It Was Just Routine, but He Took It Seriously

Name: It Was Just Routine, but He Took It Seriously
Author: Matcha Is the Best

例行公事，他却当了真

by Matcha Is the Best (抹茶最好吃)

Status: Completed
Length: 336k Words
Genre: Modern Romance
Subgenre: Billionaire CEO
Updated: 7mo ago
English: Request a translation

Read on Fanqie

Synopsis

[Marriage Before Love + mutual politeness + fulfilling marital duties + angst]

For three years, Shen Duchuan and Jiang Ci's marriage had nothing whatsoever to do with love.

It was a business marriage, each getting what they needed. She lived in Geneva, while he was rooted in Beicheng. They met four or five times a year, for about a week each time.

They nodded when they met and asked no questions when they parted. They fulfilled their marital duties on schedule.

The routine was fixed, the steps clear, like an internal procedure they'd followed together for three years. Enter, nod, eat, go to bed. Going to bed was part of the routine, too.

Lights out. Silence. The usual touches.

She cooperated just enough, neither resisting nor acting affectionate. His movements were measured, neither discourteous nor particularly gentle. Like two employees meeting their KPIs, getting the job done within the allotted time, then clocking off separately.

He couldn't even remember what color her eyes were. There was no need to remember, anyway.

On New Year's Eve in their third year of marriage, she returned to the country to “do her duty,” as usual. Enter, nod, eat, go to bed. The routine was more punctual than showing up for work.

Shen Duchuan thought this was how the rest of his life would be.

Until she transferred back to the country and moved into his life for good.

He started wanting to go home every day.

And she started avoiding him.

One night, he cornered her on the balcony. Under the moonlight, her eyes were red-rimmed. “Shen Duchuan, don't cross the line.”

He stepped closer. “What happens if I do?”

Jiang Ci said nothing.

He stared into her eyes and suddenly realized: they were light brown.

Three years, and this was the first time he'd really seen them.

But why was she avoiding him?

He didn't understand.

And she wouldn't tell him.

Stats

154Chapters

10.2kReads · 30 days

288.4kReads · all time

1.1kShelf adds, last 14 days

8.6Score

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Reader comments 36

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If you enjoy bittersweet stories, this one is for you. It's a gently unfolding tale, free of exaggerated or nonsensical plot points. The male and female leads are genuinely quiet in the early chapters, but their actions are heartfelt. They naturally grow closer before they even realize their feelings for each other.
12 likes7mo ago
Thank you for reading. I will continue to update this series. Please feel free to leave comments on each chapter, and I will actively consider your opinions.
11 likes8mo ago
The story begins with an arranged marriage, and over three years, the male protagonist attentively observes the changes the female protagonist brings to his life, gradually developing a desire to win her over. It's a good read, with a clear plot and a tightly woven storyline. Highly recommended! 👍
8 likes7mo ago
I thought the beginning was incredibly well-written! It had a slightly bittersweet feel to it, really touching my heart. However, I got a little confused with the later plot 🥲. It felt a bit absurd; the newly built relationship was suddenly thrown back to square one. I don't know how the two of them will ever reconcile. Also, if you're going to cause trouble, please make it both of them at once!
7 likes8mo ago
The two sentences that stuck with me most after reading a book were "my heart skipped a beat" and "my fingers went into his hair." Seriously, ladies, if you have a heart problem, you need to see a doctor! This has happened so many times already! 😂
3 likes7mo ago
The language is straightforward and concise, with a descriptive style; the details are meticulously crafted, offering endless enjoyment upon careful reading—(saving money) It's exceptionally well-written, the language is mature, and it perfectly matches the content of the work 😳😳😳
3 likes7mo ago
The story unfolds gently, with the male and female protagonists pursuing each other; it's quite enjoyable.
3 likes7mo ago
The male and female leads are on the same wavelength and well-matched. Their everyday life is full of tenderness. This kind of gentle and ordinary daily life is more touching than a dramatic one, making people feel warm and sweet.
3 likes8mo ago
After searching for a long time, I finally found the type of show I wanted to watch.
2 likes7mo ago
Does the female lead's brother have a story with her first love? The name "ex-girlfriend" sounds like it has a backstory. 😄😄😄
2 likes7mo ago