My Billionaire Husband Wants Me Back After I Married His Uncle

Three months after Gu Jiachen got back together with his ex-girlfriend, he suddenly asked about me.

"Has Xiwu been hiding away crying again these days?"

Friends looked at each other: "It's been a long time since anyone's seen her."

"How come I heard she got married the other day?"

"Impossible, just rumors trying to pressure Jiachen to take her back."

Gu Jiachen's tone was flat: "Tell her to meet me at our usual place tonight."

Friends egged him on: "If Xiwu cries, will you go soft on her?"

He laughed lightly: "We'll see."

But that night, I never came, even waiting until late into the night.

He called me, but I didn't answer.

He had a girlfriend, and I was married too. We should avoid suspicion.

01

The day Gu Jiachen got back together with his ex-girlfriend was my birthday.

Just as we were about to cut the cake, the door was suddenly pushed forcefully open from outside.

It was Meng Han again.

That ex-girlfriend who had almost cost Gu Jiachen his life.

She was truly beautiful, her dress, makeup, and everything perfectly exquisite.

Even her hair seemed to glow.

I instinctively hid my hands behind my back.

But the calluses on my fingers accidentally snagged the silk thread on my dress.

"Gu Jiachen."

Meng Han pushed past their friends.

She lifted her skirt and rushed to Gu Jiachen.

"I give up."

"I'll be the one to yield this time."

She spoke words of concession, yet held her chin high with pride.

Forcibly holding back her tears.

The room fell silent.

I instinctively looked at Gu Jiachen.

His expression was cold, sitting on the sofa with an indifferent demeanor.

He never once looked at Meng Han.

But his lips were pressed tightly together.

"Gu Jiachen, I'll only ask once."

"Do you want to get back together with me?"

As soon as Meng Han finished, Gu Jiachen suddenly scoffed.

"Who do you think you are? Breaking up whenever you want, getting back together whenever you want?"

With that, he reached out and pulled me into his arms.

The motion was rough, my nose bumping against his firm chest.

Instantly sore, wanting to cry.

"Meng Han, I have a girlfriend, can't you see?"

Gu Jiachen lowered his head, his kiss following.

Landing on my slightly damp eye corner.

Meng Han's face instantly paled.

"Fine, you're ruthless."

She pointed at Gu Jiachen, her tears falling more fiercely.

"Gu Jiachen, I'll never acknowledge you again in this life..."

After speaking, she glared at me with tear-filled eyes.

Then she actually shoved the table over.

The champagne tower fell, glasses shattered.

The cake was also ruined beyond recognition.

Both Meng Han and I were cut by flying glass shards.

She was cut on the arm, while I was cut on the face.

But Gu Jiachen released me, instinctively grabbing her.

"Don't move, you're bleeding." His eyes were filled with concern.

"I don't need your concern, go worry about your girlfriend."

Meng Han cried as she pushed him away and ran out.

Gu Jiachen seemed to have forgotten about me.

He stood there, hesitating for only two seconds.

Then quickly chased after her.

Never once looking back at me.

02

Perhaps afraid I'd be embarrassed.

Or maybe because...

They were just Gu Jiachen and Meng Han's friends.

And had nothing to do with someone like me.

So, one by one, everyone left the room.

I wore my beautiful dress.

Covering the wound on my face.

That feeling of sadness was like an undercurrent.

Silently devouring me.

This was the most grand and luxurious birthday party of my life.

This beautiful double-layered cake—

As a child, I used to press against the glass window of the cake shop.

I secretly peeked at it countless times.

Imagined its taste countless times.

I had almost possessed it.

But now it was a mess on the floor.

I crouched down.

Picked out a clean piece and took a bite.

But the taste wasn't as good as I had imagined.

Not even as good as cheap cupcakes.

But I still finished that piece of cake.

Just as I finished the cake, Gu Jiachen's call came through.

"Zhou Xiwu."

His voice came through the receiver, faintly accompanied by Meng Han's.

"I'm here." I spoke softly.

"There's something I want to tell you, don't cry first."

I was a bit prone to crying, naturally having shallower tear ducts than most people.

"Gu Jiachen, are you done yet?"

"We're already breaking up, why are you still comforting her?"

Meng Han's voice came through, seemingly angry.

Gu Jiachen's tone immediately became rushed.

"Let's break up. They said your face was cut, I'll give you some money."

"Don't cause trouble, that amount of money, your father couldn't earn it in three years of fishing."

Before I could say anything, the call was hastily hung up.

03

Gu Jiachen had always been an exceptionally generous person.

I heard he had dated several people before.

When in relationships, he was always extravagant.

Even after breaking up, he would give a large sum of money as compensation.

My best friend Yongyan pulled my ear, instructing me.

"Don't be foolish."

"Only a fool refuses money that's offered."

"Getting dumped on your birthday, your face nearly ruined and disfigured, not asking for emotional damages is already our mercy."

The wound from my forehead to the corner of my eye began to slowly heal.

But Gu Jiachen still hadn't transferred the money to me.

I tried to find him and Meng Han to demand an explanation.

But I couldn't even see Gu Jiachen.

Instead, I was thoroughly mocked by Meng Han and her little friends.

When I was about to call the police.

My family suddenly encountered trouble.

My father has a small fishing boat.

Two days ago, while out at sea, it accidentally scraped against someone's yacht due to wind and waves.

We had to pay compensation, a very large sum.

If we couldn't pay, we'd go to jail.

If the compensation Gu Jiachen gave me was as legendary as they said.

It would barely cover it.

My father's hair had turned half white from worry.

I transferred all my part-time job and scholarship money to him.

Still just a drop in the bucket.

Yongyan thought I was useless, snatched my phone, and sent a message to Gu Jiachen.

Soon his call came through.

But when I answered, it was Meng Han's voice.

04

"Zhou Xiwu, is it?"

"Truly, poverty breeds narrow-mindedness."

"Taking so many advantages still isn't enough, and you have the nerve to ask for compensation?"

"Women from fishing villages like you really know how to fish and scoop, don't you?"

My face flushed red, my tongue-tied as I wanted to反驳.

But tears fell first.

How could she have the nerve to speak of me this way?

Gu Jiachen and I had been dating for less than a year.

Every time we argued, it was because of her.

The first time because of her, Gu Jiacen left me halfway, and I almost encountered danger.

We were in a cold war for half a month, and I cried for half a month.

The second time also because of her, Gu Jiachen flew abroad for a week without contact.

At that time, I had already made up my mind to break up.

But when he returned, his condition wasn't good, and he had a minor car accident.

His friends called many times, saying he wanted to see me.

When I saw him, I softened again.

The third time was this birthday incident.

I was nearly disfigured.

The doctor said, half a centimeter more and it would have injured my eyeball.

Shouldn't they compensate me?

"I just want what I'm owed."

I forcibly suppressed the sob in my voice: "You're the one who injured my face."

"But you weren't disfigured, were you?"

Meng Han scoffed and hung up with a snap.

Then, using Gu Jiachen's account, she transferred five thousand yuan to me.

Clutching my phone, tears fell pitter-patter.

In the end, I stubbornly refused to accept the money.

Accepting this money meant reconciliation and private settlement.

I was a poor person from the village, no match for these young masters and ladies.

But one day, I would make Meng Han pay for her mistakes.

05

When the payment deadline arrived, we still hadn't gathered enough money.

But the yacht owner came to our door.

I was actually quite puzzled—weren't these rich people supposed to be busy?

Would they personally come to our home over such a small matter?

Were they afraid we'd abandon the boat and flee without paying?

I secretly observed the man.

The watch on his wrist—I had heard Gu Jiachen mention the brand before.

At least eight figures.

Since I couldn't figure it out, I stopped trying.

I just stood with my father and brother, adopting a very humble posture.

Hoping he would be merciful.

And this man, Meng Shaonan, did indeed show mercy.

Father was a bit stunned: "You're saying, you'll give me a new fishing boat?"

Brother was so excited his whole body was shaking: "You're saying, I can go ashore and open a shop to do business?"

My father had always dreamed of having the most advanced automated fishing boat.

My brother had always dreamed of going ashore to open a small shop and settle down, never fishing again.

"Yes, as long as she marries me."

Meng Shaonan pointed at me, getting straight to the point: "Her birth date is auspicious, it brings me luck. If we marry this year, my assets will double."

Father and brother both looked at me: "Nini, what do you think?"

I was stunned.

Meng Shaonan appeared to be only twenty-seven or twenty-eight.

He was handsome and dignified, though he looked fierce when not smiling.

Worth billions, tall and well-built, with long legs...

No matter how you looked at it, I was the one benefiting.

I nervously swallowed: "Father gets a new boat, brother gets a shop, why do I get nothing?"

Meng Shaonan was startled at first, then he laughed.

When he smiled, he had a refined and gentle air.

I felt my face grow hot, too embarrassed to look at him anymore.

But he waved his hand, and someone brought in many small cakes.

They were very fragrant paper cupcakes.

I could eat three in one go.

Hugging the cake, I asked him a few more important questions.

"Your surname is Meng, so do you know Meng Han?"

Meng Shaonan thought for a moment: "I think there is someone with that name among the younger generation of a Meng family branch."

"Then is she afraid of you?"

The smile in Meng Shaonan's eyes deepened: "Her entire family should be afraid of me."

"Is the Meng family more powerful than the Gu family in Hong Kong?"

"Of course."

"Then fine."

I hugged the small cake and nodded vigorously.

"I agree to marry you."

"Only I'm still in school, can we postpone the wedding a bit?"

Meng Shaonan looked at me deeply and smiled gently: "We can register first, the wedding can wait until you graduate."

I raised my hand to him: "Deal."

Meng Shaonan high-fived me: "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Meng."

My face flushed slightly.

"You should still call me by my name for now, I don't want to make it public yet."

Meng Shaonan stood up—he was really tall.

I had to tilt my face up to see him.

"Alright, Nini."

My nickname sounded a bit strange coming from him.

So much so that even after he left, my ears were still burning.

06

I occasionally encountered Gu Jiachen and Meng Han at school.

Sometimes they were very loving.

Other times they would argue.

But they would quickly reconcile.

I began to consciously avoid them.

Many classmates privately gossiped that I had missed out on a golden opportunity.

That I must be incredibly jealous of Meng Han now.

But no one knew.

I often woke up in the middle of the night to check my phone account.

Inside was the sky-high bride price Meng Shaonan had given me.

I would count that string of zeros many times.

Then drift off to sleep with satisfaction.

Soon it was summer vacation.

I went home to fish with my father.

Completely staying away from Gu Jiachen's circle.

So when I received a call from his friend that day.

I was quite surprised.

After some pleasantries, the friend got to the point.

"Xiwu, at our usual place tonight, Jiachen wants to meet you."

I was about to refuse.

"Dress up nicely, wear something pretty."

"Let me give you a little insider tip, Jiachen and Meng Han had a real falling out this time."

"Seize the opportunity."

I didn't even have a chance to speak.

The call was disconnected.

Father was calling me to pull in the nets.

I quickly forgot about this matter.

07

The friend returned, smiling and patted Gu Jiachen on the shoulder.

"I just got off the phone with Xiwu."

Others immediately began to egg him on.

"Jiachen, if Xiwu cries, will you go soft on her?"

Gu Jiachen flicked his cigarette ash, chuckling: "We'll see."

"But seriously, Jiachen, Xiwu's personality is much better than Meng Han's."

"Yeah, Xiwu is really well-behaved."

"Do you remember when you had the car accident and she went to see you?"

"She burst into tears as soon as she entered the hospital room."

"Even I felt sorry for her watching from the side."

Gu Jiachen seemed to recall the past, a soft color gradually appearing in his eyes.

"These days you and Meng Han have been inseparable, Xiwu must be hiding somewhere crying secretly."

"I remember the last time I saw her, she seemed to have lost some weight."

"There's still a bit of a mark from that scar on her eyebrow."

Gu Jiacen's hand holding the cigarette paused slightly.

That day, Xiwu had been injured too.

But how could he have been so heartless as to leave her behind?

But Xiwu was well-behaved and easy to coax.

He had specially gone home to change into a new white shirt.

Xiwu really liked him in white shirts.

On their first date, Xiwu's face had turned completely red.

She didn't dare to look him in the eye at all.

When he kissed her, she was so nervous she almost fainted.

He also bought hydrangeas, which Xiwu loved.

While driving to meet her, he had specially bought a new cake.

Xiwu loved to eat, especially sweet little cakes.

The one Meng Han ruined on her birthday.

But it didn't matter, he would buy her a bigger, more expensive one.

Gu Jiachen held the flowers, leaning against a lamppost.

He knew his friends were also nearby, waiting to watch tonight's drama.

He actually felt somewhat excited and nervous.

Like a first date.

But as time passed minute by minute.

Xiwu never came.

Until the moon grew weary and hid deep in the clouds.

Gu Jiachen looked at his watch—it was nearly midnight.

He finally condescended to dial Xiwu's phone for the first time.

But he would only call this once.

If she still refused to back down.

Then sorry, he would consider taking back the idea of getting back together.

But the phone rang for a long time with no answer, disconnecting on its own.

Gu Jiachen frowned, a fire of anger growing in his chest.

Suddenly, he heard his friends exclaim in the distance.

"A car is coming, is it Xiwu?"

"It must be, Xiwu likes Jiachen so much."

He instinctively turned to look, color gradually appearing in his eyes.

A taxi stopped in the distance.

A corner of snow-white skirt swayed in the night breeze.

That figure was slender and petite—who else could it be but Xiwu?

08

Gu Jiachen felt all his anger instantly disappear without a trace.

He instinctively wanted to step forward.

But he forcibly stopped in his tracks.

He had waited for her all night.

She wouldn't even answer his phone.

Although he really wanted to see her now.

He wouldn't take the initiative to approach her.

But that figure had already turned around.

The stars had only faint, dim light.

The streetlights were distant and dim.

But it was enough for him to recognize clearly.

The girl who came was not Xiwu.

Even at first glance, their figures, clothing, even their hair were very similar.

But she wasn't—she just wasn't.

The friends hiding in the dark seemed to see clearly who had come.

Suddenly, they all fell silent.

Gu Jiachen's expression grew extremely cold.

A moment later, he suddenly threw away the bouquet and turned to get in his car.

But Meng Han had already trotted over, stopping him with a tearful voice.

"Gu Jiachen!"

"You're looking for Zhou Xiwu only because she looks like I used to, aren't you?"

"You don't like it when I argue with you, don't like it when I get randomly jealous, don't like it when I dress too sexy."

As Meng Han spoke, she began to cry with grievance: "Then I'll go back to how I was before, can't we be good together?"

Gu Jiachen looked at Meng Han before him.

She was beautiful when she cried.

With black straight hair and a white dress, she looked very pure.

They had broken up and gotten back together so many times over the years, and at this moment, she truly resembled how she looked when he first fell for her.

But what even he found hard to believe was—

Looking at Meng Han's tears, although his heart still softened, he no longer felt the same heartache as before.

09

Even more, when he looked at Meng Han crying.

The person he inexplicably thought of was Zhou Xiwu.

She never cried hysterically like this.

Her tears always fell in large drops, yet she restrained herself from making a sound.

She loved to smile in daily life, and was well-behaved and soft.

Whatever he said, she would obediently nod and say "okay."

As if she never had any temper.

After being together for a long time, he did find it somewhat boring later on.

He felt she wasn't as lively as Meng Han, not as beautiful as Meng Han, and didn't share the same hobbies and interests that would allow them to have fun together.

But when he really got back together with Meng Han this time.

He quickly grew tired of her again.

After their last intense argument, he directly spoke harshly.

Never getting back together again, never eating grass from the same patch twice.

Meng Han was proud and naturally agreed.

Unexpectedly, she couldn't resist running over tonight.

And had dressed herself as the "country bumpkin" she spoke of.

For a spoiled young lady like her.

This was quite a rare occurrence.

Gu Jiachen and she had known each other for many years after all.

In the end, he still couldn't bear it.

"Meng Han, don't make yourself so miserable, go home first."

"Is it because of Zhou Xiwu?"

"She's just my substitute, a country bumpkin who grew up in a fishing village!"

"Gu Jiachen, have you gone mad? You're choosing her over me?"

Meng Han's emotions spiraled out of control again, becoming hysterical.

"I don't want to argue with you, go home and cool down first."

Gu Jiachen turned to get in the car, but Meng Han blocked the car door.

"Gu Jiachen, what more do you want from me?"

"I've already humbled myself to cater to you, I said I'm willing to change back to the way you like..."

She grabbed Gu Jiachen's sleeve, crying louder and louder.

"Zhou Xiwu was with you just for your money."

"Gu Jiachen, I'm the one who truly cares about you, can't you see?"

"If she really cared about you, would she stand you up tonight? Make you wait here foolishly?"

"After you broke up, the only time she contacted you was to ask you for compensation, have you forgotten?"

Gu Jiachen's face gradually darkened, he gritted his teeth: "She was injured that day, it's right to compensate her."

"I asked the doctor, it was just a minor injury, only needed a few stitches, not even close to disfigurement."

Seeing Gu Jiachen's displeased expression, Meng Han continued: "And standing you up tonight, she agreed to come but didn't show up, what's that about?"

Gu Jiachen said nothing, but his expression grew darker.

Meng Han knew he had been proud and arrogant since childhood.

Being able to bow down once was already a miracle.

Zhou Xiwu was playing hard to get—she had chosen the wrong target.

"Jiachen, she just sees you as a meal ticket, trying to climb the social ladder."

"We're well-matched and childhood sweethearts. My feelings for you have no ulterior motives."

Gu Jiachen seemed persuaded by her.

He suddenly stepped forward and gently touched Meng Han's face.

"Haven't you always wanted to go out to sea? Let's go together tomorrow."

Meng Han immediately became delighted: "Then I'll ask my cousin-uncle to borrow a yacht, shall we go sea fishing?"

Gu Jiachen thought of Meng Han's well-connected cousin-uncle.

This back and forth would be a good opportunity to get close to him.

He was about to graduate and enter the family business.

Although the Gu family had some business, there were many young people of his generation, and many outstanding ones.

He didn't want to be an idle second-generation heir, scraping by with a few hundred thousand a month.

If he could build a relationship with that Meng family figure, it would undoubtedly be extremely beneficial for him.

Thinking of this, Gu Jiachen's voice became gentler.

"Would it be inconvenient?"

"Not at all, my cousin-uncle is super rich and generous to the younger generation! When I went to pay New Year's greetings last year, my cousin-uncle even praised me."

Meng Han was confident and smug.

She knew, someone as poor and deceitful as Zhou Xiwu, how could she possibly compete with her?

Even if Gu Jiachen's feelings for her had faded now.

But she still had the Meng family behind her, and a cousin-uncle like Meng Shaonan.

Gu Jiachen knew what was important.

He knew who he should ultimately choose.

10

But the next day, after Gu Jiachen and his friends were ready to go out to sea.

They waited a long time but didn't receive any news from Meng Han's side.

Gu Jiachen simply called her.

Meng Han answered after a while, but her voice sounded odd, as if she had been crying.

"I'm sorry, Jiachen, my cousin-uncle happens to need the yacht today, we can only borrow it another day."

"Your cousin-uncle has more than one yacht, doesn't he?"

Meng Han stammered, unable to answer.

Gu Jiacen laughed: "You're lying to me, Meng Han. It seems you don't have much say with your cousin-uncle."

With that, he hung up.

And just as he hung up, Meng Han angrily smashed her phone.

Clearly, her cousin-uncle had agreed to lend her the yacht at first.

But later, after asking for names, he suddenly refused.

And he had specially added: "Any of the Meng family's younger generation can borrow it, just not Meng Han."

Within three minutes, this statement spread throughout the entire Meng family.

She was completely humiliated, her father so angry he slapped her.

Her sisters were openly and secretly mocking her.

Meng Han couldn't understand why her cousin-uncle would say such a thing.

She had always behaved particularly well in front of her cousin-uncle.

She racked her brain for a long time but couldn't figure it out.

What had she done wrong to offend her cousin-uncle?

She couldn't figure it out, but she had a vague premonition.

Her family's status in the Meng family would probably plummet straight down.

Her parents had always relied on her cousin-uncle for their livelihood.

And now, she had unknowingly offended her cousin-uncle...

Meng Han lay on her bed, crying harder and harder as she thought about it.

How could she possibly make amends?

What was even more ridiculous was that she didn't even know what she had done wrong.

11

"Jiachen, I actually have a good idea."

A friend, seeing Gu Jiacen's unhappiness, thought of something interesting.

"Xiwu's family is in a fishing village, her father also has a fishing boat and often goes out to sea to fish."

"Why don't we go to Xiwu's village, give her father some money, and rent their fishing boat?"

Actually, for these young masters, renting yachts to go out to sea was a common occurrence.

But the friends knew Gu Jiacen's thoughts, so they catered to his preferences.

Fishing was a small matter—being able to see Zhou Xiwu was what was most important.

Gu Jiacen laughed: "Their broken fishing boat, aren't you afraid it might capsize?"

But the group still went in grand style.

When Gu Jiacen saw Zhou Xiwu busy on the fishing boat.

He almost blacked out.

Usually at school, she looked so well-behaved and soft.

Now wearing dirty work clothes, holding a large fishing spear and hitting fish with pinpoint accuracy.

A true wild girl.

"Tsk, really wild."

"So energetic."

"Jiacen, tell me, if that fishing spear of hers were thrown at us, wouldn't blood splatter everywhere?"

Gu Jiacen stared at the slender yet agile figure on the boat without blinking.

He cursed at his friend: "You'd be the first to get speared."

12

Actually, I had noticed Gu Jiacen's group long ago.

But I had no time to pay attention to them.

These young masters were always frequenting top clubs, cruise parties, and so on.

They must have run out of things to do to come to our little fishing village.

Naturally, they were looking for amusement.

Before, because of Gu Jiacen, I had interacted with them.

But now, none of them had anything to do with me.

But as I carried the fishing spear off the boat, Gu Jiacen called out to me.

I didn't hide either—this was our village, I wasn't afraid of them here.

I walked straight over.

"Looking for me?"

Gu Jiacen glanced at me, then at the fishing spear in my hand that was taller than him.

"Put that aside first."

I gripped it tighter: "This is for spearing fish. Are you scared?"

Gu Jiacen's face stiffened, and he changed the subject.

"You want to rent our fishing boat?"

I shook my head: "No can do, my father needs to go out to sea."

Gu Jiacen quoted a figure with a cold face.

I was somewhat tempted.

But still shook my head: "No, a whole boat crew is waiting."

Gu Jiacen doubled the figure.

My head-shaking slowed: "I still need to earn tuition."

Gu Jiacen doubled it again.

I immediately beamed: "Deal."

"Zhou Xiwu, you should come with us too."

"It's your family's boat, you're familiar with it, and after we catch fish, we'll need you to make soup."

Just as I was about to speak, Gu Jiacen added: "Don't worry, the tip will be generous."

13

While they were fishing, I lay bored on the deck feeding seagulls.

Just as I was about to fall asleep from the sun.

Meng Shaonan suddenly called me.

I immediately scrambled up.

I liked talking on the phone with Meng Shaonan, or video chatting, or sending random messages.

He was very patient and never found what I said uninteresting.

He didn't mind my background or the calluses on my hands.

He even praised me for being good at fishing and swimming.

In his eyes, I seemed to be good at everything.

So much so that my self-confidence had increased a hundredfold.

"Meng Shaonan, I earned a lot of money today."

As soon as the call connected, I immediately started chattering away.

"Not bad, that was a very cost-effective business deal."

"Nini, you're becoming more and more capable."

Meng Shaonan immediately praised me generously.

I was also smug, lying on the blanket wagging my feet:

"Right, now I just need to bask in the sun, make some soup, and I can get another big tip."

"If this kind of business comes a few times a year, I can just slack off too."

"Nini." Meng Shaonan suddenly called my nickname.

"What's wrong?"

"Hasn't it been a week since we last saw each other?"

I counted on my fingers: "It really has!"

"I'll come pick you up tonight."

I glanced at Gu Jiacen's group not far away.

"I don't know if they want to night fish or not."

Meng Shaonan chuckled on the other end: "Don't worry, they won't."

"Alright then, you come pick me up."

"Good, I have some business to attend to right now, I'll call you again later."

"Okay."

I hung up somewhat reluctantly.

But just as I hung up, one of Gu Jiacen's unlucky friends suddenly fell into the sea.

I hurried over, joining the others in throwing a life ring to him.

I also untied the lifeboat tied to the side of the boat and threw it over.

But this person, having fallen into the sea, was terrified and could only flail about chaotically.

Before long, he had swallowed a bellyful of seawater and was drifting further and further away.

I sighed helplessly, took off my work clothes.

"Zhou Xiwu, what are you doing?"

Gu Jiacen grabbed me.

I didn't understand: "To save someone, what else?"

"You're going?"

"Otherwise? Are you going?"

I pushed his hand away, seeing that the man was about to be knocked unconscious by the waves.

Not having time to waste more words with them, I shook off my work clothes, climbed over the boat's railing, and dove into the sea with a plunge.

14

Gu Jiacen felt, that seemed to be the first time he was truly meeting Zhou Xiwu.

She leaped into the sea like a beautiful little fish.

The waves, encountering her, seemed to play with her.

The fish also swam around her intimately.

His group stood by the boat, gradually all fell silent, no longer speaking.

The sea wind howled, the sail blown full.

Between heaven and earth, only these noises remained.

Gu Jiacen couldn't move his eyes from her.

Not for a second, not for a minute.

Her arms were slender yet full of strength, cutting through the waves as she quickly swam to the drowning person's side.

She was clearly professionally trained.

Her rescue movements were skilled and standard.

She soon pushed the person to the lifeboat's side.

The person grabbed the lifeboat and gradually recovered.

Zhou Xiwu pushed him onto the boat but didn't get on herself.

She happily swam a few more circles in the sea.

And actually caught two beautiful small fish.

She shook her arm, showing them her small fish.

Smiling until her eyes curved like crescents.

The water sparkled, sunlight spread across the sea like scattered gold.

And she bathed in that glittering water light.

Yet was several times more brilliant than that gold.

Her hair was soaked, revealing her entire smooth forehead.

Gu Jiacen saw the pink scar on the corner of her eyebrow.

His heart suddenly ached as if pricked by a needle.

He seemed to suddenly understand something.

Zhou Xiwu was never a substitute from the beginning.

He had never treated her as one either.

The real her and Meng Han weren't the slightest bit alike.

And before, when she was so obedient and compliant in front of him.

Never showing this side of herself.

It was because at that time, she really liked him.

So she hid all these aspects she thought he wouldn't like.

And now, perhaps she truly didn't like him anymore, didn't care about him.

So she could unscrupulously be herself.

Gu Jiacen inexplicably felt terrible.

The happier Zhou Xiwu smiled, the more fiercely his heartache overflowed.

She was like a little fish in the sea, and he, seemed unable to catch her anymore.

15

When I came out after showering and changing clothes.

Gu Jiacen was waiting for me outside.

We were heading back.

Gu Jiacen had been called back by the Gu family elders, saying there was an emergency.

And I, was also going on a date with Meng Shaonan.

So now, all I could think about was getting off the boat, rushing home to change into a pretty dress.

Meng Shaonan loved buying me clothes.

And I loved the pretty dresses he bought.

"Something wrong?"

I wiped my hair as I casually asked.

"Xiwu."

Gu Jiacen suddenly stepped forward and gently grabbed my wrist.

I was scared, quickly shook him off, and backed away several steps.

"Just talk, don't get handsy."

Gu Jiacen stood in place: "Alright, I won't get handsy, let's have a proper talk, Xiwu."

"What do you want to say?"

"Does the wound on your forehead still hurt?"

"It hasn't hurt for a long time."

"I know an excellent cosmetic dermatologist, let me take you to have the scar removed."

"No need, I've already made an appointment with a doctor."

Meng Shaonan had already made an appointment with a doctor for me.

He said he could ensure that by our wedding day, not a trace of the scar would be visible.

I would be a radiant bride.

"What happened that day was my fault."

"And the money I promised to give you..."

"No need."

I finally looked up at Gu Jiacen.

It was also the first time I looked him in the eye so seriously since this meeting.

I had liked him, although during the days I liked him.

The time of hurt and grievance was always more than the time of joy and sweetness.

When we finally broke up, it was particularly unpleasant.

But, between us, it hadn't reached the point of life and death.

I was a simple-minded person.

I only liked to remember happy things.

I didn't want to bring up the unhappy past, nor did I want to recall it.

Moreover, I had a lot of money now.

Meng Shaonan had given me small cakes and a bride price that day.

Later, when we registered our marriage, he also gave me a super generous bride price.

My little savings were full, I felt very secure.

I had already moved forward, was looking ahead.

"Xiwu."

Gu Jiacen's voice was incredibly gentle: "Can we start over?"

"I'll pursue you again..."

I interrupted him: "I can't relive my twenty-first birthday."

"I also can't pretend those injuries never happened."

"Gu Jiacen, we should both move forward."

"But back then, you were the one who liked me first..."

He grabbed the hem of my clothes, refusing to let go.

I smiled: "But the one who likes first actually holds the power."

"I can withdraw my feelings for you at any time."

"I can also fall in love with someone else."

"That's impossible, Zhou Xiwu."

"We've broken up before, but we always got back together quickly."

"It can be this time too..."

"Not this time."

I pushed his hand away, stopping him from coming closer.

"Why?"

I didn't want to tell him my business.

So I just smiled lightly: "It has nothing to do with you."

16

The night I went on a date with Meng Shaonan, I got drunk for the first time.

When he carried me to the car, I drunkenly wrapped my arms around his neck, refusing to let go.

Meng Shaonan chuckled: "Nini, remember your alcohol tolerance."

"I can't remember."

Why should I remember? Meng Shaonan would be by my side, I wouldn't be in any danger or have accidents.

"There will be times when I'm not by your side."

"If you're not by my side, I won't drink."

I lay in his arms, soft and unwilling to move.

He was so hot, but also hard, uncomfortable to hold.

I touched and rubbed against him, wriggling in his arms for quite a while.

Before I finally found a comfortable position.

But just as I got comfortable.

Meng Shaonan seemed to be having a hard time.

I looked up at him.

The alcohol rushed to my head, making my vision blurry.

I simply held his face: "Meng Shaonan, what's wrong with you?"

"Nini."

His voice suddenly became hoarse, his body temperature seemed to be rising too.

I felt hot, he was like a furnace.

I couldn't help but want to get off him.

But Meng Shaonan suddenly tightened his arms around my waist.

His fingers were long and powerful, his palms burning hot.

Through the thin layer of clothing, it scorched my skin.

Lost in thought, I stared blankly at him.

And Meng Shaonan had already lowered his head, kissing me deeply.

It was a kind of deep kiss I had never experienced before.

Overwhelmingly dominant, yet even more unforgettable.

As if, a door to an unknown world had slowly opened before me.

When the kiss ended, I was somewhat reluctant.

Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps I was inherently untamable.

When Meng Shaonan tried to lift me off him, I actually pounced forward, kissing him proactively.

"I want to kiss again."

"Meng Shaonan, kiss me like you just did."

"Nini."

The car moved forward smoothly.

Floating light from outside the window shone in.

Meng Shaonan's face was close to mine, his enlarged features appearing even more rugged and handsome.

His breath was hot, entangled with mine.

I felt a bit itchy, opened my mouth and bit his chin: "Don't be so hesitant, Meng Shaonan."

His Adam's apple rolled violently, suddenly he flipped over, pressing me onto the car seat.

Long fingers pinched my chin, "Nini, open your mouth."

The car had stopped for a long time, but we were still kissing inseparably.

At some point, his suit and shirt had been torn into disarray by me.

His abs and Adonis belt were faintly visible.

Making me even more confused and captivated.

But in the end, Meng Shaonan still pushed me away.

I felt uncomfortable, but couldn't overcome the drunkenness.

When he carried me out of the car, I curled up in his arms and fell asleep.

17

When Meng Shaonan carried me upstairs, he lightly kissed my cheek again.

His little mermaid had grown up.

And he had finally come to fulfill his promise as agreed.

The Meng family had many branches, with outstanding figures emerging among the younger generation.

Both open and secret struggles were constant.

Meng Shaonan's father had once been caught in a vicious power struggle.

Which had implicated his wife and son.

He had been kidnapped and thrown into the deep sea.

Just as he thought he would sink into the deep sea with the stones and become fish food.

Zhou Xiwu suddenly appeared.

Her diving equipment was simple, but she swam very fast.

He, who had fallen into a coma, even thought he had truly encountered a mermaid from a fairy tale.

She used the dagger she carried to cut the ropes.

Then dragged him to the surface.

He lay on that broken little fishing boat all night, saved by her fish soup.

She was very talkative, chattering endlessly.

She had many, many wishes.

She wanted to buy her father a new fishing boat.

She wanted her brother to go ashore and open a shop to do business.

She wanted the boy she liked to like her too.

She wanted to have endless small cakes.

He had no energy to respond to her then.

But he remembered it all in his heart.

And now, it was time for him to realize them for her one by one.

Only, the person she used to like was Gu Jiachen.

Now, would the person she liked be him?

He thought, he had enough patience to wait for the day when the answer would be revealed.

18

During my last few months at school.

Gu Jiacen would come to harass me from time to time at first.

But after a few days, he disappeared without a trace.

Later, I heard from my best friend Yongyan that Gu Jiacen seemed to have gotten into trouble.

He had caused a huge problem for their company.

Possibly, he would never be able to enter the core business of the Gu family again.

And Meng Han, she seemed to have been blacklisted by Hong Kong's social circle overnight.

I could vaguely guess that this might be Meng Shaonan's doing.

I had said those childish words in jest, but he had taken them seriously.

But I wasn't that magnanimous either.

Of course, I wouldn't plead for Gu Jiacen and Meng Han.

But these were things I heard, then let them go.

I didn't take them to heart at all.

In the blink of an eye, a year passed.

I had inherited my father's fishing boat, and was also getting married.

Meng Shaonan was usually extremely low-key.

But this wedding, it was unprecedentedly high-profile and luxurious.

When all of Hong Kong's attention was drawn to the wedding.

Meng Shaonan privately released another statement.

"The wedding will host many guests, but two will not be invited."

"May I ask Mr. Meng if it's convenient to reveal who these two are?"

"That Fourth Young Master of the Gu family, Gu Jiacen."

"A Ninth Miss of a Meng family branch, Meng Han."

Within minutes, Gu Jiacen and Meng Han's names spread throughout Hong Kong again.

Afterward, I quietly asked Meng Shaonan: "Doing this, the two of them will have no footing in Hong Kong anymore."

"Meng Han still calls you cousin-uncle, won't the Meng family think you're being too heartless?"

Meng Shaonan pulled me into his arms, he played with my fingers, gently rubbing the thin calluses on my fingertips.

After a long while, he slowly said: "I've already been very merciful."

After all, he was someone who had fought his way through blood and fire.

Just making it so these two couldn't establish themselves in Hong Kong was truly merciful for him.

And the reason he did this.

Was because he, who had never believed in fate, now believed.

He wanted his wife to live a long life and grow old with him.

Therefore, he was just accumulating good deeds.

He despised Meng Han, and even more so, Gu Jiacen.

Just thinking that he had once received her affection made it hard for him to sleep.

Now that both had left Hong Kong far behind, unlikely to return in their lifetimes.

Meng Shaonan finally felt some relief in his heart.

"I can't see any mercy in you."

"But that's fine too."

"I haven't forgotten how arrogant Meng Han was after injuring me."

I pulled my finger back, then frowned: "My hands are still so rough."

"But you're so happy when you're spearing fish, what can be done?"

Meng Shaonan shook his head helplessly.

That was true too.

If there were calluses, so be it. Meng Shaonan didn't mind anyway.

Happiness was most important.

"Nini."

Meng Shaonan embraced me from behind.

We stood before the huge French windows, looking at the harbor and mountains in the distance.

"This entire bay is yours."

"What would I do with such a large sea?"

I looked back at him: "I just need one boat and a small patch of sea."

"That's all?"

I paused, suddenly thinking of something, and had a rare moment of mental clarity.

"Oh right, and you!"

Meng Shaonan suddenly laughed.

He looked down at me, laughing for quite a while.

Before slowly lowering his head to kiss me: "I'll give you that for having a conscience."

I wasn't shy at all, directly hooking my arms around his neck, rising on my toes to meet him.

"Don't you stop halfway through kissing me tonight."

"I feel so uncomfortable."

"Every time I go back, I can't sleep well, I have all sorts of messy dreams."

Meng Shaonan suddenly held me tighter, pressing me against him.

"Alright."

"This time, even if you tell me to stop, I won't."

"I won't tell you to stop."

He kissed me, then chuckled: "Alright then, we'll see about that, Zhou Xiwu."