Before Cheng Ying could even look up to speak, she caught sight of Chi Wu’s bright eyes. Aiyo, this feeling made things even worse.

Cheng Ying blushed. What in the world was this? Saying, "Don't let go yet" in the middle of the night, her voice was quiet because her conscience felt guilty. In Cheng Ying’s view, if they were to commit a moral transgression, the greater responsibility would surely lie with her.

Cheng Ying didn't understand herself—how could someone as petty as her shoulder all the blame in front of Chi Wu? Perhaps it was because she had guided this boy the wrong way since he was little.

Chi Wu felt that Yingzi must be willing to try that thing, otherwise why would she be so gentle? If not, she would have kicked him away long ago.

Chi Wu unconsciously called out, "Yingzi," and his large head leaned in a bit closer.

Cheng Ying’s nose brushed against Chi Wu’s cool leather jacket. She thought that next winter, she definitely wouldn't let her boyfriend wear a leather jacket; she wouldn't be able to keep warm! Aiyo, where was her mind wandering?

Cheng Ying felt immense pressure. Should she hide or not? If she didn't hide, then their relationship would be solidified.

But how would she know if she didn't try? Maybe they had no chance at all.

Besides, how difficult would it be to find a wife worthy of Wu Zi? It wouldn’t be the end of the world if she reluctantly took him on, right? At least they looked well-matched in appearance, didn't they?

So many thoughts flashed through Cheng Ying’s mind in an instant. She tilted her head, watching their long shadows. Cheng Ying’s ears turned red; her old face couldn't take it anymore. This was obsession, as if something had possessed her. Staying motionless like this was completely against her nature.

Chi Wu’s heart raced; he felt he was being too hesitant. What’s the big deal if he just kissed her? He closed his eyes and moved forward, and then the world changed.

Cheng Ying saw a third shadow slowly join the two long ones above them. Sleeping? Annoying, staying out late when you should be asleep. "Aiya!"

Then she looked up, glanced behind her, grabbed Chi Wu, and took off running, completely ignoring the jaw that dropped when Chi Wu was yanked along. Thwack.

Before Chi Wu could figure out what was happening, his lips stung. Then he heard a burst of loud laughter behind them: "Hahahaha! Whose unlucky kid is out messing around late at night instead of staying home?"

Cheng Ying's face truly had nowhere to hide it.

Chi Wu finally understood what was happening. He went from being the one dragged to the one doing the dragging—it was mortifying.

Which wicked soul was wandering around outside late at night instead of sleeping?

The two of them ran until they reached their own courtyard and only stopped to catch their breath after closing the door.

Leaning against the large gate, they panted heavily. They were exhausted from running.

They exchanged a glance. Chi Wu shyly turned his head away. Cheng Ying was speechless. Why did she feel like she had just dragged Chi Wu into doing something just now? Was that how it looked?

Then Cheng Ying realized, "Aiyo, why did we run to our own house? Isn't that telling people that it was us just now?"

Why didn't I think of that? Should we go out and run another lap?

Chi Wu was displeased. "We are husband and wife. We can do whatever we want. Why run? What are we afraid of?" His words were so forceful.

Cheng Ying thought, You’ve got guts, you can do it. But he didn't know how vicious the village aunties’ gossip could be. "Then why did you drag me running?"

Chi Wu was embarrassed. Wasn't he just accustomed to being led by Cheng Ying? Naturally, he followed her running. "You dragged me first!"

The two started arguing right by the doorway.

Cheng Ying felt this unlucky kid was intentionally making things difficult for her. "You were the one dragging me when we ran!"

Chi Wu countered, "I was worried you’d be too ashamed!" Cheng Ying was furious. Was she the kind of person who cared so much about reputation? Did she care about losing face? She couldn't shout these words out loud!

Chi Wu argued, "Am I that shameful? Do I look that unpresentable?" He actually had a point.

The more Chi Wu thought about it, the more regretful he became. Why did he run? My wife—I’m being intimate with my wife, why would I run? Look at Cheng Ying’s dissatisfaction. Girls from the village, the city, the school—which one doesn't flaunt their husband or boyfriend? Why did Yingzi have this reaction?

Cheng Ying was so angry her head swam. She grabbed Chi Wu and snapped, "Just now, just now, who turned their head away? Don't tell me you weren't shy!"

I just don't believe it; I can't lose this argument to a kid like you.

Chi Wu, having his head held and forced to admit to being shy in front of his wife—any man should have some backbone, shouldn't he?

Staring at Cheng Ying’s face, which looked ready to bite from anger, he pressed close: "Try it now, who’s shy?" And then the fireworks bloomed.

Perhaps someone who couldn't sleep late at night, having witnessed such a youthful scene, felt agitated. Back home, they started setting off firecrackers. I can't sleep, so no one else should sleep either.

This was an act of social revenge. However, it was quite fitting, adding a touch of beautiful effect to the first kiss of the young couple.

Cheng Ying and Chi Wu only separated when they heard such a loud noise.

Cheng Ying wanted to slap herself twice. What was she doing? I must have had a brain cramp, proving I wasn't shy in that way? I must be crazy! She covered her face and walked away.

Chi Wu’s expression was difficult to read—the feeling from moments ago had been too good, so good that he almost lost control. His wife wasn't shy; she was quite passionate. The key was why his wife seemed to know more than him; how could she be better at it than a man?

This made Chi Wu deeply uncomfortable. Was Yingzi naturally gifted? He had studied for so long, yet hadn't learned half as well. As a subtly jealous husband, Chi Wu’s mind was racing.

He mentally reviewed everything since childhood. There shouldn't have been anyone around Yingzi.

They hadn't been together for the past half-year of university, and Mingzi was keeping watch for him—surely no one could have gotten close?

At such a beautiful moment, Chi Wu wasn't savoring the lingering sweetness but was instead pondering bitterly.

It could only be said that this kid couldn't stand to see himself having a good time.

Cheng Ying hated the person behind them who burst out laughing. If that person hadn't timed their arrival so perfectly, she definitely would have kicked him away back then. There wouldn't have been any discussion about shyness; none of these subsequent problems would have arisen.

Who was really up late at night? They must have been kicked out by their wives.

Chi Wu was much smarter than Cheng Ying. He climbed onto his own courtyard wall to see which house had a light on. He knew exactly who ruined his moment late at night and planned to deal with them later.

Then, seeing Cheng Ying enter her house and turn on the bright light, the corner of his mouth curved up in a smile. Heh, that person probably knows exactly who they ran into just now.

If Chi Wu weren't afraid of being called crazy, he would stand on the wall and shout a few times, letting everyone know how affectionate he and Yingzi were. Let them spread the word; I’m not afraid.

Chi Wu jumped down from the wall and turned on the porch light. Surely this person isn't as dense as my wife? Doesn’t this person figure anything out?

Chi Wu washed up and went back to the room. Cheng Ying was watching television with a blank expression.

Chi Wu brought water over. "Warm your feet. It's cold."

Cheng Ying pursed her lips and glanced sideways at Chi Wu. She noted that the boy was being sensible and hadn't mentioned anything about what just happened.

Chi Wu glanced at Cheng Ying’s lips and wouldn't dare ask, How do you know everything? The words were stuck in his heart. Little Yingzi had always been better than him at everything; Chi Wu had never found this strange; he was used to it.

But the fact that Yingzi was better than him in this area was something Chi Wu truly struggled to face.

He hardened his resolve: next time, he absolutely had to get his dignity back.

The two turned off the lights and went to sleep. Cheng Ying got her own side of the bed. Chi Wu was perceptive enough to keep his quilt a safe distance from hers, and Cheng Ying slept soundly.

But her mind was restless. Then, with belated realization, she thought, Why did I turn the light on?

It’s just that the village is this small, with only so many households. If everyone else is asleep in the middle of the night and I turn on a light, doesn't that tell people that the wild couple scared away earlier was us? Pah, what kind of description is that?

Cheng Ying regretted it so much she curled her body up, hating her own thoughtlessness.

But she dared not mention it to Chi Wu again. Otherwise, that boy might twist it into something else, claiming she dragged him away because she felt she was too shameful to be seen in public. Just think about how his brain works!

Did she have to put on a show right there in front of others? Should she charge admission? Aiya, what was I thinking? Cheng Ying slapped herself inside the quilt.

The sound was so loud that Chi Wu could hear it. But Chi Wu didn't say anything. He waited until Yingzi stopped fussing. Only then did he cautiously stick his head out from under the covers, pull her into his arms, kiss her, and savor the feeling from before before going to sleep.

Not sleeping was just torturing himself, Chi Wu thought fearfully.

Cheng Ying woke up in Chi Wu’s arms. She had gotten used to this; it was routine and no longer made her think twice.

Cheng Ying didn't consider whether getting used to this habit meant that in the future, things would really return to normal—separate paths for separate people.

Cheng Ying got up, stretched, and didn't even look at the person beside her. She got out of bed and wandered around.

Chi Wu waited for her to get up before rubbing his arm, which was stiff and sore.

Although holding his wife was enjoyable, his arm had been pinned under her all night; it was bound to be numb. He had to endure the discomfort.

Chi Wu got out of bed to make breakfast. It wasn't that he was lazy; he was deliberately staying in bed so that Cheng Ying would know she had slept nestled in his arms.

Chi Wu was calculating. He needed to make sure Cheng Ying understood this, so she wouldn't keep hatching so many little plans in her mind.

A light snow began to fall outside early in the morning.

Cheng Ying sighed, "Aiyo, this snow won't stop. I couldn't get through to Grandma on the phone yesterday. This is great; now it will be even harder to reach her."

Chi Wu thought his wife was great—her heart was big; yesterday's events were over today. Her petty concerns weren't endless. "It’s fine. Grandma knows we arrived at Uncle's place; she’ll be reassured and won’t worry. It’s no different from when the phone lines were down."

Cheng Ying replied, "I’m worried about Grandma, of course. The old lady is home alone, with so much snow, how inconvenient it must be for her."

Chi Wu said, "I told Mom and Dad to go check on her. There’s also Uncle Gan and Auntie Gan. Don't worry. If you’re still uneasy, we can take Er Ya and the others to the county seat after the twenty-ninth. The roads there are maintained, so it should be reachable."

Cheng Ying calculated how far that was. "No need. Grandma mentioned beforehand that the roads are rough, so she’ll just stay a bit longer."

Chi Wu wished the snow would keep falling so the two of them could continue their secluded life here.

If things could develop so quickly in just one night, if he were given more time, why worry that his wife wouldn't cling to his arm and refuse to let go? Chi Wu was full of confidence.

ps: Dear readers, today is double monthly ticket day, requesting three chapters for votes. (.)RU