Volume 1, Chapter 20: I Married Tang Ruan Only Because of the Tang Family Behind Her

Huo Yanchuan raised a hand and rubbed his brow. "Where do you want to go?"

He had been overwhelmed by company affairs over the past few days, but since this was the first time Lu Xiaorou had taken the initiative to ask him out for a meal, he decided to make the time.

Lu Xiaorou took off her mask and said with a bright smile, "Let’s go to that Jiangcheng restaurant near Maple Bridge Garden."

Maple Bridge Garden was the apartment Huo Yanchuan rented for her. Lu Xiaorou spent most of her time there.

"Alright," Huo Yanchuan said, starting the car.

An hour later, the meal was finished.

"Xiaorou, do you still have class this afternoon?" Huo Yanchuan asked.

Lu Xiaorou nodded. "One more session."

"Then I'll take you back to campus."

After dropping her off, he would head straight back to the office to finish the remaining work.

Lu Xiaorou tugged at her dress, revealing a spot where oil had splattered.

"How did your dress get dirty?"

"I accidentally spilled some food on it while eating."

Lu Xiaorou bit her lip and asked weakly, "Yanchuan, could you come back to Maple Bridge Garden with me so I can change?"

The oil stain wasn't large, but the dress was white, and the glaring spot was somewhat unsightly.

"Sure," Huo Yanchuan agreed without a second thought.

It was very close to Maple Bridge Garden, so he didn't drive, choosing to walk back with her instead.

Lu Xiaorou entered the apartment, changed her shoes, and went straight into the bathroom. A moment later, the sound of splashing water could be heard from inside.

Mindful of taking her back to school, Huo Yanchuan sat on the sofa to wait.

"Yanchuan, I forgot to grab my clothes. Could you pass them to me? They're on the bed."

"One moment."

Huo Yanchuan walked into the bedroom and immediately spotted the clothes on the bed—a light pink dress. He picked them up and walked to the bathroom door. "Xiaorou, here are your clothes."

The door opened a crack, and Lu Xiaorou’s slender, fair hand reached out, droplets of water still clinging to her delicate arm. Huo Yanchuan handed her the dress.

"Thank you, Yanchuan."

"Not a—"

"Ah!"

Huo Yanchuan’s expression tightened. He pushed the door open, only to see Lu Xiaorou falling backward. Without a second thought, he reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her toward him.

Lu Xiaorou collided with his chest. The water droplets soaked through his clothing, making the sensation of the fabric against his skin all too clear. He could feel her warmth and the curve of her body.

Huo Yanchuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he felt a sudden rush of heat. "Xiaorou, you… hurry up and get dressed."

Lu Xiaorou clutched the clothes tightly to cover herself, her face as pink as the morning clouds. "I’m, I’m sorry, Yanchuan." She apologized while frantically trying to stand, but whether it was because she was in a rush or the floor was too wet, she couldn't find her footing.

She had no choice but to wrap her arms around Huo Yanchuan’s neck like a lifeline to keep from falling. Huo Yanchuan’s breathing deepened, and he pulled her waist close. "Xiaorou."

"Yes?" Lu Xiaorou looked up, feigning ignorance.

With her rosy face and those watery eyes flickering with confusion, a certain part of Huo Yanchuan flared with desire. He bowed his head and accurately pressed his lips onto hers.

"Yanchuan, no..." Lu Xiaorou leaned against his chest, her delicate frame trembling like a flower swaying in the wind.

But at that moment, Huo Yanchuan’s reason had completely vanished. He swept her up into his arms and strode into the bedroom.

—

When he awoke, the sky outside had turned dark.

Lu Xiaorou was the first to wake. She opened her eyes, turned her head, and saw Huo Yanchuan sleeping soundly beside her. His features looked much gentler in slumber. Thinking of what had just happened, she curled her lips into a faint smile.

Huo Yanchuan’s looks and family background were far superior to anyone she had dated before—they weren't even in the same league. If she had known she would meet him, she certainly wouldn't have wasted her time with those other men.

Lu Xiaorou cursed the gossip accounts and the people behind them in her heart again. She had originally intended to wait until their relationship was stable and she had fully captured him before giving herself to him, but the pressure from those accounts had been too great. To solve the immediate problem, she had been forced to surrender herself early. She just hoped Huo Yanchuan would choose to help her.

Lu Xiaorou pulled open the bedside drawer and took out a blood-red capsule. A moment later, a smear of red appeared on the sheets. She looked at the bloodstain with a sense of triumph.

After disposing of the capsule shell, she positioned herself at the best angle so that the moment Huo Yanchuan woke up, he would see her at her most beautiful. Having done all this, she pulled the quilt over herself and began to sob softly.

Before long, Huo Yanchuan stirred. The unfamiliar surroundings left him momentarily dazed, but he was soon distracted by the movement beside him. He turned and saw Lu Xiaorou, wrapped in the quilt, weeping quietly. Thinking of their lack of restraint earlier, he didn't know what to say.

"Xiaorou, I’m sorry."

Lu Xiaorou bit her lip stubbornly, her eyelashes fluttering. Tears surged from her eyes, sliding down her cheeks to her collarbone. Huo Yanchuan felt a pang of panic and leaned over to hold her. "Xiaorou, don't worry. I will take responsibility for you."

Receiving the answer she wanted, a thrill of joy ran through Lu Xiaorou, though she didn't show a hint of it. If she appeared too happy, he wouldn't feel as guilty—and guilt was the ultimate weapon she would use to manipulate him in the future.

She leaned her head against his shoulder and whispered, "I’m fine, Yanchuan. You don’t have to… be troubled."

Huo Yanchuan’s guilt deepened, mixed with a surge of tenderness. It was he who hadn't controlled himself and had forced her. Not only was she not angry, and not screaming for him to take responsibility, she was even comforting him. He was truly lucky to have met such a gentle, considerate woman.

Lu Xiaorou moved her leg, inadvertently pushing the quilt aside to reveal the bright red stain on the sheets. Huo Yanchuan’s pupils contracted. Thinking of the rumors online, his eyes grew dark, and he frowned slightly.

As expected, one shouldn't believe everything on the internet! His Xiaorou was a pure girl.

Huo Yanchuan stroked her shoulder. "I am a man. Since I have had you, I will naturally take responsibility."

Lu Xiaorou blurted out, "But you aren't—"

Before she could finish, she realized her blunder and hung her head in frustration, swallowing the rest of her words. Huo Yanchuan knew what she wanted to say and pulled her closer. "Xiaorou, my marriage to Tang Ruan is only because of the Tang family behind her."

The Tang family could help him secure his position as the future head of the Huo family. At least for now, he had to be married to her.

Lu Xiaorou’s eyes filled with triumph. She had thought he liked Tang Ruan at least a little, but it turned out he only valued the family behind her. Thinking of that, Tang Ruan was quite pathetic.

"I understand, Yanchuan. I won't cause you any trouble," she said thoughtfully.

Huo Yanchuan was very satisfied with her consideration. He took the initiative to say, "Xiaorou, I will handle the false rumors online."

Lu Xiaorou’s eyes lit up. Her goal had been achieved.

"Thank you, Yanchuan." She leaned over and shyly kissed his cheek, preparing to pull away, but Huo Yanchuan grabbed her waist. "Xiaorou, once more."

Lu Xiaorou froze, her face instantly turning bright red. Huo Yanchuan chuckled and pulled the quilt over them both.