Chapter 35: Is It Too Much to Ask for a Little Rest?

Chapter 35: Is It Too Much to Ask for a Little Rest?

"Maybe customs are different. Where I'm from, we don't call lowly people 'childhood sweethearts.'"

Lu Mingchao felt as if there was pent-up resentment stuck in her chest, difficult to expel.

Her heart, which had always been as clear and pure as a mountain stream, was now shrouded by dark clouds and sudden storms from the mountains, losing its former tranquility and clarity.

Seeing Xie Yan's expression turn exceedingly grim, his dark and obscure eyes filled with hatred that couldn’t be ignored, Lu Mingchao hurriedly said, "Xie Yan, I'm here for you from now on."

"As long as you don't betray me, I will never betray you."

"If I gain the ability to seek revenge in the future, I'll help you."

"Give me your hand."

Lu Mingchao leaned slightly forward, her eyebrows gently curved, her tone softened.

The cold and stern look on Xie Yan's face melted like ice and snow, a slight look of confusion and fascination crossing his features, as if the scene before him was too beautiful to be real.

The exquisite face of the woman before him, with a few flickering candles casting soft, dappled light on her face, was gentle and warm, like a golden Buddha statue, emanating a strange yet fitting compassion.

The Bodhisattva lowered its eyes, seeing only him.

It was in Changxi Village that he met Lu Mingchao.

Xie Yan obediently stretched out his hand, a sudden image flashing in his mind of that day when Mingchao's affectionate smile twirled a strand of cut hair around his finger.

His earlobe had burned fiercely.

"Close your eyes." Perhaps out of shyness or nervousness, Lu Mingchao's voice was slightly hoarse, like spring water welling up.

Xie Yan complied.

He felt a cool touch glide over his finger.

"All done." Lu Mingchao said, trying to stay composed.

When it came to romantic matters, she was only a master in words.

To be honest, she could engage in debates with scholars and remain undefeated like a strategist.

But in practice, she was like a defeated soldier, falling before the battle began.

Xie Yan opened his eyes and looked at his ring finger, where a small and delicate golden ring fit perfectly.

It looked like a thumb ring but wasn’t exactly one.

The ring was engraved with plum blossom patterns, matching the design on Mingchao’s forehead.

Xie Yan was puzzled but couldn’t help but feel joy.

Lu Mingchao wiggled her finger, then smiled and said, "I once read in a miscellaneous note that giving a ring to a loved one is a symbol of our lasting bond."

"Although we're not exactly lovers yet, it's good to have a good omen."

Xie Yan compared their fingers, his eyes sparkling with brilliance. "We will fall in love."

He noticed that Mingchao's ring was engraved with a small character, 'Yan.'

"Did you make this yourself?"

Lu Mingchao lifted her chin, extremely proud. "Of course."

"I know how to do plenty of things."

Xie Yan's heart softened completely, looking at the delicate and charming woman under the candlelight. His heart felt like a small boat on a river, suddenly caught in rapids and whirlpools, sinking deeper and deeper, unable to escape.

The thoughts that suddenly arose in him were dark and unfathomable.

Extremely repressed, yet seemingly intensely hot.

Every aspect of Mingchao was vivid and bright.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The wind blew against the door, and the candlelight flickered.

Lu Mingchao lowered her head, and her gaze happened to collide with Xie Yan's eyes.

Xie Yan hastily lowered his brows.

Lu Mingchao also hurriedly picked up a cup, trying to cover up.

Both of their cheeks were tinged with a flush of red.

Indeed, when a man and a woman are alone together and their eyes meet, it's easy to stir up trouble.

Did Xie Yan finally remember that this was their wedding night, a moment worth a thousand gold pieces?

It was all because of the soft candlelight and Xie Yan's mesmerizing eyes.

Should she be reserved and play hard to get, or should she follow her heart and be passionate?

Was this development a bit too fast?

But, since they were already married, it shouldn't be morally wrong to sleep together, right?

Just as Lu Mingchao was flustered and hesitant, a sharp pain hit her lower abdomen.

Lu Mingchao: ?!

You've got to be kidding me!

She got her period on her wedding night?

Well, no need to worry anymore; fate had made the choice for her.

"Xie Yan."

"Hmm?"

Lu Mingchao gritted her teeth. "I think my period is coming."

Xie Yan's face turned even redder, and he didn't know where to look.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"We haven't had time to prepare any menstrual supplies yet, so I was wondering if you..."

Xie Yan stammered, flustered, trying to decide whether it would be quicker to make a menstrual belt or fetch one from the Lu family.

Lu Mingchao grabbed Xie Yan's wrist, "I have a menstrual belt."

Once she said it, the awkwardness was gone.

"I'll heat up some water for you to soak your feet. It’ll help you relax."

She lightly touched the red plum blossom on her forehead and entered the spatial supermarket, grabbed a sanitary pad, and changed in the bathroom.

In her living space, everything worked as usual.

Once everything was settled, Lu Mingchao emerged.

She had planned to pretend to go to the restroom, but when she opened the door, the icy wind hit her face, freezing her skin. Lu Mingchao shuddered and slammed the door shut.

Way too cold...

It was sunny and breezy during the day, but why were the winds at night so fierce, almost scarier than the demon winds that took Tang Seng?

Lu Mingchao shivered continuously.

Not pretending anymore.

Let Xie Yan think she just didn't like going to the restroom.

A few moments later, Xie Yan came in with a wooden basin, steam rising from it.

"Mingchao, lift your feet."

Xie Yan knelt down smoothly and took off Lu Mingchao's shoes. Upon seeing her socks, he remarked in surprise, "Mingchao's socks are quite different."

Feeling her feet held in Xie Yan's hands, Lu Mingchao felt a little uneasy.

Xie Yan's palms were large, his fingers long, distinct and straight.

"These are wool socks—warm and easy to put on."

"You have a pair, and Huaiqian, Ru'an, Jingyi have them too."

"I'll give them to you tomorrow morning."

Xie Yan smiled, thinking it might be a new trend in the upper capital, not thinking much of it.

"I'm not cold."

"Even if you’re not cold, you need to wear them," Lu Mingchao insisted.

"Xie Yan, I'll do it myself." Lu Mingchao awkwardly pulled her feet back.

Xie Yan shook his head. "You're on your period, so you must not be feeling well."

"Don't fidget."

"Is the water warm enough?"

Instead of hastily putting Lu Mingchao's feet into the wooden basin, Xie Yan scooped some water with one hand and gently sprinkled it onto her feet.

"Yeah, it's fine."

The dim, overly soft light and the foot soak that was too warm made Lu Mingchao focus solely on Xie Yan's high, sleek ponytail.

The contrast of his black hair against his red clothes was mesmerizing.

Time seemed to stretch and contract simultaneously, and Lu Mingchao could even hear her own pounding heartbeat.

"All done."

Xie Yan's voice broke the silence in the room.

Even as they lay together in bed, Lu Mingchao still felt a bit lightheaded.

On one side was the sweet and adorable Jingyi.

On the other side was the tall, handsome Xie Yan.

"Xie Yan?"

"Hmm?"

"I'll just have a small bite."