Xiao Hanyuan: …
Are you saying I am in your way? The man’s deep, dark eyes rested heavily on Su Qinghe.
No, that is not what I meant at all. Su Qinghe waved her hands hurriedly. What I mean is, I have no interest in romance right now. I only want to focus on making money.
I can make money too. Xiao Hanyuan lowered his gaze. My body has fully recovered. I thought about it for a long time last night. The Weiyuan Martial Arts Hall in town is recruiting instructors. If the pay there is not good enough, the county government is also hiring constables. With my skills, earning a living will not be difficult.
Su Qinghe’s mind buzzed instantly.
A martial arts hall? That is a place full of people where you cannot keep a low profile!
The county government? Those people work for the officials.
Right now, he has lost his memory and does not know his own identity, but that face of his undeniably belongs to the Prince of Zhenbei. Even though he is down on his luck and not wearing his armor, the innate, imposing aura of a conqueror is something he can never hide. If the county magistrate or anyone else who has seen the world before recognizes him, the crime would be severe enough to get our entire family executed!
No way! Su Qinghe spoke quickly. Absolutely not!
Xiao Hanyuan’s brows instantly knitted together in a deep frown.
Why not? He took a step closer, and the overwhelming presence of a man born to lead flooded out instantly. I may be your husband in name only, but I, Xiao Hanyuan, have two hands and two feet. I am certainly not a good-for-nothing man who relies on a woman to support him.
Su Qinghe racked her brain for a reason. I never said you were useless. I just meant…
Do you think I am still injured and weak? Xiao Hanyuan gave a cold snort and his gaze fell on a thick, hard stick of firewood near the stove, about as thick as a wrist.
Without wasting words, he bent down and picked it up.
His long, slender fingers wrapped casually around the wood. He applied just a little pressure with two fingers.
Crack.
With a sharp snap, the tough jujube wood broke like dry grass. The break was so clean and smooth it looked as if it had been sliced through with a knife.
Xiao Hanyuan tossed the broken pieces aside and brushed the wood dust off his hands. He looked straight at Su Qinghe with dark eyes. Ordinarily, three to five strong men would not be able to get close to me. Being an instructor at a martial arts hall is well within my ability.
Su Qinghe blinked her large, dark almond-shaped eyes, which quickly filled with a thin layer of glistening moisture. Her voice softened several tones, carrying a hint of coquetry. Husband, you misunderstood me. I do not look down on you. I just… cannot bear to see you suffer hardship. I am afraid you will get hurt.
Fighting and brawling always lead to injury. Su Qinghe said softly.
Xiao Hanyuan tugged at the corner of his lip. But didn’t you used to hit me all the time? Why didn’t you worry about me getting hurt back then?
Su Qinghe: …
Husband! She stepped forward, her slender, fair hand gently tugging at the hem of his robe. Her bright, dark eyes looked up at him pleadingly, filled with total sincerity. That is because hitting is a sign of affection, and scolding is a sign of love!
Her rosy lips opened and closed softly, and her dark eyes gazed at him misty with emotion. I hit you before because I loved you so much. Couldn’t you feel it?
Now that all that bulky fat was gone, Su Qinghe’s features were revealed to be exquisitely beautiful. Her small face, no bigger than a palm, glowed with a fair, jade-like luster in the sunlight. She had a straight, elegant nose and rosy lips as soft as flower petals. Slender and lovely, she looked just like a fairy stepping out of a painting.
The morning light cast a soft glow over her, making her beauty look almost unreal.
Xiao Hanyuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He looked somewhat uncomfortable, and the tips of his ears turned a faint pink. Then why don’t you hit me anymore?
Su Qinghe: …
So does this man actually *want* to be hit?
Is he some kind of masochist?
Because I just can’t bear to… I’ve been reflecting on my behavior lately… Su Qinghe gently swayed the sleeve of his robe with her small hand, her voice soft and sweet. I loved you too much before. Because I couldn’t win your love or get any response from you, I ended up hitting you… Actually, it was just that I loved you so much I was expressing it in the wrong way!
But now I have completely come to my senses! I will never make that mistake again! I have found a much better way to love you! Su Qinghe declared deeply and earnestly. And that is to work hard to make money and give my husband a good life!
Husband, all my hard work and effort to earn money is for our future!
You have to understand me! You have to support me!
Faced with such a loving, devoted gaze, Xiao Hanyuan’s ears flushed with an unusual shade of red. He turned his head away, and his voice lost the harsh edge it had earlier. … Fine. I won’t go to the county government.
The martial arts hall is out of the question too! Su Qinghe seized the victory and pressed her advantage. If you work at the martial arts hall, you will earn three taels of silver a month. That is only thirty-six taels a year. Plus, you have to act pleasing to the master there, be under someone else’s command, and work from dawn till dusk. It is simply too hard.
I love you so much—how could I ever let you suffer like that?!
The faint redness on Xiao Hanyuan’s ears became even more distinct.
How does this woman manage to say things like that so easily?
It makes one feel quite unsettled…
But look at my business. You have seen it yourself. I can earn several hundred coins in just one day. Once it grows bigger in the future, we will be earning fortunes every single day. Su Qinghe’s eyes sparkled brightly. We are husband and wife. My money is your money, and your strength is my strength. This is what is called resource integration. So you staying home does not mean you are useless. Supporting me in my career is your greatest contribution and value!
Xiao Hanyuan frowned, clearly moved by her words.
And I am short-handed right now! Think about it. The old saying that men handle affairs outside while women manage the home is outdated. Our family has special circumstances. I am smart and quick-witted, so I am suited for making money and supporting the family. You possess superior martial arts skills, so you are suited for protecting our home and property.
She leaned closer, and the pleasant, faint floral scent clinging to her drifted right into his nose.
Just think. I am a weak woman. Once my business grows big enough, I am sure to attract envy and trouble. What if local bullies or troublemakers come to cause problems? At that moment, you will be my confidence and the pillar that holds our family safe and steady!
Xiao Hanyuan felt a wave of heat rise through his entire body.
He understood the main point of everything she said—she needed him to protect her.
His heart softened instantly.
Seeing his expression relax, Su Qinghe decided to use her ultimate move.
She stood up suddenly and twirled around in front of him, her skirt fluttering out like the wings of a light, graceful butterfly.
Besides, Husband, haven’t you noticed? She stopped and looked at him with a playful smile, her eyes glowing. I have lost weight and become much more beautiful.
Xiao Hanyuan’s breath hitched.
It was true… she was breathtakingly beautiful.
If I run around outside doing business alone every day, what if some foolish, indecent man sets his eyes on me and tries to force me into something? Su Qinghe covered her face with her hands, pretending to look terrified. Could you bear to see your beautiful wife being bullied by others?
Xiao Hanyuan: …
Even though he did not love her, if anyone dared to lay a hand on her, he would chop off that hand.
Fine. Xiao Hanyuan finally gave in, his voice low and deep. I will not seek work outside.
Su Qinghe cheered inwardly, but on the surface, she looked deeply moved. Husband, you are the best!
With your support, I truly am the happiest woman in the whole world!
Xiao Hanyuan pulled his sleeve free from her grasp, looking distinctly uncomfortable. He stood up. I still have firewood to chop. I will be going now.
With that, the man left as if fleeing.
After breakfast, Su Qinghe went with Xiao Hanyuan to the river bank to inspect the collection of river snails.
It was a bright, sunny day, and the dirt roads in the village were bleached pale white by the sun.
Su Qinghe had specifically changed into that pale purple embroidered dress with a double-breasted top. She wore her hair in a simple bun fixed with a wooden hairpin. She looked fresh, neat, and gentle in temperament.
Under the sunlight, her skin was fair and smooth as jade, her features were as elegant as a painting, and her whole appearance was delicate and charming.
Bless my soul! Aunt Hua slapped her thigh and circled Su Qinghe twice, her eyes nearly popping out of her head in shock. Qinghe, did you meet an immortal spirit? How did you lose so much weight? You look absolutely stunning!
That’s right! So beautiful! I never realized how pretty you’d be once you slimmed down. You are more beautiful than any girl from all the villages around here!
The people around them all stared in awe and admiration.
Mrs. Wang stood to the side, completely stunned.
Before, Su Qinghe was as fat as a pig. But now… how did this wretched girl suddenly become more beautiful than the young ladies in town?!
She had changed completely!
Hmph, who knows if she ate some kind of sorcery potion or got possessed by some fox spirit! Mrs. Wang spat sourly. She lost weight this fast—aren’t you afraid the wind will blow you away?!
Xiao Hanyuan cast a cold glance at Mrs. Wang.
That gaze was as sharp as a blade, sending chills down Mrs. Wang’s spine. She instinctively shut her mouth and shrank back into the crowd.
Su Qinghe was not angry at all. Instead, she linked her arm through Xiao Hanyuan’s and smiled brightly. Auntie is just joking. I look this good because my husband takes such good care of me. He worries about my health and supervises me to exercise every day. That is how I got like this. Isn’t that right, Husband?
As she spoke, she pinched his arm lightly.
Xiao Hanyuan’s body stiffened. Feeling the soft touch against his arm, the tips of his ears turned pink, but he still cooperated with a low hum of agreement.
That single sound confirmed the truth to everyone that the couple was deeply in love and happy.
The villagers around immediately started chattering excitedly.
Oh, I knew it all along! Those two have a wonderful relationship!
Once she lost the weight, Miss Qinghe has truly become the most beautiful flower in our Qinghe Village!
And Mr. Xiao is handsome and distinguished too. Standing together, they are just like a golden boy and jade girl—perfectly matched!
Amidst all the praise, Su Qinghe pulled Xiao Hanyuan along, walking proudly toward the river like a little peacock showing off its feathers.
Only when they had walked far enough away did she let go of his arm and curve her lips into a soft smile.
Being a beautiful woman is truly amazing.
When a woman is slim, pretty, and rich, she has basically won at life!
Behind them, Mrs. Wang watched their retreating figures, a dark, malicious glint shining in her eyes.
You little witch… don’t get too smug too soon!
I will make sure you end up suffering so much you won’t know what hit you!