Chapter 18: Clearly Didn't Care About Nan Xiao

Xie Chengyu was tall—broad-shouldered, solid as a wall blocking Nan Xiao’s path. She froze instantly.

She didn’t look at his face. Her eyes stayed fixed on the wallpaper beside her.

“What do you want to talk about?”

She had a pretty good idea what he’d say—something like warning her not to get close to Xu Ruoxin. But she hadn’t expected him to ask, “You really care about me and Ruoxin?”

“…”

Under the dim light, Xie Chengyu’s skin was porcelain-pale and flawless, his features sharp and cold, like carved stone. His eyes—still as a pool—seemed quiet, but they pierced straight through to the soul.

Nan Xiao’s heart hammered in her chest. Her palms grew damp where she clenched them tight.

She couldn’t let him see how she felt. Not even a hint. If he knew, she’d lose everything—her pride, her dignity. And that would be unbearable.

So she kept her voice steady. “We’re married in name only. When Ruoxin called you ‘husband’ in public, I felt insulted. That’s all.”

Was it really just that?

A faint frown flickered across Xie Chengyu’s brow—so quick, even he barely noticed it.

“Our arrangement won’t last much longer. Once it’s over, we’ll both be free. Just hold on a little longer.”

He said it flatly, then turned and walked away—no glance back, no pause, nothing.

Nan Xiao pressed a hand to her chest, where a dull ache pulsed beneath her ribs. The way he’d defended Ruoxin earlier was clear enough. She had to stop dreaming. If she didn’t, she’d sink deeper into something she couldn’t afford to feel.

After leaving the old mansion, Xie Chengyu drove to a high-end residential complex in the heart of Northern City.

He parked in the underground garage, took the elevator up, and tapped twice on the door with his fingers. It opened almost immediately.

“Chengyu! You’re here! Didn’t I set your fingerprint? Why didn’t you just come in?”

Xu Ruoxin smiled brightly.

“I’m not used to it.”

He stepped inside, scanning the room. His gaze lingered on Ruoxin’s arm wrapped around his.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Much better now! I just got worn out from filming while pregnant. That’s why I passed out. I’ve been eating more supplements lately.”

“Let me know what you need. I’ll buy it for you.”

“Mmm, you’re the best!”

Ruoxin tugged him toward the living room sofa, then bounced off to the kitchen to cook.

Xie Chengyu was tired. He leaned back against the couch, fingertips lightly pressing his temples. Drowsiness crept in—but in this unfamiliar space, sleep wouldn’t come easily.

Half-asleep, half-aware, a faint scent drifted into his nose—soft, floral, intoxicating. A smooth, warm touch brushed his skin. His eyes snapped open.

And there, right before him, was a sea of white.

His pupils contracted sharply.

“Chengyu…”

Ruoxin blinked, surprised he’d woken so fast.

She bit her lip softly, then leaned in without hesitation.

“Stop it,” Xie Chengyu said, pushing her shoulder gently. His voice was dark, edged with warning. “You’re pregnant.”

Ruoxin paused. Her lower lip trembled slightly. “I asked the doctor. No sex in the first three months, yes. But I can help you another way. I’ll do anything for you.”

Her voice was honey-thick, sweet and sultry—enough to melt any man’s resolve. Xie Chengyu’s breath hitched. But deep in his eyes, a flicker of disgust flashed—too brief to catch.

He pushed her away.

“I don’t need it.”

This man—always commanding, always in control—didn’t have to raise his voice. Just lowering his tone sent chills down anyone’s spine.

Ruoxin’s skin prickled with goosebumps. She watched him stand, walk away without a backward glance, his back utterly unyielding.

What… was going on?

Not just today. In the past years, when they were together, he’d never touched her. Even though he gave her wealth, comfort, attention—she still felt distant, untouched.

And he wasn’t incapable.

Far from it. She’d tested it once—back then, he was *very* capable. Fit, toned from constant training, built like a statue. He’d be incredible in bed.

But he refused. Always.

And he seemed to hate marriage.

That day in the hospital, when she invited him to live with her, he’d refused—citing Nan Xiao. At the time, she thought it was just an excuse.

Xie Chengyu wasn’t kind. He was ruthless. Cold to those he didn’t care about. Otherwise, why had he ignored Nan Xiao for three years without a single visit?

Now, she wanted proof.

So today, in front of everyone, she called him “husband.” And he didn’t correct her.

He didn’t care.

He didn’t care about her.

Or about Nan Xiao.

And that meant one thing: he didn’t care about *anyone*.