As dawn broke, he awoke in a haze of exhaustion, every limb feeling like lead, particularly the weight of his lower half. Xiao Sheng's face was etched with fatigue, but a stark horror crept over him as the realization of his blunder hit him like a cold wave. "No! " he gasped, forcing himself to sit up despite the protests of his aching body. Tears began to stream down his cheeks, painting a picture of despair. It wasn't the physical pain that brought him to tears, but the haunting memory of his mother's wrath, how she would strike his father mercilessly whenever he slacked off, a cycle of fear and sorrow etched into his mind.
What if his wife grew furious with him for waking up late?
He glanced down at his exposed skin, hastily wrapping himself in a blanket as he attempted to shift his position. It was the bare minimum he could manage at that moment, distracted by his own thoughts, completely oblivious to the fact that someone had entered the room.
As Yize stepped into the room, she couldn't help but smile at the adorable antics unfolding before her. His charming little movements brought a spark of joy to her heart. Just the night before, she had convinced herself that all the events were mere figments of her imagination—an intricate weaving of dreams. Yet, here he was before her, undeniably real, a tangible embodiment of her hopes. It was a delightful surprise that left her both amused and fascinated.
Once, in a world untouched by fleeting feelings, she had never experienced the stirrings of affection for another. But when her gaze fell upon him for the very first time, everything changed. In that instant, she discovered the true essence of love at first sight. An undeniable pull tugged at her heartstrings—an unfamiliar sensation that ignited something deep within her. And amid this whirlwind of emotions, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, for this remarkable man hadn't just captured her heart; by some wondrous fate, he was destined to be hers.
"Good morning," she greeted, hoping to capture his attention. Her smile radiated warmth, like sunlight breaking through the clouds. However, that brightness faded as she noticed the tear-stained streaks on his face. Yize stepped closer, reaching out toward him, but he turned away, evading her touch. The sudden shift in his response cast a shadow over her previously cheerful demeanor.
When he looked back at her, he noticed an unfamiliar look on her face, one that sent a chill down his spine. This is it, he thought. She's actually going to hit me. His gaze dropped to the ground, his eyes squeezed shut as he fought back tears, bracing himself for the expected punishment. But to his astonishment, she gently held his chin, urging him to meet her gaze. As his eyes fluttered open, he was met with her bewildered expression. With tenderness, she used her other hand to wipe away the tears streaming down his cheeks and asked softly, "Why are you crying? "
"Sorry." If it weren't for her keen hearing, she might have missed his barely audible apology. Was he regretting his distance from her? A smile brightened her face as she looked at him, feeling cheerful.
"It's alright," she reassured him.
"But why were you crying? Where does it hurt? "Gently cradling his small face in her hand, she asked. His cheeks flushed at her question, and Yize suddenly understood how naive it sounded. Of course, she already knew the answer.
Suddenly recalling something, she plopped down on the edge of the bed and leaned over to the little drawer beside it. Her predecessor had picked up some ointment in town a while back, before her wedding. Even though she wasn't exactly the best of women, she had her moments of thoughtfulness. As she turned back to him, noticing that he was clutching the blanket tightly around himself, she crawled closer to reveal him. Xiao Sheng was caught off guard by his wife's unexpected move. Wait, what is she up to?
"Take it off," she said firmly. She had seen every inch of him before—what was there to be shy about? He thought about arguing, but her determined gaze made him feel like there was no way out. With a sigh, he reluctantly started to reveal himself, curling up and trying to cover as much as he could.
She couldn't help but chuckle at his bashfulness; she found her little husband's shyness pretty adorable. Grabbing a pillow, she tucked it behind him and said, "Lay back and spread your legs." Her bluntness made him blush so hard he couldn't even move.
"You do it or I'll—" do it. She didn't even have to finish her sentence before he opened his legs in front of her. Xiao Sheng moved quickly, trying to ignore the pain. He was honestly scared she might be annoyed with him this time. She glanced at what was in front of her, noting how swollen and red he looked. With a swift motion, she opened his legs wider for a better look, and he couldn't help but tremble a bit in response.
"Relax, I won't do anything," she said softly while gently patting his legs. As she did, she noticed the redness behind his swollen folds. Yize squeezed some ointment onto her fingertip and reached for him. Xiao Sheng shivered at the cool touch on his flower but quickly relaxed when he saw her focused on helping him. His worries faded away as he realized she was just applying some medicine. He felt a warm sweetness in his heart at the thought of her taking care of him.
Yize, applying the soothing ointment, suddenly became aware of her parched throat. It was a moment of trial, testing her resilience; while her mind remained focused, her body seemed to respond with a life of its own. Then, a sudden thought illuminated her mind, prompting a shift in her approach. With a deliberate movement, she curled her finger inward as she continued to massage the ointment onto him.
Xiao Sheng's body still tingled with sensitivity from the previous night's intimacy. The mere thought of it made his pulse quicken, and he fought the urge to close his legs in a mix of embarrassment and desire. Yize, sensing the warmth that flowed from him, pulled her finger back, momentarily halting her playful provocation. She knew all too well that if she continued, she would be the one caught in the throes of temptation.
As she reached for the carefully arranged dress, she effortlessly lifted him up and dressed him with a gentle grace. Xiao Sheng stood there, his mind racing in disbelief. In all his life, he had never witnessed a woman tending to a man in such a manner; it was an arrangement that had always been strung upside down in his world.
How could this be? He had resigned himself to a life filled with misery, expecting nothing but hardship. Yet, here she was, treating him with a kindness that seemed wholly out of place.
Wasn't she the infamous drunkard, the one whispered about in corners and avoided by suitors? Why was she showing him such care? The questions swirled in his mind, leaving him bewildered in the face of unexpected tenderness.
If Yize were aware of his thoughts, she would surely curse her predecessor for causing her beloved Xiao Sheng such fear.
Once she had dressed him, she scooped him up from the bed, cradling him in her arms horizontally, and stepped outside. With tender care, she made her way to the kitchen, placing him gently in a chair at a table laden with a feast she had prepared just that morning, the aroma of her cooking filling the air around them.
Xiao Sheng found himself pondering the peculiar contrast between his wife's outward appearance and her gentle demeanor. The ruggedness that marked her looks belied the kindness she often displayed through her actions, leaving his mind in a swirl of conflicting emotions.
What if this tenderness was merely a fleeting moment?
What if she soon discovered that he was uninteresting and decided to leave him?
A shadow of fear crept into his thoughts—what if tomorrow dawned with her fury directed at him, her affection replaced by angry blows?
His wife treated him with remarkable kindness, showering him with affection in ways that were becoming increasingly rare in the world around them. She dressed him in elegant garments and prepared delicious meals, acts of love that seemed almost magical. Yet, despite her devotion, he was far from certain. He couldn't shake the nagging thought: What if her tenderness was fleeting? What if tomorrow, or the days that followed, bore a different story? The whispers of doubt lingered in his mind, and the allure of temptation began to stir within him. He knew that he must not succumb.
"Sheng Er, I'm heading to town today," she announced gently. "I'm afraid you'll have to stay here and wait for me."
If it weren't for his condition, she would have taken him along. He nodded in understanding. Perhaps his wife would indulge in another drink while she was out. A wave of sadness washed over him; he had seen this coming. He had come to accept who she was, and deep down, he knew that sooner or later, she would bring another man into their home.
"Is there anything you need? "She offered, her voice bright with consideration. "I can buy it up for you."
"No," he replied softly. The thought of asking her for something felt too daring, so he focused on his food, his gaze fixed downward.
"No?" Yize repeated, a hint of surprise in her voice. Her little husband was too shy to express his desires.
She chuckled to herself, thinking, It's alright. I have all the time in the world. Someday, I will transform him into a wild Xiao Sheng—my wild, beautiful little Sheng Er. Her eyes glimmered with anticipation at the thought.
Xiao Sheng shook his head, an unexpected chill coursing through him like a breeze from nowhere. Once they finished their breakfast, Yize took it upon herself to tidy up before stepping out, leaving him in the solitude of their room. She had specifically asked him not to lift a finger, promising she would return before the clock struck noon.
Even though her predecessor had his issues with drinking, Yize definitely knew how to make the place feel cozy. Her house was made of bricks—not as big as the village chief's, but still a nice spot for a family that's doing pretty well in the village.
She felt no worries about leaving him behind; the villagers feared her too much to cause trouble, and her home was a fortress, secure despite its distance from the nearest neighbor. In town, she owned a cozy tavern, a passion that fueled her fondness for drink and often drove her to indulge a bit too much. The tavern was her lifeblood, providing the earnings that covered all her needs. The town bustled with life, reminiscent of the vibrant streets of ancient China. Stalls lined the roads, offering their wares, and pedestrians moved about, bringing the place alive. Buildings of all shapes and sizes stood proudly, creating an atmosphere that felt both nostalgic and enchanting, a beautiful blend of the familiar and the unusual.
Yize walked into a clothing store to pick up some clothes for him. She realized this morning that he only had three outfits—there was the red one she accidentally ripped last night, the one he had on today, and another pair she stashed away in their closet. As soon as she stepped inside the store, a gorgeous blue dress caught her eye. It was so simple yet stunning, and she could already picture how amazing Sheng Er would look in it. Very beautiful!
"Excuse me, Miss, do you have an interest in this dress? "A man in his thirties inquired, his tone polite yet slightly hesitant. The young attendant felt a flutter of nerves at the sight of Yize; she was a formidable customer, and he wanted to ensure he met her expectations. Noticing her gaze drawn to the stunning blue dress, he felt compelled to make the inquiry. Upon hearing his question, Yize turned her attention to the attendant, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. "Please, find me two more dresses like this one and package them together with it," she instructed confidently.
The petite helper bustled with enthusiasm as she fulfilled her order. Once done, Yize stepped out of the store and made her way into another. Inside, she gathered an array of items, from groceries to various essentials, particularly focusing on her husband's needs.
As she strolled along the bustling streets, Yize took in the vibrant scene around her. Each stall boasted its own unique specialty—some offered delicious foods, others showcased beautiful accessories, while a few were filled with intriguing rare stones and much more. Having once lived as a privileged daughter, her tastes were refined and distinct; thus far, nothing on the streets had captured her interest.
In this peculiar realm, men resembled the women of Earth, possessing a distinctively masculine appearance yet adorned with a gentle demeanor. Conversely, the women here exuded a more robust and rugged charm. As a transmigrator navigating this unusual world, she found herself fascinated rather than bewildered by the reversal of roles, embracing the uniqueness of her surroundings with a sense of delight.
In this moment of clarity, she comes to realize the reason behind the men's aversion to her looks. Her stature is undeniably taller and more robust than that of the average woman, and the expression that graces her features often appears cold and distant, giving off an air that seems unwelcoming and unapproachable.
In a life long past, she was draped in privilege and wisdom, her education spanning a multitude of disciplines. This earned her the esteemed reputation of the quintessential daughter, admired for her poise and grace. Yet, beneath the polished veneer, she defied their expectations; her femininity was more a facade, a performance for the world to see. Behind closed doors, her true existence was a thrilling contrast, filled with secretive pursuits and adventures that belied the image she portrayed.
As she strolled down the street, a particular shop piqued her curiosity, for several men were emerging from its doors, laughter and chatter trailing behind them. Intrigued, she decided to step inside and discover what lay beyond the threshold.
The moment she entered, all eyes turned towards her, creating a hush that enveloped the room. The waiter, taken aback by her presence, momentarily lost his composure, but he quickly regained his poise. Despite his apprehension, he approached her with the same courteous demeanor he extended to every customer. What made her the center of attention wasn't her appearance; rather, it was the fact that she was the sole woman to cross into this bustling shop, a curious anomaly in a space filled predominantly with men.
In a bustling marketplace, nestled among the colorful stalls, there was a shop renowned for its delectable sweets—those that seemed to capture the heart of every man who ventured near. As she wandered past, the sight of the confections instantly brought memories of her husband, whom she had left at home, lingering in her mind. This shop was a favorite among men, its treats a little luxurious and the prices reflecting their allure. Yet, she was fortunate enough to have some means at her disposal. With a smile, she decided to indulge, gathering an abundance of these delightful confections for the man she loved. Even in a world filled with hardships, she counted her blessings. While she may not be among the wealthiest, she reveled in the joy of being able to provide, for in her heart, she knew that sometimes sheer abundance is found in the little things.
In a future yet to come, she vowed to be wiser with her money than her predecessor had been. No longer would she squander her earnings on trivial delights; instead, she aimed to invest her wealth in a life full of adventure and fulfillment.
With dreams of distant lands dancing in her mind, she knew she would need considerable funds to make those ambitions a reality. The waiter slid her neatly wrapped order into her hands, and she exchanged a single tael for the treat. Stepping out, she caught the curious gazes of several men gathered nearby, their murmurs rising in a chorus of speculation.
"Who is that lady?" one asked, an eyebrow raised in intrigue.
"Isn't she the notorious drunkard Yize?" another replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I heard she tied the knot with a man from the Changlu village just yesterday," came a third, whispering with incredulity.
"Must be for her husband, wouldn't you think?" a man speculated.
Among the crowd, some barely paid her mind, while others wore expressions of confusion at the sight of a woman entering a shop meant for men. A few entertained the notion that her purchase might not be intended for her husband at all, but rather for another companion altogether.
There were even those among them who scoffed at the idea—after all, even a drunkard had the gall to buy sweets for her spouse, while their own wives would never consider stepping foot in such a place, let alone making a purchase for them. Yet, amidst the flurry of gossip and envy, she remained unfazed. Their thoughts were of no consequence to her; she had her own journey to pursue, and the world awaited.