Chapter 39

Cha Jiuzhang opened his eyes, released her head, and instead gently held her shoulders, bending down to stare into her eyes.

Softening his tone, he asked carefully, “Who exactly told you that there was something between me and Xiaofang?”

He and Xiaoliu had indeed taken extra care of Xiaofang before, out of respect for Songzi.

A widow’s doorstep invites gossip.

Especially when the widow is young and beautiful—rumors are inevitable.

But he had always believed that everything he did was aboveboard, with nothing to hide.

So, he had never cared.

But if someone had run to Jiang Tiantian and started spreading nonsense, then that was something he had to care about.

Jiang Tiantian’s eyes darted around again.

“No one told me. I figured it out myself.”

Cha Jiuzhang was momentarily stunned before feeling relieved. He straightened his posture and asked skeptically, “And how exactly did you figure that out?”

With her chaotic thought process, she probably hadn’t even sorted out her own emotions, let alone someone else’s.

Seeing his doubtful expression, Jiang Tiantian huffed and argued,

“I’m telling you, don’t underestimate me—I saw it in Xiaofang herself.”

“The moment she found out I was your wife today, her face turned pale, like she was devastated.”

“You’re telling me she has no feelings for you? Only a fool would believe that.”

Cha Jiuzhang frowned slightly, carefully recalling his interactions with Xiaofang over the past two years.

There was absolutely no room for ambiguity.

“Impossible. You must’ve misread it.”

“Back then, she and Songzi loved each other deeply. We all saw it with our own eyes.”

“After Songzi passed, her actions earned nothing but our gratitude and respect. There was never anything else.”

“To me, as long as she doesn’t remarry, she will always be our sister-in-law.”

“So don’t say things like that again. If others hear it, it won’t be good for her. She’s a woman raising a child alone—it’s hard enough for her as it is.”

Crisis averted.

Jiang Tiantian smiled at herself mockingly—she never thought she’d have a day where she felt insecure.

But she had to admit, Cha Jiuzhang really was the ultimate straight-laced guy.

Looks like she was just overreacting.

For now, at least, the man was still hers.

“Alright, I won’t say it again.”

“But, Cha Jiuzhang, I still have to warn you—Xiaofang definitely doesn’t have pure intentions toward you.”

“Don’t be so quick to refute me.”

“A woman’s mind is best understood by another woman.”

“Just look at yourself—you look like this, always being considerate and caring. If you don’t realize the effect that has, then any woman would be moved.”

“Besides, Songzi has been gone for so long. Can you guarantee she’ll never have a change of heart?”

Cha Jiuzhang thought for a moment and found her words somewhat reasonable.

After all, Xiaofang was still a young single woman, and even with a child, she had suitors.

Even he didn’t believe she would remain devoted to Songzi for life.

Cha Jiuzhang ruffled Jiang Tiantian’s hair.

“Alright, I get it. From now on, I’ll have Xiaoliu and the others handle anything related to her. I’ll keep my distance—is that good enough for you?”

“Honestly, I barely see her to begin with.”

Jiang Tiantian’s expression finally brightened. “As long as you understand. Just be mindful in the future.”

“For other women, especially those who are interested in you, you should be cold and distant from the start—don’t give them any false hope.”

“Just look—first Ayi Duo, now Xiaofang. It’s the same thing.”

She shot him a glare. “Hmph, men who attract trouble!”

Cha Jiuzhang stared at her expressive little face and ruffled her hair again.

She really was like a cat—proud yet adorable.

“From now on, I’ll only be good to you. Happy now?”

Jiang Tiantian swatted his hand away. “Why do you love patting my head so much? I’m not a mop.”

Cha Jiuzhang’s hand paused, then he forcefully ruffled her hair again. “A mop is way more obedient than you.”

“At least it doesn’t constantly bring up breaking up.”

At that, Cha Jiuzhang’s expression turned serious.

“Jiang Tiantian, let me warn you—this is the first and last time. If you ever dare to say things like ‘men and women should go their separate ways’ in front of me again, see how I deal with you.”

“If there’s a problem or something on your mind, just tell me. We’ll deal with it together.”

“Your name is already in our Cha family’s genealogy. In our family, there’s no such thing as divorce—only widowhood.”

“As long as you’re my woman for a day, you’ll be my woman for a lifetime!”

Jiang Tiantian jumped back in shock.

Hearing such an over-the-top, almost villainous line come out of Cha Jiuzhang’s mouth made her want to laugh—what was this?

It suddenly gave her the vibe of ‘How dare you touch my woman!’

Oh no, now she really wanted to laugh.

And then, she actually did—“Pfft.”

She glanced at Cha Jiuzhang’s expression.

Uh-oh…

Crap.

How could she laugh at such a serious moment?

Screw it! Jiang Tiantian burst into laughter and bolted.

The best strategy? Run first!

Cha Jiuzhang’s face turned dark.

Very good, woman—you’ve successfully pissed me off again.

He strode after her.

Damn brat, she’s fast?!

Just as she was about to reach the house, he finally caught up, grabbed her from behind, and dragged her to the side.

“Ahh!”

Jiang Tiantian yelped as he lifted her up, carrying her effortlessly.

Soon, he had her pressed against a tree outside the Cha family’s courtyard.

“Funny, huh?”

“…Not funny.”

Jiang Tiantian clamped both hands over her mouth, desperately trying to hide her smirk.

Cha Jiuzhang, now exasperated, saw her curved eyes—still laughing!

Lies! Who was she trying to fool?

He pried her hands away, revealing a bright, blooming smile.

Suppressing his own amusement, he murmured, “Still laughing?”

Jiang Tiantian gave up and laughed freely.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

“I wasn’t disagreeing with what you said.”

“It’s just… you’re so chuunibyou, but honestly, it’s kinda cute. I like it.”

Cha Jiuzhang’s face darkened. “What’s chuunibyou?”

And what did ‘cute’ have to do with him?

“Uh, it means…” Jiang Tiantian’s eyes flickered. “It’s a compliment! It means you’re very mature and thoughtful.”

Cha Jiuzhang’s gaze grew more suspicious—this didn’t sound like a good thing.

Under his skeptical stare, Jiang Tiantian nodded earnestly.

“Yes… that’s exactly what it means. I swear.”

Then—“Pfft.” She laughed again.

Cha Jiuzhang ran a hand down his face. “Stop laughing.”

This brat had completely lost it!

Jiang Tiantian didn’t know why, but she just couldn’t stop laughing.

Afraid of triggering him further, she tried to hold it in—eyes wide, lips clamped shut.

Cha Jiuzhang glanced at her flushed face, her lips already bearing faint teeth marks.

So soft and ripe, like a cherry about to burst…

His voice dropped, husky.

“Stop biting your lip.”