“Xinxin?” Shen Yi called out her name once again.

When she didn’t respond, Shen Yi arched a brow, staring at his wife who was sitting on the old swing.

“Don’t you want to get inside?” he asked, worried that she didn’t like his surprise.

Lu Xinyi looked away as if she was ashamed of something. She sat still, refusing to meet her husband’s eyes.

“I can’t go down…” she whispered.

“What did you say?” Shen Yi moved closer, not understanding what she’d said. -.

“I said I can’t go down! I’m stuck!” she yelled, swaying her legs in the air and trying to touch the ground with her feet—only to fail.

Silence ensued between them, with Shen Yi gaping back at her in shock while Lu Xinyi hoped she’d never sat on the swing. Apparently, she fit the hole at the center of the tire and got stuck.

It took Shen Yi several seconds before he got what she meant. He glanced over, the corners of his lips fighting a smile, with his eyebrows slightly raised. Lu Xinyi looked away before that mischievous look of his spread.

He turned his back at her and covered his mouth in a failed attempt to hide his laughter. He coughed twice in his hand, his body shaking—not from coldness.

Suddenly, he doubled himself up and burst into a loud harsh cackle of laughter.

“Shen Yi! Damn it! Stop laughing and bring me down from here!”

Because the swing was tied higher than usual, Lu Xinyi’s feet couldn’t touch the ground even if she wanted to.

“Alright, I knew this was a bad idea.” He continued to laugh.

Lu Xinyi would find the sounds of his laughter endearing if she wasn’t stuck on her seat. She huffed; she decided to get even with him later.

Shen Yi easily removed her from the swing and dropped her down on the cold ground. He was still grinning like a fool, teasing his wife to no end. He liked seeing her so flustered.

He knew that after this day, he would have to share her with the rest of the world. Like a young bird that had just fledged, Lu Xinyi would have to spread her wings and make a name for herself.

He knew he could not keep her by his side all the time. He didn’t think she knew it yet, but he would do anything for her. How this cute, little devil managed such a feat was beyond comprehension, but he wouldn’t question it.

Shen Yi finally understood what his uncle said when he was younger. The heart would want what it wants, and his mind had no say on it. Lu Xinyi said there would be no other. She belonged to him now, and nothing was going to get in the way… unless she wanted him no more.

He winced at that thought. He reminded himself that Lu Xinyi wasn’t like anything like Li Qiao.

—

“Pretty impressive. I didn’t know you own a place like this.” Lu Xinyi commented once they reached the foyer of the rest house.

It was humongous. She thought several families could stay in it and still enjoy some privacy.

“Wait until you see what’s inside.” Shen Yi grinned at her as they continued along the path.

A massive wooden door, carved and ornamented with elaborate hinges, welcomed them. There were massive windows that let anyone appreciate the white scenery outside, and a wide wooden staircase, gleaming as if it was never touched and forgot to age with time.

“You’ve lost our bet. Don’t forget to prepare our dinner.” Shen Yi reminded her as they sat at the spacious living room, appreciating the heat inside.

“But I don’t feel like cooking today. Are you hungry?”

Well, to be honest, the nightmare from Shen Yi’s surprise dinner still lingered in her mind. Lu Xinyi bit her inner cheek as she thought about what she could possibly eating tonight if Shen Yi lost. She wasn’t looking forward to another torture on her taste buds.

“Not really. You can make some sandwiches instead if you don’t like to eat a heavy meal.”

Lu Xinyi left her husband and decided to find the kitchen herself. Just like what Shen Yi said, everything was prepared before their arrival. The fridge was filled with food supplies that could last for a week.

Pulling out the ingredients she needed for their sandwiches, she took a deep breath, rolled her sleeves, and set to work for their dinner.

Lu Xinyi always prepared her husband’s meal every day and knew what kind of sandwiches he liked. Once they’d argued about her attempting to make him fat and only denied it, telling him she always made the meals with love.

Since then, she got a habit of sprinkling her dishes with non-existing love powders. She then claimed that it was her secret weapon for enticing them. For some reason, it stuck on her and became a habit. Whenever she was mad at him, she would tell him that his meals weren’t made with love for that day.

As she slapped a piece of bread on top of his sandwich, Lu Xinyi glared on it. Gah, when could she get her sweet revenge?

“Enjoy this sandwich, you jerkface. I hope you enjoy eating it with despair.”