Chapter 13: Thank You

“How was work today? Are the doctors and nurses easy to get along with?”

Lin You nodded. “Everyone’s nice.”

She remembered what Xiao Bei said earlier the head nurse had feelings for Dan Ye, Qin Lang’s close associate. Curious, she asked, “Is Dan Ye handsome?”

Qin Lang looked at her, slightly surprised. “Asking about another man’s looks in front of your own husband is a bit rude, don’t you think?”

Lin You rolled her eyes and shared her chat with Xiao Bei and Xiao Nan from earlier, which made Qin Lang chuckle.

“The medical team is really gossipy. You’ve only been there a day, and you already know their secrets.”

Chatting, they soon reached home. Lin You changed into a fresh outfit and returned to the living room.

“Why did you change? You looked great in your uniform,” Qin Lang commented, recalling her appearance.

“It’s too stiff. I felt like I was still on duty wearing it,” she explained as she headed to the kitchen. “The military shoes are so hard, I barely wanted to walk. Flat shoes would be better.”

“Yoyo,” Qin Lang called her name seriously.

“What’s wrong?”

“Everyone has to wear them. It’s been the rule for years to remind us to maintain military decorum. Even if it’s uncomfortable, there shouldn’t be complaints in front of others.” His tone was firm, not noticing her subtle reaction.

Lin You replied, “I know.” But deep down, she felt uneasy. She hadn’t complained publicly did he really think she didn’t understand the rules? She also recalled his awkward reaction when he saw her at the cafeteria, which further annoyed her. Did he think she embarrassed him? She hadn’t done it on purpose.

She knew he’d given the lunchtime order for her benefit, but his words earlier still lingered, making her want to ignore him and focus on her tasks instead.

Qin Lang, immersed in his own thoughts, didn’t notice her mood change. Seeing her busy with cooking, he sat down to play a military strategy game.

At dinner, Qin Lang finally sensed something was amiss. “What’s wrong? Isn’t it to your taste?” he asked, muttering to himself, “It shouldn’t be, didn’t you cook it?”

He placed a piece of chicken on her plate. Lin You rolled her eyes internally but, seeing his intent gaze, couldn’t bring herself to stay mad. She shifted the conversation.

“Why did you tell Captain Song that we’re married? Dad said we should keep a low profile.”

Qin Lang, satisfied she was talking again, replied, “There are so many people in the residential area. They’ll find out sooner or later. And it’s the truth, not an issue of low profile.”

Seeing her confused look, he lightly tapped her forehead with the other end of his chopsticks, grinning as she let out an “ouch.” He added, “Try to avoid the cafeteria for lunch, it’s not ideal for appearances.”

She thought, “Didn’t he already give that order?” She replied, “Wasn’t the order sent out this afternoon that we don’t have to eat at the cafeteria? That was you?”

Qin Lang looked at her directly and nodded.

“Well, thanks. I didn’t want to go anyway,” she replied, thinking of how hot the walk was, with no shade along the route.

“How do you plan to thank me?” Qin Lang asked, intrigued.

“Didn’t I already cook chicken for you?”

“But I don’t feel like eating chicken,” he said, his gaze growing intense. “I’d rather eat you.”

Seeing his deep, smoldering eyes, Lin You blushed and looked down, pretending not to hear, hiding behind her food.

Qin Lang saw her shy reaction and toned it down. He resumed eating, secretly planning his next move.

Later in the bedroom, Lin You was looking for sleepwear when Qin Lang came up from behind, taking the chosen pajamas from her hand. He picked out a blue silk slip dress she’d worn back home.

“No,” she said, shaking her head.

“Why not? You wore this at home all the time.”

“It was hot back in City C. It’s cooler here; I don’t need it,” she countered, taking the nightgown and putting it back.

“Yoyo…” he murmured.

“Hmm?” She turned around, puzzled, only to find him sitting on the bed, looking slightly hurt.

“What’s wrong?”

“Yoyo, are you starting to dislike me? We’re coming up on seven years of marriage.”

Lin You had never seen him like this, so vulnerable. Sitting next to him, she gently turned his face toward her. “No, we haven’t even been together for most of that time.”

His eyes brightened with excitement. “Then can I kiss you?”

She hadn’t expected him to ask definitely out of character but nodded.

With a mischievous smile, Qin Lang wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in for a kiss. Initially tender, it quickly grew intense as he deepened the kiss, savoring every moment.

When his lips moved down to her neck, she stopped him. “No… it’ll leave a mark. Military uniforms can’t hide that in summer.”

Qin Lang paused but didn’t give up entirely, exploring other areas instead.

“Qin Lang, I haven’t showered yet,” she protested.

Without a word, he lifted her into his arms, carried her to the bathroom, and turned on the shower. As water poured over them, he began undressing her, his lips never leaving hers.

The bathroom soon filled with their whispered voices.

“Qin Lang, we both have work tomorrow. You promised…”

“I said less, not none at all.”

“Just once, I promise.”

“But…”

“Qin Lang, go easy… my waist… I can’t hold on…”

“Alright…”

Later, when Qin Lang carried her to bed, Lin You was exhausted, glaring at him with a look of helpless frustration, feeling he had played her. Qin Lang, however, was thoroughly pleased.

Ignoring her irritated gaze, he dressed her in the silk slip, then covered her with a blanket. She shut her eyes, not wanting to look at his mesmerizing face any longer.

With a satisfied smile, he took out a hair dryer, gently drying her long hair. Her silky locks danced around his fingers, carrying her unique scent, entrancing him.

Noticing her drifting to sleep, he softly massaged her shoulders and the waist she had complained about earlier. In his comforting touch, Lin You finally let go of her embarrassment and fell asleep, leaving Qin Lang contentedly admiring her graceful form.