Jiang Yichun, who was already rather handsome, resembled a painted immortal when he was nonchalant. However, when he smiled and blinked, it was as though he was electrifying, leaving Bai Ruozhu so entranced that she was left feeling a little foolish. Realizing this, she quickly averted her gaze, her face flushing in embarrassment.
Goodness, had she been daydreaming in public? She would feel mortified if anyone had seen her.
When Jiang Yichun saw her blush, an itch started in his heart. He playfully teased her by drawing circles in her palms with his fingers.
"How on earth did you become acquainted with Elder Lin? It seemed like you were pretty close." Bai Ruozhu’s face was heating up even more now, quickly seizing the opportunity to ask this question in an attempt to divert his attention.
Jiang Yichun gave a low chuckle, "He wanted me to be his successor. How else would I have any footing in the Commerce Association? However, I have no interest in the Association’s affairs nor in doing business. I’ve always refused his proposals. I’m sure he asked you to join him tomorrow because he wants to try his luck with you. Don’t agree to anything rashly."/p>
Bai Ruozhu looked at him in surprise. It seemed there were still many things she was not aware of.
"Why did he take a fancy to you then?" asked Bai Ruozhu, now even more curious.
Jiang Yichun threw another flirtatious glance at her. "Naturally, it’s because I excel in business, management, and dealing with people. It’s just that I don’t particularly enjoy doing business. I only think about earning money when I run dry. I certainly don’t have as much passion for it as you do."
Bai Ruozhu’s mouth twitched, "So, you’re saying that you see money as dirt?"
"Not at all, I just find it bothersome," he finished, reminding himself of his monetary woes the day before. Luckily, Ruozhu didn’t know; otherwise, it would have been truly embarrassing.
"You’re simply too occupied with your official duties. Perhaps if you were not working at the Bureau of Civil Affairs, you might take an interest in business," Bai Ruozhu casually suggested.
Jiang Yichun nodded, "Maybe."
When they returned home, Bai Ruozhu described the day’s court hearing to everyone, who were all delighted to hear of the result and held Jiang Yichun in even higher regard. If not for his vast connections and preparations, Bai Ruozhu might have fallen into the Du family’s trap.
Bai Yihong praised with a chuckle, "Ruozhu, you should learn more from Chang Sheng. It pays to be more cautious in all matters."
Hearing this, Jiang Yichun quickly interjected, "Dad, Ruozhu is actually very clever. She didn’t want to scheme against the Du family. If she truly decided to plot against them, not even ten old Masters of the Du family could match her."
Bai Ruozhu, initially unhappy with her father praising Jiang Yichun, felt a little embarrassed after Jiang Yichun’s words. She muttered softly, "Don’t exaggerate."
"Our son-in-law is right. Ruozhu is capable; otherwise, we wouldn’t be where we are today," Lin Ping’er eagerly praised her daughter by the side.
Everyone began complimenting Bai Ruozhu’s intelligence and capabilities, making her even more embarrassed. Finally, she straightened her face and asked, "Is everyone done with their work? Doesn’t anyone need to get busy?"
Hearing this, everyone immediately dispersed to tend to their duties.
Bai Ruozhu, Lai Fusa, her mother, and her sister-in-law sat down together to make the screen ordered by Lady Meng. They had a good time chatting and laughing while they worked, and by bedtime, they had gotten quite a bit done.
Jiang Yichun held Dengdeng outside, peeking in, wondering why his wife hadn’t come yet. When Bai Ruozhu finished her tasks and noticed him, she couldn’t help but laugh.
When she returned to their room, she gave him a reproachful look and asked, "I’m on my period. Why were you rushing me to come back?"
Jiang Yichun was taken aback by her candidness. A thought sparked in his mind that his wife was indeed very fierce, recalling the time she kicked someone in the groin.
He allured me in every way possible, he thought, as long as she wasn’t fierce to him.
"I didn’t say I wanted anything. I just can’t fall asleep without holding you. Or perhaps, you wanted to do something?" He started grinning mischievously.
This time, it was Bai Ruozhu who felt embarrassed. She quickly responded, "No, not at all. Let’s just go to sleep!"
After undressing, she lay down in bed. Dengdeng slept on the inside, she was in the middle, and Jiang Yichun was on the outside. He also took off his clothes and got into bed. However, very soon, his hand began to wander, making its way under her clothes to caress her waist. Then, slowly, his hand started to move upwards.
Bai Ruozhu wanted to open her eyes and scold him, but knew he would just be more unyielding. She decided to close her eyes and pretend to be asleep, gritting her teeth and ignoring him.
When his hand moved to her breasts and began kneading, she almost cried out. Her body started to feel all tingly.
Damn it! Bai Ruozhu was about to explode. She was on her period and couldn’t fool around. Was he trying to frustrate her to death?
Suddenly, Jiang Yichun’s breathing became heavy, but his hand froze. He got up abruptly, tossed off the covers, quickly dressed and left the room.
Bai Ruozhu was stunned for a few seconds, then rolled over on the bed, her hand covering her mouth in fits of giggles, her entire body shaking with laughter. Serves him right, she thought. Now he’ll have to take a cold shower.
Dengdeng wasn’t asleep yet and had been awakened by the commotion. He watched, looking bewildered as his mother shook with laughter, his large innocent eyes reflexively uttering a cry, seemingly asking what was happening to his mother.
After a while, Bai Ruozhu finally stopped laughing, only to realize that she had laughed a bit too hard and her abdomen was hurting. She rubbed her stomach and turned onto her side, facing inside, and resumed pretending to sleep.
After a while, Jiang Yichun returned. He emanated a chill and seemed somewhat depressed. He took off his outer clothes and went back to bed, warming himself up before reaching over and closing his arms around Ruozhu to sleep.
Bai Ruozhu thought everything was over and was about to doze off when suddenly she felt a large hand creeping up on her again. He leaned over and whispered huskily in her ear, "Darling, you need to help me relieve this. Otherwise, your husband’s going to develop some issues."
Her face turned beet red instantly. Even a cold shower didn’t work. So, how was she supposed to help him ’relieve’ it?
Before she could figure out what to do, he’d already guided her hand to a certain place and began moving with her hand...
Dengdeng, who was about to fall asleep, was awakened again. His large eyes were filled with confusion. One moment his mother was shaking uncontrollably, and now his father was. He couldn’t understand the adult world at all.
Early next morning, Jiang Yichun, feeling refreshed, took Bai Ruozhu and Dengdeng out. He said he would take Dengdeng to show Elder Lin, who was very fond of children.
Lin Zhenghui resided in the Commerce Association’s yard in Beiyu City. After informing the doorkeepers, they were immediately escorted in. The doorkeeper explained that Elder Lin had already given instructions the previous day. If they were to come, he was to lead them in directly, no need to announce their arrival.
Bai Ruozhu glanced at Jiang Yichun, thinking to herself, Elder Lin really does seem fond of Jiang Yichun.
When they arrived at the yard, Lin Zhenghui was practicing his martial arts. Bai Ruozhu recognized it as the Five-Animal Qigong, a physical exercise regimen for strengthening the body. No wonder the old man had such robust health.
After finishing his routine and spotting the pair, Lin Zhenghui smiled, "Good, you came early. Has this boy turned over a new leaf?"