She wasn't overtly sensual like Tang Lifen, whose every move exuded raw seduction.
Instead, Chen Yulan's beauty was more refined, her figure perfectly sculpted, her skin like the finest jade—flawless and pure, with no trace of imperfection.
To Zhang Wei, women like Tang Lifen were the kind you could have endless fun with—someone to toss around playfully all night, to go on thrilling dates with, to laugh and enjoy the highs of life.
But Chen Yulan evoked a different feeling in him.
She was someone you could simply hold, walking silently down a deserted road as the cold wind whispered around you, needing no words to fill the space between you.
In Zhang Wei's mind, women were like clothes.
A wardrobe should be filled with variety—not too many, but not too few, each one perfect for a different occasion.
You couldn't wear the same outfit for too long, or it would lose its charm.
But by frequently changing, rotating through each beloved garment, you never grow tired of them.
The new ones bring excitement, but there's a certain nostalgia in wearing the old ones after a long time.
Poor people, struggle to find even one decent piece of clothing and are forced to wear it for a lifetime.
It was a privilege to have a wardrobe brimming with vibrancy and choice, and Zhang Wei was more than content with his own collection.
Zhang Wei was fully aware that his thoughts would earn him the label of a scumbag, and that if anyone knew, he'd likely be beaten across the streets.
Some things, he knew, were best left unsaid.
But in his heart, he treasured his "clothes," even if he occasionally treated them a bit rough.
"Done?" Zhang Wei asked, a slight smile playing in his eyes as he saw Chen Yulan finally dressed.
She had chosen a sleeveless white blouse, which clung to her delicate frame, paired with light blue leggings that emphazised her long, graceful legs.
The brown overcoat she wore draped elegantly over her body, ensuring she stayed warm in the cool night air.
At her feet, a pair of charming ankle boots completed the ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication.
She looked as if she were dressed for a first date, rather than a simple walk.
Chen Yulan also noticed that her attire seemed a bit too elaborate, especially for something as ordinary as a stroll.
Feeling the intensity of Zhang Wei's gaze, she lowered her head slightly, her eyelashes fluttering with a mix of shyness and happiness.
Chen Yulan hesitated, her eyes downcast. "I... I think the spirits of Mother and Aunt watch us in my dreams... It scares me. They seem disappointed," she whispered. "Wei, I don't feel good about this relationship.
It's not... morally right."
Zhang Wei nodded, understanding the weight of her words.
They were first blood cousins, a relationship that most would frown upon.
While he had come to terms with it, he knew it was much harder for Chen Yulan.
She wouldn't have been speaking so openly now, nor would she have stayed by his side despite her fears, if not for the fact that he had impregnated her.
He knew the conflict that brewed within her heart, and that was why he had made the decision to bind her to him that day.
"I can't even tell anyone about us... without feeling embarrassed," Chen Yulan continued, her voice tinged with sadness.
The thought of living in the shadows, concealing their relationship and the existence of their future child, weighed heavily on her.
Zhang Wei shrugged,"If you want to tell them, then tell them. What's the issue?"
"But..." Chen Yulan hesitated.
"Just tell them you're my wife. What's the problem? It's not like we share the same surname," Zhang Wei replied casually.
Chen Yulan blinked in surprise. "Wife...?"
What happened to being called a concubine?
"Of course," Zhang Wei said with a faint smile. "And if they don't believe you, you can beat them until they remember their ancestors."
Chen Yulan couldn't help but burst into a soft laugh, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "Wouldn't Sister Lei dislike it...?" she asked, the concern still present.
She didn't really want to fight for the position of wife.
Zhang Wei shook his head. "She won't."
"Hmm..." Chen Yulan nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
"!"
Suddenly, Zhang Wei released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.
The sudden movement startled Chen Yulan, but she instinctively leaned into him, her body relaxing against his.
As she followed his gaze, Zhang Wei noticed the familiar building that had caught his attention.