Chapter 58: Frustration

After a long, exhausting day, Xiao Qingru collapsed onto the bed as soon as she got back to her new home, shedding her jacket and shirt, not wanting to move a muscle.

When Xu Muzhou walked in, he was greeted by an alluring sight. She lay there in just a white tank top, her skin looking fair and soft. Hearing him enter, she turned her head slightly, showing off her graceful neckline like a regal swan.

Suppressing his rising desire, he said, “The water’s ready if you want to take a bath.”

Xiao Qingru hadn’t noticed his mood, hugging her pillow and whining, “I’m so tired I can’t even move a finger.”

Her adorable complaint made Xu Muzhou smile. For her, he’d do anything even if it meant bringing down the stars.

He fetched a basin of warm water and gently wiped her face. She relaxed under his care, her eyes half closed. “Just wiping isn’t going to make me feel clean,” she mumbled.

“That’s okay. Rest first, then you can wash up properly.”

“Aren’t you going to find me gross?”

“Of course not.”

“But I feel gross.”

Knowing her preference for cleanliness, especially in the warmer weather, Xu Muzhou had prepared the hot water as soon as they got home.

“How about I give you a massage first to help you relax?”

She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “A serious* massage?”

He laughed, a low chuckle escaping him. “If you want something less serious… I can accommodate.”

In recent times, they’d grown closer, though they hadn’t crossed the final line. With some experience, Xiao Qingru didn’t blush like before, saying playfully, “Alright, Xu Comrade, if you insist.”

Xu Muzhou put on a serious face. “It would be easier without all these clothes in the way.”

She laughed and threw a pillow at him. “So much for serious!”

Innocently, he replied, “I haven’t done anything! How am I not serious?”

“And what are you planning to do?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Though she tried to keep calm, Xu Muzhou’s intense gaze brought color to her cheeks, her heartbeat speeding up. Trying to sound firm, she commanded, “Get to work!”

But to him, it seemed like she was pretending to be fierce.

He started with a proper massage, but soon his hands strayed, turning his strokes into tender caresses. “Just focus on my back!” she scolded.

“I’m just thorough,” he replied with a smile.

Sighing, she gently held his wandering hand. But he moved closer, brushing a warm kiss along her shoulder, and whispered, “You haven’t bathed yet.”

“I’ll clean up later,” he murmured.

“No, it’s different for a woman. I need to be careful.”

She calmly explained what she knew, setting her embarrassment aside for the sake of her health, hoping he would understand.

Xu Muzhou immediately reassured her, “I’ll make sure I’m clean for you in the future.”

“Good. That’s the mark of a good husband.”

He kissed her cheek, half joking, “Then give me a real reward for that.”

“Don’t push your luck.”

“You didn’t say no, so I’ll take that as a yes.”

Grabbing some clean clothes, he headed to the bathroom, leaving her in peace.

In the meantime, Xiao Qingru started to dry her hair, her thoughts drifting to what lay ahead that night. She took her time washing, mixing anticipation with a touch of fear.

When she finally emerged with damp hair and a flushed face, she saw Xu Muzhou watching her with warm eyes. The small space of their cozy apartment seemed even cozier.

While he finished up in the bathroom, she settled on the couch, listening to the radio softly.

Soon enough, he returned and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. With a sly smile, he remarked, “You didn’t have to put anything on. It’ll just come off again.”

But as the moments went on, things didn’t go as smoothly as expected. Pain halted her, and despite his reassurance, both felt a bit defeated.

Maybe it would be best to try another time, she thought, her earlier curiosity replaced by a lingering anxiety. “Let’s just leave it for tonight,” she murmured, comforting him and herself.

Xu Muzhou’s face showed his disappointment, yet he held her tightly, whispering, “Let’s sleep, then.”

Both lay there with complex emotions. Xiao Qingru wondered how others managed, while Xu Muzhou, though feeling inadequate, resolved to make her proud one day. Soon, her exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted into a light sleep.

Later in the night, half awake, she felt a gentle touch. Drowsy and trusting, she murmured an agreement. But the sudden surge of pain brought her fully awake, tears welling up.

Xu Muzhou held her close, his voice full of love. “Qingru, I love you.”