The first few days after the press conference were a blur. News outlets were saturated with headlines about Lu Cheng's marriage to the talented Su Nian, a former unknown designer who had quickly captured the public's attention. Social media buzzed with mixed reactions—some admired the couple's courage, while others questioned Su Nian's intentions.
Su Nian had expected the public attention, but nothing could have prepared her for the weight of it. She had never been the type to enjoy the limelight, and now, every step she took was under a microscope.
It started with a casual meeting with a potential sponsor for her fashion line. As Su Nian entered the upscale boutique, the eyes of everyone in the room immediately turned to her. A hushed silence followed, punctuated only by the sound of her heels clicking against the floor.
"Ms. Su Nian," the sponsor said, smiling politely but with a hint of skepticism in her eyes, "It's an honor to meet you. We've heard a lot about you lately. But I must admit, I'm curious—how does it feel to be married to a man like Lu Cheng?"
Su Nian's smile was tight. "Lu Cheng and I are a team. Our relationship isn't about business or status. It's about trust, love, and mutual respect."
The sponsor raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Of course. Well, we're looking forward to seeing more of your work."
As the meeting ended, Su Nian couldn't shake the feeling that her words had been scrutinized just as much as her designs. It was a reminder that nothing would ever be the same again. The public now saw her through the lens of her marriage to one of the country's most eligible bachelors, and that came with its own set of expectations.
At home, the pressure was no less intense. The Lu family had always been influential, and now that the marriage was public, everyone had an opinion about it.
Lu Cheng's mother, despite her initial approval, began to speak more pointedly about Su Nian's place in the family. "You'll have to attend more events with us, Nian. The company needs to maintain a certain image, and you're a part of that now."
Su Nian nodded politely, though her mind was swirling with the weight of the responsibility. It wasn't just her future at stake anymore; it was the future of her marriage, her career, and the Lu family's legacy.
That night, as they sat together in the living room, Lu Cheng noticed the exhaustion in her eyes. He sat next to her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You don't have to do everything they ask of you, NianNian," he said gently. "If it's too much, we'll figure something else out."
Su Nian leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his presence. "I know. But I also know that everything has changed now. I have to prove myself—not just as your wife, but as a designer."
Lu Cheng's gaze softened, his hand resting on hers. "You've already proven yourself, NianNian. To me and to everyone who matters."
She smiled, her heart swelling with affection for him. But even as he spoke the words she needed to hear, she couldn't escape the feeling of being trapped in a gilded cage, her every move watched, every word dissected.
As the days passed, the scrutiny only grew. The fashion industry, always ruthless, now saw Su Nian as a double-edged sword—her talent was undeniable, but her connection to Lu Cheng made her a target for both admiration and resentment.
One afternoon, as she walked through the academy's hallways, she caught sight of Wei Tao standing by the entrance, waiting for her. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he stepped forward.
"Su Nian, I was hoping we could talk. I've been thinking about your latest designs—they're incredible. I'd love to collaborate with you on a project," he said, his tone earnest.
Su Nian paused, slightly taken aback by the sudden proposal. She had never imagined that Wei Tao would approach her so directly.
But just as she was about to respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"There you are, NianNian."
It was Lu Cheng, his expression unreadable as he walked toward them, his eyes narrowing when he saw Wei Tao standing too close to his wife.
Su Nian felt a chill run through her at the shift in Lu Cheng's demeanor. He had always been calm, collected, but there was something sharp in his gaze now—a flicker of possessiveness that hadn't been there before.
"Cheng, this is Wei Tao. He wanted to talk about a possible project," Su Nian said quickly, trying to diffuse the tension.
Wei Tao extended a hand to Lu Cheng, his smile polite but clearly aware of the undercurrent of tension. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Lu. I admire your work."
Lu Cheng didn't shake his hand immediately. Instead, his gaze flicked to Su Nian, a silent question in his eyes. She could feel the weight of his gaze, and she quickly spoke again.
"Cheng, Wei Tao has been very kind to me. He just wants to collaborate on some designs. I think it's a good opportunity."
Lu Cheng nodded slowly, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. "I see. I'm sure you'll make the right decision, NianNian."
His words were laced with an almost imperceptible edge, and Su Nian felt a pang of confusion. She didn't know what was bothering him more—his suspicion of Wei Tao or his frustration at the way the world was changing around them.
That evening, after they'd returned home, Su Nian found Lu Cheng in the study, staring out the window. His back was turned to her, but she could tell he was deep in thought.
"Cheng?" she called softly, stepping into the room.
He turned to face her, his expression softened but still guarded. "NianNian, I'm sorry. I know I've been distant. It's just... seeing other men around you... I don't know how to handle it."
Su Nian's heart softened as she approached him, taking his hand in hers. "I know you're worried. But you have to trust me. I love you, Cheng. No one else matters."
He exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he cupped her cheek. "I trust you. I always have. But sometimes... sometimes I can't control the jealousy. It's like a fire I can't put out."
Su Nian smiled softly, her fingers brushing over his hand. "Then let me help you put it out. Let's face this together, okay?"
He nodded, leaning in to kiss her forehead gently. "Together."