The Contract Bride Of The Cold CEO

Chapter 5 Unexpected Companionship, Subtle Warmth

After returning from the Lu family’s main residence, a subtle shift had taken place in the dynamic between Su Wan and Lu Shiyan.

Lu Shiyan began coming home far more frequently, no longer staying away for days on end as he once had. He still spoke little to her and kept a respectful distance, yet he kept revealing faint, unguarded acts of kindness in small moments.

He remembered that Su Wan disliked coriander, and would silently pick every piece out of her bowl during meals. He knew she feared the dark, and had servants leave a night lamp burning to light the corridor outside her room every evening. Whenever she visited her father at the hospital, he arranged a chauffeur for her, and had Chen Mo prepare nourishing supplements for her to take along.

Su Wan noticed all these quiet gestures, engraving them in her heart. She said nothing outwardly, yet a gentle warmth bloomed within her, and she began to see beyond the cold exterior of the man beside her.

One evening, Su Wan cooked noodles in the kitchen. She had loved noodles since childhood, especially late at night—one warm bowl would not only satisfy her hunger but also fill her with a quiet comfort.

She had just finished cooking and set the bowl on the table when Lu Shiyan walked in from outside. He looked worn out, weariness etched clearly between his brows.

“Mr. Lu, you’re home,” she greeted softly, then asked instinctively. “Have you had dinner? I made noodles. Would you like a bowl?”

Lu Shiyan paused in surprise. He had originally planned to have the servants prepare supper upon his return, and had not expected Su Wan to be cooking. The steaming bowl of noodles on the table emitted a rich, pleasant aroma, and an inexplicable warmth stirred in his chest. He nodded.“Very well.”

Su Wan hurried back to the kitchen and cooked another bowl, setting it before him with a carefully added poached egg.“Please try it, Mr. Lu. I hope it suits your taste.”

Lu Shiyan picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. The warm noodles slid gently onto his tongue, soft and savory with a delicate fragrance, melting away the exhaustion and chill that clung to him all day. He rarely ate such simple home-cooked food, yet he thought this humble bowl of noodles tasted better than any extravagant delicacy he had ever enjoyed.

“It is delicious,” he said quietly, his voice holding a faint, almost imperceptible softness. It was the first time he had ever complimented her of his own accord.

A faint smile bloomed on Su Wan’s face, bright and gentle like sunlight after rain.“I’m glad you like it. Whenever you come home late, I can make you some noodles.”

Lu Shiyan hummed in acknowledgment and said no more, eating in quiet silence. The living room was calm, only the soft clinking of cutlery breaking the stillness. There was no awkwardness between them at all—only a quiet, intimate warmth.

Once he finished, Su Wan cleared the bowls and went into the kitchen to wash them. Instead of retreating to his study, Lu Shiyan remained on the living room sofa, his gaze lingering toward the kitchen doorway, softness lingering in his eyes.

He found himself growing fonder of this quiet feeling: someone waiting for him at home, making him a warm bowl of noodles. A kind of warmth he had never once experienced in his life.

When Su Wan finished washing the dishes and stepped back into the living room, she was slightly confused to find him still seated.“Mr. Lu, is there something you need?”

Lu Shiyan pulled himself from his thoughts and shook his head.“Nothing. I’m just sitting for a while. By the way, how is your father’s recovery? If you need anything, tell Chen Mo to take care of it.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lu. He is recovering very well. The doctor said he will be able to be discharged from hospital before long,” she replied softly, brimming with gratitude. “There is nothing we need. You have already done far too much.”

“You need not thank me. It is merely part of our contract,” he insisted stubbornly, yet added gently, “If any difficulties arise, tell me at once. Do not carry everything alone.”

Su Wan nodded, her heart warmed.“I understand. Thank you, Mr. Lu.”

They sat together in the living room, chatting casually in slow, intermittent conversation. For the most part, Su Wan spoke of her father’s progress while Lu Shiyan listened, asking occasional questions. It was the first time since their marriage that they had spoken so calmly, setting aside all their emotional boundaries to interact like ordinary people.

As the night deepened, sleepiness overcame Su Wan, and she let out a small yawn. Noticing her weariness, Lu Shiyan spoke in a softer tone.“You should go rest. You have to visit your father at the hospital tomorrow.”

“Alright, Mr. Lu. You should rest early too.” Su Wan nodded and headed upstairs to her room.

Watching her figure disappear around the staircase, a gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He knew now that his feelings for this girl had transcended their mere contractual arrangement. He had begun to care for her, to feel tenderhearted toward her, and to truly wish to protect her wholeheartedly.

He did not know where these growing emotions would lead, nor how their cold contractual marriage would ultimately unfold. All he knew was that he no longer wished to see her wronged, no longer wanted her to feel lonely, and no longer desired to keep his distance from her.