I Woke Up and Got Married Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Lin Weixing’s expression held a strange sense of emptiness.

He had arrived here ten minutes ago and had pretty much heard their entire conversation.

What surprised him was that Lu Zhiyue was actually married.

He had a partner, and their relationship seemed stable. It looked like they might even be holding a wedding soon.

As a married man, Lu Zhiyue was obviously straight, which meant his relationship with Chi Suinian was probably just a close friendship based on common interests.

Thinking that way, sharing a room didn’t seem so strange.

But looking at the way the two were positioned right now, Lin Weixing suddenly felt a strange sense of dissonance.

Chi Suinian had one hand on the sofa, cornering Lu Zhiyue like he was interrogating him.

Lu Zhiyue was smiling as he pinned down Chi Suinian’s leg, his arm naturally resting on Suinian’s lower back. No matter how you looked at it, there was an odd sense of intimacy.

…Even between the best of friends, this kind of posture and distance was a bit too much.

Since someone else was present, Chi Suinian didn’t pursue the matter and let go of Lu Zhiyue, sitting back in his seat with a tight expression.

Lu Zhiyue’s fingers curled slightly, as if the curve of the young master’s waist still lingered in his palm. He lightly rubbed his fingertips with a hint of regret.

After a moment, he looked at the dazed figure in front of him and clicked his tongue. “Mr. Lin, you need something?”

Lin Weixing blinked and came back to his senses. “Yeah… I do.”

He turned to Chi Suinian. “Suinian, I wanted to speak to you alone.”

Upon hearing that, Lu Zhiyue lifted his eyes and glanced at Chi Suinian, his index finger tapping gently on the table.

Lin Weixing said, “I was going to invite you to breakfast this morning, but you weren’t awake yet. Perfect timing—we can talk while we eat.”

“You knocked on my door this morning?” Chi Suinian caught the key point.

“Yes, he…” Lin Weixing glanced at Lu Zhiyue. “He didn’t tell you?”

Chi Suinian looked up lazily.

Lu Zhiyue curled his lips. “I forgot.”

Lin Weixing: “…” Liar!

Lin Weixing took a deep breath and calmed down. “Well, let’s go then. The chef’s already preparing the starters.”

“No need. I’ve already eaten,” Chi Suinian said, remaining seated.

“Then how about a drink?” Lin Weixing pressed on. “I have a wine cellar here with some good vintages. I think you’ll like them.”

Lu Zhiyue glanced up subtly and saw Chi Suinian looking calm, eyes empty of emotion. He lowered his gaze and let out a soft laugh. “He doesn’t have time—we’ve got plans later.”

Chi Suinian gave him a flat look. When did we ever agree on that?

Every time he was around Lu Zhiyue, he got so irritated he could cough up blood. Being with this man any longer and he’d probably lose years off his life.

Still, Chi Suinian didn’t expose him.

Lin Weixing was just an acquaintance from many years ago. They weren’t close—it was only because their families had lived on the same street and ran into each other occasionally. Chi Suinian had no interest in the guy’s wine cellar whatsoever.

“Really? What are you planning to do?” Lin Weixing asked. “I can arrange something for you—guaranteed top-notch experience.”

Lu Zhiyue said flatly, “We’re going back to the hotel to nap.”

Lin Weixing: “?”

“…”

Chi Suinian frowned, his lips parting slightly before deciding to say nothing. He simply turned his head and looked out the window.

“You still need something?” Lu Zhiyue asked.

Lin Weixing’s face turned a bit pale. Seeing that Chi Suinian had no intention of bailing him out, he gave an awkward chuckle before finally turning and leaving.

After he left, Chi Suinian raised a brow. “Room service?”

Lu Zhiyue smiled calmly. “Maybe I misread it.”

Recalling the earlier exchange, Chi Suinian asked, “You seem to really dislike Lin Weixing?”

Lu Zhiyue didn’t hide it. “A bit.”

Chi Suinian asked, “You two knew each other before?”

“Nope.”

Chi Suinian’s gaze shifted. “You messing with me?”

“No,” Lu Zhiyue said quickly. “We really hadn’t met before. I just don’t like him because…”

“Because he tried to get in the way of our marriage.”

Chi Suinian let out a cold laugh.

If he believed another word Lu Zhiyue said, he’d lose his own name.

—

After they’d eaten and left the restaurant, they passed by a young woman handing out flyers. She gave one to Chi Suinian.

It was an ad for a horse ranch. The photo showed a chestnut-red horse with a strong build, galloping freely with a dynamic, graceful form.

Chi Suinian had played with nearly every kind of vehicle in his life, but he had never ridden a horse before. Looking at the picture, he felt a rare itch of interest.

Noticing his gaze, Lu Zhiyue glanced down at the flyer. “Like horse riding?”

“Don’t know,” Chi Suinian replied, still staring at the picture. “Never tried it.”

“Then give it a shot,” Lu Zhiyue said. “They should have ponies for beginners.”

Chi Suinian immediately frowned. “You looking down on me?”

These days, even kids didn’t ride ponies.

Lu Zhiyue raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say you’ve never ridden before?”

“I’m a natural,” Chi Suinian lifted his chin. “I don’t need to learn. Keep the pony for yourself.”

Lu Zhiyue looked at his cocky expression and smiled silently.

·

The riding arena was built in the mountains—lush greenery, beautiful waters, and tall, well-bred horses kept safely within fences.

The manager walked with Chi Suinian and Lu Zhiyue outside the stables, briefly introducing the various horses. “…That’s pretty much all of them. I wonder how experienced you both are with horseback riding—have you done it before?”

Chi Suinian said, “Nope, first time trying.”

“No worries. We have some gentle Arabian horses here. They’re intelligent and typically not aggressive,” the manager said, leading them to one of the stables.

Chi Suinian noticed that one of the horses looked exactly like the one in the flyer. He pointed to the reddish-brown one, “That one.”

Then he glanced at Lu Zhiyue beside him and turned to the manager, asking, “Do you have any ponies here?”

The manager froze for a moment. “Yes, but we usually recommend those for children or female riders.”

Chi Suinian smirked, lifted his chin toward Lu Zhiyue, and said, “Perfect. Get one ready for him.”

Lu Zhiyue: “…”

So petty.

In the end, the pony didn’t make an appearance, because Lu Zhiyue turned down the idea of a guided session with an instructor—he planned to accompany Chi Suinian himself.

Chi Suinian was changing into riding gear, fastening the buckle on his helmet when he frowned. “You know how to ride?”

Lu Zhiyue led a horse out and replied, “I can more than handle keeping you safe.”

Chi Suinian froze mid-motion. “…Who said I needed you to protect me?”

Lu Zhiyue chuckled. “Fine. I’ll just lead the horse for you, how about that?”

Sure thing, Bajie.

Chi Suinian’s mood lifted. The corners of his lips curved slightly as he fumbled with the buckle on his helmet. After several failed attempts, he clicked his tongue in frustration.

“Let me take a look.” Lu Zhiyue leaned over.

Chi Suinian shifted away. “No need. I got it.”

Yet after minutes of trying, he still couldn’t get it fastened.

This damn thing was built like it was out to get him—no angle seemed to work.

…Damn it.

Why does something like horseback riding need this level of tech? Don’t they worry about guests not knowing how to use it?

“It’s a custom lock. You’ve probably never worn this type before,” Lu Zhiyue said calmly. “Let me do it.”

“I don’t—” Chi Suinian didn’t finish his sentence because he suddenly felt something graze the side of his face.

Lu Zhiyue had leaned in, his fingers brushing the side of Chi Suinian’s cheek, applying light pressure.

Chi Suinian was forced to tilt his face up. Before he could react, Lu Zhiyue’s warm fingers had already landed just above his Adam’s apple.

“…”

Chi Suinian frowned, ready to scold him for meddling. But in the corner of his eye, he spotted a few girls standing under a tree nearby, watching them with clear curiosity.

Chi Suinian’s half-open mouth shut again.

…Forget it. Making a scene would only be worse. He could settle scores with Lu Zhiyue later.

Lu Zhiyue focused on adjusting the straps, his expression serious. But Chi Suinian’s fair face kept moving within his view, and his Adam’s apple wouldn’t stop bobbing.

Lu Zhiyue let out a low laugh. “You thirsty or something?”

Chi Suinian kept his lips tight. “I’m not.”

“Then why…” Lu Zhiyue lightly scraped his fingertip across his Adam’s apple, “do you keep swallowing?”

“!!”

Chi Suinian froze like he’d been shocked.

That spot tingled like crazy, a heat blooming from his neck all the way to the tips of his ears.

…You’ve got to be kidding me.

Chi Suinian gritted his teeth and tried to pull back, but the helmet held his head in place—he couldn’t escape.

Lu Zhiyue pressed on his head. “Don’t move.”

Chi Suinian’s expression was ice cold, his whole body stiff with resistance. “Can you tie it or not? If not, get lost.”

Lu Zhiyue calmly finished securing the straps. “Done.”

He looked up, then suddenly paused and said, “…Why are your ears so red?”

Chi Suinian quickly stepped back two paces, flustered, and rubbed his ear. “None of your business. You strapped it so tight—trying to strangle me?”

Lu Zhiyue’s gaze swept over the loose strap beneath his chin. “Tight? I left plenty of room.”

Chi Suinian tensed under his stare and hurried away. “I’m the one wearing it. If I say it’s tight, it’s tight.”

Lu Zhiyue raised a hand, pretending to offer help. “Let me adjust it, then—”

“No need!”

Once they were ready, Lu Zhiyue brought out the tall horse. Chi Suinian’s eyes lit up as he stared at it.

“Remember what I told you?” Lu Zhiyue said. “Be careful.”

“Got it.” Chi Suinian raised a hand to stroke the sleek neck of the horse and then stepped into the stirrup to mount.

“Take it slow.” Lu Zhiyue reached out and held his wrist.

Chi Suinian used the support to swing himself onto the horse’s back.

“Don’t move too much. Sit straight and steady. Hold the reins tight,” Lu Zhiyue instructed. “Just walk around the ring slowly first.”

Most riders in the arena were beginners. The more experienced ones would take their horses out into the mountains and return later.

After a few laps in the enclosed area, Chi Suinian quickly got bored. The initial excitement wore off, and he said flatly, “Stop up ahead.”

Lu Zhiyue turned around. “Done already?”

“Not fun.” Chi Suinian looked toward the mountains. “Not like we can go out riding.”

“You want to?” Lu Zhiyue raised an eyebrow.

It wasn’t impossible—he was skilled enough to take Chi Suinian for a short ride into the mountains. A good chance to bond, too.

However, Chi Suinian rubbed his stiff back. “No.”

It wasn’t as fun as he’d imagined. His whole body felt tense, and he was constantly worried about falling off with every little movement from the horse.

“Alright then,” Lu Zhiyue said. “Let’s head back.”

·

Outside the riding arena, Pang Mingda was chatting happily with a business partner, and the two had even casually arranged to play golf together next Monday.

“President Pang, let’s leave it at that for today. I need to head back into the city. See you at the course next week.”

“Alright.”

After seeing the business partner off, Pang Mingda was about to turn away when his gaze suddenly froze upon spotting someone inside the arena—Lu Zhiyue, leading a horse.

He blinked and his body went rigid.

“President Pang?” his assistant whispered, “Would you like to ride a horse?”

Pang Mingda shook his head and pointed toward the arena. “Look over there. Help me take a look—isn’t that Xiao Yue?”

The assistant knew who “Xiao Yue” referred to. In the entire Jin City, only Pang Mingda had the privilege to call him that. He thought it was just a chance encounter with an acquaintance, but when he glanced at the arena, he froze too. “It really is President Lu… He’s… leading a horse???”

Who in Jin City had the audacity to let Lu Zhiyue lead a horse for them?

The assistant sized up the person on the horse—tall, long-legged, very attractive—but no matter how good-looking, he was still a man. For Lu Zhiyue to willingly lead a horse for someone like that… what kind of background did this person have?

Pang Mingda also found it strange. He patted his assistant on the shoulder. “Quick, check if Lu Corporation is in trouble. Why else would Xiao Yue be reduced to leading horses for others?”

The assistant glanced at Lu Zhiyue’s face, which wore a genuine smile, and thought—maybe he’s doing it willingly. But since Pang Mingda wanted to investigate, he nodded. “Okay, I’ll check the company’s financials right away.”

“Be quick,” Pang Mingda said, clearly worried.

·

Lu Zhiyue walked the horse back to the starting point. There were quite a few riders around, and no stool near the stable. He turned and said, “Don’t move. I’ll go get a mounting block.”

“I don’t need it,” Chi Suinian said. “It’s not that high—I can just jump down.”

“No,” Lu Zhiyue said seriously, which was rare. “Either I get the block, or I carry you down.”

Chi Suinian’s expression darkened instantly. “Get lost.”

Lu Zhiyue tied the reins to the wall and, still looking uneasy, walked off into the distance.

Only after he walked away did Chi Suinian suddenly come to his senses.

Wait a minute. Why was he just blindly listening to Lu Zhiyue?

It’s not like he was made of clay and would shatter from one fall. What did Lu Zhiyue think he was?

A delicate little flower?

Chi Suinian sneered at himself, judged the distance to the ground, and decided to get off the horse himself.

Just then, he heard hurried footsteps and a girl’s frightened scream: “Watch out! Everyone in front, move aside!”

On the field, a white horse had been startled and was now galloping wildly with a terrified girl on its back. The instructor shouted emergency commands from behind, but the girl was so scared she couldn’t process anything.

The white horse charged straight toward Chi Suinian.

“Miaomiao, get out of the way!” someone screamed.

Chi Suinian followed the voice and spotted a seven- or eight-year-old child nearby, dressed in riding clothes with rosy cheeks, happily drinking water—completely unaware of the danger approaching.

He didn’t have time to think. Instinct kicked in. He leapt off his horse and sprinted toward the child.

“Miaomiao!”

Chi Suinian couldn’t hear anything else. He dashed out of the stable, and just as he reached the child, the white horse was nearly on top of them. Amidst earth-shaking screams, his heart pounded wildly.

Lu Zhiyue had just turned back and saw the scene. His heart nearly stopped. “Chi Suinian!”

He dropped the stool in his hand and ran back with a pale face.

Dust flew as Chi Suinian rolled to the side with the child in his arms. The horse’s hooves brushed past his face with a powerful gust of wind.

The child, finally realizing the danger, started to sob softly in his arms.

Panting, Chi Suinian let go and collapsed onto the ground, catching his breath.

That was intense. He hadn’t thought at all when he rushed out, but now his legs were weak.

“Miaomiao! Miaomiao!” A young woman ran over, frantically checking the child from head to toe. She bowed repeatedly to Chi Suinian. “Thank you, thank you for saving my child. Are you okay? Should we take you to a hospital?”

Chi Suinian propped himself up, one knee bent. “Take the child out first. I’m fine.”

The woman offered more grateful bows, and after making sure he wasn’t injured, finally left with the child.

Chi Suinian pressed on his shaky leg and gave a wry smile.

Clearly, he wasn’t cut out to be a hero. His body was too weak—he’d probably just end up being a burden.

In the distance, the frightened white horse had been calmed, and the girl on its back had been helped down.

No casualties—just a scare.

Chi Suinian let out a long breath of relief.

Behind him, familiar footsteps approached. Lu Zhiyue, for once, showed rare and unfiltered anger. He squatted beside Chi Suinian, staring at his bent leg for two full seconds. “Where are you hurt?”

Chi Suinian rubbed his calf. “I’m fine. Just a bit shaky… huh?”

His voice shot up in surprise.

He stared in disbelief and confusion—

Lu Zhiyue had picked him up in a bridal carry.

A very undignified pose.

The riding arena was still abuzz with post-scare chatter. People were energetically discussing the incident, but the brave guy who saved the day was now being carried out like a helpless damsel—how embarrassing.

“Put me down,” Chi Suinian said stiffly. “Everyone’s watching. If you’re not embarrassed, I sure am.”

Lu Zhiyue said nothing, didn’t even spare him a glance, and just kept walking forward.

“?”

Chi Suinian raised his eyebrows and glanced at Lu Zhiyue’s tense profile.

A rapid, thunderous heartbeat thudded against his ears, nearly deafening him. He took a few deep breaths to calm down.

Then he realized—his own heartbeat had returned to normal.

So whose heartbeat was that?

---

Sia- Hi Readers!!! I’m trying my best to be consistence, but due to some schedule changes I’ll be updating 1 chapter a week, (preferably on Fridays). Please continue reading and enjoy the story. ( •̀ ω •́ )✧