Chapter 86 – Catching Fish in the Rice Fields

The girl struggled to pull her foot back. The place where he had bitten and kissed her tingled with a numb, ticklish sensation, but the man’s grip was too strong, and she couldn’t break free.

Xu Jiaojiao widened her round eyes, glaring at him, thinking she looked very intimidating and imposing.

But in Xie Zhi’s eyes, all she did was open her eyes wider—like a weak little animal caught by a hunter. Adorable.

“Let go! You even bit my foot—it’s dirty.”

Xie Zhi replied seriously, “It’s not dirty. Jiaojiao is fragrant and soft everywhere, just like a little cake.”

“Pervert. I think you’re the one who’s dirty.”

“Wuwu… wuu…”

Xu Jiaojiao was instantly subdued. He gave her bottom a few light smacks, his thick dark brows furrowing tightly. “No swearing.”

Then, almost aggrieved, he added, “Jiaojiao, I’m not dirty.”

A fierce kiss swept over her. Xu Jiaojiao was kissed until she nearly couldn’t breathe. In her daze, she thought this man was far too overpowering, carrying a suffocating dominance that sometimes even frightened her.

“I used soap—I’m very clean, I smell good.”

When he finally let her go, her body was limp from his kisses. She collapsed onto the bed, watching as this man removed her shoes and washed her feet with the remaining water. During the whole process, his hands didn’t stay still—he kept playing with her fingers.

The sound of water splashed in the courtyard. The heavy wooden basin was set aside against the wall, while the stone steps below were left wet.

The girl watched him undress slowly, his movements refined like those of a noble young master. But only she knew that beneath this polished exterior was a terrifying wolf.

Stammering, she asked, “Y-you’re not… planning to continue, are you?”

Xie Zhi climbed into bed, pressing her beneath him. He buried his face in her neck, nibbling on the tender flesh there, his voice sticky and husky: “Jiaojiao, I’ve gone without for days. These few days, I’ll just have to trouble you. I’ll make sure to take good care of you.”

He caught her hands as she tried to escape and held her slender waist tightly. His arms, like iron, pinned her down with ease. She could only sink with him into indulgence—but truth be told, there was pleasure in it too.

Xie Zhi was quite the considerate partner. He cared deeply about her feelings—sometimes, he even sacrificed his own for her sake.

“You have to bite lighter. It hurts a little.”

“Okay.”

…

The next day, the girl’s voice rang out from inside the house, cursing him as a bastard. But for the past few nights, Xu Ze and Xu Yan had slept soundly—their sister’s and brother-in-law’s noises covered by the heavy rainfall.

Though the rain was loud, it was oddly soothing, lulling people into deep sleep. By morning, the two brothers felt refreshed. The rain was still falling, but much lighter than yesterday.

They put on shorts and rain capes, hung fish baskets at their waists, and set out. It wasn’t unusual to find fish in the flooded rice fields after rain.

“Come back early—the river is high, don’t go down into it,” Yan Fenglian reminded them worriedly.

“Got it, Mom. Go back inside.”

Their voices were so loud they startled the girl next door. She stopped chewing her jerky. “Where are my brothers going?”

“To the fields to catch fish. The water’s risen—there’ll be fish in the paddies.”

At the mention of this, Xu Jiaojiao grew excited. She plopped onto Xie Zhi’s lap, turned his head away from his book, and traced circles on his chest with her finger.

“Husband, let’s go too. I haven’t seen that in ages—it’s so boring staying at home.” She swung her legs playfully.

Xie Zhi, teased to distraction, looked from the pouring rain outside to the eager look on her face. How could he refuse?

“Alright. But you have to wear your raincoat and a hat.”

“Okay!”

Getting his approval, Xu Jiaojiao happily went to change. She put on shorts with a long double-hemmed short-sleeve shirt, and little leather sandals.

“You’ll ruin those in the water,” he muttered, hesitating.

Xie Zhi squatted down, checked the worn spots on her shoes, and stroked them. “It’s fine. If they get ruined, I’ll buy you new ones—the leather’s already scuffed anyway.”

Then he also changed into shorts. With both dressed in rain gear, hat and all, and a basket slung at his side, they set off. Jiaojiao dolled herself up, even for the rain—her hair decorated with several pretty clips and a white ribbon tied neatly.

It was her first time seeing Xie Zhi in shorts—his usually mature air softened by a hint of boyishness.

By the time they reached the fields, many people were already there. In these hard times, food was scarce, and catching fish from rivers was both risky and often fruitless. After heavy rains, the fish in the flooded paddies became a precious source of food.

Jiaojiao searched among the people for her brothers but couldn’t find them at first.

Her appearance, however, quickly drew attention—especially with Xie Zhi beside her. Their looks stood out instantly among the crowd. Xu Yan spotted her first, straightened up, and waved excitedly. “Jiaojiao! Jiaojiao!”

“Brother!” she responded immediately.

Xu Yan ran over, grinning as he showed her the fish in his basket. They had arrived early and caught quite a few big ones. “Look, Jiaojiao—we’ll have fish for lunch!”

She leaned close to the basket, wide-eyed in admiration. “Brother, you’re amazing!” Xie Zhi pulled her back before she leaned in too far.

“Of course,” Xu Yan said proudly.

“Jiaojiao, look at mine too—I caught plenty!” Xu Ze chimed in from the side, showing off his haul.

She looked left, then right, nodding with sincere praise for them both.

Xie Zhi fiddled with a stalk of foxtail grass in his hand, eyes flickering—clearly noticing how much she liked this. Without hesitation, he waded into the field himself.

She teased, “My husband, you’re so eager. Whether we get fish soup for lunch depends on you!”

He smirked and nodded. Despite the crowd and the fish already being picked over, his sharp eyes soon spotted some buried in the mud. Quick as lightning, he snatched one up and rinsed it in the water.

“Wow, you’re amazing!” Jiaojiao said, her eyes sparkling, her voice sugary sweet—so much so that other girls nearby turned to look at them with envy.

They watched in disbelief as she stepped right into the paddy in her little leather shoes. Furious whispers spread. None of them dared wear even cloth shoes into the mud, yet here she was, wasting her leather ones. Fingers twisted with frustration.

A girl nudged Yang Mei. “Look at her.”

“She’s just rich. Doesn’t even care about ruining her shoes.” The girl’s face twisted in disdain.

Seeing Jiaojiao, Yang Mei quickly turned to leave. She still hadn’t figured out how to return the five yuan she owed Jiaojiao. What if Jiaojiao asked for it back?

But Jiaojiao called out warmly, “Yang Mei!”

Forced to turn around, Yang Mei gave an awkward smile. “Jiaojiao, you’re out catching fish too?”

“Yep! How’s it going for you?”

“Just one.” Yang Mei showed her basket—inside was only a palm-sized fish.

Young women were always at a disadvantage when competing for this kind of resource. The best fishing spots were near flowing water, but those were usually occupied by young men. Any girl who dared compete would be mocked and ridiculed mercilessly, their reputations smeared just so the men could monopolize the catch.

Only middle-aged women, with their infamous tempers, dared to challenge them.

Understanding this, Jiaojiao felt a little sorry for Yang Mei. She leaned close and whispered, “Later, I’ll ask my brother to give you a big one.”

“For me?” Yang Mei stared in disbelief, her expression odd. How could anyone be this silly?

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P.S.- Hey Everyone!!! I sincerely apologize for the late updates. I have been a little busy with a lots of things going on in my life. Thank you for your patience, as an apology I’ll update 3 chapters today and the rest on monday’s. Hope you guys enjoy it. (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)