Chapter Nine: Su Rouxue’s Secret

Natsuki had always maintained good habits when it came to sports. Jogging, basketball, swimming, badminton—he excelled at many activities. Back in high school, he had considered pursuing the path of an athlete, but if he had truly taken that route for the college entrance exams, he would never have met Su Rouxue.

Sweat trickled down his cheeks and onto his upper body as he stirred the vegetables in the kitchen. The window did not let in sunlight at this hour, and as he stood sideways to Su Rouxue, without the light of the lamp, every line of his body was distinct. For all the countless bodies Su Rouxue had admired, each imbued with artistic charm, facing a living, breathing man in such a state, she found herself unable to remain composed.

“Should I be a little more reserved?” Su Rouxue lifted her brows slightly, questioning herself. At her age, many of her friends were already married—some even had children. She had often been told that once a relationship lost its sense of novelty, love would gradually cool. Watching the young man in the kitchen, only she truly knew how deeply she loved him.

Yet, because she had never loved anyone so sincerely before, she sometimes wondered if it was simply her age, perhaps a need she was exploring, that made her so infatuated with him. A woman’s emotions are complex, and her thoughts can shift easily. Despite her appearance of intelligence and perfection, her wealth and beauty, Su Rouxue often felt insecure—because of her age, because she was a divorced “single lady.” Even in this era of greater acceptance, whenever people brought up age or divorce, her confidence faltered.

She loved Natsuki. The initial reason was simply that his love for her was pure and without malice.

“Ah.” Why did she suddenly feel like Lin Daiyu? Su Rouxue sighed helplessly, but when Natsuki turned and smiled at her, her expression quickly transformed.

“It seems I really have become your life model!”

“Yes, why not make good use of the free fresh talent right at home?”

“So this counts as a sacrifice for art?”

“Of course. This is my exclusive art, to be admired by me alone.”

“And for you, every meal I cook from now on will be crafted just for you.”

Su Rouxue’s heart warmed. She had to admit, Natsuki was far too skilled with words. Perhaps it was because she loved him that those words felt so sweet. If anyone else had said such things, she would have thought them just slick and insincere.

After some bustling about, lunch was finally ready: two dishes and a soup, just the right amount for two. Natsuki carried the food to the table, set out the bowls and chopsticks, and Su Rouxue brought over her completed sketch, placing it on the table: “Perfect timing.”

Natsuki raised his brows and smiled, delighted by the black-and-white portrait: “As expected of a master artist—just a few dozen minutes and you’ve captured a likeness.”

“It’s nothing, really. I know you so well that I don’t need to observe the details; I can imagine them as I draw.” Su Rouxue smiled. Catching the aroma of the food, she eagerly picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of meat. The tender, flavorful juices burst in her mouth, and her eyes brightened: “You really do have some skill.”

“If we live together from now on, I’ll make sure you grow plump and well-fed,” Natsuki said confidently.

“No, please. If I put on weight, I’ll become the object of your disdain.” Su Rouxue shook her head.

“Never. When others gain weight, it’s just weight. If my beloved grows plump, she becomes even more charming.”

Natsuki chuckled. Even he thought his gift for words was impressive—perhaps it was due to writing novels lately. Everyone knows that, since ancient times, poets and writers have always had endless ways to express love; there’s no limit to how clever they can be.

Su Rouxue was naturally delighted by his compliments, but she said nothing more. All she wanted now was to quietly enjoy this lunch made with love.

From many little details, it was clear Natsuki fit the traits of a Taurus man. Taurus men are especially devoted and responsible in relationships. When pursuing someone, they rely on their steady, down-to-earth demeanor to win the other’s heart.

Accept it: an eighteen-year-old boy, brimming with energy, paired with a thirty-year-old woman in her prime—a Taurus and Virgo, a perfect match. Their love ought to proceed smoothly, shouldn’t it?

After lunch, Su Rouxue took the initiative to clean up the dishes. Natsuki wanted to help, but she stopped him: “Just take a good rest. School starts in a few days, don’t overwork yourself.”

“I should be doing this. Your hands are meant for creating art, not—”

“Alright, go rest now. I can see you’re tired; don’t push yourself, take a nap.” Su Rouxue cut him off directly. They were so familiar with each other now, having spent so much time together. Even though Natsuki was young and vigorous, this level of exertion was too much for anyone.

Feeling her care, Natsuki could only smile awkwardly. “Then I’ll go sleep for a bit. Wake me up later, alright?”

“Alright.”

Natsuki climbed the stairs and entered the bedroom Su Rouxue usually slept in. The room was around sixty square meters—luxurious, beyond anything Natsuki could have imagined.

A faint scent of roses filled the space. Standing there, he couldn’t help but feel how lonely Su Rouxue must be when she was home alone. Her wardrobe was large, filled with clothes. Out of curiosity, Natsuki glanced inside—and what he saw shocked him.

He never expected Su Rouxue’s wardrobe to contain so many types of clothing. Traditional dresses, Lolita fashion, school uniforms, white and black lace stockings… and more.

“So this is my lady? Will she show me all these different styles?” Natsuki’s mind began to imagine Su Rouxue in Lolita paired with black stockings, in a school uniform with white stockings, and in all the other outfits.

Now he was truly amazed. Artistic women really are different. If he hadn’t known Su Rouxue’s background, seeing all these styles in her wardrobe would have made him wonder.

His lady might well be a cosplay enthusiast.

In his fantasies, the role-playing, his lady Su Rouxue…

How could anyone not love such a woman?