LOVE FRAGMENTS

THE HONEYMOON DILEMMA

The feelings between the two were difficult to define, yet even a passerby like Jiang Nuan could easily sense that something was off. Gu Antong and Si Zhenxuan appeared strange together — not like a couple at all.

Jiang Nuan’s lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile. “I see those dark circles under your eyes. Seems like you haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

Gu Antong’s expression changed slightly. Clutching two red books tightly in her hands, she turned to leave — but accidentally bumped into someone.

Si Zhenxuan caught her, steadying her by the shoulders. His cold gaze swept over Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan.

“Yueyun,” he said flatly, “you owe Antong an explanation. She’s my wife now. Be mindful of your actions — for the sake of our brotherhood.”

Si Yueyun forced a strained smile. “Yes, big brother said so.”

As Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan walked away, Si Zhenxuan released Gu Antong’s shoulder and slowly lit a cigarette.

Gu Antong watched him in silence. His sharp features, calm demeanor, and tall frame exuded quiet authority. He was undeniably an exceptional man — but there was a distance about him, an invisible wall that made him hard to approach. Everything he did in public seemed for show; the warmth vanished once no one was watching.

From today onward, he would be her husband. Yet she could feel no trace of tenderness from him.

The flame from the lighter flickered as he took a slow drag of his cigarette.

“Before we go home,” Si Zhenxuan said coolly, “let’s establish three rules.”

Gu Antong nodded silently.

“You understand why I married you. Outside, I’m your husband — I’ll protect your reputation. But at home, I’d like us to have our own space.”

A gentle breeze lifted strands of her hair, half-shadowing her eyes. She looked fragile, almost lost.

“Second,” he continued, “if you expect me to fulfill my... husbandly duties, I’m afraid I can’t do that right now. And third — if you ever find someone you truly love, you may divorce me. I won’t stand in your way. Just don’t let it become a scandal.”

His calm, emotionless words shattered what little hope she still held.

So, he was giving her freedom — freedom to find love elsewhere, as long as no one found out.

Gu Antong managed a bitter smile.

“Perfect,” she said softly. “You’re not my type anyway. And if you fall in love with someone else, feel free to divorce me. Just make sure I don’t have to watch it happen.”

With that, she turned away, determined not to let him see her tears.

She had thought that Si Zhenxuan’s heart might have a hint of warmth — but she had been wrong.

“Aren’t you coming back with me?” Si Zhenxuan called out behind her.

“No,” she replied calmly without looking back. “Tell your parents I want to visit home today. I have a few things to take care of.”

He gave a slight nod. “Alright. Let’s go.”

The Gu family was not an ordinary business family. They had introduced Western ideas into China and engaged in international trade, but their true pride lay in their heritage and culture.

Gu Antong and her elder brother, Gu Nianguang, had both received top-tier education since childhood. Yet, unlike their father, Gu Nianguang had little interest in business. His heart was devoted to preserving Chinese culture, running several antique shops across the country — earning him a quiet prestige in Fengcheng.

Out of love for her family, Gu Antong had agreed to the arranged marriage with the Si family. She hadn’t expected it to turn into such a mess.

Gu Nianguang felt deeply guilty. If he’d taken more interest in family affairs, perhaps his sister wouldn’t be suffering now.

When Gu Antong returned home, she packed her belongings and reassured her family that she was fine. She didn’t want her brother to blame himself.

As he helped her pack, Gu Nianguang spoke quietly. “Lu Qiyan reached out to me yesterday.”

Gu Antong paused, frowning slightly. “Why didn’t you tell me? We’re still friends — even if I’m married.”

“I can’t stop teasing you,” he said with a grin. “He asked about your situation. Said that if your husband’s family was mistreating you, he’d come help you out himself.”

Gu Antong gave a faint chuckle. “You always say that, but what’s the point? Even if he was kind to me, he never showed any romantic interest.”

Just then, her phone rang. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Antong?” Si Zhenxuan’s low voice came through the line.

She was surprised to hear from him. “I’m at home — didn’t I tell you?”

“Yes. But please come back,” he said, his tone unusually tense. “Something’s happened.”

Her heartbeat quickened. Could it be Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan again?

Even if Si Zhenxuan had drawn a line between them, they were still husband and wife in name — they had to face certain things together.

“I’ll be back soon,” she said.

When she arrived at the Si residence, the atmosphere was different. This time, Si Hanxiang and Wei Yulan were waiting for them in the large study — not Si Yueyun or Jiang Nuan.

Gu Antong sat beside Si Zhenxuan, smiling politely.

“Mom, Dad — is something the matter?”

Wei Yulan’s smile was warm but calculated. “Your father and I have been talking. Since you’re newly married, Zhenxuan shouldn’t be working so much. You two should go on a honeymoon.”

Gu Antong blinked in surprise. “But Mom, Dad, we—”

“Why not?” Wei Yulan interrupted with a laugh. “If you don’t, people will gossip.”

Gu Antong hesitated. Given Si Zhenxuan’s “three rules,” the idea of a honeymoon was laughable.

“I heard from Zhenxuan that the company’s very busy this month,” she said carefully. “We wouldn’t want to delay his work.”

Si Hanxiang waved her off. “You can’t think like that. Marriage is once in a lifetime. If you don’t go on a honeymoon, people might think you two aren’t getting along.”

Gu Antong felt cornered and glanced helplessly at Si Zhenxuan.

He cleared his throat. “Mom, isn’t this suggestion from Yueyun? The company is at a critical point. If I leave, can my brother handle it?”

The air in the room thickened. Gu Antong instantly realized this had Jiang Nuan’s fingerprints all over it. Once again, Wei Yulan and Si Hanxiang seemed to favor Yueyun over Zhenxuan.

Despite his position as executive director, Zhenxuan’s achievements were often overshadowed by family politics. Meanwhile, Si Yueyun — the pampered younger son — came and went as he pleased.

Gu Antong decided to speak up.

“Mom, Dad, maybe we should think about the company’s interests first. We can always go on a honeymoon later.”

Wei Yulan folded her arms. “We just want to test you two a little.”

Gu Antong’s patience snapped. “A test? To see if I’m good enough for Zhenxuan — or if my family background meets your expectations?”

“No, no — that’s not what your mother meant,” Si Hanxiang interjected quickly. He turned to them with a gentler tone. “We only hope to strengthen your bond. And perhaps… welcome a Si family grandchild soon.”

Gu Antong stiffened, her temper rising again. So that’s what this is really about.

Si Zhenxuan’s grip on her hand tightened — calm and cool as ever.

“Alright,” he said. “I understand. I’ll wrap up work today, and then we can decide on our honeymoon destination.”

Gu Antong turned to him in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to agree.