Hearing Shen Huaizhi’s question, Jiang Heng instinctively looked up at the elderly professor on the podium.
The professor, though advanced in age, had an easygoing demeanor. Comparatively, Jiang Heng quite enjoyed his lectures—if only the professor weren’t currently watching them with a kindly expression that felt entirely too focused.
Jiang Heng suppressed his irritation, forced a smile, and snatched the notebook from Shen Huaizhi. Pretending to be a diligent student, he lowered his voice and gritted out, “Don’t push your luck.”
It’s often said that when two people are together for a long time, their habits and personalities begin to resemble each other, even their appearances.
Jiang Heng couldn’t tell whether he had been influenced by Shen Huaizhi’s bad habits, Shen Huaizhi had picked up his own shamelessness, or Shen Huaizhi’s true colors had simply emerged.
Shen Huaizhi chuckled softly but didn’t press the issue. He figured there’d be plenty of opportunities for Jiang Heng to call him “husband” later.
Nodding politely at the professor, Shen Huaizhi retrieved the notebook again. “Go ahead and sleep. I’ll take notes for you.”
Jiang Heng really had been feeling tired the past few days. If he tried to take notes, they’d likely be illegible within minutes.
It was better to let himself rest for a bit.
Besides, after returning home during the National Day holiday, things would likely get even busier, leaving him with little to no time to rest.
Thinking of this, Shen Huaizhi tightened his grip on the pen.
He wasn’t suffering from pre-wedding jitters, but there was a trace of nervousness.
With Shen Huaizhi’s reassurance, Jiang Heng stole a few more glances at the professor. Seeing that the man was no longer looking their way, he relaxed and laid his head down for a quick nap.
Lectures were the best lullabies.
Before long, he was fast asleep.
With Shen Huaizhi by his side, Jiang Heng always slept peacefully.
That same day, a new hot post appeared on the university’s online forum.
“Jealous! I want a boyfriend like this! [Photo attached]”
The attached photo showed Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi in class. Jiang Heng was leaning on the desk, sleeping soundly, while Shen Huaizhi was diligently taking notes.
The photo had been taken in secret, but the lighting was perfect. The afternoon sunlight cast a golden glow around the two of them, as if enveloping them in a warm halo.
“Correction: it’s husband, isn’t it? Aren’t they already married?”
“Damn, why did I click on this post? I’m dying of jealousy. This is peak romance. And they’ve been together since high school!”
“Exactly! And they’re each other’s first love!”
“Thanks for the invite. I was in the same class today. Jiang was sleeping, and the professor called on him to answer a question—totally on purpose, I think. But his husband made a ‘shh’ gesture to the professor, stood up, and answered the question himself! And he got it right! No wonder he’s the top student at Z University. (P.S. The professor had the same jealous expression as the rest of us. I was dying laughing.)”
“I saw that too! Unreal. If I had a boyfriend like that, I wouldn’t even bother studying anymore.”
“OP here, let me finish. The highlight was like something out of a novel! There’s this one omega in our class who’s super passive-aggressive and always snarks at Jiang. Today, Jiang roasted him so hard that he couldn’t say a word. It was hilarious!”
“Oh, is it that Qi guy? He’s honestly ridiculous.”
“Also, after class, everyone left, but Jiang was still asleep. His husband just stayed there watching him, with this incredibly tender smile on his face. His gaze never wavered. Why do alphas like this exist Meanwhile, my boyfriend just nags and rushes me if I sleep too long. I’m ready to swap boyfriends!”
“Crying. As a freshman, I saw these two at the club recruitment event today. I thought they both looked amazing, so I looked them up. Turns out they’re a couple?! Too perfect.”
Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi, of course, didn’t have time to check the forum.
After their afternoon classes, Jiang Heng followed Shen Huaizhi back to the Shen family’s old estate.
Previously, Ruan Shu had asked for their input about the wedding venue—whether they preferred a private island or a beach. On this point, Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi were surprisingly aligned. The Shen family’s estate was large, scenic, and included a private lake. It was more than sufficient for an outdoor wedding, making a trip to an island or beach unnecessary.
Ruan Shu naturally respected their wishes.
When the two of them returned home, they found that the estate had already undergone significant changes. Both indoors and outdoors had been renovated. While the wedding hadn’t officially started, balloons and fresh flowers were everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere.
It was at this moment that Jiang Heng felt a faint sense of unreality. His previously calm state of mind gradually gave way to nervousness.
It was different from when they’d registered their marriage.
A wedding meant standing before countless people.
Lowering his gaze, Jiang Heng’s steps slowed.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Huaizhi slowed his pace to match Jiang Heng’s.
Jiang Heng shook his head, then turned to look at Shen Huaizhi. The grown alpha was now strikingly handsome and mature, yet his gaze remained as gentle as ever when it rested on Jiang Heng.
After a moment of silence, Jiang Heng reached out and grabbed Shen Huaizhi’s hand. The sweat in his palm surprised Shen Huaizhi, who looked up slightly puzzled.
It was true that the weather in October was quite warm, but—
“Why are you nervous?” Shen Huaizhi asked, his lips curving into an obvious smile. “Jiang Heng, how come you’re suddenly nervous?”
Jiang Heng replied, “…Aren’t you nervous too?”
“Of course, who wouldn’t be? You only get married once in a lifetime.”
It was as if the one mocking Shen Huaizhi for being nervous earlier wasn’t him.
Shen Huaizhi chuckled softly and nodded in agreement. “You’re right about that.”
“Your family has so many relatives—” Jiang Heng began but was interrupted by Shen Huaizhi’s laugh. “Is that what’s bothering you?”
“I thought you’d be nervous about having to kiss me in front of so many people during the ceremony.”
Jiang Heng held back his annoyance. “Can’t you think about something serious for once?”
“Isn’t that serious enough?” Shen Huaizhi replied, casually holding Jiang Heng’s fingers, gently squeezing them one by one as if to soothe him. “You met Grandpa and Grandma last year, didn’t you?”
“There’ll be a few uncles and aunts you haven’t met yet, but it’s nothing to worry about. They won’t have much interaction with us anyway.”
Jiang Heng thought back to last year’s Lunar New Year when he spent it with Shen Huaizhi’s grandparents. The elderly couple was kind and warm and clearly liked him a lot.
With Shen Huaizhi’s reassurance, Jiang Heng realized he might’ve been overthinking. As Shen continued explaining the Shen family’s network of relatives, Jiang Heng nodded occasionally but suddenly remembered Xie An and Jiang Jin.
When he first took a break during his freshman year, Shen Huaizhi accompanied him to visit Xie An. She seemed to be doing well in the facility—healthier, with a calm demeanor. However, when she looked at him, it was as if she was looking at a stranger.
Jiang Heng didn’t even hear her call him by his name.
Occasionally, Ruan Shu would mention that Jiang Jin was overwhelmed with the family business, facing numerous setbacks in recent years. His partner had even moved out of the Jiang household.
Jiang Heng understood that Ruan Shu told him these things to prevent him from feeling guilty about Jiang Jin. After all, it was Jiang Jin who wronged him. Ruan Shu’s tone also carried a subtle reminder: Jiang Jin’s current predicament might’ve been influenced by the Shen family pulling some strings behind the scenes.
The message was clear: Jiang Heng was now part of the Shen family, and they would protect him.
In the main hall, Ruan Shu’s sharp voice broke the moment.
“You just sit there reading the newspaper! Did you even look at the suits I asked Uncle Cheng to prepare? Shen Ren, are you trying to drive me mad?”
Shen Ren shook his newspaper slightly but didn’t respond.
Shen Huaizhi paused mid-conversation with Jiang Heng, and the two stood silently at the doorway, watching the scene unfold.
“The wedding is the day after tomorrow, and you’re so anxious it looks like it’s your own wedding,” Shen Ren finally replied after a moment, his face stiff.
“Have you finalized the guest list? Arranged the cars? What about the planes? Did you confirm the flight schedules for the international guests?” Ruan Shu rattled off a list of questions.
Shen Ren’s brow twitched slightly, but he remained calm. “It’s all arranged.”
Satisfied with his answer, Ruan Shu glanced around and suddenly remarked, “You’re holding the newspaper upside down.”
Jiang Heng watched the interaction for a while and couldn’t help but ask, “If I ever got mad at you, would you act like that?”
Thinking back, Jiang Heng realized he had never truly lost his temper with Shen Huaizhi. At most, he’d get a bit irritable, but Shen Huaizhi was always quick to soothe him.
Shen Huaizhi chuckled lightly, his tone teasing. “Nope. I’d probably make it impossible for you to stay mad at me.”
“…You’re insufferable,” Jiang Heng muttered.
At that moment, Ruan Shu seemed to notice their return. She quickly dropped her fierce demeanor, her face softening into a gentle smile as she waved them inside.
Jiang Heng, now accustomed to Ruan Shu’s dramatic mood shifts, awkwardly greeted her, “Mom.”
Her smile deepened.
Ever since they received their marriage certificate, Ruan Shu had been subtly dropping hints, hoping Jiang Heng would start calling her “Mom.” Jiang Heng hadn’t caught on until one morning, Shen Huaizhi answered a call from her right after they woke up.
Hearing Jiang Heng call her “Mom” now, Shen Ren’s hand trembled slightly as he continued holding his upside-down newspaper.
Jiang Heng hesitated briefly, then said, “Dad.”
Shen Ren responded with a curt grunt, his tone indifferent. After receiving a sharp nudge from Ruan Shu, he quickly added a few more gruff acknowledgments.
Jiang Heng almost laughed, while Shen Huaizhi didn’t bother hiding his amusement and chuckled outright.
With the wedding preparations underway, Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi didn’t have much downtime over the next two days. Although Ruan Shu and Shen Ren had taken care of most arrangements, some details still required their personal attention, like trying on suits and visiting the venue.
Ruan Shu had picked out several outfits for them, even suggesting they change suits every hour—a plan Shen Huaizhi quickly vetoed.
In the end, they settled on matching black suits with identical ties.
On the morning of the wedding, Jiang Heng woke up to find Shen Huaizhi still asleep.
The alpha’s expression was peaceful, his limbs wrapped securely around Jiang Heng. Noticing Jiang Heng stir, Shen Huaizhi tightened his hold slightly but didn’t wake up.
Under the soft morning light, Jiang Heng traced Shen Huaizhi’s features with his gaze, taking in the quiet beauty of the moment.
Perhaps there was a time long ago when he never imagined that at the age of 19, he would be completely bound to an alpha, or that by 21, he would step into the gates of marriage.
Fortunately, he met Shen Huaizhi.
Maybe it was an alpha’s keen intuition, but Shen Huaizhi seemed to sense Jiang Heng’s gaze. His eyelids fluttered before he pulled Jiang Heng closer by the back of his neck and kissed him on the cheek. “Why are you up so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep?”
Jiang Heng shook his head without speaking.
Shen Huaizhi, as if guessing what was on his mind, chuckled softly, his voice tinged with the huskiness of just waking up. “If you can’t sleep, why not check out the red marriage certificate under your pillow?”
Jiang Heng: “…How did you know I brought it back?”
Still holding him, Shen Huaizhi flipped onto his back, pulling Jiang Heng completely on top of him. As he lazily stroked Jiang Heng’s spine, he teased, “Last night, you were holding the certificate in your dreams and calling me ‘husband.’”
“Shut up. Don’t even try to fool me.” Jiang Heng shifted uncomfortably in this position and tried to move to the side. But despite being half-asleep, Shen Huaizhi had him firmly locked in place.
After struggling for a moment, Jiang Heng muttered, “Let go.”
Shen Huaizhi hummed softly, “Sleep a bit longer. It’s going to be a long day.”
“Then let go first, Shen Huaizhi! You’re… pressing against me!”
“Just sleep like this.” Shen Huaizhi refused to loosen his grip, even though the position wasn’t particularly comfortable for him either.
Perhaps it was Shen Huaizhi’s scent that was so irresistibly soothing, or maybe Jiang Heng was just too tired. After briefly squirming, he unexpectedly fell asleep again in Shen Huaizhi’s arms.
When Jiang Heng’s breathing evened out, Shen Huaizhi, who had been feigning sleep, slowly opened his eyes and gently pushed back the stray hair on Jiang Heng’s forehead.
Jiang Heng was later woken up by a call from He Ci. He instinctively reached out to the side as he answered, but Shen Huaizhi had already gotten up.
He Ci’s voice came through the phone, “Seriously, groom, all the guests are here, and you’re still not downstairs?”
Jiang Heng yawned. “What time is it?”
“It’s already past ten. I mean, really, can’t you two tone it down a bit? This is too much.”
Jiang Heng: “…What nonsense are you talking about? It’s just been busy these past few days.”
“I’m getting up now.”
After hanging up, Jiang Heng glanced at the time—it was just past nine.
He Ci, that idiot, dared to lie to him.
Downstairs, He Ci ended the call with a grin. Seeing Shen Huaizhi approaching him and Chen Xingchi, he nudged Chen with his elbow. “Stop eating, the groom’s here.”
Chen Xingchi immediately stopped, adjusted his appearance, and greeted Shen Huaizhi. “Class rep, why are you here alone? Where’s Jiang Heng?”
“Still sleeping. I’ll wake him up later,” Shen Huaizhi replied, his tone calm and collected.
Chen nodded, then circled Shen Huaizhi a few times, marveling, “It’s been so little time since we last saw each other, but you already look like a corporate elite.”
Dressed in a black suit, the alpha exuded a striking presence.
Shen Huaizhi smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying it.
He Ci raised an eyebrow. “Today, I’m here representing Jiang Heng’s family.”
After all, he had known Jiang Heng longer than most.
Over the past two years, He Ci had matured quite a bit. His words carried a trace of the authority that came with being an adult alpha. His expression grew serious as he added, “Honestly, I was pretty surprised when I heard you two got your marriage certificate so early.”
Shen Huaizhi fixed He Ci with a resolute gaze, one so firm that it nearly made He Ci falter. Clearing his throat, He Ci finally said, “Anyway… wishing you both a happy marriage and a long life together.”
Chen Xingchi quickly chimed in, “Class rep, you and Jiang Heng must be happily married forever! Otherwise, I won’t believe in love anymore!”
Shen Huaizhi’s lips curved slightly. “Thank you for your kind wishes. I also wish for you both to find love soon.”
His remark hit a nerve. Chen Xingchi’s face twisted briefly before he groaned, “Must you hit me where it hurts?”
He Ci laughed mercilessly. “You don’t know, do you? He got cheated on twice last year.”
Indeed, Chen Xingchi found his love life rather peculiar. He had dated two beautiful omegas—both of whom turned out to be serial daters.
The first one, whom he met at a social gathering, was stunning and actively pursued him. He Ci had warned him to be cautious, but Chen hadn’t listened and agreed to date them after only a few days of being chased.
Within a month, He Ci handed over evidence of the omega dating multiple alphas.
Chen Xingchi wasn’t too upset since he hadn’t developed deep feelings for the first omega.
The second girlfriend was a freshman in his department, also very attractive. After a few playful interactions initiated by the omega, Chen once again fell into the trap.
Chen treated his girlfriend exceptionally well, giving her anything she wanted and never losing his temper with her. Yet, she still cheated, claiming it was because Chen didn’t seem to love her enough.
In the two months they were together, aside from hand-holding initiated by her, Chen had never kissed her once.
The omega concluded that Chen was “unworthy.”
When He Ci learned of this reason, he mercilessly mocked Chen for days, even accompanying him on several drinking sessions to console him.
Chen Xingchi felt quite aggrieved—he only wanted to respect the other person. But honestly… he just didn’t feel that kind of passion toward them.
Chen Xingchi himself was perplexed by this. After all, his body functioned perfectly fine, and he had normal physiological needs.
As He Ci was speaking, Jiang Heng rushed over after hastily changing clothes. Seeing everyone smiling, except for Chen Xingchi, who looked like he’d lost the will to live, Jiang Heng raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “What are you guys talking about?”
Chen Xingchi immediately responded, “Nothing.”
But of course, He Ci repeated the whole story, which made Chen Xingchi stomp on his feet several times in frustration.
Jiang Heng let out a laugh, the meaning of which was unclear. Just then, Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang entered, looking completely stunned.
“I just knew a few Omegas,” Jiang Heng said casually.
Lin Bai clung to Mi Yangyang’s arm, exclaiming, “I-I-I feel like I just walked into a palace!”
“And the shuttle car outside—is that like a tour vehicle? Oh my god!” Mi Yangyang nodded in agreement. “Is this what the life of a rich person is like?”
To avoid awkwardness, Ruan Shu had deliberately arranged for two separate entrances before the ceremony officially began. Younger guests and classmates entered through one door, while elders and relatives entered through another, where Ruan Shu and Shen’s father were hosting them.
“They’re my college friends,” Jiang Heng explained while introducing Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang to He Ci and Chen Xingchi. Then he walked over to greet them.
Chen Xingchi shook his head. “No, I can’t. I think I have a phobia of relationships now.”
Jiang Heng glanced at him. “Then how about He Ci? This is my first time playing matchmaker. One of you should at least give me some credit.”
As he spoke, he reached Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang.
He Ci gave a polite smile but leaned over to whisper in Jiang Heng’s ear, “Count me out. I already have someone in my heart.”
Hearing this, Jiang Heng instinctively glanced at Chen Xingchi. As if reading his thoughts, He Ci shook his head slowly.
Raising an eyebrow, Jiang Heng didn’t pursue the topic. Instead, he introduced everyone properly.
Lin Bai, being naturally outgoing, quickly warmed up to the group, and before long, the four of them started playing games together.
Jiang Heng couldn’t stay with them for long, though. Soon, Shen Huaizhi called him over to greet guests.
The wedding process was both lengthy and exhausting. Even for someone like Jiang Heng, who exercised regularly, the sheer amount of socializing left him drained before the banquet had even officially started.
Fortunately, Shen’s relatives were warm and friendly, offering sincere blessings rather than criticism.
When the banquet began, the emcee recited the usual vows of eternal love and devotion before prompting the couple to exchange rings.
It was only at that moment that Jiang Heng truly felt a sense of finality.
The rings were ones they had picked out together—a simple design with their initials engraved on the back.
As Jiang Heng lowered his gaze to look at the ring he had tried on before, a commotion suddenly erupted from the audience below.
“Aren’t they supposed to kiss now?”
“Come on, this is what we’ve been waiting for! Hug each other and kiss already!”
“Hey, keep it PG! At least pick him up and kiss him!”
Out of consideration for the many elders present, the guests didn’t push too far. Still, it was clear that the loudest troublemakers were He Ci and Chen Xingchi.
Jiang Heng thought to himself that he’d deal with those two after the wedding. But before he could act, Shen Huaizhi suddenly called out to him, “Jiang Heng.”
Jiang Heng looked up.
The next second, applause and cheers erupted all around.
Shen Huaizhi placed a hand on the back of Jiang Heng’s head and leisurely kissed him.
The kiss was free of lust or any deeper intent, but it still sent Jiang Heng’s heart racing.
“Congratulations on your marriage!”
“Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!”
The voices from the audience continued.
Shen Huaizhi rested his forehead against Jiang Heng’s and chuckled softly. Seeing Jiang Heng staring directly at him without any shyness, the corners of his lips curled into a wider smile. Slowly, he said, “Jiang Heng, happy wedding day.”
Jiang Heng responded quietly. Suddenly, as if remembering something, his ears turned bright red. But perhaps driven by some impulse, he straightened his posture, slightly avoiding Shen Huaizhi’s gaze, and in a voice too soft for the emcee to catch, whispered, “Happy wedding day… hubby.”
[mfn]If you enjoy my translations, you can show your support by leaving a comment or donating to my Ko-fi. It will be much appreciated. Thank you! -TL: YSIAD[/mfn]
