A Warm Night

Li Yang and Xu Rui chatted for a while longer. Xiao Dan didn't want to stay there anymore; she found it too boring. She wanted to be alone with Li Yang, so neither of them would have to keep up the act so tiringly.

Xiao Dan slyly exchanged a look with Li Yang, and the two of them immediately understood each other.

"It's getting late. You should get some rest too. I should head back," Li Yang said as he stood and said goodbye to Xu Rui.

"Then I should go back too. There won't be any buses later," Xiao Dan said, pretending to be anxious. The two of them really were like a little couple, each better at acting than the other.

"Alright, then. Help me see Xiao Dan off. It wouldn't be convenient for me to go with her," Xu Rui said, voicing his concern. His leg made riding a bike difficult too, so he could only ask Li Yang to do it for him.

The three waved goodbye at the gate. Once they had walked some distance away, Xiao Dan immediately took Li Yang's hand and pouted. "You were killing me, hubby. You just kept rambling on and on over there. So annoying." As she spoke, she playfully bit the back of Li Yang's hand like a puppy. Afterward, she fussed over it and blew on it for a long time, then started giggling foolishly.

When they arrived at Li Yang's house, Xiao Dan inspected his little den nonstop like a newlywed wife, fanning the air a few times with a look of mock disgust.

"It stinks, hubby. It's like a pigsty," Xiao Dan said leisurely as she lay on the bed.

"Then why don't you clean it up for me?" Li Yang asked with a wicked grin as he reached for Xiao Dan's shorts.

"Get lost! It's not even dark yet!" Xiao Dan said calmly, lying there without moving.

"No. Let your husband check whether your wound has healed."

"Li Yang, you bastard." Xiao Dan called him that, but her body did nothing to stop him. After all, they had been intimate countless times, and Li Yang had long become familiar with every part of her. There was no need for excessive shyness or pretense between them.

His eyes were full of love as he looked at Xiao Dan.

"Wait, hubby." Xiao Dan understood what Li Yang wanted, and her heart began to race. Though she was a little shy, she decided to let him have his way. She loved Li Yang deeply and was willing to share such intimate moments with him.

"Get me a basin of water so I can wash up first," Xiao Dan said expectantly.

So Li Yang, like an orderly, carefully brought over a basin full of warm water and gently set it beside the bed.

Xiao Dan lay there with a blissful smile, happily watching the man she loved attentively take care of her. She could feel Li Yang's deep affection and tenderness, and her heart was filled with sweetness and warmth.

"You need to wash up too." Xiao Dan pouted and looked unwillingly at Li Yang. She knew what he was about to do, but she deliberately teased him anyway.

"Alright, Your Majesty." Li Yang didn't make a fuss. He knew Xiao Dan was joking. He quickly went to the bathroom and washed up carefully. Looking at himself in the mirror, he felt ready for the wonderful moment ahead.

When Li Yang returned to the room, Xiao Dan was lying on the bed with a smile on her face, looking at him. Li Yang couldn't help tossing aside the towel and lunging at her...

"Hubby, your leg still isn't fully recovered. Don't exhaust yourself. You need to rest properly," Xiao Dan said softly.

Just over forty minutes later, Li Yang slowly closed his eyes. Xiao Dan, beside him, was already exhausted. Li Yang quickly picked up the towel blanket and carefully covered her with it.

Sweat on Xiao Dan's forehead had soaked her hair. She seemed to have lost all her strength and lay there without moving. Before long, the room filled with the soft sound of her breathing. She had clearly fallen fast asleep.

Li Yang lovingly wiped away the beads of sweat on Xiao Dan's forehead and kissed her. Then he quietly got out of bed and checked the time. It was only a little after nine. He had slept too long at Xiao Dan's house during the day.

So he simply got dressed and went out. The moment Li Yang stepped through the gate, he ran into Xu Rui's parents, who were returning from a stroll.

"Xiao Yang, when did you get back?" Xu Rui's mom asked excitedly.

"Oh, just a little while ago. I took Yue Xiaodan to the bus station, and now I'm just going out for a walk," Li Yang said awkwardly, making a few excuses before saying goodbye to Xu Rui's parents.

If Xu Rui's parents ever found out that he had whisked Xiao Dan away, who knew what the consequences would be? Li Yang truly didn't dare think about it. They saw each other all the time; what kind of mess was this? If anyone was to blame, it could only be that they hadn't met first. Li Yang had only gotten to know Xiao Dan through Xu Rui and Xiao Dan's blind date.

Blind dates were full of unexpected possibilities anyway. With that thought, Li Yang felt relieved and slowly headed toward the small supermarket at the village entrance.

Once there, Li Yang eagerly went inside and bought a cold, tasty ice pop, taking big bites out of it. That passionate encounter had left both his body and mind feeling wonderful, but it had inevitably drained a great deal of his strength and moisture. His throat was dry, and he was unbearably thirsty. He desperately needed something to ease the discomfort.

He sat there watching people play cards for a while, then checked the watch on his wrist. It was already ten-thirty at night.

He wondered whether Xiao Dan had woken up yet. Afraid that she would wake up and not be able to find him, he stayed a little longer, bragged with the card players for a bit, then prepared to head back.

"Boss Lady, get me a pack of instant noodles, a pack of preserved plums, a pack of Golden Dove Melon Seeds, a bottle of iced black tea, and a bottle of beer. Pack them all up for me."

After Li Yang listed what he wanted, Boss Lady happily busied herself gathering the items. "It's still early. Why are you in such a hurry to go back?"

"I have work tomorrow. I'm going back to sleep," Li Yang casually replied. After paying, he carried a bag of food and drinks home.

After entering the room, Li Yang gently switched on the bedside lamp and looked at Xiao Dan on the bed.

This girl had somehow kicked the towel blanket aside. She lay on her side with her hair tousled, then slowly opened her eyes at the faint sound.

"Hubby, where did you go?" Xiao Dan asked curiously when she saw Li Yang fully dressed.

"You're awake, sweetheart. I couldn't sleep just now. You were so tired, so I thought I'd go out for a little walk and let you get some proper rest."

"Hmph, it's all your fault. You wore me out all by myself," Xiao Dan said adorably, acting spoiled.

"Alright, alright. Once I'm healed, heh heh..." Li Yang shamelessly teased Xiao Dan again.

"Get lost, pervert." Xiao Dan giggled, but she didn't dodge him. She liked it when Li Yang played with her like that. Xiao Dan believed it showed how deeply Li Yang loved her.

So whenever they teased and played around with each other, Xiao Dan often ambushed Li Yang without holding back. The two grew more and more unable to live without one another, spending each day in sweet happiness. Years later, whenever Li Yang and Yue Xiaodan thought back on those beautiful times, their hearts would carry a few helpless regrets...

"Look what I brought you to eat." Li Yang smiled and shook the large bag in his hand.

"Thanks, hubby." Xiao Dan didn't stand on ceremony. She sat up, took the bag, and rummaged through it. She opened a bottle of iced black tea first and gulped down more than half of it in one go.

"Ah, that feels so good." Xiao Dan sighed contentedly. "Hubby, cook the instant noodles for me, okay? We can both have some. I was exhausted just now, and I'm a little hungry too." She looked at Li Yang obediently.

"Alright, I'll cook them for you." Afraid she would catch cold, Li Yang lovingly took out one of his white shirts and put it on Xiao Dan. It was just long enough to serve as a nightgown and cover her up.

"I need to use the bathroom, hubby. Come with me," Xiao Dan said in a girlish manner that made Li Yang adore her even more.

"Let's go, sweetheart." He took out his slippers for her to wear, and they headed outside together.

His parents had long since gone to sleep, and the courtyard was quiet. The toilet was outside by the main gate, and since it was the middle of the night, Li Yang didn't want Xiao Dan going out there.

"Sweetheart, just take care of it in the yard. I'll keep watch. It's fine," Li Yang said casually.

"Okay, hubby." Xiao Dan didn't fuss about it. She walked to the corner of the wall, squatted down, and relieved herself. There was a small vegetable patch in Li Yang's courtyard, and that was where Xiao Dan went.

"Hubby, make sure you eat more vegetables later." Xiao Dan stood up after saying that.

"Hubby, I'm going back inside first. Bring it in for me later." She kissed Li Yang after saying so.

When Li Yang brought the cooked instant noodles into the room, Xiao Dan was lying on the bed, swinging her little feet as she watched an entertainment show on Hunan TV. Every now and then, something made her burst into laughter.

"Hubby, is it ready? I want to eat!" Xiao Dan rolled upright and sat on the little sofa beside the bed. Li Yang brought over a tall stool and set the bowl on it.

Xiao Dan began wolfing the noodles down. Li Yang ate melon seeds while watching TV. He liked Day Day Up, and Oudi was one of his favorite hosts—talented and humorous, and especially good at impressions.

"Hubby, give me some melon seeds." Xiao Dan opened her little mouth and looked at Li Yang. After eating the seeds he fed her, she thoughtfully fed several to Li Yang too.

"You eat, hubby. I'm full." Xiao Dan pushed the bowl away, climbed back onto the bed, crossed her legs, and watched TV while cracking melon seeds. With food in her stomach and a drink in hand, she was in an especially happy mood.

Li Yang didn't bother with her. He held the bowl and quickly finished the remaining noodles, tossed the bowl aside, stripped off his clothes, and climbed into bed. It was nearly June, and the nights weren't cold.

Xiao Dan lay on Li Yang's stomach, wide awake as she watched TV.

"Keep watching, sweetheart. I'm going to sleep." Li Yang closed his eyes and stopped talking. Xiao Dan ignored him too, leisurely eating melon seeds and drinking iced black tea. She had slept for several hours earlier and wasn't sleepy at all now.

Who knew what time it was in the middle of the night.

Xiao Dan had actually come to like things this way. She finished watching TV but still wasn't sleepy. Looking at Li Yang's sleeping face, a mischievous idea suddenly came to mind, and she playfully began putting her plan into action...

This time, Xiao Dan still held the initiative.

She felt Li Yang's breathing, warm and steady. Suddenly, she leaned down and lightly kissed his lips. At that moment, Li Yang opened his eyes. Looking at Xiao Dan before him, he smiled faintly. "You little rascal, what are you doing?" he asked softly. Xiao Dan smiled shyly. "I just wanted to try..." Her voice grew quieter and quieter. Li Yang reached out and pulled Xiao Dan tightly into his arms, and their lips met again...

"Hubby, can we do this every week from now on?" Xiao Dan said softly.

Li Yang didn't answer. He simply held Xiao Dan tighter, letting her feel his warmth.

Xiao Dan smiled and hugged Li Yang tightly as well, enjoying the quiet warmth of that moment.

The experts hadn't lied. Xiao Dan fell asleep in Li Yang's arms, completely satisfied.

Early the next morning, Xiao Dan woke Li Yang up. "What is it, sweetheart?" Li Yang asked groggily.

"Hubby, what if your parents see me when I go outside?" Xiao Dan looked deeply worried.

"It's fine. My Old Mom would love for me to bring you home to stay every day," Li Yang said with an unconcerned smile.

"Alright then. An ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws sooner or later." The two began getting up and getting dressed. Xiao Dan felt sorry for Li Yang and helped him put on his clothes. Carrying last night's bowl, she followed Li Yang out into the courtyard.

Old Mom was busy in the kitchen. When she saw the pretty girl following behind Li Yang, she immediately understood.

"Come eat, girl." Old Mom warmly took Xiao Dan's hand and led her into the kitchen. Breakfast was porridge, steamed buns, and stir-fried bean sprouts.

"Hello, Auntie. My name is Yue Xiaodan. I'm Li Yang's girlfriend." Xiao Dan stood there and introduced herself generously.

"Mm. If he ever bullies you, just tell Auntie." Old Mom happily held Xiao Dan's hand and wouldn't let go.

"Mom, we still have work," Li Yang reminded her kindly from the side.

"Alright, I'm off to work. Once you're done eating, just leave. You don't need to worry about anything. Remember to lock the gate." Old Mom said with a smile, turning back to look at them several times as she left.

Li Yang hadn't told Old Mom about his injury, so the two still had to go to work that day.

"Hubby, aren't you going to rest for another day?" Xiao Dan asked worriedly as she drank her porridge.

"It's fine, sweetheart. Weren't we fine after what happened between us last night?" Li Yang said carelessly, stretching his legs.

"Get lost." Xiao Dan blushed the moment she thought about it and kicked Li Yang unhappily.

"Hubby, I'll use your toothbrush first. You need to prepare some things for me another day, so I won't be without toiletries." After finishing her porridge, Xiao Dan went out to the courtyard and used Li Yang's things to wash up simply.

After they finished breakfast, it was still early, so Xiao Dan thoughtfully washed the dishes too.

"What a good wife." Li Yang happily praised her from behind, wrapping an arm around Xiao Dan's Small Waist.

"Go away. All you know is how to sweet-talk," Xiao Dan muttered with mock disdain.

"Heh heh, I wonder who was holding onto me and refusing to let go last night," Li Yang teased Xiao Dan with a double meaning.

"Li Yang, stop laughing at me, or don't blame me if I don't let you do that next time. Let's see who gets anxious then." Xiao Dan used her ultimate weapon to threaten Li Yang.

"Alright, alright, sweetheart, I was wrong. I won't dare do it again. Whatever you say, I'll do. I promise I'll behave," Li Yang said solemnly.

"That's more like it. We'll see how you behave from now on. If I'm unhappy, don't even think about it."

"Yes, sweetheart. I guarantee I'll take such good care of you that you'll sing my praises." Li Yang cut in with a cheeky remark.

"Alright, let's go." After tidying up, Xiao Dan wiped her hands, and the two left the kitchen.

"Hubby, I'll ride you there," Xiao Dan said worriedly as she watched Li Yang push the bicycle.

"Alright." So Xiao Dan started riding slowly ahead while Li Yang locked the gate behind her. Like a thief, he looked left and right along the street. Only after seeing no one around did he quickly jump onto the back seat, urging, "Hurry up, sweetheart." Seeing how silly he looked, Xiao Dan couldn't stop giggling. Along the way, Li Yang held Xiao Dan's Small Waist and sang her favorite love songs to her. The two went to work together in sweet happiness.