Chapter - 46
By Tea Time Translations
---
Extra surprise! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
On the way back, neither Pei You'an nor Jiafu said a word.
When the carriage returned to the Duke's residence, it was late, and just as the lanterns were being lit, the carriage came to a stop. Initially, Liu Mama and Tan Xiang had sat on either side of the coachman, and as soon as the carriage stopped, they quickly jumped down.
Pei You'an disembarked first, and when it was Jiafu's turn, Liu Mama and Tan Xiang rushed forward to assist. However, Pei You'an extended his arm and almost pulled her down, letting her go when she was on the ground. He turned and headed inside.
Jiafu glanced at his departing figure and hurried to follow him.
They first went to Pei's old lady's quarters, where Madam Xin and Madam Er were also present, assisting the old lady with her meal.
Pei You'an wore a smile and said, "I returned early, but in the afternoon, I remembered something. I thought it would be good for Jiafu to stay a little longer to accompany her mother, so I came back late."
The old lady smiled and said, "Being a little late is not a big deal. What's so important that you couldn't come back a bit earlier? Have you had your meal?"
Pei You'an responded, "I had a meal with my mother-in-law."
The old lady nodded and said, "That's good. You two can go back to your rooms."
Pei You'an politely agreed and took Jiafu with him. As they exited, he quickened his pace. When they reached the courtyard where they resided, Jiafu practically had to walk briskly to keep up with him.
As soon as they entered their room, Pei You'an ordered Tan Xiang and several other maids who had accompanied them to leave. He then closed the door and said, "Did you go to the Daoist temple? What were you doing?"
He stood with his back to her, taking off his outer robe. His tone was restrained, but Jiafu keenly sensed his anger, along with a tinge of interrogation.
On the way back, Jiafu could already sense that Pei You'an was unhappy. She also knew her actions were inappropriate. Initially, she had been anxious and unsure about her course of action, but the moment he began to question her, she clenched her lips, stared at his back, and her initial uneasiness quickly gave way to feelings of grievance and anger. She remained silent as she sat down at the dressing table, absently removing hairpins from her hair.
Pei You'an, noticing her silence, turned around and saw her sitting down to remove her makeup, ignoring him. He furrowed his brow and said, "Why aren't you saying anything? I thought you would be reluctant to leave your mother. So I suggested you stay longer to keep her company, thinking I would come back later to pick you up. But instead, you went to the Daoist temple! Do you think you're in the right?"
"I'm not in the right! But are you right either?"
Jiafu couldn't hold back any longer. She continued to stare at her reflection in the mirror while swiftly undoing her hair. She spoke rapidly, "Yes, I went to the Daoist temple, but what were you doing? When my grandmother asked me, I didn't have the face to tell her. Going there once is understandable, but two or three times? You said it was because my mother kept me, yet today you left me behind and went somewhere on your own. I'll say it again, I was wrong to force you to marry me initially. But later, I realized my mistake and stopped forcing you. If you find me so unappealing, why did you marry me again, only to visit other women just three days after our wedding?"
In the morning, Tan Xiang had created an elaborate and beautiful hairstyle for her to return home, with numerous pieces of jewelry adorning her head. Jiafu began removing each piece one by one, dropping them noisily on the table. Eventually, she was left with a copper hairpin designed to secure the hairstyle. The pin's tip was quite slender, coiled around her hair, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't remove it.
Pei You'an stared at her back, a slightly puzzled expression on his face. After a moment, he furrowed his brow and said, "I really don't understand what's going on in your mind all the time..."
Jiafu acted as if she hadn't heard, continuing her battle with the hairpin.
Pei You'an's expression gradually softened. He hesitated for a moment and then walked over, stopping behind her. He reached out towards the hairpin, his tone taking on a playful quality, "Aren't you known for crying easily? I mentioned it earlier, but now you're not crying."
"If you want me to cry, I won't cry!"
Jiafu let out a cold snort, turned her head to avoid his hand, and with determination, she yanked the hairpin down. To her surprise, as she pulled it out, the pin's tip scraped across his forehead, causing him to let out a soft hiss. Unluckily, the pin drew a fine line of blood about half a finger's length.
A drop of blood oozed out from the wound.
The air seemed to freeze, and both of them appeared immobilized. They maintained their original positions, not moving at all.
Jiafu suddenly realized the trouble she had caused and was startled. She gasped, the hairpin still in her hand, and stared at the man who was now behind her in the mirror.
Pei You'an, with both eyes locked onto her reflection in the mirror, slowly straightened his body.
There was a soft "thud" as the weapon fell from Jiafu's hand. She quickly stood up and turned around, nervously searching for a handkerchief to wipe away the bloodstains on Pei You'an.
Pei You'an tilted his head slightly, avoiding her hand, and used his finger to wipe away the blood himself. He glanced at the blood on his fingertip and then looked at her.
All of Jiafu's previous anger had dissipated. She tightly clenched the handkerchief, her knuckles turning white, and stared at him with wide eyes.
"Big Cousin... I didn't mean to... Are you hurt?"
Pei You'an coldly snorted, "If you had meant to, it would have been even worse."
Jiafu bit her lip, her anger completely gone.
Pei You'an bent his head to look at her. "You knew where I had gone, and you went to the Daoist temple to confront me? Huh?"
"It wasn't the Daoist temple. Where else would I go?"
Jiafu stared at him, her voice barely audible.
Pei You'an paused, as if the thought had angered him.
"The other day, I told you that I had gone to the Daoist temple. Yesterday and today, I went to the Imperial Physicians' Institute."
Jiafu suddenly raised her eyes.
"Chi Hanzhen has a younger brother. When the entire Chi family was executed five years ago, he was only three years old. He was saved by an old friend of Chi Hanlin who sacrificed himself for him. But he was in poor condition at that time and has been seriously ill ever since. He's been lying in the Daoist temple. The day I met Chi Hanzhen in the palace, she asked me to examine her brother. Her grandfather was the chief examiner for my imperial examination, and he offered me much guidance in the past. I respect him as a teacher. Now that the child's life is in danger, how can I not help? That day, I went to examine him, and there were some complicated issues. In the past few days, I have had some free time, so I've been searching for medical books in the Imperial Physicians' Institute and discussing the diagnosis with the physicians."
"What's going on in your head? Are you always thinking about me?"
Jiafu was taken aback, looking up at him with slightly parted lips.
"Today, I thought of a treatment method, but there is one herb that I'm not sure if the Imperial Physicians' Institute has in stock. This herb is imported and difficult to preserve. I obtained it from a physician from the Great Seljuk when I was young. I saw your mother reluctant to part with you, so I asked you to stay a bit longer. I wanted to go to the Imperial Physicians' Institute to inquire about it. Before noon, I went to your house to pick you up, but your mother said you had returned. When I got back, the gatekeeper said you had come back, stood at the gate for a while, and then left. I didn't know where you went. I thought maybe you went home again, so I went over to fetch you, afraid that if you weren't there, it would worry your mother. I pretended to ask you to fetch something you had left at home and had someone go inside to retrieve it. When they came out and said there was nothing, that's when I realized you hadn't gone home. Do you know that I called several of my military guard brothers and discreetly searched for you in several places? Finally, I thought of it myself and went to the Daoist temple."
His voice wasn't loud, but his tone became increasingly severe.
Jiafu felt both ashamed and embarrassed, her face turning red as she slowly lowered her head, not daring to move.
The room fell into a brief silence. It seemed like Pei You'an was doing his best to control his anger. He paced back and forth in front of Jiafu, hands behind his back, before stopping and taking a deep breath. When he spoke again, his tone had calmed down. He said, "Enough, as long as you're safe. Don't ever do such a foolish thing again. I'm going to the study." With that, he turned and walked out.
Liu Mama and Tan Xiang, who were waiting in the corridor, saw the door open and a figure emerge. They rushed forward, calling out, "Master."
Pei You'an raised his hand to shade his eyes and turned to head to the study. His footsteps gradually receded.
Jiafu watched him leave, her eyes wide open. She stood still and couldn't move. After a moment, she heard the footsteps of Liu Mama and Tan Xiang entering the room. Anxiously, she turned around and suppressed the tears that were about to fall. She sat back down at the dressing table and pretended to tidy up her hair, which had been messed up earlier.
Liu Mama and Tan Xiang had been waiting in the corridor, and although they couldn't hear clearly what had been said inside the room, they could tell that something had gone wrong. After Pei You'an left and went to the study, they entered the room. Seeing Jiafu sitting in front of the dressing table with her back to them, Liu Mama raised her hand to help but heard Jiafu say, "You don't need to do anything here. Please go outside."
The two of them exchanged a look.
"Please leave. If I need you, I will call you," she said, raising her voice slightly, still not turning her head.
Liu Mama and Tan Xiang had no choice but to withdraw from the room.
Jiafu rested her head on one hand and picked up the jewelry that she had scattered across the table earlier. She placed each piece back into the box one by one, then picked up a comb and slowly untangled the knots in her hair that had been created when she had thrown it in frustration. She sat silently for a while and eventually got up. She called for Tan Xiang, washed her face, created a simple hairstyle, bundling up her long hair in an orderly manner. Finally, she changed into casual clothing.
Liu Mama turned around and said, "You haven't had dinner yet. I'll go to the kitchen and bring some simple dishes over."
Jiafu said, "I'll go myself."
...
Light spilled out from under the study door. Jiafu, holding a food container, arrived at the door, knocked lightly on the partially open door, and then gently pushed it open.
Pei You'an was sitting behind the desk, holding a pen and writing. He looked up as she entered, and the bleeding from the cut on his forehead had stopped.
Jiafu slowly walked in and stopped in front of his desk.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
Jiafu spoke softly, "Have you eaten dinner yet? I was so angry that I'm full from being upset. Earlier, I went to the small kitchen and picked a few simple dishes and rice. I also found some ready-made snow ear mushrooms and made a snow ear and taro milk pudding. I remembered that you said you could add an extra spoonful of honey to it, so I added two..."
Pei You'an paused his writing.
Jiafu lowered her eyelids.
"It's my fault... I misunderstood you, and I misunderstood Miss Chi. It's right for you to scold me, but don't starve yourself. I've put the food container down. If you're hungry, eat some..."
Jiafu placed the food container at the corner of the desk and turned to leave.
"Have you eaten?" Pei You'an asked.
Jiafu had reached the door when she heard his voice from behind. She stopped, slowly turned around, saw him looking at her, bit her lip, and shook her head.
"Just have some. I can't finish all of this anyway," he said.
Jiafu was momentarily surprised but immediately brightened up and nodded. "Alright." She quickly turned back, opened the food container, arranged bamboo shoots and goose, Jiangnan artemisia, sea bok choy, a bowl of chicken minced sauce soup, and a large bowl of rice. She also called Tan Xiang to fetch another set of bowls and chopsticks.
The bowls and chopsticks were promptly delivered.
Pei You'an was indeed a bit hungry. He didn't say anything, came over, and started eating with Jiafu. Jiafu noticed that he finished quickly.
"I'm full. If you're still hungry, have someone bring more food," she said.
Pei You'an replied, "Isn't there still the snow ear and taro milk pudding? I'll be fine after that."
Jiafu smiled and brought out the dessert, opening the lid to reveal the slightly steaming pudding. It was just the right temperature to be eaten.
Jiafu pushed the pudding cup towards him.
Pei You'an said, "I can't finish all of this. You go ahead and eat some, and I'll eat the rest later."
His tone was casual, but Jiafu felt her face grow slightly warm. She whispered, "How about I get a smaller bowl and divide it..."
"No need. You go ahead; it's fine."
Jiafu's heart was slowly filled with sweetness. She softly acknowledged with a sound and took a spoon to scoop the pudding, bringing it to her lips. She ate it bite by bite.
Amidst the misty sea roses, under the soft glow of the lamp, her face, freshly washed of makeup, had a kind of beauty that was different from the daytime.
Pei You'an hadn't intended to, but his gaze couldn't help but land on her lips as she ate the snow ear and taro milk pudding.
Her lips were rosy and glistening, with a tempting gloss that looked like they were coated with flower nectar. They were inviting, making one desire to taste their flavor. As she ate a spoonful of pudding, her lips were smeared with a glistening, milky-white layer. Her delicate, pink tongue peeked out from the depths of her mouth and lightly licked her lips. It retracted before he could get a clear look.
Pei You'an suddenly felt a dryness in his mouth and throat, and an inexplicable reaction within him. He quickly averted his gaze.
Jiafu, however, remained oblivious and counted the mouthfuls she had eaten. She pushed the remaining pudding towards him and said, "Cousin, I'm full now. You can finish the rest."
Pei You'an didn't look at her anymore. He simply picked up the bowl and spoon, and within a few bites, he had finished the pudding. He put the bowl down and said, "I'm full too. I still have some matters to attend to. I'll be back later. You go to sleep first, and don't wait for me."
Jiafu, seeing that he was finished, didn't insist further. She was afraid of annoying him, so she replied with an "Okay," and tidied up the bowl and spoon, placing them back in the food container. She then carried it with her as she left.
"Cousin, don't stay out too late. Get some rest early," she added before heading out.
Pei You'an looked up at her, nodded slightly, and smiled.
Chapter - 46
By Tea Time Translations
---
Extra surprise! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
On the way back, neither Pei You'an nor Jiafu said a word.
When the carriage returned to the Duke's residence, it was late, and just as the lanterns were being lit, the carriage came to a stop. Initially, Liu Mama and Tan Xiang had sat on either side of the coachman, and as soon as the carriage stopped, they quickly jumped down.
Pei You'an disembarked first, and when it was Jiafu's turn, Liu Mama and Tan Xiang rushed forward to assist. However, Pei You'an extended his arm and almost pulled her down, letting her go when she was on the ground. He turned and headed inside.
Jiafu glanced at his departing figure and hurried to follow him.
They first went to Pei's old lady's quarters, where Madam Xin and Madam Er were also present, assisting the old lady with her meal.
Pei You'an wore a smile and said, "I returned early, but in the afternoon, I remembered something. I thought it would be good for Jiafu to stay a little longer to accompany her mother, so I came back late."
The old lady smiled and said, "Being a little late is not a big deal. What's so important that you couldn't come back a bit earlier? Have you had your meal?"
Pei You'an responded, "I had a meal with my mother-in-law."
The old lady nodded and said, "That's good. You two can go back to your rooms."
Pei You'an politely agreed and took Jiafu with him. As they exited, he quickened his pace. When they reached the courtyard where they resided, Jiafu practically had to walk briskly to keep up with him.
As soon as they entered their room, Pei You'an ordered Tan Xiang and several other maids who had accompanied them to leave. He then closed the door and said, "Did you go to the Daoist temple? What were you doing?"
He stood with his back to her, taking off his outer robe. His tone was restrained, but Jiafu keenly sensed his anger, along with a tinge of interrogation.
On the way back, Jiafu could already sense that Pei You'an was unhappy. She also knew her actions were inappropriate. Initially, she had been anxious and unsure about her course of action, but the moment he began to question her, she clenched her lips, stared at his back, and her initial uneasiness quickly gave way to feelings of grievance and anger. She remained silent as she sat down at the dressing table, absently removing hairpins from her hair.
Pei You'an, noticing her silence, turned around and saw her sitting down to remove her makeup, ignoring him. He furrowed his brow and said, "Why aren't you saying anything? I thought you would be reluctant to leave your mother. So I suggested you stay longer to keep her company, thinking I would come back later to pick you up. But instead, you went to the Daoist temple! Do you think you're in the right?"
"I'm not in the right! But are you right either?"
Jiafu couldn't hold back any longer. She continued to stare at her reflection in the mirror while swiftly undoing her hair. She spoke rapidly, "Yes, I went to the Daoist temple, but what were you doing? When my grandmother asked me, I didn't have the face to tell her. Going there once is understandable, but two or three times? You said it was because my mother kept me, yet today you left me behind and went somewhere on your own. I'll say it again, I was wrong to force you to marry me initially. But later, I realized my mistake and stopped forcing you. If you find me so unappealing, why did you marry me again, only to visit other women just three days after our wedding?"
In the morning, Tan Xiang had created an elaborate and beautiful hairstyle for her to return home, with numerous pieces of jewelry adorning her head. Jiafu began removing each piece one by one, dropping them noisily on the table. Eventually, she was left with a copper hairpin designed to secure the hairstyle. The pin's tip was quite slender, coiled around her hair, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't remove it.
Pei You'an stared at her back, a slightly puzzled expression on his face. After a moment, he furrowed his brow and said, "I really don't understand what's going on in your mind all the time..."
Jiafu acted as if she hadn't heard, continuing her battle with the hairpin.
Pei You'an's expression gradually softened. He hesitated for a moment and then walked over, stopping behind her. He reached out towards the hairpin, his tone taking on a playful quality, "Aren't you known for crying easily? I mentioned it earlier, but now you're not crying."
"If you want me to cry, I won't cry!"
Jiafu let out a cold snort, turned her head to avoid his hand, and with determination, she yanked the hairpin down. To her surprise, as she pulled it out, the pin's tip scraped across his forehead, causing him to let out a soft hiss. Unluckily, the pin drew a fine line of blood about half a finger's length.
A drop of blood oozed out from the wound.
The air seemed to freeze, and both of them appeared immobilized. They maintained their original positions, not moving at all.
Jiafu suddenly realized the trouble she had caused and was startled. She gasped, the hairpin still in her hand, and stared at the man who was now behind her in the mirror.
Pei You'an, with both eyes locked onto her reflection in the mirror, slowly straightened his body.
There was a soft "thud" as the weapon fell from Jiafu's hand. She quickly stood up and turned around, nervously searching for a handkerchief to wipe away the bloodstains on Pei You'an.
Pei You'an tilted his head slightly, avoiding her hand, and used his finger to wipe away the blood himself. He glanced at the blood on his fingertip and then looked at her.
All of Jiafu's previous anger had dissipated. She tightly clenched the handkerchief, her knuckles turning white, and stared at him with wide eyes.
"Big Cousin... I didn't mean to... Are you hurt?"
Pei You'an coldly snorted, "If you had meant to, it would have been even worse."
Jiafu bit her lip, her anger completely gone.
Pei You'an bent his head to look at her. "You knew where I had gone, and you went to the Daoist temple to confront me? Huh?"
"It wasn't the Daoist temple. Where else would I go?"
Jiafu stared at him, her voice barely audible.
Pei You'an paused, as if the thought had angered him.
"The other day, I told you that I had gone to the Daoist temple. Yesterday and today, I went to the Imperial Physicians' Institute."
Jiafu suddenly raised her eyes.
"Chi Hanzhen has a younger brother. When the entire Chi family was executed five years ago, he was only three years old. He was saved by an old friend of Chi Hanlin who sacrificed himself for him. But he was in poor condition at that time and has been seriously ill ever since. He's been lying in the Daoist temple. The day I met Chi Hanzhen in the palace, she asked me to examine her brother. Her grandfather was the chief examiner for my imperial examination, and he offered me much guidance in the past. I respect him as a teacher. Now that the child's life is in danger, how can I not help? That day, I went to examine him, and there were some complicated issues. In the past few days, I have had some free time, so I've been searching for medical books in the Imperial Physicians' Institute and discussing the diagnosis with the physicians."
"What's going on in your head? Are you always thinking about me?"
Jiafu was taken aback, looking up at him with slightly parted lips.
"Today, I thought of a treatment method, but there is one herb that I'm not sure if the Imperial Physicians' Institute has in stock. This herb is imported and difficult to preserve. I obtained it from a physician from the Great Seljuk when I was young. I saw your mother reluctant to part with you, so I asked you to stay a bit longer. I wanted to go to the Imperial Physicians' Institute to inquire about it. Before noon, I went to your house to pick you up, but your mother said you had returned. When I got back, the gatekeeper said you had come back, stood at the gate for a while, and then left. I didn't know where you went. I thought maybe you went home again, so I went over to fetch you, afraid that if you weren't there, it would worry your mother. I pretended to ask you to fetch something you had left at home and had someone go inside to retrieve it. When they came out and said there was nothing, that's when I realized you hadn't gone home. Do you know that I called several of my military guard brothers and discreetly searched for you in several places? Finally, I thought of it myself and went to the Daoist temple."
His voice wasn't loud, but his tone became increasingly severe.
Jiafu felt both ashamed and embarrassed, her face turning red as she slowly lowered her head, not daring to move.
The room fell into a brief silence. It seemed like Pei You'an was doing his best to control his anger. He paced back and forth in front of Jiafu, hands behind his back, before stopping and taking a deep breath. When he spoke again, his tone had calmed down. He said, "Enough, as long as you're safe. Don't ever do such a foolish thing again. I'm going to the study." With that, he turned and walked out.
Liu Mama and Tan Xiang, who were waiting in the corridor, saw the door open and a figure emerge. They rushed forward, calling out, "Master."
Pei You'an raised his hand to shade his eyes and turned to head to the study. His footsteps gradually receded.
Jiafu watched him leave, her eyes wide open. She stood still and couldn't move. After a moment, she heard the footsteps of Liu Mama and Tan Xiang entering the room. Anxiously, she turned around and suppressed the tears that were about to fall. She sat back down at the dressing table and pretended to tidy up her hair, which had been messed up earlier.
Liu Mama and Tan Xiang had been waiting in the corridor, and although they couldn't hear clearly what had been said inside the room, they could tell that something had gone wrong. After Pei You'an left and went to the study, they entered the room. Seeing Jiafu sitting in front of the dressing table with her back to them, Liu Mama raised her hand to help but heard Jiafu say, "You don't need to do anything here. Please go outside."
The two of them exchanged a look.
"Please leave. If I need you, I will call you," she said, raising her voice slightly, still not turning her head.
Liu Mama and Tan Xiang had no choice but to withdraw from the room.
Jiafu rested her head on one hand and picked up the jewelry that she had scattered across the table earlier. She placed each piece back into the box one by one, then picked up a comb and slowly untangled the knots in her hair that had been created when she had thrown it in frustration. She sat silently for a while and eventually got up. She called for Tan Xiang, washed her face, created a simple hairstyle, bundling up her long hair in an orderly manner. Finally, she changed into casual clothing.
Liu Mama turned around and said, "You haven't had dinner yet. I'll go to the kitchen and bring some simple dishes over."
Jiafu said, "I'll go myself."
...
Light spilled out from under the study door. Jiafu, holding a food container, arrived at the door, knocked lightly on the partially open door, and then gently pushed it open.
Pei You'an was sitting behind the desk, holding a pen and writing. He looked up as she entered, and the bleeding from the cut on his forehead had stopped.
Jiafu slowly walked in and stopped in front of his desk.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
Jiafu spoke softly, "Have you eaten dinner yet? I was so angry that I'm full from being upset. Earlier, I went to the small kitchen and picked a few simple dishes and rice. I also found some ready-made snow ear mushrooms and made a snow ear and taro milk pudding. I remembered that you said you could add an extra spoonful of honey to it, so I added two..."
Pei You'an paused his writing.
Jiafu lowered her eyelids.
"It's my fault... I misunderstood you, and I misunderstood Miss Chi. It's right for you to scold me, but don't starve yourself. I've put the food container down. If you're hungry, eat some..."
Jiafu placed the food container at the corner of the desk and turned to leave.
"Have you eaten?" Pei You'an asked.
Jiafu had reached the door when she heard his voice from behind. She stopped, slowly turned around, saw him looking at her, bit her lip, and shook her head.
"Just have some. I can't finish all of this anyway," he said.
Jiafu was momentarily surprised but immediately brightened up and nodded. "Alright." She quickly turned back, opened the food container, arranged bamboo shoots and goose, Jiangnan artemisia, sea bok choy, a bowl of chicken minced sauce soup, and a large bowl of rice. She also called Tan Xiang to fetch another set of bowls and chopsticks.
The bowls and chopsticks were promptly delivered.
Pei You'an was indeed a bit hungry. He didn't say anything, came over, and started eating with Jiafu. Jiafu noticed that he finished quickly.
"I'm full. If you're still hungry, have someone bring more food," she said.
Pei You'an replied, "Isn't there still the snow ear and taro milk pudding? I'll be fine after that."
Jiafu smiled and brought out the dessert, opening the lid to reveal the slightly steaming pudding. It was just the right temperature to be eaten.
Jiafu pushed the pudding cup towards him.
Pei You'an said, "I can't finish all of this. You go ahead and eat some, and I'll eat the rest later."
His tone was casual, but Jiafu felt her face grow slightly warm. She whispered, "How about I get a smaller bowl and divide it..."
"No need. You go ahead; it's fine."
Jiafu's heart was slowly filled with sweetness. She softly acknowledged with a sound and took a spoon to scoop the pudding, bringing it to her lips. She ate it bite by bite.
Amidst the misty sea roses, under the soft glow of the lamp, her face, freshly washed of makeup, had a kind of beauty that was different from the daytime.
Pei You'an hadn't intended to, but his gaze couldn't help but land on her lips as she ate the snow ear and taro milk pudding.
Her lips were rosy and glistening, with a tempting gloss that looked like they were coated with flower nectar. They were inviting, making one desire to taste their flavor. As she ate a spoonful of pudding, her lips were smeared with a glistening, milky-white layer. Her delicate, pink tongue peeked out from the depths of her mouth and lightly licked her lips. It retracted before he could get a clear look.
Pei You'an suddenly felt a dryness in his mouth and throat, and an inexplicable reaction within him. He quickly averted his gaze.
Jiafu, however, remained oblivious and counted the mouthfuls she had eaten. She pushed the remaining pudding towards him and said, "Cousin, I'm full now. You can finish the rest."
Pei You'an didn't look at her anymore. He simply picked up the bowl and spoon, and within a few bites, he had finished the pudding. He put the bowl down and said, "I'm full too. I still have some matters to attend to. I'll be back later. You go to sleep first, and don't wait for me."
Jiafu, seeing that he was finished, didn't insist further. She was afraid of annoying him, so she replied with an "Okay," and tidied up the bowl and spoon, placing them back in the food container. She then carried it with her as she left.
"Cousin, don't stay out too late. Get some rest early," she added before heading out.
Pei You'an looked up at her, nodded slightly, and smiled.
