TATSD Chapter 38

When Liu Yimian ran into the kitchen in his slippers, Ji Wei had his back turned and was staring off into space with both hands on the counter.

He was thinking about that dream again.

How could he have such a dream?

How could he have such a dream?

“Ji-ge!”

Startled by the voice, Ji Wei turned around awkwardly. Seeing Liu Yimian looking a bit messy, he glanced him up and down in surprise.

“What happened to you? What’s got you in such a hurry? Come here, I’ll help you fix your hair.” Ji Wei motioned for him to come over.

Liu Yimian, struggling with his slippers, crouched down to slip them on properly before walking over. His steps slowed, and the more he thought about things, the more he hesitated.

When he finally stood by Ji Wei’s side, his head was bowed in sadness, and he did not dare look up. This left Ji Wei thoroughly confused, having no idea what was wrong.

“What’s going on?” Ji Wei softened his tone as he untied the ribbon holding Liu Yimian’s hair and used his fingers to comb through it.

Liu Yimian’s hair, like the rest of him, was fine and soft—thick, black, and long, reaching down to his waist.

Ji Wei wasn’t the best at braiding, so he simply tied it up to keep it neat. Noticing Liu Yimian still hadn’t lifted his head, Ji Wei tilted his chin up.

“What’s the matter?” Ji Wei’s brows furrowed slightly as he gazed into Liu Yimian’s eyes.

Those clear, bright eyes held something Ji Wei couldn’t quite understand, but it looked like sadness.

But Ji Wei was puzzled—wasn’t he fine just a few minutes ago?

“Did I do something wrong?” Liu Yimian’s voice was so soft that, if they hadn’t been so close, Ji Wei might not have heard him.

He didn’t get it—what was this all about now?

“How could you have done anything wrong? You’re so obedient, so smart, you always do everything perfectly.”

“Then why do you—” Liu Yimian’s voice suddenly got louder before he caught himself and lowered it again.

“Why do what?”

“Why do you want to sleep in separate beds?”

Liu Yimian’s voice was filled with so much grievance that Ji Wei felt guilty immediately.

“Uh… didn’t I already explain? It’s because the weather’s so hot. Two people sharing one bed, we’re bound to touch each other, and that just makes it even hotter…” Ji Wei’s voice trailed off, feeling more and more guilty as he spoke.

But Liu Yimian only got more upset hearing his explanation.

“Ji-ge, even though we haven’t… haven’t consummated, I’m still the ge’er you bought and brought home. If you really can’t stand me, you don’t have to force yourself.”

As he spoke, Liu Yimian thought back to their time together, becoming more convinced that Ji Wei didn’t like him at all. Even physical contact seemed unbearable to him, and his eyes reddened as tears began to fall.

“Oh no, no, don’t cry, Mianmian! It’s not what you think!” Ji Wei panicked, quickly wiping away the tears rolling down Liu Yimian’s face.

The moment his fingers touched those tears, Ji Wei’s heart seemed to ache in sympathy, a deep sadness welling up within him.

“Mianmian, stop crying, okay? Are you made of water? You’re making my heart all confused.” Ji Wei extended his arm, pulling Liu Yimian into a gentle hug, lightly patting his back.

“It’s not your fault at all. It’s mine—it has nothing to do with you. How could I ever dislike you? It’s just that the bed’s too hot, and the floor’s cooler, so I thought it’d be more comfortable there.”

Ji Wei stepped back slightly, pointing at the fine sweat beading on his forehead with a wry smile. “Don’t you know I hate the heat? Look, I’ve been sweating just standing here doing nothing.”

“Really?” Liu Yimian’s heart settled a little at that, though he still wasn’t completely convinced. He cast a doubtful glance at Ji Wei.

“Of course it’s true. If I ever start hating you, may I be cursed to live my whole life as a bachelor.”

“Don’t say such things!” Liu Yimian’s tears stopped instantly as he quickly covered Ji Wei’s mouth with his hand.

Feeling Ji Wei’s warm breath on his palm, Liu Yimian quickly pulled his hand away, his face flushing red as he turned his head to the side. “Don’t say things like that. I believe you.”

“So, I’ll sleep on the floor tonight, then?” Ji Wei asked cautiously.

“Ji-ge, you told me to sleep on the bed before. How could I let you sleep on the floor now? If I say no, will you listen to me?” Liu Yimian’s eyes filled with a pleading look as he wrung his hands together, his whole body tensing with nervous heat.

Ji Wei’s mind was racing, but he couldn’t let any of it show. He had to maintain a calm and warm smile, afraid that Liu Yimian, so sensitive, might pick up on his inner turmoil.

He felt like he was going to burst from holding it all in, but he nodded slowly.

“Of course… I’ll listen to Mianmian.”

“Ji-ge, you’re the best!” Liu Yimian suddenly exclaimed with joy, jumping up to hug Ji Wei. Realizing what he’d just done, he immediately backed away three steps, his face turning bright red. He stammered out a quick, “I’ll… I’ll go wash up now,” and bolted away.

“Your wash stuff’s in the kitchen…” Ji Wei called out weakly.

Naturally, Liu Yimian didn’t hear him.

…

When Liu Yimian went to the river to do laundry, a row of women was already there, chatting as they worked.

As soon as they saw him, they waved him over.

“Little Liu, has it been busy at home these days?”

Before, when Liu Yimian came by, the women barely acknowledged him, thanks to Ji Wei. But now, also because of Ji Wei, they were much friendlier.

Many of the men from these women’s households worked for Ji Wei, and the short hours for good pay changed their attitudes toward him and Liu Yimian dramatically.

Now, whenever Liu Yimian came to the river, they always pulled him into conversation.

“With all the money your household’s making, why not hire someone to do the laundry?” It wasn’t that uncommon—some people paid a few coins to have others wash their clothes for them.

“We’re making just enough to break even,” Liu Yimian replied.

“Oh, come on, don’t be so modest! How could you just be breaking even?” the women teased, all talking over one another as the discussion heated up.

Liuyimian felt a bit helpless.

So far, the money earned from the cookies hadn’t even covered the initial investment. But no matter how many times he explained that the women wouldn’t listen.

“I heard from my man that Jiwei treats you well, doesn’t he?” One of the women eyed Liuyimian with curiosity.

“You’re looking a lot more radiant these days.”

“So, when’s the big day?”

“Yeah, we’re all waiting for you to invite us to the wedding banquet.”

Liuyimian had only come to wash some clothes, not expecting the conversation to steer in this direction. He was shy by nature, and now he couldn’t find the words to respond, burying his head in the laundry instead.

“Come on, don’t stay quiet! It’s a good thing to have someone who cares about you.”

“Exactly. I envy you! Your man listens to you.”

“I’ve been married for so many years, and he’s never even brought me a single bowl of water. Thinking about it, it’s not worth it!”

“How are you and Jiwei? Your relationship must be good, right? He doesn’t hit you, does he?” The conversation turned back to Liuyimian, this time led by Luo Erniang, who was often admired for how her husband treated her so well.

Liuyimian hadn’t planned on saying much, but when he heard that, he couldn’t help but speak up.

“Jiwei treats me very well. He doesn’t hit me, and he doesn’t scold me either. Every day, he makes sure I drink a bowl of milk, and he even…” Liuyimian recalled that morning in the kitchen, and his heart felt as sweet as honey.

Jiwei listened to him.

“Wow, milk every day! That’s fancy,” Luo Erniang said enviously. “But you’re right—your frame is a bit delicate. You should nourish yourself well so you can give him a big, healthy son one day.”

Liuyimian blushed, his voice growing softer, “I-I haven’t yet…”

“You’re really lucky,” someone else chimed in. “You’ve barely been married, and your man’s already changed his temper. You must be his lucky star. No wonder he treats you so well.”

“Exactly. You’ve got a bright future. Just give him a child, and you’ll be set for life.”

What started as teasing eventually turned into genuine envy. Despite all the laughter and chatter, many of them faced frustrations at home—constant bickering behind closed doors. A woman like Luo Erniang, who managed the household and had a husband who listened to her, was rare.

And if they knew just how considerate Jiwei was toward Liuyimian, they’d probably be even more shocked.

Liuyimian’s morning was off to a good start.

After finishing the laundry, he carried the basin along the riverside, heading home. Not far ahead, he noticed a small boat docked by the riverbank. Someone was pulling in a fishing net. As he got closer, he recognized Maolin Tie, A-Qiu’s husband.

Maolin Tie had seen Liuyimian before, but he was known for his temper and wasn’t exactly friendly. Even though he noticed Liuyimian approaching, he didn’t greet him. Instead, he focused on emptying the net, dumping a large haul of fish and shrimp into several big buckets.

It seemed like a good catch today; the buckets were already filled.

Liuyimian had only meant to pass by, but seeing the lively fish and shrimp, he couldn’t help but stop to take a look.

“Brother Lin Tie, how much for the shrimp?” River shrimp were usually small, but the ones in the basket today were plump and fresh, still wriggling energetically.

Liuyimian didn’t often eat shrimp, but he was tempted by what he saw.

“Two wen for a pound.”

It was a bit pricey, but given the size of the shrimp, it seemed reasonable.

The more Liuyimian looked, the more he wanted them. He put down his basin and reached for the pouch tied at his waist. He always carried a few wen when he went out, just in case he saw something he wanted to buy.

“I’ll take a pound of the shrimp then.”

“You’ve got a good eye,” Maolin Tie remarked, surprisingly saying more than usual. He had planned to take some of the shrimp home to treat A-Qiu.

Maolin Tie had been selling fish for a long time. Though he didn’t have a scale, he was good at estimating weight just by feeling. And since Liuyimian was a friend of A-Qiu’s, he didn’t short-change him.

As Liuyimian handed over the money, he casually asked about A-Qiu, wondering how he’d been lately.

Maolin Tie didn’t respond right away, so Liuyimian didn’t press the issue.

However, just as Liuyimian was about to leave with his shrimp, Maolin Tie called out to him.

“A-Qiu’s not doing so well.”

Liuyimian stopped in his tracks, concern written all over his face.

“What’s wrong with A-Qiu? Is he sick? Did he catch a cold? Has he seen a doctor?”

At the mention of this, Maolin Tie’s expression darkened, clearly remembering the unpleasantness at home recently.

“If you’ve got time, you should go see him.”

Hearing those words from someone as stubborn as Maolin Tie meant that something serious must be going on.

Worried about A-Qiu, Liuyimian quickly said goodbye and hurried home, carrying his laundry basin and the shrimp. By the time he got back, he was out of breath, which made Jiwei laugh.

“Why are you in such a rush? Take a moment, drink some water, and catch your breath,” Jiwei said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.

Liuyimian was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he didn’t even notice how natural and close Jiwei’s actions felt.

“Ji-ge, I can’t help out today.”

They had just finished preparing the ingredients for the next batch, and it was a crucial time for Liuyimian to lend a hand. Jiwei was puzzled by his sudden announcement.

“A-Qiu’s sick. I need to go check on him.”