Chapter 49
Fang Zichen’s frustration was beyond words. His growing possessiveness over Zhao Ger troubled him.
He had been busy working to earn money, leaving early and returning late every day. He might have neglected household matters, Zhao Ger, and even Guaizai—so he had no right to complain.
There had been no courtship, no gradual understanding between them. Their relationship had been a sudden leap, and their personalities still needed time to adjust.
He understood all this logically. Yet, the thought that Ma Wen had been pestering Zhao Ger for so long without Zhao Ger ever mentioning it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
The same went for Liu Laizi’s incident—if others hadn’t told him, he might never have known.
Having survived oppression and abuse in the Ma family, Zhao Ger had learned early to read people’s moods. Right now, he could tell Fang Zichen was clearly upset.
Why was he angry?
Could it be…
“Husband,” Zhao Ger clutched the hem of his clothes, lowering his voice to explain, “It’s not like what the villagers say between me and Ma Wen. There’s nothing between us. I don’t want to go back to him, and I don’t like him. I—”
Fang Zichen’s voice was icy and expressionless. “He’s been bothering you for a while, hasn’t he? Why didn’t you tell me before?”
Because he had forgotten.
And because such trivial matters weren’t worth mentioning.
Fang Zichen had work and studies to focus on. Zhao Ger didn’t want to disturb him with such things.
But who knew the gossip would escalate into something so ugly?
He stammered, unsure how to explain, and finally muttered, “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t need your apology,” Fang Zichen said. “I just want to know why. If it were me—if some woman were pestering me outside, spreading rumors until everyone knew—and you, as my fulang, my closest person, remained unaware while everyone else knew, how would you feel?”
He paused, speaking seriously, “I believe there’s nothing between you and Ma Wen. I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t tell me.”
Zhao Ger was struck by his words and instantly understood his feelings.
Panicked, he said, “I—I just didn’t want to bother you, didn’t want to distract you… I’m sorry.”
Fang Zichen’s tone was devoid of warmth, unfamiliar. “Afraid of this, afraid of that—if you’re not going to use that mouth, donate it to someone who needs it.”
This was the first time he had spoken to Zhao Ger like this. If it had been when they first met, Zhao Ger might have burst into tears. But now, he steadied himself, took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and stepped in front of Fang Zichen.
Fang Zichen snorted and turned away, as if refusing to look at him.
Zhao Ger circled around to face him again. Fang Zichen snorted once more and turned his back.
The third time, Zhao Ger didn’t give him the chance—he quickly wrapped his arms around him, stood on his tiptoes, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
Breath warm and voice pleading, he whispered, “I’m sorry, I know I was wrong. I won’t do it again. Don’t be mad at me anymore, okay?”
Fang Zichen froze, flustered. “Y-You—apologizing is one thing, but why suddenly kiss me?”
Zhao Ger’s ears burned, but he mustered the courage to kiss him again. “I’m sorry. Don’t be angry.”
It was broad daylight, and this was only their second kiss. The shyness was inevitable. Fang Zichen’s heartbeat quickened, his ears turning red—uncharacteristically flustered.
“…You’re playing dirty.”
“Then are you still mad?”
Fang Zichen stiffened. “Yes. Two kisses aren’t enough to make it go away.”
With those words, the reconciliation was sealed.
Zhao Ger chuckled softly and pulled him back to their room. The moment the door closed, Fang Zichen wrapped his arms around Zhao Ger’s waist from behind, kissing the side of his neck.
The sensation sent shivers through Zhao Ger, his body going weak. He turned and looped his arms around Fang Zichen’s neck.
Though they were already married, their passion burned like newly in love. The air between them crackled with tension, ready to ignite at the slightest spark.
“Don’t do this again,” Fang Zichen murmured, his voice rough, his chest rising and falling steadily. He leaned in, pressing his forehead against Zhao Ger’s.
“I don’t want you keeping things from me. We’re husband and fulang—we should face everything together. I don’t want other men pestering you, don’t want anyone else touching you. You’re mine. Only mine.”
Zhao Ger pressed a hand to his chest, breathless as he vowed, “I understand. I’m yours alone. I belong only to you.”
The words barely left his lips before Fang Zichen lifted him effortlessly, laying him on the bed and covering his body with his own.
His mouth was invaded, Fang Zichen’s tongue claiming him as his hands slipped beneath his clothes.
His skin was smooth, untouched by sunlight beneath the coarse fabric—pale as snow. Fang Zichen couldn’t get enough, moving from his lips to his neck, then down to his chest.
Zhao Ger didn’t resist, didn’t struggle—offering himself like a sacrifice.
His fingers tangled in Fang Zichen’s soft hair, stroking gently.
Then, a sharp sensation—Fang Zichen sucked at a spot on his chest.
Dusk had fallen, the dying sun casting bloody light through the window. They kissed like their lives depended on it, the air thick with muffled sounds of passion.
“Daddy~”
Suddenly, Guaizai’s voice rang out in the courtyard.
“……”
Fang Zichen shuddered again, then leaned over Zhao Ger’s neck with an amused yet exasperated expression. "That little rascal scared me soft again, damn it."
Zhao Ger, also at a loss with Guaizai’s antics, nudged the man on top of him. "Go open the door."
"Fine."
Fang Zichen sat up and straightened his clothes. The low collar couldn’t hide the fresh hickeys on his neck. He touched them, wincing slightly. "You bit down so hard—might’ve sucked off a layer of skin," he said, smirking at Zhao Ger.
Zhao Ger’s ears burned red, his heartbeat loud in his chest. He turned his head away, embarrassed.
Zhao Ger hadn’t been able to hold back—and he had no experience.
Fang Zichen leaned down and gently kissed his earlobe. "It’s fine. Faced with a handsome guy like me, losing control is normal. I forgive you."
There was noise in the room, but no one answered. Guaizai huffed and puffed as he dragged a stool from the kitchen to the window and climbed up.
"Father~!" he exclaimed, delighted. "Father, why you back ah? You and Daddy going sleep-sleep? But sky not dark yet!"
Zhao Ger: "…Just go open the door."
If others heard this, how embarrassing!
Who slept in broad daylight? Anyone hearing this would know exactly what they’d been doing.
Fang Zichen came out and lifted Guaizai off the stool, swatting his butt.
"You little brat."
Guaizai giggled. "Father today why come back so fast-fast? Miss Guaizai ah?"
Fang Zichen: "…Miss your head."
Since he was back early, Fang Zichen hung a basket around Guaizai’s neck. "Come, Father’ll take you crab hunting."
Guaizai had trauma from crabs. "Father, crab bite people, hurt-hurt. We no go."
Fang Zichen thought for a moment. "What if we’re getting revenge for you? Still not going? Then let’s catch fish instead. Wanna go?"
"Go~"
Xiaohe Village had no shortage of streams and creeks.
Zhao Ger went with them—he knew the best spots for small fish and shrimp.
Village kids and young men often came to the river to gather food. Meat was expensive, but river creatures were free. Many came to fish, and with luck, they could haul back half a catty.
Fang Zichen had Guaizai and Zhao Ger block the downstream end with the basket while he stirred up the water upstream with a stick. Halfway through, Guaizai yelled:
"Father, got fish ah got fish ah!"
In half an hour, they’d caught over two catties—all fish the size of a pinky finger.
Noticing Guaizai staring up at him in admiration, Fang Zichen puffed up proudly. "No big deal. Talented people excel at everything. You gotta aim high like your father—be well-rounded in body, mind, and morals, got it?"
Guaizai didn’t understand, but he nodded anyway.
Zhao Ger was happy too, assuming they’d head back now. But Fang Zichen wiped his sweat, eyes gleaming. "Zhao Ger, I wanna go swimming."
What was summer without a swim?
It was like eating hot pot without spice—unthinkable.
Since Fang Zichen could swim, Zhao Ger didn’t want to ruin his fun. "Then I’ll go prepare dinner."
Guaizai wanted to watch him swim and didn’t follow Zhao Ger back.
At the riverbank, Fang Zichen couldn’t wait. Without even taking off his clothes, he leaped in with a splash, diving deep and disappearing without a single bubble.
Guaizai panicked. "Father~!"
Fang Zichen stayed silent, sneaking along the riverbed before suddenly bursting out with a roar, splashing water at him.
Guaizai jumped, then burst into giggles.
Fang Zichen spread his arms. "Come in. Father’ll teach you to swim."
Kids loved water. Guaizai was overjoyed, stripping naked in seconds and leaping at Fang Zichen.
Like a little piglet, his butt gleamed white.
Fang Zichen caught him securely, not wanting him to choke and develop a fear of water.
Held under the arms by Fang Zichen, Guaizai kicked his feet experimentally in the deep water. When he realized Fang Zichen had a firm grip, he started flailing his limbs excitedly, splashing everywhere.
"Father, so fun ah!"
…
Zhou Ger, carrying firewood, spotted Fang Zichen dunking Guaizai repeatedly from afar. Guaizai’s arms flailed wildly. Zhou Ger’s heart nearly stopped—he dropped the firewood and sprinted over.
"Guaizai~!"
The two in the river were too busy playing to hear.
Only when Zhou Ger got closer did Guaizai’s laughter reach him. He skidded to a stop at the bank.
"Son, look—this is the frog stroke. Like a frog, right?" Fang Zichen showed off his skills. "This is doggy paddle. This is backstroke."
"Father, Guaizai wanna learn too!"
"Alright, teaching you everything."
Guaizai was having a blast when he suddenly noticed Zhou Ger.
"Uncle Zhou~!"
Zhou Ger caught his breath. "What are you two doing?"
"Swimming! Guaizai learning swim, so fun!"
Zhou Ger laughed awkwardly.
He’d thought—he’d thought Fang Zichen had heard those rumors, gotten angry, and was trying to drown Guaizai!
Despite natural talent, most of their time was spent playing rather than learning. Guaizai hadn’t mastered swimming yet, so Fang Zichen let him ride on his back like a horse, carrying him around the river.
Guaizai’s laughter could be heard from far away.
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