Chapter 51: Let’s Get Married

After the celebration that night, Jiang Xinyu offered to drive Uhey home. Since "We Got Married" had finished filming, Uhey was heading back to her own place. On the way, Anna called several times to hurry her along.

Although Anna was more inclined to see Jiang Xinyu and Uhey’s relationship develop, both of them were at pivotal points in their careers. Any rumors could negatively impact their work. However, because of their participation in "We Got Married," any gossip between them had become almost inconsequential, as if everything was unfolding naturally.

"Where to tonight?" Jiang Xinyu asked; he hadn’t drunk any alcohol and was still able to drive. Although Hwang Tae-kyung had handed him some red wine, he didn’t drink it—he was always a careful person.

"Let’s just go home," Uhey replied. "Hyde Apartments is closer."

The company had bought the apartment for the two of them, but the property deed hadn’t been finalized yet. As for whose name would go on it, that still needed to be discussed. If they weren’t in a romantic or marital relationship, typically the property would be sold at market value and the proceeds divided, or one person would keep the apartment and compensate the other for their share.

Jiang Xinyu had been pondering this matter, but he felt that bringing it up would seem distant, as if drawing a line between them.

Of course, he hoped this would become their shared home—ready and filled with memories.

Uhey smiled at him. "And you? Are you coming back as well?"

The invitation in her words caught Jiang Xinyu off guard; he looked at Uhey in disbelief.

She wore light makeup, appearing both alluring and enigmatic beneath the night sky. Oh yes, she was the nation’s fairy, after all.

Jiang Xinyu smiled wordlessly. Uhey became a bit embarrassed. "I didn’t mean to invite you. It’s up to you!"

Uhey knew well that Jiang Xinyu was never one to cross the line; he had a touch of conservatism in his bones. But she liked that—he never seemed frivolous. Though she worked in showbiz, she longed for a genuine romance, one that might even lead to marriage.

Jiang Xinyu looked at her with a smile. "Then let’s go home."

A warmth blossomed in Uhey’s heart. "Mm."

Jeremy ran over to bid them farewell, adding, "Hyung, if you come back, bring me some of those takoyaki from my favorite place!"

Though it was late, that convenience store was open 24 hours.

Uhey immediately turned away; Hwang Tae-kyung dragged Jeremy back, and one could still faintly hear him say, "You really think he’s coming back tonight?"

Jeremy shouted, "Why wouldn’t he—oh..." He seemed to realize something, but Jiang Xinyu was already driving off, unable to hear the rest.

—

Back home, Uhey went to tidy the kitchen. The chicken soup was still in the pot; it seemed a shame to throw it out. She called out to Jiang Xinyu, "Drink the leftover chicken soup, will you? It’d be a waste otherwise."

After all, she’d simmered it for so long, and the flavor was rich.

Jiang Xinyu changed into loungewear and came over to take charge. "I’ll heat it up. Go get changed and take a bath."

Their conversation was like that of a couple married for years. As Uhey showered, she thought to herself: perhaps it’s best to just let things develop this way. Tomorrow, she’d call her parents and tell them everything.

Actually, when they’d filmed the third episode of "We Got Married," her mother had called, asking about her relationship with Jiang Xinyu. Was it just for the show, or were they truly seeing each other? Older people could often see through things easily, and her mother, being especially mindful, had only said she was considering it, without sharing much detail. Her mother hadn’t pressed, only advised caution.

Uhey thought, perhaps tomorrow she’d finally make a decision.

She had agreed to date Jiang Xinyu long before, but hadn’t told her parents the truth. Subconsciously, she still harbored doubts about romance in showbiz, but after all this time, she felt it was enough.

After her bath, stepping out of the bathroom, Uhey felt as if she could finally breathe.

Jiang Xinyu brought out the chicken soup; seeing her flushed cheeks, he smiled. "Come here, have some too."

Uhey had drunk some wine, and after the bath, felt a bit dizzy. She didn’t want the soup and pretended to watch TV instead, but her gaze lingered on the man’s back—not broad, but it gave her a profound sense of security.

Jiang Xinyu had only drunk half a bowl when she suddenly hugged him from behind.

Honestly, it was the first time Uhey had ever taken the initiative since they started dating—not for filming, not because she was upset.

Suddenly, Jiang Xinyu felt as though the clouds had finally parted and he could see the moon.

"What’s the matter?" He patted her arm.

Uhey pressed her forehead to his spine, swaying slightly. "Nothing," she murmured, her voice muffled but tinged with a quiet smile.

Jiang Xinyu didn’t disturb her, letting her lean on him. He finished the chicken soup in a few quick gulps, feeling uncomfortably full—why was it so hard to throw away a little chicken soup?

After a while, Uhey tilted her head, pressing her cheek to his back, eyes half-closed. "Let’s go traveling, shall we?"

Jiang Xinyu thought she was joking, tipsy. "Alright, where to?"

Uhey brightened immediately. "Let’s go to Japan. Let’s book tickets now!"

Only then did Jiang Xinyu turn to look at her, realizing she was serious. He nodded agreeably. "Sure, there’s still two weeks until our next album launch."

Uhey calculated that they could travel for a week, and immediately called Anna, wheedling for time off.

Anna was speechless at her unpredictability, but could only remind her, "Make sure to take care of yourself."

Uhey, not catching her meaning, retorted, "We’re just going to Japan, not the jungle!"

Anna was exasperated. "I mean—take proper precautions!"

Uhey was stunned for a long moment, her face turning bright red.

—

Because vacation time was so precious, the two acted with remarkable efficiency, booking their tickets that very night. But while their flights were settled, they hadn’t carefully planned their itinerary.

Jiang Xinyu had been to Japan for promotions and concerts, so he wasn’t unfamiliar with the place, and his language skills were serviceable. But this time, traveling with Uhey, he wanted things to feel different.

"Where do you want to go?" With only six days off, they couldn’t visit every place that interested them—it would be exhausting, and that wasn’t the point of their trip.

Uhey sprawled lazily on the bed, rolling from left to right to meet Jiang Xinyu’s gaze.

"Let’s go to..." She hadn’t really thought about it. She wasn’t interested in shopping in Tokyo—she was tired of shopping—and Kyoto didn’t appeal to her either. After some thought, she said, "Let’s go to Nara!"

She’d heard Nara was a peaceful place, quiet like a paradise removed from the world. She couldn’t recall who’d said it, but the name always surfaced in her mind.

"Alright." Jiang Xinyu fondly stroked her cheek and began searching online for accommodation and travel information.

Perhaps it was the thought of the upcoming trip, but Uhey’s drowsiness vanished. Once Jiang Xinyu had planned their route and booked the hotel—calling ahead despite the late hour—they decided they would spend two days in Tokyo before heading to Nara.

—

When Uhey and Jiang Xinyu arrived at the airport, both were bundled up tightly. Though it was already March, the two of them were so popular that even traveling like this, they risked being recognized. Most people, however, assumed they were filming a show, so there was no crowd chasing after them, and the two boarded safely.

Seoul to Tokyo was a short flight—just two hours. After landing, they went straight to their hotel. Jiang Xinyu had reserved a luxury suite with multiple rooms.

Uhey dropped her bag and stood by the window, watching the crowds below. The shops were all covered in Japanese signage—no longer the familiar language and people. It felt strange, especially this impulsive trip, tinged with excitement.

Jiang Xinyu finished unpacking and joined her at the window. Uhey wore a gentle smile; though the weather was overcast, her expression radiated warmth.

She reached out and took his hand. "I’m really happy."

Jiang Xinyu pulled her into his arms. "As long as you’re happy."

He was always like this, silently doing little things for her, as if loving her was the most natural thing in the world, never asking for anything in return.

Uhey closed her eyes. "Let’s go shopping today. If I decide to shop, did you bring enough money?"

Jiang Xinyu pinched her nose. "If not, you can just pawn me."

Uhey protested, "No way! If I pawn you, what would I do? I’d have to marry someone else."

Jiang Xinyu froze, then a wave of joy washed over him. Because her words had slipped out so naturally, they felt all the more sincere. She probably hadn’t realized what she’d said—sometimes, she was adorably absent-minded.

Jiang Xinyu kissed her nose lightly. "Then I’ll bring lots of cards for you to spend. Marry me."

Uhey burst into laughter, but after she stopped, her expression turned serious. "Alright. I accept."

Jiang Xinyu could no longer contain his excitement. He let go of Uhey, turned her to face him, and looked straight into her eyes. "I’m serious, Uhey. I want to marry you."

His eyes shone with an unprecedented fervor, his hands on her shoulders trembling slightly. Uhey reached up and pinched his cheek. "I’m serious too!"

And with those words, she was met with a passionate kiss. They’d kissed on screen before—soft, gentle, barely a brush for the public—but this was different. It was fervent, all-consuming, sending shivers through her. Held tightly against the large floor-to-ceiling window, she felt as though there was no escape from this overwhelming passion.

Uhey clung to Jiang Xinyu as the kiss slowly melted into tenderness, from a storm to an endless entanglement. At last, their foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling.

"I’m so happy, Uhey. I want to marry you."

Hearing this, Uhey’s heart softened. Yes, with a man who loved her so deeply, why had she hesitated to accept his feelings?

"Mm," she answered softly, her eyes full of sincerity and hope. "I’m willing to marry you."