Chapter 51

This subtle hint was so obvious that if Tang Ruan still didn’t get it, she might really be a fool.

Hearing it, she quickly responded, “Grandpa, I wish you a long and healthy life.”

The old master of the Ji family ignored her polite remark and continued with a sigh, “Others are already four generations under one roof. I wonder when our family will be able to achieve that.”

Tang Ruan fell silent, her mind racing to come up with something to say that might cheer up the old master. She understood his underlying meaning—he simply wanted to hold a great-grandchild. In fact, if you did the math… the old master was already 78 years old, having just celebrated his 78th birthday. In reality, he was practically 79. His desire to hold a great-grandchild was entirely reasonable.

She coughed lightly and, seeing the longing on the old master’s face, blurted out without much thought, “Grandpa, you’re still young.”

The old master gave her a glance and said warmly, “Actually, I’m not trying to rush you and Ji Jing. The two of you seem to have a good relationship now, and I can understand wanting to enjoy some time as just the two of you. After all, I’m not an old-fashioned person. But… I’d really hope that within three years, you can give me a great-grandchild. Or rather, a great-granddaughter—how about that?”

Tang Ruan: “…”

She forced a helpless smile. “Alright, we’ll do our best.”

Tang Ruan didn’t dislike the idea of having children. It was just that discussing such matters in front of an elder made her feel inexplicably embarrassed. In truth, Tang Ruan liked babies very much. Having endured many hardships in her own childhood, she had resolved long ago that if she ever had children of her own, she would treat them with double the care and love, giving them the best of everything.

As she grew up, she always had patience with children, and she didn’t particularly mind the idea of having her own.

But…

She and Ji Jing’s relationship had just recently started to develop. Let alone having children, they weren’t even sharing a bed yet.

Wait—

Ji Jing was still in the process of courting her!

That being said, three years… barring any unforeseen circumstances, it seemed doable. To avoid disappointing the old master, she agreed with a soft “we’ll do our best” for now.

Hearing her response, the old master smiled, nodding. “Ruan Ruan, you’re always so obedient. That rascal Ji Jing never listens to me.”

As he spoke, the topic turned into a litany of Ji Jing’s faults. Tang Ruan rubbed her neck and silently offered a moment of sympathy for her husband.

–

Dinner was a family affair. When Ji Jing’s father saw Tang Ruan, he showed no surprise, likely having been informed in advance of her visit.

His attitude toward Tang Ruan remained neither warm nor hostile. While not actively picking on her, he also didn’t go out of his way to show affection.

Tang Ruan didn’t mind. Her attitude was indifferent and unbothered.

After dinner, Ji Jing still hadn’t arrived. Tang Ruan sat in the living room with Ji Jing’s mother, while Ji Jing’s father suddenly coughed and addressed her, “How’s everything at home? I heard from Lingling that she’s troubled you several times?”

Ji Ling, knowing her father’s lukewarm feelings toward Tang Ruan, often praised her little sister-in-law whenever she returned home, hoping to win Tang Ruan some favor.

Hearing this, Tang Ruan replied softly, “It’s not trouble at all. We’re family.”

Satisfied, Ji Jing’s father nodded approvingly and added, “If she ever makes excessive demands, don’t feel like you have to give in to everything.”

“Okay.” Tang Ruan smiled warmly, her demeanor soft and gentle. “She’s very well-behaved.”

Ji Jing’s father glanced at her a few more times but said no more.

Ji Jing arrived around 9 p.m., by which time the old master had already retired to his room, though he hadn’t yet gone to bed.

After greeting everyone, Ji Jing went straight to the old master’s room.

It was about ten minutes later when he came out and walked over to Tang Ruan’s side.

“How are you feeling? Tired?” he asked.

Tang Ruan shook her head, then leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Grandpa asked us to stay over tonight. Did he mention it to you?”

“Did he mention it?” Ji Jing raised his eyebrows and looked at her. “Did you agree?”

“Mm.” Tang Ruan nodded. “It was hard to refuse.”

Mainly, it was because the old master was getting older. But more importantly, Tang Ruan felt… there wasn’t much of a problem with sleeping in the same room anymore. Unlike before, when even being in the same space felt awkward, now they were more comfortable around each other. She figured sleeping together, even with separate blankets, wouldn’t be an issue.

Ji Jing chuckled softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “If you’re uncomfortable, we can go home. Don’t force yourself.”

“It’s fine.” Tang Ruan noticed the fatigue in his eyes and said gently, “You’re tired too, so let’s just stay here and rest.”

“Alright.”

Ji Jing’s mother brought him a cup of hangover tea and asked with a slight frown, “Did you drink too much?”

“No.” He had been eager to come back, so he only had two glasses before leaving.

Ji Jing’s mother nodded. “Let the driver pick you up tomorrow. Stay here with Tang Ruan tonight.”

Worried he might refuse, she quickly repeated herself.

“Alright.”

His quick agreement surprised Ji Jing’s mother, earning him a new level of respect in her eyes.

–

After finishing the hangover tea and a light snack, Ji Jing led Tang Ruan to one of the smaller buildings nearby—his childhood home.

The Ji family estate was vast, with several smaller houses scattered across the property, each designated for different family members. Tang Ruan had known about this arrangement before, but she didn’t have her own space here. Initially, the old master had offered her a separate place, but after staying briefly, Tang Ruan found it unsettling. Too many people came to gawk and see who she was, so she eventually moved into the same building as the old master, which was quieter. The old master rarely interfered in the younger generation’s affairs, making it a more peaceful arrangement.

In the beginning, there had even been murmurs about how the old master seemed to value Tang Ruan more than Ji Ling.

As Ji Jing led her inside, hand in hand, Tang Ruan couldn’t help but remark, “This is my third or fourth time here, isn’t it?”

The first time had been to drop something off, and she hadn’t even entered Ji Jing’s room. The second time was after their wedding, but she still hadn’t gone into his room, opting instead for a guest room. Afterward, they moved out entirely, and she hadn’t been back since.

Ji Jing glanced at her. “Mm, take a look around now.”

Tang Ruan nodded and followed him upstairs.

Ji Jing’s room was on the second floor. The first floor didn’t have much, mostly decorations and a few necessities.

When they reached the second floor, the largest and sunniest room belonged to Ji Jing.

Tang Ruan stepped in and was momentarily surprised. She glanced at a desk in the corner, smiled, and remarked, “I didn’t expect your room to look so similar to everyone else’s.”

There were even toys—presumably from Ji Jing’s childhood.

In addition to the toys, there was an entire bookshelf filled with trophies and awards.

The room was spacious, and despite the various items scattered about, it still felt open and airy. Compared to the place they lived now, this room felt more lived-in, likely because Ji Jing had grown up here.

–

Ji Jing watched as Tang Ruan wandered around the room, amused.

“Not tired?”

“A little.”

Ji Jing patted her head. “Go take a shower and get some rest. Did you bring your clothes?”

“No…” Tang Ruan suddenly remembered that most of her old clothes had either been discarded or donated by the housekeepers. The few she had left weren’t at Ji Jing’s place anymore. Back when their relationship was at its worst, she hadn’t wanted to leave anything behind.

The old master’s house still had a box of her clothes, but it was late, and the lights downstairs were off. She didn’t want to bother anyone by going over.

Thinking this, she reached out to tug Ji Jing’s finger, her face turning red. She licked her lips and said, “Could you… go get them for me? There’s a box of my clothes at Grandpa’s place.”

Ji Jing: “…”

He pulled her to sit down and leaned closer, murmuring near her ear, “How about we skip that?”

“Then what am I supposed to wear?” Tang Ruan’s eyes widened at him.

“Wear my clothes for now?”

Tang Ruan hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. “No… just go get them.”

She couldn’t wear his clothes for everything—especially not the undergarments. Just the thought of it made her face burn uncontrollably.

Ji Jing’s gaze darkened as he watched her growing embarrassment. He coughed lightly and turned his head away. “Are you sure you want me to go?”

“Yes.” Tang Ruan’s voice was soft as she urged him, “Hurry up. I’ll go shower first.”

Ji Jing had no choice but to nod. “Alright, go shower. I’ll bring them to you later.”

“Okay.”

After Ji Jing left, Tang Ruan entered the bathroom to wash up.

It was probably the longest and most thorough shower she’d ever taken.

---

Ji Jing returned early with her clothes and sat in the room, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom. Unbidden, certain intimate thoughts crept into his mind.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, rubbed his temples, and coughed lightly. “I’m opening your box now.”

“Mm.” Tang Ruan hesitated before calling out, “Wait!”

Ji Jing froze. “What’s wrong?”

Inside the bathroom, Tang Ruan tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling. She felt genuinely embarrassed. They hadn’t even slept in the same bed yet, and now he was about to pick out her intimate clothes?

After a moment’s thought, she peeked her head out of the bathroom. “Ji Jing.”

“Mm?”

“Can you step out for a bit? I’ll grab the clothes myself.”

Ji Jing: “…”

He took a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll head to the study to handle some work. You can go ahead and sleep after you’re done.”

“Okay.”

Ji Jing was giving her time to mentally prepare herself. Even if Tang Ruan hadn’t requested it, he wouldn’t have done anything tonight. The setting wasn’t quite right. Although this was his house, it didn’t provide Tang Ruan with a sense of security. Besides, from Tang Ruan’s perspective, their relationship probably hadn’t reached that level yet.

After changing into her clothes, Tang Ruan sat on the edge of the bed, reflecting on whether she was being overly reserved.

They were already married, yet she still insisted on Ji Jing pursuing her, holding back all the time. But on certain matters, she felt that since Ji Jing hadn’t brought it up, it wasn’t her place to end things prematurely.

When Ji Jing said he would pursue her, she had been delighted. How could she now turn around and tell him to stop because she’d already agreed to be with him? Their relationship before… wasn’t really about who chased whom; it was just a bit of playful fun.

Tang Ruan glanced at the tightly closed door and quietly slipped under the blanket. Holding her phone, she sent Ji Jing a message. He arrived shortly after. Looking at the woman lying on his bed, his gaze deepened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed slightly before he walked over.

“Can’t sleep?”

“Mm.” Tang Ruan blinked up at him. “Aren’t you going to sleep with me?”

Ji Jing: “…”

His wife seemed intent on driving him crazy.