Chapter 43: Only Looking, Not Eating

Li Xia watched as half of the meat and dishes were taken away, leaving only enough for tonight’s meal. Her face turned sour, and she couldn’t even be bothered to see them off.

It was just Han Shimin, Han Shiguo, Jiang Qian, and Han’s mother left, as Han’s father had already gone back to bed after drinking a bit and getting a bit tipsy.

“You all take your time,” Han’s mother said to the two daughters and sons-in-law.

“Alright,” they all replied.

After seeing them off, Han Shiguo led Jiang Qian and his mother back home. Han Shimin laughed, saying, “Finally finished with all the work.”

“After half a day of work, it’s time to rest,” Han’s mother said, though she was tired, she seemed clearly happy. Her youngest son’s wedding was a huge burden lifted from her heart, and now, it had truly come to fruition.

Han Shimin nodded and went back to his room.

However, as soon as he came back, he saw Li Xia with a long face. He was puzzled and asked, “What’s wrong?” What was with that gloomy expression? Was she trying to start trouble for no reason?

“What’s wrong? You really don’t know?” Li Xia muttered. “Even Mother gave so much meat and dishes to the neighbors. All they did was lend us a few bowls, chopsticks, and some stools. Was it really necessary to give so much?”

“Whenever anyone does something good, they should give what’s appropriate. With how well Shiguo’s wedding went, it’s not a big deal to give away a bit of meat,” Han Shimin shot her a glance.

“And what about those portions we gave to Elder Sister and them? Doesn’t she know we have a whole family here?” Li Xia snapped.

“As for Third Sister, fine. She lives in the county committee compound, so it’s not a big deal to bring her some leftovers. But these relatives should be treated well. After all, they were helpful.”

“But why was Elder Sister and Second Sister given so much? They’re all so poor, it’s ridiculous.”

“Especially Second Brother-in-law, he even gave Second Sister a look, trying to get more. Don’t think I didn’t notice!”

“Really shameless, always asking for more!”

“It’s not like you’re the one paying for the wedding. Shiguo and his wife haven’t said anything, yet you’re already upset,” Han Shimin said, still thinking it was about something serious.

“Elder Sister and Second Sister came early, bringing eggs with them. They immediately started washing pots and vegetables. Elder Brother-in-law even helped with killing the chickens and fish. Second Brother-in-law, though a bit lazy, helped with entertaining the guests, keeping the mood up.”

“Now, they’re taking some leftover wedding candy and meat back for the nieces and nephews. Isn’t that what’s expected?”

“Everything’s been given, don’t go looking for trouble over something like this!” Han Shimin warned.

Li Xia was speechless. Is this man forgetting that they have four children?

If others get one more bite of meat, their children get one less!

She knew that even with their family’s situation, they only ate meat twice a month—meat wasn’t an everyday thing!

Now, so much of the meat had been given away, and there was hardly any left for their own family. How could she be happy about that?

…

Han Shiguo and Jiang Qian didn’t discuss this matter.

Han Shiguo felt it was only right. His eldest and second sisters didn’t have much, and they had a lot of children. Bringing more back for the nieces and nephews to taste wasn’t an issue.

As for Jiang Qian, she wasn’t born and raised here, so she truly didn’t mind such things.

Marriage really was exhausting, and they both just wanted to rest for a while.

Once they entered the room, Han Shiguo locked the door behind them.

Although locking the door was perfectly normal, Jiang Qian couldn’t help but feel her face heat up when she saw him do it. She muttered, “Why are you locking the door?”

“It’s nothing,” Han Shiguo replied innocently. “Just thought we could rest for a bit first. Otherwise, if the kids come in, they might disturb us.” Although he was eager to be with his wife, it was the middle of the day, and he wasn’t about to rush it. It was already 2:30 p.m., and he could wait a little longer.

Jiang Qian realized she had misunderstood, and her face turned even redder. Once she figured it out, she shot him a playful glare—he was doing it on purpose.

Han Shiguo was indeed doing it on purpose. Though he hadn’t planned to be with her right now, that didn’t mean he wasn’t enjoying the moment.

His delicate, tempting wife was simply irresistible, and he couldn’t help but draw closer.

Jiang Qian’s face flushed bright red. She quickly said, “You… stop messing around, it’s the middle of the day, and… I… I’m not… well, I’m on my period.”

Han Shiguo was about to tease her further, thinking that if she wasn’t enticing, then what was? But when he heard her last words, he froze.

“What?” he asked, stunned. Though he hadn’t experienced much, he knew enough to be surprised.

At his age, Han Shiguo wasn’t so naïve as to not know that every woman has those few days each month. He had enough experience with his comrades to understand that during those days, a woman’s mood could be a bit off, and it was best to be gentle and understanding.

However, he never expected that on his eagerly anticipated wedding night, he’d be hit with this situation.

“Poof!” Jiang Qian couldn’t help but laugh.

His expression alone could be used as a teaching example at Beiying Film Academy!

It was pure, unfiltered emotion on his face!

But could it really be anything else?

Just think about it—Han Shiguo was already twenty-six, still a complete bachelor, and now, he had married the woman he had longed for. He had been dreaming about this moment, and now it had come, only to be interrupted by something like this!

In the end, it was a case of “Only Looking, not Eating.”

“Forget it. After all, you’re already my wife. You can’t run away. It’s fine if we wait a bit to eat,” Han Shiguo said with a resigned sigh, planting a soft kiss on her lips. “Tomorrow, let’s go get our marriage certificate first.”

Jiang Qian blushed, softly replying with a quiet “Mm.”

Seeing his wife so obedient, Han Shiguo’s heart ached with affection. But even though he longed to kiss her again, he restrained himself. Instead, he just held her gently around the waist and comforted her, as if calming himself, “You’ve worked hard all day. Let’s rest for a while.”

Jiang Qian was indeed a little tired. Anyone who has gone through a wedding knows how exhausting it can be. Even though there weren’t many grand ceremonies, it still took a lot of energy to greet the guests, clean up the dishes, and help with everything else. It was mentally and physically draining.

And perhaps it was because she liked him, but in his arms, Jiang Qian felt an unusual sense of security. The scent of him was soothing, and before long, she had fallen asleep.

Han Shiguo looked down at his wife in his arms, a smile on his face and a subtle sense of pride in his heart.

Finally, she was his wife, brought home to be by his side!

He allowed himself to rest for a bit too.

When he woke up, it was already past four o’clock.

Han’s parents, Han Shimin, and Li Xia had also gotten up by then.

Han Shimin felt much more energized after his nap. He was genuinely happy for his younger brother, helping out with the wedding preparations.

However, Li Xia still wore a sour expression, her mind preoccupied with the fact that so much meat had been given away.

When Han Shiguo and Jiang Qian emerged, Li Xia’s eldest daughter, Han Jiayue, immediately spoke up, saying, “Aunt, aren’t you going to give us a meeting red envelope?”

Jiang Qian glanced at her niece and smiled, “Have you had your wedding candy?”

“Wedding candy is one thing, but the red envelope is another,” Han Jiayue replied. “Uncle gave your family so much dowry; surely, you’re not going to be too stingy to give us a red envelope?”