Chapter 43: Zhao Yanyan's Decision
"Yuechan, why did you do that to us?" Zhao Yanyan asked, her voice carrying a hint of frustration. She looked at Chu Yuechan, still flustered from the misunderstanding caused by her teasing.
Chu Yuechan chuckled softly, her mischievous eyes gleaming. "I just wanted to test you," she admitted. "I wanted to see how you'd react if Ye Chen had another woman. But I didn't expect you to be this upset, hehehe."
Zhao Yanyan's brows furrowed. "Another woman? Does Ye Chen have someone else?"
"For now, he only has you," Chu Yuechan said with a knowing smile. "But in the future, there will be more women drawn to him. Maybe dozens… hundreds… or even thousands."
Zhao Yanyan's heart tightened. "But why? Am I not enough for him? Why does Ye Chen need other women?"
Chu Yuechan sighed. "It's not about you not being enough. In the world of cultivation, things are different. Powerful men often have many wives, not just for companionship but also for their path to strength. The greatest cultivators of all time had countless partners, and Ye Chen is destined for greatness."
Zhao Yanyan struggled to grasp the idea. On Earth, modern women valued equality and monogamy. The thought of sharing her beloved was painful. But Chu Yuechan lived in a different world, an era where powerful men had many wives and concubines. It was normal to her.
As she saw Zhao Yanyan's internal conflict, Chu Yuechan softened her tone. "Yanyan, do you love Ye Chen?"
Zhao Yanyan's gaze dropped to the floor. "Yes, I love him very much… but…"
"But what?" Chu Yuechan pressed gently. "If you truly love him, shouldn't you support him? Ye Chen has sacrificed a lot for you. A good woman stands by her man and accepts him completely, flaws and all."
Zhao Yanyan bit her lip. Ye Chen had always been there for her, always protected her. If this was his path, could she truly support him?
Chu Yuechan continued, "You've already entered the world of cultivation, Yanyan. You're no longer just a mortal woman who will live for a few decades. Dual cultivation with Ye Chen has already strengthened you beyond normal limits. In just one night, you advanced two entire realms! That's an extraordinary gift."
Zhao Yanyan's heart pounded as she realized the truth in Yuechan's words. Ye Chen had given her more than just love—he had given her power, a future she never imagined.
Finally, she took a deep breath and made her decision. "Yuechan… I will always support Ye Chen. I will stand by his side, no matter what. Because I am his first wife."
Chu Yuechan's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Good. I knew you would understand."
She reached out and took Zhao Yanyan's hand. "Come, let's take a bath. The water here is special—it will help you relax and refresh your spirit."
Before Zhao Yanyan could reply, Chu Yuechan pulled her towards another chamber.
---
Inside, Zhao Yanyan gasped in amazement. A massive pool, nearly eighty meters in diameter, lay before her. One side emitted warm steam, while the other remained icy cold.
Curious, she dipped her hand into the steaming side, feeling a soothing warmth spread through her skin. When she tested the colder side, she shivered at its freezing touch.
As she gazed at her reflection in the water, Zhao Yanyan blinked in surprise. Her skin looked softer, smoother, more radiant than before. She reached up and touched her face. It felt delicate, almost like silk.
"Yuechan… is it just me, or do I look… different?" she asked hesitantly.
Chu Yuechan chuckled. "That's the effect of dual cultivation with Ye Chen. It not only increases strength but also enhances beauty. A woman who cultivates with a powerful man like Ye Chen won't age like ordinary people. You will only grow more beautiful."
Zhao Yanyan's eyes widened. "That's… incredible. If other women found out about this, they'd definitely want to be with Ye Chen, just to stay young and beautiful forever."
Chu Yuechan laughed knowingly. "Exactly. That's why, in time, you'll understand that sharing Ye Chen isn't a loss—it's a privilege."
Zhao Yanyan wasn't sure how she felt about that, but she let out a small sigh.
She let the blanket slip from her body and stepped into the warm water. A deep sigh of pleasure escaped her lips as the heat wrapped around her, melting away her tension.
Behind her, she heard the soft rustle of fabric and turned her head slightly. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw Chu Yuechan stepping into the water, her flawless skin glowing in the dim light.
Zhao Yanyan's cheeks flushed as she instinctively glanced down at her own body, comparing herself to Yuechan. She was still young, still developing, while Yuechan's curves were already perfect.
"Men aren't the only ones who compare," she muttered under her breath.
Chu Yuechan smirked. "What was that?"
"Nothing!" Zhao Yanyan quickly submerged herself deeper into the water.
The two women bathed together, chatting about Ye Chen, his potential, and what the future might hold.
---
After dressing in elegant, flowing robes, Zhao Yanyan stared at her reflection once more. The ancient-style clothing suited her perfectly, making her look like a fairy from the heavens.
She turned to Chu Yuechan, who was watching her with approval. "Do you think Ye Chen will like it?" she asked softly.
Chu Yuechan smiled. "Why don't you go and find out?"
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Yanyan stepped outside.
Ye Chen was still waiting patiently by the door, his arms crossed. As soon as he saw her, his eyes widened. His breath hitched, and for a moment, he was speechless.
"Ye Chen, how do I look?" Zhao Yanyan asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.
Ye Chen stepped closer, his gaze locked onto hers. "You look… breathtaking," he murmured. "Like a goddess descended from the heavens."
Zhao Yanyan felt her heart flutter at his words. She lifted her fingers to his lips, silencing whatever else he was about to say.
"Ye Chen, you don't need to explain anything," she said softly. "Yuechan already told me everything."
Ye Chen glanced at Chu Yuechan, who smirked playfully.
He turned back to Zhao Yanyan, gently taking her hand in his. "Yanyan… are you sure about this?"
She nodded firmly. "I love you, Ye Chen. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side."
Ye Chen's heart swelled with emotion. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close, cherishing the warmth of her body against his.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Zhao Yanyan smiled against his chest. "I should be the one thanking you, for choosing me first."
Ye Chen cupped her face and brushed his lips against hers in a soft, lingering kiss.
Chu Yuechan watched them with a satisfied expression. "Well," she murmured to herself, "this will make things much easier in the future."
And with that, the three of them stepped forward into a new chapter of their journey together.
--