Beneath the blazing sun, a woman of formidable strength swung her axe with precision, each stroke of the blade biting deep into the wood. The sweat-soaked fabric clung to her form, highlighting the powerful muscles that lay beneath the fabric, a testament to her hard work.
This woman was Yize.
Suddenly, her concentration was shattered by a familiar voice calling out, "Boss! Boss!" Stopping mid-swing, Yize wiped her brow and made her way to the front yard, where her gaze fell upon a slender woman standing at the edge of her property.
Dressed in a fitted top and baggy pants, the woman appeared unremarkable—just an average face among countless others.
"What brings you here?" Yize inquired directly, eyeing the woman known as Laohu, the manager of her predecessor's tavern. Curiosity piqued, Yize wondered what had prompted Laohu's visit on this sunny day.
"Hehe, hehe… Boss, I stopped by to see if you're alright. I haven't spotted you in the tavern for days," she said, forcing a smile as her gaze flickered to her dampened chest, nervously swallowing.
Yize chose to dismiss the obvious gesture, her eyes narrowing slightly.
The truth was, the real Yize would have been lingering in the tavern all day, regardless of her marriage. But alas, she wasn't her.
"Come in. Since you're here, I need to discuss something with you."
With that, Yize turned on her heel and strode into the house, Laohu trailing closely behind. Once inside, Laohu's eyes darted about restlessly, as if she were searching for someone specific.
"Who are you looking for?" Yize asked with irritation. The moment she laid eyes on this woman, she could think of only one word to describe her: annoying.
"Ah… Boss, where's your husband?" A shadow fell across Yize's expression at that question. What was this? Was she really here for that reason? Was she tired of living?
Noticing the shift in Yize's demeanor, the woman quickly tried to pivot the conversation. "Ha ha, Boss, aren't you feeling cold?" she remarked, glancing at the soaked shirt clinging to Yize's skin.
The inane remark only served to fuel Yize's irritation, making her want to toss the woman out. "Are you making fun of me?" Yize shot back, her tone sharp.
"Oh, I wouldn't dare! Wouldn't dare!" The woman quickly backpedaled, and surprisingly, her flustered response lifted Yize's mood a bit.
Laohu couldn't shake the feeling that today, the boss was even more intimidating than the last time they had met.
As soon as they settled into their seats, Yize wasted no time, preparing to steer the conversation lest the woman start babbling again.
Yize leaned forward, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, as she inquired, "How has the tavern been faring lately?"
Laohu hesitated, his words hanging in the air. "The sales are about the same, boss; it's just that…" He trailed off, casting a wary glance her way.
"What is it?" Yize pressed, impatience creeping into her tone.
"Mr. Han has been causing quite a stir there recently." The memory of that fiery man came rushing back to her. How could her boss have taken a liking to someone like him?
"Mr. Han? Who's that?" Yize asked, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface as she struggled to remember the name.
"Come on, boss, you can't possibly have forgotten! He's the man you... Well, you kind of like," Laohu replied with a nervous chuckle, before the tension in the air thickened.
Yize's eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you just say?" She slammed her hand against the armrest of her chair, making the wood creak ominously.
Laohu's heart raced at her sudden outburst, and he fell silent, the air around them heavy with unspoken tension. Why was the boss so on edge today? I'd better keep my mouth shut, she thought, fear rooted deep in her chest.
The woman had an uncanny ability to provoke frustration in others. "Hmph! Regardless, I'll be visiting there tomorrow." She shifted the topic with a hint of annoyance.
"Understood, Boss! I'll make sure to reserve your favorite beer," Lauhu responded enthusiastically, eager to please.
"No need for that. I'm actually going there to change the recipe," Yize cut through Laohu's misguided excitement decisively.
The words tumbled from Yize's lips, leaving Lauhu aghast, her eyes nearly bulging from their sockets. There was no way the boss could mean such a thing. Ever since launching the tavern, she had been adamant that the recipe should remain unchanged. It was a cherished legacy from her ancestors, a flavor that had to stay true.
"Boss, I must have misheard you. Hehehe, why would you ever want to change the recipe?" Laohu chuckled nervously, trying to make sense of the unexpected.
Engaging with this woman often felt like stepping into her own peculiar realm of logic. Under any other circumstances, Yize might have lost her patience and happily tossed her out long ago.
"I don't need a disabled person in my tavern," Yize declared firmly.
"I'm perfectly fine, boss—"
"You're deaf," Yize cut in, her tone brokering no argument.
Laohu fell silent, choosing instead to sit quietly and wait for Yize to cool down. She sensed that any further attempt at discussion might lead to the dreaded words, "You're fired."
"Alright, I'll see you there tomorrow. Oh, and I'll be adding a new drink to the menu." Yize's heavy sigh filled the room.
Unfortunately, she was all too aware of the reality of her situation.
There was no need for her to scrutinize the tavern day in and day out; after all, no one in town would dare cross her. Her fierce reputation was not just for show, and anyone bold enough to challenge her would quickly learn just how ferocious she could be.
As she processed Yize's words, Laohu's skepticism began to fade, and she found herself convinced that this wasn't a figment of her imagination.
Could it really be possible that the sun was setting in the west today? She had her doubts. There was something about her boss's demeanor that felt off, yet she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"Is this what marriage does to someone?" she wondered to herself.
Yize dismissed her words with a wave of her hand. "You seem to have plenty of free time on your hands. Why don't you scout for an empty house in town for me?"
"Why? Are you planning to live in town, boss?" Laohu asked, a hint of surprise in her voice. She wondered what had caused this shift in Yize today. Maybe it was because she was sober.
"Yeah," Yize replied, but her intentions ran deeper than just having a place to stay. She had intended to establish an art gallery.
"Don't worry, boss, I'll find you a nice, quiet—"
"No! I need a spot that's easily seen; the more prominent, the better."
"Got it, I understand," Laohu replied, nodding enthusiastically. She couldn't quite grasp Yize's motives, but she figured it wasn't her concern.
"Is there anything else, boss?" Laohu inquired. Yize shook her head.
"I won't be seeing you off," she stated flatly, feeling that was all she needed to communicate for now. Truth be told, she found Laohu's presence a bit exhausting and preferred not to linger in her company for too long.
"Eh—"
Yize arched an eyebrow as Laohu cast a glance over her shoulder. What was this woman up to now? Curiosity piqued, she shifted her gaze to follow Laohu's line of sight.
Just then, Xiao Sheng emerged from the room, still groggy from sleep. He stumbled upon the sight of his wife engaged in conversation with a stranger—one who was now scrutinizing him, her eyes assessing him from head to toe.
As Yize's attention fell upon him, a wave of unease washed over Xiao Sheng. He noticed the darkening shadow of her expression, and a knot of anxiety tightened in his stomach.
Had he unwittingly upset her? And who was this woman, casting such a critical gaze in his direction? That frown on his face deepened, disliking the way she appraised him.
With a protective instinct surging within her, Yize stood up and positioned herself between Laohu and her husband. She met the other woman's gaze and spoke sharply, "Leave."
Her desire to unleash a storm of fury upon the woman was overwhelming, picturing the scene where this hateful woman would expel every meal she had consumed the day before. Yet, somehow, she managed to keep her composure.
Laohu appeared oblivious to her venomous thoughts and tilted her head to take a clearer look at the boss's husband.
Laohu, seemingly unfazed by her thoughts, . "Hmmm... not a bad choice. The boss certainly knows how to pick a beauty," she mused, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
Suddenly, the air shifted. "GET OUT!" Yize's voice cut through the atmosphere like a knife, and Laohu jumped at the sharpness of his tone. This was not a good sign. The boss had just glared at her like a predator ready to pounce. What had she done to provoke that reaction?
"Yes, Boss!" she stammered, almost flinging herself to the ground in an instinctive gesture of submission. Thank goodness she caught herself; how humiliating that would have been!
Instead, she darted out of the room in a flurry, her voice trailing behind her as she called out, "Goodbye, Boss! I'll keep you updated with the good news!
Yize shifted her gaze to Xiao Sheng, her voice softening as she greeted him, "Good morning, Sheng Er." Instantly, her previously somber expression transformed into a warm, inviting smile.
"Good morning, my wife," he responded, releasing a sigh of relief as the warmth of her presence enveloped him.
"Sheng Er, could you wake your brother? You two should have breakfast together. The food's ready in the kitchen and should still be warm," she said, affectionately running her fingers through his smooth hair.
"Mm-hmm," he nodded in understanding.
Yize observed him as he walked towards his brother's room, a sense of pride swelling in her chest; her husband was truly the most obedient of souls.
With a gentle breath, she stepped outside, returning to her previous task. She must gather firewood while she still had the chance because the days ahead would be too busy for such duties.
Sheng Er pushed open the door to the room where his brother resided and was greeted by the sight of Ling Ling, who was already wide awake. "Ah, so you're up! Why didn't you come to my room earlier?" he quipped, the playful tone mingling with concern.
"Sheng Er, why did you sleep in so late?"
Ling Ling admonished, concern evident in his tone. He was keen to remind his brother to avoid incurring the ire of his wife. He'd never known a man who could take laziness to such remarkable heights. "Besides, I can't just barge into your wife's room, can I?"
"Your worries are unfounded, dear brother. She wouldn't mind at all, even if you did," Sheng Er replied with a smirk, his confidence evident.
Yet, the other man remained reluctant to leave the room. He'd been waiting for his brother to awaken, hoping to seek his advice on what to do next.
Who would have guessed that Sheng Er would have the audacity to rise so late, even with the sun already high in the sky?
"Sheng Er, don't you see? Aren't you worried that Yize will be upset with you for not helping out around the house?" Ling Ling clasped his brother's hand, concern etched on his face. He struggled to comprehend how his brother had come to this point.
"Brother, I get what you're saying," Sheng Er replied, attempting to convey his point. "But my wife truly dislikes it when I pitch in with the chores." he continued, trying to convey his perspective but only deepening Ling Ling's worry.
"How can that even be possible?" Ling Ling exclaimed, astonished by the absurdity of it all. He had never encountered such a strange reality.
"What's so unbelievable about it? When I first arrived here, I felt just as anxious as you do now. I genuinely tried to help out several times, but she would scold me every single time," Sheng Er insisted, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Xiao Ling Ling frowned at his remark, bewildered. Who scolds their husband for simply helping around the house? Surely, she must be the exception to such an absurdity.
Deep down, he didn't fully believe his words, but as memories of her cooking from the previous evening swirled in his mind, he considered that there might be some truth nestled within them. For now, however, he decided to let the matter rest.
With a sigh, Ling Ling shifted the conversation. "Why have you come to see me?"
"You haven't had breakfast yet, have you?" Sheng Er reminded him.
"Well..." What could he say to that? After all, it wasn't his home, and he felt he had done nothing to warrant a meal here.
"My wife has already prepared breakfast in the kitchen. I came to invite you," Sheng Er replied, as if to solidify his earlier claim that his wife truly didn't mind if he took a more relaxed approach to household tasks.
"But—" Ling Ling began, eager to decline the offer, but was cut off by him.
"No 'buts' about it. If my wife really had issues with my laziness, she would have divorced me long before you ever arrived," Sheng Er asserted, speaking with unshakeable confidence.
Xiao Ling Ling paused, pondering his brother's words. It wasn't too difficult to grasp, but uncertainty gnawed at him. What could he do about it? The doubt lingered.
"Here, give this a try." With a friendly gesture, Xiao Sheng picked up a succulent piece of meat and placed it in his brother's bowl.
The meal they were enjoying was none other than his wife's signature dish—succulent braised pork.
Ling Ling accepted the food silently, his mind racing with thoughts of the lavish lifestyle his brother enjoyed in this home. It was astonishing to think that Xiao Sheng did little to contribute and yet feasted on such delectable meals. Who would ever believe him if he shared that?
"Don't fret, Ling Ling," Xiao Sheng reassured him. "Our wife is truly wonderful. You'll see." He emphasized that soon she wouldn't just be his wife, but also Ling Ling's.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!" Ling Ling nearly choked on his food at the implication, the sudden realization striking him. He quickly grabbed his cup and gulped down the water, shooting a glare at Xiao Sheng, who was struggling to stifle his laughter at Ling Ling's reaction.
After their meal, the brothers cleaned up together. Xiao Sheng told Ling Ling that it was perfectly fine for him to help with the dishes. He chose not to mention how their wife had previously confided in him that she could only handle a certain amount of work for him—all to avoid sounding like he was exaggerating. Yes, who would believe that he was so well pampered by her?