Chapter 4 — The Salted Fish's Marriage

He pressed his lips into a tight line, saying nothing as he carried the bowl of porridge away, his face as dark as if someone owed him eight million yuan. I assumed he was angry, but to my surprise, he returned a moment later holding a glass of honey water. Drink this first to warm your stomach. I have already called a private chef. I froze. He shoved the glass into my hands with a rather clumsy motion, though his voice had softened noticeably. Drink it and then get some proper rest. My heart skipped a beat on its own accord. By evening, my fever spiked even higher. Through a hazy, feverish fog, I felt someone gently wiping my face with a warm towel. The movements were incredibly soft and tender. Struggling to open my eyes, I saw Chuan Mo Nghiem sitting beside the bed, his brow furrowed in a deep, tight frown. The moment he realized I was awake, he instantly pulled his hand back, resuming his usual icy expression. Since you are awake, take your medicine. I looked at the dark shadows beneath his eyes and asked softly, Did you stay up all night? He avoided my gaze. Do not flatter yourself. I was simply afraid your brain would fry from the fever. I gave a soft chuckle and said nothing more, obediently taking the medicine. As soon as he left the room, I immediately reached for my phone. She is sick. It must be because she wore too little to look pretty at the party yesterday and caught a cold. Such a foolish woman. Even with a fever she refuses to rest, talking in her sleep and calling out my name over and over. I am not worried about her. I just... I just think a sick person needs someone to look after them. Yes, that is all. I stared at the line reading calling out my name over and over and slowly typed out a question mark. When on earth did I call his name? I had been sleeping like a log. This man’s imagination truly had no rival in this world. Using my burner account, I replied. Admit it, your heart aches for her. This time, he did not refute it. After a very long time, he sent back just two words. Shut your mouth. Say another word and I will block you.

The very first thing I did after recovering was drag Chuan Mo Nghiem out for a walk. Under the guise of thanking him for taking care of me, I wanted to buy him a gift. He looked at me with an expression that clearly said what kind of mischief is she planning now, but he still followed me outside. I led him into a pet shop. Chuan Phu is too lonely at home by himself, let us find a companion for him. I pointed to a pure white ragdoll cat whose bright, sparkling eyes stared right back at him. The corner of Chuan Mo Nghiem’s mouth twitched. The gift you mentioned is... this? That is right, do you not like it? I blinked innocently. He looked at the kitten meowing away to catch his attention, then back at me, his expression thoroughly complex. In the end, he compromised. As you wish. We named our new little princess Zhao Cai. Chuan Phu, Zhao Cai. Utterly perfection. Back home, Chuan Mo Nghiem retreated straight into his study. Cradling Zhao Cai in my arms, I skillfully opened up that familiar online post. She went and adopted another cat, naming it Zhao Cai. Chuan Phu, Zhao Cai... does she really love money that much? Wait a minute, Zhao Cai... is she trying to summon wealth from someone? Could it be she wants me to hand over my entire fortune to her?! Gazing at these lines written with the paranoia of a persecution complex, I laughed so hard I nearly rolled off my chair. Did she really want me to hand over my entire fortune? My dear brother, can your brain function normally just for once? I immediately switched to my burner account. Chuan Phu is very prosperous today: Open your horizons, poster. Maybe your wife is trying to bring good fortune to you? It brings prosperity to the husband, understand? The comments underneath immediately chimed in to agree. Indeed, Chuan Phu and Zhao Cai, just hearing the names sounds auspicious. The poster is blessed and does not even realize it, complaining despite having a wife who cares so much for him. If I had a wife like that, I would wake up laughing even in my dreams. The anti-internal-strife author seemed to have been convinced, remaining silent without a single reply for half the day. I thought the matter was over. To my complete surprise, when Chuan Mo Nghiem came home from work the next day, he handed me a thick stack of documents. What is this? I asked suspiciously, opening them up. Property Transfer Agreement. Looking at the seemingly endless string of zeros on the paper, my hand trembled slightly. Chuan Mo Nghiem, have you lost your mind? He pushed up the bridge of his glasses, his face dead serious, though the tips of his ears were burning bright red. Is this not what you wanted? It is yours. When did I ever say I wanted this? The cat you raised. He stated concisely. It took me a full three minutes to follow his logic. Because I named the cat Zhao Cai, which translates to inviting wealth, he assumed I wanted to invite his wealth away. I pressed a hand to my forehead, feeling a sudden wave of fatigue. Chuan Mo Nghiem, listen to me. Naming a cat is a form of bestowing good wishes, it has nothing to do with your money. I have a lot of money. He replied off-topic, a trace of pride coloring his voice. I can easily support you and your cat! I: ...Fine. He was rich, and he was proud. Looking at the transfer agreement, a mischievous urge to tease him welled up inside me. I picked up a pen and, right in front of him, decisively signed my name. Then, right before his very eyes, I tore that priceless contract into tiny pieces. Chuan Mo Nghiem’s eyes widened instantly, his expression frozen in sheer disbelief. You... I gave him a playful wink. Compared to your money, I like you much more. With that, I spun around coolly, scooped up Chuan Phu and Zhao Cai, and headed upstairs, leaving him standing petrified in the middle of the living room. Back in the bedroom, I immediately updated the post. She tore up the contract. She said she likes me much more. My heart is beating so fast, the system is about to crash. Staring at that final sentence, I laughed until I was rolling all over the bed. A pure-hearted CEO is truly lethal.

From that day onward, Chuan Mo Nghiem changed. He was no longer distant toward me. Though he remained a man of few words, his gaze had grown infinitely softer. He began taking the initiative to ask what I had done during the day, watching dull cartoons by my side, and even clumsily learning how to clean up after Chuan Phu and Zhao Cai. The atmosphere at home grew warmer with each passing day. Yet, that online post was never updated again. I guessed it was probably out of sheer embarrassment. It was the weekend, and I was lazily lounging in bed, refusing to get up. Chuan Mo Nghiem walked in, sat down on the edge of the mattress, and looked down at me. There is a charity gala tonight, you are coming with me. Not going, I pulled the blanket completely over my head, I want to sleep. Come on, he coaxed patiently, they will be serving the desserts you love. Not going. They will have works by your favorite artist. Not going.