Didn’t Expect That, Did You?

I’ll Treat You To Chocolate

Shao Cixin looked at the person in front of her, whose brows and eyes were soft and gentle, full of disbelief.

She increasingly felt that her previous understanding of Wen Zhihan was too superficial.

The grand CEO Wen was far from as gentle and harmless as she seemed on the surface…

“Wen Zhihan,” Shao Cixin asked, as if questioning her very soul, “How could it be that someone could save up something like that?”

Wen Zhihan smiled warmly, confidently tucking her long hair.

“Cixin, I am a businessman.”

Businessmen wouldn’t let themselves suffer losses.

Businessmen always kept their accounts very clear.

“……”

Shao Cixin squinted her eyes, sizing her up.

“Wen Zhihan, you are really not a simple person.”

Wen Zhihan neither spoke nor denied, the smile on her lips unwavering.

Shao Cixin thought about it and felt it made sense.

People who could lead such a large company for so long, like Wen Zhihan, like her father Shao Heng, or like Wen Xingyun who was half behind the scenes, how could they possibly be easy to bully?

Wen Zhihan was just too deceiving in appearance[1].

This deceitfulness was so strong that she forgot that Wen Zhihan wasn’t a pushover since high school.

Back in high school, Shao Cixin saw Wen Zhihan standing at the school gate asking for the names of a few boys who had violated school rules. They not only did not answer, but even flirted with her[2], saying that she was beautiful and asked her to be their girlfriend, then ran off without leaving a trace for Wen Zhihan.

At that time, Shao Cixin felt that her role in the discipline department was quite challenging.

But a few days later, she saw these people caught by Wen Zhihan.

This time was different, they had nowhere to escape.

Because Wen Zhihan brought bodyguards.

Those tall and mighty bodyguards, fierce in appearance, when standing at the school gate, without doing anything, would make them seem like little chicks, the kind that would cry for a long time after a punch.

But Wen Zhihan, with her ever-present gentle smile and a notebook in hand, asked softly, “What’s your name? Which grade and class are you from?”

Under the contrast of several sturdy bodyguards, her aura didn’t diminish at all, just like a queen adored by her fans.

Shao Cixin was lucky to witness this scene. She remembered it for a long time before gradually forgetting, until she remembered it again today.

——Wen Zhihan was never an easy person to deal with.

But Wen Zhihan was good enough to her that she often forgot this fact.

She thought about it carefully and felt that it might be because she never provoked her and was decent towards her.

Back in high school, she wasn’t that bad to Wen Zhihan and even invited her for chocolate.

Although the chocolate was cheap, it was her favorite snack from childhood. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to her!

Her thoughts returned to reality.

She suddenly began to stare at Wen Zhihan.

Seeing this, Wen Zhihan couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?”

Shao Cixin asked, “Wen Zhihan, am I still okay in your heart?”

Wen Zhihan, smiling, countered, “Do you think you are just okay?”

Shao Cixin, as a matter of course, said, “Yes, after all, we weren’t close before, and I didn’t have the chance to give you a good impression.”

Wen Zhihan was silent for a moment, then whispered, “You have left a good impression on me, you just don’t remember.”

Shao Cixin was taken aback, immediately becoming curious.

“When was that? Are you sure you didn’t mistake me for someone else?”

Wen Zhihan patiently replied, “In high school, you comforted me when I was feeling down.

“Not just once.”

Shao Cixin blinked, she had no recollection at all: “Really? How come I don’t remember anything?”

Hearing this, Wen Zhihan smiled, reached out to touch her head, her voice gentle, “It’s not anything important, it’s normal to not remember.”

Shao Cixin felt there was some truth to these words.

She had done so many things in high school, and so much time had passed, how could she remember every single thing?

In life, only the foolish things one has done and the embarrassment left behind can be remembered for a lifetime.

But since Wen Zhihan had said so, Shao Cixin didn’t ask what it was.

She changed the subject: “Did I manage to comfort you at the time?”

“Mm, you did,” Wen Zhihan’s eyes slowly curled up.

Shao Cixin breathed a sigh of relief.

She thought about it, then asked again, “Did you write me up after that?”

Wen Zhihan, unable to help but chuckle, said, “I thought of letting you off, but…”

Shao Cixin: “But what?”

Wen Zhihan: “You were restless.”

Shao Cixin: “……”

Before she made up with her father, she indeed was frequently rebellious.

Considering the frequency…even if Wen Zhihan gave her all the leniency in the world, it wouldn’t have been enough.

This is called “missing the opportunity when it’s right in front of you.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter.

“I’ve already turned over a new leaf, let’s not mention this in the future.”

She turned her back to Wen Zhihan, as if awkwardly escaping from her embarrassing past.

But after Wen Zhihan said this, she increasingly felt that it’s indeed important to be kind in life.

Spreading kindness casually, you might end up growing a Bodhisattva someday in the future[3].

Like her and Wen Zhihan.

Wen Zhihan must think she’s not bad, that’s why she would lend a helping hand, otherwise who would help a stranger for no reason?

Wen Zhihan looked at her back, her smile gentle, not continuing the conversation.

She turned around, switched off the light in the room.

“Go to sleep, goodnight.”

In the darkness, the sound of turning over could be heard.

Shao Cixin stared at Wen Zhihan in the darkness, not saying a word.

This was their third time sharing a bed, but it was the first time they merely shared a simple kiss and didn’t do anything else.

Because she was tired from acting, Wen Zhihan wanted her to rest well.

Being affable, meticulous, doing everything with a sense of nurturing like a spring rain, that’s probably Wen Zhihan’s charm…

Such a person deserves better treatment.

Shao Cixin thought silently.

Wen Zhihan vaguely sensed the gaze coming from her side.

She opened her eyes, then felt the quilt over her being gently adjusted.

As Shao Cixin tucked her in, she softly said, “Wen Zhihan, I won’t deny what I owe, but I am currently filming and can’t repay frequently. So, can we wait until I finish filming and come home to repay slowly?”

Debt repayment should be a matter of negotiation.

Happiness for an adult should be spread over each day!

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhihan couldn’t help but laugh: “How did you originally plan to repay?”

Upon hearing her tone, Shao Cixin realized she had misunderstood.

“I thought… I thought you would want me to fully repay before leaving…”

During her filming period, Shao Cixin’s rest time was very limited. To repay these thirteen debts in such a short period…

That’s a little too much.

“Cixin, I can’t do that.” Wen Zhihan was very sincere.

“Why not?”

Seeing Wen Zhihan seemingly look down on her abilities, Shao Cixin suddenly felt indignant on her behalf, inexplicably needing to argue her case.

“Don’t underestimate yourself. Human potential is limitless. Otherwise, how could we have spent an entire night together the first time?”

The more she spoke, the more passionate she got, making it incredibly embarrassing to listen to.

Wen Zhihan: “…”

“Sleep well,” her ears quietly turned red, “No more talking.”

“Alright.” Shao Cixin cheerfully and obediently closed her mouth.

…

Shao Cixin woke up very early. She had to arrive on the set two hours early to get her makeup done, so there was no time to sleep in.

Wen Zhihan also got up shortly after, preparing to have breakfast, attend to her work emails, and then head to the financial summit with Guan Yan.

After Shao Cixin finished washing up, Lin Mumu brought her breakfast.

During work, her meals were usually prepared in advance by Lin Mumu, so as not to waste time.

And today’s breakfast was a double portion.

At the dining table, Shao Cixin ate while watching the person opposite her.

She saw Wen Zhihan holding soy milk, but her attention was completely on her laptop. Her eating speed was visibly slow.

Even a turtle would move faster than her.

Unable to watch any longer, Shao Cixin couldn’t help but suggest, “Finish eating before dealing with work.”

At this rate, she might not have eaten a few bites before it was time to leave. Then she would have to close her laptop, change her clothes, and head out. It would be a miracle if her stomach didn’t starve!

If she hadn’t seen it, it would be one thing. But she did see it, and as her marriage partner, she felt obligated to show concern.

Wen Zhihan’s gaze moved from the screen to her face. Her eyes were deep blue and unfathomable beneath her glasses, like a vast ocean, impossible to see through.

Shao Cixin sipped her soy milk: “You won’t be able to eat much breakfast like this. Better to eat first then work. Otherwise, leave it till you get back in the evening. Didn’t you say you have time then?”

Wen Zhihan’s lips lifted slightly, revealing a friendly smile: “Okay, I’ll eat breakfast after I finish this email.”

She was indeed giving her face[4].

“Another email to handle? Urgent?”

“Mm.”

“Please go ahead.”

After the minor interlude, both of them finished breakfast, changed clothes, and went out to work.

Wen Zhihan got in the car.

Guan Yan looked at her in the rearview mirror, greeted her as usual, then asked, “Are you comfortable staying here, President Wen? Do you need us to arrange another room for you?”

Wen Zhihan looked her way, took off her gold-rimmed glasses, a hint of an inscrutable smile on her lips.

“No, nothing uncomfortable about it.”

After all, she was her wife.

…

On the set, in the makeup room.

Shao Cixin is doing her makeup while browsing on her alt account.

This browsing led her to a trending topic related to her.

—— ‘Shao Cixin’s sweet visit to Wen Zhihan’s set’.

Shao Cixin clicked on the trend in confusion, only to find out that a passerby had taken a photo of her hugging Wen Zhihan outside the restaurant.

[@CandiedChestnuts]: Sisters, this is really too sweet. One opens their arms and the other runs right into them. This is true mutual commitment![5]

[@CoconutToast]: Sniffle, they’re really perfect together, mom approves of this match!

[@SweetAndSourRibs]: So sweet, it’s killing me! Legal wives are just great! No one can resist cute girls. More, more, please, I can handle ten more tons of dog food![6]

[@EatAFriedChicken]: I’m saying it again, get on that couple variety show. Give-it-to-this-ancestor!!

The comment about joining a couple variety show, echoing the sentiments of the public, becomes the top comment.

Shao Cixin raises an eyebrow, clicking into the ‘wives’ super-topic[7], where the atmosphere is as festive as the New Year.

“…”

How pitiful.

Despite it being legal, they are still so happy over a bit of ‘sugar’.

Shao Cixin suddenly felt sorry for the CP fans, even wishing that they would stop shipping them to avoid the heartbreak that might come in three years.

However, upon further reflection, happiness from shipping is happiness, whether it’s small or big. As long as they’re happy when they ship, there’s no need to stress about the authenticity at the moment and the future.

Life is already so exhausting, it would be too pitiful if even this little pleasure were taken away.

It’s better to just enjoy the fan culture in their own space, without disturbing others.

So, she doesn’t care anymore. Let everyone ship as they please.

What she didn’t know was that this Weibo post and the public’s outcry once again sparked the enthusiasm of the couple’s variety show that she had previously rejected.

They decided to invite her again!

…

At 8pm, Shao Cixin finished work.

On her way back to the hotel, she passed by a convenience store and noticed a chocolate she loved. Happily, she bought a box.

Each piece was individually wrapped, so many of them, enough to last a while.

But right after buying them, she remembered that she couldn’t eat them.

Feeling regretful, she shared some with Lin Mumu, and handed a piece to every staff member she met on her way back, until she was left with only a few pieces of chocolate.

She thought of Wen Zhihan.

While she needed to maintain her figure, Wen Zhihan didn’t. These last few pieces should go to her!

After dinner, she returned to her hotel room.

As soon as Shao Cixin entered, she saw Wen Zhihan sitting in front of the computer.

Hearing the door open, Wen Zhihan looked back, found that it was Shao Cixin, then turned back to her screen. He didn’t even bother minimizing it, apparently not minding if she saw it.

“You’re back.”

Shao Cixin responded, then walked behind Wen Zhihan, leaning against the mini bar counter.

“Senior Sister.”

Wen Zhihan responded and turned her head back.

Shao Cixin smiled and extended her hand: “I’d like to offer you some chocolate.”

Wen Zhihan looked at the small piece of chocolate, wrapped in silver tin foil, then at Shao Cixin.

At that moment, she seemed to see the Shao Cixin from the past, dressed in a white T-shirt and blue and white school pants, with a school jacket tied around her waist.

Back then, Shao Cixin had done the same thing, leaning against the counter, calling her ‘senior sister’, smiling and offering her chocolate.

She still remembered her smile then, which outshone the brilliant sunset in the sky.

“Well then, I won’t be polite.”

Wen Zhihan accepted the piece of chocolate.

“Wait!”

Shao Cixin stopped her from retracting her hand, hurriedly moving towards her while rummaging in her pocket. It was like a magic trick, she pulled out several more pieces of chocolate from her coat pocket.

Not a single one left, she gave them all to her.

“Don’t be shy, just eat them all!”

Wen Zhihan looked at the suddenly increased number of chocolates and for some reason found it amusing, “Where did you get so many chocolates?”

Shao Cixin: “I bought them.”

Wen Zhihan: “Hmm?”

Wasn’t she strictly managing her figure during the shooting period?

Shao Cixin: “Well, I bought them and then remembered I couldn’t eat them, so I handed them out to everyone. These few remaining ones are all yours.

“I don’t know if you remember, but I treated you to these before.

“Although it’s very cheap, it’s been my favorite snack since I was a kid. Don’t disdain it. I’ll treat you to something more expensive next time and make up for this difference.”

Wen Zhihan chuckled: “You don’t need to make up the difference. This is just fine.

“I will enjoy them, thank you, junior sister.”

Shao Cixin was delighted, she turned around, preparing to take a shower.

But at that moment, Rong Ya called her. As soon as she picked up, it was again about the couple’s variety show.

“Cixin, they contacted me again, they asked you and your Mrs. Wen to reconsider, the matter of payment can be discussed.”

Upon hearing the last sentence, Shao Cixin unconsciously glanced at the concerned party.

Wen Zhihan was carefully placing the chocolates on a prepared tissue. He looked up and found her looking at her: “?”

Shao Cixin exchanged a few words with Rong Ya before hanging up the phone.

Since the concerned party was here, it would be better to directly ask her.

If she refused this time, it would be Mr. Wen personally refusing, they wouldn’t accept a third invitation.

“President Wen,” Shao Cixin leaned on the table, looking down at Wen Zhihan, “I have a business proposal, would you like to hear it?”

“What business?” Wen Zhihan propped her cheek.

“There’s a couple’s variety show that wants to invite us to their program.

“They shoot one day a week, if you are willing to consider, they said the price can be negotiated. But once you’re on the show, not only do you have to face a bunch of cameras, you also have to act affectionately with me in front of the camera. It’s not an easy job.

“So, do you want to go?”

Wen Zhihan slightly raised her eyebrows, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair, “When does it start shooting?”

Shao Cixin thought for a moment, “Within this year, probably around April or May.”

Wen Zhihan looked up at her, silent, thoughtful.

After a while, Wen Zhihan opened her mouth, “The payment can be negotiated?”

Shao Cixin nodded.

“Okay,” Wen Zhihan said, “I’ll go.”

“?”

Shao Cixin was a bit surprised, “You really agreed? Why?

“I thought you didn’t have the time, and you didn’t need the money. You even refused before.”

“I don’t need it,” Wen Zhihan said gently and harmlessly, “But I want to try what you called ‘making a living by using your face’.”

[1] “欺骗性” – The word refers to the deceptive nature of someone’s appearance, suggesting that they appear gentle and harmless but may be the opposite.[2] “调/戏她” – The term is used in Chinese culture to refer to frivolous or disrespectful behavior towards someone, often with an element of teasing or flirting.[3] “播下善意，日后说不定能种出一个菩萨” – This phrase is a metaphorical expression. “播下善意” means to spread kindness and “种出一个菩萨” translates to growing a Bodhisattva, a term in Buddhism referring to an enlightened being. This suggests that if one spreads kindness, they might benefit from it in unexpected ways in the future.[4] “给她面子” – This Chinese phrase literally translates to “giving her face”. It means showing respect or consideration for someone, often by accommodating their wishes or requests. It’s a fundamental concept in Chinese culture, related to maintaining harmony and relationships.[5] “感天动地的双向奔赴” can be directly translated as “earth-shaking mutual rush”, but it’s a phrase often used by fans to describe an intense romantic commitment between two characters/people in a fan-shipping context.[6] “Dog food” is a Chinese internet slang term for public displays of affection that singles “consume” much like dogs eat dog food.[7] “超话” (super-topic) is a feature on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that aggregates posts related to a specific topic, similar to a subreddit on Reddit.