Chapter 57: Tormenting the Lonely

Lin Xi was stunned for a moment when she heard him call her that. It was the first time she’d heard such an affectionate, tender nickname from him, and though she felt shy, a sweet warmth spread through her heart.

“What is it?” Lin Xi protested, but the corners of her lips rose as she smiled at him. “Why are you suddenly calling me that? It’s so cheesy!”

Lu Yuxiu reached out and took her phone, refusing to let her be distracted by reading comments. “Your fans all call you Little Xi or Xi Xi, but I’m your boyfriend. I have to be different from them.”

Lin Xi hadn’t expected that to be his reason. Smiling, she propped her chin in her hand and regarded him leisurely. “God Xiu, if your fans found out how childish you are—so particular about a nickname—they’d surely unfollow you!”

He didn’t react much, just sat casually, raised an eyebrow, and gazed straight at her. “That’s not my concern. As long as you belong to me alone.”

After he spoke, Lin Xi felt a spark ignite at her ear, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

Suddenly, silence settled between them. Neither spoke for a moment, but their eyes met, sweet as honey.

Being in love truly changes a person—reservedness, coolness, slow warmth are replaced by passion, delight, and deep affection, all because you’ve found someone worthy.

Once you meet him, you can be a spoiled, willful princess, acting out and being unreasonable without fear that he’ll ever leave.

Lin Xi leaned in, touched Lu Yuxiu’s face, her eyes earnest and devout. “Xiu, thank you.”

Thank you for appearing in my life, for showing me that I too can be someone’s only one—cherished, pampered, and valued.

His fingers pressed to her reddened lips, his gaze burning into her. “There’s no need for thanks between us.”

He carried a faint, fresh scent and his unique, sharp aura that made her want to nestle into his arms, nodding gently.

-------------------------------------

A few days before the wedding, Lin Xi went with Wen Jin and Guo Yao to the shop to try on bridesmaid and groomsman attire. Lu Yuxiu accompanied them, as he too would attend the wedding as a friend, in the capacity of “Lin Xi’s boyfriend.”

With two bridesmaids, there had to be two groomsmen. When the four arrived, the other groomsman was already there—Yan Xu.

According to Guo Yue, Yan Xu’s presence always felt like a spring breeze, though her brothers were unaware. Lin Xi, however, had seen his skills firsthand and thought him best described as a “smiling tiger”—someone who could, with a laugh, end a life. After all, those at her eldest brother’s side were never ordinary.

Guo Yao pushed open the door; that gentle, elegant young man was adjusting his tie in the full-length mirror. His features were handsome, his face soft, tall and graceful, dressed in a noble deep blue suit—a true vision of a refined gentleman.

“Hey, Yan!” Guo Yao strode up, draping an arm around his shoulder. Lin Xi approached, smiling brightly as she greeted him.

“Brother Yan Xu, I didn’t expect you’d return to the country!” Lin Xi teased, “Are you here on behalf of my big brother?”

“You little rascal!” Yan Xu flicked her forehead. “What, do I need your brother’s permission to come home?”

The intimacy of the gesture irritated Lu Yuxiu, but he knew Lin Xi’s friendships weren’t his place to meddle—it was her freedom.

“Haha!” Lin Xi giggled and ducked behind Lu Yuxiu, who quietly took her hand.

“By the way, let me introduce you,” Guo Yao said, noticing Wen Jin blinking at them, feeling tender-hearted. He wrapped an arm around Wen Jin’s waist.

With a hint of pride, he raised his brows at Yan Xu, then gently kissed Wen Jin’s forehead. “This is my girlfriend, Wen Jin.”

Yan Xu’s lips curved into a charming smile. He nodded politely, joking, “Hello, little Jin. To have tamed Yao the big devil, you must be impressive!”

Wen Jin hadn’t expected him to be so amiable. She smiled in return, taking it as a greeting.

“Do I need to introduce this one?” Guo Yao gestured toward Lu Yuxiu.

Yan Xu’s gaze flicked between Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi, and he reached out to Lu Yuxiu. “So this is the famous God Xiu from home? I’ve heard much about you!”

Lu Yuxiu’s expression was calm. He shook hands. “Hardly. I’m Lu Yuxiu.”

“So the rumors are true! Our little princess has grown up and found someone special,” Yan Xu smiled, warm as spring water.

“Mhm.” Lin Xi lifted her chin, proudly linking her arm through Lu Yuxiu’s, which left him with nothing to complain about.

“Where’s Guo Yue? I haven’t seen him since I got back,” Yan Xu asked.

Lin Xi waved her hand dismissively. “Third brother is busy—he’s handling every detail of the wedding himself, determined to give third sister-in-law the grandest, most unforgettable memory. I envy her!”

Wen Jin nodded fervently at her side; the big boss really was a good man!

Guo Yao, attentive, pinched Wen Jin’s nape and leaned his forehead against hers, chuckling softly. “No need to envy anyone. My baby will have it too.”

Wen Jin gave a brilliant smile, her gaze pure and luminous, like a spotless star in the sky.

The two went hand in hand to try on outfits.

“Go ahead, I’ll wait for you in the café outside,” Yan Xu glanced at the two couples, stroked his watch, and walked toward the lobby.

Lin Xi tugged at Lu Yuxiu’s sleeve, choosing bridesmaid dresses.

“Are we going to the wedding venue later?” Lu Yuxiu wrapped her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, matching her steps as she browsed.

Their intimacy drew envy from others; the staff whispered that the sweetness was overwhelming.

“Yes, third sister-in-law is staying at her parents’ house and knows nothing about the process. I’ll guide her through everything, so this afternoon I need to walk her through the ceremony,” Lin Xi explained as she searched for a suitable dress.

The bridesmaid dress couldn’t be too flashy nor too plain—a troublesome task. Lin Xi placed her small hands atop his around her waist, patting them. “Help me find one—not too eye-catching but dignified.”

She tilted her face, cheek pressed to his, and Lu Yuxiu refused to let go, unconsciously picking up her soft little hand to knead, occasionally kissing her cheek.

“Stop messing around,” Lin Xi said, giggling from his touch.

“I can’t decide. Anything you wear is the most beautiful,” he declared, speaking his sweet words without a hint of embarrassment.

Lin Xi had to admit she was thoroughly pleased, her lips curving high. “Be serious—we’re talking business.”

“Baby, I’m jealous,” Lu Yuxiu suddenly lowered his voice, burying his face in her collarbone, lazy and husky.

“Hm?” His voice dropped, and Lin Xi caught the word “jealous,” suddenly realizing that God Xiu was acting spoiled with her.

“Hehehe.” Lin Xi laughed softly, raising a hand to stroke his hair. “How did our God Xiu learn to be so coy? That’s against the rules!”

Lu Yuxiu couldn’t explain it—he just wanted to cling to her, to hold her completely, to fill her with his presence, to have her belong solely to him.

Only then did Lin Xi realize that he’d never been so attached to her in public; it was unusual. She thought carefully and understood his little dilemma.

She turned in his arms, stood on tiptoe, and wrapped her arms around his waist, speaking solemnly. “I promise you, I’ll keep my distance from men from now on, and won’t let your jealousy get the best of you again!”

Lu Yuxiu was surprised—his girl understood everything, and not only did she not resent his possessiveness, she made him a promise.

His arms tightened around her slender waist, holding his precious girl firmly against his chest, leaving no gap. His fingertips traced down her long hair, soothing her back.

“Baby, I was never the proactive type. As my father says, I’m slow to warm up and reserved. Meeting someone who understands me—and whom I love—is my luck.” He loosened his hold just enough to look her in the eyes.

Lin Xi smiled dazzlingly at him, her eyes radiant. “Xiu, I love you—not for practical reasons, nor at first sight, but as a gentle, enduring flow.”

Love is a game, too. You spoil me, and I must spoil you in return.

He cherished her like a treasure, indulged her endlessly, always yielding and attentive. Yet, this made her nervous, unsure if she could bear such deep affection.

In childhood, we all dreamed of love sworn upon mountains and seas; as adults, we learn love isn’t unbreakable, nor is it rewarded by effort. She feared the unknown, the changes the future might bring.

Before that day comes, all she could do was wholeheartedly cherish his goodness, not daring to imagine forever, only focusing on the present, as they accompanied each other.

On the other side, Guo Yao and Wen Jin were picking out their outfits.

“Why don’t we choose for each other and see if we like it?” Wen Jin looked anxiously at the rows of bridesmaid dresses, like books in a library—so many, so hard to choose. Men’s attire seemed easier.

“Alright.” Guo Yao saw the flicker of worry in her eyes, patted her head gently, never hesitating. “Let’s meet at the fitting room door.”

He then patiently scanned each piece, unhurried.

Wen Jin felt a warm glow in her heart. People said Guo Yao was unruly, but she knew he had a warm heart, always thinking of her. To be cherished so deeply—it was like being the heroine in a story.

Wen Jin picked a classic black tailcoat suit for Guo Yao and waited quietly.

A few minutes later, Guo Yao strode in with a pale pink dress. Wen Jin heard his footsteps, turned, and waved, smiling sweetly and adorably, making his heart itch.

He hurried over and took the suit from her hands—this silly girl had been carrying it without complaint.

“I’m a bit late—sorry to keep you waiting, sweetheart.” He bent down, brushing her nose with his, making Wen Jin blush and whisper, “There are people around.”

Guo Yao placed the outfits on a nearby chair, pulled her into his arms, the fullness in his embrace instantly lifting his mood.

He soothed her gently, “Don’t worry, no one dares take a picture. I’ve got you covered—just hold me tight.”

“Sweetheart, stay in my arms like this from now on. You don’t need to worry about a thing. If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you. Your only job is to be happy.” His rich, steadfast voice sounded above her head.

Wen Jin felt endlessly comforted. At last, she had someone to rely on. She dared not wish for the future; only now, this man was entirely hers, and she buried herself deeper in his chest.

A passing staff member muttered, “&％####!!” Why did they have to feed her so much dog food today!