After everyone went their separate ways, each had their own thoughts to ponder.

Sleep eluded many that night.

Those who had climbed to their current positions all had some leverage in their hands, didn’t they?

Bai Xu had just returned home and locked himself in his study, claiming to deal with work. But as soon as he locked the door, he realized he was drenched in sweat.

His shirt was even soaked through.

Remembering He Ju’s calm demeanor, Bai Xu cursed, “You little rascal, you came prepared!”

They had been careless, thinking He Ju was a greenhorn fresh out of the gate, a naive young man who knew nothing. Yet, in the end, Bai Xu didn’t know how much leverage He Ju held over him.

Maybe He Ju was just bluffing, with no real evidence. But…

Better safe than sorry.

If things really went south, his career would be over, and he might even end up behind bars.

Bai Xu couldn’t just sit around waiting for doom, but he also didn’t dare make a move against He Ju.

People always fear the unknown.

Especially when the other party has already sent out danger signals.

Bai Xu paced back and forth in his room, unable to think of a solution.

Bai Jiaqian wasn’t faring much better after returning home.

She mulled over He Ju’s words repeatedly, becoming anxious. She didn’t even greet her family before retreating to her bedroom alone.

Bai Jiaqian wondered, what exactly did He Ju know?

—

Meanwhile, He Ju was already driving Si Hua home.

As soon as they got into the car, Aunt Liu had already come over to tell them that Bai Yao had guessed they would leave early. He had placed two boxes of beef jerky, Si Hua’s favorite flavor, in their trunk and asked He Ju to arrange a time for both families to meet.

With the wedding date set, they had to get busy.

He Ju had no objections and agreed to everything.

The car sped along the highway, with Si Hua in the passenger seat. She felt a bit guilty and glanced at He Ju, apologizing, “Sorry, I didn’t expect them to be so aggressive…”

He Ju drove with one hand and patted Si Hua’s head with the other, “Silly girl, how could this be your fault? Besides, your husband didn’t suffer at all. Look at their green faces…”

He Ju’s relaxed tone made Si Hua smile brightly, “Yeah, husband, you’re so amazing!”

He Ju seized the opportunity, “So, shouldn’t you properly compensate your husband tonight? After all, confronting people is tiring, you know?”

Si Hua blushed, then playfully scolded He Ju, “We’re talking serious matters, why do you start being frivolous again?”

He Ju replied, “I am talking about serious matters. Isn’t this serious for a married couple?”

He Ju added, “Don’t forget what you promised me last night…”

Si Hua’s ears turned red, “Didn’t you promise to sleep well last night?”

Remembering the passionate night, the exhilarating sensation, He Ju found it hard not to smile, “Did I not sleep well?”

Si Hua: “…” Alright, the married He Ju was no longer the innocent white rabbit of before but had become a big bad wolf.

He was now capable of such ambiguous talk.

What exactly did He Ju sleep with last night? Her? She didn’t say.

Seeing Si Hua genuinely shy, He Ju stopped teasing her but still smiled.

Although he was indeed annoyed at dinner, at this moment, He Ju felt it was all worth it.

Soon, He Ju’s phone rang with an unknown number.

Si Hua was about to answer, but He Ju said, “Don’t bother.”

So Si Hua didn’t answer, and He Ju said, “It’s probably your Third Uncle.”

Si Hua frowned, “What does he want?”

He Ju replied, “Don’t know, but it’s probably nothing good.”

Si Hua thought about it and agreed with He Ju, letting the phone ring until it stopped.

At the old house, Bai Xu was so angry he almost smashed his phone. He had been suspicious, but now he was certain.

He Ju had leverage over him.

Bai Xu grew more anxious. If He Ju wanted money, that was negotiable, but what if He Ju wanted nothing but to ruin him?

At this moment, He Ju was focused on driving, not sparing a thought for Bai Xu. He simply couldn’t be bothered to answer.

Si Hua handed a piece of beef jerky to He Ju’s mouth, “Try this, it’s my favorite. It’s hard to find the real deal on the mainland.”

Watching Si Hua’s proud little expression, He Ju obligingly opened his mouth.

Si Hua looked at him expectantly, “How is it? Is it good?”

He Ju kept his eyes on the road, “It’s delicious, but not as tasty as you.”

Si Hua shrugged, “You’ve become so cheesy lately…”

He Ju repeated his line, “With a wife so delicious, I can’t help it. I can’t be a gentleman anymore.”

Si Hua teased him with a laugh, “You were never a gentleman to begin with.”

A gentleman on the surface, serious-looking, but deep down, utterly wicked.

He Ju retorted, “Before we got married, you didn’t say that.”

As Si Hua peeled fruit to feed He Ju, she laughed and replied, “Before marriage, if I didn’t praise you, how could I have caught you?”

Si Hua was indeed grateful that she returned to China immediately upon hearing the news and… launched her offensive against He Ju.

Otherwise, where would her current happiness be?

Oh?

He Ju joked, “You’re not even trying to hide it? Poor me, tricked into an early marriage at such a young age.”

Si Hua laughed out loud, “Oh please, you’re the one who got lucky and is playing coy.”

The couple continued their playful banter all the way back to City A.

He Ju was very satisfied with his current life. Who could resist a wife with smooth, tender skin, a soft, fragrant body, and who could act coquettishly?

Before, he was always alone no matter where he went. Now, it was different. Si Hua was willing to accompany him anywhere, chatting with him along the way, reminding him to be safe.

He felt more motivated to work, knowing he had a wife waiting for him at home.

—

Just as He Ju and Si Hua parked the car downstairs in their apartment complex, He Ju received a call from Tian Zhen, “Little Ju, how is it? Have you and Hua Hua decided when to hold the banquet? Your dad and I have looked at a few auspicious dates, do you want to consider them?”

Hearing Tian Zhen say this, He Ju and Si Hua exchanged a smile. He Ju said, “Wife, you talk to mom. I’ll go move the stuff.”

Si Hua nodded and took He Ju’s phone, “Auntie, He Ju is busy. We’ve decided to hold the banquet on the fifteenth of next month.”

Tian Zhen exclaimed, “Oh my, that’s a bit rushed, but it’s doable, it’s a good day, it’s fine!”

Si Hua could tell they were genuinely happy.