013 The Devaluation of Secondhand Goods

"Yeah, it looks pretty good, just like you."
"Right? Of course my dog would look like me," Gu Siyuan replied with a laugh, though as soon as the words were out, he realized something was off.
Why did it sound like Jiang Zeyu was insulting him?
"I barely got a word in with you during the last recording. I honestly didn’t notice when I misspoke that day. Xu Jiawei suddenly questioned me, wasn’t he doubting my relationship with Wanwan? I couldn’t let anyone question that, so I just blurted it out."
Jiang Zeyu tore his gaze away from the dog and fixed it on Gu Siyuan. "So, what’s your relationship with Wanwan?"
"We were almost engaged, that’s all."
"So now, you’re nothing," Jiang Zeyu replied coolly.
Gu Siyuan clicked his tongue, glancing left and right at Jiang Zeyu. "Hey, man, what did I ever do to you? Why are you always picking on me these past few years?"
"I’m not. You’re overthinking it."
"How could you not be? We used to get along fine. Now, every time you look at me, you look like you’re holding back a fire."
Jiang Zeyu’s lips curved in a sudden smirk. "At least you’re self-aware. Mind if I vent a little of that fire on you?"
Gu Siyuan immediately folded his arms over his chest and took two steps back. "Don’t you dare try to have it both ways—don’t get any ideas about me! I’d never do anything to betray Wanwan!"
Jiang Zeyu gave him a disdainful look. "Why don’t you shake your head a few times and see if you can hear anything rattling? Shake it a few more times—maybe something will come loose."
With that, Jiang Zeyu continued his slow jog.
It took Gu Siyuan an extra beat before he muttered, "Damn, he’s cursing me."

When Jiang Zeyu returned from his morning run, he happened to run into Qu Jin coming downstairs.
"Working out?"
"Yeah," Jiang Zeyu replied, toweling off his sweat.
Qu Jin was dressed in a black suit, fastening his cuff links as he spoke.
"What made you suddenly decide to do a variety show with her?"
There was no need for Jiang Zeyu to lie to Qu Jin; after all, he’d tried before and been seen through in an instant.
"I want my fans to get used to her, to accept her."
Qu Jin brushed past him. "Since you’ve married her, take good care of her. Wanwan doesn’t have to be with you—she has plenty of options."
"I know."
Qu Jin had just stepped out the door when their mother called out from the kitchen.

"Aren’t you eating breakfast? You think what you buy outside tastes better than what’s at home?"
"Mom, I’m in a rush for work."
"All you ever do is work, work. You think you’ll ever spend all the money you make in this life? You’re just like your father—all you men are obsessed with money."
Yu Mei scolded, her tone irritable, but as she turned and saw Jiang Zeyu standing by the stairs, her face instantly softened into a smile. "Zeyu, did you go for a run? You haven’t eaten yet, right? Go wash up and come down for breakfast in a bit."
"Okay, thank you, Mom."
"Oh, we’re all family here, no need for thanks."
Yu Mei had always liked this young man—good-looking, steady, smart, and most importantly, ever since he tutored their little troublemaker, her grades had improved by leaps and bounds.

When Jiang Zeyu returned to the room, Qu Wan was still fast asleep, hugging her pillow.
He took a quick shower in the bathroom and, upon coming out, noticed the quilt had been kicked to the floor.
Jiang Zeyu bent to pick it up, gently tucking one corner over her belly.
"Mm—"
Qu Wan rolled over, mumbling sleepily.
Jiang Zeyu smiled and tiptoed out.

Yu Mei regarded Jiang Zeyu just like a mother-in-law admiring her son-in-law—the more she saw, the more she liked him.
She was a hundred percent satisfied; the boy seemed perfect in every way.
He’d suffered a lot as a child, but thank goodness they found him in time.
"Is Wanwan still sleeping?"
"Yes."
Yu Mei shot an irritated glance upstairs. Why were other people’s children so diligent, and her own kids so clueless?
"Zeyu, you and Wanwan have been married for a year now—have you thought about having a child?"
"Ahem—" Jiang Zeyu, sipping his porridge, nearly choked.
"Slow down, the porridge is hot."
He coughed a few times, the tips of his ears tinged red. "We haven’t really thought about kids yet."
"You should think about it. Wanwan is already twenty-three. Having children earlier is better for her health—waiting too long can be dangerous."

"We’re both pretty busy with work right now. I think Wanwan’s still young—there’s no rush." Jiang Zeyu answered gently.
Qu Shangchong quickly added, "Wanwan’s still a kid herself—how could she take care of a baby? They’ve only been married a year, barely had time to enjoy married life. Having a child now would just put a strain on their relationship."
Yu Mei could only sigh. "Well, it’s up to you two. Talk it over with Wanwan."
"Of course, Mom, I’ll keep it in mind," Jiang Zeyu promised.
If Qu Wan wanted a child, then so be it. If not, Jiang Zeyu would never say a word about it his entire life.
All he wanted was for her to be safe and happy.

By the time everyone was nearly finished with breakfast, Qu Wan descended the stairs, yawning and rubbing her eyes.
As she reached the table, Jiang Zeyu stood and pulled out a chair for her.
"Why didn’t anyone call me for breakfast?"
Yu Mei glanced at her son-in-law fetching porridge in the kitchen, then at her own lazy daughter, and felt a burst of irritation. She’d been spoiled rotten as a child!
"You need someone to call you for breakfast? Afraid we’ll let you starve? Zeyu’s already been out running, your brother’s off to work, and you’re still lazing in bed. A star, really? Just look at yourself—sloppy as anything. Do you look like a celebrity at all?"
Qu Wan looked down at herself. She was just in pajamas with her hair loosely tied. Was it really that bad?
"Mom, I’m not a celebrity. I’m so far down the ranks, I don’t even deserve the title. He’s the real star—top of the A-list." She smiled at Jiang Zeyu as she spoke.
Yu Mei snorted. "You were doing fine at university, but you insisted on being an actress, taking on roles. Look at the projects you’ve done these past years! You turned your nose up at everything we arranged for you, dead set on the entertainment industry. It’s been nearly two years—what have you achieved?"
"Ahem, Mom’s pickled long beans are amazing—you have to try them," Qu Wan chose selective deafness and changed the subject, turning to Jiang Zeyu.
"Auntie’s cooking is always delicious," Jiang Zeyu picked up on the cue, steering Yu Mei’s attention away.
Yu Mei still managed to glare at her daughter.

When Jiang Zeyu went upstairs, Qu Wan sidled up to her mother.
"Can’t you give me a little dignity? Jiang Zeyu’s right here!"
"Why should I care? Zeyu’s a good kid—if he can’t handle me poking fun at you or exposing your flaws, then he’s not the man for you. My daughter doesn’t have to worry about finding someone to marry."
"So if I divorce Jiang Zeyu, won’t I be secondhand goods? That lowers my value."
"Nonsense! What nonsense so early in the morning? Divorce? Knock it off—no bad luck talk. You two had better behave."
Qu Wan grinned. "Got it!"