Irresistibly Drawn (Love After Marriage) - Chapter 9 - "Marry Me"

WTF?

Ji Guanting rarely showed surprise, but today was one of those days he couldn’t help it.

Jiang Qingyu felt as if all the blood in her body had been drained in an instant, only to gather back at her heart.

Gu Yunyi spoke from behind her, his deep voice resonating through his chest, sending tingling sensations across her skin.

What on earth was he saying?

Everyone was momentarily stunned. Zhou Ke glanced at Gu Yunyi, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

This man had a perfect physique, his long legs encased in straight trousers, exuding an imposing presence. His features were sharp and defined. As he walked, the subtle outline of muscles beneath his shirt was visible; she had never seen anyone wear formal attire with such allure.

“Qingyu, your fiancé is so handsome.”

Song Yuran covered her face. She had seen Gu Yunyi before in Jing City, when Ji Guanting joined the Gu Family’s company. She had met him a few times. She wondered how Gu Yunyi ended up here and how he became Jiang Qingyu’s fiancé.

These two were so different in character-a refined businessman and a lively artist-it seemed an unlikely match.

“Sorry, my friend here is a bit of a fangirl.”

Gu Yunyi chuckled lightly.

“Thank you for keeping Qingyu company. In two months, be sure to attend our wedding.”

Zhou Ke was led away by Song Yuran, looking as if she were drunk, her cheeks flushed from excitement over the couple. She kept muttering about how her dream couple had materialized.

Ji Guanting occasionally glanced at Zheng Yan’s expression. He suspected Gu Yunyi was doing this on purpose, but what was his reason? Nearly thirty years old, even if he noticed Zheng Yan’s feelings for Jiang Qingyu, he shouldn’t act so childishly.

They all left, leaving Jiang Qingyu with ambiguous smiles.

Her face felt like it was burning. Gu Yunyi’s car was parked a few minutes’ walk from the restaurant, surrounded by bright lights. She followed him, head down, walking slowly.

A car’s headlights shone from behind, skimming past her body along the curved road. As the engine drew close, Jiang Qingyu realized it too late. Two strong hands slipped under her arms, lifting her before she could react. Her feet left the ground briefly as Gu Yunyi held her securely, his arms encircling her. She was pressed against his chest, feeling the tautness of his muscles and the gentle scent of tea and moisture that lingered around them.

Jiang Qingyu shivered.

“Cold?”

His voice came from above. She sneaked a glance at him, his lips slightly pursed, eyes partially hidden by his hair, looking down at her.

“A little,” she lied.

The car had passed, and this wasn’t a place for pedestrians to stroll. Apart from the streetlights, there was no other light. No hidden dangers, but the person beside her was becoming dangerous.

Gu Yunyi’s gaze lowered, taking in her trembling eyelashes, the delicate curve of her nose, and then-

He squinted slightly, looking further down at the soft, fair skin of the girl.

Then, his arms tightened around Jiang Qingyu, pulling her closer. Heat enveloped her, and she couldn’t help but breathe deeply. Gu Yunyi’s gaze lingered on her lips, a sudden urge to lean in.

“Ring-”

The phone’s ringtone extinguished the spark that was about to ignite.

Jiang Qingyu realized she hadn’t moved, panicking and wanting to escape. This time, it wasn’t so easy; he held her tightly.

“Hello.”

On the other end was Gu Yunyi’s assistant. He had sent a message earlier, but Gu Yunyi hadn’t heard it while showering. Now calling back, the assistant sensed his boss wasn’t pleased.

The interrupted moment didn’t continue. Gu Yunyi’s long fingers brushed against her face, and they walked the short distance to the car without further words.

They were a kilometer from the Jiang Family’s home. Gu Yunyi didn’t head straight there but turned towards the riverbank.

“Not going home?”

Mist hung over the water like threads of smoke, with willows rooted in this ethereal landscape.

Gu Yunyi reached out his hand.

“It’s not easy to walk here.” She glanced around, avoiding his gaze, and gently took his hand.

They walked one behind the other. It wasn’t late, and the riverside was near a tourist area, with vendors still around.

One side was dark, the other bright, her heart pounding even harder.

Gu Yunyi had taken a red cloth bundle from the car, resembling something from a period drama Jiang Qingyu had seen. Inside was a pair of golden locks, and even without experience, she understood their significance.

Anything paired, especially engraved with dragons and phoenixes, could only mean one thing.

“What is this?”

“My grandfather gave it to me before coming to Nan City. When your mother was pregnant with you, she and my parents arranged a betrothal. If you were a girl, you’d marry me.”

“You believe in this?”

Gu Yunyi didn’t seem like someone who would hold such old-fashioned beliefs. In this era, who still believed in such things? Although she thought her mother might not support her drawing comics, she didn’t think she’d be so traditional as to enforce this.

“I don’t believe it. My grandfather, your mother, they’re not rigid.”

The young girl’s thoughts were written on her face, and Gu Yunyi exposed them with a single remark. She blinked, embarrassed.

“Then…”

“It’s not because of this.”

This was merely his advantage, a reason to come here and see her, to shed the heavy burden.

“Because of you.”

Jiang Qingyu hadn’t expected Gu Yunyi to be so straightforward. He had always seemed composed and reserved, yet now he was smiling at her.

But even with a smile, his eyes held an undeniable intensity, a force that made Jiang Qingyu nervous with just one glance.

“So, are you willing to fulfill this promise?”

He suddenly leaned closer, gently pinching her chin.

“What is it…”

Feigning ignorance, Jiang Qingyu’s ears turned red. Her heart raced, filled with anxiety after the emotional turmoil.

She followed the pressure of his fingers, lifting her head. His eyes held a strong, unfamiliar emotion.

“Marry me.”