Chapter 6

“I missed you,” he said without attempting to hide it.

Beyond the window gauze, dusk slowly gave way to moonlight. Summer heat stole over cool, delicate skin, inch by inch.

In the full-length bronze mirror, I watched the man embracing me from behind. Contented pleasure stirred in his eyes.

Wang Xi really did give his whole attention to whatever he did.

“I’m hungry.” I sprawled on the couch, my limp legs sinking into the cool bamboo mat, too lazy to move.

It was already midnight. Ringing for the servants would attract too much notice.

“Wait for me.” He rose, opened the door, and walked into the boundless moonlight.

After a while, he returned carrying a food box. Inside were two steaming bowls of plain noodle soup, bright and fragrant.

“Where did you get them?” I looked at him with shining eyes.

He rubbed his brow. “Climbed the wall. Bought them at the night market.”

I could not help laughing. “Brother, you’re learning bad habits—breaking in through windows, climbing walls.”

“Touch ink and you turn black.”

I beckoned. “Come a little closer.”

He bent down, and I quickly pursed my lips and brushed his cheek.

A red mark remained.

I stared at it and laughed. “Brother, touch rouge and you turn red.”

His eyes grew dark. His voice roughened. “Then perhaps I should come closer still.”

Who said Wang Xi was an upright gentleman? When he turned wicked, he was a beast.

“A scoundrel in scholar’s robes.”

“If you say so.” He was unmoved.

…

“I was wrong! I was wrong, Brother. I’m hungry.”

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes so he would not look at me. “Keep away from me.”

How could I pass up a chance to torment him?

Smiling brightly, I shook his arm. “But I’m tired. Feed me, Brother.”

“…”

“Yes, yes, yes. Your brother will feed you until you’re full.”

…

“More?”

“No, no more.”

I was stuffed.

He watched my rounded belly. Whatever occurred to him brought a faint smile to his lips.

“What are you smiling at?”

He brushed a finger over my nose.

“Thinking of names for our children.”

A spent piece fell from the candlewick beside the window. My heart gave a jolt.

I had been taking contraceptive medicine all along. I would never have a child with him.

“Brother, I’m still a child myself.”

He shook his head with an indulgent smile. “Aren’t you just? Willful and mischievous. It’s like raising a daughter. I have to spoil you and coax you.”

I bit him. “Don’t take advantage of me. You’re only five years older.”

He let me play.

“Have you thought about it, Yaoyao? The future?”

I covered my face with a silk handkerchief, put away my smile, and said seriously,

“I want to go to Changchuan with you. I hear you governed it well. The officials are honest, the people simple and kind…”

“Mm. The scenery’s lovely too. Clear rivers and green hills.” He chatted with me idly.

I picked up his words. “Yes, and you know all the local customs and places. You can take me exploring as soon as we arrive.”

“Mm…” I lost track of how long we talked. I grew more lively as I went on, but the man beside me was breathing steadily and had stopped answering. I drew away the handkerchief and leaned over to look. He was asleep.

His handsome brows had relaxed. Pleasure lingered in his face and at the corners of his mouth. What lovely dream was he having?

I could not resist kissing him.

“There, we’ll make a home, have babies, grow flowers, read books, and keep a cat. I’ll learn to be a good wife, look after you, love you, protect you, and never lie to you. Not one word.

“And you may only marry me, Brother. No one else.”