A Pillow of Tenderness [Marriage Before Love]

First Law: You'll always run into the person you least want to see at the moment you look your worst.

At that very moment, Shi Yingzhi was covered in mud, bare-faced and disheveled, carrying a plastic grocery bag. Then she ran into her cheating ex-boyfriend.

Her ex looked every inch the gentleman, and his new girlfriend was polished and elegant. The instant he saw Shi Yingzhi, a subtle look crossed his face: "You really are worse off without me."

Without a moment's hesitation, Shi Yingzhi reached out and grabbed a stranger passing by. She smiled sweetly. "What a coincidence! I'm out shopping with my boyfriend, too."

Out of sight of the others, she pinched the man's arm as hard as she could.

If he exposed her on the spot... Shi Yingzhi thought she might actually explode right there.

The next second, the man looked down and gently but firmly caught the wrist with which she was pinching him, then took her grocery bag.

He then took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, hiding her filthy clothes.

The tall, imposing older man held her wrist and said gently, "It's gotten cold today. Why didn't you wear more?"

Her ex-boyfriend stared at him, shocked and disbelieving. "M-Mr. Meng?!"

*

Everyone said Meng Chi was a workaholic with no feelings.

Until one day, a wedding ring appeared on his hand.

The usually aloof man spoke up warmly of his own accord.

"I'm going to pick up my wife from work today. I'll be leaving first."

"Yes, I'm married."

Everyone: ? Nobody even asked!

Later on, someone saw the usually distant, indifferent man bidding an astronomical price on jewelry without batting an eye, while personally swapping the wine brought over for juice.

He coaxed the woman beside him into drinking it.

*

Shi Yingzhi never expected to actually marry a man she'd met only twice.

She'd thought Meng Chi was mature, steady, and courteous. At least he'd be better than the men who kept chasing after her.

After they married, he really was patient and let her do as she pleased.

But one time, when she was teasing him, Meng Chi swept her up and sat her on his lap. The armchair was cramped and hot. He held her by the waist, leaving her nowhere to escape.

1. Marriage first, love later / Old flame rekindled / Age gap

Theme: Love what I love