The closer it gets to summer, the later it gets dark. When they returned to the village, the sky was still bright. After parting ways with Third Uncle, the two headed home, only to unexpectedly run into Axiu on the way. She was dressed in bright red clothes and glared fiercely at Jicheng as she passed by, her arrogance resembling a rooster stretching its neck.
Jicheng, however, was only nervously watching Chunfu. Seeing no trace of displeasure on her peach-blossom-like face, he finally relaxed. Back home, the puppy and chicks, confined all day, were set free and joyfully hopped around the yard. Taking advantage of his disheveled state, Jicheng went to light the fire and boil water, not forgetting to say to Chunfu, “You’ve worked hard today—don’t bother cooking. A simple meal will do.”
Chunfu, mindful of his exhaustion, couldn’t bring herself to settle for something so plain. She went inside, fetched a mixing bowl, filled it with cornmeal, and kneaded the dough. While waiting for it to rise, she picked some greens from the garden, washed them, and set them aside for noodle soup.
Seeing her busy, Jicheng didn’t press further. After washing up and changing clothes, he finally felt comfortable. Chunfu served him a large bowl, watching him eat heartily before speaking up. “Always so stubborn. How can you sleep on an empty stomach after a tiring day? I have something to say, and you’re not allowed to get angry.”
Jicheng scoffed at her serious expression. “You just scolded me, and now you’re telling me not to get angry? Even if you hit me twice, I wouldn’t blame you.”
“Don’t laugh—I’m serious. Jicheng, I want to use the money you’ve saved. I promise I’ll double it and return it to you.” Chunfu hoped Jicheng would understand that rewards only come with effort.
Frowning, Jicheng couldn’t think of any way to double their savings and immediately shook his head. “If it’s for gambling, then no. Chunfu, we’re living a good life—don’t follow in Eldest Cousin’s footsteps.”
Chunfu glared at him in annoyance. “Would I ever learn from him? Yesterday, you said the jam buns I made were delicious. This morning, I woke up early and made a few other snacks for Miss Jin to try—she liked them too. I was thinking, if we start this business, we wouldn’t have to live so cautiously. You’re young and full of energy now, but what about when you’re older? You’re already older than me. What if you wear yourself out? Should I remarry with our child in tow?”
Jicheng choked on his food, taking a while to recover before slamming his bowl on the table. “Don’t you dare! If you even think of such a thing, I—I—” Realizing he was overreacting, he coughed lightly. “Fine, I’ll agree to your plan, but never say that again. Understood?”
Chunfu sighed. “I was just speaking hypothetically. And here you are—do you really trust me so much? Aren’t you afraid I’ll squander all our savings?”
Jicheng’s frown eased, and he smiled confidently. “Money can always be earned again. When my parents fell ill, they spent everything we had, but I still made it through. At worst, we’ll be poor for a few years—I’m not afraid, and neither should you be. With my strength, I can work harder to support you.”
Chunfu’s eyes stung with emotion. How could she recklessly spend their hard-earned money? She wouldn’t have brought it up if she wasn’t somewhat confident. By nightfall, things had settled. Jicheng knelt on the kang, arranging the bedding, when he remembered the items he needed for the next day were still outside. Afraid he’d forget, he asked Chunfu to fetch them. His back to the door, he heard familiar footsteps and couldn’t help but smile. Just as he turned, a force knocked him onto the kang, his head throbbing from the impact.
“Chunfu, what are you doing?”
Their movements made the oil lamp’s flame flicker wildly. Ignoring the pain, he stared wide-eyed at Chunfu, who was now sprawled on top of him. Her thin undergarment had loosened, revealing glimpses of her skin, her cheeks flushed and eyes shimmering with mischief. The sight made his thoughts wander. He averted his gaze and tried to push her away, but she only clung tighter, sticky as melted sugar.
“Chunfu, if you don’t move, I’ll really get angry.” The fire he’d suppressed for so long surged uncontrollably at her touch. This primal urge frightened him—what if he hurt her? Her petite frame, almost childlike, made his teeth ache. Yet, the heat in his chest refused to die, and he cursed himself for being so easily provoked by this little vixen.
Chunfu, meanwhile, reveled in her triumph. His scorching breath spread like flames across her skin, her pores tingling under his intense gaze. But when their eyes met, the raw desire in his made her suddenly hesitant. What had started as a playful continuation of her midday fantasies now felt too real, and her boldness wavered.
Afraid he’d see through her, she feigned nonchalance. “Earlier, when we saw Axiu… you really had no thoughts? Don’t men like you prefer faces like hers? And her figure—soft as willow branches in the wind.”
Jicheng’s burning desire instantly cooled. Gently pushing her away, he lay back and pulled up the thin quilt, his voice hoarse. “Put out the lamp. We have to get up early tomorrow.”
He had almost kissed her—those lips, so temptingly close. He shouldn’t have believed her. This jealous little thing would never let go of something so trivial. Sure enough, she’d brought it up again. He realized then: in the future, every time she was upset, she’d likely use this to needle him.
Chunfu felt wronged. She’d only spoken rashly to hide her flustered heart. Yet his anger stung. Unwilling to let it go, she nudged him. “Why won’t you talk to me? Did I hit a nerve?”
Exhausted and frustrated, Jicheng’s lingering desire had evaporated under her antics. Unable to bear her pestering, he flipped her onto her back, their noses brushing, his lips grazing hers with every word. “Last time: there’s nothing between us. Bring it up again, and I won’t be nice. Now, lights out.”
As he moved to leave, her radiant smile stopped him. A soft arm hooked around his neck, pulling him down. His little wife pressed a bold, smacking kiss to his lips, then whispered smugly, “I’ll believe you this once. But from now on, no looking at any ‘Xiu’—or I’ll pluck your eyes out.”
Her triumphant smirk, like a mouse that stole oil, was childishly endearing. How could he stay mad? Swallowing his words, he sighed. She was still young—no need for harshness.
“It’s late. Sleep.” He blew out the lamp and turned away, but her sweet scent lingered in the dark, teasing his senses. Each time he pushed her off, she only clung tighter.
“Jicheng… do you really want a son? I asked Liansheng’s wife the other day. She says I’m ready.”
Her tone held a seriousness he couldn’t ignore. Over time, she’d learned to read his unspoken thoughts. In the village, men his age already had multiple children. Even Chunmu, just a year older, was a father. He must want it too—why else would he hint at it so often?
Flustered, Jicheng turned back abruptly. Moonlight silvered his heated face as he rasped, “How could you discuss this with outsiders? It’s embarrassing! I’m not in a hurry for a son—I was just teasing. Forget it. You’re still young. I can wait.”
The truth was, after Wang Bo’s beating, Liansheng’s wife had asked discreetly. Married for some time, Chunfu might already be pregnant—what if the violence harmed them both? Cornered, Chunfu had confessed: Jicheng, fearing her frail health and youth, hadn’t touched her yet.
Liansheng’s wife had clapped her thigh, calling them foolish. “Half the village girls marry at Chunfu’s age and bear children just fine! Jicheng spoils you too much.”
Now, snuggling into his chest, Chunfu murmured sweetly, “Stop pretending. I know what you want. Jicheng, don’t suffer for my sake. I—”
He pulled her close, his heartbeat loud against her ear. Embarrassed, he scolded, “Such shameless talk from a girl!”
Before he could continue, hurried footsteps pounded outside. Then—bang! bang!—Second Uncle’s frantic knocking. “Jicheng! Ji Liang’s coughing blood! He’s your brother—you can’t abandon him!”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage