Chapter 30: Fishbone

Leng Mohan never imagined that Luo Jiaojiao’s hesitation stemmed from her dislike of the tedious task of removing fish bones.

She wanted to eat the fish, but was unwilling to face this small challenge. If someone else had said this, he might have ignored it and let her solve it herself. If she didn’t eat, he could eat more. Why should he bother removing bones for her? Her thinking was naive.

Luo Jiaojiao buried her head in the table, not daring to meet Leng Mohan’s gaze.

However, Leng Mohan, almost unconsciously, picked up the fish and gently placed it on the lid of the lunchbox.

He carefully removed each fishbone, as if performing an extremely important task. Yes, she was the woman he had married; he had promised to give her a comfortable life. Removing fish bones was nothing. He was willing to do these little things for her, as long as she was happy.

A piece of tender fish, taken from the belly, was pure white and almost completely free of annoying fishbones.

After carefully examining it to confirm there were no bones, Leng Mohan gently placed it in front of Luo Jiaojiao. This was his small reward for her help with the laundry.

Luo Jiaojiao looked at the fish in front of her, her eyes shining with disbelief. She looked up at Leng Mohan, unable to believe that this always cold man would actually remove fishbones for her. Her heart was filled with joy, as if she had found an unexpected treasure.

“What are you looking at me for? Eat it,” Leng Mohan’s tone remained cold, but his eyes revealed a hint of imperceptible gentleness.

Luo Jiaojiao picked up her chopsticks and savored the fish. The delicious taste spread in her mouth, making her want to eat more.

After finishing the fish, Leng Mohan stood up and said to Luo Jiaojiao, “It’s not completely dark yet. I’ll take you to see our new house. You can imagine how to decorate it. After I get it ready, we’ll move in together.”

Luo Jiaojiao’s eyes flashed with anticipation.

Luo Jiaojiao understood the implication of his words: he only planned to take her to see the house today, and further visits would have to wait until the house was cleaned up.

She looked at Leng Mohan, her eyes full of seriousness and expectation, “I can help too. Let’s clean our new home together later.”

When Luo Jiaojiao said “our new home,” a warm current surged through Leng Mohan’s heart. He was no longer alone; he had a home of his own, a home built with her.

However, despite his inner emotion, Leng Mohan resolutely refused her offer.

“It’s been a long time since anyone lived there. Everything is covered in dust and grime; you probably won’t be able to stand it. If the dust triggers an allergic reaction and you get sick, I’ll have to take care of you, which would be troublesome. I know some people are allergic to dust, but you don’t seem to have that problem. If you really come to help, you’ll just make a mess.”

“Forget it, I’ll ask my comrades to help. They can come over for a meal, and we can clean up faster. That way, we can move in sooner.”

“Then… can I just watch from outside, and help when I’m really needed? I’ll be obedient; I’ll just follow your instructions, okay?” Luo Jiaojiao still wanted to observe from the sidelines, hoping to find a way to be helpful.

Leng Mohan saw the anticipation and caution in her eyes. Remembering they had only known each other for two days, he knew a direct refusal might upset her. So he nodded, tacitly agreeing to her request.

“Then just wander around the yard. I’ve prepared paper and a pen for you. Imagine your ideal home, what furniture you need, and write it all down. Later, I’ll accompany you to buy things.”

“Actually, I’m not good at these household chores, so I’ll rely on you, my future hostess. According to my standards, all I need is a comfortable bed, a practical table, a spacious wardrobe, and a set of cookware. Luo Jiaojiao, feel free to tell me your preferences and needs.” Leng Mohan looked at Luo Jiaojiao gently, his eyes full of trust and expectation.

“Don’t worry about money. I still have some savings. The money I lent to my comrades, now that they know you and I are married, they’ll return it gradually.” Leng Mohan softly reassured her, his tone unwavering.

The people he had lent money to were all trustworthy friends with good repayment ability.

By now, they should all have enough money to repay their debts. As for Li Yun, Leng Mohan cared so much because of Li Yun’s younger brother.

He knew that Li Yun’s family situation was still unstable. If his brother still needed money, he was willing to give him more time, without rushing for repayment or seeking help from others.

Hearing Leng Mohan ask her to decorate the house and calling her the hostess, Luo Jiaojiao felt a ripple of joy. Was this his approval? Her heart beat faster, as if it would leap out of her chest.

“Okay, I promise to complete the task and make our home very warm.” Luo Jiaojiao looked at Leng Mohan firmly, her eyes shining with excitement.

Leng Mohan glanced at her, her eyes full of expectation. A strange anxiety arose in his heart. Should he really let her decorate the house like a girl’s room, full of frills and finery?

Having said that, Leng Mohan sighed helplessly. He could only silently pray that Luo Jiaojiao’s aesthetic sense would be somewhat close to his own.

Frowning slightly, Leng Mohan smoothed his brow. Forget it, let her be. He didn’t like having people over, and Luo Jiaojiao, a delicate young lady, wouldn’t bring many friends. In the end, it would just be the two of them.

Luo Jiaojiao had just finished the delicious fish and was about to clean the dishes when Leng Mohan, with lightning speed, picked up the lunchbox, chopsticks, and bowls.

Seeing this, Luo Jiaojiao’s heart stirred, wanting to show her diligence and thoughtfulness. She looked gently at Leng Mohan and said softly, “Let me do this.” Her voice was like a spring breeze, full of tenderness and expectation.

She longed to share his burdens, even if it was just a small task, to prove that she was useful.

This would prove she was useful, she could learn, and she was willing to learn.

“No need, I’m faster. If you really want to help, take that cloth and wipe the table,” Leng Mohan looked at her expectant eyes, frowned slightly, and softly but firmly instructed.