If We Cherish Each Other

Synopsis

Lin Jiangyue, born to a humble family, is the legal wife of Qi Jingbai, the eldest legitimate son of the century-old aristocratic Qi clan. The two of them drank a bowl of love potion and committed that shameful deed, which was how this ill-matched marriage came about.

Everyone says she's lucky, and Lin Jiangyue thinks so too. She likes Qi Ye; it was love at first sight.

After marrying into a powerful family, she serves her mother-in-law for years. She never neglects the virtues expected of a wife, always cautious and walking on eggshells. Lin Jiangyue never speaks of her grievances or the patience she has had to endure, believing that if she does all this, she will eventually earn her husband's affection.

But Qi Jingbai remains cold and distant, like a handsome man made of ice.

She knows he already has someone in his heart, but she never expected the Qi household to secretly prepare everything to welcome that woman into the family with the full ceremony due a legal wife.

What, then, was the point of all her efforts to please him?

Lin Jiangyue's heart turns to ash.

After their divorce, Qi Jingbai overcomes every obstacle to implement new policies. He becomes a gentleman praised by the world and an honest official beloved by the people.

Meanwhile, she puts down roots elsewhere, becoming a renowned cook and running a thriving restaurant. She never speaks of their past.

"This is for the best."

They find fulfillment far apart from each other, with nothing ever to do with one another again.

One sunny day, they meet again at someone else's wedding banquet, surrounded by red silk.

Dressed in a green gauze skirt, Lin Jiangyue stands among the crowd, smiling brightly. Gone is the gentle, yielding softness of someone who had to swallow her grievances; in its place is the sharp competence of a woman in charge. Suddenly, she feels a burning gaze from somewhere in the crowd.

Years after their parting, their eyes meet.

Qi Jingbai is dressed in white, peerlessly elegant, and has become a powerful minister beyond anyone's reach.

Everyone smiles obsequiously at him and bows and scrapes, not daring to slack off.

After a moment of surprise, she wears a calm expression, neither happy nor sad, gives him a polite bow, and turns to leave.

But who could have imagined that this aloof minister, who holds immense power in his hands, would now chase after her like a madman, his eyes red, looking nothing like the haughty nobleman he usually is?

"I regret it!"

I regret treating you that way back then. I regret trampling on your sincere feelings!

Reader's guide

One-on-one romance, both leads are each other's first and only.

A traditional groveling romance with a happy ending. The male lead stays the same.

Theme: Love yourself a little more