When Chen Jinsheng wandered over to the stream in the woods, You Sanmei was sitting in the shade braiding Yuanyuan’s hair.
The two of them, big and small, sat right on the ground with no fuss. Sunlight filtered through the lush leaves, spilling down in patches that fell right on her fair, soft face.
Yuanyuan said something that made You Sanmei suddenly burst into laughter. Over the past couple of days, color had finally returned to her cheeks, and her lips no longer looked so pale.
She looked just like a peach blossom shyly unfurling in early spring.
Chen Jinsheng suddenly felt parched. Without even stopping to say hello, he hurried to the stream, holding a paper bag against his chest with one arm, and cupped water with the other to splash over his face. Some he drank, swallowing it down his throat; the rest he used to wash his face and neck.
Yuanyuan turned around and spotted him right away. “Auntie, look—is that Uncle?”
You Sanmei froze for a moment, then looked ahead.
“…Jinsheng?”
She had just finished tying the twin braids Yuanyuan wanted. She clapped her hands and stood up.
Chen Jinsheng paused, looking over at her with a wet face, and gave a quiet nod.
Yuanyuan was eager to show off her new hairstyle to Duo, and the boys—Chen Haobei and Chen Haonan’s group—had picked up a few more members, running off with snacks in hand.
Their voices drifted faintly through the thick trees, but they were nowhere to be seen.
Chen Jinsheng wiped his face with the hem of his undershirt. Sunlight reflected off the water, dappling over his firm stomach.
You Sanmei took a step forward, then suddenly stiffened.
…Why did her heart start racing all of a sudden?
Chen Jinsheng frowned, clearly annoyed. “What? Acting strange all of a sudden? What are you hiding for?”
“Am I a wolf or a tiger?”
“…No,” You Sanmei looked away. “It’s too sunny out there. I was just getting settled in the shade.”
Chen Jinsheng immediately straightened up. “Right! Exactly!”
Then his expression shifted in an instant, stumbling toward her. “…I’ve had a bit too much to drink. If you hadn’t said anything, I wouldn’t have even noticed!”
“What are you doing wandering around in this heat? Showing off just because you’re feeling a little better now, huh?”
As he drew closer, You Sanmei caught the strong scent of alcohol wafting off him. “…You’ve been drinking again?”
Even though it wasn’t evening, the thought of him drinking still made her uneasy. If she could, she’d make him quit right away—never touch a drop again.
Chen Jinsheng’s heart gave an unexpected lurch at her question. He pressed his lips together.
Then, as if desperate to prove something, he jerked upright and strode over to her in two quick steps.
Staggering slightly but forcing himself steady, he lifted his chin. “So what if I did? You got a problem with that?”
“…” You Sanmei nearly laughed out loud.
You’re just talking—why are you clenching your fists like that? Anyone would think you’d done something glorious, like you’re about to join the Party!
She blinked, then looked down and sighed softly. “What could I possibly have against it?”
“I know being with me must be boring. I can’t run or jump… and we can’t be close, not for a while yet.”
“That’s why you promised you’d take care of me from now on—then snuck off to have fun with others.”
“But I don’t blame you! Truly!”
Her dark eyes glistened, light and shadow dancing across them through the leaves, looking so fragile and sad it seemed tears would spill any second.
Chen Jinsheng’s chest tightened, and his mind went blank. “N-no, that’s not what I meant!”
“When did I ever say anything like that?”
“You don’t have to explain, Jinsheng.” You Sanmei covered her face and turned toward the woods. “I’m fine… really. I just need a minute to myself.”
“Maybe… maybe you should head home first—”
“!”
A gust of wind brushed past her ear, carrying the smell of alcohol.
Before she could finish, she was pulled tight against his warm chest.
But Chen Jinsheng could barely stand upright—he caught hold of her slender arm, stumbled, and instinctively leaned back against the nearest tree trunk with a loud thud.
“Are you alright?!” He winced as his back hit the wood, but he didn’t care. He leaned down urgently to check her face. “Did you get hurt? Your ankle—did you twist it?”
“I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to explain.”
“I never thought that way, never said that. You’re wrong—this is a misunderstanding… it’s slander!”
You Sanmei pressed into his chest, smiling quietly to herself. Her shoulders shook slightly as she buried her face deeper.
Seeing her like this only made him more frantic, his body growing warmer still. He wanted to lift her chin, so he gently rubbed her back, his voice softening without him realizing it. “W-wife… please don’t cry, okay?”
“I really never said that, did I? I’m not lying, am I?”
“…No,” she murmured, her voice muffled against him.
Her soft, boneless form pressed against him, sending heat rushing through his veins.
He swallowed hard, his voice rough but gentle. “Don’t make me worry. Let’s talk properly—look at me when you speak.”
You Sanmei lifted her face slowly, lips pouting, looking all wronged and tearful.
Chen Jinsheng’s breath hitched, and he let out a ragged sigh. “I can’t hold back anymore, wife… I can’t.”
Before he could finish, he leaned in fast.
You Sanmei’s mind raced—she quickly raised a hand to block him!
She’d almost forgotten: she’d gotten sick from her uncle’s reckless driving earlier!
“…?” Chen Jinsheng furrowed his brow, confused and frustrated.
She couldn’t tell him the truth, so she said instead: “Have you been drinking… and smoking too?”
“…”
Chen Jinsheng’s face fell.
“So what if I did?” He took her hand. “Just one little kiss? I won’t… I won’t do anything else, okay?”
“Not the kind that leaves you breathless. Just a quick one.”
“No.” She shook her head and tucked herself back against him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “No… I don’t want to.”
“I really hate the smell of alcohol. And smoke too.”
“It makes my chest feel tight… it hurts.”
“Even before you kiss me, I already feel all stuffy!”
“I mean it. I’m not lying.”
Chen Jinsheng had never expected her to be so sweet and clingy, and his heart hammered against his ribs. He was already on edge, addled by drink, and they were completely alone.
For a moment, he threw aside all pride and begged softly, his voice thick with longing. “Wife… my good wife… please? Just let me kiss you—just one—”
“Auntie! Auntie!!”
Chen Haonan’s voice rang out, urgent and loud, getting closer by the second.
Chen Jinsheng jolted as if hit by a hammer, stumbling away from the tree.
You Sanmei panicked too, pulling away and looking around quickly.
A moment later, Chen Haonan came sprinting toward them, waving his soaked shirt in the air.
“?!”
He skidded to a halt the second he saw Chen Jinsheng standing behind You Sanmei.
His eyes went wide. “Uncle!!!”
Chen Jinsheng’s heart was still racing wildly. “What? Never seen me before? We’re not strangers!”
Chen Haonan shook his head hard. “No—no, Uncle! Your EGG’S BROKEN!”
“…”