Yu Wanru, guessing what he meant, quickly said, “Actually… it’s not fully better yet. It’s still a little uncomfortable.”

Xiao Anlan raised his brows. “Then let me check.”

Caught between embarrassment and frustration, Yu Wanru stammered, “No, I… I just don’t want to…”

The two were staying in the east wing. Her parents were in the main house, and her brother, Ah Qing, was in the opposite wing. The thought of everyone being so close by made it impossible for her to relax.

Xiao Anlan noticed her teary eyes and quickly relented. “All right, all right. If you don’t want to, we won’t. Don’t cry, okay?”

Yu Wanru mumbled softly, “I’m not crying.”

Xiao Anlan pulled her into his arms and squeezed her lightly. “You’re not crying, of course. My wife is so soft. I’ll just hold you to sleep tonight.”

Yu Wanru, having rejected him once already, didn’t want to refuse again. She replied, “Just don’t let me crush your arm.”

Xiao Anlan flipped them over so she was lying on top of him. “You won’t. You’re light as a feather.”

Yu Wanru let him have his way.

After a while, Xiao Anlan asked, “I heard Su Xiaoman came to visit you this afternoon. What did you talk about?”

Yu Wanru replied, “Xiaoman is having some troubles.” She briefly explained Su Xiaoman’s current situation.

Xiao Anlan thought for a moment and said, “I have an old classmate who works at the Liucheng Daily. If Miss Su wants to submit articles, I can introduce them.”

Yu Wanru hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be pulling strings or taking shortcuts?”

Xiao Anlan laughed. “Silly wife, how is that taking shortcuts? I’m not asking my friend to accept her articles directly or give her extra pay. I’d just be introducing them and letting them discuss it. Whether it works out or not depends entirely on the quality of her work. I’d just be a bridge.”

Yu Wanru blushed. “I didn’t realize that.”

Xiao Anlan pinched her cheek affectionately. “You’ve read a lot of books but lack experience in the world. It’s natural you wouldn’t know these things. I’ll take you out more often. The more you see, the more you’ll understand.”

Yu Wanru nodded. “All right.”

The two spent the night at the Yu residence, returning to the Xiao household the next morning after breakfast.

At the Xiao house, the men had gone out to work, leaving only the women. Madam Xiao and the concubines were busy planning a trip to the opera house. Although the Xiao family was large, everyone had their own routines. The concubines, having little to occupy their time, would often play mahjong, host gatherings, or attend social events. Occasionally, when a renowned opera troupe visited Liucheng, they’d organize a group outing to watch.

This time, a particularly famous troupe had come to town, and Madam Xiao was excited to take everyone for an outing. When she saw Xiao Anlan and Yu Wanru return, she told the other ladies to continue their discussion and went to greet the couple. She asked about their visit to the Yu family and said to Yu Wanru, “In the future, if you want to go home, just let me know. I’ll arrange for a driver to take you. You can go anytime.”

Yu Wanru quickly replied, “Thank you, Mother.”

Madam Xiao smiled and took her hand. “You’re calling me ‘Mother’ now; no need for thanks. Silly girl. Come, we’re planning a trip to the opera tomorrow. You should join us.”

Xiao Anlan chimed in, “Mother, if all of you are going out, don’t forget to bring me along.”

Madam Xiao gave him a disdainful look. “What would we bring you for? You never wanted to go before. All you do there is doze off, embarrassing me.”

Xiao Anlan scratched his nose. “I won’t this time.”

Madam Xiao teased, “It’s because your wife is going, isn’t it? Always trailing after her like a shadow. Aren’t you worried people will laugh at you?”

Xiao Anlan grinned. “How could they? I’m just worried about a group of beauties going out alone. I’ll be the noble protector.”

“You!” Madam Xiao shook her head. “Always joking around and never serious.”

As the women in the family chatted amongst themselves, Xiao Anlan was about to join them when a servant came to inform him of a call from the Wanchang Hotel. Reluctantly, he had to step away.

Madam Xiao pulled Yu Wanru to sit beside her.  

The matter of the outing was left to Madam Xiao and the other concubines to decide, while the younger misses occasionally nodded or chimed in agreement.  

After finishing the call, Xiao Anlan returned and said to his mother and Yu Wanru, “Mother, Wanru, I need to head out for a bit and won’t be back for lunch. I’ll return in the evening.”

Madam Xiao asked, “Is it business-related? Don’t drink too much.”

“I know,” Xiao Anlan replied with a nod. Then he turned to Yu Wanru, standing still and not moving, as if waiting for something.  

Madam Xiao, amused, said to Yu Wanru, “Wanru, why don’t you walk Anlan to the door? Otherwise, he might never leave.”

Before Yu Wanru could respond, Xiao Anqi enthusiastically volunteered, “Does Gege not know the way? I can show him out!”  

Everyone burst into laughter. The Fourth Concubine pulled Xiao Anqi back and said with a chuckle, “Your big brother and big sister-in-law have things to whisper about. It’s not your place to interfere.”

Xiao Anqi pouted in confusion, glancing between Xiao Anlan and Yu Wanru.  

Under everyone’s teasing gazes, Yu Wanru blushed and stood up. Xiao Anlan waved to the family and took her hand as they walked outside.  

At the entrance, the driver was already waiting by the car.  

Yu Wanru asked, “Is there an issue at the hotel?”

Xiao Anlan shook his head. “Don’t worry. It’s just that an old classmate from my study-abroad days is visiting Liucheng. Zhou Sheng asked me to help entertain him.”  

Feeling relieved, Yu Wanru asked, “Will you be drinking?”  

Xiao Anlan held up three fingers and said, “Just three drinks, okay?”  

Yu Wanru advised, “If your friends insist, it might be hard to refuse. Just be mindful. Eat something before drinking to protect your stomach, and don’t drink too fast. Let the driver handle the car on your way back.”  

Xiao Anlan nodded to everything, smiling warmly. “Having a wife feels wonderful.”  

Blushing, Yu Wanru scolded softly, “I’m being serious. Why are you joking? Will you come back for dinner?”  

“Yes, I’ll return early. If you get bored at home, go out for a walk. Have the driver take you. If you prefer to stay home, Father’s study on the second floor has plenty of books to read. Or you can chat with Anya and Anhui. Just don’t stay cooped up by yourself.”

“I know. You should go now; don’t keep Mr. Zhou waiting.”  

Xiao Anlan lingered. “Wait, wait. Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Yu Wanru blinked, puzzled. “What? Did you forget something?”

Xiao Anlan grinned mischievously. “Of course! You forgot to give me a goodbye kiss. Don’t you know? When foreigners say goodbye, wives walk their husbands to the door and give them a farewell kiss. Shouldn’t you do the same?”

Yu Wanru flushed even redder, avoiding his gaze. “That’s what foreigners do. It’s unnecessary for us, right?”

“What’s a good habit if it doesn’t transcend borders?” Xiao Anlan argued cheekily. “This should be universally adopted.”  

Yu Wanru remained silent, glancing around for an escape route.  

Seeing her hesitation, Xiao Anlan blocked her path and said, “You just said not to keep Zhou Sheng waiting. Give me a kiss, and I’ll leave right away. Otherwise, he’ll wait even longer.”

Out of options and moved by his persistence, Yu Wanru looked around to ensure no one was watching. She quickly stood on tiptoe and pecked his lips before stepping back.

However, before she could retreat fully, Xiao Anlan swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist and gave her a deeper kiss. He whispered in her ear, “Wait for me tonight, darling.”

Yu Wanru trembled slightly, unsure if it was from the tickling sensation or something else.  

At last, Xiao Anlan left, and Yu Wanru returned inside.  

The others had already finished planning the outing.  

When she entered, Xiao Anhui teased, “Wanru, how far did you escort Ge? Ten miles?”  

Blushing, Yu Wanru didn’t respond.  

The Fourth Concubine patted Xiao Anhui lightly. “You and your big mouth.”  

Madam Xiao said, “Wanru, after lunch tomorrow, we’ll take two cars to the opera house. They’re performing The Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers. What do you think?”  

“Whatever you decide, Mother,” Yu Wanru replied.  

The plans settled, Madam Xiao and the concubines started a game of mahjong.  

The younger girls, uninterested, began to scatter. Xiao Anhui, linking arms with both Xiao Anya and Yu Wanru, suggested excitedly, “Let’s go shopping!”

Xiao Anya shook her head. “The semester’s about to start, and I still have to study. You should finish up your homework too.”

Deflated, Xiao Anhui muttered, “Fine, fine. I’ll head upstairs. Anya, you’re done with your homework. Why not go out with Wanru?”

Xiao Anya replied, “Not everyone is as playful as you. I need to practice piano. Wanru, why don’t you come to my room? You can read some books while I practice. How about it?”

Touched by their consideration, Yu Wanru nodded and followed Xiao Anya upstairs.  

Xiao Anya’s room, unlike Xiao Anhui’s, was minimalist and elegant, dominated by cream tones. A white piano near the window stood out as the centerpiece.

Yu Wanru gazed at it curiously.

“Want to try?” Xiao Anya asked.

Shaking her head, Yu Wanru replied, “I’ve never even seen one before, let alone played. I’d probably ruin it.”

“It’s not that fragile,” Xiao Anya said with a laugh. “But if you don’t want to, that’s fine. Have a seat, and I’ll play for you.”

Yu Wanru assumed Anya was a beginner but was surprised when the music flowed smoothly, captivating her.

Initially, she read while listening, but eventually, the book was set aside as she became fully engrossed.

When the song ended, Anya turned to her and asked, “How was it?”

Yu Wanru sincerely praised, “It was wonderful—gentle in the low parts and powerful in the highs, very moving.”

Xiao Anya smiled modestly. “Thank you, but please critique me too.”

Yu Wanru thought for a moment. “Near the end, it felt a bit stiff, as if it lacked fluency.”

Xiao Anya nodded repeatedly. “Yes, that part’s the hardest. I’ve practiced it countless times but still can’t perfect it. I’ll keep working on it. You listen more attentively than Anhui. I’ve played this for her so many times, and she never has any feedback—just sits there waiting for it to end.”

Yu Wanru chuckled. Anhui was indeed more carefree.

Xiao Anya played a few more pieces, and before they knew it, the day had flown by. By evening, the Xiao family began to gather again, bringing life and energy back into the house.

On the Xiao family’s dining table, it was never quiet. Everyone chatted and shared amusing stories.  

Even the youngest, Xiao Anqi, would animatedly talk about the delicious food she ate or the new dolls she got that day.  

Although Yu Wanru wasn’t entirely accustomed to such lively mealtime conversations, she found it surprisingly enjoyable and didn’t feel out of place.  

After dinner, she and Xiao Anlan took a stroll in the garden.  

The summer courtyard was vibrant and colorful. Cicadas called hoarsely from the trees, crickets played noisy tunes in the grass, and the evening breeze carried a faint scent of moonflowers.  

The two walked hand in hand along the cobblestone path. Initially, Yu Wanru felt a little uneasy, but she gradually relaxed.  

After wandering through the lawn, Xiao Anlan led her to sit on a white wicker chair and asked, “What did you do at home today?”  

“I spent the afternoon listening to Anya play the piano. She’s really good,” Yu Wanru replied.  

Xiao Anlan chuckled, “She suddenly took an interest in the piano when she was thirteen, and now it’s been five years. She has some skill and even performed at her school a couple of times.”  

Yu Wanru nodded gently, then asked, “Where is your classmate from? Where will he stay tonight?”  

Xiao Anlan answered, “He’s from the provincial capital. He had some business to take care of and stopped by to see me and Zhou Sheng. He’s already left.”  

They walked another round in the garden before returning to their room to freshen up and rest.  

Yu Wanru said, “You go wash up first.”  

Xiao Anlan smiled at her, “Darling, want to join me?”  

Yu Wanru lightly pushed him, “Hurry up, don’t dawdle.”  

Xiao Anlan teasingly lifted her chin and said, “Little lady, wait for your husband to come out.” He then went into the bathroom.  

Standing in place, Yu Wanru couldn’t help but smile and shake her head, though her heart suddenly beat faster for a fleeting moment.  

She sat on the sofa, picked up a book from the lampstand, and started flipping through it. However, the faint sound of running water from the bathroom made it hard for her to concentrate.  

She put down the book and gently patted her warm cheeks.  

Xiao Anlan came out soon after, so quickly that Yu Wanru doubted whether he had washed himself properly.  

He wore a robe, but the belt was loosely tied, exposing half of his wet chest.  

Yu Wanru averted her eyes, lowering her gaze to avoid looking at him. She was about to head into the bathroom when he suddenly stepped aside, blocking her path.  

Yu Wanru, caught off guard, bumped straight into his chest.

Xiao Anlan chuckled, “My lady is so eager, already throwing herself into my arms.”

Yu Wanru wiped the water off her face, helplessly pushing him away. “Can’t you speak properly? With all these cheesy words, what do you think you’re doing?”

Xiao Anlan playfully relented, “Alright, let’s try again.”  

He reached out and pulled Yu Wanru back into his embrace, saying, “Darling, give me a hug.”  

Yu Wanru was at a loss for words.  

After getting his way, Xiao Anlan planted a kiss on her lips before finally letting her go to shower.  

Yu Wanru knew there was no escaping him tonight. She deliberately slowed down her movements while washing up, the heat on her face refusing to dissipate.  

She had just finished when she heard Xiao Anlan outside, shouting, “Darling, are you done? I’m about to fall asleep.”  

Yu Wanru muttered softly, “It’d be better if you did; at least you’d behave.”  

Xiao Anlan added, “If you don’t come out soon, I’ll come in!” His tone was like a cunning wolf coaxing a rabbit out of its burrow.  

Fearing he might actually follow through, Yu Wanru hastily replied, “Alright, I’m almost done!”  

Finally dressed in her bathrobe, she reluctantly opened the door.  

Xiao Anlan, who had been waiting outside, immediately swept her into his arms. Taking a deep sniff, he said contentedly, “You smell so good—soft and fragrant.”  

Yu Wanru pushed his head away, “What’s so fragrant? We used the same soap.”  

“Doesn’t matter, you just smell better,” Xiao Anlan replied.  

He carried her to the sofa, letting her sit on his lap as though she were a child.  

Yu Wanru felt extremely uncomfortable in this position.  

“Darling, can we do it tonight?” Xiao Anlan asked expectantly.  

Yu Wanru lowered her lashes and gave a barely perceptible nod.  

Xiao Anlan hugged her tightly, saying, “You’re the best.”  

Yu Wanru was mortified. How could such a thing make her “the best”? Wasn’t this just part of married life?  

Xiao Anlan held her close, his lips leaving a trail of soft kisses along her cheek.

Yu Wanru quickly pressed her hand to his chest. “Aren’t we going to the bed?”

Xiao Anlan chuckled softly against her neck. “Don’t rush, we’ll go in a bit. Let’s have some fun on the sofa first.”

He said this, then left a red mark on the delicate skin behind her ear.

Yu Wanru sucked in a sharp breath, biting her lip, feeling lost as she hugged his neck. But then, remembering that she had to meet people the next day, she hurriedly said, “Don’t suck on me, someone might see tomorrow.”

Xiao Anlan mumbled, “If they see, even better. Who doesn’t know you’re my wife?”

Yu Wanru sighed in resignation, “Well, there’s no need for that, ah! Stop biting me…” She pushed him away and covered her ears.

He—he actually bit her! He was acting like a little puppy!

Xiao Anlan, pushed back into the sofa, had a few strands of hair falling over his forehead. Seeing Yu Wanru’s face flushed and her eyes wide with vigilance, he chuckled softly.

Yu Wanru’s face grew even redder at his laughter, her heart racing. She lowered her head, not daring to look at him. “What are you laughing at…”

Xiao Anlan spoke in a hoarse voice, “Darling, I really want to swallow you whole.”

Yu Wanru was stunned for a moment, her eyes wide and confused as she looked at him. “How would you swallow me?”

“Like this, bit by bit, slowly eating you up.”

Xiao Anlan’s voice was hoarse as he continuously left rose-red marks on her body, his large hand rubbing and caressing, like a wild animal marking its mate, arrogantly asserting his claim.

Yu Wanru’s body was flushed with a faint pink, as delicate and lustrous as a pearl, looking cute and enchanting.

The position of sitting opposite each other Face to face made Yu Wanru feel a bit strained. She furrowed her brows and bit her lip, trying to endure.

Xiao Anlan leaned forward, gently licking her lips, tenderly prying open her teeth, his tongue sweeping inside her mouth.

When they parted, a thin silver thread was left between their lips.

Xiao Anlan licked Yu Wanru’s lips again and asked in a hoarse voice, “Darling, how does it feel?”

Yu Wanru was gasping for breath, her face flushed, and her voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz: “It’s… it’s okay…”

Xiao Anlan, seemingly approving, kissed her again, “You’re really amazing.”

Yu Wanru felt extremely embarrassed. How could he say she was amazing for something like this?

However, she soon had no time to think about such things.

Once Xiao Anlan learned that she wasn’t uncomfortable, he stopped holding back and became even more reckless.

Afterward, Yu Wanru, exhausted, leaned against him.

Xiao Anlan picked her up and gently placed her on the bed.

Yu Wanru pulled the blanket over herself, ready to sleep.

However, Xiao Anlan pulled her blanket away, saying, “Darling, it’s still early. Let’s go again.”

Yu Wanru let out a soft whimper, but before she could refuse, her voice was swallowed by Xiao Anlan’s kiss.