Trial Marriage with Sister’s Ex

Xia Zhuxi fell hard for her sister’s best friend, Shen Jingsong.

One summer camp night, Xia Zhuxi caught her sister holding Shen Jingsong close, whispering “baby.”

Her secret crush fizzled out like fireworks doused by rain—

beautiful dreams snuffed before they could burst into bloom.

Years later, at her sister’s engagement party to the Li Family Eldest Young Master.

Shen Jingsong shows up.

Xia Zhuxi stumbles toward her in a panic:

“Do you still have feelings for my sister?”

Shen Jingsong shakes her head—they’d parted ways ages ago.

Fueled by liquid courage,

Xia Zhuxi blurts out the boldest words of her twenty-three years:

“Marriage—wanna give it a trial run with me?”

~~~

Shen Jingsong tied the knot.

Her new wife was a die-hard fan who’d adored her for nine years,

also the “Xia God,” the dream idol of racing girls everywhere.

Shen Jingsong had never spilled any personal details,

yet this wife knew all her secrets by heart:

Allergic to mangoes.

Lactose intolerant, only drinks Shu Hua milk.

Every autumn, a glass of warm water by the bedside—

her fragile bronchi make her cough through the night…

As a devoted little fan, Xia Zhuxi knew far too much.

Tipsy, Shen Jingsong commandeers Xia Zhuxi’s bedroom:

“Am I just some minor idol to you?”

Xia Zhuxi’s cheeks flush red as little apples.

—Of course not. You’re the midsummer fireworks I’ve cherished in secret for nine years.

[Side Theater 1]

Ancient Costume Goddess Shen Jingsong’s secret marriage bombs the headlines across every major outlet.

Paparazzi swarm her:

“Jingjing Fairy, the rumors say your hidden spouse is some sleazy middle-aged creep?!”

Shen Jingsong glances at the “Racing Queen” poster behind her and smiles faintly.

She turns to Xia Zhuxi’s fans at the racetrack: “Is your Xia God sleazy?”

***

[Side Theater 2]

Beach, seagulls, waves crashing in rhythm.

She perches on the hood of her car, nestled in her embrace.

They raise their interlaced hands; their gleaming wedding bands clink softly.

Xia Zhuxi’s smile shines bright:

“Fans across the universe are raging that I stole you away.”

Shen Jingsong pulls her into a kiss: “Me too.”