15. Mischievous smile

As he stared at her she almost started laughing, he is so cute when he makes this face. What's wrong with women here?

He is actually an attractive young man. What are they disliking on him?

Xi Haoming saw a smile spreading on her face and found her cute as well. But wait. Why is she smiling like that? As she was staring intently at his face, he touched it with his hands and tried to rub off whatever it is sticking on it. How embarrassing.

"Is something on my face?" He asked while trying to rub his cheeks.

In a moment of mischievousness, she nodded. "Yes, there is." Looking at him rubbing his cheeks, even more, she smiled again. "Nose, ears, eyes, mouth..." And stared snickering as he stopped rubbing and started laughing.

"Naughty." He had to admit even tho this girl was quite serious, this bit of mischievousness makes her even cuter.

"Sorry." Actually, she knew right away that he won't get angry at her.

"Don't be. It's fine to laugh. North has so many good things and you can happily run around. You will like it there. About the food, I heard from my father that I will get needed food as well before leaving. So don't worry, please." He just wanted her to relax and finally just enjoy it.

"Sigh, I'll do as you say. But if I want to do something, I hope you will help me. Later on." This is olden times, she couldn't just go and do things as she liked. So she thought.

But her words made him smile at her. ''I don't know what other crazy things you learned about the world you live in, but I guess I have to tell you this. Women here are not bound to anything. They can be anything they want, they can live happily and if they are not happy, they can even file for divorce. We live in an open society, not like those barbaric people in the neighboring country, that hide their women and forbid them to be seen. What stupidity. What's wrong with a woman being healer, or warrior or even becoming a scholar.''

''Wait, what?'' She was finally stunned. Did she miss something? As she lived in those places where women were living enclosed, she didn't even realize how free actually women were in this country.

''If there is something you would like to learn, let me know. I will find a teacher and they can teach you. Our women are actually quite independent, except the Royal concubines. All others are quite free. Even those that make the choice to become concubines make it willingly and can leave the household anytime they wish, as they have no marriage contract like main wives. In the case of main wives, they need divorce papers, and... that is it.'' Xi Haoming saw her blinking blankly at him and smiled. ''One day if you dislike living with me, you can leave my side. But for now, stay near me and let me show you our beautiful country. What do you say?''

Lan Lian finally snapped out of her daze and calmed down. What is there not to accept? No matter what, this marriage was pushed onto the two of them and no matter what world, you can refuse the Edict. If it's so easily broken, there was no reason to even exist. That means, they had to stay together. At least he is openhearted and will let her live comfortably.

With a serious face, she accepted it. ''Yes. let's try it. If one day you find someone you truly love and if I am already a long time with you, I will not step down from the main wife position. I have no wish to become concubine and in case such a situation occurs, please divorce me. Like that, I will be less hurt.''

He closed his eyes as he felt sweetness spreading in him. She would prefer to leave him than to share him with someone else. Happiness welled in his heart. But he stopped himself. She is still young and does not know many things in life. He must wait until she is a bit older. If she has the same thoughts at that time, he will completely take her and will not let her go, no matter what.

But first, she must learn how to smile more and how to be happy. Maybe with that and everyday life, she will learn more about him and even open her heart. He must do his best.

While he was overthinking stuff, Lan Lian found him cuter by the minute. He stood there and she could almost read his thoughts. His changing expressions were so hilarious, that she got closer and mischievously smiled.

What if she startles him often. He is cute with those red ears. She stepped forward and wanted to say something when she heard nearing sounds and stepped back. Her face became again mask of solemnity and his as well.

As they stood there, people that passed thought saw two stiff people that didn't know what to say to each other. One woman flashed a smile and whispered. ''Ugly woman and monster husband. Nice fit.''

Xi Haoming narrowed his eyes and was about to move towards when he was stopped by Lan Lian. She just shrugged and smirked. ''Let them. Maybe is for the better. Sometimes people want things that they can't have. Calling you a monster is ridiculous. You are the best looking man I met so far.''

He rose his eyebrows in wonder. ''Oh?''

''Yes. I do not know what women like on those wiggly thin men that can barely lift their pens to write some ridiculous texts. But without them would be bothersome. And they need someone to care for them as well...'' She flashed a quick smile and turned around leaving him frozen.

''Did she say she cares... Or did I just overthink her words? Calm down, you can't pressure her.'' He patted his chest as his heart seemingly wanted to jump out fo it.

When he came back his father tried to talk to him, but he was too dazed to answer. And even more, dazed he became as she entered and in passing unnoticeably winked at him with a mischievous smile.