Chapter 180: Help Me

When Cheng Huazi and the others were working, they heard about the morning’s incident.

At noon, when they returned home for lunch, Cheng Huazi said with a hint of discontent, “Jianwa, you should mind your own business! There are things at home you don’t take care of, but you care about others’ business. What’s the point of that?”

For the first time, Cheng Jingmo retorted, “Dad, when I didn’t have enough to eat or wear back then, it was Dong Ju’s parents who gave me clothes and fed me. I have always remembered this kindness.”

Cheng Huazi fell silent, but Mu Huanzhen sarcastically commented, “Jianwa has grown up and can’t be told off by his own father anymore!”

Cheng Jingmo replied, “I’m old enough to know what I’m doing.”

The implication was clear: he didn’t need their guidance anymore.

Yu Xiangnian sensed a bit of hostility from Cheng Jingmo towards Cheng Huazi and Mu Huanzhen today. Perhaps the events of the day had reminded him of his painful childhood, reopening old wounds.

Yu Xiangnian stayed home all day instead of going to check on the hoof trimming.

After dinner, as the sun was setting, Cheng Jingmo said he wanted to take Yu Xiangnian somewhere.

“Where are we going?” Yu Xiangnian asked.

“You’ll know when we get there,” Cheng Jingmo replied mysteriously. “We’re not bringing Xiao Jie; it’ll just be the two of us.”

Yu Xiangnian smiled, “Are you planning a date?”

Cheng Jingmo asked back, “What’s a date?”

Yu Xiangnian was at a loss for words, “…”

They walked a long way, and it was dark by the time they arrived at a place with shimmering water.

“A reservoir?!” Yu Xiangnian exclaimed in surprise.

“You mentioned wanting to see the reservoir.”

“Why didn’t you bring me here during the day?”

Cheng Jingmo replied, “It’s even more beautiful at night.”

Yu Xiangnian hadn’t seen the reservoir during the day, but it did look beautiful now. In the distance, the silhouettes of the mountains created a jagged horizon against the night sky. The nearby water shimmered with the reflection of the moon. There was also a small grove of trees, with branches just starting to sprout new leaves. The gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of water and trees, making the atmosphere serene and refreshing.

“Come, let’s go take a closer look.”

Cheng Jingmo took Yu Xiangnian’s hand and led her towards the reservoir. “Walk slowly and watch your step.”

When they reached the water’s edge, Yu Xiangnian crouched down and scooped up some water, seeing the moon’s reflection in her hands.

“The water is so cool,” she said. “The weather in Nancheng is perfect these days.”

Cheng Jingmo knew Yu Xiangnian was feeling homesick, “We’ll go back in a little while.”

“Then we won’t come back,” he added.

Yu Xiangnian heard the hint of sadness in his words.

She splashed some water at him, pretending to be light-hearted, “Are you feeling emo? If you want to stay a few more days, we can. I’ll be with you.”

Cheng Jingmo didn’t understand what “emo” meant. He wiped the water off his face and said, “Don’t move around too much. The reservoir is deep.”

“I know how to swim.”

“I’ve heard there are water ghosts that grab people’s feet,” Cheng Jingmo teased her.

Yu Xiangnian, being an atheist, wasn’t afraid of ghosts but would be scared of snakes. “If it’s a male water ghost, I’m so beautiful he wouldn’t want to pull me down. If it’s a female water ghost, I’ll offer you to be her husband.”

Cheng Jingmo was speechless, “… Thanks!”

After playing with the water for a while, Cheng Jingmo led Yu Xiangnian away to sit under a tree by the shore. He was always worried she might accidentally slip into the water.

“You sit here and wait for me. I’ll be back soon.”

Cheng Jingmo left for about four or five minutes and returned holding a fish. The fish was about 15 or 16 centimeters long and weighed two or three kilograms, its tail still flapping and splashing water onto Yu Xiangnian’s face.

She wiped the water off her face and laughed, “That’s impressive! You even caught a fish!”

Cheng Jingmo said, “The fish from the reservoir is delicious. You should try it.”

He took out a folding knife from his pocket, squatted by the water, and began preparing the fish. After cleaning and preparing the fish, he found a wooden stick, washed it, and skewered the fish on it. Then he gathered some dry branches and wood from the surrounding area to make a campfire. He set up a makeshift grill and placed the fish on it to roast.

The skillful way he handled the fish showed that he had done this many times before. He also took out a small bag from his pocket, which contained pre-prepared seasonings, and sprinkled them on the fish as it cooked.

The two sat by the campfire, with Yu Xiangnian resting her head on Cheng Jingmo’s shoulder, chatting idly. The firelight illuminated their faces, warm and bright. The night sky was also beautiful, with a bright moon and a vast starry sky.

Yu Xiangnian looked at the night sky and said, “Cheng Jingmo, how long has it been since we last did it?”

“Nine days,” Cheng Jingmo remembered clearly.

For a newlywed couple like them, it was quite a long time. They had gone from multiple times a night to several days without once. The most frustrating part was that they shared the same bed every night, cuddling and kissing but not being able to go further.

Yu Xiangnian tilted her head and kissed his jaw, “Do you want to?”

Cheng Jingmo looked around cautiously and said in disbelief, “Here?”

Yu Xiangnian was just teasing him. She would never want to do it here; what if someone saw them, or if there were snakes or insects?

Yu Xiangnian pursed her lips, trying to hold back her laughter as she teased Cheng Jingmo, “Is there anywhere else besides here?”

Cheng Jingmo replied, “I…want to, but this place isn’t safe.”

“No?” Yu Xiangnian said, “Then this is the only place!”

Cheng Jingmo responded seriously, “It’s not okay here.”

There might be bugs on the ground; what if Yu Xiangnian got bitten?

Seeing Cheng Jingmo’s serious expression, Yu Xiangnian wanted to tease him even more.

“Cheng Jingmo, how much longer can you hold out?” Her voice was sultry.

“Until we get back to the residential compound, at most.”

“You mean it.” As she said this, Yu Xiangnian’s hand moved below his abdomen.

Cheng Jingmo’s body instantly tensed up; his body was more honest than his words.

“Cheng Jingmo…” Yu Xiangnian’s fingers teased him slowly, “You’re like this already. Should I help you or not?”

Cheng Jingmo’s breathing became erratic, “Nian nian…”

Yu Xiangnian lightly bit his earlobe and moved her hand again, whispering in his ear, “Do you want me to help or not?”

“Nian nian…” Cheng Jingmo’s breathing grew heavier, his deep eyes filled with desire and helplessness as he looked at her.

Yu Xiangnian wanted him to say it out loud. She moved her hand again, “If you don’t say it, I’ll stop.”

“Nian nian…” Cheng Jingmo’s Adam’s apple bobbed continuously, his voice hoarse.

Yu Xiangnian intentionally let go of her hand.

Finally, Cheng Jingmo struggled to speak, “Help me…”

Yu Xiangnian’s hand was soft and smooth.

Cheng Jingmo pulled her into his arms and kissed her fervently.