Lin Wan held him and kissed him for a while. Only when she felt slightly short of breath did she finally let go, reluctantly stepping back a little.
Gu Zhixing’s originally pale face had flushed faintly. There was a hint of moisture in his eyes, and the corners of his eyes were slightly red. The once gentle and refined young master now looked like a soft, innocent “puppy,” so endearing that one couldn’t help wanting to tease him.
Since they had already kissed, there was no reason for her to restrain herself and suffer in silence. Lin Wan rose on her toes again and kissed him once more.
Gu Zhixing’s body stiffened. His hands slowly lifted, hesitated for a moment, then finally settled on Lin Wan’s waist, tightening little by little.
He liked Lin Wan’s eyes—they were bright and sparkling, as if holding endless hope. When she looked at him, there seemed to be starlight in her gaze, and he could clearly see his own reflection in them, as if he was the only one she could ever see.
Sensing his response, a smile appeared in Lin Wan’s eyes. She deepened the kiss even more. When it ended, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she rested her head on Gu Zhixing’s shoulder, still holding him.
The only sounds in the quiet room were their rapid breathing and pounding heartbeats.
After a while, their breathing gradually steadied. Lin Wan let go and stood up straight. Gu Zhixing seemed a little shy; under her gaze, he lowered his eyes, his hands hanging awkwardly at his sides.
During the kiss, Lin Wan had been a little “restless,” and his clothes had been tugged out of place, revealing a bit of skin on his chest. She had even touched it during acupuncture yesterday—the texture had been quite nice… it was just a pity…
Lin Wan sighed softly. “It’s a pity we can’t consummate the marriage yet.”
Gu Zhixing looked up, confusion in his eyes. Although he vaguely understood what “consummate the marriage” meant, he didn’t fully grasp her words.
“The poison in your body hasn’t been fully removed. If we do that now, it will not only speed up the poison’s activation, but also…”
Lin Wan organized her thoughts so he could better understand and continued, “If I became pregnant, the child would also carry the poison.”
Although she could prepare contraceptive medicine and even make simple contraceptive tools, his body couldn’t handle any strain right now, so she could only endure for the time being.
Gu Zhixing’s expression became complicated. His voice was hoarse. “Then… should we sleep in separate rooms?”
He truly felt like a burden. If he had known… if he had known he would meet her, perhaps he would have taken better care of his body back then, and not ended up so weak now.
Lin Wan looked at him in surprise. “Why would we sleep separately? We can’t consummate the marriage, but we can still sleep in the same room. Do you not want to live with me?”
“Of course not!” Gu Zhixing replied immediately. Since their marriage contract was already written, they were husband and wife now. If he didn’t want this, he wouldn’t have personally written it.
Even though he had been “bought” by Lin Wan for two hundred copper coins, no one could force him into anything he didn’t agree to.
Seeing how quickly he denied it, Lin Wan smiled and took two sets of clothes she had bought for him earlier, placing them into his arms. Inside were not only outer robes but also undergarments.
“These are what I picked out at the shop today. They should fit you. Try them on later. I’ll go boil some hot water so you can wipe yourself down and feel more comfortable.”
After speaking, Lin Wan picked up another bundle from the bed. “These are for A’Sheng. I’ll take them to him.”
After she left, Gu Zhixing looked down at the bundle in his arms. After a moment, he opened it, then changed out of his worn, tattered clothes into the new outfit she had bought. Just as she said, it fit perfectly.
Meanwhile, Lin Sheng was reading under an oil lamp in his room. He had promised his sister he would earn her an official title of nobility, so he had to work even harder.
When he heard the knock, he was slightly surprised. He opened the door: “Sis? Why are you here at this time?”
Today was his sister Lin Wan’s wedding day. Even though there hadn’t been a formal banquet yet, it was still her wedding night, so he had stayed in his room to avoid disturbing them.
“I bought you two sets of clothes. Try them on later,” Lin Wan said, handing him the bundle.
Lin Sheng hesitated. “Sis, my clothes are still wearable. Why buy more? It’s a waste of money. Can we return them?”
Their family’s money had all been earned by Lin Wan through hard work, and Lin Sheng had always been frugal. The clothes he was wearing now had been patched and mended for two years, with several patches and sleeves that had grown too short.
“You’ll be going to the county academy soon for exams. You can’t wear something too shabby. When I earn more money later, I’ll buy you more.”
No matter where you go, there are always people who look down on others. If Lin Sheng went to the academy dressed too poorly, he would definitely be mocked. Even if he didn’t care, Lin Wan did—her younger brother was destined to become a future top scholar.
“Sis…”
“Alright, I already bought them. They can’t be returned. Just keep them.”
Seeing his reddened eyes, Lin Wan quickly cut him off. It was just two sets of clothes—why was he so emotional?
“Go back to your studying. Don’t stay up too late; it’s bad for your eyes.”
After saying that, she went to the kitchen to boil hot water. She had already briefly washed earlier, but the heat made her sweaty and sticky, and without any cooling tools it was unbearable. She would have preferred a bath, but conditions were limited.
When she returned with the basin of hot water, Gu Zhixing had already changed into the new clothes.
“This fits perfectly,” he said.
Lin Wan looked him over from head to toe. As the saying goes, clothes make the man—Gu Zhixing was already handsome, and now he looked even more striking.
She had chosen two robes for him: one bamboo-green, one moon-white. He was now wearing the moon-white one, which made his already thin figure appear even more cold and refined.
Lin Wan set the basin down. “Of course it fits. My taste is the best.”
Gu Zhixing felt his face heat up. Even though she was talking about the clothes, her gaze made it feel like she was talking about him instead, making him uncomfortable enough to look away.
Lin Wan sat down by the bed after putting down the basin. Gu Zhixing froze. “You…”
Wasn’t she supposed to leave while he washed?
Lin Wan looked confused. “What’s wrong? Hurry up and wash before the water gets cold.”
She even urged him again. She had no intention of leaving—after all, since she couldn’t “eat the meat yet,” she might as well at least enjoy the view.