The Missing Husband Returns (10)

Perhaps because of the elite education he had received since childhood, Lu Xiunan wasn't particularly empathetic.

After the brief surprise of being reunited with his long-lost twin, his emotions quickly settled down.

Lu Xiunan didn't leave home right away.

Besides dealing with this matter, he also planned to take the household registration booklet with him so he and Xue Ci could register their marriage whenever they wanted.

The trickier issue was Xue Ci's current marital status. The original husband named on the marriage certificate was someone else, and Lu Xiunan didn't know how long he had been dead, whether there was a death certificate, or how long it would take to dissolve the existing marriage.

He had thought about all this, but hadn't dared mention it to Xue Ci, afraid that once Xue Ci learned he wasn't his real husband, he wouldn't want to stay with him.

But now...

Thinking of the promise Xue Ci had made before he left, Lu Xiunan felt confident.

Xue Ci was even willing to let him suck his tongue and kiss him there, so he had to like him and be willing to spend the rest of his life with him.

Husband was just a title. They had feelings for each other, so even if Xue Ci found out he wasn't the real one, he would surely only be angry for a little while.

Xue Ci wouldn't have the heart to leave him.

Definitely.

The more Lu Xiunan thought about it, the more confident he became. After rummaging through everything and finding the household registration booklet, he planned to get the marriage certificate from Xue Ci that very night.

Only after he had both the household registration booklet and his ID card did he drive off.

The road back to Zhou Family Village passed the station. While waiting at a red light, Lu Xiunan spotted someone: Lu Ximing, who had just been at his house reuniting with the family.

After a moment's thought, he pulled over.

Lu Ximing stood at the end of the line for the ticket window. He was tall, with evenly tanned skin.

His clothes were plain, but he stood straight and tall.

The car window slowly rolled down.

Lu Xiunan had complicated feelings about this newly reunited twin who looked exactly like him.

He couldn't say he felt any familial affection. Apart from those few childhood memories, he hardly ever thought of him.

But blood was thicker than water, after all. He had been raised as a young master in the Lu family for so many years, while the other man had suffered out in the world. Wanting to make it up to him, Lu Xiunan called out, "Hey."

Zhao Ying glanced to the side without thinking and happened to spot Lu Xiunan sitting in the car.

A little surprised, he said, "You're... that one from the Lu family."

Since it hadn't been confirmed that he really was the Lu family's long-lost son, Zhao Ying didn't dare call him anything else.

Lu Xiunan gave a noncommittal hum. "Where are you staying? I can give you a ride on my way."

The Lu family looked powerful and influential, but Zhao Ying wasn't someone who liked cozying up to the rich and powerful. More than the family who had suddenly appeared and insisted on claiming him as one of their own, he cared about whether he could still catch the last bus back to town.

He politely declined. "Thank you, but there's no need to trouble yourself."

Lu Xiunan had only so much goodwill to offer. Seeing that it wasn't appreciated, he said nothing more, rolled up the window, and drove away.

Zhou Family Village was a long way from the provincial capital. By the time Lu Xiunan arrived, it was already midnight.

He pushed at the front gate, but it was bolted.

Xue Ci hadn't left it open for him.

Lu Xiunan paused, but then he thought better of it. The village wasn't safe, and Xue Ci had done it for safety.

He didn't knock. Seeing that the bedroom light was on, he turned and walked over to the window.

The curtains in the bedroom weren't fully drawn, leaving a gap the size of a palm. If someone deliberately stood by the window and peeped in, they would have a clear view of the pretty little wife on the bed.

Fortunately, the one standing there now was him, the husband who would soon be legally recognized.

Without making a sound, Lu Xiunan quietly watched Xue Ci.

He had long since replaced the dim yellow light bulb in the room, and the whole bedroom was warm and bright.

Xue Ci was lying on his stomach on the bed, reading a comic book.

He wore a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, with a thin blanket draped loosely over his waist. His slender legs occasionally lifted into the air, making the soft flesh of his calves jiggle, while his slim ankles looked fragile and delicate.

His collar was wide, leaving a wide gap at his chest.

Nothing could be seen from this angle, which only made Lu Xiunan itch all the more to find out.

Would it look beautiful there?

Lu Xiunan had only stolen a taste, filling the room with wet sounds as he sucked until it was round and swollen. But the room had been too dark, so he had never seen it.

Still, he guessed the color must have changed, the delicate pink turned a lush red by him.

Like a little wintersweet blossom in the snow.

Xue Ci was completely unaware of the movement outside the window.

It was already eleven. The protagonist definitely wouldn't be back tonight.

Maybe he had run into a really thorny problem at work and wouldn't be back for days. Once he was exhausted, he would be even less inclined to be intimate with him.

Then, if Xue Ci brought it up himself, the other man would surely find him unbearably annoying.

The plan was perfect. In a good mood, Xue Ci lay on the bed and leisurely read his comic book. He rested his cheek lightly in his hand, squishing the pink and pale flesh slightly out of shape, as though a gentle touch could make sweet, fragrant juice burst from it.

He was absorbed in his reading when the window was suddenly flung open-

The loud noise startled Xue Ci so badly that his shoulders trembled. His legs rubbed nervously against the sheets, and his rounded toes turned pink.

"You-"

Once he saw that it was Zhao Ying climbing through the window, Xue Ci breathed a sigh of relief. Then he scrunched up his face and complained, "Didn't I tell you not to climb through the window...?"

There'll be more scratches now.

The marks from last time haven't even been fixed yet.

Xue Ci lowered his eyes, looking displeased. He pushed himself up from the bed and was just about to go to the window when he was swept into an embrace.

The man's embrace left no room to breathe.

The air was squeezed from Xue Ci's chest. He opened his mouth and took small breaths.

The temperature had dropped at night, but the warmth in Lu Xiunan's body rose sharply from the embrace. He could feel his heart beating, each thump unusually strong, passing through to Xue Ci.

"So hot," Xue Ci breathed, pushing against the other man's chest with his arms. "You're so hot, you're making me sweat."

Then I'll lick it clean for you.

Lu Xiunan badly wanted to say it, but thought it was too perverted.

His wife was a very shy and reserved person.

"Let go..."

Xue Ci's disgruntled voice interrupted his fantasy. After letting him go, Lu Xiunan picked up the bag he had placed by the bed.

"I bought this for you."

Xue Ci opened his mouth and breathed in the fresh air. When he turned around, he saw Zhao Ying take a stuffed cat out of the bag.

His eyes lit up at once.

But... why did everyone like carrying it by the ears?

Xue Ci quickly took the toy, afraid the other man would pull too hard and tear the little cat's ears off.

The fair and beautiful little wife held the toy, his cheeks pink. He was appealing no matter how one looked at him.

Lu Xiunan's heart tingled and itched, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "Did you miss me?"

"Mm..." Xue Ci gave a perfunctory response. All his attention was on the toy. Compared with the dolls he usually made for piecework, the one Zhao Ying had bought felt much nicer, with fine workmanship and stitching.

It even had a tag.

Xue Ci glanced at it. The brand name was in English, and he didn't recognize it, but the price was marked on it.

...So expensive!

Xue Ci drew a breath. "Where did you buy it?"

"At a store," Lu Xiunan said.

"How much was it?"

"I don't remember. I paid by card." Lu Xiunan took a card from his coat and slipped it into Xue Ci's hand. "Once we move, use this to buy things."

Looks like he earned some money.

Reassured, Xue Ci hugged the toy.

Ignored, Lu Xiunan began to regret buying the little cat.

He had merely caught sight of it in a shop window while driving past and thought it looked a lot like Xue Ci when he was spacing out. By the time he came to his senses, he was already inside the store.

It was the first time he had bought something like this for someone.

Lu Xiunan felt that he had fallen hard, but he wouldn't admit it. He was clearly the one who had missed Xue Ci terribly after only a few hours apart, yet he insisted on holding both of Xue Ci's hands captive, making sure the other man could only look at him.

He asked again, "Did you miss me or not?"

This time, Xue Ci obliged him. "I did."

Lu Xiunan felt light all over, and even his voice turned hoarse.

He leaned close to his little wife. "Do you remember what you promised me?"

"..."

Xue Ci played dumb and shook his head.

Lu Xiunan saw the guilty look on the little cat's face, and the corners of his lips curled up. "You've learned to be naughty and tell lies. Then I'll remind you again."

"You promised me an hour of kissing, the kind where I get to suck your tongue."

"And then we'd do it all night."

Xue Ci: "?"

He was already embarrassed and annoyed. Hearing that last part, which had come out of nowhere, he stared blankly. "When did I..."

Lu Xiunan cut him off. "I just added it."

"..."

Seeing Xue Ci's troubled expression, he spoke in a hoarse voice, like a husband being considerate of his little wife. "Are you afraid it'll hurt?"

The other man's words reminded Xue Ci, and he immediately nodded, exaggerating, "I'm very afraid of pain."

Lu Xiunan glanced at Xue Ci's slender waist. It really didn't look as though it could take it for long. He pondered for a moment. "Then we'll only do it twice."

Wh-what...

Xue Ci pursed his lips. He really didn't know what to say.

The fragments in the space were stirring, affecting Xue Ci.

Fortunately, 11 blocked them all.

For fear of also blocking important information about the invading virus, the fragments' conversations scrolled back and forth across the system panel.

Of course, insults and prohibited words were automatically erased.

...Then there aren't many lines left.

[Baby, he****** don't let him****]

[Does baby still have to bathe with him?]

[He'll definitely hold baby from behind**** suck***]

The disjointed conversation was somewhat difficult for Xue Ci to read, but when he saw the word "bathe," he seemed to think of something.

His light-colored eyes shifted.

"I'm sweaty, and I haven't bathed yet."

Xue Ci tried to put him off while staying in character.

But the next second, Lu Xiunan scooped him straight into his arms. "Your husband will help you."

By help, he really only meant helping heat the water.

To stall for time, Xue Ci decided to take a bath.

Lu Xiunan carried the tub from the main room to the bathhouse. He seemed to have grown used to waiting on someone during this time. There wasn't a trace of impatience on his face, and even the air of a pampered young master was gone. Instead, the corners of his mouth were always slightly raised as he worked.

After heating several kettles of water, Lu Xiunan tested the temperature. "It's ready."

Xue Ci dipped a finger into the water too, then shook his head. "It's a little cool. We need another kettle."

He was being picky on purpose, trying to make himself seem like a lot of trouble. That way, Zhao Ying would lose patience and no longer want to be intimate with him.

But unexpectedly, Lu Xiunan went back to heat more water without a word.

In the middle of the night, the village was pitch-dark, with only their house still lit.

Xue Ci was getting sleepy from waiting. Only when he heard footsteps did he slowly raise his eyes-

The man was bare-chested as he poured water into the tub.

Is it that hot?

Puzzled, Xue Ci tilted his head and looked at him.

Under his little wife's gaze, Lu Xiunan straightened his back even more, completely unaware that he looked like a peacock displaying its tail during mating season.

"Is that all right?"

Xue Ci tested the water. As though he could find no more excuses, he finally nodded.

Lu Xiunan set the half-full kettle beside the tub. "If it gets cold, pour in some hot water yourself."

After saying that, he paused for two seconds. "Or call me in to pour it for you."

"...There's no need." After Lu Xiunan went out, Xue Ci closed the door. The bathhouse was small to begin with, and the rising steam turned his cheeks pink.

He took off his clothes and slipped into the water like a piece of smooth, lustrous jade.

Lu Xiunan didn't leave either. He stood outside the door, and judging by the sound, he was very close.

The man began talking about moving away in a few days.

The original plot did have a part where the protagonist took him to the provincial capital after reuniting with his family, but it was supposed to happen later. Xue Ci's voice had softened in the hot water. "Let's wait a few more days. The balsam flowers by the door haven't come up yet."

Afraid the other man would refuse, he immediately changed the subject. "What did you go out with Fu Yun to do today?"

Hearing another man's name from Xue Ci's lips, Lu Xiunan looked displeased. "I had something to take care of."

Through the door came a voice soft and hazy as water. "Husband, don't tire yourself out too much..."

Moonlight lay like a thin veil, and the breeze brushing the treetops softened Lu Xiunan's heart completely.

He parted his lips and suddenly spoke. "Xue Ci."

Puzzled, Xue Ci murmured, "Mm?" and waited for him to continue.

"After we go to the city, I'll take you somewhere to meet a few people. They'll all definitely like you. But none of them will like you as much as I do-"

Not as much as I like you.

Lu Xiunan coughed, a rare warmth creeping up behind his ears.

He really should have admitted defeat long ago. After all, from the moment he first saw Xue Ci, he hadn't been able to take his eyes off him.

Of course, Lu Xiunan would never admit that aloud. He quickly changed the subject, chatting about this and that, down to what they needed to buy after moving into the house in town. He asked whether Xue Ci wanted to continue his studies or open a shop.

"It's fine if you don't want to do anything, too. I definitely have enough money to support you for the rest of your life."

Xue Ci looked surprised, a little expression of admiration appearing on his face.

As expected of the protagonist of a rags-to-riches novel, he'd made money so quickly.

Unfortunately, according to the plot, they would soon get divorced. Xue Ci was destined to miss out on living off him.

"By the way, where did we put our marriage certificate?" Lu Xiunan suddenly asked.

"It's in the wooden chest. You need a key to open it." Remembering that the protagonist still had amnesia, Xue Ci came up with a brilliant idea-

They could spend the night looking for the key until very late!

Xue Ci rose from the tub, sending water splashing around him. Droplets gathered into little streams and rolled down his delicate skin.

His face was hazy and indistinct in the mist that had yet to fully dissipate.

After changing, Xue Ci went into the room with Lu Xiunan. They searched every drawer in the room but still couldn't find it.

Lu Xiunan glanced at the wooden chest. "Do you still want this chest?"

Xue Ci immediately understood what he intended to do and grew wary. "A relative gave us this chest. You can't smash it."

"Then I can smash the lock, right?"

Lu Xiunan turned and went to the main room, with Xue Ci following close behind. "I think the tools are at your house."

Zhao Ying's house was still being renovated, but no one had been overseeing it lately. The renovation workers had taken on other jobs, leaving the house only half-finished, with the inside dusty and filthy.

Besides, Zhao Ying's house was in the next village. It was already the middle of the night, and they couldn't even see the road.

Xue Ci said, "Why don't we look for the key again?"

Lu Xiunan said, "The key is too small. It probably fell somewhere."

Xue Ci thought for a moment, then raised a hand and pointed in a certain direction. "What about borrowing some?"

The two had spent quite some time together, and Lu Xiunan had already memorized Xue Ci's habits.

For example, the direction he was pointing in now was where the butcher lived.

"But he might be asleep,"

Xue Ci reminded him.

Lu Xiunan was stubborn by nature. No matter how late it took tonight, he was going to open the chest and see what Xue Ci's late husband looked like.

"I'll go borrow them. Lock the door and stay home."

Xue Ci was only too happy to have all his attention on the lock and immediately nodded. "Husband, I'll wait for you to come back."

Too adorable.

Lu Xiunan wished he could get those two times done right now.

After he left, Xue Ci took a basin and gathered the dirty clothes from the bathing room into it. Then he secured the door bolt, but before he had even reached the bedroom, someone knocked.

Does the protagonist walk that fast?

Thinking of the man's height and long legs, Xue Ci figured it wasn't impossible.

He put down the basin in his hands.

But the person outside seemed unable to wait and knocked several more times, making the door rattle. "Xiao Ci?"

It really was Zhao Ying's voice.

"I'm coming," Xue Ci called hurriedly, afraid he would knock the door apart. He jogged over to it.

As soon as he opened the door, he fell into a slightly cool embrace.

Zhao Ying held him tightly, as though he wanted to press him into his own body.

The man's voice trembled slightly, low, hoarse, and weary. "Xiao Ci, it's been so long since I saw you. I missed you so much."

Xue Ci froze.

Only two minutes had passed. How could it have been so long?

He was much shorter than the man, and once he was in his arms, his face was almost buried in the other's chest.

Xue Ci was a little sensitive to smells. He couldn't detect the woody scent Zhao Ying usually carried. Instead, there was a very faint smell of disinfectant.

Disinfectant... why does he smell like disinfectant?

Xue Ci pulled away slightly, and the other man quickly let go.

The man looked travel-worn, with dark circles under his eyes and a hint of fatigue between his brows. Though his expression didn't change much, the longing in his eyes was almost overflowing as he looked at Xue Ci.

Something's wrong.

He was clearly wearing different clothes just now, and his hair wasn't this short either.

Xue Ci was stunned.

He moved his gaze to the man's wrist.

There was the strip of red cloth he had tied there himself.

Xue Ci's heart pounded.

Zhao Ying thought Xue Ci's blank expression was because he was too surprised, and excitedly pulled him into his arms again.

"I really missed you so much. I couldn't get in touch with you. I was going crazy."

His voice was unbelievably hoarse, and the warmth was beginning to return to his body.

Xue Ci was squeezed so tightly he could hardly breathe. He shifted slightly, turning his face to the man's side.

"Z-Zhao Ying?"

He called out tentatively.

"Mm."

The answer came from deep in the other's chest, muffled.

Xue Ci wanted to ask something else, but when he looked up and saw another face at the door, he froze completely.

H-how can there be two identical husbands?

The husband standing at the door should be the one who had just gone to A Hui's house to borrow tools.

He was wearing the familiar gray shirt.

What's going on... Xue Ci's eyes were full of shock, and he couldn't think, but he quickly realized one thing.

It seemed he had mistaken someone else for his husband.

The one holding him now was the protagonist, Zhao Ying.

Lu Xiunan was just as surprised.

He had been gone for less than ten minutes, and his wife, Xue Ci, was already in another man's arms.

Lu Xiunan shifted his gaze to the tall figure's back.

After looking him over and noticing how familiar his clothes and build were, he suddenly realized something.

"Xiao Ci, have you been doing well all this time?"

The sound of the man's voice made Lu Xiunan even more certain of his guess.

How could there be such a coincidence in the world?

Xue Ci's real husband was actually his twin brother.

His breathing stopped for a few seconds. Then he heard Xue Ci say, "I-I missed you too."

There was obvious guilt in his voice.

A cold smile curling his lips, Lu Xiunan decided with barely a moment's hesitation to fight his newly reunited older brother for his wife.

He pressed his lips together, only to see Xue Ci staring at him, his eyelashes trembling uneasily and guilt written all over his face.

Then, with a trembling finger, he pointed in a certain direction.

The understanding they had developed over the days they had spent together made Lu Xiunan realize at once-

Xue Ci wanted him to go stay at A Hui's house.

What the hell?

Of course Lu Xiunan didn't want to leave. They looked the same, so why should he be the one to go?

He was just about to step forward and make some noise when he saw Xue Ci's face turn pale. Xue Ci mouthed to him-

Quick, go...

Lu Xiunan didn't move. The next second, he saw Xue Ci's eyes redden with fear.

His lips were wet where he had bitten them.

It was as if Xue Ci would be upset if his real husband discovered Lu Xiunan.

His face stiff, Lu Xiunan moved a couple of steps and leaned against the wall.

His body had gone numb, his blood rushing backward and his temples throbbing.

He listened as the man with the same voice as his told Xue Ci how much he had missed him during their time apart.

And he listened as Xue Ci called the man "husband" and responded to him again and again.

"Husband, I'll go close the door first."

Then, with a bang-

Lu Xiunan's heart sank sharply.

He guessed that Xue Ci had probably realized he had mistaken him for someone else, too.

So... what will Xue Ci do?

The ever-proud and exalted young master lowered his head slightly, his face swallowed by darkness.

Like a stray dog abandoned by its owner.

No.

Xue Ci won't abandon me. Otherwise, he wouldn't have told me to go to A Hui's house first.

So what exactly does he want to do?

Could it be...

Lu Xiunan coldly raised his eyes. He had waited on Song Xueci as though he were his wife.

But he wouldn't let anyone trample on his dignity.

In any case, he would never agree to be Song Xueci's secret lover.

Author's note:

When I finished typing that last sentence, I couldn't help laughing out loud.