Chapter 20

An Unexpected Wedding Night

This was a trick question!

But Xu Jiajia didn’t play by the rules. She blinked mischievously and asked, “What do you mean by this?”

Shen Yuebai, lying beside her, stared at the newly hung mosquito net and said, “A way of giving compliments.”

Xu Jiajia retorted, “Is that a compliment? Isn’t it just the truth? Comrade Xiao Shen, sincerity is the ultimate weapon!”

Shen Yuebai wasn’t as quick-witted as Xu Jiajia. One question from her, and he was left speechless.

After a moment of silence, he spoke again, “The day after tomorrow, I’ll return to the army.”

Xu Jiajia clasped his hand tightly. “So soon?”

I haven’t saved up enough money for the shirt and shoes yet!

Shen Yuebai froze. Were those things meant as gifts for him?

That single heartfelt thought sent a surge of excitement through him. Extending his long arm, he pulled Xu Jiajia into his embrace. “I’ll apply for housing as soon as possible.”

Snuggling in his arms, Xu Jiajia traced circles on his chest with her finger. “Didn’t you say housing is tight? It might take a while before I can join you.”

The sensation of her soft hand sent Shen Yuebai’s blood boiling, as though a wild beast inside him was about to break free.

Remembering the thin walls at home, he forced himself to suppress his rising desire. Grabbing her playful hand, he rasped, “If I push the request enough times, the leadership will take notice.”

Even though Xu Jiajia had never personally experienced certain things, she’d seen enough to understand. Seeing Shen Yuebai’s reaction, she teased, “Are you struggling to hold it in?”

As a soldier, Shen Yuebai’s willpower was stronger than most. “I can handle it.”

Xu Jiajia’s playful side kicked in. She leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “How about now?”

The soft touch of her lips ignited a wave of heat that surged up Shen Yuebai’s throat.

At that moment, all his self-control seemed laughable. Grabbing the back of her head with one hand, he kissed her deeply, his burning lips sealing hers.

Eyes closed, his focused expression was irresistibly captivating.

Xu Jiajia nearly lost her breath. Struggling slightly, she managed to free herself. “You almost killed me!”

Xu Jiajia glared at him. “If I nearly killed you, why are your lips still so eager? Terrifying!”

Her words broke the tension, and Shen Yuebai’s fervor subsided. He chuckled softly. “Let’s sleep.”

Xu Jiajia paused, tilting her head to look at him. “It’s our wedding night, and you’re really not planning to do anything?”

Taking a deep breath, Shen Yuebai lowered his voice. “I hear footsteps outside. Let’s not.”

“What?” Xu Jiajia was stunned. “This late at night, who’s awake? Let me check!”

Shen Yuebai stopped her. “It’s probably Grandma.”

“She’s up so late. What, is she planning to crash the bridal chamber?”

Shen Yuebai shook his head. “Probably not. Maybe she just can’t sleep.”

Xu Jiajia nodded in understanding. “Makes sense. She raised her granddaughter from childhood. Letting her go must be hard.”

Though they were still living at home for now, they would eventually move once Xu Jiajia joined him in the military.

Shen Yuebai brushed aside her bangs. “At my level, I can apply for a two-bedroom apartment. When the time comes, we can bring Grandma and the others along.”

Xu Jiajia laughed. “Better not. Even if you’re willing, Grandma might not be.”

Shen Yuebai shrugged. “We’ll see.”

After chatting for a while, Xu Jiajia took out some study materials that Liao Mei had given her and started reviewing them seriously.

She alternated between the materials and past test papers.

Other couples might have spent their wedding night in passion until dawn.

But their wedding night was spent studying until the wee hours.

Only when they couldn’t hold back their yawns did they finally fall asleep.

The Next Day

Xu Jiajia didn’t wake up until the sun was high in the sky.

Shen Yuebai walked in from outside and saw that she was awake. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he smiled at her. “Did you sleep well?”

The intimacy from the night before had brought the two of them closer emotionally.

Xu Jiajia leaned against his arm, speaking softly, “Mhm, I just don’t want to get up.”

Shen Yuebai wanted to tell her to sleep a bit longer, but remembering that she had the sugar factory entrance exam tomorrow, he couldn’t help but remind her, “You said last night you’d study more today. Don’t tell me you forgot?”

Xu Jiajia suddenly lifted her head. “Oh right, I have the exam tomorrow!”

She quickly got out of bed and started getting dressed.

Yesterday, she had her hair in a bun. Today, she braided it into two loose pigtails.

Her hair was jet black and thick.

The braids were loose but neatly done.

Under the sunlight, her hair gleamed like fine golden threads, soft and shiny, radiating a strong sense of youthful energy.

Shen Yuebai was mesmerized. “Wife, you’re so talented. In your hands, hair seems to come alive.”

Xu Jiajia raised her chin proudly and said, “Of course.”

Shen Yuebai chuckled at her smug expression. “You’re not humble at all.”

Xu Jiajia hummed in response. “Excessive humility is arrogance. I’m an honest person. I call it like it is and never fake anything.”

Shen Yuebai was speechless. Her quick wit left him feeling inferior.

…

In the kitchen, there was sweet potato porridge and egg pancakes.

Shen Yuebai brought out a portion he’d set aside and placed it on the table. “Eat up.”

Xu Jiajia asked, “Have you eaten already?”

Shen Yuebai nodded. “I wasn’t sure when you’d wake up, so I ate earlier. Grandma and Dad have gone to work.”

Xu Jiajia took a bite of the egg pancake. It was both soft from the eggs and crispy from the outer layer, with a delightful texture.

After tasting it, she handed the pancake to Shen Yuebai. “Here, have a bite too.”

This act of sharing warmed Shen Yuebai’s heart. His deep eyes reflected Xu Jiajia’s image, as if engraving her into his soul.

Seeing Shen Yuebai staring at her, Xu Jiajia thought her face might not be clean. She touched here and wiped there. “Is it still dirty?”

Shen Yuebai withdrew his gaze. “Not dirty. You look beautiful.”

Xu Jiajia pouted. “If it’s not dirty, why were you staring at me?”

Shen Yuebai changed the subject. “I have to return to the base tomorrow.”

Xu Jiajia sipped her porridge. “Mhm, you mentioned it last night. Let’s go to town later to take a photo. Once we get it, I’ll send it to you.”

Shen Yuebai thought it was a great idea. “Alright.”

…

After breakfast.

Xu Jiajia put on her straw hat and carried a small bamboo basket, preparing to bring water to Granny Xu and the others.

Just then, Xu Xiaoyao came running over, out of breath. Her expression was panicked, and her whole body was trembling. Her voice was choked with sobs. “Jiajia, my mom found a matchmaker to arrange a marriage for me. I don’t agree, so she wants to lock me in the woodshed!”

Xu Jiajia remembered this part from the original story.

Xu Xiaoyao had sought help from the original host, who at the time was caught up in her own emotional turmoil and could barely protect herself, let alone care for Xu Xiaoyao.

After Xu Xiaoyao was dragged back home by her parents, she was locked in the woodshed and only released on her wedding day.

Unwilling to let her marriage be dictated by others, Xu Xiaoyao had a huge argument with her parents, even lashing out at the groom.

She called him ugly and accused him of being a toad lusting after a swan.

The situation spiraled out of control, and a brawl broke out.

But Xu Xiaoyao was no match for a man. He knocked her down easily.

Even so, she couldn’t escape her fate of marrying him.