Chapter 40: The Gift

The desk, the enamel mug, and that serious expression…

Is this man about to hold a meeting?

Even when Principal Zeng talked to Lin Qiao, it wasn’t this formal…

Lin Qiao was momentarily speechless, then controlled herself and didn’t roll her eyes. “I don’t think we have a trust issue.”

Not only did she control herself, but she also put on a serious expression. “First, our income is transparent. I never suspected you of hiding money or having any gray income.” She held up one finger.

“Second, when you ask me something, I tell you everything I can without hiding anything.” She held up another finger.

“Third, I never interfere with your social life. When you come home late occasionally, I don’t question you or look for long hairs on your shirt.” She held up a third finger.

If they were still in the initial stages of their partnership, Lin Qiao wouldn’t have said this. But they had already taken their cooperation to the bedroom and were getting along well, so she cared more about whether he was sharing a cucumber with someone else.

“Looking for long hairs on my shirt?” Ji Duo was very good at catching the main point. He had never heard of such a thing before, and Lin Qiao clearly knew about it but had never done it to him, showing she really trusted him in this regard.

Lin Qiao didn’t mention looking for long hairs was nothing compared to looking for perfume scents or lipstick marks. She had heard of someone even more meticulous, who, after being away for seven or eight days, checked the water and electricity meter records to see if her husband had been home.

“So, I don’t think we have a trust issue. If there is, it’s you not trusting me.” She wiggled her three fingers and concluded.

However, Ji Duo wasn’t asking about that. Facing Lin Qiao’s counter, he just picked up the enamel mug and took a sip of water as usual. He was used to talking to subordinates, showing no emotion, and skillfully applying pressure without making it obvious. Sure enough, his demeanor became even more serious after putting down the enamel mug. “First, you don’t tell me when you’re not feeling well.”

This referred to Lin Qiao’s menstrual period, which had caused a big misunderstanding between them.

“Second, when you need something, you don’t come to me, even after several instances.”

This referred to the issue of buying oil, which he had already asked about once. But as he said this, he gave Lin Qiao a deep look. That look wasn’t exactly accusatory, but it was calm and made her feel inexplicably guilty.

Lin Qiao felt guilty for 0.1 seconds, then remembered she had already explained everything and had valid reasons. Why should she feel guilty?

So she raised her eyebrows at him, indicating she was listening and he should continue. This reaction made Ji Duo pause for a moment, but he didn’t mention her little yellow book. “Most importantly, you never think of relying on me when you encounter problems.”

His dark eyes were steady, and his straight back leaned forward slightly as he concluded, “So, you have a serious trust issue with me that needs to be resolved.”

This time, Lin Qiao couldn’t manage her expression and looked up at the sky in exasperation. “Isn’t it said that women are the ones who like to bring up old issues? What’s going on with you?”

“I’m listing evidence to make sure you recognize it,” he said, clearly not thinking he was bringing up old issues and even turning the tables on her. “We are a team; you said that before we got married. I think there’s a discrepancy between what you say and what you do, and we need to discuss it.”

Lin Qiao suspected that if she were his subordinate, his last sentence would have been, “You need to give me an explanation for this.”

Was it necessary? It was as if she had made a huge mistake, and now they were having a family meeting…

Lin Qiao didn’t speak for a moment, overwhelmed by too many thoughts.

Seeing her attitude, Ji Duo frowned but quickly softened his expression. “I’m not questioning you; I’m trying to solve the problem with you.”

“Does Captain Ji usually talk to his soldiers like this?” Lin Qiao finally spoke up.

Before he could answer, she raised her hand and added, “I’m not trying to argue with you; I’m genuinely asking.”

Curious, she leaned over the desk, trying to read every emotion in his eyes. “Do you officers like to bring your military ways home? Treating family members like subordinates? I don’t see our dad doing that.”

As she leaned forward, her neckline inevitably dipped slightly. Ji Duo, being tall, immediately noticed her smooth, beautiful collarbone.

Instinctively, he adjusted her collar. “We’re discussing serious matters; be mindful.”

In those days, clothes had high necklines, so nothing much was visible. Lin Qiao didn’t move, and seeing this, Ji Duo frowned and pulled her collar up further. Now the neckline was almost up to her chin. Lin Qiao didn’t know what to say and simply sat back. “What do you think trust means? Crying and asking for help at the slightest problem? Or constantly asking for clothes, shoes, and jewelry?”

Ji Duo imagined it and frowned even more deeply.

“See, you can’t stand that either,” Lin Qiao said, spreading her hands. “Besides, before we got married, I promised I wouldn’t hold you back.”

Explaining point by point was too troublesome and easy to get sidetracked. It was better to set the tone so that there was no problem between them.

However, Ji Duo wasn’t easily swayed. “Before we got married, I also promised to take good care of you. This isn’t about holding each other back. Since we’re married, you shouldn’t try to solve everything on your own.”

“And if you have a problem, will you tell me everything?” Lin Qiao’s question left Ji Duo speechless.

Lin Qiao thought: You secretly do business and lie about having a friend. Is that enough trust in me?

Ji Duo thought about hiding things for his nephew and, most fundamentally, the arranged marriage switch…

He couldn’t refute her, so he remained silent, and Lin Qiao seized the opportunity. “See, we still need to give each other some space.”

She looked at him suspiciously. “Weren’t things fine before? Why suddenly care about this?”

This made Ji Duo even more silent. Honestly, he hadn’t figured it out yet, he just knew it shouldn’t be like this and needed to talk to Lin Qiao. If he couldn’t figure it out, Lin Qiao certainly couldn’t read anything from his face. It couldn’t be that they had become too familiar recently, losing the sense of distance, and he started wanting to control her, right?

This man was used to giving orders and disliked small talk. His words were always more about arrangements than inquiries. Fortunately, he didn’t meddle in everything, leaving enough space for each other. Otherwise, Lin Qiao would find his controlling nature too strong.

A desk separated them, and this family meeting didn’t achieve its intended goal, only reaching a consensus on the topic.

“Xiao Ji! Do you want cucumbers and tomatoes?” Suddenly, Commander Liang’s wife’s voice came outside the window, breaking the silence.

The couple almost simultaneously got up and went to open the door, showing a rare moment of mutual understanding.

Commander Liang’s wife stood in her yard. “Homegrown, you can eat them raw. Do you want me to bring them over?”

Farming seemed ingrained in their genes. Even though Commander Liang had risen to his rank, his wife still enjoyed gardening in their yard, growing vegetables for their own use. She was surprised to see Lin Qiao on the second floor. “Xiao Lin, you’re back too?” she asked, bringing the vegetables over. “Did you find your relative?”

“We have news,” Lin Qiao replied without elaborating.

“That’s good. It’s worrying when someone is gone for several days.” Commander Liang’s wife placed the vegetables by the living room door. “Wash them, and they’re ready to eat. Homegrown, fresher than store-bought. If you like them, I can pick more in a couple of days.”

This person was always kind-hearted, but their attitude was never this warm. Lin Qiao felt a bit unaccustomed. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

“Thank me for what? If you don’t take them, we can’t finish them ourselves,” Commander Liang’s wife was about to leave but then turned to Lin Qiao. “My maiden name is Liu, Liu Cuiying.”

Exchanging names with Lin Qiao showed that their relationship wasn’t just based on their husbands’ connections.

Moreover, Lin Qiao was no longer teaching Junzi, so it was clear that Liu Cuiying wasn’t trying to build a good relationship for her son’s sake.

This made Lin Qiao less resistant, and she smoothly changed her address. “Sister Liu.”

Liu Cuiying visibly relaxed, and her small eyes crinkled into a smile. “If you need anything, just come next door. I’m home all day.”

In Liu Cuiying’s view, Lin Qiao was still too pretty, but she knew that Lin Qiao’s ability to improve Junzi’s grades wasn’t just based on her looks.

Junzi also mentioned that Teacher Lin went to great lengths to help a girl in their class who was falsely accused, even almost getting hit by the girl’s father (Junzi exaggerated). A teacher who cares about students is a good teacher, especially since Lin Qiao was just a substitute.

Liu Cuiying left with a sigh; her attitude had completely changed compared to two months ago. But if you looked closely, it wasn’t an overnight change. Every subtle shift had a traceable reason.

Ji Duo’s gaze fell on Lin Qiao.

The young woman had just washed her hair and tied it into a casual ponytail, with a few strands falling by her ears, softening her otherwise sharp features, unlike earlier upstairs, where she seemed ready to negotiate fiercely.

Thinking of this, Ji Duo’s brow furrowed again. When Lin Qiao turned her head, she found him staring at her intently. What’s going on? Wasn’t the meeting enough? Ready to continue upstairs?

Lin Qiao raised an eyebrow, her demeanor instantly taking on a hint of a thorny rose.

Ji Duo just looked at her. “We’ll talk next time.” He bent down and started picking up the vegetables on the floor.

He really plans to continue? Even though he said, “Next time,”…

Lin Qiao felt a bit speechless. Meanwhile, Ji Duo had already washed the cucumbers and tomatoes, placing some outside and some in the fridge.

Speaking of which, the design of fridges in those days was quite impractical. The freezer was in a small compartment at the top, and the refrigerator was at the bottom. With his long legs, Ji Duo looked a bit cramped squatting down.

Lin Qiao took a washed tomato and had just taken a bite when she heard him say, “Tomorrow night, we’ll eat at home.”

Tomorrow night? She was puzzled for a moment. “Isn’t tomorrow Wednesday?”

Actually, the day she went back to her hometown was their regular visit to the old house. Lin Qiao remembered and asked, “What did you tell Mom last Sunday?”

“I told her I had something to do at the unit.” Without consulting Lin Qiao, Ji Duo didn’t mention Lin Wei’s disappearance.

In fact, this was better than many men who wouldn’t take responsibility and would even push their own responsibilities onto their wives. He didn’t want to attend a gathering because his wife wouldn’t let him go. He didn’t want to spend money because his wife wouldn’t let him.

Lin Qiao’s expression softened. “Thank you.”

This made Ji Duo straighten up and look at her with his dark eyes. “Tomorrow is my birthday.”

His tone was casual as if answering Lin Qiao’s previous question.

But this answer…

Lin Qiao was stunned for two seconds before swallowing the tomato in her mouth. “Your birthday is tomorrow? Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Ji Duo raised his eyelids slightly. “It’s on the household registration. I thought you knew.”

When they married, they checked each other’s personal information, and Lin Qiao had seen his household registration, but…

“Just that brief moment, and you expect me to remember?” Lin Qiao felt he was just nitpicking. “Do you know when my birthday is?”

“March 23, 1962.”

Lin Qiao: “…”

Do all male leads have photographic memories, or are they so meticulous that they remember even their partners’ birthdays?

Lin Qiao was at a loss for words. The man’s expression didn’t change despite winning this round. Instead, he looked at her again as if accusing her.

Lin Qiao suddenly felt like he was the teacher, and she was the student who got called on but couldn’t answer the question. It was a bit frustrating, but fortunately, the man had to go to work in the afternoon, so there wasn’t enough time for another meeting about their partnership’s sincerity.

After he left, Lin Qiao still went to check the household registration and found that his birthday was indeed tomorrow.

With only one day left—no, just half a day—no matter how capable Lin Qiao was, she couldn’t conjure up a gift for him.

Actually, not giving a gift would be fine. Last time, when Xu Li had a birthday, this man didn’t seem to have the awareness to give a gift either. But she told him that giving more gifts wouldn’t anger people. And good partners would at least make a gesture, especially since their relationship had gone beyond mere partnership. Not giving a gift would be a bit inappropriate.

When Ji Duo came home from work in the evening, he noticed that Lin Qiao was different from usual. He couldn’t pinpoint what was different—maybe her lips were redder, maybe her eyes were brighter—but she looked pretty good. Her hair was styled, tied low at the back, and she wore a dress that reached her calves… Yes, the same dress she wore when she kicked him while sitting on the desk.

Ji Duo calmly hung his military cap on the coat rack. “Are you going out later?”

“No, just going to the cafeteria for a meal.” Lin Qiao had already changed her shoes and was at the door when the man frowned at her. “You’re going to the cafeteria?”

“What? Do we need to have a meeting to discuss this too?” Lin Qiao smiled, raising her eyebrows at him.

Ji Duo didn’t say anything, but for some reason, he didn’t particularly want Lin Qiao to go out like this. After a moment, he picked up his military cap from the coat rack again. “I’ll go buy it.”

Even at home, this old cadre helped her with this and that. Fortunately, he only helped without saying anything or criticizing her, letting her dress as she wished.

Lin Qiao felt she didn’t lose out; just watching his behavior was worth it.

Besides, women dress up for themselves. She was just usually too lazy, and there were too few types of cosmetics in those days.

Throughout the meal, Ji Duo noticed Lin Qiao seemed in a good mood and kept glancing at him. This made him pause with his chopsticks. “Do you have something you want to tell me?”

For some reason, Lin Qiao thought of herself at noon when she was curious and followed him upstairs.

Such a familiar formula, such a familiar taste, but the tables had turned this time, and he was the one in the dark.

Lin Qiao suppressed a smile and nodded. “Let’s eat first, and we’ll talk after dinner.”

However, after dinner, she didn’t rush. She watched the news with him and then took him for a walk in the yard until it got dark.

Ji Duo was really patient. She didn’t speak, and he didn’t ask.

When Lin Qiao felt it was about time, she picked up the enamel mug—yes, on purpose. “Let’s go upstairs and talk.”

Once upstairs, she gestured for him to sit opposite her at the desk. It seemed formal yet not quite serious. Ji Duo was still pondering when Lin Qiao suddenly turned off the bedroom light.

The sudden darkness left Ji Duo momentarily blind. When he could vaguely see again, a soft body had already been pushed into his arms. He instinctively caught and steadied her, realizing Lin Qiao was straddling his lap. The woman wrapped her arms around his neck, and the movement lifted her skirt, exposing her pale knees to the air, within easy reach.

His hands tightened involuntarily, and Lin Qiao leaned in to whisper in his ear, “An early birthday gift. Do you want it?”

With nothing else to give, they could just sleep together. After all, it would make him happy, her happy, and everyone would feel good. From the very beginning, Lin Qiao was never one to be reserved, and now it was even less likely. Feeling the man’s lips pressing against hers, she even gave a light bite.

This bite instantly intensified Ji Duo’s advance, and his hand naturally gripped the back of her neck. It seemed that in such matters, men were accustomed to taking absolute initiative, always kissing deeply, and soon Lin Qiao couldn’t help but let out a soft moan.

This made Ji Duo pull back slightly, but his scorching hand continued to caress her thigh, grabbing her leg under her skirt.

The man seemed to have been wanting to do this for a long time, his grip a bit rough. In the dim light, one could even see his taut jawline and Adam’s apple.

Just as his arm was about to lift her up, Lin Qiao pressed on his shoulder, breathing lightly, “Right here.”

She took out something she had hidden in the drawer beforehand, “I said you don’t need to take it off this time.”

Her voice brushed against the man’s ear, and Ji Duo’s eyes darkened. He raised his hand to grip the back of her head, biting her lip from the side.

In the darkness, the sound of a belt buckle hitting the ground was heard. Lin Qiao was already weak from the kiss but teased him, “I haven’t drawn the curtains yet. Do you mind?”

The rustling of clothes suddenly stopped.

Lin Qiao widened her phoenix eyes, “No way, you really can stop for that?”

“No.” The man paused, his low, husky voice revealing a rare hint of helplessness, “The condom broke.”

“Ripped?” Lin Qiao couldn’t believe it, “You’ve only used it a few times?”

It was true that it hadn’t been used much, but when Ji Duo started using it, it was already a bit tight. Back in those days, everything was handmade, and the quality was…

“It’s fine, I prepared two.” Lin Qiao went to the drawer and pulled out another one.

And then…

Then she heard the man in the dark seem to pause, “The last time I washed them, one got torn.”

Lin Qiao also fell silent. It had only been less than two months, and there were only two left for the whole year.

“Today is just not my day, so maybe you should hold off on accepting the gift.” She patted the man’s chest, which she had just pulled the shirt away from. “If not, go check the old trash bins at home.”

What a pity, she had only unbuttoned three buttons on purpose earlier, wanting that kind of barely exposed, barely undressed look, and now it was all ruined.

Feeling regretful, Lin Qiao reached in to touch it but was immediately grabbed by the man’s wrist. However, the warmth of his palm almost burned her, and the man didn’t move again. Ji Duo also felt that today was just not his day, fearing that the remaining two would also meet a tragic end.

I’ll call again when I get back, Ji Duo thought.

Maybe I should ask Sister Yan if we can get some from abroad, Lin Qiao thought.

If she kept holding this in, she didn’t know if Ji Duo would have a problem, but she was afraid she got a tumor.

Lin Qiao couldn’t sleep and even suggested, “Maybe we should tidy up the room next door? We should control the frequency; overindulgence isn’t good.”

Something about this statement struck a chord with Ji Duo, causing him to momentarily stop breathing.

However, after Lin Qiao said it, she didn’t feel great about it either. Enjoying something so much, and it’s legal, why limit it?

Both felt somewhat unsatisfied, and the atmosphere was inevitably different when they returned to the old house the next day.

Xu Li noticed but didn’t pry. After all, it’s the couple’s life, and a mother-in-law can’t intervene at every little sign of trouble.

Xu Li didn’t say anything, and neither did the old man, but that didn’t mean Ye Minshu wouldn’t. Although she hadn’t noticed anything specific, Lin Qiao was like a thorn in her side. Whenever she had the chance, she would find a way to poke at it, making herself feel better.

Today is Ji Duo’s birthday. Although the family agreed not to celebrate, she still came on behalf of Ji Jun and Ji Ze, bringing a few bags of fruit and a fish. After delivering the gifts, she didn’t leave immediately and suddenly asked Lin Qiao, “I remember Xiao Qiao is at Xiao Ze’s unit’s middle school, right?”

Almost as soon as she spoke, Lin Qiao knew she was looking for trouble. She smiled without saying anything, waiting to see what she would do.

Sure enough, Ye Minshu brought up Song Jing, “She’s doing well in school, and the teachers value her. Last year, they urged her to graduate early, but she felt she wasn’t ready and postponed it to next summer. The teachers even introduced several places for her to choose from.”

The country lacks talent, especially in the 77 and 78 cohorts, so teachers indeed urge students to graduate in three or three and a half years. But what does Song Jing’s success have to do with Lin Qiao? Lin Qiao has no interaction with Song Jing.

Old Mr. Ji was already frowning, and Xu Li’s expression had also cooled. Ye Minshu finally got to the point, “She’s been tutoring Xiao Ling these past few days, and I found out she’s going to Xiao Qiao’s school. Xiao Qiao, if you need anything, just ask her for help.”

It sounded like good intentions, but Song Jing hasn’t graduated yet. Even if she goes, she’ll be an intern. How can she help Lin Qiao?

Or does she think Lin Qiao, who has been working for several months, is still not as good as an intern who hasn’t started?

“Comrade Song teaches well.” Lin Qiao, sitting next to Xu Li, smiled. “When they were selecting substitute teachers for the first year, she and I both tried out.”

Ye Minshu clearly didn’t know this and was stunned. “She tried out with you?”

“Yes, but she wasn’t selected.” Before Lin Qiao could speak, Ji Duo had already put down his newspaper and said in a deep voice, “Sister-in-law, do you have any other questions?”

Facing Lin Qiao, Ye Minshu could still find ways to poke at her, but when Ji Duo looked at her with those dark eyes, she felt uncertain.

“If you have nothing else, you should go back.”

Old Mr. Ji also felt that the eldest daughter-in-law was only there to cause trouble. “Don’t treat everything as a treasure without understanding it first.”

Those words were indeed harsh, and Ye Minshu’s face flushed. She wanted to argue that Song Jing, being a university student, couldn’t possibly be inferior to Lin Qiao. Then, the phone in the living room rang. Xu Li answered it, said “Hmm” twice, then suddenly looked at Lin Qiao. “Qiao Qiao, did you write a letter to the leaders’ mailbox?”