Brother Ye had already finished an entire bowl of rice. As Nanfeng took it upon herself to clear the dishes and wash them, Brother Ye didn’t fight with her over it. He picked up a large bowl, ladling the dried fish congee he had prepared for Nan Quanyou, setting it aside to cool.
After washing the dishes, Nanfeng walked into Nan Quanyou’s room to find he was still sound asleep, yet to awaken.
Nanfeng decided not to wake him and allowed him to continue sleeping.
She pulled out a stool for Brother Ye to sit in the living room, and they chatted a while. He suggested Nanfeng visit him at the Yamen when she had time. He had a private room in the back compound of the Yamen, similar to a modern family quarters. Registered family members were allowed entrance.
Nanfeng then said, “But I haven’t registered.”
“I’ve registered you already,” replied Brother Ye.
As… his not-yet-official wife?
Nanfeng could feel her face becoming warm.
Brother Ye looked out and noticed the weather, then said: “It is getting late, I should go. Tomorrow morning I’ll come over to help you take Uncle Nan to the Medical Hall.”
Noticing the questioning look on Nanfeng’s face, he reassured her: “I can shift my schedule around, don’t worry about it. It won’t be a bother.”
Nanfeng was left dumbfounded as he cooed her like a child.
A warmth filled her heart.
She thought Brother Ye was about to leave. As they were sitting in the living room and worried about the neighbours’s gossip, so the front door of Nanfeng’s house was left open allowing a clear view of the inside.
But when Nanfeng stood up to see Brother Ye out, he flicked the curtain at the door and it fell down, cloaking the room in an instant.
The room instantly darkened. Before Nanfeng could understand what was happening, she fell into strong arms, her lips locked in a passionate kiss.
The kiss left her disoriented, weak in the knees, her heart fluttering restlessly within her.
She wasn’t sure how long the embrace lasted. Finally, Brother Ye released his hold on Nanfeng’s waist and gently pecked her lips a few more times, eventually whispering in her ear, “I’m off, see you tomorrow!”
“Alright,” Nanfeng managed to reply, feeling as if her body and brain weren’t her own.
Did women in love really lose their minds?
Brother Ye had lifted the curtain and left. His tall figure vanished in the yard as Nanfeng stood, frozen in place.
Touching her lips, her heart fluttered wildly.
That is, until a voice from Nan Quanyou interrupted her.
…
After having slept for a while, Nan Quanyou found his legs didn’t hurt as much. He could bear it as long as he didn’t stir.
Nanfeng brought Nan Quanyou the congee Brother Ye made him, so he could drink it while lying down.
“Not bad, this congee suits my taste at the moment. But Nanfeng, how did you think up of adding dried fish to the congee?” he asked.
Nanfeng smiled and said, “Dad, I didn’t make this congee, Brother Ye did.”
“Brother Ye came?”
“Yes, but you were sleeping through his visit. He said he’ll come by tomorrow to help you to the Medical Hall.”
“This…” Perhaps because he was so excited, Nan Quanyou slipped,”Am I enjoying the blessings of having a son-in-law already?”
“…”
After Nan Quanyou finished the congee, Nanfeng was doing the dishes when the widow, Lin Qiaoyun, appeared. It was about time for her to start her job at the wealthy family’s house, but she cautiously enquired, “Nanfeng, was the man who had lunch with you Brother Ye, your intended groom?”
Nanfeng hesitated for a moment and then looked up to ask, “Why would you think that, Qiaoyun? Do we look like a couple to you?”