Bai Yichen nodded.
“Hmm, I understand. You’re going to be very busy over the next ten days, right?”

Thirty thousand tons of cargo was no small transportation project. Much depended on whether Anxin and Kaizi could secure a competent team with the necessary skills and reliability. Without that, completing the task within ten days was uncertain.

Anxin was pleased with Bai Yichen’s understanding and laid out her plans for the coming days.

“Yes, I’ll likely be tied up with this transportation project for the next ten days, so I’ll have to stay in the provincial capital during this time.”

Not only would she be living in the provincial capital, but she’d also be working tirelessly, from dawn till dusk.

Bai Yichen kept his eyes on the road, his long fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly. He simply responded,
“Hmm, I see.”

Anxin: “…”

Alright then, no reaction at all. As expected, he was too calm.

She had thought he might probe for details about her project, but his composure far outstripped hers.

The two fell silent, and the car was enveloped in quiet. Outside the window, the rhythmic chirping of insects filled the night.

Just when Anxin was beginning to feel drowsy from the lull, Bai Yichen’s voice broke through the stillness, steady and deliberate in the dark.

“I’ll look into it tomorrow. After my shift, I’ll see if I can borrow a truck. If possible, I’ll come and help you.”

They did have a truck, which had just returned from a trip up north for supplies. Bai Yichen wasn’t sure if Huzi would need it in the coming days. He resolved to confirm this tomorrow—if the truck wasn’t in use, he could lend a hand.

After all, Anxin was his woman. He couldn’t just sit back comfortably at home while she exhausted herself.

Anxin hadn’t expected Bai Yichen to offer to help with the transport. Without thinking, she refused.

“There’s really…” she began, intending to say it wasn’t necessary.

She had already calculated that with their four-person team working diligently, they could finish the job within ten days.

Besides, Bai Yichen’s day job was demanding enough. For him to borrow a truck after work to help her would be too much. Moreover, as a small team leader in a geological exploration unit, he occasionally borrowed the team’s jeep for trips to the provincial capital. That was indulgent enough—borrowing a truck wasn’t as simple as asking.

Before she could finish her sentence, Bai Yichen interrupted, his tone resolute.
“It’s settled.”

Anxin: “…”

Fine. Since it wasn’t her who’d be doing the extra work, she couldn’t say no. If he wanted to help, she certainly wouldn’t object.

By the time they arrived in the provincial capital, it was already midnight. Thankfully, when Anxin had rented this small courtyard, she had ensured it was spacious enough, with plenty of rooms. Heading to the second floor, she quickly prepared a neat and comfortable guest room while Bai Yichen showered. She set up a brand-new bed with fresh bedding, along with toiletries and spare clothes, making the room look warm and welcoming.

When Bai Yichen returned from his shower, he paused, clearly surprised by the transformation.

In the short time he’d been gone, Anxin had turned the room into a cozy and homely space. She had even thoughtfully laid out sleepwear for him.

Bai Yichen used to sleep shirtless before they got married. Even after marrying Anxin, he stuck to a simple vest and shorts. The fact that she had gone out of her way to prepare proper pajamas for him left him feeling unexpectedly warm inside.

Unaware of his thoughts, Anxin picked up her own toiletries.
“You can rest now. I’m going to take a shower,” she said.

“Hmm.” Bai Yichen responded reflexively, then picked up the sleepwear she had prepared for him. The fabric was soft and comfortable, and he couldn’t resist trying it on. It fit perfectly.

This woman was surprisingly attentive.

For the first time in a long while, a slight curve appeared on Bai Yichen’s usually stern lips. Lying down on the freshly made bed, he felt an unusual sense of ease and contentment. Exhausted, he soon fell into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, Anxin quickly showered downstairs. Ensuring no one was watching, she pulled out a hairdryer from her space to dry her hair before heading back upstairs. By the time she returned, Bai Yichen was already fast asleep.

It was the first time since their marriage that he had fallen asleep before her. Watching his peaceful face, memories of a certain intimate evening surfaced in her mind, making her heart race.

What a man. Cold as he might be, Bai Yichen was undeniably an exceptional partner. Were she truly looking for romance in this second life, a relationship with someone like him—a love unclouded by drama—might be a beautiful thing.

Suddenly, the sleeping Bai Yichen murmured something as he turned over.
“Xiao Wu, you’re being naughty again.”

“Xiao Wu?”

Anxin’s thoughts came screeching to a halt.

Who is Xiao Wu? she wondered. A man? A woman? Why had Bai Yichen called out this name in his sleep? She couldn’t recall anyone named Xiao Wu among his brothers or friends.

She shook her head, dismissing the thought. “Forget it. I have work tomorrow,” she muttered, climbing into bed.

Closing her eyes, she forced her restless mind to relax. Exhaustion soon claimed her, and she drifted off to sleep.

At the crack of dawn, Anxin woke up and swiftly got out of bed. As she moved, the man beside her opened his eyes, his dark gaze momentarily unfocused.

Blinking a few times, Bai Yichen’s sharp eyes scanned his surroundings, as if piecing together where he was.

Noticing he was awake, Anxin quickly apologized while pulling on her clothes.
“Sorry to wake you. It’s still early—go back to sleep. I’ll head downstairs to prepare breakfast.”

Though they had only been married a short time, Anxin had seamlessly adopted the role of the perfect wife, and she was surprisingly adept at it.