We Agreed to Split After a Year, but I’m Not Leaving

[Older man, marriage first, love later]

Jiang Lin is twenty-nine this year, nearly thirty.

His family keeps nagging him to get married. He can't be bothered with romance, so he figures he'll find someone he likes the look of, marry them for a year, then divorce next year and call it a job done.

The first time he sees Chi Yanqing is on a rainy day, when he goes to the university to pick up his younger cousin.

Jiang Lin stands at the classroom door with an unlit cigarette between his lips. He isn't looking for his cousin at all. His gaze is fixed on Professor Chi at the lectern.

A narrow waist, broad shoulders, long legs, a handsome face, and an elegant yet cool air...

It's been years since Jiang Lin graduated from college, but these are the only words that pop into his head.

-

On the day of the blind date, Jiang Lin sees Chi Yanqing's face across the table and sends his mother a text as soon as he steps outside.

[I'm done for this time.]

They both have reasons they have to get married. Jiang Lin also has his own selfish desire to claim Chi Yanqing first, so they inexplicably go ahead and register their marriage.

They agree in advance to cooperate, pretend to be loving in front of their parents, then go their separate ways once they leave. In a year, they'll meet at the civil affairs bureau and get divorced.

Jiang Lin has no intention of playing along. He genuinely likes Chi Yanqing.

After they register their marriage, Jiang Lin smokes a cigarette outside the bureau, with only one word in his mind: pursue.

-

Everyone thinks Chi Yanqing is wonderful.

He's a professor at A University, one of the country's top universities, and has such an ethereal air that saying one extra word to him feels like an offense.

His acquaintances don't see it that way. When they drink, they call him "a hypocrite."

Chi Yanqing lights a cigarette and smiles without denying it.

They set strict rules before registering their marriage. But afterward, Jiang Lin shows up at the classroom door every day to "pick up his cousin," making sure to come during Chi Yanqing's lectures. Chi Yanqing saw through his intentions long ago.

But even though he knows, he doesn't call Jiang Lin out. He lets him come every day.

One rainy day, Chi Yanqing leaves his umbrella in the classroom and waits outside the teaching building for Jiang Lin. Smiling, he asks, "Professor Chi, you didn't bring an umbrella? Let me give you a ride."

Chi Yanqing doesn't put on airs. "Thanks."

He gets into Jiang Lin's car of his own accord.

-

Chi Yanqing is thirty-four, five years older than Jiang Lin. Jiang Lin can't get the better of him, inside or out.

*Bar owner bottom x university professor top, openly pursuing him vs subtly flirting

*Older man, five-year age gap, marriage first, love later, in a world where same-sex marriage is legal

*Both are non-virgins

*Blurb written on July 7, 2023, and screenshot saved

Message: If you're in love, go after them. Don't hesitate so much.