Regarding what happened last night with Zheng Wei kissing her, if she were angry, she wouldn't be. So why was she feeling this way now?
Shy?
It seemed to be a little bit of that, but more than anything, she felt at a loss, unsure how the two of them should interact moving forward.
Even though she had married Zheng Wei immediately after transmigrating, there was no wedding, no ceremony. Zheng Wei had never uttered any sweet words, not even a single phrase to reassure her, which made her feel deeply unsettled.
When Shen Xiaoyan came back to her senses, the plum soup in the pot had finished simmering.
She turned off the heat, lifted the lid, and let the soup cool. Only then did Shen Xiaoyan take out white porcelain bowls, ladle three servings, and place them on a tray. Carrying it, she walked towards the main house.
In the study of the east room, Zheng Wei was looking at the calligraphy that Shen Xiaoming had written, offering occasional guidance, pointing out shortcomings, and suggesting areas for improvement.
It had to be admitted that at these times, Zheng Wei appeared exceptionally charming.
Shen Xiaoyan also found it very strange. Wasn't it said that Zheng Wei had forgotten everything before the age of ten? After being rescued by Zhu Kaishan, he hadn't attended any school.
Nor had she ever heard of him diligently studying or practicing calligraphy at home.
So, the question arose: how did Zheng Wei's calligraphy become so good?
Could it be that he had honed his excellent handwriting before he was ten, and because it had become as ingrained as eating, his calligraphy was so superb?
Regardless of the truth, these were all Shen Xiaoyan's own speculations. She hadn't inquired about Zheng Wei's plans.
"Come and rest for a bit. Have some plum soup," Shen Xiaoyan said as she placed the tray on the kang table, addressing the two people by the desk.
Shen Xiaoming turned his head at the sound and flashed Shen Xiaoyan a big smile. However, he didn't come over immediately. He merely looked back at Zheng Wei's face, waiting for his permission.
Shen Xiaoyan felt a pang of emotion at this. Every time they studied and practiced calligraphy, Shen Xiaoming treated Zheng Wei like his own teacher. Only after receiving his teacher's permission would he put down his books to do other things.
Zheng Wei nodded, placed the paper in his hand on the desk, and walked with Shen Xiaoming to sit on the edge of the kang.
After taking a sip, Shen Xiaoyan let out a long sigh. The temperature was just right; it was truly comfortable to drink.
Once they finished the plum soup, Shen Xiaoming took his book and left. Before departing, he said, "I'll go back and study on my own. Sister-in-law, Brother-in-law, you two carry on."
With that, Shen Xiaoming quickly scurried out. He would never admit that he had sensed that his brother-in-law had something to discuss with his sister and had therefore made a swift exit.
Shen Xiaoyan wanted to stop Shen Xiaoming, but before she could even speak, his figure was already out of sight.
This rascal, why was he running so fast?
"Do you want more? I'll get you another bowl."
So awkward!
Shen Xiaoyan felt her face burning. They had often sat in the same room before, each lost in their own thoughts, and she hadn't felt this awkward.
But now, under Zheng Wei's half-smiling gaze, she truly felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.
"Why are you hiding?" Zheng Wei asked in a low voice.
"I'm not hiding," Shen Xiaoyan replied, feigning nonchalance.
"Is that so?" Zheng Wei suppressed a smile. Why did he discover this adorable side to the little woman today? It seemed like the days ahead would be very interesting.
"What are you smiling at?" Shen Xiaoyan glared.
"Ahem, I wasn't smiling," Zheng Wei said with a straight face.
Shen Xiaoyan's eyes widened even further, but she remained silent.
Through this interruption, the atmosphere between them eased considerably, and Shen Xiaoyan no longer felt so awkward.
"Shen Xiaoyan."
"En? What is it?"
Upon hearing her name, Shen Xiaoyan instinctively responded.
Looking up, she saw Zheng Wei looking at her with a serious expression. Shen Xiaoyan found it even stranger, as Zheng Wei rarely called her by her name.
Naturally, neither did she. If they had something to discuss, they would usually say it directly, as there was rarely anyone else around.
"I will take good care of you."
"What?" Shen Xiaoyan was completely bewildered by his abrupt and nonsensical statement.
"In the future, I will take good care of you."
"Oh." Shen Xiaoyan nodded. So that's what he meant.
Zheng Wei looked at Shen Xiaoyan's still bewildered expression and knew that she hadn't fully understood his meaning.
He walked a few steps forward, pulled Shen Xiaoyan into his arms, rested her head on his chest, and then said again, "Shen Xiaoyan, you are my wife, you must understand that this is a fact. In the future, I will take good care of you, give you a stable life, and not let anyone bully you."
At first, Shen Xiaoyan was startled by Zheng Wei's actions. However, after hearing his words, she no longer wanted to struggle. She simply mumbled, "I know."
She knew she was his wife; this was an unchangeable fact. In this era, although remarriage was possible, it wasn't a good thing. Even if people didn't say it to her face, they would always gossip behind her back.
Besides, she had grown accustomed to living with Zheng Wei and had never considered leaving him to marry someone else.
It was just that she couldn't quite adjust her mindset. It felt as though their relationship was suddenly transitioning from mere housemates to lovers.
Things that had previously seemed ordinary now required a lot of thought to do.
Perhaps it was because she cared about his feelings.
Shen Xiaoyan had to admit that she cared about Zheng Wei, and therefore she hoped that Zheng Wei also cared about her, not just because they were married and had naturally become husband and wife.
Shen Xiaoyan's lack of resistance and her acknowledgment brought a hint of joy to Zheng Wei's heart. Although he wasn't sure if she had truly understood his intentions, this was undeniably a good start.
Their thoughts might have been different, but their goal was the same, and it could be said that their efforts had serendipitously aligned.
After holding her for a while longer, Zheng Wei finally released her. He cupped her face in his hands and placed a kiss on her forehead.
After lunch, the three of them each took a nap.
When Shen Xiaoyan woke up, it was already late in the afternoon, around 3 PM.
The peak heat of noon had passed. Although the sunlight outside still appeared bright, it no longer felt scorching.
Shen Xiaoyan's gaze shifted from the window. As soon as she turned her head, she saw Zheng Wei looking at her intently. She couldn't help but ask, "What are you looking at?"
"You."
"What's so good about me?"
"You're beautiful."
Zheng Wei's answer was too direct and simple, leaving Shen Xiaoyan speechless for a moment. She simply sat up and began to dress.
After washing her face in the washroom, Shen Xiaoyan felt much more refreshed.
"It's the Mid-Autumn Festival the day after tomorrow. Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
As Zheng Wei emerged from washing his face, he heard Shen Xiaoyan's question. He smiled and replied, "What would you like to eat?"
Shen Xiaoyan thought for a moment and realized she didn't have any particular cravings.
She wondered if they sold mooncakes with various fillings. Although she wasn't particularly fond of mooncakes, she felt she should eat a few to mark the occasion.
"Are there mooncakes sold in town?" Shen Xiaoyan asked.
"Yes."
"What kind of fillings are there?"
Zheng Wei pondered for a moment before saying uncertainly, "Probably just one kind. I'm not sure."
Shen Xiaoyan laughed upon hearing this. So there were things he didn't know. She had thought he knew everything.
Zheng Wei felt a little embarrassed. He wasn't very interested in such pastries, so it was normal for him not to know.