“This young master’s appearance is exceptional! This outfit suits him perfectly—truly a heavenly beauty!” The shop assistant beside them gave his sincere compliment.

Zhou Song listened but barely paid attention; his eyes were too busy admiring Kun Ze, clearly delighted. “Let’s go with this one, shall we?”

Shen Qingzhu smiled but didn’t give a direct answer. Instead, he turned to the assistant, “Do you have a red robe for men as well?”

The assistant understood instantly, taking note of Zhou Song’s physique. “We do! Please wait a moment.”

Once the assistant left, Zhou Song held Kun Ze’s hand. “Red won’t suit me.”

“Who says that?” Shen Qingzhu squeezed his hand in return. “On our wedding day, you looked incredibly handsome in red. My aunties couldn’t stop praising you.”

Hearing him call him handsome again, Zhou Song blushed and lowered his gaze, but he felt a deep joy inside. “If you think I look good, then I’ll wear it.”

With such a dazzling Kun Ze by his side, he didn’t want to look too plain.

It wasn’t long before the assistant returned, holding a robe. “Please take a look; does this one suit your tastes?”

Shen Qingzhu examined it first. The color was darker than his, closer to maroon. Instead of fur trim, it had a border of embroidered cloud patterns, subtly woven into the fabric.

Men’s clothing shouldn’t be too flashy. A simple, understated design was best. The material was soft and warm, with cotton lining, so it felt cozy to the touch.

Satisfied, Shen Qingzhu handed it over. “Try it on and see if it fits.”

If Shen Qingzhu liked it, Zhou Song liked it too. He took the robe and quickly went to change.

When Zhou Song emerged from the fitting area, everyone’s eyes lit up.

The maroon robe, though thick, was tailored closely. With his tall, strong build, Zhou Song looked both stately and grounded, his usual sharpness softened by the rich color, giving him a calm dignity.

Shen Qingzhu’s gaze lingered as he looked him over from head to toe, saying nothing.

Feeling slightly self-conscious under his gaze, Zhou Song fidgeted with his collar. “Is something wrong?”

Shen Qingzhu’s eyes curved with a smile. “Nothing wrong. It’s just that my husband is so handsome, I couldn’t help but take a few extra glances.”

Momentarily stunned, Zhou Song’s face turned red, almost as if it had picked up the robe’s hue.

Shen Qingzhu, finally letting him off the hook, said, “If you’re satisfied, shall we go with these two outfits?”

“Of course,” Zhou Song agreed immediately.

Since they planned to wear these for the New Year, they decided to change back, and also chose an outfit for Wu Lanshu. After having everything wrapped up, Zhou Song settled the bill.

These clothes were made of quality materials and well-crafted, so naturally, they cost a few taels of silver. Zhou Song didn’t mind, though; he was very pleased.

Changing clothes in winter wasn’t exactly comfortable. The store had a heater, but it was still a business, and not as warm as a home. Shen Qingzhu, sensitive to the cold, had lost some of his earlier flush, his hands and feet now quite chilly.

Zhou Song felt both heartache and guilt. They could have just bought the clothes without trying them on, and if they didn’t fit, he could come back to exchange them. Making him change here was hardly worth it if he got sick from it.

Holding Shen Qingzhu’s cold hands in his, he tried to warm them. The iciness of his skin made Zhou Song frown even more. If there weren’t so many people around, he would’ve pulled him into an embrace to warm him properly.

Shen Qingzhu, on the other hand, didn’t mind. Every winter, his hands and feet were always cold due to his weak constitution. Since the wedding, he’d mostly stayed in heated rooms, so it wasn’t as noticeable.

Seeing Zhou Song’s furrowed brow and serious expression, he guessed that he was silently blaming himself again, so he said, “I’m a bit hungry.”

Zhou Song’s focus shifted immediately. Since arriving in town, they’d been shopping for a while, and it was almost midday. He, too, was starting to feel hungry. “What would you like to eat?”

Shen Qingzhu replied, “It’s cold, so something warm would be nice.”

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Song asked, “How about lamb noodle soup? There’s a place I know that’s pretty good.”

Winter was perfect for lamb dishes, especially for someone like Kun Ze who was sensitive to cold.

“Alright, take me there,” Shen Qingzhu agreed easily. He wasn’t opposed to lamb; his mother had often prepared it for him to strengthen his health.

The noodle shop Zhou Song had in mind was only a street away. They cut through a small alley and arrived quickly.

Business was always good at this shop, especially during mealtime, and with so many people in town for the New Year, the place was packed. Fortunately, the owner had recently expanded, adding a second floor, so they managed to find a spot to sit.

The aroma of lamb was rich in the air, and although it was a bit gamy, Shen Qingzhu didn’t seem to mind. Zhou Song found a seat for him and went to place their order.

The crowded shop was filled with the hum of voices. People spoke loudly enough that conversations from several tables away could be heard, mostly about family matters or the upcoming New Year.

Zhou Song ordered two bowls of lamb noodles, a side of lamb, and a small plate of pickled vegetables. Despite the rush, the food arrived quickly.

The broth was freshly simmered, rich and fragrant. One sip warmed the body, and the noodles, handmade by the shop, were chewy and satisfying.

Shen Qingzhu, after eating half a bowl, began to sweat lightly at his temples. He took out a handkerchief to wipe his face and also reached over to dab Zhou Song’s face.

Zhou Song ate quickly, already finishing his bowl. Seeing that Shen Qingzhu was nibbling on some pickled vegetables after a few more bites of noodles, he knew he was getting full.

They had eaten together enough times for him to know Kun Ze’s appetite well. The shop’s servings were generous, so when he saw this, he took Shen Qingzhu’s bowl. “Have a few more bites of lamb.”

Zhou Song had taken over his food so many times that Shen Qingzhu was used to it. He obediently ate two more pieces of lamb before setting down his chopsticks.

Zhou Song finished up the remaining food, breaking a sweat himself. When he was done, a delicate orchid-scented handkerchief was offered beside him, and he allowed Shen Qingzhu to wipe his brow.

Taking his warm hand, Zhou Song noticed the healthy color had returned to his face, and finally, he was relieved. “Let’s buy some raw lamb, too. If we feel like having noodles at home, we can make them ourselves.”

Eating lamb in winter would be good for Shen Qingzhu, helping him withstand the cold. Given the current weather, they could buy a bit more and keep it fresh.

With his belly full, Shen Qingzhu had no objections and nodded in agreement.

After they left the shop, Zhou Song led him to the lamb stall. With the New Year approaching, meat was selling fast, and the stall was freshly stocked each day, the lamb hanging fresh and inviting.

The area around the stall was crowded and smelled strongly of blood. Zhou Song didn’t want Shen Qingzhu to get too close, so he found a less crowded corner for him to wait in, while he pushed into the throng to buy meat.

Not wanting to worry him, Shen Qingzhu waited obediently without wandering off.

Soon, he sensed someone watching him. Looking around, he saw a young woman in a fox-fur cloak standing at the entrance of a jewelry store nearby, with a young maid beside her.

Examining her face, he noted that she was quite pretty and seemed to come from a well-off family. But he was certain he didn’t know her.

Out of instinct, he glanced around to see if there was anyone else. When he looked back, the young woman had already walked over with her maid, stopping just before him. She looked him over, then offered a gentle smile and a slight nod. “Greetings, young master.”

A strange feeling came over Shen Qingzhu, but he nodded politely. Just as he was about to ask her business, she began to speak.

“I heard recently that he’s married. It left me unsettled, wondering what I might lack and what kind of person could capture his heart…” She looked at him as she spoke.

A faint scent of osmanthus reached Shen Qingzhu’s nose—a Kun Ze’s fragrance. A thought crossed his mind. Could this be one of those prospective matches mentioned to Zhou Song? There was only one Kun Ze among them, the daughter of a wealthy landlord.

It seemed that she must have seen him with Zhou Song earlier, and now, finding him alone, she had come over.

Shen Qingzhu raised an eyebrow. Was she here to cause trouble?

While he speculated silently, the young woman continued, “Now that I’ve seen you, I understand.”

She smiled faintly, as if letting go of something, then raised her head again. “Congratulations on your marriage.”

Shen Qingzhu paused, offering a small bow in return.

The young woman rose, gave him a final smile, and left with her maid, apparently only here to offer her blessing.

“Qingzhu.” Zhou Song returned with the lamb, glancing in the direction she had gone. “Who were you speaking with?”

Shen Qingzhu glanced after her and smiled, shaking his head. “She just asked for directions. I told her I’m not familiar with the town, and she left.”

Since he said it was nothing, Zhou Song didn’t dwell on it. He took his hand. “Let’s go; we’re done shopping.”

With Zhou Song’s warm, broad hand holding his, his attention solely on Shen Qingzhu, it was clear he had no recollection of the girl. Shen Qingzhu’s eyes softened with a smile. “Alright.”

•

With that trivial encounter behind them, the two continued picking out New Year’s goods. They also bought some ink and paper for Shen Qingzhu, which Zhou Song carefully wrapped in oil paper to protect.

After picking up some fabric from a nearby textile shop, including a soft material especially for Xiaobao, they were almost done.

Carrying a full basket on his back, with other items in his hands, Zhou Song refused to let Shen Qingzhu carry anything. He turned to check on him, “Is it heavy?”

Zhou Song shook his head. “Not at all; I’m strong.”

Seeing no sign of fatigue on his face, Shen Qingzhu was relieved, though he suggested, “How about we rest at that tea stand?”

Considering that they’d been walking for a while, Zhou Song agreed and led him over.

The tea stand was crowded, with only one table left where they could squeeze in with others.

Shen Qingzhu didn’t mind and nodded to Zhou Song.

They joined the table, which was shared with a middle-aged couple and a young man. Exchanging friendly nods, the couple greeted them warmly.

The couple appeared to be from a nearby village as well, judging by their modest but decent attire. It seemed they could afford the small luxury of resting at a tea stand.

The young man at the table glanced up at them, his gaze lingering on Shen Qingzhu’s face a bit too long.

Zhou Song frowned, taking the seat closest to him to block the stranger’s gaze.

Shen Qingzhu could always sense when others were watching, but he simply placed his hand under the table, giving Zhou Song’s hand a gentle rub.

Qian Yuans tended to be possessive of their husbands, and Zhou Song, in particular, disliked any gaze—even if well-meaning—directed at Shen Qingzhu.

But as Shen Qingzhu’s hand calmed him, Zhou Song’s mood softened, and he gripped his hand back.

The tea arrived, and Zhou Song poured a cup, testing the temperature. “Careful; it’s hot.”

Shen Qingzhu blew on it a few times, then held it up to Zhou Song’s lips without concern for anyone watching. “You carried everything; you drink first.”

Zhou Song was surprised, his heart warmed. He obediently sipped from the cup, finding the usually bitter tea suddenly sweet.

Across from them, the woman chuckled softly. Seeing her watching, Zhou Song blushed, lowering his gaze.

The woman smiled warmly. “Newlyweds, aren’t you?”

Shen Qingzhu replied openly, “Yes, we were just recently married.”

“You look so loving. Taking care of each other—life together will surely be good.”

Shen Qingzhu smiled, glancing at Zhou Song, who was quietly pouring tea. Although he looked serious, his ears had gone red.

Shen Qingzhu reached over and gave his earlobe a playful pinch. It was soft and warm.

The woman sighed, “Young love—how enviable.”

Her husband spoke up beside her, “Hey, we’re just as happy!”

She laughed, patting his hand. “Yes, yes, we’re happy too; I have no need to envy others.”

Shen Qingzhu and Zhou Song exchanged smiles.

Meanwhile, the young man who had no companion sat in silent exasperation, thinking, Why did I sit here at all?!