Chapter 7: He Has OCD
1099 Words
The Gu Family Mansion
Qinru and Shenyan entered the grand hall side by side, immediately noticing the middle-aged couple seated on the plush sofa. She knew these were her in-laws.
“Dad, Mom, you’re back,” Shenyan said, stopping in front of his parents with Qinru by his side. “This is my wife, Qinru.”
Yulin and Nansheng had already been briefed by the matriarch about the circumstances of this marriage. Since it was their son's choice, they had no objections.
“Madam, please serve tea to Mr. and Mrs. Gu,” Liu Ma said, presenting a tray to Qinru.
Qinru picked up a teacup and handed it to Nansheng, hesitating for a moment. “Dad, please have some tea.”
Nansheng took a sip and placed the cup back on the tray, then handed her a red envelope.
“Mom, please have some tea,” Qinru said, offering a cup to Yulin. Smiling, Yulin removed a jade bracelet from her wrist and gently placed it on Qinru’s.
“This bracelet has been passed down to each daughter-in-law in the Gu family. It’s finally my turn to pass it on.”
“Uh, this is too valuable. I can’t accept it,” Qinru protested, reaching to remove the bracelet, but Shenyan stopped her.
“Just keep it on,” he insisted.
“But...” Qinru looked conflicted. Yulin patted her hand reassuringly.
“Silly girl, when you have a son and he gets married, you’ll pass this bracelet on to his wife.”
“Yes, Qinru,” the matriarch added with a smile. “This bracelet has been in the family for eight generations now.”
Qinru blushed, realizing the Gu family was unaware of Shenyan's true nature. She wouldn’t be the one to reveal it.
“Thank you, Mom. I will cherish it.”
The butler approached and announced, “Dinner is ready, Old Madam.”
“Let’s eat,” the matriarch said, rising. Everyone followed her to the dining room.
Qinru and Shenyan sat together. He kindly placed various dishes onto her plate. “Eat more. You’re so thin a gust of wind could blow you away.”
“Thank you,” she replied, looking at the small mountain of food before her. When he continued adding more, she quickly covered her bowl with her hand. “That’s enough. Are you trying to fatten me up?”
“Do you see any pigs this cute?” he joked. The family exchanged surprised glances, noting his unusually good mood.
It had been a long time since they had seen him so relaxed. Qinru’s presence was evidently the reason, making them regard her with newfound appreciation.
Feeling the weight of their gazes, Qinru smiled awkwardly. “I really can’t eat this much.”
“Eat what you can. I’ll finish the rest,” Shenyan offered.
The family was shocked. Shenyan, known for his germaphobia, had never eaten anyone else’s leftovers. But now, he was willingly eating Qinru’s.
“Why are you all looking at me like that?” Qinru asked, puzzled by their expressions.
“You two seem to have a great relationship,” the matriarch said warmly. “Qinru, I believe you and Shenyan will be very happy together.”
Qinru glanced at Shenyan, knowing his actions were just for show. She nodded, “Thank you for your blessings, Grandma.”
After dinner, Qinru had eaten most of what was on her plate but struggled with the remainder. Embarrassed to waste food, she forced herself to continue.
“If you’re full, don’t force it,” Shenyan said, taking her bowl and finishing the remaining food himself.
“Um...” Qinru was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to follow through on his promise.
The matriarch and Yulin watched the couple, whispering to each other, “He’s finally changing. Thank heavens.”
Qinru sensed their glances and knew they were talking about her. She dreaded the disappointment they would feel if they ever learned the truth about her and Shenyan’s contractual marriage.
As the night grew late, everyone retired to their rooms. Qinru and Shenyan returned to their new bedroom.
After her usual shower, Qinru curled up on the sofa, tying her wrist to the armrest with a belt to prevent sleepwalking.
Hearing the bathroom door open, she quickly shut her eyes, pretending to sleep.
“Get up and dry my hair,” Shenyan commanded, tossing a towel onto her face. She opened her eyes, annoyed. “Didn’t you see I was already asleep?”
He stood there with only a white towel wrapped around his waist, looking effortlessly relaxed after his shower.
“Were you really asleep?” he countered, smirking.
Sighing, Qinru untied her wrist and sat up.
“Why are you tying yourself up with a belt?” he asked, chuckling.
“I’m afraid of sleepwalking and ending up in bed,” she admitted. Qinru had never realized she sleepwalked until recently.
Shenyan chuckled but turned his back to her, “Hurry up and dry my hair.”
“Alright,” she said, taking the towel and gently rubbing his hair, simultaneously massaging his scalp.
“Your technique is improving,” he noted, clearly enjoying it.
“Shenyan, can you please wear your pajamas after your shower?” she asked, exasperated. “We’re not a real couple, and it’s inappropriate for you to be undressed around me.”
“Nope,” he refused bluntly, confident in his physique.
“Fine, you’re the boss,” she conceded, knowing her objections were futile.
After drying his hair, she placed the towel down. “Your hair is dry, but I suggest not going to bed immediately. Sleeping with damp hair can cause headaches.”
“I’m used to it,” he replied.
As he reached for the towel, he stumbled, falling onto Qinru. She gasped, “What are you doing? Get off me!”
“My leg went numb,” he said, not moving. Qinru’s body stiffened, and she pushed at him, her voice trembling, “Please, get off.”
Realizing something was wrong, Shenyan finally released her. “What’s the matter?”
“Shenyan, I’m afraid of being touched by men,” she confessed, hugging her knees and fighting back tears. “I don’t want to deceive you. Earlier, when you asked if I was a virgin... I’m not.”
Shenyan already knew this, but he was more concerned about another issue. “Why are you afraid of being touched by men?”
This was crucial, as he had noticed her tension and stiffness during their interactions.
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