Mad Dog

Chapter 82: Wrap-up — Maybe we could hold a secret wedding.

Jiang Qi finished work at around 11 p.m. After washing up and returning to the lounge, he was surprised to find that Zhi Qi, who usually went to bed early, was still awake.

Not only was she awake, but the girl seemed to have encountered something delightful. She sat cross-legged on the bed, her smile radiant.

Jiang Qi walked over, curious to share in her happiness. He gently asked, “What’s making you so happy?”

As he asked, his long fingers instinctively pinched Zhi Qi’s ear—an unconscious gesture they often shared when being affectionate.

“I’ll tell you.”

The girl bit her lower lip with her pearly white teeth. “My brother embarrassed himself today.”

When Zhi Yu left angrily later, his face was ashen.

Jiang Qi raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Your brother came?”

Ever since they got married, Jiang Qi had switched from calling him ‘Yu-ge’ to ‘ge’ (brother).

Zhi Qi, afraid that Jiang Qi might ask too much about why Zhi Yu came, casually made up an excuse.

Then, she chattered on about how Zhi Yu had made a fool of himself in the dance studio that afternoon.

But Jiang Qi, being meticulous, still noticed the brief moment when Zhi Qi avoided his gaze.

He listened without showing any reaction, chuckling along, but inwardly decided he should call Zhi Yu back.

Jiang Qi knew his brother-in-law’s personality well. He wouldn’t have come all the way out to this remote film set for no reason. It was a long drive, after all.

After chatting for a while, Jiang Qi coaxed Zhi Qi into going to sleep, reminding her that she still had to drive back to Lin Lan tomorrow. He promised that when they had time, they could laugh at Zhi Yu together.

The girl found it funny but also agreed it made sense. Reluctantly, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

As he lulled her to sleep, Jiang Qi closed his eyes and pretended to nap too, his long hand gently patting her back in a soothing rhythm.

When Zhi Qi’s breathing became steady, indicating she was in deep sleep, Jiang Qi opened his eyes again. His amber eyes were clear, showing no sign of sleepiness.

He carefully laid Zhi Qi’s head on the pillow and tucked her in.

Then, he quietly left the lounge to make a phone call. He walked a bit further away, mindful that the flimsy, temporary setup of the place had poor soundproofing, and he didn’t want to wake Zhi Qi.

After dialing Zhi Yu’s number, it only took a few seconds before the call was answered.

Jiang Qi spoke politely, “Ge, I’m sorry, I just got off the set and saw your call. I heard you came to the set today?”

Though Jiang Qi was known for not being much of a conversationalist, when dealing with Zhi Qi’s family—or rather, his own family now—he was always very polite, even a bit refined.

Even Zhi Yu, who had a notoriously bad temper, couldn’t find any fault in him.

“I came to ask you something.”

Zhi Yu had just driven into Lin Lan city. While stopped at a red light, his long fingers tapped the steering wheel, and his voice was calm. “I was going to have Zhi Qi ask you, but she wasn’t cooperative… Jiang Qi, when are you planning to give my sister a wedding?”

It wasn’t that he was traditional or old-fashioned.

It’s just that the whole family believed that Zhi Qi should have everything she deserved—especially a wedding.

Over the phone, Jiang Qi blinked in surprise at Zhi Yu’s words, caught off guard but pleasantly so.

But as the initial joy settled, he could sense something in Zhi Yu’s words—Zhi Qi didn’t want to bring it up, so he had to make the call himself.

So, why didn’t the girl want to talk to him about this?

Jiang Qi pondered for a moment, then replied in a low, clear voice, “Alright, I’ll discuss it with Zhi Qi. Ge, you should get some rest.”

Even when talking to Zhi Yu, Jiang Qi had learned the basics of social niceties.

After a few more polite exchanges, they ended the call.

Jiang Qi quietly returned to the lounge and pulled the sleeping girl into his arms. Under the dim light of the bedside lamp, he carefully examined Zhi Qi’s delicate face, partially hidden by her long hair.

She was stunningly beautiful, with a youthful charm. Dressed in a school uniform, she could easily pass for a high school student. So, it made sense if Zhi Qi wasn’t ready to plan a wedding just yet.

The girl often complained about being exhausted from work. If they held a wedding, she would probably be even more tired.

Maybe that’s why Zhi Qi didn’t want to bring it up.

Besides, Jiang Qi had always felt a bit guilty toward her.

At that previous award ceremony, he selfishly wanted Zhi Qi to accompany him to receive the award, imagining how it would feel to share that moment with her. But he had forgotten that the exposure could affect someone like Zhi Qi, a “non-celebrity.”

They walked the red carpet together, interacted at the award ceremony, and even kissed, all of which were analyzed and scrutinized by the public for quite some time.

Back then, Zhi Qi’s popularity even surpassed many celebrities. And as the wife of a “controversial” star like himself, she faced significant criticism.

Although Zhi Qi never paid much attention to outside opinions, Jiang Qi couldn’t just ignore it.

That was the only time he asked Xiao Yongfei to help suppress the trending news—people could criticize him, but he didn’t want anyone to attack Zhi Qi.

Eventually, as Zhi Qi disappeared from the public eye, with only a few instances of paparazzi capturing them together, the online buzz gradually subsided.

After all, Zhi Qi was a regular person, and public interest in her was limited.

Besides, the girl was flawless—whether in looks, figure, education, or character. Even the harshest online critics couldn’t find anything to fault her for, except maybe saying, “She just has poor taste in men.”

At this thought, Jiang Qi couldn’t help but chuckle subtly. He lowered his head and gently kissed the corner of her lips.

He knew Zhi Qi didn’t care, but deep down, she didn’t like being judged by others.

If they held a wedding, it would inevitably push her back into the spotlight. Maybe that was why she didn’t want to go through with it.

But no matter the reason, Jiang Qi could understand.

Still…

“Maybe we could have a secret wedding,” Jiang Qi murmured quietly, his voice barely a whisper, more of a self-reflection than something to disturb Zhi Qi.

It was just a fantasy—a simple, quiet wedding without media, cameras, or unrelated people.

But then, would Zhi Qi’s family think he didn’t value her enough? And the online speculators, always eager to stir up drama, would probably add fuel to the fire. Jiang Qi found himself hesitating.

He had never cared about online opinions before, but when it came to Zhi Qi, he couldn’t help but be cautious.

But maybe this change wasn’t a bad thing.

He truly loved her and should consider everything for her.

He needed to anticipate all possibilities—both likely and unlikely—so that Zhi Qi wouldn’t be hurt.

“Forget it.”

Jiang Qi muttered as he lay down. “I’ll ask you tomorrow.”

It was as if he was giving Zhi Qi a one-sided “goodnight,” even though he had already said it once while she was still awake.

Before long, Zhi Qi, who had been resting her head on the edge of his arm, turned over and rolled into his embrace.

Jiang Qi’s arms seemed made for her, fitting perfectly. Once together, they both slept peacefully.

–

Though Jiang Qi had planned to ask Zhi Qi about the “wedding” the next day, things didn’t go as planned. Early in the morning, he was called away to reshoot some scenes.

By the time he finally wrapped up and checked his phone, Zhi Qi had already sent him a message on WeChat saying she was driving back to Lin Lan.

For a moment, Jiang Qi couldn’t help but feel a little down. But since Zhi Qi had to work tomorrow, it made sense for her to drive back at this time.

Jiang Qi felt a bit frustrated with himself for being so busy all the time. Every time, it was Zhi Qi who had to travel miles to come see him. Frowning slightly, for the first time, he felt like complaining about the intensity of his work.

He silently sent her a message:

“[Mm, be careful while driving.]”

Normally, Zhi Qi wouldn’t reply while driving, so after sending the message, Jiang Qi braced himself for a few hours of silence. But to his surprise, his phone chimed soon after.

“[I’m not driving,]”

“[It’s Sister Liang. She’s also going to Lin Lan today, so we’re traveling together.]”

“[She’s a better driver, so she offered to take the wheel.]”

Seeing the smiley face emoji at the end of her message, Jiang Qi couldn’t help but smile too.

He responded seriously:

“[Zhi Qi, we’re about half a month away from wrapping up filming. At that time…]”

At that time, he wouldn’t accept any more roles. He would take some time to properly be with her.

Ideally, they could also have their wedding.

However, midway through typing, he paused to think, which made Zhi Qi incredibly curious. She kept asking:

“[Mm?]”

“[What is it? What’s going to happen? Are you taking me on a trip?]”

Jiang Qi froze for a moment before replying quickly:

“[Do you want to go on a trip?]”

“[Of course I do.]”

Her reply came swiftly, with a playful hint of complaint:

“[We haven’t even gone on our honeymoon yet!]”

Honeymoon. Yes, married couples should go on a honeymoon.

The word made Jiang Qi unexpectedly happy. Without hesitation, he replied:

“[Alright, I’ll take you.]”

After sending that message, he immediately texted Xiao Yongfei:

“[Don’t schedule anything for me for half a month after the shoot wraps up.]”

Xiao Yongfei, who was eagerly reviewing scripts for Jiang Qi’s next project in his office, was stunned when he received the message. A giant question mark popped into his head.

He quickly asked:

“[Why?]”

He even used an exclamation mark to emphasize his shock.

Could actors in their prime really afford to be this confident?

Jiang Qi’s reply was simple:

“[Taking my wife on a trip.]”

…

Xiao Yongfei felt like he’d just been force-fed a mouthful of “dog food” (public displays of affection).

He swore that Jiang Qi was the hardest client he’d ever managed.