The Missing Husband Returned (18)

That night, after the group went back to their rooms to sleep, Zhao Ying, unusually, didn't ask for a kiss, but instead hugged him tightly from behind.

Breathing is steady; I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

Xue Ci surprised, realizing that the other person must be tired.

With so much work during the day, there's no energy left to think about these things at night—how to get the protagonist to go out and earn money every day? The answer isn't hard to come up with: just spend money lavishly.

But this contradicts his public image.

She was a thrifty, honest man who relied heavily on her husband.

After a moment of contemplation, Xue Ci came up with a good idea.

Why not just spend all the money on her husband? As he spends money, the protagonist earns money. The more he spends, the more the protagonist will find ways to earn money. This not only promotes the plot but also keeps the other woman too busy with her career to spend time with him.

Xue Ci a sigh of relief and fell asleep peacefully amidst the man's even breathing.

Unbeknownst to him, in the dark room, his husband behind him kept his eyes open, his gaze filled with an unprecedentedly dark and unsettling emotion.

*

The next morning, Zhao Ying went to work at the factory as usual.

Xue Ci had a day off and was in a rare good mood. She even found Lu Xiunan more agreeable and put a few flowers in his room.

Lu Xiunan paused, somewhat flattered. "... For me?"

Xue Ci: "Don't you like flowers?"

Ideally, every corner of the house should be filled with the fragrance of flowers.

"Of course—" Realizing his tone was too excited, Lu Xiunan coughed lightly, "It's alright."

His sister-in-law gave him flowers.

Flowers symbolize romance and love.

His sister-in-law loves him.

This means there's still a chance for them.

Perhaps soon the clouds will part and the blue sky will appear.

Having spent so much time together, Lu Xiunan had long since realized that Zhao Ying was a dull and taciturn man who had little in common with Xue Ci Xue Ci was unable to provide her with a better life.

The two were introduced by a matchmaker and had no emotional foundation, so Xue Ci might soon get tired of him.

At that time...

Why is he so happy?

Xue Ci glanced at Lu Xiunan in surprise.

In one morning, Lu Xiunan changed his usual carefree and arrogant face, and even completely restrained his aura, helping to make the beds and repair the kitchen faucet.

Who would guess that this is a young city businessman?

In any other world, Lu Xiunan might be the protagonist of a reality show.

Love-struck Fragment are terrifying... 11 snuggled into Xue Ci's warm embrace: [The Fragment's good mood is definitely related to you, host. It probably thinks that because you sent flowers this morning, there's a future between you two.]

"..."

Xue Ci thought about it and realized that, based on Fragment's thought process, it was indeed possible.

That was his mistake this time.

Lost in thought: [He won't put flowers in his room anymore.]

11: [Sure! 11 also prefers to see its unruly side.]

Xue Ci silently watered the small flower bushes, but within seconds, the homemade watering can in her hand was taken away.

Lu Xiunan glanced at the fine beads of sweat on Xue Ci's nose.

He could sense that the other person had been looking at him very frequently today—whether it was because they were starting to take an interest in him or because they were reminded of him and saw him as a substitute for their brother.

In order to be with Xue Ci, he no longer cared whether he was a substitute or not.

"Go back and rest, I'll take care of these."

The teapot had been taken away, but Xue Ci didn't say anything. She went back to her room and poured herself a cup of cold tea.

Feeling embarrassed to rest, she took her cup and turned to the door. "Would you like some water?"

Lu Xiunan glanced at it.

Xue Ci's cup had a cat print on it, and it was light yellow. He swallowed, stopped what he was doing, and reached out. "I want it."

Xue Ci understood what he meant and silently took her cup back. "I meant I'd pour it into your own cup for you."

"Then I'm not thirsty anymore."

"...?"

Xue Ci with an "Oh".

The pretty young woman was slow at everything she did, and her reactions were a beat slower than others, but Lu Xiunan didn't think she was stupid at all. On the contrary, he was captivated by her appearance.

The man couldn't help but call out to her, "Little sister-in-law."

Xue Ci, "Don't add 'small'."

"You're small everywhere except your eyes, what else should I call you but 'little sister-in-law'? Even your underwear is several sizes too small for me."

"..."

Xue Ci strongly suspects that Lu Xiunan came to live here just to spite him!

He refused to speak and turned to go back into the house.

No sooner had she left than Lu Xiunan caught up with her. "Didn't my brother kiss you last night?"

Xue Ci's eyelids twitched slightly, her brows furrowing with a hint of embarrassment and annoyance.

Her cheeks puffed up in anger, but when she tried to argue back, she couldn't bring herself to swear.

In the end, all he could manage to squeeze out was, "Why are you asking these questions?"

"Of course I'm concerned about my sister-in-law." Lu Xiunan sat down on the stool next to Xue Ci, the one Zhao Ying usually sat on, which he had now taken over, "Because I'm worried about my sister-in-law's mouth hurting."

He leaned closer, scrutinizing Xue Ci's face. "But it's not swollen today."

Xue Ci felt a chill run down her spine under his gaze, but Lu Xiunan quickly withdrew his body and kept his distance. "You haven't bought any new clothes in a long time, do you want to go to the city today?"

Xue Ci initially wanted to refuse, but remembering her spending plan from the previous night, she readily agreed, "I'll go."

Lu Xiunan paused for a moment. "Go now?"

Xue Ci.

As if afraid that Xue Ci change her mind, Lu Xiunan prepared to lock the door and leave immediately.

"Wait for me a moment."

Xue Ci put the two sweet potatoes and pickled vegetables she had steamed that morning in the pot to simmer, and then took paper and pen to leave a note for Zhao Ying.

His fingers were slender and fair, his profile delicate and serene, and his brushstrokes fluid.

Lu Xiunan could hardly resist the urge to give him a big kiss on the cheek.

My brother and I are going to the city to buy you clothes. We'll be back soon. The food is in the pot, remember to eat.

--Xue Ci>v