Chapter 34

Lu Nong was startled into silence by the sound that escaped her lips. She quickly released her grip on Pei Ji’an’s arm and covered her mouth with both hands.

Should she wake Pei Ji’an and face the embarrassment together, or should she confront it alone? Clearly, the strong-willed and stubborn Lu Nong chose the latter, tears welling in her eyes.

However, this decision allowed Pei Ji’an’s large hand to roam unconsciously over Lu Nong’s face, as if trying to figure out what it was.

Pei Ji’an’s rough hands, accustomed to handling wood, felt coarse against Lu Nong’s soft skin. Every touch left a faint bruise, making it difficult for her as he pinched her delicate cheeks in a way that felt painfully intrusive.

She could only muffle her cries, desperately trying not to wake Pei Ji’an.

After a while, it seemed Pei Ji’an’s hand had determined she posed no threat, and he finally stopped moving.

…Then he reached out with his other hand.

Lu Nong: “…” What?! Another one? If he brings another hand near my face, I might just lose my skin!

Fortunately, Pei Ji’an only used his other hand to pull Lu Nong back into his embrace. She rested her head on his arm, her face pressed against his chest, listening to the steady, strong rhythm of his heartbeat.

Lu Nong felt she couldn’t give up. She released her hand from her mouth, trying to reclaim control over Pei Ji’an’s wandering hand.

But as soon as she moved her hand away, her rapid breathing betrayed her nervousness. Coupled with the sound of her own pounding heart, it was alarmingly loud in the quiet bedroom.

Lu Nong: “…”

She quickly closed her mouth and, with her freed hands, gently lifted Pei Ji’an’s arm. Finally, she could breathe normally again. Good, Pei Ji’an’s hand returned to its original position.

Lu Nong: “…” So, after all that, was it all in vain?

Feeling exhausted, she wanted to give up.

After a moment, she realized her legs were in a strange position. Since waking up, one leg had been draped over Pei Ji’an’s waist while the other was wedged between his legs. She hadn’t changed her position at all while focusing on moving his hand earlier.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her strength to carefully lower her foot, attempting to pull out the leg wedged between Pei Ji’an’s. However, her leg was too close, and as she tried to withdraw it, she risked being discovered.

“Don’t move.”

Lu Nong felt trapped again. The chest she was leaning against vibrated as a deep voice cut through the darkness, sounding surprisingly alert, with no hint of the grogginess of someone just waking up.

Lu Nong: “…” Ahhhhhhh!

So, all this time, Pei Ji’an had already been awake? He had watched her act foolishly, careful not to disturb him?

Lu Nong took a deep breath and asked, “You! When did you wake up?”

After a brief silence, Pei Ji’an replied, his tone flat, “Just now.”

“……” Lu Nong took a deep breath, feeling her embarrassment intensify. She almost finished her sentence word for word, “Can you please let go of me so I can get out of your arms?”

Pei Ji’an instinctively moved slightly.

“Wait.” His tone was incredibly calm, as if he were merely sipping tea.

Lu Nong thought to herself, What are we waiting for!?

Her legs were still trapped by Pei Ji’an, and he had her vulnerable. She couldn’t move at all, feeling like an inflated pufferfish in her frustration.

“How long do we have to wait?” Lu Nong asked, trying to keep her tone steady.

Pei Ji’an didn’t respond, as if he was genuinely waiting. He remained so still that it felt unbearable.

Lu Nong: “…” Why is he not saying anything!?

Ah, why is he so calm!?

Desperation surged through her as she tried one last time to push his hand away and free her leg. This time she put in extra effort, but unexpectedly, her movements turned clumsy. Not only did she fail to get her leg free, but her face ended up getting tangled in the mess as well.

Lu Nong felt like she was experiencing something new today.

Pei Ji’an took a deep breath and tightened his hold on her, saying, “Don’t move yet.”

Even if he hadn’t said anything, Lu Nong wouldn’t have dared to move. She had already stiffened in place.

As time passed, she dared not test anything, nor could she pull her leg out. She was so bored that she started counting sheep in her mind.

After a while, time dragged on to the point where Lu Nong lost her temper entirely.

She had already spent the whole day studying intensely and had stayed up until one-thirty in the morning. Now, in this silence, she felt drowsy and nearly succumbed to sleep, holding on to the last shred of reason to stay awake.

Oddly enough, Lu Nong felt that the position she was in was surprisingly comfortable and suitable in Pei Ji’an’s arms. There was not a hint of awkwardness.

That’s strange, she thought, puzzled. Just then, a flash of insight crossed her mind.

Considering the possibility, Lu Nong felt as if she might burst. Being comfortably nestled in someone else’s arms could indicate a sense of compatibility. But how long would it take to reach that level of comfort?

Previously, she had been feeling smug about improving her sleeping posture… where did that confidence come from?

Thinking about this and that, Lu Nong thought of Pei Ji’an’s calmness. Why was he so calm! ?

This old pervert must be good-looking but useless. So what if it’s big? It won’t last long!

After drinking all that nutritious soup from her godmother, he probably only needs to touch her before he’s back to being a pufferfish.

Lu Nong scoffed internally but lacked the courage to test the reality of his size. Exhausted from her thoughts and overwhelmed by drowsiness, she muttered, “Are you done yet?”

Pei Ji’an’s voice was distant yet gentle as he replied, “Go to sleep.”

Lu Nong thought, This is such a useless response. When I asked if you’re done, I meant if you could let me go, but you told me to sleep. Are you an expert in meaningless chatter?

Unfortunately, by the time she realized this, she had already fallen asleep.

The next morning, Lu Nong’s internal clock woke her up promptly at five-thirty. She yawned and stretched, then suddenly remembered what happened the night before.

Quickly, she looked down to check if her pajamas were still in place.

Phew… thankfully, her pajamas were still secure where they should be.

But then, recalling that her pajamas hadn’t been neatly arranged the night before and had ended up above her stomach, her notion of “secure” suddenly became questionable. Lu Nong’s expression darkened.

She turned to wake Pei Ji’an and question him.

Pei Ji’an had already woken up when Lu Nong shifted in bed. Seeing her fierce demeanor, he leisurely got up and began to unbutton his pajamas one by one right in front of her.

His fingers were long and graceful in their movements.

Lu Nong’s gaze followed his hands and long legs, and memories from the previous night flooded back, making her cheeks flush slightly. When he took off his pajamas to reveal his toned muscles, Lu Nong’s face turned even redder.

Goodness, I can’t believe I’m being tempted like this. But he looks so good!

Even if this old pervert wasn’t very capable, he definitely had a great physique.

A faint smile appeared on Pei Ji’an’s lips as he took his time putting on a white shirt. After fastening the last button, he said casually, “I’m going to change my pants.”

“Ah?” Lu Nong was still lost in her thoughts about his muscles and didn’t immediately process what he said, staring at him in confusion.

Pei Ji’an repeated himself in his usual calm voice, “I’m going to change my pants.”

“!”

“I’m going out now!” Lu Nong grabbed her clothes and dashed out of the bedroom, acting like a scoundrel who had slept with someone else without taking responsibility.

Upon exiting, she ran smack into Pei Zheng, who was yawning and heading out. Both of them froze for a moment before simultaneously racing toward the bathroom.

It was the same scene played out on a different day.

Pei Zheng pressed against the doorframe, and Lu Nong grabbed the handle, both refusing to back down.

Pei Zheng said, “I let you go last time, so it’s my turn now, right?”

“Ha,” Lu Nong scoffed coldly, “Are you sure it was you who let me go? I seem to recall that last time, someone got overly cocky and talked too much, and I ended up taking it.”

Pei Zheng pouted, “Well, I’m not letting you go this time.”

“Likewise,” Lu Nong rolled her eyes and suddenly froze, her gaze landing somewhere, “Chief Pei…”

Pei Zheng still felt a bit intimidated by his father. As soon as he heard his dad approaching, he quickly let go, turned, and stood at attention. “Dad.”

As soon as Pei Zheng released his grip, Lu Nong opened the door, entered, and closed it behind her in one swift motion.

History repeated itself once more.

Pei Zheng: “…”

He felt cheated.

Pei Zheng’s head buzzed as he squeezed the words out between his teeth, “Lu Nong, you, you…”

From inside, Lu Nong’s triumphant voice came through, “What about me? Didn’t I tell you that all is fair in war? Why do you always forget the lessons? You could eat a hundred beans and still not learn the lesson. I’m so disappointed in you.”

As she spoke, she began to sing again, “The scheming little girl played a trick on the stupid Pei Zheng… thalalalalalalalalalalal.”

Lu Nong had put a new twist on an old tune, using the melody of “The Little Girl Who Picks Mushrooms” to sing about a sly little girl. She felt a rush of satisfaction inside. Ha! If I can’t deal with the old pervert, how could I not handle you, little brat?

Take it, Pei Xiaozheng, the son must pay for the father’s debt.

On the other end, Pei Zheng heard Lu Nong singing inside, and happened to hear the lyrics repeating over and over again: “The scheming little girl played a trick on the stupid Pei Zheng.”

Pei Zheng: “…” He was so angry that he vomited blood.

He swore he wouldn’t let this grudge go unpunished.

Instead of heading downstairs to wash up, he waited in the hallway on the second floor for Lu Nong to come out.

After about ten minutes, Lu Nong stepped out of the bathroom and immediately spotted Pei Zheng leaning against the wall, looking like he was ready to settle the score.

Oh, look who’s got some attitude now, Pei Xiao Zheng.

Just as Lu Nong was about to speak, her gaze drifted toward the bedroom, and she said uneasily, “Chief Pei…” You old pervert.

Pei Zheng snorted coldly, “Still trying to trick me? Let me tell you, even if the old man really comes today, I won’t let you off easily. You need to know that I’m not someone you can push around!”

Emmmm, old man… Lu Nong shot Pei Zheng a sympathetic glance. You’re doomed, Comrade Xiao Pei.

“Who do you think you are?” A thunderous voice rang out near Pei Zheng’s ear.

Pei Zheng’s neck made a cracking sound as he turned to see his father standing at the bedroom door, arms crossed, his expression cold. “Who do you think you are?”

Pei Zheng: “……” Can this world ever be better?

“N-no, I was just joking.” Pei Zheng stumbled over his words.

Pei Ji’an pointed to Pei Zheng’s room with a blank expression. Pei Zheng immediately understood. “I’ll go now. Five kilometers? I won’t finish it in the morning, can I leave the rest for tonight?”

Lu Nong: “……” What a heartbreakingly familiar routine.

**

Author’s Note:

Lu Nong: Aahhh! Why are you so calm?!

Son-in-law Pei (steady as an old dog): Don’t move around. Why do you think?

Lu Nong: Damn, the old pervert is so tempting!

Son-in-law Pei shot a sidelong glance at Lu Nong. Who’s the pervert here?

Pei Zheng: It’s a celestial battle, and the little ghosts suffer.