Chapter 50

The family had finished dinner.

Yu Xiangnian said, “Dad, I’d like to stay at home for a few days. Otherwise, Cheng Jingmo will have to keep taking time off work to cook for me, which is quite inconvenient.”

In truth, she felt that her impulsive action last night had caused Cheng Jingmo to be irritated every time he saw her. However, she couldn’t show it on her face, and it was uncomfortable to keep it bottled up inside.

It would be better if she proactively gave Cheng Jingmo some space.

Moreover, Ding Yunfei and Bai Mei had come to the house these past few mornings, but she didn’t want to see them and hadn’t opened the door.

By staying at her own house, Cheng Jingmo could avoid seeing her, and she could avoid seeing those two—truly a win-win situation.

Yu Jiasun was more than happy for his daughter to stay at home. “Stay for a few more days. There will be someone to take care of you at home. Come back when your foot is better.”

Zhao Ruozhu had already felt that Cheng Jingmo and Yu Xiangnian were acting strangely.

They had not communicated at all during the meal. Yu Xiangnian ate with her head down, while Cheng Jingmo pretended to serve food to Xiao Jie but kept stealing glances at Yu Xiangnian.

It was clear they were sulking, but Yu Xiangnian defended Cheng Jingmo, and Cheng Jingmo continued to sneak looks at Yu Xiangnian.

It was getting more interesting.

Zhao Ruozhu smiled, “You can stay as long as you want at home. Cheng Jingmo and Xiao Jie can stay the night as well, and you can all go back together tomorrow morning.”

This statement stunned Yu Jiasun, Yu Xiangnian, and Cheng Jingmo. Yu Xiangyang, who had just taken a sip of water, spat it out in shock.

At home, Yu Xiangguo and Yu Xianghua, who didn’t know the two hadn’t shared a bed yet, echoed, “Yes, yes, stay the night.”

Cheng Jingmo quickly regained his composure. “Mom, Xiao Jie and I will go back home. We need to get up early tomorrow, and I’m worried Xiao Jie might not wake up in time.”

Zhao Ruozhu put on a feigned look of dissatisfaction. “You and Nian Nian have been married for so long and haven’t stayed at home. Your dad often mentions wanting you both to stay home for a while. Since you’re already here, just stay. Xiao Jie and Guangming will sleep here. You’ll manage to wake up together tomorrow.”

Yu Jiasun thought, “When did I ever mention wanting Cheng Jingmo to stay at home?”

Yu Xiangnian immediately realized Zhao Ruozhu’s intention to get the two together.

How pleased must she be with this son-in-law to try and force things along?!

Yu Xiangnian gave Yu Xiangyang a meaningful look.

Understanding the cue, Yu Xiangyang immediately chimed in, “Cheng Jingmo, you should stay tonight!”

Zhao Ruozhu, pleased with her son’s cooperation, then heard his follow-up, “You can sleep with me, and we’ll head back to the army together tomorrow morning.”

Yu Xiangnian’s heart sank in relief.

Yu Jiasun nodded in agreement.

Zhao Ruozhu secretly pinched him and glared at Yu Xiangyang, “Why would you sleep with him? Your snoring is louder than a pig’s! Who could possibly sleep with you? Nian Nian’s room is reserved for them!”

Yu Xiangyang grumbled inwardly. He never snored when he shared a dorm with Cheng Jingmo before marriage; he slept just fine!

Seeing Yu Xiangnian’s continued signals, he stubbornly added, “Nian Nian’s bed is narrow, and she’s hurt her foot. What if you end up pressing on her injured foot?”

Zhao Ruozhu was furious with her son.

She set the stage, and he was ruining it!

Zhao Ruozhu forced a smile, “Xiangyang, a few days ago, Aunt Li mentioned that her niece works as a nurse at the People’s Hospital and wanted to introduce you to her.”

Yu Xiangyang immediately backed down, “Mom, actually, I think you’re right. With Nian Nian’s foot injury, it’s more convenient for Cheng Jingmo to stay and take care of her.”

Yu Jiasun and Yu Xiangnian’s faces twitched.

Yu Xiangyang was such a fickle traitor!

Yu Xiangnian glanced at Cheng Jingmo secretly. He had pressed his lips together, looking unwilling.

Zhao Ruozhu nodded in satisfaction. “I’ll go make the bed for you now.”

Yu Xiangnian hopped into the room on one foot, complaining, “Mom, you know Cheng Jingmo and I sleep separately, so why are you doing this?”

Zhao Ruozhu didn’t even look at her, pulling out bedding from the closet. “I didn’t know.”

Yu Xiangnian gritted her teeth. “Now I’m telling you—Cheng Jingmo and I sleep separately! We’ve never slept together!”

Zhao Ruozhu started setting up the bed. “I can’t hear you.”

Yu Xiangnian, losing her patience, said, “Mom, forcing things won’t work! Cheng Jingmo and I have no feelings for each other. You’re making it hard for both of us!”

“I can’t hear you.”

Yu Xiangnian tried to sound pitiful. “Mom, my foot is already so swollen. What if Cheng Jingmo accidentally presses on it? That would be awful.”

Zhao Ruozhu responded coolly, “If it gets broken, I’ll fix it.”

“…” Yu Xiangnian grit her teeth in frustration. “You really are the best mom!”

After taking a shower, Yu Xiangnian lay on the bed and read a comic book.

Cheng Jingmo came into the room very late and immediately said, “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

Yu Xiangnian said flatly, “There’s no bedding for you.”

There was supposed to be a set, but Zhao Ruozhu had taken it earlier. Yu Xiangnian was really at a loss!

Cheng Jingmo’s gaze fell on a chair. “I can manage on the chair for one night. You go ahead and sleep.”

His self-righteous attitude made it seem like she was the one desperately wanting to sleep with him!

Yu Xiangnian glanced at him. “Just get into bed. I won’t do anything to you.”

“No need.” Cheng Jingmo continued to resist. “I can sleep on the chair.”

Yu Xiangnian was annoyed. “Cheng Jingmo, it was just a kiss! I was out of it at the time, acting on impulse. Just pretend it didn’t happen! Why are you making such a fuss?”

Cheng Jingmo’s expression changed, his eyes growing colder.

Yu Xiangnian could tell Cheng Jingmo was upset.

She realized she had overstepped and felt she had been too harsh. She softened her tone, “I won’t touch you in the future. Just get into bed. Who can sleep on a chair?”

After a pause, she added, “If you really don’t want to sleep with me, I’ll go sleep with Duoduo after my parents are asleep. You can stay here.”

Cheng Jingmo said sternly, “Then don’t touch me.”

Who the hell wants to touch him?!

“If I touch you, I’m a dog!” Yu Xiangnian scowled and moved over on the bed, making room for Cheng Jingmo.

With the lights off, they lay on opposite sides of the bed, covered by one blanket.

Neither spoke or moved, as if they were playing a game of statues.

Soon, Yu Xiangnian fell asleep.

Cheng Jingmo listened to her steady breathing, feeling a strange calmness mixed with an inexplicable excitement.

However, his feelings were soon disrupted.

Yu Xiangnian rolled over, placing one hand on his chest, one leg over his abdomen, and her head on his shoulder.

A faint, delicate fragrance, like magnolia, drifted into his nostrils—barely there, yet unmistakable.

Her breath caressed his neck like a feather, sending tingles through him, making his heart race involuntarily.

All night, Yu Xiangnian either had her limbs pressing on him or her bottom against his waist.

Cheng Jingmo spent the night feeling restrained and restless.