Chapter 3: A Passing Game [3]

"You are quite dim, but at least you are pretty. How about we have a child who looks like you, but is as smart as me?" As Jing Nuo spoke, his fingers traced lightly across Wen Xiaorou’s cheek, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"Yes, yes," Wen Xiaorou nodded eagerly, her heart racing. Jing Nuo had finally acknowledged her; he was finally willing to have a child with her. She could hardly contain her joy. After waiting for him for ten years, he had finally accepted her, making her decade of devotion feel worth it.

"Rou-rou, do you really like me that much?" Jing Nuo asked as he began to unbutton her blouse.

"Yes," she replied softly. She truly loved him that much. Even though he didn't love her back, and even though he had only married her under the pressure of his father’s demands, she was content just being by his side every day. If he could ever love her in return, she would surely go to the temple to offer prayers of gratitude.

"Ah, Jing Nuo, your elbow is pressing on me," she finally spoke, breaking her long silence.

Outside the door, the elderly Mrs. Jing stood with her ear pressed against the wood, clutching the handle as she eavesdropped on the movements within. Although the bedroom door was not fully latched, the bedroom itself was set further back, so the old woman remained pressed against the frame. Only when she heard Wen Xiaorou’s cry did a smile finally spread across her face.

"At last, I shall have a great-grandchild," she murmured.

"Yes, yes, you should go back and rest now," Mrs. Jing’s mother sighed in relief, helping the older woman away.

Inside the bedroom, Wen Xiaorou, lost in her sudden happiness, had no idea what had transpired outside. She waited blissfully for Jing Nuo to proceed with conceiving their child.

"Why are you closing your eyes? Go wash up and get some sleep," Jing Nuo tapped her cheek lightly, then swiftly buttoned her shirt back up, watching the beauty beneath him with an intense gaze.

Wen Xiaorou’s face fell. She had been played again. Jing Nuo had deceived her once more, and tears welled up in her eyes. Every time a conflict arose, Jing Nuo would use some trick to appease the situation, and every time, she fell for it. This time, his performance had been so convincing that she hadn't doubted him for a second. She had played her part in his charade, wishing with all her heart that it hadn't been a performance, but rather his true feelings.

"You took it seriously?" Jing Nuo asked, rising from the bed as he looked at her with an expression of utter disbelief.

"No," she denied vehemently. If she admitted it, he would only look down on her more. She refused to let him see her that way and forced herself to appear strong.

"Wen Xiaorou, you should know exactly why I married you." Jing Nuo looked at the pathetic, aggrieved woman before him, feeling a flicker of annoyance. He was tired of this constant, mournful, and victimized look. It might have worked on his father, but it was nowhere near enough to fool him.

"I know," she replied. She climbed out of bed, retrieved her pajamas from the wardrobe, and walked toward the bathroom with a hollow, emotionless expression.

Wen Xiaorou understood better than anyone why he had married her. Had his father not threatened to donate the entire Jing family fortune to charity unless he married her, Jing Nuo would never have touched a cent of his inheritance.

She could not understand why the elder Mr. Jing was so fond of her, and Jing Nuo understood it even less. The mere fact that his own birthright depended on this woman was enough to ensure he could never bring himself to love her.