Shen Yi knew that Jiao Jiao was far more clear-headed and rational now. His charms and gentle approach weren’t working. All he could do was wait, hoping that the constant dripping would eventually wear away the stone.

Not that he held out much hope of winning her over on their wedding night anyway.

So Shen Yi simply said, "Good night," then turned and went into the inner room. He grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the back room to take... a cold shower.

’If I don’t take a cold shower, I probably won’t get any sleep tonight.’

After Shen Yi left, Qin Jiao breathed a sigh of relief. She had been entangled with this one man for two lifetimes, and her most intimate moments had all been with him.

Emotionally, having been reborn, Qin Jiao had no intention of staking her entire future on one man as she had in her past life. She believed that only by being strong and self-reliant could she live a good life.

But physically, and perhaps out of habit, she was still somewhat interested in him. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Qin Jiao mulled it over, then pulled out an English edition of a world classic to read. ’I’ll just read until I’m sleepy, then go to bed. I can’t let my mind wander.’

After a dozen or so pages, drowsiness crept in, and Qin Jiao finally fell asleep.

Fortunately, many things were now heading in a positive direction, so Qin Jiao slept soundly through the night without a single dream.

Carrying her washbasin, she was about to go to the back room to wash up when she saw Shen Yi emerging, sporting a pair of dark circles under his eyes.

’Did he not sleep well last night?’

Qin Jiao didn’t press him about it. She just gave a nod and went inside to wash up.

Shen Yi turned to look back at her. Qin Jiao’s hair was down, and she was wearing a loose blue shirt. Having just woken up, she had a languid air about her, like a little kitten.

His gloomy mood, a result of his poor night’s sleep, instantly brightened.

’From now on, just like in our last life, we’ll be living under the same roof.’

’And at school, Jiao Jiao is willing to admit to everyone that I’m her boyfriend. That outcome is better than anything I could have hoped for.’

As for more intimate matters... ’As long as I keep trying,’ Shen Yi thought, ’the water will wear away the stone sooner or later!’

His eyes suddenly lit up. He turned and went to the wardrobe to find something to wear. ’I have to dress a bit more handsomely today. That way, I’ll be a better match for Jiao Jiao when I’m walking next to her!’

People always say women love to get dolled up, but when a man really starts preening, it can take even longer.

Qin Jiao had already finished getting ready and was about to call Shen Yi to go to the main house to eat. She called out a few times, but all she got in response was, "Almost ready! Almost ready!" When she finally went over to see what was taking so long, she found Shen Yi still styling his hair with gel.

Qin Jiao leaned against the doorframe, watching Shen Yi with a smirk, not saying a single word.

Shen Yi’s hand froze. "Aren’t we going to take over the garment factory today?" he explained. "I need to look more mature and composed. Taking over this factory definitely isn’t going to be easy."

Qin Jiao laughed. "Mhm, you have a point. If you wanted to look more mature, you could have just not shaved."

"But wouldn’t you think I look old then?"

"Why would you need me for that? You’re already pretty old."

Counting his age from his past life, Shen Yi really wasn’t young anymore. He frowned slightly at his reflection in the mirror.

Qin Jiao said, exasperated, "Okay, stop being so dramatic. If you don’t hurry up, I’m going to the main house to eat without you."

"I’ll be right there! Jiao Jiao, wait for me!"

Qin Jiao hummed in acknowledgment as she watched Shen Yi shave his stubble clean. It reminded her of the second day of their marriage in her past life. Shen Yi had sauntered out first thing in the morning. Qin Jiao had put in the effort to cook a whole table of food, but by the time it all went cold, her dear "young master" still hadn’t come back to eat.