This Substitute Is So Strange

I lost my memory.

They say I've been married for three years. My husband, Yu Nian, is refined and wealthy, with a warm smile always on his face and a body so good it makes my blood race.

By all rights, I should be perfectly happy, but I'm a little afraid of him.

Sometimes I don't even dare look into those deep eyes of his, lowered beneath his lashes, even though he looks so focused and devoted.

I try to secretly keep track of the reasons Yu Nian scares me.

For example, Yu Nian always insists I wear princess-style dresses.

For example, I found a golden clasp in his bedside table.

And for example, Yu Nian never lets me into the room on the second floor.

My memory comes and goes. One day, I remember that I was supposed to run away.

Even my friend contacted me in secret, and the plane ticket was already booked.

I stand in the crowded airport, but I hesitate.

1. This is obviously heading for a groveling-for-forgiveness ending. What if I get caught and locked in some little room, then forced to play cards?

2. Or what if my legs get broken and I'm trapped in a room, playing cards all the time? That golden clasp really is shocking.

Sure enough, Yu Nian arrives.

I say to Yu Nian, who wears an expressionless face, feeling aggrieved:

"What took you so long to come get me? I was getting sleepy."

Yu Nian looks at me for a while, then suddenly smiles.

I think, Yu Nian is so handsome, just like... just like who?

I've lost my memory, after all. It's only natural that I don't remember!

Yu Nian walks over, pats my doggy head, and says gently:

"Mm. Then get some sleep. When you wake up, everything will be all right."

I wrap my arms around Yu Nian's waist, holding back my trembling, and obediently nod.

I know that when I wake up, I might not remember anything again.

2021/8/27

Theme: The ultimate stand-in, making it on your own.