This was a loss of temper, turning hostile as if they'd never known each other. Chi Wu glared fiercely at Cheng Ying, his mouth set with stubborn resolve, “I’m not sleeping.” Cheng Ying was taken aback; this felt like outright rebellion.

Not since the very beginning of their acquaintance had Chi Wu been this defiant in her presence. Was he truly staging a coup?

Chi Wu turned, his tone instantly shifting, “I’ll go draw water for your foot soak, then we’ll sleep.” With that, he turned and walked away. Cheng Ying, whose anticipation had been wound so high by his words, was left with this meager result.

Somehow, it was as if Chi Wu was secretly delighting her, causing her to fold herself up like a dried shrimp, collapsing in laughter onto the kang. Can this unlucky kid not have such poor follow-through?

But her mood was genuinely excellent; it was still the same old Chi Wu, not estranged after half a year apart. Why was there such an intrinsic sense of connection?

Cheng Ying laughed until she was practically a ball of fluff. Chi Wu came back in with the water and saw Cheng Ying collapsed in her mirth.

If Fatty Sun saw this, he’d instantly understand—the two of them shared the exact same temperament, their displays of joy mirrored in such down-to-earth ways. Chi Wu knew his statement hadn't exactly been manly, but in front of his wife, as long as he was man enough where it counted, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

More importantly, his wife was Yingzi; what embarrassing thing hadn't she already witnessed? Chi Wu had basically given up any pretense of asserting marital authority.

“Are you done yet? Careful you laugh yourself into a spasm.

Soak your feet.” Cheng Ying got up. To think of seeing the usually aloof and commanding Chi Wu tell her, in such a stern tone, to soak her feet—it was truly a complicated feeling.

Why was he so incongruous? How could he utter those words with that particular expression?

In a different setting, that expression would have suited someone far more heroic. Cheng Ying had never managed to fully decipher it.

Chi Wu, “What are you staring at? Hurry up, I’m waiting to sleep.” This implied he still had to pour the water for her, so Cheng Ying quickly rose, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.

I truly wouldn’t dare impose upon you, Your Highness. You sleep; I wouldn't dare ask you to pour water for me.

The Empress Dowager has spoken; from now on, I must do this myself. I cannot enslave your aged self!” Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying, snorting; he knew that girl had been placated by the old lady.

He still hadn't managed to get onto the kang first. Cheng Ying appreciated the benefits of having Chi Wu at home.

That kid Cheng Ming also let her order him around, but compared to Chi Wu, it was far less convenient. How could she feel comfortable ordering someone else around for such things?

Unless you’d been using them since childhood, they weren’t handy. As for Chi Wu, they had adapted through their bumps and stumbles.

They had both carried water for each other’s feet back then; it was already ingrained as a habit, hard to change now. Cheng Ying pulled off her socks and plunged her feet into the water.

The temperature was just right. The heat was so intense it forced a moan from her lips—such comfort!

Cheng Ying couldn't help it. The sound immediately raised Chi Wu’s heart rate.

With an accidental glance, his eyes fell upon her small, pale feet submerged in the basin. Then he abruptly turned his head away.

Eyes shut tight, Chi Wu's mind was replaying the scene over and over. Chi Wu sat down beside Cheng Ying and turned on the television.

The image of those pale feet simply wouldn’t leave Chi Wu’s mind. So pink, so delicate.

It wouldn't be erased. Cheng Ying soaked her feet, occasionally stamping them lightly, quite soothing.

Soaking feet in the dead of winter was the best, but the atmosphere felt wrong. The television was blaring, yet she could still hear the breathing of Chi Wu sitting right next to her becoming strained.

Was he running a fever? Cheng Ying looked up, and there she saw Chi Wu looking down intently at her feet, his face flushed crimson.

Cheng Ying understood instantly; that display of temper—the damned, wicked child wasn't sick; he was aroused. Damn it, what was he up to?

Cheng Ying quickly pulled her feet out, dried them, and tucked them under the covers, ensuring the unlucky boy couldn't see a thing. “What are you thinking?

Stop it right there!” That sudden shout snapped Chi Wu’s gaze back. Chi Wu knew he and Cheng Ying had nothing yet, but he also knew that someday they would have everything.

Yet, he had never truly considered this aspect because he didn't dare—not that he didn't want to, but he didn't dare. But today, Chi Wu hadn't even thought it through before reaching out and powerfully encircling Cheng Ying with his arm.

“Don't move, let me hold you.” It was an unprecedented display of dominance. Cheng Ying was furious.

A joke! He expected a hug just because he asked?

She tried to raise her hand to strike him, but Chi Wu’s arm was too strong; she couldn't break free. She looked up to bite him, but because of the thick padded clothing, from top to bottom, everywhere Cheng Ying could reach at eye level was impenetrable.

She could only attack the exposed skin—in the deep winter, that meant the neck or the face. As Cheng Ying looked up, before she could find a spot to sink her teeth into, Chi Wu clamped his mouth over hers.

It could only be described as youthful innocence, lacking any sophistication. Although he had truly intended to take advantage of the moment, when their mouths met, he was far too forceful.

The result was that Cheng Ying, aiming to bite, cracked her tooth, drawing blood. Chi Wu’s lip split open.

Biting flesh with teeth hurt Chi Wu more than it hurt her. Space and time seemed to freeze for a measurable two seconds.

Chi Wu reacted faster than Cheng Ying and shot out of the room. Cheng Ying looked at the scene, internally agonizing over how to react in a manner that seemed normal.

That was the real problem. Should I chase after him and teach that brat a lesson?

How did this outcome become so farcical? What should I do?

Damn it, she felt so frustrated. She thought that sometimes, having the right technique was crucial.

Look at the lesson learned from that moment. She had drifted off again.

But ultimately, Cheng Ying couldn't help but burst into laughter. It was more perfectly timed than any movie she’d ever seen.

How could it be so precise? Chi Wu ran outside the main gate to cool off.

After a long time, his flush faded, but then he felt the cold. He scratched his head, hesitating to re-enter the house.

Yingzi would surely be waiting to settle scores. Chi Wu sensed the anger Cheng Ying had felt just moments ago.

And he was mortified. In Chi Wu's mind, taking advantage of his wife was fine, but being clumsy at it was humiliating.

Utterly mortifying. Considering Yingzi’s personality, she would probably mock him mercilessly.

Chi Wu was filled with regret. Compared to being laughed at by Cheng Ying, he would rather have been disciplined by her, especially over this issue.

It was all the alcohol’s fault. Chi Wu touched his face, certain that only the courage fueled by drink allowed him to approach Cheng Ying while she was sober.

Chi Wu worried that his lack of skill meant this was a subject he could never discuss with anyone but Cheng Ying, and he knew perfectly well Cheng Ying wouldn't discuss it with him. For Chi Wu, newly crossing the threshold into adulthood, this was vexing.

Chi Wu stood outside inhaling the cold air, then slipped back into the house. This time there was no hesitation; he still had a task unfinished—the water in the basin hadn't been taken out.

Ducking his head as he entered, Chi Wu saw Cheng Ying, bent over, laughing hysterically. Chi Wu’s face turned a complete shade of purple.

He lost the courage to enter again. How was he going to live like this?

Being laughed at by his wife for anything else was acceptable, but not for poor technique in this regard. Besides, Chi Wu felt wronged.

Didn't she usually forbid him from practicing? Could this failure really be blamed on him?

Wandering around their own courtyard in the middle of the night would surely wake up the old lady, even if she were sleeping soundly in her room. It was unnerving.

While Chi Wu was sobering up in the yard, the old lady, who had just settled back into bed, got up to use the washroom and turned on the light. A moment later, “Wuzi, why aren't you asleep yet?” The old lady recognized the footsteps immediately.

Chi Wu entered the room. The old lady asked, “Wuzi, what time is it?

Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Chi Wu stammered for a long time, too embarrassed to explain. The old lady pondered for a moment.

“Did you two fight, Yingzi? That troublesome brat, Grandma will deal with her.” Chi Wu, “No, Grandma.

Nothing like that. I was just outside airing out the alcohol; I drank too much.” Chi Wu couldn’t bring himself to tell the old lady the real reason.

The old lady, “That’s right. When you get happy, I end up drinking too much.

Alright, go back to bed. It’s freezing outside in the middle of the night.

Go on now.” For the first time, Chi Wu didn't want to share a room with his wife. “Grandma, I’ll just watch you until you lie down properly, then I’ll go back.” The old lady, “I’m not that old yet.

Hurry back to your room.” Chi Wu was practically pushed out by the old lady. No matter how awkward he felt, Chi Wu had to go back inside; the old lady was still peering through the door curtain.

Chi Wu pushed the door open and entered smoothly. The old lady listened intently.

If her granddaughter started wrestling or acting wildly, the old lady was ready to intervene. After a long silence, the old lady finally turned off the light in her room and lay down.

Chi Wu looked at his wife, who was clearly still awake on the kang. He stood by the door, listening cautiously for any movement outside.

Only when he heard the old lady turn off the light did Chi Wu let out a breath. Then, tiptoeing, he moved toward the kang.

He had never been this shy before; Chi Wu was timid. Not only was his technique poor, but he had also offended Yingzi; he had no idea how she would react.

Cheng Ying had recovered her breath and was looking over an account book nearby. The business was booming this year; she absolutely had to hire two accountants, otherwise, she was too swamped.

Once the company was stable, it felt like it was just as unstable as before. Seeing Chi Wu’s pathetic state made Cheng Ying genuinely angry.

What was he playing at? She was just about to start scolding him when Chi Wu put a single finger to his lips in a "Shh" gesture, then pointed outside.

Cheng Ying whispered, “Staying up late like this, you must have woken Grandma up.” Chi Wu, “I was keeping Grandma company during her trip to the washroom.” He was being stubborn. Then, he quietly climbed onto the kang.

Even in the warm room, Chi Wu could feel the cold emanating from his body—he was thoroughly chilled. He looked at Cheng Ying.

Her gaze was somewhat piercing. She had been moments away from biting him.

Chi Wu trembled nervously. “Ying, Yingzi, just now…” Cheng Ying, “Mm.” The sound was laden with menace.

Chi Wu licked his lips; there was a slight salty, bloody taste—the wound hadn't healed yet. Oh, so this part was damaged, and it actually hurt quite a bit.

“No, um, did I hurt you when we bumped? How could it be such a coincidence that we collided?

Ouch, my lip hurts so much!” Chi Wu was clearly trying to deny everything. Cheng Ying was momentarily stunned with anger, but when she realized what he was doing, she was already on top of him.

“Do you take me for an idiot? You dare try to take advantage of me and get away with it?

I’ll beat you senseless!” She didn't bother with formalities, exploding in fury at the unlucky boy. “And you dare look me in the eye and lie?

I’ve spoiled you rotten!” What could Chi Wu do? Never mind that he wouldn't dare fight back, in Cheng Ying’s current position, Chi Wu felt he might even enjoy the prolonged fight.

This was intoxicating. The old lady had only just laid down when she heard such a racket; she shot out of bed in an instant.