Volume 1, Chapter 9: Mr. Rong Has Coaxed Himself Into a Good Mood

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Sang Haining never believed her marriage to Rong Shaoqin would last long. She didn’t want to get pregnant either. Moreover, Rong Shaoqin was seeing someone else on the side, so for health reasons, using protection was safer. She kindly reminded him. Then she added, “I’m allergic to latex; you need to buy polyurethane ones.”

Rong Shaoqin seemed to be lost in thought. After a moment of silence, his expression suddenly darkened, and without a word, he got up and went to the bathroom. Sang Haining felt puzzled. She knew his displeasure must be about the condoms. But last time, he himself had said that he wanted to use protection because he didn’t want children for now.

Lately, Rong Shaoqin’s moods had become unpredictable. Her role as the ‘backup’ felt increasingly exhausting. She had to constantly guess what her boss was thinking. Yet, thinking of the twenty thousand yuan monthly ‘salary,’ she felt somewhat reassured.

Diligently, Sang Haining got up to tidy the room. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Under the shower, Rong Shaoqin was indeed unhappy. His irritation stemmed from Sang Haining’s serious reminder about buying condoms, as if she was resisting physical intimacy with him. But on second thought, it was he who had suggested using protection in the first place. She was simply complying with his wishes. She was so clever and considerate, always putting him first, whether it was a big or small matter.

With that thought, the irritation in Rong Shaoqin’s heart vanished instantly. After finishing his shower, he came out to find the bed sheets freshly changed. Sang Haining handed him a cup of warm water. Rong Shaoqin took the cup as if nothing had happened and spoke to her casually, just as usual. After drinking, he lay down to rest.

Originally, Sang Haining wanted to say something to ease the mood. Unexpectedly, he had already calmed down within a short time. Her face creased in slight frustration.

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It is often said that a woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea. Rong Shaoqin was even harder to read, increasingly difficult to handle. However, since he no longer seemed upset, Sang Haining didn’t bother to dig deeper. She was tired too. After showering, she lifted the covers and lay down.

Behind her, Rong Shaoqin’s strong, warm body pressed close. Sang Haining let him hold her waist and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

Time flew to Sang Haining’s birthday. As expected, Grandmother Rong was displeased that Rong Shaoqin hadn’t come with Sang Haining. Sang Haining covered for him, saying, “He had an urgent matter to handle at the last minute.”

Grandmother Rong complained, “I’m going to call him myself to ask what urgent matter is so important that he neglects his wife’s birthday, such an important day.”

“Nana,” Sang Haining quickly stopped her, “Shaoqin said he’d come by noon. Besides, work matters are important.”

“You’re a soft-hearted child, good in every way except that,” sighed Grandmother Rong. “You always give in to Shaoqin, making him think you’re easy to push around.”

Sang Haining helped Grandmother Rong sit down and handed her tea. “Shaoqin doesn’t bully me; he treats me well.”

Grandmother Rong had a clear measure of her grandson’s character. She held Sang Haining’s hand and said, “Haining, be honest with me. You don’t have to hold back your anger; Nana will stand up for you.”

To Sang Haining, her relationship with Rong Shaoqin was merely the duty of a wife to her husband. There was no love, so how could there be anger?

She smiled with lowered eyes. “Nana, you not only remembered my birthday but also invited several uncles and aunts to celebrate with me. I’m more than happy.”

Grandmother Rong studied Sang Haining’s expression but still felt uneasy. Sang Haining sat down, linking her arm with Grandmother Rong’s. “Do you remember how you and Grandma tried so hard to matchmake me and Shaoqin?”

“Of course,” Grandmother Rong’s memory was sharp despite her age. At that time, she had really threatened to hang herself in front of Rong Shaoqin. She still remembered how dark her grandson’s face had turned. Thinking back now, it was quite amusing.

Sang Haining leaned affectionately against Grandmother Rong and said seriously, “Do you know why I finally chose to marry Shaoqin?”

It was the first time Sang Haining had brought up this topic, and Grandmother Rong asked curiously, “Why?”

“Because I liked you,” Sang Haining said earnestly. “I married into this family because of you. Which other granddaughter-in-law has such a wonderful grandmother? I must have performed great deeds in my past life to deserve you in this one.”

Grandmother Rong’s face broke into a wide grin.

The entire living room was filled with her hearty laughter.

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Sang Haining whispered something into Grandmother Rong’s ear, making her laugh until she nearly choked. Thanks to Sang Haining’s lightheartedness, Grandmother Rong completely forgot about Rong Shaoqin.

The whole morning passed in busy happiness and laughter.

Meanwhile, Rong Shaoqin was already driving to pick up Luo Qingyao.

“Brother Shaoqin,” Luo Qingyao said as she climbed into the passenger seat.

She appeared delicate and fragile, her complexion pale. Even wearing a thick coat, her frailty was evident.

Rong Shaoqin glanced at her lips, which lacked color. “I haven’t had time to visit you lately. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

Luo Qingyao was born with a complex congenital heart disease known as Tetralogy of Fallot. She had undergone heart surgery, which could only improve but not cure her condition, so she had been weak since childhood.

Pulling her coat tighter, Luo Qingyao smiled, “No, I’m doing fine.”

“Remember to go for your check-ups on time.”

“Okay.”

“Let’s first go pick out a gift,” Rong Shaoqin said as he started the car.

Luo Qingyao nodded.

They arrived at a high-end mall. Luo Qingyao liked diamonds, so Rong Shaoqin took her to buy a bracelet.

At another counter, diamond rings were displayed. Rong Shaoqin’s gaze drifted over.

He recalled that in over a year of marriage, he had never bought a diamond ring for Sang Haining.

Unconsciously, he walked over to that counter and pointed at a five-carat diamond ring in the center. “Take this one out for me to see.”

Luo Qingyao came over. Seeing Rong Shaoqin selecting a diamond ring for her, her pale face flushed with a faint excitement.

She knew all too well what it meant when a man gave a woman a diamond ring.

Taking a deep breath, Luo Qingyao suppressed her excitement and feigned calm. “Brother Shaoqin, why are you buying a diamond ring?”

Rong Shaoqin’s expression was indifferent. “It’s for your sister-in-law. Today is her birthday.”

Luo Qingyao’s smile froze instantly.