Chapter 83: After Marriage [Honeymoon]

The hotel was located in the heart of Rome, and from the balcony, one could see many sights. Zhu Xingyao stood still while Jiang Tu dried her for a moment. She squinted and said, “Okay, what about you? You’re wet too.”

Jiang Tu paused, leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Let’s take a bath together.”

Zhu Xingyao immediately refused. The next second, she was scooped up horizontally. She quickly pulled off the towel and protested, looking at him, “Put me down, I don’t want to...” The bathroom lights were too bright, revealing everything. Unless she was truly exhausted, she would never let him carry her into the shower.

They hadn’t been intimate for nearly half a month, and her period had just ended. It was actually perfect timing for their honeymoon. However, they had reserved a restaurant for 7:30 PM, and it was already almost 7 PM.

“What’s worrying you? I won’t do anything,” Jiang Tu looked down at her, his glasses sliding down slightly on his nose. “Take my glasses off for me.”

Zhu Xingyao removed his glasses, gazing doubtfully at his dark eyes. Without a word, Jiang Tu carried her into the bathroom, turned on the hot water, adjusted it to a suitable temperature, and then reached out to pull her closer. “Alright.”

“Husband, we have dinner reservations later,” she whispered softly.

Jiang Tu murmured, “I know, I won’t let you starve.”

She thought to herself that she’d gone hungry before... She lowered her head, turned her back to him, and took off her sweater. Her beautiful shoulder blades and slender waist caught Jiang Tu’s attention. He pursed his lips, suddenly turned around, and said, “You wash first; I’ll go out and unpack.”

He left, closing the door behind him.

Zhu Xingyao blinked while staring at the door. Was he afraid of losing control?

Jiang Tu was indeed afraid of losing control. After all, Zhu Xingyao was now his wife. He could do whatever he wanted with her without restraint.

He opened the suitcase. They were only staying two nights in Rome, so there was no need to unpack everything.

When he pulled open the small compartment, he paused. The three boxes of condoms he originally placed inside had become two.

Squatting by the suitcase, Jiang Tu rested his hand on his knee, silently taking things out. He didn’t have many friends—just a few—but he had never discussed such personal matters with anyone. Everything about Zhu Xingyao stayed in his heart. In high school, he kept it secret because he didn’t want others to know. Now, he didn’t want to share her with anyone—Zhu Xingyao was always his secret.

At drinking parties, men inevitably told crude jokes. Jiang Tu never participated, maintaining only surface-level politeness.

He actually didn’t know how often other couples engaged in intimacy when they first started dating or after marriage. Reflecting briefly, he wondered if he was really being excessive?

Worried about running out of time, Zhu Xingyao washed quickly. When she came out, Jiang Tu had just closed the suitcase.

Men bathe quickly. Ten minutes later, they were out the door.

The reserved restaurant was also close to the hotel. Walking along the foreign streets, Zhu Xingyao held onto Jiang Tu’s arm and happily said, “Tu Ge, this is our first trip together.”

“If you like it, we can do it more often in the future,” Jiang Tu smiled.

“Do you have time? Sometimes you’re busier than me.”

“I can adjust my vacation days. During non-project periods, normal statutory holidays are available.”

Arriving at the restaurant entrance, Zhu Xingyao suddenly asked, “Did you never take a break before?”

Jiang Tu nodded, “Alone, it doesn’t matter.”

Zhu Xingyao felt a pang of sympathy again. Even robots needed rest, yet he worked 365 days a year without pause.

The first night was mainly to adjust to the time difference. After dinner, the couple returned to the hotel.

Back in the room, Zhu Xingyao changed into a black slip dress. As she walked out of the bathroom, she felt strangely nervous. Perhaps it was because they were in a foreign land, with only their closest companion by their side. Or maybe it was because this was their first trip together.

The satellite TV in the room was on, playing Roman Holiday , an old movie.

Jiang Tu leaned against the bed, casually watching the screen. He raised his eyes to look at her, then took off his glasses and placed them on the table.

Generally, when they were alone, there were only two reasons for him to remove his glasses: one was to kiss her, and the other was to make love.

Zhu Xingyao suddenly felt her mouth go dry. She realized she had become bad too. She rarely thought about such things before, but now, seeing his gaze, she began to anticipate it. Just as she approached the bed, he pulled her into his arms. As soon as she looked up, his lips pressed against hers. Their kisses grew deeper, their breaths becoming synchronized. Suddenly feeling a chill, she heard Jiang Tu whisper near her ear, “Xing Xing, was I really excessive earlier?”

Zhu Xingyao was momentarily stunned, unable to react until a slight pain reminded her of removing one of the boxes. He nibbled on her earlobe, “Hmm?”

She buried her face in his shoulder, her voice soft, “A little...”

“How much is ‘a little’?”

“A lot...”

How much is “a lot”? He paused.

The movie continued playing. Zhu Xingyao had visited Rome several times; her first visit was at eleven years old when Zhu Yunping and Ding Yu brought her to buy her first custom cello. They were also in a hotel watching this classic film. Back then, her English wasn’t good, and without Chinese subtitles, she couldn’t understand it. Zhu Yunping translated a few lines for her.

Right at that moment, the movie played the classic line Zhu Yunping once translated for her—

Princess Ann: I have to leave you now. I’m going to that corner there and turn. You must stay in the car and drive away. Promise not to watch me go beyond the corner. Just drive away and leave me as I leave you.

Jiang Tu remained silent. His palms grew increasingly damp. Zhu Xingyao’s bones melted like water, her heartbeat growing stronger, pounding against her eardrums. Her body tensed to the extreme, then relaxed completely.

The world spun. She tilted her face to look up at Jiang Tu above her. He took the box from the drawer, his brows lowered, his gaze intense. When her head hit the padded headboard, she instantly furrowed her brow, slightly opening her lips, “Be gentle...”

Jiang Tu bit her lower lip lightly, whispering, “Then do you want me to change?”

Zhu Xingyao didn’t know how to respond. She felt like she was under his control, and any answer would be wrong, leading to undesirable consequences. Jiang Tu continued indulging himself, her voice gradually turning into fragmented whispers: “No... There’s no need...”

Jiang Tu was getting worse!

He even learned how to threaten people!!

And using methods straight out of Lin Jiayu’s novels!!!

Sweat covered Jiang Tu’s forehead. “If there’s anything you’re unsatisfied with in the future, communicate with me.”

Zhu Xingyao: “...”

Satisfied!

How could she be dissatisfied?

At the final moment, he whispered in her ear, “Xing Xing, I know you like it too.”

Zhu Xingyao: “...”

As time went on, Zhu Xingyao increasingly felt that Jiang Tu’s aloofness in public shattered piece by piece in front of her. But thinking about how only she could see this side of him, her heart swelled with satisfaction. She hugged his sweat-drenched back, and just before falling asleep, she couldn’t help but say, “Husband, your voice just now was very sexy.”

Jiang Tu opened his eyes, looking down at her.

After a few seconds, he rolled over again, whispering, “Shall we hear it again?”

Zhu Xingyao: “...”

That wasn’t what she meant!

Thanks to Mr. Jiang, Zhu Xingyao slept until noon on the first day of her honeymoon.

She hurriedly got up to put on makeup and change clothes. Jiang Tu watched her flustered movements and chuckled, “It’s fine to be a bit late. No need to rush.”

Who was to blame? She glared at him.

In the afternoon, the couple strolled through the streets of Rome. Seeing a street performer playing the cello, Zhu Xingyao turned to Jiang Tu and said, “After we buy the cello, I’ll give you a concert on the street.”

Jiang Tu smiled and nodded, “Alright.”

As for where to buy the cello, Jiang Tu was unfamiliar, so Zhu Xingyao led the way.

Approaching the store entrance, Zhu Xingyao suddenly stopped, looking up at him, “Tu Ge, what kind of cello do you hope I choose?”

From childhood to adulthood, Zhu Xingyao had bought more than a dozen cellos, each costing a significant amount. There was a dedicated room at home for her cellos, each serving different purposes. Some were her favorites but rarely used on stage, some were purely for collection, and some were gifts from Zhu Yunping.

Jiang Tu lowered his eyes, unexpectedly asking, “Has any man ever given you a cello?”

Zhu Xingyao was taken aback, slowly responding, “Yes...”

“When?” Jiang Tu asked nonchalantly.

Looking at his expression, she raised an eyebrow, “Almost every year since college...” She paused, noticing his frown deepen, and couldn’t help but laugh, “But I didn’t accept any.”

Accepting a model or a trinket was fine...

Custom cellos were too valuable, so she declined them.

Jiang Tu’s brows relaxed as he pulled her into the music shop.

He said, “Just pick one you like.”

But she asked, “Tu Ge, were you jealous just now?”

Jiang Tu pursed his lips. Back in high school, so many people liked her, let alone... her relationship with Lu Ji. Over the years, he had experienced plenty of jealousy, but those feelings were mixed with suppressed emotions that couldn’t be simply described as jealousy.

This time, the feeling was different. Pure dissatisfaction.

“Am I not allowed to be jealous?” he asked softly.

“...”

Zhu Xingyao was momentarily startled, then quickly smiled, “Of course you can.”

She had visited this store before and owned several cellos purchased here. The luthier greeted her warmly upon seeing her. Zhu Xingyao introduced, “This is Jiang Tu, my husband.”

She spoke in German. Some regions of Italy also spoke German, and fortunately, the luthier understood German.

Jiang Tu said, “Hello.”

The luthier, appearing to be in his fifties, was very cheerful. He complimented Jiang Tu on his handsome appearance, saying he suited Zhu Xingyao well. Upon hearing they were buying a cello, he promptly brought out the store’s finest instruments.

After Zhu Xingyao carefully tested the sound, she chose one and asked the luthier, “Can you engrave a letter for me?”

Jiang Tu glanced at her, seemingly knowing which letter she intended to engrave.

The luthier said it was possible.

Just as the luthier took out the engraving tool, Jiang Tu asked in German, “May I do it?”

The luthier was surprised, looking up at Zhu Xingyao.

Zhu Xingyao was also startled, then happily said, “Of course, engrave the letter ‘J.’”

That was perfect.

Mr. J.

Jiang Tu practiced first on some scrap material provided by the luthier. He was always meticulous and focused when doing such tasks. Lowering his head, his long lashes cast shadows, his expression calm and serious. His large, slender hands with distinct knuckles gripped the engraving tool firmly, veins clearly visible on the back of his hands—a pair of strong hands.

He engraved a small “J” in the concave part of the cello, then carefully polished it.

Zhu Xingyao stared at his aloof, stern features, finding him particularly attractive at this moment. Suddenly aware, she quickly took out her phone to take photos and record videos.

Such an important moment!

How could she not document it?

As the sun set, golden afterglow bathed the bustling streets of Rome. Zhu Xingyao exchanged a few words with the street performer who was in his forties or fifties. She said, “Can I borrow your chair for a moment? I want to give my husband a gift.”

The street performer quickly stood up, smiling and inviting her to sit.

Zhu Xingyao sat down with her new cello, raising her eyes to look at the tall, slim figure in the crowd—her husband carrying a black case and holding a camera.

She smiled, raised her bow, and performed Audrey Hepburn’s “Moon River.” The cello’s sound was melodious and romantic, fitting Zhu Xingyao’s inherently romantic nature.

Jiang Tu watched the woman through the lens. He recalled her sitting in the snowy night at seventeen, playing the cello for him. Those ten years of emotions and desires only intensified, embedding deeply in his heart and spreading through his entire being.

Suddenly, the street performer transformed into a young, beautiful woman. More and more pedestrians stopped to watch.

Suddenly, a Chinese girl excitedly shouted, “Ah, isn’t that Zhu Xingyao?”

Beside her were several classmates, three of whom appeared to be Asian. Another girl exclaimed in surprise, “Isn’t that her husband, Jiang Tu? The tall one!”

“It’s him! The handsome guy with gold-rimmed glasses! That face is unforgettable!”

“Ah, I know! They must be on their honeymoon! Didn’t Li Xixi recently attend a wedding as a bridesmaid and post pictures on Weibo?”

These students were nearby international students who never expected to bump into Zhu Xingyao and Jiang Tu in Italy. Thrilled, they crowded around Jiang Tu, taking photos and videos. At 187 cm, Jiang Tu stood out even in European countries.

The female student looked up at him, mustering the courage to approach, “Mr. Jiang, you and Zhu Xingyao are on your honeymoon, right?”

Jiang Tu’s expression softened slightly, giving a subtle nod, his gaze still fixed on Zhu Xingyao.

The student sighed inwardly, just like the character Jiang Xing in novels—so cool!

A few minutes later, Zhu Xingyao put down her bow.

Someone called out for an encore, and some even went to tip, tossing coins into the open cello case of the street performer.

Zhu Xingyao thanked the street performer and walked towards Jiang Tu.

The international students happily watched her. One asked, “Zhu Xingyao, can we take a picture with you?”

Zhu Xingyao glanced at them, smiling and nodding, “Sure, but later, you’ll have to help us take a picture with my husband too.” She had forgotten they hadn’t taken any couple photos yet.

She pulled Jiang Tu back to the spot where she played the cello for photos. The street performer kindly gave them space.

That night, someone posted a short video of Zhu Xingyao performing on the street online. The video captured Jiang Tu’s profile at the end. With the movie currently in production, their popularity soared, and the topic #ZhuXingyaoJiangTuHoneymoon# climbed to the top three trends.

“I’m jealous [lemon], why can’t I have such sweet love!”

“Tricking dogs in only to kill them is so cruel! I won’t watch the movie anymore!”

“Don’t… I still want to watch Tang Dingding! And see how the movie turns out!”

“Have you seen Zhu Xingyao’s assistant’s Weibo? Apparently, they went to Italy because Jiang Tu wanted to buy a cello for Zhu Xingyao. He couldn’t afford it in high school, but now he finally can buy one for his wife [lemon][lemon].”

…

A week later, the honeymoon ended.

Actually, Zhu Xingyao still had a few days of vacation left, but Jiang Tu had business matters, and he needed to go on a business trip in two days.

Upon returning home, the couple sorted through their luggage together. Zhu Xingyao bought quite a few things, and their luggage wasn’t enough. She bought another suitcase in Italy. Jiang Tu witnessed a woman’s shopping power for the first time. Sitting on the carpet, Zhu Xingyao sorted Lin Jiayu’s items and looked up, asking, “When should we pick up Tang Dou? I’ll drop off these things for Jiayu.”

Jiang Tu pulled her up and led her to the bedroom, “Not in a hurry, I’ll pick him up after work tomorrow. Let’s adjust to the time difference first.”

The next morning, as soon as Zhu Xingyao woke up, messages flooded their small group chat.

Lin Jiayu: “Star, come visit the set when you have time and bring me the stuff. I’m so busy, I can’t leave.”

The so-called set was Jiang Chengyi High School.

Yao Yao Tian Shang Xing: “Sure.”

Li Xixi: “What about Ding Xiang’s daughter’s 100-day celebration in a few days? You can bring it then.”

Lin Jiayu: “I almost forgot about that…”

Ding Xiang’s daughter’s 100-day celebration was held at the same hotel where he got married. Eight tables of friends and relatives were invited. Jiang Tu was on a business trip and couldn’t attend, so Zhu Xingyao went alone with a red envelope.

Ding Xiang specially brought his daughter to Zhu Xingyao’s table to show off. The baby was getting whiter and cuter, with big eyes and a cheerful smile. Ding Xiang proudly said, “Isn’t she adorable? Envious? Jealous?”

Li Xixi clicked her tongue, “Look at you showing off on social media every day.”

Ding Xiang laughed loudly, “Do you want to hold her?”

Li Xixi said yes. Carefully holding the baby, she turned around, “Star, touch her face, it’s so Q!”

Zhu Xingyao pursed her lips, reaching out to touch the baby’s face. The baby opened her clear, big eyes and suddenly grinned at her. Zhu Xingyao’s heart melted.

“So cute! I want to have a daughter in the future!” Li Xixi was thrilled, hugging her and rubbing her face against the baby.

Xu Xiangyang raised an eyebrow, “No problem, but if we have a son, don’t blame me.”

Li Xixi: “If I can’t have a daughter, of course I’ll blame you.”

Lin Jiayu touched the baby’s face, muttering softly, “I want to have a daughter too!”

Li Xixi glanced at her, “You don’t even have a boyfriend yet, who will you have children with?” She leaned closer, whispering, “You haven’t agreed to Lu Ji yet?”

Xu Xiangyang accompanied Li Xixi back, while Lu Ji was in Beijing.

“...What’s worrying you?”

Lin Jiayu hummed softly. She needed more confirmation, to ensure he truly liked her.

Guests eagerly queued to hold the baby. Li Xixi held her for only two minutes before someone else snatched her away.

After the banquet, Lin Jiayu and Zhu Xingyao went to the car to fetch something. Zhu Xingyao said, “Xixi, I bought you a gift.”

Thus, Li Xixi followed along. She linked arms with Zhu Xingyao and turned to ask, “Star, are you and Jiang Tu really not planning to have children? I’m not pressuring you, but with your excellent genes, it’s a pity not to have one...”

Zhu Xingyao paused, hesitated for a moment, then made a small sound of affirmation.

Lin Jiayu also looked at her, “You’re still young now, no need to decide against it so early. In a few years, your mindset might change, and you might want to have one.”

“Not necessarily in a few years, what if there’s an accident?” Li Xixi raised an eyebrow and smiled. She knew Zhu Xingyao actually liked children. If it weren’t for the accident, why wouldn’t she want kids?

Zhu Xingyao blushed slightly, “No, Jiang Tu remembers every time.”

Li Xixi made a sound of understanding, “He’s cautious indeed. But accidents can happen even during safe periods. Once, I almost had an accident, scared me to death. My agent was terrified too.” Being a celebrity with various contracts, an unexpected pregnancy would be hard to handle.

Zhu Xingyao whispered, “Even during safe periods, he does it the same way.”

Li Xixi didn’t catch on immediately, suddenly stopping in her tracks and looking at Zhu Xingyao, “Holy cow! Safe...”

“Keep it down!” Zhu Xingyao quickly covered her mouth, frowning and glaring, “Don’t shout. If you get caught, I’ll be embarrassed, and if you make headlines, don’t blame me.”

Li Xixi quickly pulled her hand down, leaning closer and lowering her voice, “You mean... after almost a year with Jiang Tu, he uses protection every single time?”

Zhu Xingyao blushed, “Mm...”

Sometimes she mentioned that protection wasn’t necessary during safe periods, but Jiang Tu insisted every time. He said safe periods weren’t guaranteed to be safe.

Li Xixi looked at her incredulously, taking a long time to speak, “Indeed, typical of Jiang Tu.”

Lin Jiayu burst out laughing. She was used to it. Regarding Zhu Xingyao, what couldn’t Jiang Tu endure??

Zhu Xingyao pondered for a moment, curiously asking, “Is there a big difference with or without protection?”

She wasn’t a man, so she couldn’t experience it firsthand. From Jiang Tu’s usual excessive behavior, it was impossible to tell... Where was he dissatisfied?

Li Xixi solemnly stated, “Xiangyang said it’s not as pleasurable.”

Zhu Xingyao: “...”

This question troubled Zhu Xingyao all the way. Silent, she sat in the car, self-reflecting. Even Old Liu showed concern, “Miss, what’s wrong?”

Zhu Xingyao quickly replied, “Nothing...”

That night after bathing, she sat cross-legged on the bed and opened Xiao Jiang, calling Jiang Tu. Jiang Tu had just finished bathing, wearing a bathrobe, hair still damp. He saw her serious face and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Zhu Xingyao looked at his face and suddenly said, “Husband, I feel like I’ve wronged you too much.”

Jiang Tu was startled, “Hmm?”

Zhu Xingyao became increasingly convinced of her inadequacy, hanging her head in dejection, “Every time you accommodate me. Last time, I even removed a box of condoms.”

Jiang Tu: “...”

He paused and said, “It’s fine, I bought more later.”

Zhu Xingyao: “...”

Jiang Tu sensed something was off tonight. He thought for a moment, “Did something happen at the banquet?”

Remembering Li Xixi’s words, Zhu Xingyao found it hard to express, but she really wanted to know his feelings. She shook her head, blushing as she looked at him, “Next time during the safe period, don’t use it. They say... it’s not as pleasurable.”

Jiang Tu: “...”

He fell silent for a moment, frowning, “Who said that?”

Zhu Xingyao: “Xixi said... Xiangyang said.”

Jiang Tu leaned against the chair, tongue pressing against the corner of his mouth, unsure how to start. They gazed at each other through the screen, and he suddenly smiled, softly saying, “Star, you’re making this difficult for me.”

Indeed! He had been struggling with himself!

Zhu Xingyao’s face instantly fell, pitifully looking at him, “I told you before it wasn’t necessary, but you insisted...”

“Not what I meant.” Jiang Tu looked at her, helplessly smiling, “Am I not expressive enough? To make you think this way, yet every time you beg for mercy, saying I’m excessive. So it makes me wonder, am I being too much or holding back too much?”

Zhu Xingyao: “...”

She realized, her face flushing red.

Jiang Tu’s voice was low, “In the future, don’t listen to Li Xixi’s nonsense. As long as I feel good, that’s enough.”