3 Chapter 3: God Hongqi’s Charity 2 (2/2)

Xiulan finally answered the call.

”Hello.”

”Oh my dear wife, did you miss me? Why are you calling?” Hongqi's baritone voice filled Xiulan's ears. His tone was really gentle and it has that endearing feeling to it.

Xiulan suddenly heard a ”Woah” and ”Wow” in the background noise. ”What was that?” She thought.

”I… I wanted to ask about the articles that are trending right now. I wanted to confirm if this is about us?” Xiulan nervously asked and she thought that her question was really stupid and badly constructed.

Xiulan heard Hongqi chuckled.

”Oh my cute wife, of course it's about us. I released that information so you would call me. It's been past seven hours since I sent the bouquet and letter but you haven't called me yet. I'm getting worried and jealous whoever has your attention right now.” He sweetly and playfully said.

Xiulan suddenly wanted to vomit blood. ”What's up with this man? Isn't this extreme? I only forgot to call him since I was really busy. But he has to reach this point so I would call him? Is he crazy?” Xiulan can't help but slander Hongqi in her head.

”Ah. I sincerely apologize for not calling immediately. The flowers were really beautiful and the letter touched my heart, I will treasure them. Thank you so much.” Xiulan managed to construct words even though her head was full of foul slander regarding this man. It didn't touch her heart at all! It made her cringed!

”I would gladly spoil my cute wife.” He endearingly said again. Xiulan felt that he's too flirty in this call and that gave off a double meaning! Xiulan cursed him again inside her heart.

”Thank you but there's no need to do that. But I would like to ask for a request if that is okay with you.” Xiulan bit her lips. She was really afraid to talk to him while she's hungry especially that this man gave off double meaning words. It irritated her so much since she can't rebuke his words.

”I just said that I will spoil you, right? Tell me what you want, I can give you everything.” Hongqi arrogantly said but the seduction in his voice is also present.

Xiulan can't help but curse this man more. She can already imagine that dirty grin on his face while he said that.

”It's regarding the articles. As possible I would like to keep my identity unknown until we are officially wed.” Xiulan requested. She also hopes that this man will approve her small request.

”But wife… I want everyone to know you and that I am your man. I want each person in China to know that you are mine. Honestly, you're making me sad right now. Are you embarrassed that I'm your husband?” Hongqi sullenly said.Xiulan suddenly felt afraid that Hongqi might get mad at her. But she's also mad and angry at him for saying such nonsense! Of course she must not reveal her inner most feelings right now.

”We aren't even married yet but he kept saying wife and husband. Damn it.” Xiulan wanted to shout but all she could do is complain inside her thoughts and heart.

”Seriously? Is this man really the God Hongqi they worship? He sounds like a freaking child!” Xiulan can't help but slander him more.

”I didn't mean that, my dear husband.” Xiulan finally surrendered and played along. She doesn't want to offend him especially that he's really a powerful man. In all honesty, she's really afraid to offend him. She started to feel cold sweat on her back.

”I'm a really low profile person and before our wedding I would like to have some peace at least. My husband is a very famous man. Of course I'm proud that you are my husband! It just that I want it to be peaceful before our wedding.” Xiulan politely and carefully explained. She actually wanted to vomit blood and cry but there are no tears to produce. Only a nervous heart and hungry stomach are present right now.

”Ahh… I see. I understand now. But I really want to reveal your name. Ahhh~ what should I do? This is your entire fault that you are so charming and beautiful. My heart can't help but shout for you.” Hongqi lovingly said and at the same time accused her.

Xiulan doesn't know how to react anymore.

”I will do what you asked but you must follow whatever I say, okay? Is that a deal?” Hongqi shamelessly said.

”Ah this man! So manipulative! With just a simple talk, he managed to make me speechless and get entangled to his demands. This is scary.” Xiulan angrily thought. It was only a simple talk but why did she end up following his demands? What sorcery?

”Definitely. Of course, my husband!” Xiulan can't help but agree. She's now doomed and has officially entered his trap.

”Good. See you soon, my wife.” Hongqi grinned and bid his good bye.

Xiulan felt dumbfounded after their talk. She scratched her head from frustration and lazily stands up and walks. It must be because of the hunger that's why she agreed to a lot of nonsense that man has said.

She was disappointed with herself. This is not the usual her. She will eat a lot of beef today to remove her stress. She never felt this kind of frustration.

It was a long walk before she reached her favorite restaurant. It was hidden from the luxurious buildings of district Y and a person has to pass a large garden just to get there.

It was only a small ramen house with only few customers, mostly old people. She really loves eating in this place since it was peaceful and it wasn't crowded. It was the best place to eat right now to calm her heart and nerves.

The old lady owner knew her ever since her university days. The old lady was actually the mother of her university classmate whom she was very close with. Unfortunately, that classmate of her died very early from a car accident. Her classmate was an only child.

Xiulan felt devastated and sad for the family her classmate left. So she decided that she would accompany the old lady through always eating in her humble restaurant.

”Xiu Xiu is here.” The old lady beamed and greeted Xiulan.

”En.” Xiulan answered her with a beautiful smile.

The old lady grabbed her hand and escorted her to sit on her usual spot that has the view of the beautiful flowerbed of the restaurant.

”You didn't come here yesterday. You were on a date, aren't you? It was the first time that you didn't have your lunch here.” the old lady teased.

Xiulan grinned ”Not a date but meeting my annoying future husband instead.” Xiulan confessed.

”Eh?? You're getting married? Oh my!! Congratulations!” the old lady was beaming and happily held her hands. The old lady's eyes were kind of teary as well.

”Why are you crying?” Xiulan worriedly asked.

”No, these are happy tears. I have always prayed that you will get married soon. You are like my daughter already and receiving this great news made me really happy.” The old lady honestly confessed.

Xiulan felt her heart flutter and warm. She suddenly thought of her old classmate. If she was alive and got married, she bet that the old lady will be ten times happier.

Realization suddenly hit Xiulan. Her father was also happy and she knew that her mother was also happy from the idea that she's getting married soon.

But why is everyone happy while she felt nothing?

Maybe because her future husband is really irritating. But even before she met Hongqi, she thought that arranged marriage was just an inconvenience. Two people were forced to be together through a contract. Eventually, they will either be together forever or separate. Xiulan thought that she didn't have that much energy to be in that kind of situation.

Though, she managed to open her thoughts regarding arranged marriage now since she understands her parents' point. They were only afraid that she will be alone. Also seeing the people who thought of her dearly are very happy with this news slightly convinces her to just tie the knot and worry later.

Xiulan suddenly felt pressured. She has this conflicted urge to say no to this marriage since all of the answers in her head are not enough. But at the same time she just wants to say yes so everyone can always have this smile on their faces and avoid inconveniences of meeting future marriage prospects.

Also, either she agrees or not, their wedding will still continue anyway.

Xiulan suddenly thought why she has to put all of her energy in this decision making when she already knows the answer.

That's right. She already played along with Hongqi's childish tantrums awhile ago. She'll just have to tolerate him. She doesn't have to love him too.

She only has to be a dutiful wife. It's like a new persona.

Xiulan smiled at the old lady again and said ”Thank you so much. I'll try my best to be a good wife.”