Marriages have always been subject to ups and downs; it's completely normal.
Especially during the "seven-year itch" phase.
Su He and Lu Yanbei's marriage had never been well-regarded. Many had predicted their divorce, believing the tycoon would grow tired of his wife once the novelty wore off. On various social media platforms, forums even featured a thread titled #HasYoungMasterYanDivorcedYet?, which garnered hundreds of thousands of replies.
This demonstrated the widespread belief that their relationship was unlikely to last.
Yet, not only did they not divorce, but they also had one child after another. Consequently, rumors spread that Lu Yanbei had stayed married because Su He's destiny supposedly brought him luck and she was fertile. For the sake of the Lu family's prosperity, he had endured. They were portrayed as a loving couple in public, but behind the scenes, Lu Yanbei was rumored to have numerous mistresses, who had simply not been caught on camera.
Su He found these reports amusingly infuriating.
What business did others have with the state of their relationship? And the media outlets claiming Lu Yanbei had affairs, where was their evidence? They were twisting facts with nothing but their words, as if libel wasn't a crime.
Those in the circle had the most to say about Su He and Lu Yanbei's relationship.
"They shower each other with gifts like buildings and diamonds, yet people still doubt Brother Yan and Sister-in-law's feelings?"
"Are these people blind? With their track record of three children in five years, how can anyone believe they're not on the same page?"
"I saw hickeys on Brother Yan's neck yesterday. Sister-in-law is truly bold!"
"What mistress? The person in the car that day was Brother Yan and Sister-in-law! It was my birthday banquet, how could I be mistaken?"
"These unscrupulous media outlets should have been regulated long ago! All they do is chase after rumors!"
Gu Yuheng and his friends, upon seeing the trending topics, immediately logged into their accounts to defend their good friend. They also released some private party photos. In the pictures, Lu Yanbei gazed deeply at his wife, his smile incredibly tender.
One photo, secretly taken in a corner, showed the man covering his child's eyes with one hand while slinging his arm around his wife's slender waist, kissing her passionately.
Was this something a couple faking their affection would do?
After the photos were leaked, netizens were bombarded with sweet moments.
"So sweet, too sweet! What divorce rumors? Their relationship is clearly strong!"
"Who the hell acts like that when they're faking it? I'm asking those haters, doesn't your face hurt?"
"I told you the news was fake. Unscrupulous media, kneel and apologize immediately!"
"The tycoon's eyes practically glued to my princess, and yet they spread rumors of marital discord? Have they run out of excuses to smear them?"
With the support of their numerous followers, the controversy subsided without Su He needing to say a word. The couple even seized the opportunity to gain a large number of loyal fans, outshining even entertainment stars.
Although Su He rarely appeared in public, her presence was indispensable at certain important events.
For instance, the Lu Corporation's annual general meeting.
And various banquets attended by the elite.
Her status as Mrs. Lu was beyond question.
Lu Yanbei, knowing Su He had been wronged, immediately sued those media outlets. In recent years, he had been preoccupied with work and family, rarely engaging in such matters, but this did not mean he would tolerate their slander indefinitely.
Did they think he was a harmless mud bodhisattva just because he didn't roar?
Lu Yanbei's formidable tactics were usually reserved for the business world. Those who hadn't experienced them were emboldened to spread baseless rumors. Only when they received court summons did they realize they had provoked the wrong person.
Consequently, they pulled every string they could, attempting to persuade Lu Yanbei to drop the lawsuit.
Alas, it was too late!
*
When Lu Yanbei returned from work, Su He had already put the children to bed.
Despite having three children, she remained young and beautiful, her skin remarkably flawless and her figure as perfect as when they first married, constantly captivating Lu Yanbei.
Just like at this moment, Su He was practicing yoga in the living room, her graceful form stretching to the soothing music, her alluring curves breathtaking.
After having several children, her figure had improved. Her curves were accentuated where they should be, and she was slender where she should be. Shedding the youthful innocence of her girlhood, she exuded the seductive charm of a mature woman.
Lu Yanbei leaned against the sofa, quietly admiring her.
"Husband, you're back!" Su He noticed his gaze and smiled as she got up from the yoga mat.
The next moment, she threw herself into his arms.
Lu Yanbei caught her steadily, cupped her waist, and effortlessly lifted her. As their height difference narrowed, he lowered his head to kiss her full lips.
Seven years of marriage, and they were still as loving as ever, as if it were their first romance.
After their kiss, Lu Yanbei finally released her.
Su He, trying to calm her racing heart, asked if he had had dinner. Lu Yanbei took off his suit jacket and casually tossed it onto the sofa. "Company dinner tonight, so I've eaten."
"Are the children asleep?" he asked, glancing upstairs.
"They had a wild day at Grandpa's today, and fell asleep on the way back," Su He replied with a smile. "Grandpa was overjoyed to see them, and had two extra bowls of soup at lunch!"
Elder Lu's health had deteriorated significantly, and he had spent most of the past year in bed. Despite all persuasion, the old man refused to stay in the hospital, stating he wished to die at home. Reluctantly, Lu Yanbei brought him back and hired a live-in doctor for constant care.
The latest medical report was phrased ambiguously, but the gist was that the elderly gentleman, with his age and multiple chronic conditions, had already defied expectations to survive this long. His condition was worsening, and he could lose consciousness at any moment. They were advised to be mentally prepared.
While they had received critical illness notices before, this time it was truly dire.
Lu Yanbei felt immense sadness watching his grandfather grow thinner each day.
However, his work commitments were too demanding, leaving him no time. Thus, Su He often brought the children to visit, showing filial piety, and had recently moved the entire family back to the old residence.
The elder gentleman, fearing he might infect his cherished great-grandchildren, had insisted they move back. Therefore, Su He had to visit him frequently, offering companionship in this manner.
"You've worked hard," Lu Yanbei said, holding Su He tightly, the woman he loved with all his heart.
He was busy building his empire, and he had paid little attention to domestic affairs. It was Su He who held their home together, who made silent sacrifices behind the scenes. Caring for the elderly, raising children – she never rested. Even her beloved painting studio, her passion, she had neglected, essentially abandoning her career.
Others only saw her title as Mrs. Lu, believing she had to do nothing, living a life of effortless luxury with billions at her disposal.
Only he knew the extent of her sacrifices for him and their family. Her energy was entirely devoted to him and their children, and only late at night could she carve out a little time for herself.
Su He returned his embrace with a warm smile.
What was a little hardship?
As long as she was with him, she was willing to do anything.