The Missing Husband Returned (23)

One window was open and covered with a screen, allowing for comfortable ventilation and a pleasant room temperature.

Xue Ci wrapped herself tightly in the blanket, but half of her face was unnaturally red, like a ripe peach.

Zhao Ying thought he had bullied the man until he caught a cold last night, so he was so frightened that he immediately went over and touched his forehead.

The man's rough calluses made Xue Ci realize that Zhao Ying was still talking to him in the room.

He ignored the group of Fragment who had been making a racket and spouting strange things since early morning.

The Fragment were restless.

Why is my baby ignoring me?

Does the baby like him? He takes good care of the baby?

[If my baby gives me a chance, I'll only do better than him!]

Xue Ci suppressed the heat rising on his face, ignoring their words. He raised his face, met Zhao Ying's concerned gaze, and pushed the other's hand away. "I'm not sick, I'm just a little hungry."

His wife's actions clearly showed she was still being difficult, and Zhao Ying was at a loss, but apologizing at this moment might only make Xue Ci angrier.

Breakfast is ready. It's not very warm today, so wear a jacket.

After the man finished speaking, he picked up a thin shirt that had been prepared beforehand from the foot of the bed, wanting to help her get dressed, but Xue Ci refused with a frown on her face.

"I can dress myself."

Xue Ci didn't want to talk to anyone right now. He had forgotten some of what happened last night, but some things were still fresh in his mind.

Unexpectedly, the protagonist lost his good qualities of being honest and obedient before he even started doing business.

Xue Ci took the coat from Zhao Ying with a sullen face, then got out of bed.

The warm, cozy bed carried the unique, light fragrance of his young wife. Zhao Ying was so excited by the smell that he immediately stood up. Moreover, Xue Ci was only wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, and a casual glance revealed the mottled marks left from last night.

The rough man felt ashamed now; his dark skin covered his flushed ears and neck, and heat kept rising from his back, instantly turning into a thin layer of sweat.

He didn't dare watch Xue Ci change her clothes, so he just kept his head down and took out another pair of trousers from the wooden wardrobe.

Xue Ci of being tired. "I'm not wearing any more clothes, I'm just going to get out of bed and have some food."

Zhao Ying didn't want Lu Xiunan to see the marks on Xue Ci's legs, so he advised, "It's a bit chilly today, Xiao Ci. If you're tired, I'll help you put on your clothes."

Xue Ci was about to say something when she watched as the progress bar moved forward a little further.

"...!"

Why has it regressed again?

Xue Ci was stunned, her eyes wide open.

His chest heaved with anxiety. "[Xiao Qiu, are you there?]"

Fortunately, 11 had just been released from the dark room and immediately reassured the host: [Don't worry, host. According to the plot, Sun Xingmei has already come here to borrow money, but neither you nor the protagonist were awake at that time. Lu Xiunan helped you refuse her.]

[However, the protagonist inquired about the situation afterward but did not lend money to Sun Xingmei. The plot deviation was less than 10%, and the regression was not due to this reason, but rather because you did not argue with the protagonist.]

[You are welcome to point out flaws, but please be careful not to go out of character!]

Xue Ci.

Understood.

Losing his temper is one of his strengths.

He pursed his lips and glanced at Zhao Ying, who was standing by the bed, holding a pair of pants in his hand, staring straight at him. After their eyes met, Zhao Ying inexplicably looked away.

Xue Ci deliberately feigned displeasure. "Why haven't you helped me get dressed yet?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ying replied, "... Okay."

The man tensed up, held his breath, and stiffened his limbs as he helped Xue Ci on her pants.

Because he didn't dare to look, his knuckles accidentally brushed against the soft flesh of Xue Ci's thigh several times.

Xue Ci, feeling uncomfortable from being rubbed, shrank to the side and climbed up the pole, looking very unhappy. "Stop touching my legs, are you doing it on purpose?"

Zhao Ying blushed deeply, stammering, "Xiao Ci, I... I didn't mean it..."

He wanted to explain, but seeing Xue Ci's puffed-up cheeks and round eyes staring at him, he couldn't say a word and could only move more carefully.

The protagonist's silent demeanor was exactly as expected.

Xue Ci continued to act childishly, "Can't you squat down?"

Zhao Ying squatted down without saying a word, like an obedient large dog.

"..." Xue Ci was too embarrassed to say anything.

After helping Xueci put on her pants, Zhao Ying, worried that she might Xue Ci, brought her shoes and socks.

Her slender, delicate ankle was gripped by a rough, large hand; it looked so fragile, as if it could be broken with a little force.

The bluish-purple fine veins were completely different from the thick, long, winding veins on the back of his hand.

Xue Ci is fragile and delicate.

It needs to be carefully cared for and nurtured.

As Zhao Ying helped the person put on their socks and slipped on their shoes, something brushed against his cheek. He paused, glanced to the side, and saw a slender, white, taut instep.

Realizing that Xue Ci had just kicked him in the face with her toes, the man's breathing suddenly quickened, becoming heavy and labored.

Xue Ci noticed the change in the other person and thought he was angry.

To fit his persona, he pretended it was an accidental kick, explaining, "My leg was sore from being raised for too long."

Zhao Ying hummed in agreement, then placed Xue Ci's feet on his shoulder and gently rubbed them. "Are they sore?"

Xue Ci: "?"

Is such a temper... good?

[Baby, stepping on him like that will only make him feel good.]

[I think he was trying to lick your feet just now.]

"..."What nonsense is this?

Xue Ci's stomach was already growling from hunger, and she didn't have the energy to throw a tantrum anymore. The two left the bedroom and came to the lobby. As soon as Xue Ci sat down, she could feel Lu Xiunan's gaze on her.

He looked up at the other person, but was startled by their gaze.

It was pitch black, its emotions unreadable, and it seemed ready to devour people.

Xue Ci immediately lowered her head, pretending not to see.

Fortunately, Zhao Ying, who came out of the kitchen, managed to block the view in time.

Zhao Ying brought several porcelain bowls to Xue Ci. These bowls were much smaller than the large blue-and-white porcelain bowls at home. They were exquisitely made, with small, thick openings, and cat paw prints on the outside.

Worried that Xue Ci might not have a good appetite, he specially made jujube cake, thinly sliced cured pork and braised beef and arranged them neatly, the vegetables were freshly picked from the garden, and he also steamed an extra bowl of egg custard.

These ingredients aren't cheap in the village. Before Zhao Ying got married, he would just make do with whatever he could find, but after getting married and living with Xue Ci, his cooking skills improved considerably.

The three of them sat around the table eating. Xue Ci was so hungry that she didn't say much and ate faster than usual.

His thin shirt was buttoned up to the top, completely covering his neck. But the more he covered, the more it aroused the imagination. Lu Xiunan's mind was filled with images of him being teased and bruised beneath his shirt.

After finishing her meal, Xue Ci began to worry about the progress bar.

Neither of the brothers mentioned Sun Xingmei asking to borrow money; it would be strange if he brought it up himself.

As I was deep in thought, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Zhao Ying had already washed the dishes and came out of the kitchen, then carried a stool and sat down next to him.

Despite having so many seats in the lobby, he insisted on squeezing next to Xue Ci.

Xue Ci moved a little to the side. "Aren't you going to the city today?"

"I just ordered the materials, but I still have to wait a few days."

Xue Ci "Oh," and then asked, "Have you been at home these past few days?"

Zhao Ying nodded.

His gaze fell on Xue Ci's wrist. His young wife's wrist was slender and her skin was fair. Wearing gold did not make her look tacky at all.

Zhao Ying raised the corners of his mouth and gently squeezed Xue Ci's wrist.

"Xiao Ci, you look so pretty in this."

Xue Ci touched the heavy gold bracelet. "You made money so quickly?"

Zhao Ying: "Deposit."

This time, Fu Yun introduced all the wealthy bosses. Of course, having connections isn't enough to do business; you also need real skills.

Zhao Ying's craftsmanship was a complete inheritance from his Old Zhao. He was meticulous, patient, and focused. The bosses could easily tell the difference between genuine and fake skills, so they signed contracts and paid deposits.

Fearing Xue Ci might worry, he added, "Don't worry, the deposit is non-refundable."

Xue Ci still trusted the protagonist's carpentry skills completely.

However, according to the original storyline, the money earned from this order was Zhao Ying's first pot of gold, which he was to use to open a shop in the future.

Fortunately, gold retains its value and can be returned.

Xue Ci left it for the time being. He didn't say anything more. He got up to see if Sun Xingmei would come a second time, but Zhao Ying stayed by his side like a conjoined twin.

The progress bar has slowed down a bit more.

Xue Ci, and she was so annoyed that she wanted to throw a tantrum.

But as soon as he looked up, Zhao Ying grinned foolishly at him.

"..."

You can't hit someone who's smiling at you.

Xue Ci continued to nitpick in a calm tone, "My coat is dirty, could you wash it for me?"

Seeing Zhao Ying looking for stains on his clothes, he felt guilty and hurriedly tried to unbutton his clothes, but his hand was grabbed.

Zhao Ying led him into the bedroom and then took another coat before letting go of him.

To find Xue Ci watched Zhao Ying washing clothes in the yard, occasionally saying, "I only have a few pieces of clothing, don't be so rough."

"It needs to be rinsed with water at least three times; if it's not clean, I'll have an allergic reaction."

"I only let you wash me because you're my husband."

Even Xue Ci herself couldn't stand it anymore.

"Xiao Ci."

Are you about to lose your temper?

Xue Ci excitedly prepared everything.

But instead, Zhao Ying smiled, chuckled, and said with a satisfied tone, "You've been acting all cute with me all day."

Xue Ci: "?"

[Progress bar -1.]

Xue Ci: "..."

Hearing footsteps, Zhao Ying stopped what he was doing and saw that Xue Ci had only left him with her back turned.

There's also a head that looks puffed up in anger.

Zhao Ying, unaware of what he had done wrong, rushed into the house without even rinsing the soap off his hands. "... Xiao Ci?"

I just called out a name, and Xue Ci got even more upset.

"I need to be alone for a while. Remember to hang the clothes up to dry."

Zhao Ying opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he obeyed and washed Xue Ci's clothes four or five times before hanging them up to dry.

Xue Ci locked herself in her room.

They were afraid that Zhao Ying would say something that would cause the progress bar to rewind.

According to 11, Sun Xingmei will soon come to borrow money again; he just needs to wait until then to have a falling out with Zhao Ying.

About ten minutes later, Xue Ci heard a woman's voice at the door.

[Host, Sun Xingmei is here.]

Xue Ci went out of the room.

Sun Xingmei, who had been standing at the doorway facing the two tall men and too afraid to speak, saw him as a lifeline. "Xue Ci, I'm begging you for something."

The other party had borrowed money before, Xue Ci didn't have much money in her pocket at the time, so she gave them most of her fruit.

He whispered, "Auntie."

"My child has been coughing a lot lately, and I was wondering if I could borrow some money from you." Sun Xingmei glanced at the two men at the door, afraid of saying something that might upset them.

Xue Ci hesitated, then pointed to her husband. "He's the one who earns all the money in the family. I need to ask him."

Sun Xingmei then turned to Zhao Ying for help again.

Zhao Ying: "I need to discuss this with Xiao Ci."

Seeing that there was hope, Sun Xingmei immediately thanked her several times.

Lu Xiunan scoffed.

Xue Ci pulled Zhao Ying back to the room, and as in the script, asked, "His child is sick, should we help?"

Zhao Ying frowned slightly, worried that Xue Ci because of her kindness. "All the money I earn is for you to spend. Almost everyone in the village knows about his family's situation. Aunt Liu also told me that the money she borrowed was all gambled away by Sun Xingmin."

Xue Ci followed up, "You mean, we won't lend her our money?"

"It's not that we don't want to lend, it's just that their child is really sick and hospitalized. We'll help if we can," Zhao Ying explained patiently. "She came by this morning, Lu Xiunan asked her which hospital her child was in, what illness he had, and how serious it was, but she couldn't answer any of them."

Xue Ci, true to her character, remained silent.

Zhao Ying was afraid of angering people and wanted to say something, but Lu Xiunan started chasing people away from outside.

Men are used to being cold-blooded and ruthless, so Sun Xingmei left quickly.

Zhao Ying saw Xue Ci's lowered eyes. "Are you angry?"

Finally, she had a reason to argue. Xue Ci deliberately said, "Anyway, you're the one who earns the money, and you don't listen to me anyway."

Seeing that Zhao Ying still wanted to say something, Xue Ci simply learned the trick that 11 had taught him.

Cover your ears.

"I won't listen."

Xue Ci was waiting for her husband to argue with her, but instead she felt a kiss on the lips.

"I'll do whatever you say, all my money is yours." Zhao Ying seemed unsatisfied and kissed Xue Ci's cheek again. "If you're worried, we can go to her house to check on the child later."

What?

How can someone have such a good temper...?

That would make him seem like he's being unreasonable.

"Didn't I just ask?" Having finally gotten a chance to argue, Lu Xiunan added fuel to the fire, "If they don't want to lend it, they don't have to."

Picking up where Lu Xiunan left off, Xue Ci immediately retorted fiercely, "That's right! You just don't want to lend it; you just don't think it's my money."

As he spoke, he took off the gold bracelet on his wrist. "You bought this, I don't want it anymore."

Zhao Ying's expression darkened slightly.

Xue Ci slammed the gold bracelet onto the table. "I won't wear this, I'll wear the watch my brother gave me!"

He had just finished speaking when he felt a tightening on his wrist.

The opponent's strength was much greater than usual.

Xue Ci trembled in fright.

Zhao Ying overheard Fu Yun's conversation with others at the birthday party last night and learned that the watch was something the Lu Family had passed down to their daughter-in-law.

He understood Lu Xiunan's intentions, but he refrained from exposing them to save face.

Ke Xue Ci's actions made his heart skip a beat.

His possessiveness made him unable to control himself and imprison Xue Ci.

"You... it hurts so much..."

Upon hearing Xue Ci's weak voice, Zhao Ying immediately withdrew his strength and apologized repeatedly.

Xue Ci seemed genuinely angry this time; she refused to wear the bracelet, wouldn't speak to him, and wouldn't let him into the room.

Zhao Ying paced back and forth outside the door, extremely anxious. He thought he and Xue Ci would never quarrel in their lives.

For every person who is sad, there is someone who is happy.

Lu Xiunan composed himself, outwardly adopting the demeanor of a good brother. "Brother, if you go in now, your wife will only be angrier."

Zhao Ying glanced at him.

Lu Xiunan: "How about I go in and talk to him? Maybe you two will make up."

Zhao Ying didn't believe it, but he was a little worried about Xue Ci, so he said, "Go in and see what he's doing."

Lu Xiunan knocked on the door twice, unhurriedly. "Sister-in-law, it's me."

Xue Ci, damp voice came from inside the room. "What are you doing?"

"May I come in and see you?"

Xue Ci agreed, "... Oh."

Seeing Lu Xiunan push open the bedroom door and go in, Zhao Ying felt a mix of emotions.

He couldn't hear what they were saying inside. After waiting anxiously for a few minutes, Lu Xiunan came out.

Zhao Ying asked urgently, "What do you mean?"

Lu Xiunan said casually, "Oh, my sister-in-law is quite angry this time. She said she wants to sleep in a separate room from you."

Zhao Ying's eyelids twitched. "Dividing rooms?"

Lu Xiunan: "Yes, my sister-in-law said she wants to sleep in my room."

*

Zhao Ying naturally wouldn't agree to the absurd idea of his sister-in-law sleeping in the same room as his brother.

What's more, this younger brother harbors ulterior motives.

Finally, Zhao Ying reluctantly went in to apologize to Xue Ci. Although Xue Ci barely acknowledged him, she eventually agreed not to sleep in Lu Xiunan's room.

This cold war lasted for two days, and Zhao Ying slept in the lobby.

During this time, Xue Ci only spoke to Lu Xiunan, not even glancing at him.

Zhao Ying felt like he was going crazy, but he didn't dare to speak up. He could only keep a straight face and obediently tidy up the house, then sit on the stool and stare at Xue Ci.

If this continues, Lu Xiunan will look more like a husband than he does.

Zhao Ying became increasingly panicked. Taking advantage of Xue Ci coming out to get water that evening, he immediately got up from the hard board.

The man's tall figure was elongated by the light, mostly obscuring Xue Ci.

"Xiao Ci, you haven't spoken to me in a long time."

"I feel so bad."

Looking at him, Xue Ci thought he was a pitiful big dog with droopy ears.

He whispered an "Oh," his heart softening, "I'm not angry with you anymore."

Zhao Ying's eyes lit up, and he immediately picked her up and spun her around several times. "Can I go back to sleep now?"

Xue Ci.

Zhao Ying leaned down, wanting to give Xue Ci a quick kiss on the lips, but was stopped by a soft hand.

The level of intimacy with the main character directly affects the progress bar.

Xue Ci: "You're not allowed to kiss me without permission."

He listed harsh conditions. "From now on, you can only kiss me with my permission, and you have to sleep on the floor. I haven't been sleeping well these past few days, and having someone next to me will disturb me."

Zhao Ying was disappointed, but seeing that the two had made up, he immediately nodded in agreement.

The two moved back into one bedroom.

Xue Ci worried that he would make unreasonable demands, and she was thinking of an excuse. Fortunately, Zhao Ying went to the provincial capital the next day.

*

This was Zhao Ying's first small business deal in the provincial capital. He took it very seriously, practically living and eating in the factory in the suburbs.

He would take a break every weekend to go back, fill the refrigerator for Xue Ci, pack a few clothes, and leave again in a hurry without even staying overnight.

The progress bar rose rapidly, Xue Ci was extremely satisfied.

Finally, after more than half a month, Zhao Ying earned his first pot of gold.

The news spread like wildfire, and the whole village was saying how capable Zhao the carpenter was, working hard to earn money to support his wife.

Some people say that if you're out there making money all day and never see your shadow, what if your wife runs off with someone else? Then you'll be crying.

Zhao Ying ignored these rumors and bought Xue Ci many new clothes every time he came back. He also sent oil and rice to Song Liu's family.

Business has temporarily come to a standstill.

Zhao Ying missed Xue Ci terribly at this moment. He had been getting through these days relying on the scent of Xue Ci's old clothes.

Xue Ci looks beautiful again.

He doesn't have to worry about things at home, and he looks healthy and radiant.

Zhao Ying stared at it for a while and then stood up.

It sidled up to Xue Ci, its prickly head nestled against Xue Ci's neck.

He first called out "Xiao Ci," then, as if that wasn't enough, he called out "Wife" in a hoarse voice.

Xue Ci became a little wary and looked up at him.

As expected.

"I haven't kissed you in so long." The dark-skinned man's gaze was fixed on his young wife's face, like a ravenous wild dog ready to devour her at any moment.

Xue Ci was still wearing the new clothes the other person had bought for her, and felt a little embarrassed to refuse directly.

Before he could even finish his hesitation, he felt himself being lifted up.

The man was burning hot, his breath like strong liquor, making Xue Ci feel like she was about to melt away.

His mouth was completely licked, and his wet chin was constantly being lightly pecked.

The edges of her lips were swollen from being bitten.

Her high, straight nose was sunken deep into her soft, fleshy cheeks, making it look distorted.

The man licked the fragrant Xiao Xue repeatedly.

If you can't bear to bite it, you can only wash it. The Xiao Xue snowballs melt quickly in your mouth, and lots of sweet juice drips out.

The man didn't waste a single drop; he swallowed it all.

He desperately wanted to make an equal exchange, to get his own things into Xue Ci's stomach as well.

But after that last time, Xiao Xue Tuan seemed to resist this kind of thing, and every night when she went to sleep, she would wrap herself up tightly in the blanket.

Zhao Ying hesitated, when Song Liu's voice suddenly came from the doorway. "Xue Ci! Is she home?"

Xue Ci was stunned for a moment before her dazed expression returned to normal.

The footsteps grew closer, and he nervously gripped the man's clothes, his fingertips rubbing red from the friction.

Fortunately, Zhao Ying was quick and agile. Hearing the other person getting closer and closer to the bedroom, he immediately sat on the bed, picked up the weak and limp Xue Ci, and then covered her with a blanket.

"... Aunt Liu."

The bedroom door wasn't completely closed. Song Liu pushed it open and, seeing that Zhao Ying hadn't gotten up yet, smiled and said, "You must be tired from work lately."

"My body feels so soft..." Zhao Ying said stiffly, "It's alright."

"Where's Xue Ci? She's probably out playing." Song Liu said to herself, holding a basket filled with vegetables and fruits she'd grown herself. "I've been busy taking care of the kids lately. I heard you've been sending rice and oil to my house! I finally managed to squeeze in a trip back to bring you some things."

She had no idea that her little nephew was hiding under Zhao Ying's blanket, being kissed so much he was too ashamed to show himself.

Zhao Ying wasn't good at chatting, but Song Liu hadn't seen them in a long time, and once they started talking about everyday things, they couldn't stop.

Xue Ci had just been kissed and was hiding under the covers, unable to breathe properly.

After being suffocated for a few minutes, he was covered in sweat, and Zhao Ying's body was very hot, making his stomach area very uncomfortable from the pressure.

It was very dark inside the blankets, so he propped himself up on his arm and shifted slightly on the man.

Zhao Ying froze.

"Oh dear, are you tired? You don't look well! I won't bother you anymore, you should go to sleep."

After finishing her sentence, Song Liu left the bedroom.

Xue Ci let out a sigh of relief and tried to get off the man by supporting himself with his hands and feet, but the man's large hands suddenly grabbed his waist.

Very hard.

What are you doing...?

Xue Ci's lower back was a bit sensitive, and she fell onto the other person.

The next second, through the blanket, he heard the man's muffled groan.

Then, something was sprinkled on her stomach.

Xue Ci sobbed, as if she had been burned.

Author's Note:

There are about two more chapters about divorce.