Been Waiting for You to Escape Marriage for a Long Time – CH5

Chapter 5: Installments

When Zhao Yuheng saw Shen Shuyi again, the wait was — as usual — no less than three hours.

It wasn’t their first meeting anymore, so he was more patient this time. Unlike before, when he had almost lost his temper waiting, Zhao Yuheng now sat calmly in the living room, sipping tea.

Three hours later, Shen Shuyi finally appeared at the top of the stairs.

Zhao Yuheng looked up and saw a pale face and a frail, slender figure half-buried in an oversized trench coat — as if a gust of wind could blow the young master away.

Compared to last time, Shen Shuyi looked even thinner. The belt of his coat cinched around his narrow waist — so small that it seemed one could hold it in one hand.

He had clearly taken time to wash and dress up, wearing a thin black trench coat that made his fair skin look even whiter than snow.

Yet even that couldn’t hide the faint, sickly aura clinging to him.

But Zhao Yuheng wasn’t here to worry about his health — he was here to collect a debt.

So he went straight to the point, “Did you prepare the money?”

Shen Shuyi hadn’t expected him to be so blunt, without even a polite preamble.

Uncle Lin and Auntie Li were both present. Hearing Zhao Yuheng’s words, they glanced over — especially Auntie Li, who hadn’t been there last time and didn’t know what kind of “deal” her young master had made. All she knew was that this man was asking for money.

Absurd! Her Third Young Master was always the one asking others for pocket money — when had anyone ever dared to ask him for money?

And with such an arrogant attitude too! Auntie Li, fiercely protective, glared at Zhao Yuheng with open hostility.

Shen Shuyi felt awkward and coughed lightly. “Auntie Li, you can go now.”

She didn’t move — clearly afraid her young master was being scammed.

Shen Shuyi had no choice but to add, “I want some porridge. Please warm me a bowl.”

At that, Auntie Li’s expression instantly brightened.

The little master finally wanted to eat something! She hurriedly called several chefs and nutritionists into the kitchen.

Shen Shuyi glanced around; when the living room was finally empty except for the two of them, his face sank.

“Can you not say things like that so bluntly? What we have between us — is that something to flaunt?”

Zhao Yuheng sneered inwardly. Oh, so you know it’s shameful to send people to illegally demolish homes in the middle of the night?

If you knew it was wrong, why did you do it? Only when your car hits a wall do you remember to turn the wheel — too late now!

“You’re right, it’s not something to be proud of.” Zhao Yuheng didn’t argue. He tried to keep his tone calm.
“So, Third Young Master, please just pay me as soon as possible. You pay, I leave — clean break, good for both of us.”

Of course Shen Shuyi knew that.

In his world, any problem that could be solved with money was the easiest kind.

But the irony was — right now, money was exactly his biggest problem.

Yes, he’d been grieving and distraught these past few days.

Not only had he forgotten about the five hundred thousand, he’d nearly forgotten the whole arranged marriage with Zhao Yuheng.

In other words — Shen Shuyi, at this very moment…

…had no money.

His face shifted colors several times, but he didn’t answer. He was trying to think of a way to say it that wouldn’t sound utterly disgraceful.

Zhao Yuheng wasn’t easily fooled.

Having grown up in a rough city slum, he could read people instantly. Shen Shuyi’s stiff, awkward demeanor told him everything — the young master couldn’t pay.

Zhao Yuheng’s expression hardened. “Don’t tell me the great Shen family can’t even come up with five hundred thousand? Is breaking promises your family tradition?”

That was harsh. Shen Shuyi’s face flushed red with embarrassment.

Panicking, he shot up from his seat. “Of course not!”

But he had barely eaten in days. The sudden motion made his head spin, and before he could say anything more, his vision blurred —

He collapsed, missing the sofa completely and falling toward the marble floor.

Zhao Yuheng reacted fast and caught him by the waist. His fingers nearly wrapped around it — so thin.

Auntie Li came back up with porridge just in time to see the scene and nearly fainted. “Third Young Master!”

Shen Shuyi took several seconds before the black dots in his vision faded. His consciousness slowly returned.

The house erupted into chaos — bodyguards rushed in and pulled Zhao Yuheng away; despite being tall and strong, Zhao Yuheng staggered back several steps.

Two maids fussed over Shen Shuyi, three nutritionists checked his pulse, and two assistants were already on the phone reporting the incident to Shen Lu.

The household moved in frantic but practiced coordination — they’d clearly been trained by years of caring for this fragile young master.

They surrounded Shen Shuyi like he was a priceless porcelain vase, terrified he might crack at any second.

Zhao Yuheng watched, lips curling in contempt. What a pampered little prince.

Auntie Li turned on Zhao Yuheng furiously. “How dare you speak to the Third Young Master like that? Don’t you know he’s been unwell lately? Coming here at a time like this — what are you trying to do!?”

Trying to collect what I’m owed, Zhao thought bitterly. What do you think I’m doing — basking in your capitalist compassion?

He was about to retort, but Shen Shuyi panicked.

If Zhao Yuheng said too much — if he revealed that Shen Shuyi was planning to buy his way out of the marriage — Shen Lu would destroy him!

“Auntie Li!” he interrupted quickly. “I’m fine. Just low blood sugar.”

It was an old problem.

Auntie Li’s eyes reddened. “Third Young Master, you’ve barely eaten or slept these past few days. Even an iron man couldn’t endure that!” Her voice trembled with affection. “I’ve never seen you suffer like this since you were a child.”

Shen Shuyi thought to himself, I may not have suffered physically, but when it comes to love, I refuse to suffer at all.

Auntie Li had the nutritionist bring over the porridge — freshly reheated.

Shen Shuyi knew he couldn’t go on starving, so he reluctantly took a spoonful.

But after just half a second, he turned and vomited.

Zhao Yuheng, watching from the side, wasn’t surprised. Another wave of chaos followed — people swarmed around again, half ready to call an ambulance.

Zhao Yuheng could almost picture it: four hundred doctors and eight hundred nurses attending to this one man. Even royalty didn’t enjoy such treatment.

Seeing the ridiculous scene, Zhao Yuheng realized that if this continued, he’d never get his money.

He frowned. Coming to Shallow Bay cost him half a day — time he could’ve spent working two jobs.

He glanced at the bowl of porridge, picked it up, sniffed it, and asked, “You’re feeding him this?”

The nutritionist bristled. “What’s that supposed to mean? All ingredients are freshly air-shipped, simmered for three hours over low heat. You got a problem with that?”

Zhao Yuheng didn’t argue. He just thought, No wonder he puked. This rich boy’s stomach is made of glass — you’re basically forcing ginseng stew into a kitten.

He only wanted to finish this quickly, get the fifty thousand, pay for his grandfather’s treatment, and never step foot in this place again.

So when the nutritionist snapped at him, he stayed calm and simply asked, “Where’s the kitchen?”

No one answered.

But Zhao Yuheng had already observed the layout when he came in. Sharp as ever, he remembered exactly where the nutritionist had walked from earlier.

Without another word, he strode toward the open kitchen.

“Hey, what are you doing?” one of them called.

Auntie Li stopped the nutritionist. “Wait. Let’s see what he does.”

Zhao Yuheng’s movements looked too natural to be threatening — and within moments, he had lit the stove and started cooking.

Auntie Li watched from afar. Desperate times called for desperate measures — if this man could make Shen Shuyi eat, she didn’t care how.

He moved quickly, clearly experienced. In about ten minutes, he emerged with a steaming bowl of plain white porridge.

The nutritionist, who had been scoffing inside, glanced at the bowl and almost laughed aloud. That’s it? Ordinary rice porridge? You think he’ll eat that?

Shen Shuyi, raised on Michelin-star meals, would never touch such a peasant dish!

The nutritionist crossed his arms, ready to watch Zhao embarrass himself.

Zhao Yuheng placed the bowl on the table. “Eat while it’s hot.”

His tone was curt. Shen Yuheng, weak and pale, looked at him lazily, not wanting to eat at all.

But Auntie Li’s hopeful gaze left him no choice. He opened his mouth reluctantly, pretending to cooperate.

Auntie Li quickly scooped a spoonful and fed him.

Zhao Yuheng couldn’t help but smirk — what a giant baby.

Whoever married this man was cursed for eight lifetimes.

But then — Shen Yuheng swallowed, paused, and didn’t spit it out.

The nutritionist was just about to mock him when Shen Yuheng blinked in surprise.

It actually… tasted good.

Simple and mild, but not bland. Just right for his stomach.

“Give me the spoon.” Shen Shuyi straightened up.

Auntie Li was delighted and handed the bowl over. Shen Shuyi didn’t hesitate this time — he quickly finished the whole serving.

Warmth spread through his stomach, easing the chill in his limbs.

The nutritionist stood frozen, utterly dumbfounded. Even after Shen Shuyi wiped his mouth, he still hadn’t recovered.

He slowly turned to stare at Zhao Yuheng.

…A hidden master among commoners?

Shen Shuyi looked at Zhao Yuheng with a complicated expression. “You actually cook pretty well.”

But don’t get the wrong idea — this young master wasn’t about to be won over by a bowl of peasant porridge.

Zhao Yuheng ignored the compliment and cut straight to business. “Since you’re feeling better now, can we settle the matter?”

Inevitable.

Having eaten his food, Shen Shuyi couldn’t delay any longer.

He dismissed everyone from the room until only he and Zhao Yuheng remained.

After all, going against his brother’s orders required discretion — if anyone at Shallow Bay tattled to Shen Lu, his plan to annul the marriage would be finished.

Zhao Yuheng waited patiently. Shen Shuyi finally dropped his pretenses.

“I… have some personal circumstances right now,” he admitted. “I can’t immediately come up with fifty thousand.”

Zhao Yuheng narrowed his eyes. Liar.

The Shen family was loaded beyond measure. Five hundred thousand was pocket change!

Seeing Zhao Yuheng’s disbelief, Shen tried to explain gently, “I’m not lying. You see…”

He straightened, putting on a serious face. “In our kind of wealthy family, internal power struggles are brutal — even deadly at times. You understand that, right?”

Zhao Yuheng raised a brow. “So?”

Shen Shuyi took a breath, trying to sound composed. “So… I’m currently at a slight disadvantage in the inheritance battle with my brother. Only slightly,” he emphasized.

“And?” Zhao Yuheng prompted flatly.

Shen Shuyi’s expression didn’t change. “And he froze all my bank accounts.”

“…What?”

“I know you’re anxious,” Shen Shuyi said quickly. “But please, don’t worry. I gave you my word — you’ll get your five hundred thousand.”

After all, Shen Shuyi was eager to end this entanglement cleanly.

And never see Zhao Yuheng again.

Zhao Yuheng caught the implication. “And how exactly do you plan to pay me?”

Shen Shuyi, who’d grown up pampered and never short on anything, had never uttered these two words in his entire life.

But now, he had no choice. After a long internal struggle, he forced them out:

“…In… installments.”

The room fell silent.

Author’s Note:
Zhao Yuheng has a god-tier cooking talent — the kind where the food is so good, you wouldn’t notice someone dying next to you.
Totally a golden cheat skill!

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