Irresistibly Drawn (Love After Marriage) - Chapter 5 - Within Six Months, I'll Marry Her

Back in high school, Ye An loved to draw. He vaguely remembered her sketching the history teacher during class and getting kicked out like a mischievous student. After university, he went to Country Y, then returned to inherit the family business. He hadn’t seen Ye An for years and was surprised to find she had become a manga artist.

Jiang Qingyu was too engrossed in watching An Ye to notice the change in Gu Yunyi beside her.

“Ms. An Ye, I really admire your art style.”

“Thank you,” An Ye replied, accepting the book the girl handed her and signing her name. She found the girl’s voice pleasant.

When she looked up, she was surprised by the girl’s striking features. But the moment of amazement was brief, as her attention was drawn to the man quietly standing beside the girl.

How could it be Gu Yunyi?

For the past twenty-one years, Jiang Qingyu had always felt things didn’t go her way, but today she had to reconsider her fate-because today, her luck had changed.

And Gu Yunyi was her lucky charm.

With Gu Yunyi around, she effortlessly scored two free tickets, saving money to buy more manga volumes.

With Gu Yunyi around, she was no longer just a fan of the distant An Ye; she was now having a meal with her.

“What are you grinning about?”

Gu Yunyi returned from washing his hands, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his toned forearms.

An Ye’s hometown wasn’t far from Nan City, so considering the ladies’ tastes, Gu Yunyi had booked a Jiangnan cuisine restaurant. The elegant setting was perfect for conversation, with the gentle sound of a guqin playing and soft yellow lights hanging above the girls’ heads.

“Nothing.”

Nothing, yet he could see her smiling from afar.

“You’ve changed quite a bit.”

Ye An spoke first, pushing a cup of tea towards him.

“You haven’t changed much.”

“Yeah, still doing what I did ten years ago, still the same as ten years ago.”

“Hey-” Ye An raised an eyebrow at Gu Yunyi, “Don’t spill my secrets in front of Qingyu.”

Ye An’s secrets could probably fill three days and nights, but Gu Yunyi was always a gentleman, willing to preserve Jiang Qingyu’s admiration for her.

Jiang Qingyu, on the other hand, hadn’t expected her idol to be so bright and lively, so different from the impression her works had given.

“Ms. An Ye-”

“Don’t call me ‘Ms.’ Just call me sister.”

Jiang Qingyu pursed her lips, two small dimples appearing at the corners of her mouth.

“Ye-Jie¹, will you do a standalone series for Jian Yang? It seems like Jian Yang is the most popular.”

“Do you like Jian Yang?”

Jiang Qingyu thought for a moment.

“Actually, I prefer ‘The Heart’s Dissection.'”

Ye An’s gaze dimmed slightly, but the light and shadow from the rotating cup in her hand masked it.

“Why? Don’t you find it sad? It’s a tragic ending.”

“But the synopsis is intriguing. No matter what, I look forward to your work.”

As they chatted, the dishes were served. Gu Yunyi quietly ate, listening to their conversation. Though he was in business, he didn’t particularly enjoy social meals. However, today’s atmosphere was pleasant. Most importantly, he hadn’t seen Jiang Qingyu this happy since he arrived at the Jiang Family’s home.

Sunlight favored the flowers dampened by rain, and he sat across from them, his gaze lingering on the two small dimples.

Watching her for a while, a hint of affection he barely noticed himself surfaced in his eyes. Ye An inadvertently looked up, her cup trembling slightly.

Jiang Qingyu was set to leave Nan City next Wednesday. Since Ye An also lived in Jing City, she invited Ye An to join them on their journey.

“I have a few more stops, heading further south. Let’s meet up in Jing City; I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“We should head back. Wait here, I’ll see her out.”

Ye An waved to Jiang Qingyu at the end of the corridor, then the two figures turned the corner.

“What exactly is Qingyu to you?”

Clearly, Ye An didn’t believe Jiang Qingyu’s introduction.

Gu Yunyi smiled faintly, his hair elegantly swaying, his gaze confident and assured.

“My fiancée. Within six months, I’ll marry her.”

Ye An thought she was beyond surprise, but this was an exception. She was so shocked she couldn’t speak.

While waiting for a taxi, Gu Yunyi leaned against the wall, leisurely smoking a cigarette. Ye An had been silent for a while, but from her slightly furrowed brow, he already knew what she was about to say.

“If Qingyu goes back to Jing City with you, what about He Qi…”

“Hmm?” Gu Yunyi glanced over, “That’s her own business.”

Cold and indifferent, his voice was devoid of emotion, a stark contrast to the person inside earlier. The cold nature of a businessman was evident.

This made Ye An realize she might have overthought things. Given Gu Yunyi’s character and the Gu Family’s influence, her spoiled cousin wouldn’t gain any advantage.

On the way back, Jiang Qingyu lay in the back seat again. Ye An had given her a few books and some rare illustrations, so she was busy organizing them. The time passed quickly, and she only noticed they were home when Gu Yunyi hit the brakes. The plane trees stood tall at the entrance of the alley.

Jiang Hua wasn’t home, giving Jiang Qingyu time to sneak the books into her room and pack them in the box she planned to take.

Returning to the yard, she remembered Jiang Hua had asked her to bring in the laundry from the yard before she left.

It was a sunny day, but it might rain later.

She hurried to the clothesline, where the white sheets hung. She tiptoed, struggling to reach them.

The water Jiang Hua used to water the flowers earlier hadn’t dried, and Jiang Qingyu accidentally stepped on it, losing her balance.

Footnote:

1. Jie(姐): In Chinese culture, using “xx姐” (pronounced as “xx jie”) to address someone is quite common, especially in Mainland China and other Chinese-speaking communities. The term “jie” means “older sister” and, when used in this context, typically carries a sense of affection and friendliness. It indicates respect and amiability towards the person, similar to calling someone “sis” or “big sister” in English.