NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: My Man Is So Good
Chapter 5: My Man Is So Good
A millionaire? Just like that?
Lu Yuan could barely process what had just happened. The [Supreme Level Great Bargain] reward was beyond anything he could have imagined—10,000 yuan awarded instantly! In an era where the average monthly wage hovered around a dozen yuan, this fortune was life-changing.
Yet the monetary reward paled in comparison to the “top physique” benefit. This wasn’t merely about wealth; this gift promised perfect health throughout his life. He would enjoy every meal, resist illness, and potentially live well into his seventies or eighties without medical troubles. As the saying went, health was wealth—and this blessing transcended any monetary value.
While Lu Yuan reeled from his windfall, matchmaker Liu Sufang’s face had blossomed into an enormous grin. Ten percent commission on this match meant ten yuan in her pocket—a handsome sum.
“You two can chat for a while,” she suggested cheerfully. “I’ll give you some privacy.”
Lu Yuan quickly shook his head. “No, Auntie, we haven’t obtained our marriage certificate yet. It wouldn’t look proper if someone saw us alone together. Let’s end things for tonight. I’ll come tomorrow morning to take Liyan to get our certificate.”
In truth, had the street office not closed early, Lu Yuan would have marched Su Liyan there immediately. But remaining alone with her now posed unnecessary risks. The new emperor had implemented strict moral codes. Unmarried couples caught in private conversations after dark could face hooliganism charges if reported. Better to wait—she was going to be his wife soon enough. Everything would be simpler after tomorrow’s paperwork.
Liu Sufang nodded in agreement. “That’s sensible reasoning. Liyan, see how thoughtful your man is?”
The word “man”—referring to Lu Yuan as her future husband—sent Su Liyan into a state of bashful dizziness. Despite her shyness, she silently agreed with the matchmaker’s assessment.
Her man was indeed good—noticeably different from village men his age. Everything about him exuded confidence and maturity. Su Liyan found these qualities irresistibly attractive.
Too shy to meet Lu Yuan’s gaze, she simply nodded.
Lu Yuan felt profound relief at his decision to leave. Had they remained alone, Su Liyan’s seductive innocence might have tempted actions that would frighten her away—wasting this perfect opportunity.
Before departing, Lu Yuan arranged details with the matchmaker for tomorrow. The street office opened at eight; he would arrive punctually with a red envelope. The matchmaker’s presence was necessary despite Lu Yuan’s work permit—she needed to verify his suitability before officially transferring responsibility for Su Liyan.
As they walked back to the lobby, Lu Yuan felt Su Liyan stealing glances at him. Whenever he turned to meet her eyes, she would immediately look down, too bashful to maintain contact. Her shy demeanor was utterly captivating.
Upon reaching the entrance, Lu Yuan surprised everyone by approaching the receptionist.
“How much for a single room tonight?”
“Two yuan,” the girl replied.
Without hesitation, Lu Yuan paid—what was two yuan against his newfound wealth of ten thousand? After completing registration, he turned and handed the key to a startled Su Liyan.
Only then did she understand—he had secured private accommodations for her alone.
“No need…” she protested softly. “It’s just one night. It doesn’t matter where I sleep…”
Lu Yuan’s expression turned serious. “The room is already paid for. You deserve comfortable rest. Besides, I noticed how the other girls treated you earlier—their faces showed everything. I suspect they’ve been harsh toward you. Now that you’re marrying me, I won’t let my wife endure others’ resentment.”
Both Su Liyan and the matchmaker stared at him in surprise. His observation was accurate. Su Liyan’s exceptional beauty had made her the first choice for most suitors, breeding jealousy among the other girls. Throughout their journey, they had directed cold glances and deliberate exclusion toward her. Su Liyan had silently endured this treatment, accustomed to such contempt since childhood.
That Lu Yuan had noticed immediately and thoughtfully arranged private accommodations touched her deeply.
Still, she shook her head. “It’s okay, brother. It’s just one night—don’t waste your money…”
Her concern over his spending only endeared her further to Lu Yuan. This truly was a supreme bargain—beauty matched with character.
Lu Yuan exchanged a meaningful glance with Liu Sufang. “Auntie, who makes decisions in your household?”
The matchmaker, quick-witted as successful matchmakers must be, immediately understood his intent. “Of course, my aunt listens to her husband. Which woman doesn’t obey her man?”
Lu Yuan smiled. “What should I do when my wife doesn’t follow my wishes?”
Liu Sufang played along perfectly. “You can’t blame Liyan—you haven’t married yet! Besides, she’s your responsibility now. You must care for her yourself; no one else can do that.”
Their playful banter about marital expectations filled Su Liyan with sweetness and shyness. Just as she summoned the courage to speak, Lu Yuan addressed her seriously:
“Stay here without worry. You are my wife now, and I will never let you suffer any injustice. Rest well. I’ll return tomorrow morning for the certificate.”
Su Liyan responded not with words but with an intense gaze and serious nod.
After Lu Yuan departed, Su Liyan and Liu Sufang remained in the lobby, watching as he crossed the street and disappeared from view.
“Liyan, your suffering has ended—happiness has finally arrived,” Liu Sufang sighed, patting the girl’s hand. “He has good prospects, fine appearance, and most importantly, a caring heart.”
Having accompanied Su Liyan on several previous matchmaking attempts, Liu Sufang had developed genuine concern for the girl. Despite Su Liyan’s exceptional beauty, filial nature, and work ethic, past circumstances had prevented suitable matches. Now, seeing everything resolved filled the matchmaker with vicarious joy.
Su Liyan stood transfixed, staring at the space where Lu Yuan had vanished, nodding earnestly. Her beautiful eyes reflected visions of their future together, mingled with curiosity and joy about the man who would become her husband.
Liu Sufang finally broke the spell with gentle teasing. “He’s gone now. You can stop staring like the legendary ‘husband-waiting stone.’ After tomorrow’s certificate, you’ll see him daily at home.”
Su Liyan snapped back to awareness, blushing. “Auntie! Don’t tease me with such sayings!”
Liu Sufang smiled knowingly as she led Su Liyan back to collect her belongings before relocating to the second-floor room. At the corner, Su Liyan couldn’t resist one final glance backward at the empty doorway.
Her face flushed with anticipation, a sweet smile playing across her lips as a single thought filled her mind:
My man is so good.