Psst! We're moving!
On the day Chi Suisui received her acceptance letter from University S, Chi Meiyuan sent her a set of passwords and handed over a key.
“There’s an apartment over there. You can move in,” Chi Meiyuan said. “Most things are already prepared. Go take a look to see if anything’s missing.”
“Why suddenly buy a place? University is only four years,” Chi Suisui asked as she accepted the keys and checked the address on her phone.
Bai’an Mansion. The name sounded vaguely familiar.
Chi Meiyuan remained calm. “Consider it an investment. Besides, I’ve heard dorm life can lead to conflicts. It’ll be more convenient for you, and it’s not far from your school.”
Chi Suisui didn’t question it further. Her family wasn’t short on money, so buying a property wasn’t out of the ordinary.
“Is Dad still mad?” Chi Suisui asked.
“With his temper, he’ll cool off in a couple of days.”
Because Chi Suisui had chosen to study journalism—a decision Qi Xincheng strongly disapproved of—he was upset. But since he adored his daughter, no argument broke out; he simply sulked.
So the two were currently in a cold war.
Chi Suisui smiled. “That’s good.”
University S was quite far from home. Upon hearing that Chi Suisui had received her acceptance letter, Song Miaoli suggested they go out to celebrate.
Not long after Chi Suisui left, Chi Meiyuan dialed a call: “Huiyue, Suisui didn’t suspect a thing.”
“I’m just worried—if they happen to meet and argue, or later—”
“It won’t happen. You know what kind of person Xingwang is,” Chi Meiyuan said with a faint smile. “If they can’t get along, then so be it.”
They couldn’t force the two into marriage. If it turned into a bitter union, regret would be inevitable.
Jiang Huiyue chatted with her friend for a while longer before hanging up.
As she turned around, she noticed her son standing in the living room, looking her way. She wondered if he had overheard her conversation.
“Xingwang,” she feigned calmness.
“Mom.” He Xingwang nodded. “Was that Aunt Chi?”
“Yes, we were discussing something,” Jiang Huiyue replied, glancing at his expression. Relieved that he seemed unaware, she let out a sigh.
If their plan fell apart at this stage, it wouldn’t do.
Jiang Huiyue asked, “When are you moving there?”
“In a couple of days. I need to pack,” He Xingwang replied.
He had returned to the shooting sports center six months ago and spent most of his time there, so he didn’t have many belongings at home. Still, some packing was necessary.
________________________________________
Two days later, Chi Suisui and Song Miaoli received an invitation to a tea party. Several young ladies were discussing the latest fashion trends.
It was ostensibly a discussion but essentially a flaunting session.
Chi Suisui and Song Miaoli sat apart, one lost in thought, the other indulging in desserts, isolated from the chatter.
“If only my dad were like Uncle Xincheng,” Song Miaoli pouted, sighing dramatically. “He threatened to disown me. Can you believe it?”
“He’s just scaring you,” Chi Suisui smirked.
“He’s capable of it,” Song Miaoli shook her head. “But studying medicine isn’t bad. I actually enjoy it now.”
Once because of others, now because of herself.
“Your school isn’t far from mine. Want to move in with me? Mom bought me an apartment.”
“Auntie is so nice,” Song Miaoli blinked.
“Please, you can afford your own place,” Chi Suisui teased.
Song Miaoli laughed. After a pause, she said, “I won’t stay over. I checked ahead—my schedule’s packed, and there are evening classes. Dorm life will be more convenient.”
Medical students were always busy.
Chi Suisui nodded. “Alright.”
Song Miaoli grinned mischievously. “If you get lonely living alone, I can visit every other day to keep you company.”
Chi Suisui shot her a playful glare, exuding charm.
After the tea party, they went their separate ways. Chi Suisui packed her belongings and arranged for someone to deliver them ahead of time.
As for herself, she waited until the weekend to move in.
The summer heat was unbearable, so Chi Suisui chose a cloudy day to make the trip, wearing a strapless dress.
Most of the boxes she sent over contained clothes—all summer outfits, primarily dresses.
Today, she wore a pair of silver high heels, intricately designed. The sound of her steps was crisp, accentuating her delicate ankles.
The color lent her an icy elegance.
With just a small bag in hand, she took a car to Bai’an Mansion.
Bai’an Mansion boasted premium location and lush greenery. Chi Suisui’s unit featured a fountain garden, a swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace.
Song Miaoli couldn’t join her today due to prior commitments but bombarded her with messages on WeChat: [No matter what, you have to send me a video once you arrive.]
Chi Suisui: [Okay.]
She was exceedingly patient with her best friend.
It was early evening when she arrived at Bai’an Mansion. The exterior aligned with her aesthetic, lifting her spirits.
Inside, the first thing she noticed was a box delivered half an hour earlier, its contents yet to be unpacked.
Chi Suisui tossed her bag onto the sofa and snapped photos for Song Miaoli.
________________________________________
At the He residence.
Shortly after Chi Suisui left, Jiang Huiyue received a message from Chi Meiyuan: [Suisui plans to move in tonight.]
Instinctively, she glanced at He Xingwang, who was reviewing documents in the living room.
Chi Meiyuan: [What about Xingwang?]
Jiang Huiyue replied: [Apparently, he’s moving in tonight too.]
The arranged marriage between the two families had been set for over a decade, though neither side took it seriously until a couple of years ago, when they began considering bringing the two together.
But now that they’d grown up, it seemed there was no romantic spark between them. So Jiang Huiyue and her friend decided to create opportunities.
Thus, the apartment at Bai’an Mansion was part of their plan.
If living under the same roof didn’t ignite romance, they would abandon the arranged marriage altogether, allowing both to marry freely.
If they ended up together, that would be ideal.
Jiang Huiyue coughed lightly. “Xingwang, it’s getting late. Maybe you should check the place out beforehand. It’s inconvenient to arrive too late.”
He Xingwang looked up. “Alright.”
Jiang Huiyue sensed suspicion in his gaze.
He Xingwang found it odd that she had urged him multiple times over the past two days. After a moment’s thought, he attributed it to typical parental anxiety.
Like the saying goes—once children return home, parents nag and push them to leave.
He Xingwang gathered his documents and headed to his room.
He hadn’t planned to bring much, but eventually grabbed a few changes of clothes and went straight to Bai’an Mansion.
The sun was setting beautifully when he arrived.
As his eyes scanned the courtyard, he felt something amiss. This subtle unease persisted until he opened the door.
A silver arc flew toward him.
Instinctively, He Xingwang reached out. The object landed in his arms—a silver high heel, its embedded diamonds sparkling like stars under the light.
He frowned and looked up.
His gaze met Chi Suisui’s wide, startled eyes. The faint smile on her lips hadn’t yet faded.
It was her high heel.
The vast house was eerily quiet.
Chi Suisui still had one shoe on, while the other foot was bare.
Her toenails, painted a delicate pink, were lovely. Her slightly arched foot gleamed like jade against the dark floor.
“Suisui, why did you go silent?”
Song Miaoli’s voice came through the phone.
Chi Suisui snapped back to reality, her smile vanishing. “Something came up. I’ll hang up for now.”
She had been talking to Song Miaoli on the phone, intending to sit and rest. Not having removed her high heels upon entering, she had taken one off single-handedly and thrown it toward the entrance.
Who would have guessed He Xingwang would walk in just then?
And that the shoe would land perfectly in his arms.
As Chi Suisui watched him examine the shoe carefully, her ears grew warm, a flicker of embarrassment rising within her. But she quickly dismissed it.
“Why are you here?” Chi Suisui crossed her arms, her tone haughty.
“This is my place,” He Xingwang stated, casually placing the shoe on the nearby entrance rack.
“Nonsense, this is my place,” Chi Suisui retorted.
Surprised by her claim, He Xingwang paused, then asked, “Why is it your place?”
Chi Suisui raised an eyebrow. “My mom bought it for me. Of course, it’s mine.”
What was there to question?
He Xingwang studied her intently, calmly clarifying, “It seems our moms bought the same apartment.”
Clearly, it was deliberate.
This realization explained the oddities of recent days.
Seeing his composed demeanor, Chi Suisui kicked off her remaining shoe and carelessly dropped it on the floor.
Evidently, their parents had conspired.
________________________________________
As night fell, everything became clear.
Chi Suisui sat on her bed. This room was hers, most of her dresses already hung in the wardrobe. The decor matched her preferences.
The scene from the living room lingered in her mind.
She called Chi Meiyuan to ask what was going on, right in front of He Xingwang.
“Suisui, it wasn’t intentional to hide it from you. Shortly after you were born, you and Xingwang were betrothed. For years, it was just verbal.”
“Mainly, we wanted you two to spend more time together. Our families are meant to grow closer. Didn’t you used to seek out Xingwang when you were little?”
Not really.
Chi Suisui instinctively refuted this in her mind but didn’t say it aloud.
In her memories, He Xingwang had indeed occupied a significant portion of her life. Most of her piano practice sessions included him, let alone other occasions.
But as they grew older, they rarely had time to interact.
“Besides, we’re not at ease with you living alone outside. With so much negative social news these days, it’s better to have Xingwang looking out for you.”
“Your room has just been renovated. Stay there for now.”
Chi Meiyuan’s voice was soft but audible.
Upon hearing the term “childhood betrothal,” He Xingwang couldn’t help but furrow his brow, feeling as though the situation was slipping out of his control.
He looked at Chi Suisui across from him.
Chi Suisui had fair skin and was naturally beautiful. Today, she wore minimal makeup, only lipstick, her crimson lips slightly pursed, exuding an icy allure.
The two had known each other for over a decade. He Xingwang had always known she was stunning.
Not just from hearsay, but from witnessing it firsthand—even accepting love letters meant for her, though she never read them.
Chi Suisui was undeniably a beauty.
As for her radiant and proud personality, it wasn’t unusual. He found it normal.
Understanding her temperament, He Xingwang spoke up when she fell silent. “This matter can be resolved when we return.”
Chi Suisui was genuinely hearing about the childhood betrothal for the first time.
There had been jokes from uncles and aunts, or speculation from girls at school during high school, but she hadn’t taken any of it seriously.
Now, hearing it directly, Chi Suisui couldn’t pinpoint her feelings.
In Nan City, family alliances through marriage were common. She had considered the possibility of marrying someone she didn’t love and mentally prepared herself for it.
But she had never imagined that person would be He Xingwang.
So Chi Suisui looked up, her bright eyes staring at He Xingwang for a long moment before she lifted her chin and walked upstairs.
Not a single word escaped her lips.
Now, sitting in her room, her mind was a jumble.
After going upstairs, she realized the room opposite was He Xingwang’s. What was he doing now? Was he on the phone with his family discussing the childhood betrothal?
Chi Suisui pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled.
It wasn’t an immediate marriage. Why was she getting worked up?
Feeling much calmer, Chi Suisui picked out a nightgown and indulged in a relaxing bath, ensuring every step of her refined lifestyle was intact.
Even leaving the house without makeup today was a concession.
After her bath, she blow-dried her hair, followed her skincare routine, applied body lotion, and resumed her beautiful life step by step.
The nightgown was emerald green, contrasting with her fair skin.
Chi Suisui loved it and had specially brought it over. Wrapped in a gentle mist, the hem of her dress swayed, exuding charm.
Suddenly, a slight noise came from outside.
Chi Suisui stopped her movements, pulled her leg back onto the bed, and quietly approached the door, opening it a crack.
Coincidentally, He Xingwang heard the door open and glanced over.
Chi Suisui’s nightgown was a strapless design. From her elegant collarbone down, the neckline plunged low, revealing hints of cleavage and her beautiful shoulders.
Their eyes met.
Chi Suisui asked, “Why are you looking at me?”
She tilted her chin, her tone slightly arrogant.
“I assumed you’d be more cautious,” He Xingwang remarked meaningfully. “There’s a man living in the room across from you.”
“…”
Chi Suisui hadn’t expected him to say that. She had intended to mock him but realized he had a point.
She was, after all, very beautiful.
Gracefully leaning against the doorframe, Chi Suisui appeared poised and confident, her bright eyes and white teeth captivating. “Do you want to end up on the legal news?”
“…”
“He Xingwang,” Chi Suisui curved her lips upward. “I hope we can peacefully coexist for the next four years.”
She extended her hand, her slender fingers pressed together.
He Xingwang reached out and touched her hand. Beneath his palm, her skin was soft, accompanied by the sound of a clap. Chi Suisui withdrew her hand and gave him a radiant smile.
On the first day of cohabitation, Chi Suisui had just turned eighteen.
By the fourth year of cohabitation, Chi Suisui and He Xingwang were married.