Chapter 5: Pride and Prejudice

I have my pride. If anyone's showing off, it should be him to me. This is just a marriage of convenience—I've got money to burn. Love? Who needs it?

I waited for Amy to leave, planning to confront her. But a male trainer came out instead. "That guy in the suit?" he said, smirking. "He's here for the eye candy. Amy's got the best… assets. Who wouldn't stare?"

He handed me his card. "Call me if you need a trainer. I'm the biggest around. Satisfaction guaranteed."

I stuffed it in my pocket, too annoyed to find a trash can. Outside, Jinzhou was waiting, eyes distant. "Ginger, what are you doing here?"

"Just meeting Wanyi. She invited me to dinner."

He rubbed his temples, leaning in, voice sharp. "You need to stop with this… stuff. Quit it."

I snapped, shoving his chest. "And if I don't?"

He winced, like I'd hurt him, then steeled himself. "Fine. I'll cook for you. Just stop going out for it."

Chapter 6: The Grocery Run

He broke Fu family rules, and it showed—veins popped on his forehead, but I softened. "No need to cook. I prefer Wanyi's or takeout anyway."

His face darkened, and he stormed off. His driver poked his head out. "Mr. Fu says he's walking. You take the car."

As we passed him, Jinzhou strode down the street, long legs drawing stares, ignoring us completely. I couldn't help but laugh and texted him: "Babe, can we eat yours tonight?"

He stumbled, then ducked into a supermarket. I sent another text: "Get the pink, fresh, firm ones. Bigger is better—small ones are no fun. Grab some spices too. Presentation matters. And go for the organic section."

His reply came late: "…Got it."

Excited for a rare home-cooked meal from Jinzhou—only his third time cooking in seven years—I bought a deep-V dress to set the mood. The first time he cooked was for a family gathering. I like spicy food; the Fus prefer bland. I barely ate, and they mocked my "low-class" taste. Jinzhou quietly made me a spicy chicken dish, silencing them. It was underseasoned, but I ate every bite.

The second was during my period when the housekeeper was off. He fed me brown sugar egg custard, spoonful by spoonful.

The sales clerk gushed about a matching men's shirt with a detachable bow tie, "like unwrapping a gift." I blushed, imagining Jinzhou in it. Nah, he'd rather die than show skin.