He was right, Lin Che thought. This was his house. She had no right to chase him out.
"Alright. If you put it like that, I can be the one to move out," Lin Che said sincerely.
Gu Jingze's complexion seemed to dim slightly. He stopped staring at her and fiddled with the documents in his hands. "If you do that, my family will definitely get suspicious. They'll wonder if there are problems with our relationship and they may even suspect that we're in a fake marriage. If we don't live together, they'll definitely intervene and make sure we live together. Wouldn't that be more troublesome?"
"..."
His reasoning makes sense, Lin Che thought. Naturally, she had not thought as much as he did, but if she really tried to think of other ways, she believed she was able to think of a good excuse.
"It's all because I'm afraid that your girlfriend will be angry. If you're with me all the time, she'll definitely brood over the matter. Imagine how much that will affect your relationship."
"That's enough." Gu Jingze stood up abruptly. There was something dark in his expression, one that intimidated Lin Che momentarily, leaving her momentarily speechless.
With the documents in his hand, he walked out. As he brushed past Lin Che, he said, "Just play your role as Mrs. Gu. What happens between me and other women is none of your business."
After Gu Jingze left with his things, Lin Che muttered to herself despondently, "Fine. It's all my fault for being so nosy. The goodness of a person is of no consequence to the ungrateful; since you can't understand my good will, I'll keep my hands off your matters from now on."
Soon after, Gu Jingze returned to the guest room. He put down his folder before holding onto the table in an attempt to calm himself down.
However, images of the earlier scene replayed in his mind and made him feel… irritated.
As he breathed in deeply, he heard his phone ringing. The screen indicated that it was Mo Huiling.
"Huiling, you're looking for me?"
"Yes, Jingze. Can you come over to my house for a bit? I'm alone and bored. I have something to talk to you about too."
Gu Jingze said, "Why? You have something to say to me?"
"Yes, I've wanted to say it for a long time. Come over. I want to tell you in person."
Mo Huiling sounded like she had something special to say. Gu Jingze could not guess what it was.
After being with Mo Huiling for so many years, he knew that she was a little petty. She was ultimately the young lady of a rich family and had been pampered from a young age. Although she was accomplished, had good manners, and was highly educated, she had a bit of a temper. He thought that it was normal and had always given in to her. So no matter how unyieldingly or casually she spoke to him, he was able to accept it.
Gu Jingze arrived at her house in no time.
Mo Huiling lived alone. Her apartment had an air of feminine elegance that always made him feel comfortable.
When Gu Jingze entered, he saw Mo Huiling seated in the living room. She was clearly awashed in melancholy as she sat there, looking a little withered and lonely.
Gu Jingze sighed before walking toward her.
"Huiling, why did you call me here?"
Mo Huiling raised her head to look at Gu Jingze before mumbling softly, "Jingze… I know that you had no say in the marriage and that it wasn't your own decision, but I still feel a little upset."
Naturally, Gu Jingze felt sympathetic, his heart softening when he saw her expression.
When Mo Huiling looked at Gu Jingze, the lines of worry on her face made her look extremely miserable and helpless. "I know I shouldn't feel upset and that I also shouldn't trouble you. But when I think about how you have another woman with you all the time, I just can't bear it…"
Gu Jingze looked at her and sighed, "I understand. It's my fault. I'm sorry for all of this, Huiling. I know that you're upset, but… I really had no choice but to accede to my family's demands. My grandfather plays his cards well; I can't make a single misstep."
Worried that Mo Huiling would feel pressured, Gu Jingze did not tell her that his family was using her as a threat.
"I know…" Mo Huiling raised her head, her eyes glistening. "I understand you and I'm willing to be by your side. I just hope that you can move out. Don't live with that woman. You have so many other properties. There's definitely somewhere you can live in. Let's live there together. I know that even so, we can't sleep on the same bed, but I just want to be by your side. I don't like that you're living with her."
Gu Jingze froze, never expecting Mo Huiling to make such a request.
It was a reasonable request and he understood her. Knowing that he was living with Lin Che was worrying in itself. He had not told Mo Huiling that he had slept with Lin Che because he thought that it would never happen again. That incident was an accident and he did not want to worry Mo Huiling even more. But alas, Mo Huiling was already worried.
No other woman would find his sudden marriage acceptable. Even if they had grown up together and trusted one another, he now had a wife.
Mo Huiling was a well-bred young lady who came from the atypical Mo family. They had instilled in her good etiquette and manners. Even if she did not marry him, she was definitely going to marry a man suitable for her and no one was going to treat her unfairly. However, she had already sacrificed her dignity for him.
But…
Gu Jingze said calmly, "I'll think about it."
When Mo Huiling heard this, disappointment instantly showed on her face.
That was all?
Gu Jingze said, "Huiling, I understand how you feel and I know that you feel uncomfortable. That's why I said that if you're unhappy, you can leave and find happiness elsewhere. But I have my own concerns. I'll think about it. But for now, I can't make a hasty decision."
But subconsciously, Gu Jingze did not like living together with any woman. After all, he was still ill. He felt uncomfortable even if it was Mo Huiling. As for Lin Che, he had no choice. He was trying hard to get used to her. But even if he had a choice, he had no intention to live with Mo Huiling.
When Mo Huiling heard his last line, she reluctantly broke into a smile, "You must keep your promise!"
As Gu Jingze left in the back of his car, he looked out the window with a grim expression.
Mo Huiling was the only girl who he had a close relationship with. It was specifically because they had been together for so many years that she tolerated the many symptoms of his illness. They could not hold hands, kiss, or do anything that lovers could do because the moment he touched her, he broke out in a rash. However, she continued to stay with him; he was greatly touched by this.
During the many years they had been together, he was happy. Without a doubt, he wanted to marry her.
However, he had suddenly slept with another woman…
When Gu Jingze walked into the house, there was an aroma wafting through the air.
It was nearly dawn, so the maids should have left long ago and returned to their chambers.
If that was so, then it could only be…
When he made a turn into the kitchen, he saw Lin Che seated at the bar counter. One of her legs was resting on another chair, as she leaned herself against her knee. Her long and slender legs were pale and soft, and her skin was smooth and flawless. She was wearing only a pair of pants and a white tank top. In front of her was a hot bowl from which the aroma was emanating. Evidently, she was eating supper.
But this position…
Gu Jingze watched her pick up her chopsticks, twirl it around some noodles, and stuff it into her mouth as she started to eat heartily. He closed his eyes, exasperated. "Lin Che…"
Immediately, Lin Che turned her head in surprise. When she saw Gu Jingze, she almost fell off her chair.
"Gu Jingze, why don't you make a sound when you walk?" she yelled. She patted her chest and said, "I thought there was a ghost."
Gu Jingze said, "You were cooking?"
He did not expect her to be able to cook. And it smelled pretty good too.
Lin Che looked at her bowl of noodles. She nodded and said, "Yes, yes. This great chef was cooking the most delicious food on earth."
"..."
So she was eating instant noodles.
And he even thought that it smelled good.
Was it time for him to think about getting far away from this uncultured woman?
Gu Jingze said, "So you don't know how to cook anything?"
Lin Che said, "I… I boil water pretty well. I've never overcooked it."
"…"
Gu Jingze did not know how exactly this woman had grown up without learning how to do anything.
Lin Che said, "You probably haven't eaten considering how you're home so late. Want some?"
Lin Che pushed her bowl forward. Gu Jingze looked at what was in the bowl. It looked quite good. There were vegetables, meat, and eggs. Together with the soup, it looked good enough to sell and was very appetizing.
"There's no need. I'm not hungry." As he said this, he licked his lips subconsciously.
Gu Jingze stood there unmoving. When he felt Lin Che smile, he breathed in deeply and prepared to scold her.
"Eating so late isn't good for the stomach," he said.
"It's fine if done once in a while. I don't usually eat this late, but I'm in a good mood today so I'm eating this to reward myself."
She picked up some noodles and moved them closer until they were right in front of him. With a persuasive expression, she smiled in anticipation as she moved her chopsticks closer to his lips.
The aroma excited his taste buds and started a riot in his stomach. He looked at her in exasperation. "Okay, okay, okay. I'll eat it. Get away from me," he said as a compromise.
She quickly stuffed the noodles into his mouth.
He chewed a few times, finding it actually quite tasty.
"Too salty," he remarked after swallowing.
Although he said this, he ate bite after bite. Slowly and elegantly, he finished the entire bowl.
She stared at him, dumbfounded. Gu Jingze merely raised his head and looked at her coolly. "Why?"
Lin Che said, "Have you never eaten instant noodles before? Why did you eat it as if you were eating a delicacy? I think all that's left for you to finish is the soup."
"Yes." Gu Jingze looked at Lin Che's expression and asked in a confused manner, "So what?"
Lin Che said, "No, it's nothing. It's just that to have never eaten instant noodles before… your standard is really low. Instant noodles are one of life's most delicious enjoyments and you almost missed it. Luckily, you have me. Otherwise, you would have definitely regretted it to death."
Gu Jingze watched Lin Che speak with an exaggerated expression. He looked at her calmly and said, "This is junk food."
"Delicious junk food!" Lin Che corrected him.
Gu Jingze shook his head and looked at Lin Che silently.
Lin Che patted her stomach and said, "Now that I've eaten my fill and in a good mood, I'm going to bed."
Gu Jingze looked at her. "It looks like you're in a really good mood."
Lin Che said, "Of course. I'm going to play the role of the third female lead soon. Even though it's the third female lead… the role appears through the entire series and it's a very popular series. In the future, I'm going to be famous and successful. How can I not be in a good mood?"
As Lin Che said this, she stood there happily and looked proud. Gleefully, she placed her hands on his shoulders.
Gu Jingze frowned. He turned his head to the side and looked at her hand.
However, she seemed to not be aware of herself and continued to show off. "I never thought that I, Lin Che, would get my big break one day. It's a pity that Lin Li is the second female lead. I don't know if I have any scenes with her. I hope I don't… I'm afraid that I'll puke when I see her."
Gu Jingze swept his eyes across her face, but his gaze still landed on her errant hand in the end.
He let out a dry cough, raised his head, and looked at Lin Che somberly.
As if she suddenly remembered something, Lin Che looked down.
"Oh no. Sorry, sorry. I forgot." She frantically patted Gu Jingze's clothes as if she was smoothing out the wrinkles.
Thereafter, she looked at Gu Jingze who did not seem too uncomfortable. Chewing on her fingertips, she said sheepishly, "I'm sorry. I'm a loud and crass person. That's why I said that I might make you feel uncomfortable if we lived together."
As if he had thought of something, he looked at Lin Che and said, "So you still hope that I'll move out?"
Lin Che looked at Gu Jingze as she said seriously, "Yes. We agreed that we would establish a mutually beneficial relationship during our marriage. So you can rest assured. Even if you live together with Miss Mo, I'll help you cover it up. You're probably busy most of the time too. I'll use that as an excuse if your family members suddenly come over. I can say that you went out, perhaps for a business trip or for a meeting; I have so many excuses. As long as you come back sometimes, it'll be fine. Anyway, if you want to leave with Miss Mo, just go. Don't worry about your family finding out. I'll definitely help you smooth it over."
Gu Jingze looked at Lin Che. His gaze was deep, secretive, and contemplative yet indifferent.
Under his gaze, Lin Che felt her heart heating up.
She felt that his gaze was too profound as if he could read a person's thoughts.
His gaze was a bit too sensuous.
Suddenly, Gu Jingze said, "I won't move out."
"..."
He continued, "Moving out will be way too much trouble. And then there's still a huge problem. I don't trust your acting skills. With your stupidity, you definitely won't be able to cover up for me properly. If I move out and leave you here alone to deal with it, it's the same as leaving my problem in your hands. I'm not used to letting people decide my life, especially to people of questionable intelligence like you."
"…"
Lin Che said angrily, "If you have something to say, say it properly. Don't insult me for no reason. What's wrong with my intelligence?" But it was understandable for him to not trust her. After all, this concerned the safety of the woman he loved, so he definitely felt a lot of stress and could not easily trust others, especially her.
Lin Che could not help but think that the conflict between the two of them was like something from a novel. She was the evil second female lead in the novel, the one who ruined the relationship between the two leads and became a hindrance.
With a calm expression, Gu Jingze walked towards the door. "The conclusion is that you don't have to waste your time trying to chase me out. For now, we're definitely going to live our married life together. It'd be best for you to get used to it and think about how to play the role of Mrs. Gu properly. Stop entertaining nonsensical thoughts!"
Lin Che never expected him to think this badly of her. "I'm doing this for your own good. I just don't want to see lovers get separated."
Gu Jingze could not help but stop in his tracks. He sneered, "How thoughtful of you!"
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