Page 18 of He Is My Bride
“Oh, I had fun, and Mister Wu is absolutely hilarious.”
Hanjun stared at him. Hanrong seemed surprised as well, but laughed.
“That’s the first time I’ve heard Uncle being described as ‘hilarious.’ It seems Grandmother Linming liked you. I really think you two should cook together before you leave Shanghai. Well, see you, Hanjun, Miss Li.”
Driving away from the hotel, Hanjun looked over at Li Ying in concern. “How do you feel?”
Li Ying smiled at him. “I think that went pretty well, considering your uncle is a bi—I mean, Mister Wu didn’t quite warm up to me yet, but for now, he’s outnumbered by Wu Hanrong and your grandmother, who are totally in my team.”
Hanjun now kept his eyes on the road. “Don’t call Uncle Yiheng disrespectful names. He’s still my uncle. ”
“Sorry.”
They stopped to pick up Anne on the way back.
“Well?” She looked anxiously at Li Ying from the backseat.
“All good, although uncle-in-law will need some more convincing, at least.”
Anne sighed in relief. “What’s his catch, then, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I don’t know, really.” Li Ying looked at Hanjun, but the man was silent and as expressionless as a statue.
Li Ying took out his phone and messaged Anne: He basically called me a slut.
What?!
Not with that exact word, not directly, but he strongly implied I’m a seductress. Thoughts?
Was he really that rude?
No. It was pretty cool, actually, the way he did it!
Wtf Li Ying? You have to tell me what exactly he said, so we can make a plan.
“Hanjun, drop us here,” Li Ying said. “I’m going shopping with Anne. I’ll come home later.”
Hanjun looked at him with a worried frown. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, don’t worry, I just want to look around the city with Anne.”
“…Alright.” Hanjun parked at the next possible spot, and Li Ying and Anne got out of the car.
Before Li Ying closed the door, Hanjun said, “Take care, call me if you need a ride.”
“I’m a big girl, Hanjun!” Li Ying winked at him before shutting the door.
Li Ying and Anne located the eastern end of the famous Nanjing Road, lined with shops, department stores, and restaurants, as well as Yule market-style food and souvenir stalls, erected for the season.
Neon lights and Christmas trees and other decorations lit up at dusk, creating a colorful ocean of light.
People were coming and going in masses, locals and tourists alike.
Li Ying and Anne walked about, just looking around without buying anything, while Li Ying described how Wu Yiheng had led him into his trap.
“That’s so mean!”
“Just don’t tell Hanjun, okay?” Li Ying said. “Neither he nor anybody else seemed to get it, and I don’t want to cause drama.”
“This isn’t good, Mister Wu seems very opposed to the idea of Sir Hanjun marrying you.” Anne fretted. “I don’t think there’s much I can do just by lengthening the hems of your skirts…”
“I don’t think it’s something you can help, so don’t worry about it. You’ve done your part, the rest is up to me.”
“So, what will you do next?”
Li Ying smiled, confident. “Hanjun’s cousin seems to really be on our side, and Auntie Wang invited me to her place and seemed more favorable overall.
It’s big to be invited to someone’s home, right, and this being Mister Wu’s own mother, I’d say the invitation is a big tactical win for us.
She could be vital in persuading her son to change his attitude towards me. ”
“I guess you’re right. So, you will keep fighting.”
“Of course! When have I ever been a quitter?”
They kept walking West, window shopping and taking pictures of Anne, until they spotted a specialty tea and teaware store. Li Ying thought of Hanjun’s collection and walked in on a whim.
When he came out with his purchase in a paper bag, he noticed it had begun snowing. Small flecks of white danced down upon the people who stood awestruck, pointing to the sky and exclaiming in joy. Li Ying looked up, then at Anne, and smiled. Somehow, despite the challenges, he was full of hope.
—
Hanjun looked at that same snowfall from the tall windows of his living room.
He had put a fire in the electric fireplace and brewed tea for himself.
Two bunny tea pets sat side-by-side on the tray.
He worried if Li Ying would be cold. His legs had been so bare in that skirt. He worried about other things too.
Hanjun wanted to call his uncle and urge him to bless the marriage, but he knew he would not attain his goal in this way, by whining and begging. It had never worked with Wu Yiheng, and Hanjun had learned that early. Eventually he sat down, opened a book, and got lost in it.
When Hanjun heard the doorbell, he hurried to open.
Li Ying was smiling at him from the door. “I’m home.”
“Welcome home.” Hanjun noted the paper bag. “Found something you like?”
“Never you mind that,” Li Ying said, winking, and hid the bag behind his back as he stepped past Hanjun and into the hallway.
Hanjun let his boyfriend keep his secrets and hide the bag from him while he sat back in the living room. Li Ying joined him, having removed his makeup and bra to get comfortable. He took a short spurt and leapt on Hanjun on the couch, tackling him down.
Hanjun grunted as he fell on his back. “What is it with you now?”
Li Ying grinned down at him slyly, pressing him down by his shoulders, and despite his greater strength, Hanjun let him, feeling flustered by Li Ying’s aggressive display of affection.
“Hanjun.” Li Ying purred, leaning down closer, and spread his legs wider on either side of Hanjun’s loins. Li Ying’s elevated buttocks swayed left and right under the skirt, catching Hanjun’s attention before he could tear his wandering gaze back to his eyes.
“Uncle’s precious little prince,” Li Ying murmured right into Hanjun’s ear, “this little tart is going to make him his.” He licked Hanjun’s neck, making the man under him shiver in pleasure.
“What is this, all of a sudden?” Hanjun swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing under Li Ying’s lips. “I am… already yours,” Hanjun whispered, quivering. Li Ying had always been frisky, but Hanjun had never seen him get like this. Hanjun liked it .
“Yes, you are, and I’m gonna make him believe it.” Li Ying moved up to kiss Hanjun’s lips, and they were soft and pliable under his own, receiving the kiss gratefully. To Hanjun, it was like an antidote against his festering doubts to see how determined Li Ying was to make this work.
“Li Ying,” Hanjun spoke, “I’m sorry you have to deal with all this.”
Li Ying just grinned. “Wu Yiheng will find that I won’t give up until I’ve made Wu Hanjun my husband.
After all…” Li Ying began opening Hanjun’s shirt’s buttons one by one.
Hanjun was aware of the two tea bunnies on the tray, watching, losing their innocence.
“If he was afraid of me seducing you, he’s already lost.”
Hanjun thought Li Ying was too audacious, but he loved him for it.
iii In China, 'face' refers to a person's reputation and is a key part of social dynamics and society.
Giving face means giving deference to someone in order to improve their standing or reputation, or to pay homage to their superior reputation or standing.
Custer, Charles. "'Face' Culture in China.
" ThoughtCo, Apr. 30, 2025, thoughtco.com/face-culture-in-china-687428. 13.26 1.6.2025