progress? He thought to himself. She had smiled, even if only faintly. It was something.

After taking a bath in another room, he waited for her in the dining room.

When Shen Ning finally came downstairs, she sat a little farther from him than necessary. She didn't like him, so she didn't feel the need to please him.

Qin Yuheng's eyes dimmed slightly but quickly regained his composure. "Eat. If there's anything you don't like, just say it. Don't hold back."

She didn't respond. She simply ate in silence.

When she finished, she stood up, her voice cold as she said, "I'm done. I'm going to sleep."

Without waiting for a reply, she left the room.

In the bedroom, after entering, Qin Yuheng saw her curled under the quilt, her back to him. A small smile tugged at his lips. So, she didn't ask for separate beds...

He lay on the bed, his gaze lingering on her back for a long time. There was something in him that wanted to try—wanted to get close to her. Perhaps she was already asleep, and he could just hug her.

But as soon as his hand brushed against her, Shen Ning reacted violently, sitting up in a flash.

Qin Yuheng was taken aback, his eyes widening as he realized she was on high alert. She's scared of me.

She glared at him, her voice low but firm. "Don't touch me."

"I didn't want to sleep separately," she continued, her tone a mix of frustration and something deeper. "I just don't want to act pretentious."

The words stung, but there was more to it, something he could sense. Could it be…?

Actually she is scared to sleep alone. She can't say it directly, can she?

Her confession hung in the air, but she quickly covered it. "And... I don't know your real intentions. Qin Yuheng, I don't want this relationship to move forward yet. If you can't wait, divorce me. You can get tangled with someone else, I wouldn't care. But before you divorce me, I don't want to wear a green hat."

Her words struck him hard. Divorce? He couldn't even imagine it.

He scoffed. In your dreams. I won't let you go.

They slept in the same bed, but with separate quilts, an invisible barrier between them.

---

The next morning, by the time Shen Ning woke up, Qin Yuheng had already left.

She washed up and went downstairs for breakfast, her mind still swirling with thoughts.

After breakfast, she went to the garden for a walk. The garden was serene, with all kinds of beautiful flowers. Her eyes were drawn to a swing, and she couldn't resist. She spent hours there, swaying gently, until the lunch time.

After lunch, she returned to the bedroom, needing to escape her thoughts.

In the evening, when Qin Yuheng called from the office, the housekeeper reported on Shen Ning's activities. At least it meant she didn't treat herself as a guest here. She was settling in, albeit in her own way.

---

The days passed in a quiet routine. When Qin Yuheng returned home in the evenings, he would bring her pastries or small gifts, always thinking of her. He even had the housekeeper stock the fridge with her favorite snacks, ensuring she had everything she wanted.

Though Shen Ning didn't acknowledge him as her husband, at least there was a quiet harmony between them. She didn't push him away in anger anymore, and though she still kept him at arm's length, it seemed she was starting to accept her new life, piece by piece.