Chapter 8: Agreement Reached
After returning from the residence of Xiao Ziyu's birth mother, the relationship between the two fell into a stalemate.
Chen Xingmiao could feel that he was deliberately or unconsciously resisting her.
She wondered, was she really such a terrible person? Her face clearly looked harmless.
Sitting in front of the bronze mirror, she was utterly puzzled.
Chuntao stood behind her, gently massaging her shoulders and teasing, “Miss, are you worried about your husband?”
“Chuntao, how do you get someone with such a strong sense of caution to lower their guard?” Chen Xingmiao slightly lifted her head and looked at her, seeking an answer.
Chuntao paused for a moment, thought it over, then earnestly replied, “If he doesn’t trust you, why not just be open and honest with him?”
Chuntao’s words were like a beacon of light, instantly enlightening Chen Xingmiao’s mind.
Her gaze passed through the window toward the courtyard, where she happened to see Xiao Ziyu sitting by the stone table, absorbed in his book.
Lately, he either read or read; tomorrow was the formal visit, and she was still planning to confront Aunt Zhou. She needed to find a way to stop the little antagonist from avoiding her.
Suddenly, Chen Xingmiao’s eyes brightened as an idea flashed through her mind, and the corners of her mouth lifted involuntarily.
“Chuntao, I’ll cook dinner tonight. You just prepare some wine.”
With that, she dashed toward the kitchen, leaving the bewildered maid standing in place.
No sooner had she spoken than she hurried off to the kitchen, leaving Chuntao standing there in confusion.
Chen Xingmiao stood at the stove, hands on hips, her eyes scanning the various vegetables nearby.
Tonight, she was determined to showcase her skills and give the little antagonist the most unforgettable candlelit dinner of his life.
[System Prompt: Villain’s favorability minus one.]
???
Xiao Liu, is this Chinese? Are you serious?
[System Prompt: Villain’s favorability minus two.]
No, I earned that favorability with so much effort, and now it’s back to square one—no, it’s even negative!
[Side Quest Triggered: Uncover Aunt Zhou’s scheme, reward 100 points.]
Wait, little sister, is this really the time to assign quests?!
She was only trying to kindly prepare a meal for him, yet the favorability kept plummeting—was there any justice in this?
The angrier Chen Xingmiao became, the more determined she was. Rolling up her sleeves, she strode into the courtyard.
She wanted to see exactly what this little antagonist was up to.
---
Xiao Ziyu was sitting under the tree reading as usual. Hearing the noise, he slowly lifted his head and stared at Chen Xingmiao expressionlessly.
Chen Xingmiao: ...
“Not cold?” Xiao Ziyu looked at her bare arm exposed to the air and asked.
Fine, if you want to just read your book, why subtract my favorability!
Chen Xingmiao took a deep breath, trying hard to calm herself.
He was the villain—she couldn’t provoke him.
He was the villain—she had to yield to him.
She kept repeating this to herself, forcing a faint smile.
“I wanted to ask, husband, what do you like to eat?”
Xiao Ziyu lowered his head, his gaze returning to the book, no longer looking at her, and coldly muttered, “Anything.”
“All right, husband, wait for me!”
Chen Xingmiao said and dashed back to the kitchen.
Xiao Ziyu slowly raised his eyes to watch her retreating figure; his pupils flickered slightly, and the corner of his mouth faintly curled into a subtle smile.
Back in the kitchen, she picked up a cleaver and began preparing dinner, while Chuntao helped nearby.
Night quickly fell. Xiao Ziyu closed his book and, before reaching the kitchen door, caught the enticing aroma wafting through the air.
Full of curiosity, he peered toward the kitchen and saw Chen Xingmiao with flour dusting her nose, busily bustling by the stove.
She actually... could cook?
As a young lady, skilled in bargaining and shopping for ingredients, was she really the second young miss of the Chen family who had been spoiled since childhood?
This stark contrast deepened Xiao Ziyu’s suspicions.
What else could she be hiding?
His gaze locked tightly on Chen Xingmiao, as if trying to uncover more secrets from her every move.
At that moment, Chen Xingmiao looked up and met his eyes.
She was momentarily stunned, then smiled brightly and said, “Husband, wash your hands quickly. We’re about to eat.”
Xiao Ziyu said nothing, merely nodded and turned away from the kitchen door.
Before long, an array of delicious dishes filled the room.
Xiao Ziyu sat at the table, his gaze fixed on the food, his expression complex.
Chen Xingmiao held a jar of wine, filled two cups, and lit a candle.
---
“How is it? Not bad for a candlelit dinner, right?” She placed her hands on her hips, her face beaming with pride and hopeful for his praise.
Yet, Xiao Ziyu remained unmoved.
His eyes stayed locked on the dishes, then slowly shifted to the wine, but he did not pick up his chopsticks.
Just as Chen Xingmiao eagerly awaited his response, Xiao Ziyu suddenly spoke in a low, doubtful voice, “Wife, are you... trying to poison me?”
His brows furrowed tighter and tighter, his expression full of suspicion and scrutiny.
The moment he said that, Chen Xingmiao felt like dousing the wine in his face.
What was this little antagonist’s meaning?
Her anger flared, but for the sake of her own safety, she forced herself to endure.
“No poison!”
She grabbed her chopsticks decisively, tasting every dish on the table with a touch of defiance, then suddenly raised her cup and downed the wine in one gulp.
Only then did Xiao Ziyu lower his guard for the moment, picked up his chopsticks, and took a bite.
“Thank you for your effort, wife.”
Seeing his tone finally soften, she quickly pulled a sheet of paper from her sleeve and placed it in front of him.
Xiao Ziyu looked at the words “Marriage Agreement” written on it, put down his chopsticks, and raised his head, quietly awaiting her explanation.
“Husband, I know you don’t trust me, so I want to make a trade with you.”
“Go on.” Xiao Ziyu sipped his wine, his throat moving as he swallowed slowly.
“I can use my Chen family background to protect you from humiliation, but in return, I need your help.”
Xiao Ziyu smiled faintly and asked, “Wife, you must be joking. What is there about me that’s worth your interest?”
“I need you to act in a long-lasting play with me.”
She refilled the wine and offered it to him.
“What play?”
“Pretending to be a loving couple shouldn’t be hard for you, right? You know who arranged this marriage for us—your scoundrel father and stepmother.”
Chen Xingmiao narrowed her eyes, a flash of cold ruthlessness in them. It was the first time she felt such hatred for someone.
Aunt Zhou, just wait. I will make you pay this debt!
Xiao Ziyu’s eyes flickered slightly. After a long silence, he slowly raised his cup and gently clinked it against hers.
“Then... wife, here’s to a pleasant cooperation.”