The next few days passed in peace, with Tang Shushui staying home to complete his final preparations for the upcoming fashion showcase. That peace, however, was short-lived.

While browsing for fine silks in a well-reputed shop, he unexpectedly encountered Feng Huang. Just the sight of the man was enough to sour his mood. Tang Shushui's fingers tightened around the fabric he was inspecting, but he merely exhaled and turned away. There was no need for acknowledgment.

But, as expected, Feng Huang did not know when to quit.

"You see me and pretend not to?" The older man's voice was smooth, carrying a quiet amusement. "How cold."

Tang Shushui's lips twitched into a faint smirk. His words immediately became eloquent"I did not pretend. I simply did not see anything worth acknowledging."

Feng Huang let out a low chuckle, unfazed. "Still as sharp-tongued as ever. I wonder, does your husband know your true nature?"

Tang Shushui finally turned to him, his gaze indifferent but sharp as a blade. "If you mean my distaste for pointless conversations, then yes, he is well aware."

Feng Huang folded his hands behind his back, stepping closer. "I merely wonder. Men like him are comfortable with illusions. I doubt he truly understands you."

Tang Shushui's expression did not change. "How amusing," he mused. "A man whose wife treats him like a stranger presumes to speak of understanding. Should I take this as a reflection of your own regrets?"

Feng Huang's smile remained, but something in his gaze turned colder. "You think love is enough to secure your place?"

Tang Shushui scoffed. "A man like you would not understand what secures my place." He let his eyes drift over Feng Huang briefly before turning back to the silk. "But I must thank you. Seeing you reminds me that the biggest mistake a person can make is mistaking persistence for significance."

Feng Huang's smirk widened slightly, though his fingers tightened behind his back. "You speak as if you are untouchable."

Tang Shushui lifted the silk in his hands, inspecting the weave with care. "I speak as I please." His voice was light, but his meaning was unmistakable.

Feng Huang's expression did not shift, but his gaze grew darker. "We shall see how long that lasts."

Tang Shushui merely chuckled. "Fuck you," he said lightly, before turning away and stepping out of the shop.

Feng Huang watched him go, his gaze unreadable. For months now, this man had occupied his mind, at first as a mere curiosity, a passing thought. But it hadn't faded. If anything, it had settled deeper, unwilling to let go.

At first, he thought it was just the sting of rejection, but it wasn't that simple. Tang Shushui was different, sharp, untouchable, utterly unimpressed by him. Feng Huang had seen countless people bend under his gaze, yet this man barely spared him a second thought.

It was aggravating. And intriguing.

He let out a slow breath, his smirk returning, though his eyes remained cold.

"No matter how long it takes... I will have you."

....



As soon as Tang Shushui stepped into their chambers, he made his way to the cradle where the twins lay sleeping. Their little chests rose and fell steadily, faces soft and peaceful in slumber. His expression eased at the sight, and he bent down to kiss each of their foreheads before quietly pulling the blanket up to tuck them in more securely.

His grievances, however, were far from forgotten. With a deep sigh, he turned on his heel and headed straight for his husband.

Jiang Yanwei had been reclining on the bed when he entered. Upon seeing Tang Shushui's sulky expression, he immediately sat up, his brows lifting slightly. "Who made my lovely wife angry?" His voice was warm, indulgent, as if he was ready to coax him whenever.

Tang Shushui huffed, climbing onto the bed without hesitation and throwing himself against Jiang Yanwei's broad chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around his husband, rubbing his face against the firm, warm skin. "That insufferable Feng Huang," he grumbled.

Jiang Yanwei brows furrowed, his large hand automatically rubbing soothing circles against Tang Shushui's back. "Him again? It's been a while since he bothered you."

"While I was shopping, he showed up out of nowhere and started talking nonsense," Tang Shushui complained. "He asked if you even knew me, as if I was some fraud pretending to be your wife! Is that man dumb? Does he think only he's capable of accepting my true self?"

Jiang Yanwei's brows furrowed slightly, his hold on Tang Shushui tightening. "He dared to say that?"

"He dared," Tang Shushui confirmed, tilting his head up to look at him. His eyes were still full of grievance. "As if I care what he thinks."

Jiang Yanwei reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind Tang Shushui's ear. His calloused fingers lingered for a moment before he traced along the curve of his jaw with his thumb. "Next time, ignore him. Or if he dares to speak to you again, tell him your husband will gladly listen to any complaints he has."

"That would for sure throw him over the edge." I laughed imagining Feng Huang's twisted expression.

"You feel happier?" Jiang Yanwei asked with a small smile, his only desire to see Tang Shushui content.

Tang Shushui sighed dramatically, wrapping his arms more securely around Jiang Yanwei's neck and shamelessly rubbing his face against his husband's firm, defined chest. "My husband is so good-looking, has such a sweet mouth, and these muscles" He gave them an appreciative squeeze. "How can I stay mad?"

Jiang Yanwei raised a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh? So when I was still weak and thin, you wouldn't have let me coax you?"

Tang Shushui immediately shut his mouth, realizing he had spoken too fast. His ears tinged red as he quickly cleared his throat and tried to pull back, but Jiang Yanwei was faster. A strong arm wrapped around his waist, holding him in place. The heat of his skin seeped through the thin fabric of Tang Shushui's robes, making it impossible to ignore the difference in their strength.

"So?" Jiang Yanwei pressed, his tone light, but his dark eyes gleamed with amusement.

Tang Shushui blinked before quickly switching tactics. He softened his expression, his voice turning coaxing. "Hubby, you know that's not what I meant," he said, his fingers gently stroking along Jiang Yanwei's jaw, trying to distract him. "I have always loved you, no matter what you looked like."

Jiang Yanwei let out a low chuckle, his grip on Tang Shushui tightening slightly. He leaned in, his breath warm against his wife's lips. "Mn, then I'll make sure you explain to me exactly what you meant... all night."

Before Tang Shushui could react, Jiang Yanwei sealed his lips in a deep kiss, his hold firm yet indulgent, pressing him closer. The protest Tang Shushui might have given melted instantly as he sighed into the kiss, letting himself be completely enveloped in his husband's embrace.

When they finally broke apart, Tang Shushui's was kissed to tears, it seemed tonight his husband would really bully him.