The Young Husband Who Needed a Wedding to Ward Off Misfortune (13)

The countdown in my mind continues.

It seems we won't be able to complete the task.

Thinking of the consequences of failing to complete the task last time, Xue Ci sniffed, her eyelashes trembling slightly, dampened by tears, making her look pitiful no matter how you looked at her.

He pursed his lips, suppressing the sting in his eyes, and tried to cheer himself up.

He endured that strange punishment last time, didn't he?

Besides, he already has a husband this time, and he's still acting silly. If he really does get pregnant... well, he can just let Qin Zhuo eat it for him.

Xue Ci comforted herself in this way, and as a result, she completed the task.

Hmm... He paused, realizing that Qin Wuzhen had already handed him a handkerchief without him noticing.

"Don't cry." The handkerchief the man gave him was new, just taken from his clothes. "Where are your hands dirty? Let me wipe them clean for you."

"..." Xue Ci guiltily withdrew her pale hand and took the handkerchief. "I'll wipe it myself."

[Task complete.]

He heard the system notification, clenched his handkerchief, and saw Qin Wuzhen staring at him, unsure whether he was mocking his crying or had noticed something.

Qin Wuzhen is a smart man; he can't be fooled easily.

Xue Ci her handkerchief tightly, turned and left in a hurry without saying a word.

Qin Wuzhen was left alone on the spot, his eyes dark and brooding. He picked up a dirty handkerchief from the ground, brought it close to his nose, and then raised his face, his gaze fixed on the slender figure not far away.

*

Is he still following me?

As Xue Ci walked forward, she nervously asked 11.

Qin Wuzhen, who followed Xue Ci at a leisurely pace for 11 days, increasingly felt that his host was being targeted by a pervert, especially since the other party didn't really look like a pervert.

[Host, you're alright.] It knew Xue Ci was worried about being exposed for stealing the handkerchief, and reassured her, [Since the system has already approved it, it means Qin Wuzhen didn't notice.]

Yeah...

Xue Ci still felt like there was a raging flood behind him. When he saw Qin Zhuo, he didn't know which tree branch he had brushed his hand with dust from, and he ran up to the man.

She opened her palm, handed over the handkerchief, and said in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Your hands are dirty."

Qin Zhuo noticed the red scratches on his palm and said with heartache, "Wife, don't run around. Just let me make whatever you want."

Xue Ci with an "Oh," as if it were a machine. "Thank you, my husband."

Qin Zhuo felt a surge of joy, kissed Xue Ci's cheek, and took the handkerchief. "Is this Big Brother's handkerchief?"

Xue Ci in surprise, "How did you know?"

"It smells like herbs." Qin Zhuo's nose was more sensitive than a dog's. "Has Big Brother had some water?"

"... He probably isn't thirsty."

Xue Ci had almost forgotten that she used to bring water to Qin Wuzhen. Changing the subject, she started using her old tricks, saying that she felt unwell all over and delicately lifted her sleeve to say that her arm hurt.

Qin Zhuo's attention was quickly diverted.

Qin Wuzhen stood not far away, his gaze fixed on the two people's hands, which were tightly clasped together.

Xue Ci wouldn't let him touch her anymore.

A sour taste rose on the tip of his tongue, and Qin Wuzhen didn't know what he was thinking.

Isn't this exactly what he wanted?

Xue Ci has gradually become dependent on Qin Zhuo, and has no affection for him that goes beyond that of an older brother.

This is good; their relationship should be one where there is no insurmountable barrier between them.

Even though Qin Wuzhen saw Xue Ci relying on her husband and ignoring him, he still couldn't help but think about taking her away.

He suppressed his desire and calmly put the handkerchief away.

*

Even after completing the task, Xue Ci still felt uneasy.

He secretly went to look at Qin Wuzhen, and their eyes met.

Startled, I immediately looked away.

Xue Ci felt as if she were holding a little rabbit in her arms, her heart pounding wildly.

Did she start to suspect him? The way he stole the handkerchief just now made him look like a little pervert who likes to spy on others.

Qin Wuzhen is not easily fooled; if he notices something, the plot will definitely go astray again.

Xue Ci felt it was best to keep things quiet for a while. He stayed close to Qin Zhuo all afternoon, looking affectionate and spoiled.

"Master, Xue Ci and the Second Young Master have such a good relationship." Jing Yun's words clearly revealed envy. "If only I had a spoiled wife who would cling to me every day."

No sooner had he finished speaking than he saw Qin Wuzhen snap off a piece of herb.

Jing Yun: "..."

He dared not utter a sound. He felt that Qin Wuzhen's aura had been very low lately. Although his tone and demeanor were no different from usual, and he remained composed even with the increased number of consultations, for some reason, he always felt that his master was preoccupied, especially with Xue Ci. He used to dote on her like she was his own wife, so why was there now a rift between them?

He didn't want to make wild guesses, so he silently gathered herbs. He spent the whole afternoon observing carefully—Young Master Xue Ci stayed close to Qin Zhuo, while Qin Wuzhen kept glancing at him out of the corner of his eye.

That look in his eyes—anyone who didn't know better would think he was catching his lover in the act.

Suppressing this strange and absurd thought, Jing Yun arrived at the pharmacy early the next morning, only to be stopped by Qin Wuzhen: "Help me take these pastries to the Song Family."

Delivering it is possible, but Qin Wuzhen always does it personally every time he goes to the Song Family.

Jing Yun asked in confusion, "Master, did you have something to do this morning?"

Qin Wuzhen's work seemed like he was just creating trouble for himself. "So-so."

"..."

After hesitating for a long time, Jing Yun finally asked, "Aren't you going to deliver it to Xue Ci yourself?"

After asking, he saw Qin Wuzhen pause, his tone slightly sorrowful. "He probably doesn't want to see me; I angered him yesterday."

Jing Yun stopped asking questions and took the pastries, which looked like an apology, to the Song Family.

When Xue Ci was pruning the flowers and leaves; the vibrant blossoms paled in comparison to her face. Jing Yun glanced at her a few more times, then handed over the pastries and explained her purpose.

Xue Ci was terrified, feeling that Qin Wuzhen was testing her.

He deliberately said, "I've gained weight recently, so I'm not eating anymore. You can take it back and let your master eat it himself."

Qin Zhuo couldn't see anything amiss, but he whispered to Xue Ci, "My wife isn't fat at all, just a little bit on her thighs and buttocks." He was glared at, and after quickly standing up, he coughed and said to Jing Yun in a pretentious tone, "My wife hasn't been eating these snacks lately. Eating more meals is better for her health."

Jing Yun was completely taken aback by Xueci's display of affection, but Xue Ci instead stuffed a bag of sweet cakes into his hand.

He returned to the pharmacy carrying twice the weight of what was in his hands. As soon as he stepped inside, Qin Wuzhen frowned, staring at the contents. "What's this?"

Jing Yun spoke the truth.

Qin Wuzhen's brow furrowed unusually. "Nonsense, what's wrong with him being fat?"

Jing Yun: "That's what Second Young Master Qin said too."

This time, Qin Wuzhen's brows didn't furrow; his entire face turned cold. He stared at the pair of items Jing Yun had brought back, lost in thought.

"Young Master Xue Ci said there's a very delicious candy." Jing Yun was about to reach for it when Qin Wuzhen stopped him, and in the end, he didn't get a single bite.

Why is someone who doesn't like sweets being possessive of their food?

*

The next day, Qin Wuzhen didn't buy pastries, but went to a clothing store and bought two bolts of fabric.

Several days had passed since the clothes were finished. This time, he took the clothes with him and went to the Song Family with Jing Yun.

Unfortunately, Xue Ci is not home.

When Madam Liu saw him coming, she picked up her clothes.

Her family was in the dyeing business, so of course she knew how valuable this fabric was. Madam Liu thought to herself that the Qin Family brothers were both honest and kind, and that they were genuinely good to Xue Ci.

She beamed, "What a coincidence! Xue Ci and the other person just went to school a few days ago, they probably won't be back for a while."

The stiffness on Qin Wuzhen's face vanished in an instant. "Why the sudden urge to go to school?"

"Xue Ci has always wanted to go, and Qin Zhuo said he wanted to study hard, so the two of them came to me to talk about it."

Xue Ci had been in poor health since childhood. After attending school for a few days, he developed a high fever. The Song Family hired a private tutor to teach him at home, but studying was too mentally taxing. They only hoped that Xue Ci could stay healthy and stay with them for a few more years. They did not expect him to pass the imperial examinations, so his studies were neglected.

"It's best that they want to study. Xue Ci's health has improved recently, and Qin Zhuo is a thoughtful child. They can take care of each other, and they can come home once every two weeks after going to school, so there's nothing to worry about."

Seeing that Madam Liu was so worried about Xue Ci, she was still able to let him go to school without worry. Qin Wuzhen say anything more, only that the weather had been bad lately and that he should bring enough winter clothes.

"I only brought two winter coats," Madam Liu said, then began to worry. "I'll take them to him then. You see, I've been so busy with business lately, I didn't even think of it."

Qin Wuzhen: "If you're busy, I can do it for you."

Madam Liu was surprised, and seeing that Qin Wuzhen willing, she expressed her gratitude and went to Xue Ci's room to prepare winter clothes. "Doctor Qin, if Xue Ci had a brother like you, I would be much more at ease."

Qin Wuzhen smiled but said nothing more.

Elder brother.

What he wanted to be was not an older brother.

Whose older brother wanted to pin someone down on his lap and swing them back and forth, doing all sorts of lewd things?

*

The progress bar has reached 50%.

Xue Ci has been supervising Qin Zhuo's studies recently, and it has been quite effective.

He temporarily abandoned the Qin Wuzhen storyline, deciding to carry it out when the mission came along.

Qin Zhuo's growth path is much simpler.

He only needed to give a small reward, and the student's studies would improve by leaps and bounds.

The only downside is that the rewards require a lot of talking.

"Okay... okay, no more kisses." The school fees were expensive, and accommodations were arranged. Xue Ci used the excuse that the light was too bright for Qin Zhuo to read at night to get a room for herself, but she couldn't resist him sneaking in every night to hug and kiss her.

Xue Ci was held on his lap, kissed breathlessly, his chest heaving.

Qin Zhuo stared for a while, then his voice became hoarse. "Wife, I want to eat here..."

Xue Ci lowered her eyes, her mind hazy, and saw Qin Zhuo staring intently at her chest.

"No, no..." After refusing, Xue Ci heard an OOC warning and reluctantly added, "Wait until you get praised by the master."

Qin Zhuo's eyes lit up. He had made great progress in his studies recently, and he could kiss Xue Ci every day, as if he were living in a honey pot.

The only drawback was that the students in the school stared at his wife all day long and were vying to sit next to her.

Fortunately, my wife didn't pay much attention to them.

Qin Zhuo licked Xue Ci's lips with satisfaction, then tied up all of Xue Ci's black hair and put a cloth crown on it.

The handsome young scholar probably had no idea how popular he was.

Even Xie Qiaosi, who has always been at odds with Qin Zhuo, did some strange and childish things in order to get his attention.

Did you wear rouge today?

Xie Qiaosi sat to Xue Ci's right, and instead of paying attention to the teacher's lecture, he stared at Xue Ci's face.

"Your lips are so red."

Xue Ci glanced at him and obediently replied, "No."

Xie Qiaosi: "Why are you acting all cute?"

Xue Ci: "..."

He no longer wanted to talk to Xie Qiaosi, but in order to ensure the smooth progress of the main characters' storyline, he still took the initiative to turn the two from mortal enemies to friends.

He would deliberately invite Qin Zhuo and Xie Qiaosi to eat and play soccer together. Although Qin Zhuo still had a long face, they no longer disliked each other as much as before.

Xue Ci licked her lips, which felt a little uncomfortable being sucked, and Xie Qiaosi, who was standing next to her, just stared in disbelief.

He had heard that the young master of the Song Family was sickly, but who had such a sickly person with such pink cheeks, such red lips, plump and moist lips, and upturned lip beads that made it seem like others would want to bite them?

While Qin Zhuo, that stray dog, was away, Xie Qiaosi moved the table next to Xue Ci, but he used too much force and spilled the ink on Xue Ci's table.

Black ink spilled onto the paper, ruining Xue Ci's painstakingly copied text.

He pursed his lips, looking rather unhappy.

Seeing Xue Ci frown, the usually arrogant Young Master Xie considered the consequences of being ignored and immediately abandoned his pride, sincerely apologizing to her.

Xue Ci genuinely surprised, given that the other person didn't seem like the type to apologize.

It seems he judged people by their appearance.

"I'll copy one more."

He spoke in a good-natured manner.

"I'd love to help you copy it too." Xie Qiaosi leaned closer, glanced at Xue Ci's scribbles, and said without changing his expression, "But I can't write in your ' Xue Script '."

Xue Ci blankly, "Xue Script?"

"Your name is Xue Ci, and your writing style is unique and cannot be imitated by others. Can't it be called ' Xue Script '?"

After hearing his explanation, Xue Ci roughly understood—it's the same principle as the "Slender Gold" calligraphy style.

But his handwriting...

Xue Ci lowered her eyes, staring blankly at her own handwriting, lost in thought.

He was very self-aware, knowing he couldn't use a calligraphy brush, and initially thought his writing was ugly and messy, but he couldn't resist Xie Qiaosi's exaggerated praise.

My expression went from initial surprise to skepticism, and then to elation, convinced that what I had written was indeed "Xue Script".

"Well, maybe it's because I've been practicing diligently these past few days..." Xue Ci's cheeks flushed slightly. She coughed, her tone tinged with a hint of smugness, "It seems like no one else can write like this."

Xie Qiaosi couldn't help but chuckle at his appearance.

Xue Ci sensed something was wrong. "Are you seriously praising me?"

"Of course! When have I ever not genuinely complimented you?" Xie Qiaosi gestured with his hand, "I complimented your fair skin, your pretty face, and your diligence in school."

"There's also ' Xue Script,' a unique style."

Xue Ci felt Xie Qiaosi's tone was very sincere. "Are you going to learn from me?"

Xie Qiaosi: "... Yes."

Xue Ci was satisfied.

He didn't blame the other person for spilling his ink, and took out another piece of paper. "Then you'd better read this carefully."

Xie Qiaosi stared absentmindedly at his pale profile. "I'm watching."

Is this person some kind of celestial being descended to earth?

Is it possible for a man to be so handsome and speak in such a soft voice?

What would it feel like to kiss such a handsome man?

Xie Qiaosi's Adam's apple bobbed as he finally asked the question that had been troubling him for days. He leaned close to Xue Ci's ear, his voice low and husky, grinding his molars. "How do men do 'that'?"

The diligent teacher, Xue Ci, was taken aback at first, then frowned as she realized what the other person was asking, "Why are you so distracted? Thinking about these things while doing your homework?"

Xie Qiaosi: "I was just curious, so I asked. I've noticed your lips are always red, and they smell really good when you talk."

"I was just curious, nothing more."

Xue Ci then realized that the other person had been staring at her mouth the whole time.

He suppressed his shame and feigned composure, saying, "If you're really curious, you can find a willing man to try it out."

Xie Qiaosi's breathing suddenly quickened from the stimulation.

"Is that so?" he said softly, staring intently at the young scholar's lips. "I also think I need to give it a try."

Despite having no homosexual tendencies, he spends his days thinking about how to be intimate with his family, and even more inappropriate thoughts.

As for whether the other woman had a husband, Xie Qiaosi had never considered that question.

He was naturally unruly and had little sense of morality.

He even felt that Xue Ci was at an age where she loved to play, and how could a husband possibly satisfy that?

We should also pick some wild grass outside.

Xie Qiaosi was quite bold; he was just about to ask Xue Ci if she wanted to try kissing him tonight when someone came in and called Xue Ci.

It was the pageboy who usually opened the door to the school. "Young Master Song, someone is looking for you outside."

Xue Ci asked warily, "Did he say who he was?"

He didn't give his name. He said he was neglected and left at home by you, and should have almost forgotten about you.

"..." Xue Ci stood up, completely bewildered. "Then I'll go with you."

Xie Qiaosi was left behind, inhaling the lingering fragrance of Xue Ci on the seat, his whole body aroused.

I'll go ask today.

It's fine even without a formal title.

The main problem is excess physical strength.

It would be a shame not to let Xue Ci use it.

*

Xue Ci followed the page to the door, and only when he saw the aloof figure did he realize who had come to see him.

--"Left over at home".

These words actually came from Qin Wuzhen's mouth.

They made him sound like a heartless and ungrateful bastard.

Hearing the voice, Qin Wuzhen turned around. Jing Yun, who was beside him carrying a pile of luggage, waved to him. "Young Master Xue Ci!"

Qin Wuzhen looked at him silently.

Xue Ci waved to Jing Yun, intending to wave to Qin Wuzhen as well, but remembering that their last meeting hadn't been very pleasant and that he had been called a heartless man, she hesitated for a moment and then lowered her hand.

The kitten retracted its pink paw pads.

Qin Wuzhen spoke up first, "I brought winter clothes for you and Qin Zhuo."

Xue Ci with an "Oh," and then said, "Thank you."

I've become rusty.

Qin Wuzhen gave a wry smile to himself, "I'll take it to your room."

The page let them pass. Xue Ci led the two to their lodgings, and after Jing Yun put down his luggage, he went to find Qin Zhuo.

Only Xue Ci and Qin Wuzhen remained in the room.

Xue Ci felt the atmosphere was strange for some reason, so she shrank into a corner and spoke up, "Big brother, the clothes have arrived. Aren't you going to find Qin Zhuo?"

"I came here to find the little Bodhisattva."

Um?

Xue Ci looked up, only to be startled when Qin Wuzhen suddenly stepped forward, causing her to back away.

Already positioned in a corner with a desk behind him, the young man's legs went weak for a moment, and his lower back was pressed against something.

The next moment, his vision blurred, and he was scooped up and carried onto the table.

Xue Ci was quite familiar with this pose.

Almost every man has done this to him.

But... no matter what, it's something Qin Wuzhen wouldn't do.

Xue Ci became alert and instinctively brought her knees together, only to have her knees bumped against the man's leg.

"Big brother..."

Xue Ci panicked a little.

I went to your house.

Qin Wuzhen's eyes deepened as he stared intently at him. "I bought you food and supplies, and I think about you every day. You didn't even tell me you were going to school."

"You used to tell me everything."

Xue Ci could clearly hear the grievance in the man's harsh tone.

He pursed his lips. "You were the one who yelled at me first."

Xue Ci felt he had been being unreasonable, holding a grudge over such a small matter. But Qin Wuzhen actually apologized to him again. "I was wrong."

"If you keep ignoring me, my face is right here; you can hit me anytime you want."

Hmm... Xue Ci could tell that Qin Wuzhen polite, but he couldn't shake off his inherent arrogance.

For someone so arrogant to say something like "I'll slap you," it must mean they're sincerely apologizing.

Actually, Qin Wuzhen didn't seem to have done anything wrong.

But Xue Ci was spoiled.

With her head tilted back, she said arrogantly, "So, will you still yell at me like you did that day? You squeezed my hand so hard it hurt."

The familiar tone returned, and the weight that had been pressing on Qin Wuzhen's heart for days finally lifted. Qin Wuzhen thought that if he didn't see her, he wouldn't miss her, but longing was like a stone covered with algae in a clear pool, exposed and revealed after being washed by water.

Right now, all he wants is for Xue Ci to see him.

Perhaps Xue Ci will become dependent on him and unable to leave.

Even if they stay by my side, it's fine to be a junior member.

Qin Wuzhen raised the corners of his lips and leaned closer to Xue Ci: "It won't happen again."

"If I do it again, I'll be punished by never being able to marry a wife for the rest of my life."

Xue Ci felt that this vow was a bit too ambitious. "With my brother's looks, he can still find a beautiful wife."

Qin Wuzhen lowered his eyelids and hummed in agreement. "Are there any fair-skinned young ladies with beautiful eyes?"

Xue Ci with some disdain, "Brother, don't judge a book by its cover."

Qin Wuzhen chuckled, then wrapped his arm around Xue Ci's slender waist and lifted her off the table.

Xue Ci subconsciously felt that this action was too intimate, but before he could think about it, Qin Wuzhen said he would take his pulse to see how his health had been lately.

"I've been being taken very well into care lately." Xue Ci instantly forgot the other person's subtle actions from earlier, obediently sat on the edge of the bed, and reached out her hand. Qin Wuzhen placed his hand directly on her wrist. "Aren't you going to use a handkerchief anymore?"

You used the handkerchief to wipe your hands.

Xue Ci: "?"

Qin Wuzhen lowered his eyes, then suddenly frowned.

Xue Ci fearfully, "What's wrong?"

"Your pulse isn't very steady, perhaps it's because you've been studying too hard lately." Qin Wuzhen withdrew his hand, showing no intention of leaving. "Would you like me to give you a massage?"

Qin Wuzhen's technique was very comfortable, and Xue Ci agreed without much hesitation.

He lay down beside Qin Wuzhen's legs, his hair untied, his black hair cascading onto the pillow.

Feeling comfortable from the massage, Xue Ci let out a soft hum and reported on her recent life to him.

"The teacher praised me; I was the only one in the class who answered correctly."

My handwriting has even been called "Xue Script".

Qin Wuzhen thought of Xue Ci's words, his eyes crinkling with a smile, "Who said that?"

"Well... Xie Qiaosi, the one sitting next to me..." Xue Ci's voice grew softer and softer, her eyelids seemed glued shut, and when she finally heard Qin Wuzhen speak, she was so sleepy that she could only utter a few mumbled words.

Qin Wuzhen's eyes were dark and unfathomable.

moment.

He reached out and placed his finger on Xue Ci's rosy lips.

His tone was soft and melancholic.

"You're so red, did Qin Zhuo kiss you?"

"Is Xie Qiaosi also watching you?"

His voice was cold, carrying a chilling aura.

outside the house.

Xie Qiaosi, who was about to ask Xue Ci if she wanted to touch the wild grass outside, paused and stopped outside the house.

The hand that was knocking froze in mid-air.

Through the slightly ajar gap, he saw Xue Ci resting her head on someone else's lap.

Eyes tightly closed.

Her black hair fell to the side of the bed.

Her already slightly swollen lips were being rubbed back and forth by fingers in a very lewd way.

Press down, and the lip slit is easily pried open.

Swirl your fingers around in your mouth.

Xie Qiaosi's body stiffened, yet the ambiguous sound of water sent shivers down his spine.

He heard a strange man's voice.

"Xiao Ci, your lips are so soft."

The person took out their slender fingers, bringing out a glistening droplet.

Then, he licked away all the saliva on it.

Author's Note:

Xie: Then I'll do it too...

[Poor thing][Poor thing][Poor thing]

The next chapter won't be until midnight. [Chin resting on hand][Chin resting on hand][Chin resting on hand]