Mr. You's fictitious marriage

Chapter 3

At Qin Jiu's insistence, they organized a dinner party for their closest friends later that month.

As the tables were adorned with stunning crystal glasses and opulent silverware, the couple awaited the arrival of their esteemed guests. The night promised to be filled with sumptuous feasting and lively conversation, surrounded by a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Qin Jiu's business partners and investors also came to greet and congratulate them. Or maybe to steal a look at an infamous man who dared to deny the crown prince's wooing, as Qin Jiu joked once, who knows.

They stood together at the grand entrance, welcoming their esteemed guests, his eyes caught sight of his uncle and cousin, who were among the first to arrive. Yu Wen stammered and wasn't able to utter Qin Jiu's name. This earned him a bout of merciless teasing by said person. Old Yu asked You Huo to grant him a minute to talk somewhere else, as there haven't been that many people to greet yet.

As You Huo trailed behind his uncle, he already caught on to what troubled the old man—the furrowed lines etched deep into his brow.

"Xiao Huo," said Old Yu seriously when they entered the drawing room, "how do you fare these days?" You Huo confirmed his suspicions with that question: "I am well, uncle. You don't need to worry. Really, Qin Jiu is a good man. Didn't you say it yourself before?"

They settled into comfortable chairs by the fire, and a heavy silence descended upon them. You Huo was aware that Qin Jiu's wild personality and unorthodox ways were the sources of his uncle's worries, in addition to his personal dislike for his character.

The flames crackled and danced, casting long shadows across the room as Old Yu considered his nephew's words. At last, he spoke softly: "Nobody could truly know the other. More so after just a few brief days spent together. You Huo, I just don't want you to get hurt."

In the midst of a frantic month-long search for a spouse, You Huo's uncle surveyed a multitude of prospective candidates. Among all of them, he singled out Qin Jiu as the most agreeable choice. He told You Huo that while he sought only a stalking-horse of a spouse, he was also one who would offer kindness and respect to his chosen mate and leave you alone if you were not the person he found interest in. This was precisely what You Huo was looking for, and he promptly agreed to the union.

He wasn't interested in Qin Jiu's side of the story back then, as he didn't have that many demands. All he required was a mere façade of marriage and someone to accompany him to some of the social events of the capital, as his investors thought that a married person was a more dependable collaborator.

Now, he could not help but wonder why he hadn't tried to marry someone for whom he had even some semblance of feelings for. His dashing looks and impressive wealth were enough to make him the most sought-after bachelor in the city. Why would he go for a complete stranger? Was it merely a chance that brought them together, or was there something more?

Though Qin Jiu spoke of logical deliberation, You Huo could not bring himself to believe in such happenstances.

"You see? I'm perfectly fine, and we get along pretty well." He wanted to tell his uncle that he wasn't a little boy abandoned by his mother and execrated by his relatives. That he could stand up for himself and simply walk away from the people he doesn't get along with, just as he always did, now and before. But seeing his uncle's worry somehow made him swallow harsh words, ready to leave his mouth.

"I thank you for your thoughtfulness," he said, his voice low and even; "you need not fret over my well-being. I assure you, I am perfectly fine." His eyes met the older man's with steadfast determination, willing him to understand that he was no longer the helpless child who had been cast aside by his own kin; "You need not feel beholden to me for anything. Your kindness and generosity have always been more than enough. Relax and have a good time today, uncle. I shall see to it that you are properly taken care of; tea and refreshments will be brought shortly." Though his words were sharp as a blade, his tone was gentle, for he could not bear to see concern etched onto his uncle's kind face.