Chapter 37 – Firewood Worms

Su Taotao even suspected that Fu Zhengtou had only brought her to the county town just to get those family planning supplies.

That very morning, she had been thinking about refusing to let him touch her again until the birth control issue was settled. Who would’ve thought he’d go and settle it directly?

Was this what people meant by a mutual understanding of the heart?

But taking their son along to pick up those supplies? What was he thinking? Did he think Chenchen was a normal kid? That little guy would probably remember it for life!

On the way back to the village, Su Taotao waited until Chenchen had fallen asleep before whispering to Fu Zhengtou, “Next time, could you not get that kind of thing in front of Chenchen?”

Fu Zhengtou met her eyes briefly through the rearview mirror before turning back to the road. “He doesn’t know.”

Su Taotao leaned forward slightly. “He has a good memory. I bet he’ll remember it when he’s older.”

Fu Zhengtou glanced at her through the mirror, meeting those earnest yet captivating eyes. Somehow, his thoughts drifted to the sight of her last night, blooming under him with stunning allure.

The countryside nights were pitch black, only the soft wind lifting the curtains. When moonlight poured through the window, she, bathed in it, was like untouched snow atop a mountain peak—gracefully contoured, breathtakingly beautiful.

“I got it,” Fu Zhengtou said.

He wasn’t the kind of man who was overly lustful, yet in that moment, he deeply regretted missing out on over two years of such a stunning view.

He lifted a hand and pinched his forehead lightly. Just now, while looking into her eyes, he suddenly had the urge to test out the newly acquired family planning supplies.

Once you’ve tasted it, you crave more.

From now on, wherever he went, he’d have to bring her with him.

Su Taotao, of course, had no idea that under his calm surface, a storm of desire was raging.

When they got to the doorstep, he got out of the car and immediately opened the back door. Carefully, gently, he took Chenchen from her arms, the look on his face making it seem like he was holding a rare treasure.

Which, honestly, wasn’t wrong—Chenchen really was their most precious treasure.

Su Taotao secretly rubbed the back of her hand where his dry, slender fingers had accidentally brushed. Staring at his tall, upright back, she thought—he was definitely going to be a good father.

At this time, it was just the three of them at home.

Su Taotao was exhausted from the night before and wanted to sneak in a quick nap. While Fu Zhengtou carried Chenchen into the room, she rushed back to their bedroom to change clothes.

She was halfway through changing when the door creaked open. Startled, Su Taotao quickly grabbed her clothes to cover her chest. “Y-you-you—why didn’t you knock before coming in?!”

The sight of her in front of him hit Fu Zhengtou like a flash of white lightning—skin whiter than snow, glowing all over. His wife stood barefoot on the gray floor, her lips—maybe from nervousness or anger—slightly parted and a rosy red. Her moist, peach blossom eyes glared at him, more dazzling than anything he’d seen under last night’s moonlight.

His Adam’s apple bobbed.

By all logic, he should have averted his gaze, said “sorry,” and stepped out. But his eyes drifted over the highest point of that porcelain skin before returning to meet her gaze. Those deep black eyes didn’t move for a second.

One hand reached back to close the door—with a click, it locked. The other hand reached up to unfasten the regulation button pressing against his throat, each movement deliberate, like a scene in slow motion. Button by button, step by step, he approached her.

His hand, after unfastening the last button, came to rest behind her neck. His voice was husky. “You can finish changing later. Let’s first test the quality of those family planning supplies.”

Before the last syllable fell, his thin lips covered hers—

Su Taotao hadn’t even fully reacted when she was swept into his arms. She didn’t know how much time passed…

In the end, she didn’t have the strength to change clothes anymore. She didn’t want to move an inch. Fu Zhengtou handled the cleanup, and even changed her clothes for her.

As for the quality of the family planning supplies, Su Taotao thought they were pretty good.

After a deep sleep, Su Taotao woke up feeling not so exhausted—actually, she felt somewhat refreshed. She didn’t even know when Fu Zhengtou had gotten up; the bed was now empty except for her. She pulled open the curtains—it was already dusk.

Looking out through the corridor into the courtyard, she was shocked to see Fu Zhengtou chopping firewood!

He had been so… energetic just earlier. Thinking back to that line of his—“I was already being gentle”—Su Taotao practically wanted to scream. And now he still had the strength to chop wood? Just how much stamina did this man have?

Stretching lazily, she slumped against the windowsill and watched Fu Zhengtou.

There was no need to even comment on his figure—broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. With clothes on, he was a walking hanger. Without them, the lines of his muscles were absolutely perfect, and even his butt had a nice shape.

His looks leaned toward the gentle side, especially those slightly upturned phoenix eyes—soft and refined, the unique elegance of an Eastern beauty. But his nose was straighter and more prominent than typical, and his jawline was sharp and distinct. Paired with his thin, tightly pressed lips and calm, cold gaze, it gave him an air of noble aloofness—hard to approach, and even harder to ignore.

Basically, no matter where he stood, no one could overlook his presence.

Su Taotao knew how strong his hands were when he swung that axe—and sure enough, the next second, a massive log split cleanly in two.

Little Chenchen, squatting nearby to watch, gasped, “Wow!” and clapped his chubby little hands in excitement.

Fu Zhengtou seemed to notice something in the wood. He beckoned Chenchen over.

Chenchen toddled over with his short little legs, face beaming with delight. He picked up a thick white worm from inside the log—thicker than his own finger—and carefully placed it in a small bowl nearby. Su Taotao could even see the worm wriggling around in the bowl.

Su Taotao: “…” That’s disgusting. This thing was even more gross than an earthworm.

She finally couldn’t bear to watch anymore. She let the curtain drop and got out of bed.

She noticed that her body felt fresh and clean, her clothes had already been changed. And thanks to her saying, “No more marks allowed,” there weren’t any new ones added this time either.

This time was… really comfortable.

They say how a man performs in bed reflects his character. If that’s true, then Fu Zhengtou’s character was excellent.

Chenchen was the first to notice her coming out. Grinning widely, he carried his new “treasure” over to her. “Mama~~ firewood worm~~”

Su Taotao wasn’t particularly afraid of bugs, but she couldn’t stand slimy soft-bodied creatures like snails and earthworms. Not out of fear, just sheer disgust. And this plump white worm was even worse.

When she got closer and saw it up close, goosebumps rose instantly. She quickly turned her head. “No, no, no—Chenchen, take that away. Mama doesn’t like that worm.”

Chenchen blinked at her, then looked at his fat little worm and earnestly said, “Mama~~ don’t be scared~~ it doesn’t bite~~”

Su Taotao took a few steps back. “Mama’s not scared, just… it’s gross.”

Fu Yuanhang came over after washing vegetables and scooped Chenchen up into his arms. “Don’t scare Mama. Let Uncle roast it for you—it’ll taste really good.”

Su Taotao was stunned. “That thing is edible?”

Fu Yuanhang nodded. “It smells great—really fragrant.”

Su Taotao thought for a moment. “How about feeding it to the chickens instead? We’re not exactly short on meat right now.”

She had heard that during difficult times, people even ate earthworms. But things weren’t that bad anymore.

Fu Zhengtou had walked over at some point. “It’s called a firewood worm. It’s highly nutritious—perfect for Chenchen.”

Fu Yuanhang grinned and nodded. “That’s right, Sister-in-law. We’ve been eating these since we were kids. Roasted or pan-fried—they taste great.”

Su Taotao knew insects were edible. High in protein and full of nutrients. In the 21st century, some regions in the southwest even had entire banquets centered around insects. She just found them disgusting, that’s all.

“Then you guys go ahead—just don’t let me see it.”

Fu Yuanhang carried Chenchen away. “Come on, let’s go roast it.”

“I’m gonna go wash my face,” Su Taotao said, not wanting to be left alone with Fu Zhengtou. She found an excuse to slip away.

But suddenly, Fu Zhengtou grabbed her hand. Caught off guard, Su Taotao stumbled into his arms.