The Marriage Partner Is The Villain Boss Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Are you thirsty?

Even now, Xu Zhiyi could still remember Pei Qingyan’s helpless smile. The gentle indulgence in the depths of her eyes made Xu Zhiyi’s heart flutter.

However, having just turned eighteen, she didn’t quite understand what that feeling meant, nor was she willing to poke through that hazy, unspoken barrier.

Um…

She quickly looked away, but couldn’t resist stealing another glance at the other girl. I want milk tea.

She made the request with total confidence.

Alright. Pei Qingyan stood up and closed her magazine. The same shop as last time?

After receiving an affirmative nod, she dropped a quick Wait five minutes for me and walked rapidly toward the edge of the sports field.

Her back was straight, standing out from the crowd like a crane among a flock of chickens.

Xu Zhiyi simply sat in the spot Pei Qingyan had just vacated, idly picking up the magazine to flip through it.

Beneath the dense annotations, there was a section circled in red pen. Written neatly beside it were the words, The schools Xiao Yi wants to apply to. It was incredibly eye-catching.

She froze. A flush quickly stained her cheeks, and she slammed the magazine shut.

Ugh…

Xu Zhiyi hurriedly used her manuscripts to fan herself, but the more she fanned, the hotter she seemed to get. She couldn’t help but think that ever since the college entrance exams ended, Pei Qingyan had been frequently asking about her university preferences. It turned out she had been planning to apply to the same schools all along.

Of course, in her heart, she also hoped they could go to the same university.

A-Yan is really something. Once I decide, I’ll definitely tell you right away. What’s the rush?

Muttering to herself, she brushed the dust off the hem of her skirt and gazed out toward the far edge of the field.

Pei Qingyan was easy to recognize.

She didn’t like to smile; she was serious and almost excessively cold. In a crowd, the person who looked the most unapproachable was bound to be her.

But Xu Zhiyi never looked for her that way. In a sea of people, her gaze would naturally fall upon Pei Qingyan. They were like the two ends of a magnet; no matter how far apart they were, they would always click together.

Fifty percent sugar, light ice.

When the young woman handed her the milk tea, her expression was soft, and beads of sweat hung from her brow.

I said there was no rush— Xu Zhiyi’s heart trembled slightly. She quickly pulled a tissue from her pocket and carefully wiped the other girl’s forehead. You didn’t even think to buy one for yourself.

I didn’t want to make you wait too long.

Pei Qingyan hooked her finger around Xu Zhiyi’s hand, pulling it into her palm. Her tense lips relaxed quietly, a sense of satisfaction hidden between her brows that she wouldn’t show to anyone else.

Tomorrow…

Xu Zhiyi murmured softly, looking down, not daring to meet her eyes. Tomorrow, could you stand somewhere where I can see you?

She tried her best not to sound like she was acting spoiled, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her true thoughts.

Alright.

Pei Qingyan still didn’t ask for a reason and agreed immediately.

No matter how excessive the request, the answer was always a decisive “alright.”

Xu Zhiyi often thought that if anyone could spoil her rotten, that person would undoubtedly be Pei Qingyan.

She had even fantasized that the partner arranged by her family for a political marriage would be her.

…

Are you feeling unwell?

A light touch on her cheek and a woman’s anxious voice pulled her out of her reverie.

In an instant, the past vanished like popping bubbles. Xu Zhiyi gripped the tissue dampened by her tears, somewhat surprised that she had become so sentimental—during her six years away from home, she hadn’t cried even once.

…I’m fine.

With her red eyes and pale face, she didn’t look “fine” at all.

But you—

A-Yan, hold me. Xu Zhiyi closed her eyes and was pulled into a tight embrace, their breathing mingling until they were indistinguishable.

When their skin touched, she felt an unprecedented sense of peace, just as she had countless times before.

A faint bitterness seemed to turn into mist, inhaled into her lungs with every breath, brewing a taste of regret.

I’m sorry, she whispered, her voice slightly choked.

You never have to say those words to me.

Pei Qingyan kissed the woman’s ear, watching it turn red bit by bit. It was even more sensitive than before. She couldn’t help but blow a soft breath against it, feeling Xu Zhiyi burrow deeper into her arms like a shy kitten.

I… I was thinking about high school.

Her nose was filled with the pleasant sandalwood scent. Xu Zhiyi took a deep breath, allowing herself to indulge in it briefly. Only like this could she try to open her heart. On the day of the graduation ceremony, I asked you to stand at the very front.

Mm.

Pei Qingyan nodded seriously.

Actually, I just felt that as long as I could see you, I wouldn’t be nervous anymore. Xu Zhiyi’s voice grew lower and lower until it was barely audible.

She gripped the woman’s clothes tightly, not letting her see the flush across her face.

At that time, I think I already liked you, A-Yan.

She finally gathered the courage to say the words that were nine years late. The moment she finished, her heart seemed to stop for a second.

I know. The woman’s voice was laced with a tender smile, sounding quite pleased. So, let’s not miss out on each other again.

Miss out…

Xu Zhiyi looked up blankly, following the other’s gaze toward the Civil Affairs Bureau outside the window.

When did they arrive? She hadn’t noticed at all.

Let’s go. Pei Qingyan helped tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, gripping her hand with a bit of strength, yet not so much that she felt restricted.

…

People were coming and going; the Civil Affairs Bureau was exceptionally crowded today. Just as Pei Qingyan had said, it was an auspicious day.

Xu Zhiyi was led inside by the woman. They waited in line and submitted their documents; everything went incredibly smoothly.

Click.

The moment the shutter snapped, Xu Zhiyi suddenly felt a sense of dazed finality.

She should be happy.

Happy for their reunion after so many years, thrilled by the unchanging chemistry between them… there were so many things, too many to count.

Walking out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, before they could even get into the car, she suddenly heard someone calling her name. The voice was both strange and grating.

Zhiyi, why didn’t you tell me you were back in the country…

The man was somewhat disheveled. It was clear he hadn’t shaved in days, his beard thick and dense. His once handsome face had rounded significantly. If he hadn’t been wearing a high-end Versace coat, one would have taken him for an unremarkable passerby.

And you are?

Xu Zhiyi didn’t recognize him at first glance. As she wondered, she caught sight of the woman beside her, whose face had turned cold.

Pei Qingyan rarely showed such dislike in public. She had immense control over her emotions, always keeping her feelings hidden. But now, she was like a volcano on the verge of eruption, burning with intensity.

You really don’t remember me? I’m…

Jiang, you can get lost now.

Pei Qingyan dropped the sentence expressionlessly, emphasizing a certain word heavily.

In an instant, the man’s face turned bright red, the veins on his forehead bulging—the picture of humiliation.

But he was clearly wary of something. His hands clenched into fists, yet he hesitated, not daring to step forward.

Xu Zhiyi withdrew her gaze and sat in the back seat with the woman. The smile on her lips gradually faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

There shouldn’t have been so many twists and turns between her and Pei Qingyan. Like a beautiful fairy tale, one should have been able to guess the happy ending from the very beginning.

And that “but” was Jiang Huaian.