After The Sickly O Was Forced Into Marriage Chapter 3
byChapter 3 Lying Will Be Punished
Rainy night, water lashed the parasol tree branches.
The lights in the villa corridor were dim, and the lightning outside the window flashed like daylight.
Mr. Jiang hadn’t returned for two days, and the night was quiet.
Wang Shu, wrapped in a knitted cardigan, slowly went downstairs to drink water.
His head was spinning. He had slept from the afternoon until now, and the throbbing soreness in his Gland made it impossible for him to lie flat and sleep.
A brief braking sound appeared at the entrance. Wang Shu looked out from the first-floor French window toward the garden gate.
Jiang Xusheng got out of the car, a cigarette bright for a moment in the dark night. Secretary Chen held an umbrella for him from behind, and as they walked in, he removed the pure black suit jacket from Jiang Xusheng’s body. A patch of blood stained the shirt, spreading from the man’s back neck to his shoulder.
The puddles in the courtyard rippled as they were stepped on.
Once inside the villa, Secretary Chen tactfully left.
Jiang Xusheng unbuttoned his shirt and answered a call, “Taking this long?”
His eyes glared fiercely at the air. The person on the phone must have said something that angered him, as he angrily threw the phone into a corner and ripped open his shirt.
There was a fresh, long scar running from the back of his neck to his shoulder. The eagle claw tattoo was stained red, the skin torn open.
The lights on the first floor weren’t on. A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the space behind Wang Shu, outlining his soft, fragile figure.
Jiang Xusheng suddenly turned his head and met his gaze.
Wang Shu’s heart skipped a beat. He had never seen Mr. Jiang angry, and he knew that standing here now seemed inappropriate.
Jiang Xusheng stared at him, a flicker of surprise in his eyes that was quickly hidden. He was naked from the waist up, his skin a honey-wheat color.
“Come here.” Jiang Xusheng crooked his finger, calling him like a puppy.
Wang Shu hadn’t put down the water glass in his hand, so he obediently walked over, and his chin was lifted by Jiang Xusheng.
Wang Shu was nervous. He knew Mr. Jiang was in a bad mood right now, and the hand holding the water glass trembled slightly.
Jiang Xusheng’s thumb pressed against his cheek, stroking lightly, “Scared?”
Wang Shu shook his head, “No.”
“I didn’t know you were awake.” Jiang Xusheng rubbed his head, “Are you uncomfortable anywhere?”
“Ah? No,” Wang Shu habitually lied.
He was wearing fuzzy pajamas, like an obedient lamb, meekly bowing his head to his owner.
Jiang Xusheng didn’t indulge his habit of lying. He reached out and pressed Wang Shu’s Gland, “Haven’t learned your lesson?”
“Mmm…” Wang Shu frowned slightly, wondering why Mr. Jiang always treated him this way.
The man had a strange possessiveness over him, demanding even the words he spoke be sincere.
He felt a little wronged, his eyes involuntarily reddening. He bit his lower lip tightly, his shoulders trembling slightly, “I’ll learn my lesson.”
In his understanding, a good child was one who didn’t cause trouble for others.
The more he spoke, the more mistakes he made, and he certainly didn’t want Mr. Jiang to think he was an overly delicate wife.
Jiang Xusheng leaned against the leather sofa, enveloped in a faint scent of tobacco.
The man’s strong arms pulled him into an embrace. The force was great, leaving Wang Shu no chance to struggle. The sensitive omega sensed that his husband seemed angry.
“This habit of lying…” Jiang Xusheng paused, his questioning gaze falling like a knife, “Where did you learn it?”
Wang Shu shook his head, his ears red, “I won’t dare next time…”
“What’s the reason? Why won’t you say if you’re uncomfortable?”
The man’s palm landed on his lower back, stroking him as if savoring something, moving from his vulnerable back neck down his spine, slowly sliding down to his upper buttock and stopping, pinching it, “Hmm? Wang Shu, tell me.”
Wang Shu felt his entire heart being squeezed by him. He lowered his eyes and said weakly, “If you… if you want to do it, and my body is too weak, it will spoil your good mood.”
“I don’t want Mr. Jiang to be disappointed in me.”
His purpose in this villa, besides carrying the baby, was only this one obligation he needed to fulfill.
His uncles cultivated him and sent him to Mr. Jiang’s bed for this very purpose.
If his body was too weak, it wouldn’t be fun.
“Oh?” Jiang Xusheng’s voice was low. His palm slipped under the hem of Wang Shu’s pajamas, pressing against the small of his back. He bent his neck, “It seems I truly married a good wife.”
“So considerate of me.”
Wang Shu gathered his courage and looked up at him, a little bewildered.
He didn’t understand where the mockery in the man’s words came from.
“Are you praising me?” Wang Shu asked.
Jiang Xusheng chuckled softly, amused by his innocent appearance.
“Wang Shu…” Jiang Xusheng’s voice was drawn out, biting his name, and he sighed helplessly, “You are so foolish.”
“Am I…” Wang Shu pouted, “I’ll be smarter in the future…”
Jiang Xusheng lifted his chin with one hand and placed a kiss on his forehead, “Good boy.”
Wang Shu’s heart leaped with joy at the praise, and a faint flush of blood rose to his fingertips.
“You’re hurt. Do you need medicine? I know where the first aid kit is,” he asked.
Getting close to Jiang Xusheng, he could smell the strong scent of rain and blood on him.
Betas don’t have Pheromones; the smell was genuinely present.
Wang Shu hadn’t clearly seen the injury on the man’s back. Large patches of the eagle claw tattoo and flowers covered his entire back, and the fresh blood only added color to the drawing.
Wang Shu couldn’t help but recall the rumors about Jiang Xusheng.
The man, not yet thirty-five, had quickly established himself abroad. His methods upon returning to China were even more precise and ruthless, aiming to monopolize the domestic Inhibitor market—not an easy feat.
Some admired his thunderous methods, and naturally, others resented his ruthlessness.
It was rumored that he had many enemies, including several of Wang Shu’s uncles.
They hated him and wanted to bring CEO Jiang down.
Was this from an enemy?
Wang Shu looked at him worriedly. Jiang Xusheng’s face instantly turned cold and guarded, and he ordered Wang Shu to return to his room.
Wang Shu knew he had overstepped. He obediently turned and went upstairs. His figure was frail and slow. He held the railing with one hand and his Pregnant Belly with the other, walking with difficulty.
His belly wasn’t very large yet, but his health had been poor since childhood, and because of the morning sickness, he hadn’t eaten properly for a long time, making his steps unsteady.
Jiang Xusheng had intended to turn toward the elevator, but his peripheral vision caught sight of Wang Shu.
“Mr. Jiang?” Wang Shu was suddenly lifted into the air, startled.
Jiang Xusheng carried him upstairs, his brow seemingly furrowed even deeper.
Wang Shu thought his slow pace had annoyed his husband.
But Jiang Xusheng said, “You’ve lost weight.”
Wang Shu’s mouth opened slightly, finding it a little unbelievable. Just as he was about to lie and deny it, Jiang Xusheng’s face tightened, looking like he wouldn’t tolerate a lie. Wang Shu murmured, “I weigh myself every day. The baby is growing.”
“Lying again.” Jiang Xusheng chuckled lightly, carrying him back to the room.
Jiang Xusheng treated his injury, changed into comfortable pajamas, and heated milk to bring to Wang Shu’s room.
The lightning flashed outside continuously. Just as Jiang Xusheng was about to leave, Wang Shu reached out and hooked his sleeve.
Jiang Xusheng paused, “What is it?”
Wang Shu simply didn’t want him to leave but didn’t know what to say.
“The day after tomorrow… the school is holding a graduation ceremony.”
Jiang Xusheng sat back down on the bed and tucked him in, “I’ll have the driver take you. Be back on time.”
“Oh, okay.”
Wang Shu blinked. His soft hand slowly moved up from Jiang Xusheng’s fingertips, testing the waters, “Are you staying tonight? My bed is very big… The sheets were just changed. I can also take care of your injury tonight.”
They had actually stayed together once after the marriage.
That was during Wang Shu’s Heat last month. They had only been married a few days, and Jiang Xusheng, who was away on business, rushed back when he learned Wang Shu was constantly feverish at home during his Heat.
The pain sensitivity of an omega during Heat is lowered. Jiang Xusheng went straight to his bed, hastily coupling with him, being very careful not to harm the baby. Wang Shu cried nervously, and Jiang Xusheng praised him for being as soft as water.
For the rest of the time, Mr. Jiang showed no interest in him.
Wang Shu wasn’t sure why.
Jiang Xusheng didn’t linger in the room. He covered Wang Shu with the blanket properly before leaving.
Sleepiness returned, and the throbbing soreness in his Gland seemed to be blocked out.
He really liked it when Mr. Jiang came home. Every time he returned, Wang Shu slept very soundly.
–
“Sweet? What’s sweet? I think you’re in so much pain you’re dizzy!” Shen Xiao roared from the other end of the phone at eleven o’clock.
Wang Shu blinked and quickly held the phone away, patting his little belly as if comforting the baby inside not to be afraid. This wasn’t the grumpy uncle; it was Dad’s good friend.
“The teacher is reviewing proposals tomorrow. How many did you prepare?” Shen Xiao asked.
“Just one. If the teacher doesn’t approve it, I’ll revise it.”
Shen Xiao had a fiery temper and couldn’t stand Wang Shu’s slow pace, “Oh, for heaven’s sake! I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
“No need, no need. Mr. Jiang has already arranged a driver for me,” Wang Shu yawned as he got out of bed.
It was almost noon, but the maid hadn’t come to wake him up today.
Time passed quickly at home. He slapped his forehead, remembering it was a holiday today. Only the security guard was probably at the main gate.
“Little Wang Shu, can you pay attention to your own affairs? If Jiang Xusheng truly loses his conscience and divorces you, what will you do? Go back to the Wang Family? Your uncles will skin you alive and eat you, I swear!”
Wang Shu rubbed his face, trying to cheer himself up.
He hadn’t eaten a proper meal in almost a week.
He usually only managed to eat some sour fruit for dinner, and his appetite was poor during the day.
Waking up to Shen Xiao squawking like a little beagle on the phone, he only found it lively and cute, but his mind didn’t fully register the words.
Was there really some truth to the saying that pregnancy makes you stupid for three years?
Wang Shu sat on the edge of the bed putting on socks, “Xiao Xiao, were you this uncomfortable when you were pregnant?”
Shen Xiao and his brother have been together for over a decade. His brother was a Beta, and Shen Xiao had the baby during his sophomore year, making him a valuable senior to learn from.
Shen Xiao pondered, recalling for a moment, “I’m not bragging, but back then, my brother practically wanted to hold me while I peed. He even examined my poop to see if it was healthy.”
Wang Shu: “…?”
Shen Xiao laughed heartily, “Oops, sorry! You shouldn’t hear anything too disgusting.”
“But I believe it,” Wang Shu was rarely amused by him, “You two would do something like that.”
“Back then… Oh, what are you doing changing the subject? I have big news for you!”
Wang Shu opened the window for ventilation, “Yes, I’m listening.”
“Did you know Jiang Xusheng used to have a family? My brother heard about it when he was doing business!”
Wang Shu froze, “I know.”
“You know!?” Shen Xiao shrieked.
Wang Shu couldn’t help but move the phone away again, only bringing it back after a while.
Before the marriage, he truly didn’t know much about Mr. Jiang, only that he was a successful businessman.
After the marriage, he often searched Mr. Jiang’s name.
In past interviews abroad, Jiang Xusheng never avoided the fact that he had a lover and had even worn a diamond ring.
But Wang Shu was clear when they registered in China that Mr. Jiang had no prior marriage history.
Perhaps his previous relationship didn’t end well. This must be a painful memory for Mr. Jiang.
He pretended not to know and never brought it up.
Wang Shu considered himself a little deaf mute, secretly thinking his approach was very clever.
Shen Xiao called him foolish.
Wang Shu didn’t plan on eating breakfast. He was going to look for some sour raspberries in the fridge, but the downstairs wasn’t empty.
Jiang Xusheng was wearing a shirt, his chest muscles pressing against the fabric. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms. He was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper. Hearing Wang Shu come downstairs, he looked up, “Good afternoon.”
Wang Shu stood frozen at the spiral staircase landing. Jiang Xusheng told him to go sit at the dining table, saying breakfast needed to be reheated.
Jiang Xusheng must have gone out this morning. He was dressed neatly, and his briefcase was still on the sofa.
The breakfast on the table was lavish, similar to the dishes the chef usually prepared.
“Is it not to your liking?” Jiang Xusheng wiped his hands, took off his apron, and sat down at the dining table to ask.
Wang Shu shook his head, praising the food as delicious.
Jiang Xusheng pushed the steamed sea urchin egg closer, “You’ve lost a lot of weight. Don’t you like the chef’s recent dishes? We can change it. I’ll have people come for a tasting in a few days.”
“No, no,” Wang Shu quickly waved his hands, holding the steamed egg and eating a few bites, “Maybe I slept too long, so I’m not very hungry this morning.”
“Aren’t you busy today?” Wang Shu tilted his head and asked.
“Hmm,” Jiang Xusheng joked with a touch of humor, “I wanted to see how many lies you’ve been telling while I was away.”
Wang Shu felt a little guilty.
He even avoided the housemaids when he had morning sickness. When he didn’t want to eat, he would use his chopsticks to move each dish around twice, pretending he had eaten it.
Jiang Xusheng got up to take a call by the French window.
Wang Shu was watched by him as he ate most of a bowl of steamed egg and milk tofu pastry. It was ordinary food, but his stomach felt like it was churning.
The processed egg custard had an elusive fishy smell that made Wang Shu want to vomit several times, like biting into a piece of raw, fatty meat oozing oil.
While Jiang Xusheng was away, he quietly moved the dishes around a few more times, rushed to the bathroom with his small bowl to dump the contents, and stood by the sink, thoroughly vomiting his breakfast.
Wang Shu was already skilled at rinsing his mouth, wiping away tears, and using a tissue to clean the liquid from his arm used for inducing the vomit.
When he cautiously opened the door and returned to the dining room, Jiang Xusheng had finished his call and was waiting for him at the table.
Wang Shu pinched his fingers, lying to himself, “I went to the kitchen to get more rice.”
Jiang Xusheng put down the phone, looked up, and stopped Wang Shu from sitting down, “Stand up straight.”
“Huh?”
Jiang Xusheng looked directly at him, not intending to repeat himself.
“Should I stand here?”
Jiang Xusheng pointed to the edge of the table, signaling him to stand there as punishment, “Hold your bowl and chopsticks.”
Wang Shu was at a loss. Facing the pressure of Mr. Jiang’s gaze, a few simple words made his hands tremble slightly.
Wang Shu held the bowl and chopsticks, standing by the table. He looked down at the grains of rice that hadn’t been completely dumped out, and his nose felt a little sore.