Chu Yu had been reading quietly by the window, and even though Mu Qing interrupted him rather suddenly, he didn’t seem to mind.
With a calm expression, he slowly set his book aside. One hand adjusted the robe she’d only half draped over him, while the other gently steadied her so she wouldn’t bump into the edge of the table.
He had grown quite accustomed to the sudden surprises or offhand remarks from his “temporary wife.” A few months ago, if someone had told him he’d be this at ease interacting physically with an outsider, it would’ve been unthinkable.
Perhaps, as Ying Thirteen had once said, he no longer saw this “wife” of his as an outsider.
And truth be told, escaping for a while from the mess back at the palace, watching his wife’s lively smile and boundless antics—it was actually kind of enjoyable.
Seeing her exaggerated expression, he couldn’t help but smile a little himself. He wasn’t sure what new mischief she was planning now, but since she was so spirited, it only seemed fitting that, as a good husband, he should play along.
With that in mind, he responded quite naturally:
“Many thanks to Ah Qing for your concern. This foolish brother rises daily at the hour of the rabbit to practice martial arts and study. Sharing a room with Ah Qing, I fear I may disturb your rest. Best not to trouble yourself.”
Hearing her husband’s reply, Mu Qing couldn’t help but sigh again—indeed, another failed attempt at teasing.
Her husband was excellent in every way, to the point that he almost didn’t feel real. It was as though he were a machine programmed for perfection, every movement and word impossibly flawless.
No matter how outrageous she acted, he never so much as blinked. Well, perhaps in the beginning he’d shown a bit of surprise. But later on, no matter what she did, he simply indulged her with a tolerant smile.
If they hadn’t agreed beforehand to the terms of their arrangement—and clearly written them all out—Mu Qing would almost believe this man had fallen for her. Otherwise, how could he behave like this?
But then she remembered the large deposit she’d paid up front, and the sizable balance due in a year’s time… and her clarity returned.
They were in a business arrangement. She wasn’t here to catch feelings.
That wasn’t in line with her life plan. It was better to just continue like this. Not bad at all, really.
Even if her teasing failed again, having a beautiful man nearby was still a pleasure to the senses. After a few lighthearted jokes, she and her husband chatted about the recent coursework—and naturally, she ended up sighing and groaning again.
That Qin Qin girl was great in every way—especially brilliant in her studies—but her tireless dedication to teaching was a real headache.
Fortunately, her husband proved surprisingly helpful. He was genuinely well-versed in the Four Books, Five Classics, and all manner of poetry and literature. While this did make Mu Qing increasingly suspicious of his true identity, she’d decided early on—back during those three days of testing him in the rice-blossom village near Linqing—that she wouldn’t pry.
Whatever his reasons for agreeing to this year-long act, and no matter who he truly was, she had placed her bet on changing her fate. And now, months later, everything had gone smoothly. With more than half the year remaining, it looked like the rest would pass just as easily.
Except… there was still the matter of Liu AoTian, which had yet to be resolved, and that was giving her a bit of a headache.
Who would’ve thought the guy could be so clingy? She’d made her stance crystal clear, and yet he kept worming his way in.
Was this some kind of “the one you can’t have is the most tempting” syndrome?
Even just escorting her little brother to school, she couldn’t avoid ending up in the same class as him.
This scholar’s life at the academy was far from the idyllic campus days she had once dreamed of. Mu Qing could barely summon the energy to attend class.
Still, she knew that if she dared skip morning lectures, Teacher Qin Qin would show up at her door personally to drag her out.
The way she got here might’ve been cliché, but now that she was here, she might as well make the best of it.
At least there were handsome guys and pretty girls to admire. A bit of beauty to soothe the soul.
And if she could witness Liu AoTian taking a hit every now and then, that would be even better.
As she mentally psyched herself up, she slowly got out of bed and headed out with her husband in tow.
Sure enough, just outside the courtyard gate stood the cross-dressing Miss Qin Qin, and by her side—of course—was Liu Feng.
No idea what he’d just said, but judging by Qin Qin’s expression, she was clearly not amused.
Mu Qing raised her eyebrows, feeling an oddly satisfying thrill.
Sure, she knew in the original story they were supposed to be a “bickering couple” destined to fall in love. But seeing them now—locked in verbal combat with no love in sight—was strangely comforting.
That Qin girl was a great person in both character and appearance. Aside from a slightly arrogant air, she was close to perfect.
And considering she was a top-tier academic goddess, a little cold pride wasn’t exactly a problem. In fact, Mu Qing found it rather charming.
Then again, perhaps she was biased—since Qin Qin always treated her with nothing but warmth, like a literal spring breeze.
Mu Qing had always believed in reciprocating kindness—be it in business or relationships.
Since Miss Qin Qin was so friendly to her, she naturally returned the sentiment sincerely. And if she could mess up her original storyline by derailing Liu AoTian’s acquisition of yet another premium girl, well… that was a bonus.
With that thought, Mu Qing picked up the pace and approached with a grin.
“Brother Qin, you’re out early today. Morning lectures haven’t even started yet—what brings you here so soon?”
Qin Qin, who had just been arguing with Liu Feng and looked grim as a stormcloud, immediately brightened at the sound of Mu Qing’s voice. When she saw her, her entire demeanor transformed.
She took a few steps forward, instantly putting distance between herself and Liu Feng like she was dodging a plague, then beamed at Mu Qing and said:
“Brother Mu likely hasn’t heard—our headmaster has business today, so classes are suspended. I thought, since Brother Mu has come all the way from Jiangnan, you probably aren’t familiar with the sights up north. Since we have the free time, why don’t I take you out for a stroll and show you around as a proper host?”
As soon as Mu Qing heard “no classes today,” her mood lifted. And the added bonus of a beautiful companion made her instantly nostalgic for her past life, when she’d go shopping and hang out with her girlfriends.
She immediately nodded enthusiastically. “With Brother Qin as my guide, that would be perfect. I couldn’t ask for more.”
The two of them dove into the topic with shining eyes, already making plans with cheerful energy. Off to the side, Liu Feng didn’t look too happy.
But he had never been the sort to admit defeat. He quickly smiled and said, “Since Brother Qin and Brother Mu are in such high spirits, why not let this little brother tag along? The more, the merrier.”
