Chapter 23: Appeasement

Zhou Xingze stood in the courtyard, staring blankly at Ruan Xiaotang’s room, remaining motionless.

Liu Guifang lifted the curtain, lightly coughed at Zhou Xingze outside, pointed to Ruan Xiaotang’s room, and nodded.

Receiving his mother-in-law’s approval immediately, Zhou Xingze’s gloomy mood instantly became excited. The feeling of being trusted and affirmed thrilled him.

He brushed the dirt off his shoes, straightened his back, and knocked on the girl’s door.

“Come in.”

Zhou Xingze opened the door and gently closed it. This was his first time entering a girl’s private room, such an intimate space. For a moment, even someone who had seen the world felt at a loss. He stood stiffly by the door like a pole, foolishly rooted to the spot, his gaze lowered, never daring to look up. His ears were slightly red.

Was he shy? Men of this era were truly innocent.

“Why aren’t you speaking? You’re not usually like this. Could it be… are you shy?”

“No, I just…”

As soon as he looked up, his pupils dilated sharply at the sight before him. He felt a strong urge surge downwards, directly towards his abdomen. He noticed his own change, his face flushing crimson.

The girl lay on her side with her soft, long hair spread around her. Thin fabric draped over her graceful figure, her slender legs, her delicate waist, and above… her full, round…

Zhou Xingze dared not look any further, quickly averting his gaze. He clenched his fist to his mouth and coughed lightly. Turning his back to her, he sat on the kang. He didn’t ask a word.

Ruan Xiaotang looked up at his broad, dependable back, disregarding the conventions of propriety between men and women. She abandoned her girlish reserve, kneeling behind him, her delicate arms wrapping tightly around his neck. Her soft cheek pressed against his strong shoulder, seeking comfort and clinging to his back.

In the quiet room, only the sound of two hearts pressed close together remained, along with ambiguous breaths.

The man, tightly embraced by the girl, was the first to succumb to temptation. The moment that soft, cloud-like touch contacted his back, he almost lost control. Fine beads of sweat immediately appeared. His heart felt like a drum, beating wildly. Desire arose.

After a fierce internal struggle, his strong will finally overcame all distractions. His clenched fist was damp. Taking a deep breath, he turned his head, his voice hoarse as he softly asked, “You must have suffered a lot of grievances before. From today on, I’m here. You don’t have to endure those people’s anger anymore. I’ll protect you.”

A certain long-held wound in his heart was slowly being healed by warmth.

“Why are you crying?”

Zhou Xingze suddenly felt the fabric on his shoulder damp. His rough palm gently lifted her small hand. He slowly turned his upper body to face her, bending down, his smiling face inching closer. Her tear-stained, aggrieved little face struck his heart. He tenderly wiped away the wetness on her face.

He coaxed, “It’s all over now. I’m here. If those people dare to bother my Xiaotang again, I’ll beat them until they beg for mercy.”

“What are you saying? You’re a soldier, you have strict discipline…”

As she spoke, the little girl suddenly broke down. Her nose running with tears, she angrily punched Zhou Xingze’s chest without reason. The little bit of force felt like a cat’s scratch to him, posing no threat. Instead, his chest felt itchy.

Knowing she had things bottled up inside and needed an outlet, he became her free punching bag. His own woman, why not let her use him? Without complaint, he offered his muscular chest for her to vent her grievances.

………………………

“Xiaotang, what time is it? Are you still making lunch?”

Liu Guifang’s slightly anxious call came from the courtyard.

Hearing the sound, Ruan Xiaotang sprang up from Zhou Xingze’s arms like a startled bird. With an indescribable blush on her face, she urged, “Get out first. Try to look normal, don’t let my mom suspect anything.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The loss of her soft embrace left him feeling empty. Without time to dwell on it, he quickly got off the kang and opened the door.

“Mother-in-law, Xiaotang’s mood is much better.”

Zhou Xingze faced his mother-in-law with an impassive expression.

“Good. Go rest in Xiaohai’s room for a while. We’ll eat soon.”

Liu Guifang steadily held a winnowing basket, winnowing freshly shelled peanuts.

“Okay, Mother-in-law.”

To avoid the awkwardness, he obediently went into Xiaohai’s room. The moment the door closed, his anxious heart finally settled. He put down the winnowing basket with relief.

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Xiao Zhou’s character, but her daughter had already been publicly rejected once. If he knew about this, would he still care about her Xiaotang? He might have all sorts of thoughts. Even if Xiaotang had mouths all over her body, she couldn’t fight against the malicious rumors.

Sigh! It’s really worrying.

“Mom, what are we having for lunch?”

Liu Guifang pulled Ruan Xiaotang, who had just entered the kitchen, to her side, glancing over her shoulder at the door and whispering, “Have you told Xiao Zhou about your broken engagement? This kind of thing can’t be hidden. Judging by your aunt’s attitude today, this feud is on. She won’t let you off easily. Be careful and avoid being taken advantage of. Even if you had a thousand mouths, you wouldn’t be able to explain yourself. I’ve been through this, you must listen to me this time.”

Secretly, she thought she would be questioned about what happened between her and Zhou Xingze in her room, planning how to deal with her. The scene suddenly changed.

“Mom, I told him everything on our first date, without hiding anything. Don’t worry, if anyone tries to use this against me, they won’t get away with it.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Ruan Xiaotang patted her mother’s hand reassuringly, her gaze unwavering.

“Good, that’s good.”

Her daughter was more resourceful than she had imagined. Finally, she could rest easy.

………………

“Xiao Zhou, you’ve worked hard all day. Come, eat more!”

“Thank you, Aunt.”

Liu Guifang’s face was full of satisfaction as she picked up a golden-yellow, soft and sweet corn and wheat pancake and put it into Zhou Xingze’s bowl. Looking at the simple meal on the table, she sighed, it really wasn’t good enough for this city boy.