Chapter 62: Praising Xu Muzhou

When Xiao Qingru got home, Xu Muzhou was in the bathroom washing clothes.

Seeing the small garments he was scrubbing, Xiao Qingru felt a bit embarrassed and said, “Just leave them, I’ll wash them myself.”

Xu Muzhou’s ears were slightly red, but he kept a straight face. “We’re married now, why be shy?”

“I’m just worried you might tear them with your strength.”

“Then I’ll be gentle,” he replied with a look that left no room for misinterpretation.

Not wanting to respond further, Xiao Qingru turned and went to the kitchen.

She kneaded some dough, planning to make multigrain steamed buns for dinner, served with some pickles her mother in law had given them a simple but tasty meal.

With some time to spare, Xu Muzhou suggested, “Why don’t you rest up in the room for a bit?”

“No, if I nap now, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

“You’ll fall asleep if you’re tired.”

“One more word and you’re sleeping on the couch tonight.”

Xu Muzhou went silent, he had no intention of experiencing a lonely night this early in their marriage. He took the basin and went to hang up the laundry.

They lived on the third floor, and although the bedroom window ledge wasn’t big, it was enough to dry clothes. He hung longer clothes on the sides and hid the smaller garments in the middle, out of sight, just in case someone happened by.

Done with chores, he noticed Xiao Qingru reading the newspaper on the couch. He squeezed in next to her, his large frame making the sofa feel cramped.

Xiao Qingru nudged him. “Don’t crowd me, sit over there.”

“I just want to sit next to you.”

“This is too cramped.”

“Dear, we just got married, and you’re already shunning me,” he teased.

“I’m not kicking you out of the house.”

“But you won’t let me sit close.”

She sighed, wondering if this really was Xu Muzhou. Why was he becoming so clingy?

Xu Muzhou smiled and pulled her close onto his lap. “Let’s read together.”

“You’re just here for the fun.”

Xu Muzhou sighed, this was supposed to be a little marital romance, not just “fun.” As he held her, he noticed she seemed to be a little shy.

They spent the quiet afternoon snuggled together, exchanging warm glances and affection. Later, Xu Muzhou moved to the kitchen to make dinner.

He was good in the kitchen, working efficiently, and in less than half an hour, dinner was ready. In addition to the multigrain buns and pickles, he fried her a soft centered egg with a beautifully golden yolk.

“I already had an egg today,” Xiao Qingru mentioned.

“When?”

“At Song Yuan’s house.”

He nodded. “Then just have an extra one today.”

“Too many eggs aren’t good for you.”

“It’s fine, it’s not like we eat this way every day. You’ve worked hard lately, you need to keep your strength up.”

Xiao Qingru gave him a teasing smile. “I think you’ve been working hard too.”

“If you’re offering to reward me, I won’t say no.”

“Dream on!”

She split the egg between them. “We’re not exactly struggling here. We don’t need to be so frugal.”

“I don’t really like eggs,” Xu Muzhou replied honestly, though he knew they were good for him.

“But it’s important to keep up your nutrition with all the intense training you do, Comrade Xu. Picky eating isn’t good.”

“Disliking something isn’t the same as being picky.”

“Just eat it already, you’re not a kid.”

Under her watchful eye, Xu Muzhou finished the egg. He still didn’t enjoy it much, but Xiao Qingru’s praise for his cooking lifted his spirits.

He grinned, “If I’m home, I’ll handle all the cooking from now on.”

Xiao Qingru’s smile deepened. “Then I’ll be in for a treat.”

Seeing her so happy, he secretly vowed to improve his cooking skills further, aiming to win over her stomach so she’d never want to leave him.