Suyuxin always felt that Jianghan wasn't telling the truth. His expression just now was too serious, even carrying a hint of sharpness, a far cry from his usual gentle and jade-like demeanor. Could there be something hidden behind this? However, it was apparent that he didn't want to disclose it, and her subtle probing yielded no results. Could she confront him directly? Suyuxin pondered this as she walked along. She ran through every detail of Zhoushan in her mind, from head to toe, yet everything seemed proper and flawless about him. Was Jianghan not looking at Zhoushan after all? Or did something suddenly strike him through Zhoushan? The more Suyuxin thought, the more chaotic her mind became, creasing her brow in frustration.
"What's the matter, Madam?" Maizi followed alongside Suyuxin, lips pressed, unable to resist asking. Ever since they left the Reading Pavilion, the Madam's expression turned somewhat sour. However, she couldn't detect anything amiss in their surroundings. But the Madam's mood shifted suddenly. "Nothing," Suyuxin regained her composure, shaking her head. Perhaps, it was nothing; she might have been overly suspicious. Even though she tried to reassure herself, she still felt uneasy.
Upon returning to Yimei Garden, Suyuxin quietly entered the inner room to find Fengyao already fast asleep, lying on the outer side of the bed. Covered by a thin brocade quilt, hands neatly placed on his stomach, he appeared serene and peaceful. Suyuxin tiptoed to remove her shoes and moved from the foot of the bed to the inner side, sitting cross-legged beside Fengyao. She supported her chin with one hand, gazing intently at him. She had never seen Fengyao asleep before; whether during regular sleep or post-battles with the demons, she had always fallen asleep first. In slumber, Fengyao seemed a bit less indifferent than usual, even the two scars appeared softer. His breath was gentle, devoid of any unpleasant habits. As Suyuxin observed, her fingers couldn't resist tracing his brows and lips. His brows were thick and firm, as sharp as a blade, while his lips were moist and soft, akin to lotus seed paste balls.
Lost in her joyous exploration, Suyuxin suddenly found Fengyao's mouth opening and, in a swift move, taking hold of her finger with his tongue lightly brushing over it. It sent shivers down her spine. Startled, she pulled her finger back, feeling uneasy. "There was something on your lips; I was just..." Suyuxin began to explain but stopped midway, realizing Fengyao was still asleep, his quiet breathing undisturbed. It was an unconscious action. Suyuxin lightly patted her chest, letting out a long breath. She realized that the general must have been very tired. Otherwise, with his martial skills and alertness, he would have woken up long ago. She decided not to disturb him and let the general rest peacefully.
Suyuxin, propping her chin on her hand, sat by Fengyao's side, watching him sleep. Gradually, her eyelids began to feel heavy. As she succumbed to sleep, she leaned against Fengyao's side, feeling particularly comforted by his presence. This sleep was particularly restful for Suyuxin.
When she awoke, the sky had already darkened. Suyuxin groggily half-opened her eyes to see Fengyao lying on his side, a faint smile on his lips. "Are you fully awake?" Fengyao looked at Suyuxin with a smile, gently tapping her little nose.
Just waking up, Suyuxin was still a bit dazed, her mind not entirely back. She hadn't heard clearly what Fengyao said and unconsciously just made a sound of agreement. Seeing Suyuxin's bewildered and hazy look, Fengyao's smile grew wider.
Extending his slightly calloused hand, he gently stroked Suyuxin's forehead. Slowly, her vision cleared. When she was younger, whenever she woke up, the housekeeper would always stroke her forehead like this, saying it would prevent her from being startled. It was a distant memory, one she wouldn't have remembered if not for Fengyao repeating the action. A big man like the general doing such things was quite unusual. Perhaps it was just a coincidence. Thinking of the general comforting a child, Suyuxin couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. The Iron Blood General, known as the "Living King of Hell," and a pink and tender little baby seemed completely incompatible.
"What are you laughing at?" Fengyao pinched Suyuxin's cheek, asking. "Nothing," Suyuxin waved her hand, not wanting the general to know her thoughts. However, her gesture made her notice her rather ungraceful sleeping position. She was entangled around Fengyao like an octopus, far from ladylike. Blushing, Suyuxin quickly adjusted her legs, attempting to pose in a more proper manner. But in her haste, she accidentally bumped into the most delicate area of a man, causing Fengyao to grunt in discomfort.
"I-I didn't mean to," Suyuxin wrapped herself in the blanket, retreating to the furthest corner, looking innocent. Fengyao reached out, pulling Suyuxin close and flipping her over, resting on top of her. His dense black hair slipped into Suyuxin's neckline, tickling her. Feeling uncomfortable, she wriggled. Fengyao's hand traced Suyuxin's smooth neck, his eyes burning with heat.
"Um... It's getting late, we should..." Suyuxin swallowed hard, "We should..."
Seeing Suyuxin's nervous expression, Fengyao couldn't help but smile, a playful glint in his eyes, while he pulled the strands of hair that had fallen onto Suyuxin's collar.
Suyuxin then realized she had been "tricked" by the general. Instantly annoyed, she snorted and turned away from Fengyao. "Are you upset?" Fengyao straightened Suyuxin's face, his fingers touching her pink lips, asking. Suyuxin immediately bit Fengyao's finger, using just a little force.
"Don't damage your little fangs," Fengyao touched Suyuxin's head, a trace of indulgence in his eyes, "Or you won't be able to bite into the fish fillet later."
"Are we having fish fillet tonight?" Suyuxin's eyes suddenly lit up. "I've already instructed Xiaomama to prepare it," Fengyao said, raising his hand to examine the tiny, pointed teeth marks, resembling those of a kitten.
"The general is so good," Suyuxin hooked her arms around Fengyao's neck, planting a kiss on his cheek. "So, it's time to get up," Fengyao lifted Suyuxin, deftly helping her put on her clothes and then dressing himself. As Suyuxin stood, dressed and ready, she pondered.
Did she remove her
outer garments before sleeping? And...
Suyuxin glanced at the neatly dressed Fengyao, then patted her head in frustration. It was a perfect opportunity for "snow vengeance" just now, how did she miss it? What was she thinking? She had vowed to be an excellent general's wife, yet until now, she hadn't done anything for the general. On the contrary, the general often did various things for her. Right now, Suyuxin wanted nothing more than to strip Fengyao and dress him again, but recalling the "painful" experience of backache after undressing him last time, Suyuxin promptly suppressed this idea.