Yuan Zhao immediately covered his mouth, his round eyes barely able to hold back laughter. But the joy in his eyes showed he hadn’t expected Shi Wuxiang to say something like that.
He truly hadn’t expected it.
Who would have thought?
When they first met, A-Xiang fainted just because he was a ge’er. Now he could calmly talk about children.
Even Shi Wuxiang himself felt a little surprised.
He was even more surprised at himself for saying such words.
He had never been sensitive to affection before, never fallen in love. Watching others date only made him think it was troublesome and full of trivial matters. He even believed no one could ever make him lower his head to coax them—no living being could affect his emotions.
People should never speak too absolutely. Not even think it.
Which was why, over these three years, he had been constantly coaxing Yuan Zhao, and now even talking about raising children.
Shi Wuxiang rarely felt a bit embarrassed and turned his head away, no longer looking at Yuan Zhao, as if trying to make it seem like that sentence had never existed.
“Let’s go,” he said softly.
“Let’s go, let’s go. Yuan Yuan, follow along,” Yuan Zhao quickly agreed. Both of them were a bit embarrassed, so adding one more person made it easier.
Yuan Yuan naturally heard their conversation and found the two adults rather amusing. Getting married and having children—wasn’t that the most normal thing? Why were they both so shy they were blushing?
Maybe it was because they had just gotten close recently.
At this time, it wasn’t yet noon. Villagers were walking around working. Seeing Shi Wuxiang and the others, their expressions immediately became respectful and bright as they came forward to greet them, as if standing closer could let them absorb some scholarly fortune.
Shi Wuxiang naturally smiled and responded to each greeting. When they learned he was going to the mountains to admire the scenery, the villagers insisted on personally guiding them.
“No need to trouble everyone. Just tell us the way. We’re only going to walk around and look and won’t touch the branches,” Shi Wuxiang said gently.
He knew they were worried about damage. There were always people who used “appreciating flowers and trees” as an excuse to break branches and take them. These flowers were their livelihood, so they naturally couldn’t afford harm.
The villagers still wanted to say more, but seeing Shi Wuxiang’s firm attitude, they didn’t insist. They simply pointed out the path, gave a few reminders, and watched them leave.
Xingtao Village was truly a rare beautiful place, filled with peach and apricot trees everywhere. Red and white blossoms lined up in rows, pleasing to the eye at a glance.
“Really beautiful! Brother A-Yue didn’t lie to us after all!” Yuan-ge’er couldn’t help but sigh while looking at those flowering trees, but he had very honestly sold out Shi Qingyue completely.
“Oh? Is that so?” Shi Wuxiang gave a light laugh, somewhat meaningfully saying, “I also think this place is very beautiful. It is indeed very suitable for seclusion.”
The smile on Yuan Zhao’s face stiffened a little. Why couldn’t this matter just pass already?
“We already agreed we’ll go home in two days, don’t talk in that weird tone anymore!” Yuan Zhao tugged at his sleeve, both guilty and sulking, warning him.
Shi Wuxiang let out a mocking snort in dissatisfaction, but still shut his mouth to show his attention. Fine, he wouldn’t say more. If he really angered this little ancestor, he might just run away with legs.
Xingtao Village was lush and prosperous. When the wind occasionally blew, falling petals looked like a thin layer of snow.
Yuan Zhao subconsciously scooped up a handful, lowering his head to smell it. After the fragrance swirled in his mind for a moment, he reluctantly blew the flower petals toward Shi Wuxiang.
“So beautiful!” Yuan Zhao couldn’t help but sigh.
“It is very beautiful,” Shi Wuxiang agreed, but his gaze never left Yuan Zhao. He couldn’t help thinking that Yuan Zhao, even when he was previously thin and dark, was still very cute.
Yuan Zhao felt a little shy under his gaze and wanted to dodge away, but his body involuntarily wanted to cling to him, stick to him, stay pressed against him, as if he wished to be together at all times.
This place really was suitable for seclusion. It was just that if someone was afraid of insects, they would probably be frightened by those constantly buzzing bees.
Shi Wuxiang used his wide sleeves to fan the air, driving the bees away. Fortunately, they only knew how to buzz and had no intention of stinging.
Even so, it still scared Yuan Zhao badly.
He had always been afraid of things that bite.
The three of them walked along the mountain path. After running away and meeting again, they should have talked about past events with emotion, but since Yuan Zhao and the others had only run away for one day—less time than Shi Wuxiang’s monthly absence from the academy—there really wasn’t much to say, so they just kept sticking together affectionately.
When they saw pretty wild flowers, they wanted to kiss.
When they saw vigorous green grass, they wanted to kiss.
When they were scared by bees, they wanted to kiss.
When they were moved by the scenery, they wanted to kiss.
In short, it was all kissing, kissing, kissing. After returning from the mountains, Yuan Zhao’s lips were swollen. If people didn’t know that the man beside him was his husband, gossip would have spread all the way back to Mingqu County!
The three returned to the small courtyard. Yuan Zhao gulped down a bowl of water. Just a short walk had already made him thirsty. In contrast, Shi Wuxiang seemed completely fine.
“Ah Xiang, did you not drink the peach blossom wine I brought home?” Yuan Zhao asked softly, calling his name while his gaze landed on the wine jars under the eaves.
Shi Wuxiang immediately understood what he meant—he was craving alcohol.
“My husband ran away, how could I be in the mood to drink wine? However, I also want to try it. Let’s make some dishes tonight and drink together, how about it?”
“Okay!”
“Me! Can I drink too?” Yuan-ge’er quickly raised his hand. “I’m already thirteen, I should be old enough to drink now.”
Shi Wuxiang gave a light laugh. “Look at you—you haven’t even drunk yet and you’re already talking nonsense.”
Yuan-ge’er looked up at him, his pretty eyes rolling around, but he didn’t understand.
Yuan Zhao, however, puffed his cheeks at Shi Wuxiang.
“That means no,” Yuan Zhao said. “You have to wait until you’re my age to drink.”
“Drinking leads to mistakes. It’s best not to drink at all. But a small sip at home is fine,” Shi Wuxiang said. “When you are old enough, we will naturally allow you to drink.”
Yuan Zhao nodded obediently. His brother and Ah Xiang wouldn’t bully him, so if he couldn’t drink, then so be it. He also didn’t really want to smell that foul alcohol anyway.
Yuan Zhao put away all the dried clothes. They would be needed for tomorrow.
“Ah Xiang, do you want to change your clothes? You can wear mine for now,” Yuan Zhao said as he approached and sniffed him. “You haven’t bathed for two days.”
Shi Wuxiang raised an eyebrow, his gaze boldly sweeping over him, the corner of his mouth lifting. “Alright, then I’ll trouble my husband.”
Yuan Zhao stared blankly at him, his vision a little dazed. That raised-brow expression seemed to hook even his heart, leaving his mind blank as he just stared at him unwilling to look away.
“Your saliva is flowing out,” Shi Wuxiang said.
Yuan Zhao instinctively made a swallowing sound and reached to wipe his lips.
Hm? Dry?
His face immediately turned red, and he turned away to fetch clothes for him.
Shi Wuxiang couldn’t help but laugh. Of course he knew he was very different from before, but in front of the one he liked, it was hard to remain calm.
He just wanted to tease him and watch him act like a little cat with raised claws.
Yuan Zhao angrily threw the clean clothes at him. “I’m going to boil water. Stop laughing. So annoying…”
“You also haven’t bathed for several days, haven’t you?” Shi Wuxiang quickly stopped laughing and asked with a faint smile. “Then we’ll need to boil more hot water.”
Yuan Zhao originally wanted to say he had been wiping himself every day, but thinking of the mud Shi Wuxiang had scrubbed off him before, he stayed silent. It was better to just pretend he hadn’t washed; otherwise, being seen like that was too embarrassing.
Embarrassed as he was, when Shi Wuxiang suggested they bathe together, Yuan Zhao still blushingly followed him inside obediently.
They soaked in the bath, each sitting on one side. That burning gaze made Yuan Zhao unconsciously want to hide underwater.
“Don’t hide your mouth underwater,” Shi Wuxiang lifted his chin and lightly scratched it. “You don’t even mind that this is bathwater.”
Yuan Zhao blinked at him.
Bathwater…
It really wasn’t clean. It had even been used to wash feet.
“Back then when I scrubbed you, you weren’t shy. Now you are?” Shi Wuxiang chuckled and pulled him into his arms.
All of Yuan Zhao’s exclamations were blocked in his throat as he was forced to tilt his head and accept the intense kiss.
His lips were going to swell again.
Shi Wuxiang thoughtfully loosened slightly to give him room to breathe, brushing his jaw against Yuan Zhao’s cheek while occasionally splashing water over him.
Yuan Zhao narrowed his eyes under the touch and muttered, “Ah Xiang, you seem very different now…”
“In what way?” Shi Wuxiang picked up the cloth and prepared to scrub him.
“I don’t know. Before you would even hide when changing clothes. Now you’re shameless, like a rogue…” Yuan Zhao said as he let him scrub.
He was still not well-read enough to describe it properly.
Shi Wuxiang laughed. “So you’re insulting me under the guise of praising me?”
“How could I? Ah Xiang, how could you think that?” Yuan Zhao frowned slightly, looking at him reproachfully. “Don’t look at me like that, that’s mud…”
How could he stare so seriously at filth?
Shi Wuxiang smiled faintly and teased him, “Your skin really is all-encompassing. How do you manage to get so much dirt after just two days without scrubbing?”
“Alright, alright, I’ll leave now,” Yuan Zhao said, struggling to get out of his arms.
“I won’t say anymore!” Shi Wuxiang quickly tightened his hold on his waist and pulled him back into his lap, continuing to scrub.
Not even that place was spared.
After bathing, Yuan Zhao had no strength left. He let Shi Wuxiang dry him, wrap him up, and place him on the bed.
He secretly glanced at him—there did seem to be quite a lot there. He wondered if it could really be used, and whether anything would go wrong when they consummated the marriage. Maybe he should take some medicine.
“What are you thinking? Your face is so red?” Shi Wuxiang frowned and touched his forehead. “You don’t have a fever—wait, what are you looking at?”
Yuan Zhao quickly looked up, only to meet Shi Wuxiang’s teasing gaze. “I didn’t look at anything! I was just spacing out! Can’t I space out?! Say it!!”
The more embarrassed someone is, the louder and more urgent their voice becomes.
Shi Wuxiang quickly soothed him with a smile. “You can. You can look. You can touch. You can space out.”
What did he mean, “look and touch”?
Yuan Zhao blinked, his face turning red again. How could he say such things in broad daylight? It was truly improper behavior!
Shi Wuxiang, afraid he might faint from embarrassment, didn’t tease him further. He turned away to dry off, get dressed, and pour out the bathwater.
People in Xingtao Village had a good sense for business.
They turned peach blossoms and apricot blossoms into many goods for sale—not just fruit and wine, but also peach blossom scented ointments and rouge. Shi Wuxiang even bought some, which made Yuan Zhao smell faintly of peach blossoms all over.
These few days in Xingtao Village required nothing to do except think about what to eat morning and night, occasionally teasing Yuan Zhao, and sometimes coaxing Yuan-ge’er. It really felt like retreating to the countryside with wife and children.
However, they could not stay long outside, but in their free time, it was still good to come see the scenery here.
They only rented the small courtyard for a few days. Yuan Zhao had even prepared to bargain with the owner, but Shi Wuxiang stopped him with a single sentence.
“It doesn’t cost much silver. Just keep renting it. If I don’t have time to accompany you in the future, you can still bring Yuan-ge’er here to play. Since you like this courtyard after renting it, of course we can’t let others rent or buy it.”
Yuan Zhao was instantly speechless.
Ah Xiang always indulged him like this. In his eyes, anything that could be solved with silver was not a problem. He didn’t know whether such extravagance was good or bad, but at this moment, he was happy.
Thus, the small courtyard temporarily became Yuan Zhao’s home.
Though he had only been away for three to five days, Yuan Zhao felt as though he had been stranded outside for ages. Perhaps it was because the closer one was to home, the more timid one became—he actually started feeling nervous.
He feared rumors would already be flying everywhere outside. He feared others would think he had run away shamelessly and without propriety. More than anything, he feared Madam Shi would start disliking him because of this. If that happened, he truly would not know what to do… after all, he had always longed for his mother-in-law’s approval. Probably no one would not want such a thing.
“Don’t worry.” Shi Wuxiang lightly patted his shoulder. “Before I came out, I already arranged everything. Everyone will think you haven’t shown yourself these days because you fell ill.”
“And Mother…” He looked at Shi Wuxiang hesitantly. “If she starts disliking me, then it’ll all be your fault, understand?”
Shi Wuxiang froze briefly, then laughed. “Alright. No matter what, it’ll be my fault. I’ll admit all of it. Even if Mother scolds you, I’ll stand in front of you and smooth things over.”
Yuan Zhao was satisfied.
Still, he remained anxious as he followed him back to Qingshui Town. Seeing the familiar front gate, he actually became afraid to enter. He knew he had not run away in anger, but in the eyes of the family, that was exactly what he had done—a childish runaway.
He was terrified that the moment he stepped inside, he would see displeased expressions or hear words of reproach. He rarely felt cowardly, but right now he was trembling with nervousness.
“Don’t be afraid.” Shi Wuxiang held his hand and openly led him through the front gate, though the person behind him kept dragging his feet, forcing him to use quite a bit of strength.
Knowing they would return today, Madam Shi had already been waiting in the courtyard. When she truly saw them, she could not have been happier.
Happy as she was, she still felt somewhat displeased inside.
“It’s good that you’re back, good that you’re back.” She sighed. In the end, she did not say much more. Looking at the Yuan brothers, she saw they were not nearly as bedraggled as she had imagined, and only then did she feel relieved.
“Mother, I’m sorry. I was too immature…” Yuan Zhao smiled awkwardly, full of ingratiating intent.
Though Yuan Yuan did not quite understand, he obediently apologized as well.
Madam Shi ultimately could not help scolding them a few times. “Look at you. If there was some misunderstanding, you should’ve just asked directly. Instead, you up and left like that. Did you even think how worried I’d be? You’re both little ger. If something had happened to you outside, even if I died, I wouldn’t be able to answer to your parents!”
In times like these, there were plenty of child traffickers.
Madam Shi did not hold those stubborn old-fashioned beliefs. In her eyes, sons and daughters were all blessings, so her worry for Yuan Zhao and Yuan Yuan was completely genuine. More than anyone, she understood the hardships faced by ger and women.
Hearing her say this only made Yuan Zhao feel even guiltier, to the point he could not even lift his head.
Seeing that he had learned his lesson, Shi Wuxiang finally stepped in protectively. “Mother, what are you saying? Ah Zhao’s been staying home taking care of me lately. I was the one who felt cooped up and wanted to go out for walks. Other than that, he didn’t go anywhere.”
This was the explanation they had prepared for outsiders.
After all, Shi Wuxiang and Yuan Zhao were now considered respected figures. If they did not show themselves for a long time, people would naturally ask questions.
Madam Shi rubbed Yuan Yuan’s head. “Fine, then Mother remembered wrong. Go back and rest. Since you were only out walking, I’m relieved now. I still have to return to the village to look after Ranran.”
“Mother, take Yuan Yuan with you too. He’s probably fallen behind on quite a bit of schoolwork these past days,” Yuan Zhao hurriedly said.
Originally, he had planned to settle things in Xingtao Village before sending him back to school, but who would’ve thought they would be found after just one day? The following two or three days had been spent idly wandering around the village, and he had completely forgotten about it. Better to just continue studying after returning.
The moment he heard he could go back to school, Yuan Yuan became very happy and cheerfully followed Madam Shi back to the village.
Fortunately, there were not many people in the household to begin with. Aside from the few who already knew, no one else knew Yuan Zhao had run away. Everyone also understood the importance of keeping quiet, sealing their lips tightly without letting even half a word of gossip spread outside.
Thus, everything in town remained exactly as before.
Yuan Zhao hid back in his room uneasily, inexplicably feeling too ashamed to face anyone.
“Stop thinking such nonsense.” Shi Wuxiang poked his forehead. “You went out playing for several days. Tomorrow you ought to check on the restaurant business. That poor restaurant really has it hard, ending up with such an irresponsible owner.”
Yuan Zhao pouted. “And this is somehow my fault too? Wasn’t everything caused by you? All these misunderstandings happened because of you. How can you blame it all on me?”
“Yes, my fault. All my fault.” Shi Wuxiang responded good-temperedly. “Since it’s all my fault, stop overthinking. If anyone asks, just push everything onto me. My skin’s thick—I’m not afraid of people talking.”
Yuan Zhao huffed lightly. “I definitely will!”
Though he said that aloud, in truth he was unwilling. He could not bear for Ah Xiang to be pointed at and gossiped about.
So this matter should just be treated as though it had never happened.
Yuan Zhao quickly worked through it. Anyway, he and Ah Xiang had already confessed their feelings to each other now. Hehe.
“Speaking of which, this is all my fault too. Otherwise, Ah Yue and Miss Tao’s marriage arrangement could’ve been settled already.” Yuan Zhao sighed softly. “Mother must also be thinking about arranging it. How about I go speak to that matchmaker later?”
Shi Wuxiang’s brows furrowed slightly. “Don’t go looking for her. Now that the match has already been discussed, any future matters can be negotiated directly with the Tao family. That matchmaker has a loose tongue. I can’t be bothered dealing with her.”
Yuan Zhao froze, instantly realizing Ah Xiang likely also knew those earlier rumors had started because of the matchmaker’s gossiping. Perhaps she had merely chatted carelessly with others, but while the speaker might not have meant anything by it, listeners would interpret things differently. There would always be different voices.
So he said nothing more. Discussing things directly with the Tao family later would work just the same.
Thinking back on how he had misunderstood Miss Tao before, he suddenly felt rather embarrassed.
These past several days had utterly exhausted him mentally. Returning home truly felt like a weight lifted from his chest. As long as life could continue as before, that would be enough.
Still, some things were different now. Even the household servants could tell. Before, it had only felt as though there was some unclear barrier between Master and the fulang, but now there was none at all.
Early the next morning—
Shi Wuxiang rose early to wash and dress, deliberately moving quietly. Yet he still woke Yuan Zhao.
“Going to the academy?” Yuan Zhao propped himself up drowsily, yawning sleepily, his entire body soft and boneless.
Instantly, Shi Wuxiang no longer felt much like going to the academy.
He bit the tip of his tongue to clear his thoughts and softly said, “I have to go. I should’ve stayed home with you for a couple more days, but the academy’s been relying on them to substitute for me this whole time. If I’ve already returned and still don’t go, it’d be hard to justify. You’ll have to suffer a little.”
“Hm? What are you muttering about?” Yuan Zhao looked at him blankly. “Before I left, weren’t you also teaching at the academy? I didn’t feel wronged at all!”
Meeting his gaze, Yuan Zhao vaguely realized he was afraid of being misunderstood—afraid it would seem like he had coaxed him home only to leave immediately, as though all those sweet words had merely been empty promises.
He could not help secretly laughing. It wasn’t as though he was stupid.
Shi Wuxiang nodded slightly. “Then after breakfast, I’ll head out. Since you’ve nothing to do anyway, just keep sleeping.”
“Got it.” Yuan Zhao nodded faintly. The moment he answered, he spread his arms open, waiting for a hug.
Shi Wuxiang truly did hug him. Before leaving, he even lowered his head to kiss the corner of his lips, only then getting up to eat breakfast and leave.
Yuan Zhao abruptly flopped back into the blankets, wrapped his legs around the quilt, and rolled around on the bed grinning foolishly. After laughing enough, he fell asleep again.
By the time he fully woke, it was already rather late. After dressing neatly, Yuan Zhao headed to the restaurant. The regular customers were all surprised to see him after such a long absence.
“Long time no see, Boss Yuan! Looks like Teacher Shi’s illness has recovered well. Boss Yuan’s complexion looks rosy too!”
Yuan Zhao thanked them for their concern, though he did not say much else. Not even the slightest gossip had spread, proving Ah Xiang must have managed things very strictly at the time, while the servants had also kept their mouths tightly shut.
The moment Lu Xiu saw him arrive, he handed over the account books. “These are the accounts from the past few days, Boss. Please take a look.”
“Of course I trust you.” Yuan Zhao spoke as he opened the books. Business had remained normal these past few days, with not the slightest issue arising. It truly was no different from before.
Only then did Yuan Zhao finally relax completely.
He had been afraid the shop might run into trouble during the few days he was gone.
“Still able to manage?” Yuan Zhao asked. He was actually considering whether to expand the restaurant or perhaps open another shop for different business ventures.
After all, things had now been completely cleared up between them. He intended to stay with Ah Xiang forever, so naturally he had to earn lots and lots of money to support the household.
Lu Xiu nodded. “Once you get used to it, it’s nothing much. On the contrary, it’s greatly improved my arithmetic skills. If someday Boss no longer wants me, I could still make a living working as an accountant at some other shop or restaurant.”
Yuan Zhao laughed as well. “Teacher Lu jests. Having an accountant like you—I couldn’t be happier.”
Lu Xiu’s brows moved ever so slightly. He felt the boss was somehow different from before.
Yuan Zhao did not stay long this time like he usually would. After making a brief round through the restaurant, he prepared to leave.
Lu Xiu was surprised. “Boss is leaving already?”
“Yes. I have something important to do.”
He was going to the academy to see Ah Xiang.