Chapter 39.3

Knowing that Ruan Mingfu wasn’t feeling well, Xie Yanzhao, the dog-man, was very honest, simply holding her while sleeping and refraining from any inappropriate behavior.

After taking the medicine, Ruan Mingfu felt much better.

That day, Hu Wanning came by with the little chubby boy to chat with her.

Ruan Mingfu’s eyes lit up.

“Sister-in-law, you’re here,” she quickly invited the mother and child inside, “That’s great. I was just thinking of coming to find you later.”

“I know you miss me, so here I come.”

Hu Wanning set the chubby child down, letting him crawl on his own.

“This little guy keeps getting fatter, no idea what he’s eating,” Hu Wanning shook her hand. “In a little while, I’ll probably have trouble even picking him up.”

“From now on, he should walk by himself. I’m exhausted from carrying him around.”

Ruan Mingfu glanced at the chubby child.

He was indeed a bit plump.

But you can’t say that outright.

“A child should be chubby to be cute,” Ruan Mingfu brought over a cup of water, which Hu Wanning drank in one gulp. She quickly poured more, saying, “Sister-in-law, you must be really tired.”

The chubby child blinked his big, grape-like eyes, tilting his head.

He looked completely puzzled by their conversation.

Hu Wanning took a deep breath. “The weather’s been getting hotter lately. Just moving a little makes me sweat all over, it’s so uncomfortable.”

To come find her in this weather.

This should be true love…Pah! True friendship.

Recently, she wasn’t keen on lying down next to Xie Yanzhao.

He felt like a furnace, and just touching him made her sweat. But he didn’t seem to understand, insisting on hugging her.

If nights weren’t so much cooler than days, she would have kicked that man out long ago.

“You’re right,” Ruan Mingfu nodded in agreement. “I’m okay, though. If it gets too hot, I just go to the backyard to cool off. There’s a breeze there, and it’s cooler than anywhere else.”

Living in a single-story house has its advantages.

People in high-rise buildings have it worse, feeling like they’re in a steam room. There’s barely any space to move around at home, so they have to seek refuge under the big trees in the open area.

Hu Wanning lowered her voice. “I heard some places in the countryside are facing droughts. Sister-in-law, you should stock up on some food when you have the chance.”

“Is it really that bad?”

Wasn’t there just a heavy rain not too long ago?

“I’m just repeating what others have said,” Hu Wanning continued. “It’s always good to have more food stored up.”

Ruan Mingfu didn’t take it too seriously.

She had never lived through a food shortage, so she couldn’t truly empathize with Hu Wanning.

“Don’t worry, it might rain later.”

Stocking up on food isn’t that simple.

“You’re right,” Hu Wanning acknowledged, “And it hasn’t been dry for too long, so let’s keep an eye on it for now.”

“What about Old Xie? Has he gone out again?”

Even on his wedding leave, Xie Yanzhao was still a busy man.

“I sent him to mail something to my parents,” Ruan Mingfu said, pulling Hu Wanning’s hand. “Sister-in-law, can you teach me how to make clothes?”

She had been thinking about it for a while.

But with everything going on lately, she had to put it off.

“Sure,” Hu Wanning agreed immediately. “I make all of Old Xu’s clothes myself. Look at this one I’m wearing. It was just made not long ago.”

Ruan Mingfu took a look.

Hu Wanning was wearing a light-colored shirt, which was tailored and hugged the waist, showing off her curves, unlike the loose-fitting styles currently in fashion.

It was quite a well-thought-out design.

“Not bad. Sister-in-law, you’re really impressive,” Ruan Mingfu said with a smile. “Please teach me how to make one.”

Compliments made Hu Wanning smile even more.

“I’ll teach you, of course.”

Ruan Mingfu’s eyes lit up as she ran to the storage room to get the fabric she had bought.

“Wow,” Hu Wanning was surprised, “Why did you buy so much?”

She felt the fabric’s texture and pointed to one piece. “This fabric doesn’t hold shape and is prone to snagging. But as long as you don’t wear it for heavy work, it should be fine.”

“It feels quite comfortable…”

People usually choose darker, more durable fabrics these days.

This kind of fabric isn’t commonly bought.

“Sister-in-law, did you get tricked by the supply and marketing store?”

“I specifically chose this fabric,” Ruan Mingfu explained. “I plan to use it for making nightgowns.”

Hu Wanning’s eyes brightened.

That was a good choice.

“Indeed.”

For sleeping, it doesn’t need to be stylish, just soft and comfortable.

“Sister-in-law, you’re so clever,” Hu Wanning said, getting excited. “Making nightgowns is simpler, so I’ll teach you!”

Making nightgowns is really simple, even if it turns out badly, there’s no need to worry.

You don’t even need to take measurements.

Ruan Mingfu watched as Hu Wanning took the scissors and, with a few quick cuts, created the basic shape of the dress.

She was amazed.

Then she took out the still-unopened sewing machine.

Ruan Mingfu saw her put the two pieces of fabric together, slide them under the sewing machine, and sew them in no time.

In less than half an hour, the nightgown was finished.

Ruan Mingfu was mesmerized.

…Was it really that quick?

“Sister-in-law, come and check if this is how it should be.”

With just two pieces of thin fabric, Hu Wanning flipped it around. When she lifted the thin straps, she blushed.

Ruan Mingfu didn’t notice. Her entire focus was on the dress.

The dress wasn’t long, it should only reach the knee. Ruan Mingfu had wanted it to be longer, but Hu Wanning insisted on a knee-length dress. After some negotiation, they settled on the knee-length.

Even so, Hu Wanning found it hard to accept the dress.

But thinking it was only for sleeping made it more acceptable.

“It’s perfect!”

Ruan Mingfu was extremely satisfied with the nightgown in her hands.

“Sister-in-law, why don’t you make one too?”

After all, she had bought plenty of fabric.

“Well… I don’t know,” Hu Wanning said, looking at the dress and swallowing. “Isn’t it a bit…”

Ruan Mingfu picked up the scissors.

She wrote down all the steps Hu Wanning had just taken. It was time to do it herself.

“What’s wrong with that? It’s just for sleeping, not for going out.”

Hu Wanning’s eyes softened, then became resolute.

“You’re right!”

It seemed the two found joy in making clothes, and they spent the entire afternoon working on several pieces.

Under Hu Wanning’s guidance, Ruan Mingfu’s sewing skills improved remarkably. At the very least, she now understood how to cut the pattern for a skirt.

Before they knew it, Hu Wanning had spent the entire afternoon with Ruan Mingfu.

The little chubby boy was quiet, merely watching them with curious eyes.

“Sister-in-law, you practice on your own for now. I need to head back and make dinner.”

Ruan Mingfu nodded and handed two skirts to Hu Wanning. “Take these two skirts and wear them in turn.”

“This isn’t necessary.”

Hu Wanning was about to refuse when Ruan Mingfu continued.

“If you don’t accept them, I won’t be able to trouble you next time.”

She pursed her lips. “You can keep the skirts, but you need to take the fabric coupons.”

Both families were not lacking in fabric coupons, so Ruan Mingfu didn’t insist.

Seeing this, Hu Wanning sighed in relief and happily took the skirts.

It was odd. As soon as Hu Wanning left, Xie Yanzhao came back and handed her a letter.

“Is this for me?”

Ruan Mingfu picked up the letter suspiciously and then realized it was from Professor Hu.

She opened the letter and found not only the letter but also ten large bills. Professor Hu had received her translated materials and sent her a hundred yuan as payment. The letter also mentioned that a delegation was coming and wanted her help.

The compensation was listed as five hundred yuan.

Ruan Mingfu’s eyes lit up.

The ten large bills on the table seemed particularly dear to her; they were earned through her own efforts.

She looked at Xie Yanzhao. “Do you think I should go or not?”

Xie Yanzhao’s gaze fell on her.

“You can go, but I can still support you even if you don’t go.”

Ruan Mingfu shot him a reproachful glance. “Hmph! You always say nice things. I can earn money myself.”

She waved the bills in front of him.

Xie Yanzhao: “…”

Ruan Mingfu ignored him and went into the room with the money.

These bills, combined with the money she earned from her previous submission, were not just money but a testament to her growth.

They could even become a family heirloom!

Ruan Mingfu carefully placed the bills aside. Compared to the thick stack next to them, this thin layer seemed rather pitiful. But she didn’t care; it was strangely pleasing to her.

When Ruan Mingfu emerged in a good mood, she found Xie Yanzhao standing in the storage room.

His tall figure made the entire room seem more cramped.

Ruan Mingfu approached and saw him holding a piece of fabric that looked quite familiar—it was the nightgown she and Hu Wanning had worked on all afternoon.

She wasn’t particularly concerned.

After all, she had worn even less fabric clothing before crossing over.

“What are you doing here?”

Xie Yanzhao felt the fabric in his hand was warm, and his ears were slightly flushed. He steadied himself, nonchalantly placed the skirt back, and cleared his throat. “Nothing.”

Ruan Mingfu was not convinced.

She looked at him with suspicion, but since she was backlit, she couldn’t clearly see his expression.

She felt his ears seemed a bit red.

But before she could examine further, he had disappeared.

It might have been her imagination.

Ruan Mingfu ignored him and went out with the finished skirts.

Xie Yanzhao watched her retreating figure, opening his mouth to say something but remained silent.

His gaze was deep, and thinking about the scene he had seen earlier, his ears reddened completely.

…

In the middle of the night, Ruan Mingfu was awakened by the rumbling thunder.

She shifted restlessly, and the man beside her woke up as well.

“What’s wrong?”

As soon as he spoke, another thunderclap echoed nearby.

Ruan Mingfu shrank closer, unable to resist moving towards Xie Yanzhao.

Feeling her trembling body, Xie Yanzhao pulled her into his arms.

“It’s just thunder; you don’t need to be afraid.”

“Hmm.”

Ruan Mingfu responded muffledly.

But she was still anxious, unable to help but clutch his shirt. “But I am scared. What should I do?”

“Don’t be afraid.”

Xie Yanzhao covered her ears with his large, warm hands, which muffled most of the sound.

But the next moment, a flash of lightning illuminated the sky, followed by a thunderclap that shook the whole compound.

Even the windows trembled.

Ruan Mingfu was in a panic, pressing even closer to him.

“Don’t be afraid,” Xie Yanzhao held her tighter, brushing the hair from her face and kissing her smooth forehead. “Go to sleep.”

Perhaps the comfort from the man had a calming effect. Although Ruan Mingfu was still scared, she felt much more at ease.

She reached out to touch his face and said emotionally, “Xie Yanzhao, you’re really wonderful.”

Xie Yanzhao caught her restless hand, his Adam’s apple moving.

Her head rested on Xie Yanzhao’s chest as she continued, “What if you’re not here in the future?”

“What do you mean, if I’m not here?”

Xie Yanzhao’s voice was low and husky, his calm eyes flashing with a dangerous glint.

She, however, remained unaware.

“If we ever part…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she was kissed.

Xie Yanzhao’s eyes flashed with anger as he kissed her forcefully. His hands were not idle either, slowly moving up her curves until the nightgown she was wearing barely stayed on her shoulders.

“Separate? Where are you going?”

Ruan Mingfu’s mind cleared as she recalled the miserable scene from that day.

She said tearfully, “No, I’m not going anywhere, really…”

Little liar.

Xie Yanzhao knew very well that Ruan Mingfu’s choice to stay with him was just a calculated decision. Maybe she had a tiny bit of affection for him, but how long could such slight affection last?

Military marriages are difficult to break, but they aren’t impossible to end.

He had long passed the age of impulsiveness and was now calm and steady inside.

He had planned to live a lonely life, but Ruan Mingfu’s vibrant presence made him linger on her.

Realizing this, Xie Yanzhao tightened his hold.

A sudden flash of lightning outside illuminated the entire room.

Ruan Mingfu clearly saw Xie Yanzhao’s expression.

Damn!

She shouldn’t have muddled her brain and said that.

Ruan Mingfu clutched her slipping nightgown and pressed her hand against Xie Yanzhao’s broad chest.

“…Calm down.”

But he answered irrelevantly.

“Weren’t you scared just now?” Xie Yanzhao leaned close to her ear, his voice dangerously low. “Let’s do something enjoyable.”

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Ayalee: Happy Lunar New Year 🧧🏮🎊🧨🍊🐉