Please come to my home for dinner 01

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[Statement: In this world, Jiang Yi and Ye Qiao share neither blood nor adoption ties. Jiang Yi and Su Ran are in a sham marriage; there is no real marital relationship, no marriage certificate, and no wedding.]

Inside the bar, the lighting was dim, the music pulsed feverishly, and voices had to be raised deliberately to overcome the noise.

“Isn’t Jiang Yi married? Why is he still so reckless?”

“Have any of you seen his wife? I haven’t.”

“I heard there wasn’t even a wedding. It’s as if he’s not married at all.”

“Probably his wife is a hideous creature, too embarrassing to show off.”

Laughter echoed among the group. Lu Jin glanced at Jiang Yi, who was conversing with a young man nearby. The smile in Jiang Yi’s brows sent ambiguous signals, and the youth took out his phone to save Jiang Yi’s number—the outcome of their exchange was obvious.

Disgust flickered in Lu Jin’s eyes. Though such things had become commonplace in their circle, he still held them in contempt.

As Jiang Yi’s conversation grew lively, a sudden ringtone broke into their dialogue—the phone on the table rang.

“It’s Jiang Yi’s phone. Who’s Su Ran?”

“Could it be his wife?”

“Shh, none of you have seen his wife, right? Now you’ll get the chance.”

Yan Ze answered the call, putting it on speaker. The crowd quieted. Soon, a gentle, clean voice sounded, “Hello... Ah Yi, what time will you be home?”

The voice was soft and pleasant—nothing like the ugly creature they’d imagined.

“Jiang Yi is drunk at the bar. Come pick him up.”

After hanging up, Yan Ze teased, “Surprisingly, that voice is quite nice.”

“Yeah, sounds nothing like someone you’d hide away.”

“Hah, haven’t you seen those online romances? The gap between voice and appearance is huge. Maybe the one who comes will be a rough, bearded brute.”

“...”

Laughter erupted again. After all, Jiang Yi was a newcomer to their circle—a group comprised mostly of wealthy heirs, rarely welcoming outsiders. Jiang Yi, a social elite, was the first of his kind among them, an oddity who brought fresh entertainment.

Most in the group were no older than twenty-five or twenty-six, hardly any had steady girlfriends, let alone marriages. Jiang Yi himself was only twenty-eight. As someone steeped in self-interest, they were genuinely curious about his spouse and post-marital life.

Yan Ze nudged Lu Jin with his elbow, smirking, “Aren’t you curious what his wife looks like?”

Lu Jin replied coolly, “Not interested.”

Yan Ze tutted, just as Jiang Yi returned. Their conversation hushed. Dressed in a suit, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, he looked refined and shrewd. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Just chatting…”

Jiang Yi passed by Lu Jin and sat beside him. Lu Jin frowned, catching again the pleasant scent emanating from Jiang Yi—a warm, baked sweetness. Sensitive to smells since childhood, he’d once served as chief perfumer in his family company; the most sought-after high-end perfume on the market bore his signature.

He’d kept this hobby, unable to resist collecting scents he liked. It was this that had given him a decent impression of Jiang Yi.

But now, mixed with men’s cologne, that sweetness was diluted—tainted.

*

Su Ran was at the stove, brewing a hangover soup. Whenever Jiang Yi attended drinking sessions, he prepared a pot, fulfilling his duties as a virtuous wife.

As bubbles gurgled in the pot, Su Ran switched off the gas. Suddenly, the system 555 spoke in his mind, “Ranran, it’s time to officially start the plot.”

Su Ran had been in this world for three months; he was surprised. “It’s finally beginning?”

“Yes!” 555 replied. “You’ll soon meet one of the key characters—Lu Jin. Your first task is to get Lu Jin into the house.”

Su Ran found this odd. “Invite him home?”

“Yes. Lu Jin is a benefactor friend to Jiang Yi; the first step in their deep friendship begins with him entering the house,” 555 declared solemnly.

Su Ran understood. As a tool character, not only was he part of the main protagonist’s relationship play, he was also meant to assist the protagonist in reaching the pinnacle of life.

What a dirty job.

“Does anyone actually want this role in your world?” Su Ran couldn’t help but ask.

Since binding with 555, he’d sensed the wretched nature of his character. Moreover, it felt like stepping onto a film set—plotlines he could barely stomach, and by the standards of his original world, most would be censored.

555 was a bit guilty, but soon grew assertive. “Of course not! Though our roles sound unappealing, the rewards are the most generous. Many compete, but none are chosen. Only your natural temperament caught our eye.”

Su Ran didn’t feel honored; instead, he glanced at himself, untying his apron and hanging it aside. With resignation, he headed to his bedroom. Now, as a wife, he must fetch his husband.

Autumn nights were chilly. As Su Ran stepped out of the car, the wind pierced through his sweater. He looked up at the bar’s massive sign and entered.

It was his first time in such a place; the music shook his eardrums, and he seemed entirely out of place. The scrutinizing gazes made him uneasy.

Following his directions from Jiang Yi’s friends, he quickly found the right spot but didn’t see Jiang Yi.

Prompted by the system, Su Ran focused on one man at the table. Compared to the others’ casual, flamboyant attire, he looked more formal—suit jacket open, shirt unbuttoned at the collar, the dim light casting sharp shadows on his defined face. He was cold and noble, like a young lord fresh from his family’s business gathering.

That was Lu Jin.

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Su Ran scanned the group again, still no sign of Jiang Yi, but he was in the right place. He approached, “Hello, I’m here to find Jiang Yi.”

The lively chatter faltered at the sound of Su Ran’s voice, and everyone turned to look at him, falling silent.

Everyone was momentarily stunned. The young man before them had fine hair, delicate features, a slender build, and in the chaotic bar atmosphere, his clean temperament stood out. He looked gentle and harmless—not the kind of beauty that attacked, but one that drew the eye and lingered. Just standing there, it was as if his scent could be detected.

“You… You’re Jiang Yi’s wife?” Yan Ze was the first to react, his gaze landing on Su Ran’s face, surprise in his eyes.

Su Ran nodded. Outside, Jiang Yi never allowed him to address himself that way, but since they already knew, he acquiesced. “I’m here to pick him up.”

Yan Ze stood, “He’s probably in the restroom. Sit here and wait, I’ll go look for him.”

“Thank you,” Su Ran replied softly, settling at the edge of the table.

He sat upright, showing only a gentle profile—a wife quietly waiting for her husband to return home. The thought made everyone feel subtle. The quieter he was, the more curiosity he sparked.

Whispered discussions couldn’t be suppressed. “So this is Jiang Yi’s newlywed wife. Not bad—so why does Jiang Yi seem embarrassed?”

“Jiang Yi doesn’t seem to like this type. Didn’t you notice all the flashy ones around him? His wife looks too docile, too honest.”

“True, Jiang Yi likes especially eye-catching types.”

“He probably doesn’t care for his wife. If Yan Shao hadn’t overheard his family discussing the marriage at a restaurant, none of us would know he’s married.”

“He’s deliberately hiding it, can’t let go of all the outside flings.”

“He’s a bit ungrateful—his pretty wife is so pitiful.”

“...”

Su Ran felt the probing gazes and was unaccustomed to such attention, so he lowered his head and fiddled with his fingers.

Yan Ze returned, sitting beside Su Ran. “Jiang Yi should be back soon. Do you drink?”

Su Ran replied quickly, “No, thank you.”

Yan Ze looked at him. Su Ran’s eyes were moist, with an innocent look, his demeanor gentle—evoking a man’s protective instincts. If he encountered a man with a wicked taste, he’d be the type they’d like to tease.

For a moment, Yan Ze’s gaze lingered on his face, making Su Ran uncomfortable. Yan Ze quickly cleared his throat to cover his distraction. “Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

Yan Ze got up, fetched a drink, and placed it in front of Su Ran. “Have this. If you need anything, let me know.”

Su Ran thanked him. Yan Ze smiled gentlemanly, not realizing how out of character he was acting.

Yan Ze returned to his seat beside Lu Jin, tugging at his collar to cool off and leaned in to whisper, “He smells amazing—so fragrant, so good.”

Lu Jin frowned, pushing Yan Ze’s head away in disgust, “He’s Jiang Yi’s wife.”

Yan Ze’s smile faded, disappointed. “Of course I know. If he were single, I’d make a move. Such a pity.”

“At least you have some boundaries,” Lu Jin said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Yan Ze protested. “Everyone says I’m wild, playing all over the capital, but you know me—I’ve always liked docile, pure types, and I only do one-on-one. What’s wrong with that?”

“Your one-on-one—do you count by the hour?” Lu Jin sneered. “And those two traits—do they even fit a married man?”

Yan Ze paused, evidently forgetting that detail. He liked the type, but applying it to a married man was laughable.

Yan Ze glanced at Su Ran, who seemed to notice and looked back. Their eyes met and Yan Ze’s heart skipped; he took a gulp of his drink. “Jiang Yi is awful—he has such a wife and still fools around outside.”

Disgust flickered in Lu Jin’s eyes as he looked at Su Ran. At that moment, his husband was off somewhere, and Su Ran was left waiting quietly—pitiful, indeed.

“Su Ran? Why are you here?”

A cold questioning voice sounded above Su Ran. He looked up to find Jiang Yi standing before him, his expression unpleasant in the flickering light.

Jiang Yi’s words quieted the room. Su Ran rose awkwardly, “I came to take you home.”

Jiang Yi’s gaze behind his glasses was icy, but he noticed the crowd watching, so he lowered his voice. “When have I ever needed you to fetch me? Go home now.”

Su Ran couldn’t leave yet—he had a mission. He mumbled, “Let’s go home together. I’m worried about you.”

Jiang Yi laughed irritably, “If you want to stay, suit yourself.”

He didn’t spare Su Ran another glance, returning to sit between Lu Jin and Yan Ze. The minor scene passed quickly, though everyone muttered quietly.

“Jiang Yi really doesn’t care for his wife.”

“Yeah, seems like he has no feelings for her.”

“His wife looks soft and sweet—he’s wasting her.”

“...”

As night deepened, Su Ran grew sleepy on the sofa, glancing at the time—it was already midnight.

He looked toward Jiang Yi, who was slumped on the sofa, perhaps drunk.

Just then, Yan Ze beckoned, “Take him home now.”

Su Ran went over, calling Jiang Yi several times, but got no response.

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Yan Ze sidled over, lightly slapping Jiang Yi’s face with a playful laugh. “He’s something else—wouldn’t listen when I told him to stop drinking. He’ll suffer for days now.”

Su Ran struggled to get Jiang Yi up—Jiang Yi was much taller, and it took a while just to help him stand.

Lu Jin had been silent, watching Su Ran with thoughtful eyes. He caught that familiar scent—purer and more appealing than Jiang Yi’s.

“Um… Could you help me? I can’t support him alone,” Su Ran asked Lu Jin for help.

Lu Jin was snapped from his thoughts, but before he could respond, Yan Ze stood, “I’ll help—let’s get you home.”

Su Ran pressed his lips together. The target for his mission was Lu Jin; if someone else helped, his task would be delayed.

Lu Jin then rose, pressing Yan Ze back into his seat with a warning look, and said to Su Ran, “I’ll take you home.”

Yan Ze grumbled, “What’s wrong if I help? No wonder people call you a moral paragon—you don’t even trust your own friends.”

Unaware of their exchange, Su Ran relaxed at Lu Jin’s offer. “Thank you.”

They left the bar, entered Lu Jin’s Maybach, Su Ran and Jiang Yi in the back, Lu Jin in the front passenger seat.

As the car moved, silence filled the cabin. Su Ran leaned back to rest, exhausted and sweaty from supporting Jiang Yi.

Lu Jin was now certain—the scent on Jiang Yi came from Su Ran. In the enclosed space, it was even stronger. Sensitive to aromas, he recognized the warm, baked sweetness, uniquely blended.

Lu Jin tapped his fingers against his thigh, glancing in the rearview mirror. Su Ran rested against the seat, his neck seeming slender, Adam’s apple small.

Beside him, Jiang Yi’s shoulder slumped against Su Ran—harmonious. Lu Jin looked away. The sweet scent tangled with Jiang Yi’s alcohol, muddied. He lowered the window for fresh air.

Jiang Yi’s home was in a high-end neighborhood north of the city center—an enviable location. They arrived in half an hour.

Lu Jin helped Su Ran get Jiang Yi out; each supported an arm. Perhaps the fresh air made Jiang Yi restless—drunk people always claimed sobriety, but let go and he’d collapse. They stumbled up to the apartment.

Su Ran unlocked the door, and a faint baked sweetness greeted them.

The apartment was a three-bedroom, with an open kitchen. Lu Jin noticed baking equipment on the counter—clearly often used. Both carried traces of the scent.

“Let’s get him to the bedroom,” Su Ran said, cheeks flushed and sweat-soaked.

In the bedroom, Jiang Yi began to struggle, mumbling, “Don’t bother with me, I’m not drunk.” As soon as they entered, he broke free, shoving Su Ran so he fell backward; Lu Jin instinctively reached out.

Jiang Yi’s eyes were unfocused, voice slurred and cold. “Why do you care about him?”

The next moment, he stumbled toward the bed, tripping Lu Jin, who fell with Su Ran to the floor—a thud, silence.

Once recovered, Lu Jin found himself sprawled atop Su Ran. Before he realized, a rush of warmth hit his nose—the tip buried in Su Ran’s neck. The alluring scent seemed to seep from his skin, at this distance intoxicating.

Lu Jin never imagined encountering such an enthralling scent—on a man.

His nose slid across Su Ran’s pale neck; reason made him prop himself up, face calm but eyes flickering. He looked at Su Ran, who rubbed his head, sweat-soaked hair plastered to his cheek, eyes reddened and shimmering, pitifully so.

Lu Jin’s heart tightened, voice gentle. “Does it hurt?”

He helped Su Ran sit up, fingers massaging his scalp.

Su Ran’s head tingled from his touch; he quickly grabbed Lu Jin’s wrist, still red-eyed but insisting, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Lu Jin withdrew his hand, fingers rubbing together. “Good.”

They stood together. By now, Jiang Yi was sprawled on the bed. Su Ran bent to check if he was asleep.

Only one warm-hued lamp was on, bathing them in soft light.

Lu Jin watched as Su Ran removed Jiang Yi’s shoes and gently took off his glasses.

“I’ll head out now,” Lu Jin said.

Su Ran paused his virtuous display, looking at Lu Jin. His features were sharp and unapproachable, expressionless—a cold statue, even colder than before.

Su Ran wiped his brow, clearing sweat. “Wait a moment, I still have hangover soup warming in the kitchen. Have some before you leave, and thank you for helping bring Jiang Yi home.”

The system’s progress bar ticked up—Lu Jin’s favor grew faster once he entered the room.

So entering the room increased Lu Jin’s affection? Su Ran wasn’t sure, but it seemed odd. At least, the longer Lu Jin stayed, the faster progress increased.

The house was quiet, only Jiang Yi’s steady breathing in sleep.

Lu Jin looked at Su Ran. He should have left—it was their first meeting, and with Su Ran’s husband asleep, he shouldn’t linger.

But Su Ran gazed at him, gentle and moist-eyed, making Lu Jin’s heart soften. This kind of person seemed incapable of resistance, only quietly enduring grievances.

Lu Jin wasn’t sure why he felt that way; in the end, the words of refusal turned to agreement.

“All right.”

It was only a bowl of soup.

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