Seeing Li Xiaohan’s gaze fall below her collarbone, Xia Zhiwan blushed and tried to wriggle out of his arms.
“Mm…”
She had just begun to turn when he pressed her firmly against the bed. “Wanwan, promises need to be sealed.”
With that kiss, their breathing became rapid and heated, matching the rhythm of their lips.
Overcome with emotion, Xia Zhiwan’s hands instinctively wrapped around his neck.
“Knock, knock, knock.”
A faint sound from outside made her heart tighten, almost forgetting to breathe.
She lightly placed her hands on his chest to pause him for a moment.
“Ah Han… I think there’s someone outside.”
“Knock, knock, knock.” Sure enough, after they stopped, a clear knocking came from the hallway outside the room.
Li Xiaohan’s eyes burned with intensity; he didn’t care at all about the noise outside.
Xia Zhiwan nervously stared toward the door—but in an instant, she saw a man with eight-pack abs lift her into his arms.
“Wanwan, let’s continue.”
Before she could react, she was draped over the man’s shoulder as he carried her toward the bathroom.
“Ah Han, the door isn’t locked…”
She remembered that the door had just closed automatically when he entered—it hadn’t been locked.
If any servant came in, she’d be mortified.
Once inside the bathroom, the door closed, and the shower turned on. The man’s hoarse voice murmured,
“Wanwan, kiss me.”
Li Xiaohan’s voice seemed to have some kind of magic, making her heart race and leaving her no time to think.
Her eyes half-lidded, she pressed her lips against his, sinking back into him again.
…
The next afternoon.
Xia Zhiwan woke up feeling achy all over.
If it weren’t for her growling stomach, she definitely wouldn’t have forced herself to open her eyes.
Rubbing her rumbling belly, she recalled that since her rebirth, she had hardly eaten a proper meal.
There were plenty of snacks in her room, but now, hungry as she was, she wanted real food.
Thinking this, she swung her legs off the bed—but as soon as she stood, she collapsed back onto it.
Her legs were unbearably weak.
Especially after using them, the soreness in another part of her body was even more pronounced.
Ah… so this is how… doing that feels?
The more pleasure she had felt, the more exhausted and helpless she felt the next day.
As she pondered this, her stomach’s protests forced her to stand.
After straightening up, she paused a moment before slowly walking toward the dressing room.
Although her bedroom only had a bed, the dressing room next to the bathroom was packed with the latest seasonal clothes.
Xia Zhiwan was shocked when she opened it.
She knew Aunt Wang had been regularly replacing her wardrobe, but she hadn’t realized just how extensive it was.
In the past, she had never accepted anything Li Xiaohan prepared for her.
But he had prepared everything anyway.
Even an entire closet of neatly organized underwear and stockings.
Tears welled up in Xia Zhiwan’s eyes. She felt even more grateful for a chance to start over.
She casually picked a set of loungewear, and it fit perfectly.
After a quick wash, she headed out of her room.
Because of her sore body, the distance from the second floor to the dining room felt excruciatingly long.
She leaned on the hallway railing, resting every few steps, taking a long time to reach the bottom.
Especially descending the stairs, her awkward, unfamiliar gait made her legs look so weak that anyone watching would think they were rented.
“Miss Xia… no, Madam, you’re downstairs?” Aunt Wang was startled to see Xia Zhiwan.
After all, her mistress had previously been forbidden to leave her room due to her attempts at self-harm.
Although their relationship seemed better now, Aunt Wang hadn’t received any instructions allowing her to leave.
So seeing her downstairs naturally worried Aunt Wang.
If anything happened, she would be unable to explain it to Li Xiaohan.
Still, seeing Xia Zhiwan looking so frail, Aunt Wang stepped forward to support her.
“Aunt Wang, Ah Han said I could come down.”
Knowing her concern, Xia Zhiwan spoke directly.
“Really? That’s wonderful.” Aunt Wang was genuinely happy for both of them.
“Yes, Aunt Wang. I know you’ve been helping me with meals—thank you.”
Xia Zhiwan sincerely expressed her gratitude as Aunt Wang helped her to the table.
Aunt Wang, however, was a bit startled by her words. She waved her hand and said,
“Madam, what are you saying? It’s my job. As long as you understand, that’s better than anything.”
“Thank you, Aunt Wang.” Xia Zhiwan rubbed her belly, a little embarrassed, and looked at her.
“Aunt Wang, I’m a bit hungry. Is there something to eat in the kitchen?”
“Yes, Madam. Please wait a moment—I’ll bring it to you.” Aunt Wang went toward the kitchen.
While waiting, Xia Zhiwan idly scrolled on her phone. Soon, faint sounds of an argument came from the kitchen.
Though subtle, almost drowned out by the phone’s audio, Xia Zhiwan was certain it came from the kitchen.
Curious, she edged closer. The sounds gradually became clearer.
“What kind of time is this to want food?! Does she think we’re nothing? How cruel can she be!”
“Besides, some crazy woman wants to drink the soup I made for sir? What a delusion!”
It was a sharp female voice.
Crazy woman?
Xia Zhiwan looked around, alarmed. Who was the crazy woman?
A lunatic in Wanhan Courtyard?
Before she could figure it out, Aunt Wang’s stern but controlled voice came from the kitchen:
“Zhu Lili! The madam is the sir’s wife. Even if it’s past lunch, you cannot speak like this! Do not forget your duties!”
“And why can’t the madam have the soup? Bring it at once—don’t keep her waiting!”
Xia Zhiwan: “?”
So the “crazy woman” in question was… her?
“We? Do you really think you’re something special? How dare you compare yourself to me!”
Aunt Wang was at a loss for words, but gripped the soup pot even tighter.
Seeing Aunt Wang silent, Zhu Lili snorted and continued:
“Sir’s wife? Hahaha, what a joke.”
“Wife? Aunt Wang, you really are a loyal old dog!”