Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Stunned, Yan Susu blurted out, “Your mother never sang to you?”
The face that had been filled with anticipation suddenly turned frosty. “Do not mention her. I hate her!”
“What’s wrong with her?”
The expression on his little face becoming even frostier, Lu Xingguang replied, “Every time she sees me, she asks me to beg Grandpa and Grandma to let her marry Papa. If I say no, she yells at me and threatens to abandon me. She is a mean woman. I don’t like her one bit!”
Feeling sad for him, Yan Susu sighed. She laid down on her side, took Lu Xingguang in her arms, and began to sing softly…
“My darling baby, baby
A little sweet something for you
To lull you into a sound and peaceful sleep tonight
My little rascal, rascal
A tickling of your eyes
To make you love this world…”
Her soft, gentle voice flowed melodically, exuding a peaceful, calming energy.
With a sweet, lingering smile on his face, Lu Xingguang fell soundly asleep.
Watching the sweet, peaceful little face deep in sleep, Yan Susu was overwhelmed with tenderness and pity. Unable to stop herself, she lowered her head to plant a kiss lightly on his forehead, whispering softly, “Good night.”
She then stood up, turned off the lights, and shut the door.
Unexpectedly, when she turned around, she saw Lu Zhanxiu leaning against the wall and exclaimed in shock. “Aah!”
In one motion, Lu Zhanxiu grabbed her and covered her mouth. In a low voice, he teased, “Mrs. Lu, you are such a scaredy-cat.”
Yan Susu turned pink as she indicated to Lu Zhanxiu to release her.
“Mrs. Lu, you’re doing a great job as a stepmother.”
Yan Susu’s face turned redder. “I…”
“However, you don’t seem to be doing so well as a wife.”
Yan Susu was silent.
“Now that you’ve lulled the child to sleep, shouldn’t it be your husband’s turn?”
Yan Susu’s head shot up instantly. With her eyes opened wide, she looked unbelievingly at Lu Zhanxiu and asked, “Wh…what?”
Keeping his head low, Lu Zhanxiu inched closer to her. “I am eagerly awaiting whatever Mrs. Lu will do.”
Yan Susu continued to move backward, trying to put more distance between them. Her heart pounded rapidly.
“We…We’re not a real married couple…”
Lu Zhanxiu took a big stride forward and said, frowning, “Has Mrs. Lu forgotten that we obtained a marriage certificate?”
“But…you said that it was for mutual advantage only…”
“Yep. I need a wife, a real wife.”
Yan Susu froze as she sputtered, “What do you mean?”
“It means that your husband, being an able-bodied, hot-blooded male with all bodily functions intact, even exceptional, does not intend to live like a monk. I certainly do not intend for my wife to live like a eunuch’s companion.”
Sucking in her breath, Yan Susu said, “But…there is no love between us…”
Lu Zhanxiu burst out in quiet laughter, as though he had heard a funny joke. “Mrs. Lu, allow me to remind you. Not all married couples love each other, yet, do you think that they live a life of celibacy? In any case, two nights ago, we already…”
Yan Susu blushed furiously. She had not expected him to be so blunt. “That was an accident. I have no recollection of that whatsoever.”
“Mrs. Lu, are you blaming me?”
“No. You’re mistaken. That’s not what I meant!” Yan Susu exclaimed loudly, panicking. She was terrified.
“So, what do you mean?”
“Let’s take time to get to know each other, and let nature take its course.”
“For how long?”