Shen Yiguang found Yang Peimin’s troubled expression amusing. He grew up in a house full of sisters and had never set foot in the kitchen until he joined the army. It was only then that he cooked, grilling fish and chicken and boiling wild vegetables during field training. Now, the fact that he could stir-fry a dish for her was already quite an achievement.
Yang Peimin had gone out with Qiao Ying today and incidentally bought some meat, as well as bok choy and tomatoes. The meat was originally intended to be sliced and stir-fried, the bok choy sautéed on its own, and the tomatoes were to be used for making a soup with eggs.
Apart from a separate vegetable dish Shen Yiguang stir-fried, he stewed everything else together, which really showcased the characteristic flavors of his hometown.
Yang Peimin tasted a piece of the egg; the salt was added correctly. It wasn’t particularly delicious, but it was edible, and the meat was definitely overcooked.
Shen Yiguang picked up a piece of lean meat with his chopsticks and urged her to eat quickly.
Yang Peimin looked up at him. Well, sometimes men need to save face in front of their wives, right? She ate it with a smile, and even helped herself to another serving of rice.
After setting down her bowl and chopsticks, she complimented him, "Not bad, not bad, keep up the good work."
Shen Yiguang reached out to touch her head, "You cunning little girl." Yet he was genuinely in high spirits, his mouth upturned in a constant smile.
Out of consideration for his effort in cooking, Yang Peimin hurried to wash the dishes.
By the time she had finished washing the dishes, Shen Yiguang had already prepared her bathwater and even picked out her change of clothes. Among them was a set of underwear.
Shen Yiguang gently urged her to take a bath, "Go bathe early and sleep early. We have to catch the train tomorrow."
Yang Peimin gave him a sideways glance, "Taking a bath right after eating is bad for digestion."
Shen Yiguang raised his eyebrows helplessly, "What should we do then? I’ve already got your water ready."
"How about we chat for a bit, and I can show you the things I bought for mom and dad today."
Shen Yiguang seemed uninterested and his tone was perfunctory, "As long as you bought them, I trust they are good, no need to see them."
Having said that, he pulled her to sit on his lap and spoke in a husky voice, "Then let’s talk about something else."
Yang Peimin wanted to ask what to talk about, but her mouth was already sealed by his lips.
It was obvious that kissing was new territory for Shen Yiguang. In the beginning, he was all reckless aggression and forceful conquest. After some experience, he slowly began to figure out the techniques. Because Yang Peimin wasn’t experienced either, Shen Yiguang usually took the initiative.
This time, he was indeed very gentle. He soothed her with slow, outer caresses, like a warm-up before a game, fully preparing before making his move. For Yang Peimin, this was effective, even enjoyable, as she cherished being treasured in this way.
Yang Peimin wrapped her arms around his neck and invested herself wholeheartedly in the kiss.
Encouraged, Shen Yiguang grew more excited and deepened the kiss. What was initially a simple action had an addictive quality.
Yang Peimin had heard that kissing could feel electrifying, but she never quite understood or believed it—until now, as she clearly felt it.
When Shen Yiguang finally released her, half an hour had passed. It took her a moment to remember that her bathwater was still waiting, and after such a long time, it must have gone completely cold.
She quickly nudged Shen Yiguang, "Check if the water has cooled. If it has, add some hot water for me; I want to take a bath."
Shen Yiguang muttered a low affirmation.
The night before departure was destined to be wild. If it hadn’t been for Yang Peimin worrying she wouldn’t be able to get out of bed the next day and begging for mercy, Shen Yiguang would have battled on until dawn.
When Yiguang gently woke her up at five in the morning, she had just barely closed her eyes.
Yiguang carried her to wash her face and change her clothes, and throughout it all, she kept her eyes closed. If circumstances allowed, she would have liked him to carry her onto the train as well!
There was no need to prepare breakfast, as they had already packed dry food last night. After drinking a cup of thick sugar water, she finally felt a bit more energized.
Yiguang took her luggage and then got her out of bed, coaxing her, "We can sleep again on the train later, let’s walk a bit for now." Fortunately, it was still dark outside, the bugle hadn’t sounded yet, and everyone else was still in bed, so there was no need to worry about onlookers. Yiguang held her hand, letting her lean on his shoulder as he half-supported her out of the military region’s gate.
In fact, Pei Min wasn’t really that sleepy; she was just a little reluctant, that’s all.
Xiao Xu was waiting at the gate, and as soon as Pei Min saw him, she straightened up and greeted him formally.
The Cultural Troupe had their separate transport, so she wasn’t with them.
Therefore, Pei Min had no reservations, and as soon as she boarded the vehicle, she fell asleep.
Xiao Xu’s lips twitched, and he said to Yiguang with a smile, "Big Brother, is this Sister-in-law’s habit? She sleeps coming here and also sleeps going back."
Yiguang cleared his throat and covered the sleeping Yang Kai Ming with a thin coat, "Your sister-in-law gets carsick."
Xiao Xu scratched his head, obviously confused, "That’s strange, Sister-in-law didn’t get carsick when she went to the city last time."
Yiguang said confidently, "Waking up so early in the morning and not getting enough sleep can lead to carsickness. As soon as she makes up for the lost sleep, she won’t feel sick on the train later."
Xiao Xu nodded in agreement, "That makes sense. I remember seeing a lady who did the same thing when I used to come over."
With his question answered, Yiguang no longer wanted to talk and also closed his eyes to sleep.
When they arrived at the train station, they met up with the people from the Cultural Troupe, who had arrived earlier than them.
Yiguang went to speak with Minister Xia, and Qiao Ying came over and pulled Pei Min aside, asking, "Have you had breakfast? There’s a small eatery outside. Before the train arrives, shall we go fill our stomachs?" Her tone was enticing.
Pei Min’s eyes lit up, and they exchanged a glance, smiling in unison. Indeed, they were kindred spirits.
Qiao Ying then asked the others if they wanted to buy some food. Everyone shook their heads as some had already made purchases on their way over. Pei Min went to the side to wait for Yiguang to finish speaking with Minister Xia before going together.
At that moment, Wen Qing came over and handed her a paper bag, looking embarrassed, "I meant to give you a gift a while back, but I got so busy I forgot. I’m sorry about that, I’m making up for it now."
Pei Min shook her head, "It’s not necessary, Wen Qing."
Qiao Ying came over at this time.
Wen Qing then said, "Please, just take it quickly. After all, I used your makeup that day; consider it a thank-you gift."
"You’re being too polite," Pei Min still didn’t reach out to take it. If it had been offered before, as a gesture of friendship, she would have accepted it, but after everything that transpired, she no longer considered Wen Qing a friend, so of course, she couldn’t accept the gift.
Seeing her resolute stance, Wen Qing looked helplessly at Qiao Ying, "Sister Ying, what do you think?"
"Since Pei Min is telling you not to be polite, you should just take it back. With so many people coming and going, it’s not a good look to push it back and forth ."
At these words, Wen Qing looked somewhat disappointed.