[Marshal's son Shen Shaoqin marries, and his spouse is a poor junior from his military academy!]
The news broke, and the imperial capital was shaken.
No one had expected Shen Shaoqin, the marshal's son, to marry so suddenly. He was still young, already decorated with an impressive record of military achievements and wielding considerable power. And his spouse was an unknown, frail young man.
The boy was reportedly a junior from Shen Shaoqin's military academy, a few years below him. His family was poor, and he had worked his way through school.
The young junior was named Lin Zhaoxi. Like a small white flower standing firm against the wind and rain, he was pure and clean.
Facing fierce opposition from his family, Shen Shaoqin abandoned his usual restraint. Gripping the boy's hand at the council of elders, he declared with unshakable resolve, "He's the only one I want."
Overcoming every obstacle, the lovers were finally united. He gave him a lavish wedding and proclaimed his love to the world.
-
Their married life was perfect, like a carefully woven dream.
His young partner, born into poverty, seemed to have devoted his whole heart to their home.
No matter how late he came home, a warm light was always on in the living room. Lin Zhaoxi would always greet him meekly, help him out of his uniform, and offer him tea at just the right temperature.
There was always a table full of his favorite dishes, and every crease in his uniform was pressed smooth. His boy was gentle and quiet, with eyes that seemed to hold only him.
Shen Shaoqin often felt a peace he'd never known before, soothed by the fresh fragrance in his hair. He'd even started planning what to do after retiring from the military, imagining the two of them buying a house with a garden in some quiet paradise, sharing their meals and seasons... living out a simple life together.
He thought he had found the world's most precious treasure.
-
"Take care on your way. I'll be waiting for you to come home."
The young man rose on his toes and kissed him tenderly on the lips, his gaze clear.
It was an ordinary farewell. The moment the door clicked shut, the gentle smile vanished from Lin Zhaoxi's face.
He turned and pressed a hidden switch on the kitchen wall. The entire wall slid open without a sound, revealing a metal chamber behind it
Guns, ammunition, masks, melee weapons...
He pulled off his soft sweater and swept his bangs back, revealing a pair of intensely predatory eyes. The harmless air about him was replaced by a casual, razor-sharp edge.
A subordinate came in right on time, carrying a food container. He quickly arranged the exquisite dishes on plates, then set about tidying the room with brisk efficiency, washing the clothes, and hanging the freshly pressed uniform in the closet...
Lin Zhaoxi sat on the sofa, a slender cigarette between his lips as he wiped down a pulse pistol.
He glanced at the man arranging the dishes. "I thought I said no onions in the food."
The subordinate explained quietly, "But... Marshal Shen seems to really like onion soup..."
Lin Zhaoxi gave a mocking laugh, smoke blurring his features.
"I don't care what he likes."
-
At a glamorous society banquet, an alarm blared. On the rooftop, the wind howled and danger loomed.
After Lin Zhaoxi was accidentally exposed, he smiled mockingly and said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you. You're actually terrible at it." As expected, Shen Shaoqin's handsome face went from shock and pain to a furious flush of embarrassment.
"I was being gentle with you! I didn't dare use any force!" Shen Shaoqin's roar was scattered by the wind.
The young man laughed out loud, fell backward, and slipped neatly into the night, vanishing from sight.
All that remained was Shen Shaoqin, his heart utterly shattered, as his whole world seemed to collapse and rearrange itself.
-
When they faced off again, their cold gun barrels pointed at each other. The air was thick with lingering gunpowder and the sound of their restrained breathing.
"I know you're not him."
Shen Shaoqin fixed his gaze on the eyes that had once captivated him. "But I think... I like the real you even more. Even if you're a liar, an assassin... and you insulted my skills."
Lin Zhaoxi raised an eyebrow. His gun remained aimed, his smile bold.
"Then you don't have to be gentle with me now. Why not give it a try... Marshal?"
Theme: Work hard and stay positive