Chapter 291 - 287: Old-school Romance Female Lead 7

Chapter 291: Chapter 287: Old-school Romance Female Lead 7

Ji Xiaosong was a light sleeper, and the soft rustling sounds woke her early in the morning.

She opened her eyes to see Huo Chen standing before the full-length mirror, his long, nimble fingers tying a Windsor knot.

"Did I wake you?"

He looked at her through the mirror, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

Ji Xiaosong rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Seven o’clock."

Huo Chen turned, walked to the bedside, and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. "Go back to sleep for a bit. I had the kitchen prepare some shrimp dumplings, your favorite."

The natural, intimate gesture left Ji Xiaosong stunned.

Ever since that night at the hospital, Huo Chen’s attitude toward her had clearly changed. He was no longer as cold and distant as before; instead, his every action was suffused with gentleness.

"Today, you’re..." she began hesitantly.

Huo Chen fastened his cufflinks. "I have to go to the police station. Chen Mo is awake."

He paused. "Don’t worry, there are bodyguards downstairs. Someone will accompany you wherever you want to go."

Ji Xiaosong nodded. As she watched Huo Chen’s retreating figure, a warm feeling surged through her heart.

’Even though this marriage started as a transaction, Huo Chen is truly putting his heart into protecting me.’

After getting out of bed, she found a bouquet of fresh roses on the dining table, in addition to the shrimp dumplings. The card read: "To Mrs. Huo —H."

"The young master went to the greenhouse to pick them before dawn,"

the butler said with a smile. "He said he wanted the very freshest ones."

Ji Xiaosong’s cheeks grew warm. She lowered her head and ate her congee to hide the change in her expression.

After finishing breakfast, she decided to take a walk in the garden.

Just as she reached the courtyard, she saw several workers constructing a glass greenhouse.

"This is..."

"The young master ordered it," the gardener explained. "He said the madam likes roses, so he wanted to build a greenhouse where they can be admired year-round."

Ji Xiaosong’s heart trembled.

She had indeed mentioned that she liked roses during a casual chat once. She never expected Huo Chen to have taken it to heart.

Just as she was lost in thought, her phone rang.

It was a photo from Huo Chen. Chen Mo was lying in a hospital bed, his face black and blue, but he was conscious.

The message attached said: "He admitted Yang Yang orchestrated the car accident."

Ji Xiaosong sucked in a sharp breath and quickly replied, "What about Yang Yang?"

"On the run. The police have issued a warrant for her arrest."

Huo Chen immediately sent another message. "I’m taking you somewhere tonight."

Ji Xiaosong had never truly gotten over the fact that her fiancé had cheated on her with her best friend.

The old sayings about time healing all wounds or a new love replacing the old—none of it had helped her get over that mental hurdle.

But seeing Chen Mo in this state, she realized that any lingering dissatisfaction in her heart had vanished without a trace.

In the afternoon, while Ji Xiaosong was in the study handling work emails, Old Mrs. Huo paid a sudden visit.

"Ah, Xiaosong," Old Mrs. Huo said, taking her hand conspiratorially. "Grandma brought you something good."

She took an antique wooden box out of her bag. Inside was a pair of crystal-clear Jade Pendants.

"These are peace charms passed down in the Huo Family. One for you, and one for Chenchen."

Old Mrs. Huo put one on Ji Xiaosong herself. "They will protect you both, keep you safe, and let you grow old together."

Ji Xiaosong touched the smooth, warm Jade Pendant, and her nose suddenly tingled with the urge to cry.

Growing up, aside from her adoptive father, no one had ever treated her with such genuine kindness.

"Thank you, Grandma," she said softly.

Old Mrs. Huo patted her hand. "Silly child, we’re family. There’s no need for thanks."

She suddenly lowered her voice. "That boy, Chenchen, has never been good at expressing himself, but he truly cares about you."

Ji Xiaosong lowered her head, not knowing how to respond.

In the evening, Huo Chen returned right on time to pick her up.

He had changed into casual clothes, making him look much younger.

"Where are we going?" Ji Xiaosong asked curiously.

Huo Chen gave a mysterious smile. "It’s a secret."

The car drove into a vineyard in the suburbs, finally stopping in front of a European-style villa.

Under the setting sun, the entire building was enveloped in a golden glow, looking surreally beautiful.

"This is..."

"My private winery," Huo Chen said, taking her hand. "A wedding gift."

Ji Xiaosong’s eyes widened in surprise. "This is too extravagant. I can’t accept it."

"The deed is already in your name," Huo Chen said, leaving no room for refusal. "Come on, I’ll show you around."

The winery’s interior was elegantly decorated. The most eye-catching feature was the underground cellar, which housed a collection of famous wines from all over the world.

"This bottle," Huo Chen said, taking down a bottle of red wine, "was saved by my father the year I was born. He said to open it when I got married."

A warmth spread through Ji Xiaosong’s heart. "Then should we, now..."

"No rush." Huo Chen gently wrapped an arm around her waist. "We’ll wait for the wedding day."

Dinner was served on a terrace in the vineyard. The candlelight, fine wine, and Huo Chen’s gentle gaze—everything was as beautiful as a dream.

"Try this." Huo Chen cut a small piece of steak and held it to her lips. "It’s the Wagyu beef specially supplied to the winery."

Ji Xiaosong opened her mouth and took it. The meat was tender and juicy—truly delicious.

She suddenly realized this was the first time they had gone on a date like a normal couple.

"Why did you bring me here?" she couldn’t help but ask.

Huo Chen set down his wine glass, his gaze burning as he looked at her. "I wanted you to know that our marriage isn’t just a transaction."

Under the moonlight, his eyes were sincere and intense. Ji Xiaosong’s heart sped up, and her cheeks flushed.

On the ride back, Ji Xiaosong leaned against the window, gazing at the starry sky.

Huo Chen suddenly took her hand. "Are you tired?"

"A little," she admitted softly.

Huo Chen adjusted her seat so she could lean back more comfortably. "Get some sleep. I’ll wake you when we get home."

Ji Xiaosong drifted off into a drowsy sleep. When she woke up, she found herself being carried in Huo Chen’s arms as he walked toward the bedroom.

"Put me down..." she protested quietly.

"Don’t move," Huo Chen’s voice was low and gentle. "Be careful of the baby."

He gently placed her on the bed and knelt to help her take off her shoes.

This ruthless business Emperor, so cold in the eyes of outsiders, was now as considerate as any ordinary husband.

"Huo Chen..." Ji Xiaosong mustered up her courage and asked, "Why are you so good to me?"

Huo Chen paused and looked up at her. "Because you’re my wife."

"But at the beginning, we..."

"It started as a transaction."

Huo Chen stood up and leaned closer to her. "But it isn’t anymore."

His lips landed softly on her forehead. "Sleep. I’ll take you to pick out a wedding dress tomorrow."

Ji Xiaosong lay in bed, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom, her heart thundering in her chest.

She touched the Jade Pendant around her neck and suddenly realized she seemed to be falling into a sweet trap—and was enjoying every moment of it.

The next day, the designer from ML arrived as scheduled.

Old Mrs. Huo enthusiastically offered her advice from the side, while Huo Chen sat on the sofa, his gaze never leaving Ji Xiaosong.

"What about this one?" Ji Xiaosong tried on a mermaid-style dress and turned to ask for Huo Chen’s opinion.

Huo Chen’s eyes instantly deepened. "It’s beautiful."

He walked to her side and, under the watchful eyes of the designer and Old Mrs. Huo, gently kissed her on the lips. "My bride."

Ji Xiaosong blushed crimson, while Old Mrs. Huo beamed from ear to ear.

After lunch, Huo Chen received a call from the police station, informing him that Yang Yang had been arrested at the border.

Ji Xiaosong noticed his brows were tightly furrowed, and he didn’t seem pleased.

"What’s wrong?" she asked in a low voice.

Huo Chen put his phone away. "Yang Yang confessed to a few things."

He hesitated for a moment. "About your adoptive father."

Ji Xiaosong went completely still. "My adoptive father?"

"We’ll talk about it when we get back," Huo Chen said, patting her hand reassuringly.

Back in the study, Huo Chen took out a file. "Yang Yang admitted that the construction accident involving your adoptive father all those years ago was orchestrated by her father."

Ji Xiaosong felt as if she’d been struck by lightning. The scene of her adoptive father’s death was still vivid in her mind.

She had always thought it was an accident, never imagining... Huo Chen pulled her into his arms. "I will get justice for you."

Ji Xiaosong leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and suddenly, tears streamed down her face.

For all these years, she had been strong on her own. Now, she finally had someone to lean on.

"Thank you..." she said through sobs.

Huo Chen gently wiped away her tears. "Silly girl, there’s no need for thanks between a husband and wife."

That evening, Huo Chen cooked himself, preparing a few simple, home-style dishes.

Although the food was just average, Ji Xiaosong found it exceptionally delicious.

"It’s my first time cooking, so just make do," Huo Chen said, a little embarrassed.

Ji Xiaosong picked up some vegetables with her chopsticks. "It’s delicious."

She paused. "I never thought Mr. Huo knew how to cook."

"I learned from my grandmother," Huo Chen said, a rare look of nostalgia on his face. "After my parents passed away when I was a child, my grandmother would often cook to cheer me up."

The two of them ate and chatted, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

In the dead of night, Ji Xiaosong lay in bed, replaying the events of the past few days in her mind.

Everything Huo Chen had done for her had long since surpassed the bounds of their contractual marriage.

The bathroom door opened, and Huo Chen walked out, drying his hair with a towel.

He was wearing only a pair of pajama pants, and droplets of water still clung to his firm abs.

Ji Xiaosong quickly averted her gaze, only to hear Huo Chen let out a low chuckle. "Shy?"

"Who’s shy!" she said stubbornly.

Huo Chen walked to the bedside and suddenly leaned over, trapping her between his arms. "Mrs. Huo, we are a legally married couple."

His breath ghosted across her face, carrying the fresh scent of mint toothpaste.

Ji Xiaosong’s heart pounded like a drum, but she no longer resisted his approach.

"So..." she asked quietly, "are we going to... now?"

Huo Chen gave her a light kiss on the lips. "No rush."

He rolled over to lie beside her. "I’ll wait until you’re ready."

Ji Xiaosong turned on her side to look at his perfect profile and suddenly reached out to caress his face. "Huo Chen, thank you."

"Thanking me again?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Thank you..." she mustered her courage, "...for showing me that marriage can be this wonderful."

Huo Chen’s eyes instantly softened.

He took her hand and pressed a kiss into her palm. "This is just the beginning, Mrs. Huo."

Moonlight filtered through the curtains, falling upon the bed where two people, once strangers, now slept in an embrace like lovers who had known each other for years.