If he hadn’t said that, it would’ve been fine. The more he said it, the more Shuzhen remembered his meticulous care for the little ingrate back then and the heartless hurt he suffered afterward.
In her heart, she was even more afraid of having another little ingrate that would bring a repeat of those days.
The more he tried to console his wife, the harder she cried, making Lianshan increasingly agitated.
But seeing her red and pitiful eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to say a harsh word, let alone leave her alone.
On the very first day of their marriage, Lianshan clearly realized: he was destined to be at her mercy for this lifetime. What was even more exasperating was that he didn’t want to struggle against it at all. He could only soften his tone, coaxing her like a child, using all the patience and tenderness he could muster to comfort her thoroughly.
Shuzhen, finally realizing her loss of composure, clumsily wiped her eyes and, with a blushing face, shyly apologized to him.
Lianshan nonchalantly waved his hand at first, then feigned a serious demeanor.
"What’s this nonsense about apologies? We’re married now, a proper couple. Why bother with such empty formalities? Instead of apologizing, why don’t you sort out your thoughts. Explain clearly why you’re anxious and upset. We can work together to solve the problem, so you won’t be anxious again in the future!"
Shuzhen hesitated; honesty was indeed important between a couple.
But Lianshan had always treated the little ingrate as his own, even more protective than a mother, more attentive than many careless fathers. She had faced strong opposition even at the hint of wanting an abortion, let alone...
Knowing that honesty wouldn’t solve the problem easily and might lead to an argument on their wedding night.
But not saying anything...
Wouldn’t Lianshan misunderstand and think she was reminiscing about that bastard Dai Weiguo?
Uh, even though she had no such thoughts now and even wished that bastard would die. Yet... in many people’s eyes, she had traveled all the way to Beijing two months ago seeking death for that scoundrel!
Reflecting on the past life, on the man’s suffocated endurance, Shuzhen’s heart thumped nervously. Holding onto the philosophy of fearing the worst, she hesitantly opened her mouth: "I... I’m just afraid. Afraid that the traits will pass on to the child, that the child will resemble the biological father. Ultimately, it would waste your effort in raising him and be a futile endeavor. Rather than future regret and resentment, it’s better to..."
"There’s no need for such hypotheticals. A person is shaped by their upbringing. As long as we nurture, love, and educate him/her well. I’ve only heard of parents who didn’t educate their child well, but who has ever seen a naturally bad child?
Don’t think too much. Just considering your safety, I won’t allow any harmful thoughts. Even if we end up raising an ingrate who doesn’t acknowledge us as parents, I wouldn’t let you take any risk," Lianshan frowned, speaking firmly: "Don’t make things so complicated. A child is like a sapling. However it grows depends on how we shape it.
We’ll educate well, so why would anyone think me a cruel stepfather? I’d still believe in tough love and set the child right, no matter how stubborn. You, just rest easy!"
Seeing his earnest, pleading eyes, Shuzhen hesitated in her speech: "But..."
Noticing her slight relief in tone, Lianshan quickly seized the opportunity to conclude: "No ifs or buts, wife. We’ve settled it!
You, just take care of your health, and leave the little one to me once they’re born.
If someday he/she truly leaves us for riches, it’s the Dai family’s flawed roots or my poor education, bearing no blame on you, does that sound good?"
Honestly, Shuzhen still felt unsure.
But on such a good wedding night, she didn’t want to keep bringing up the little ingrate, ruining the lovely atmosphere for no reason.
So she just nodded lightly with a smile: "Then, I’ll entrust you, brother Lianshan, to be a strict father in the future."
"What are you saying?" Lianshan frowned, tapping her forehead: "Since we’re married, your concerns are mine, and your child is naturally my flesh and blood. As parents, raising a child is only natural, so don’t get formal with me, and no more entrustment talk!"
Shuzhen nodded vigorously: "Alright, dear husband, I’ve got it. I promise this won’t happen again. It’s getting late, and you’ve had a tiring day. I’ll get a basin of water to wash your feet, and you should rest early."
With that, determined to be a virtuous wife, Shuzhen began to rise. But just as she barely moved, Lianshan gently yet firmly stopped her: "I’ll do it, I’ll do it, how can I let you do such tiring chores?"
As her brothers-in-law said, marrying is for caring for the wife, how could she endure hardship and grievances?
Washing feet and such, he appreciated the gesture. However, the work was for him to do.
Lianshan laughed, turning to pick up the red lacquered basin decorated with double happiness that he had accidentally knocked over, filling it again with warm water. Clumsily yet with utmost care, he washed her hands and face and insisted on washing her feet despite Shuzhen’s protests.
After quickly washing his feet in the same water, he opened the cabinet and took out an extra set of bedding, turning the originally single quilt, arranged by Lian Yue deliberately to accommodate her brother’s shyness, into two.
Seeing Shuzhen’s slightly hurt and surprised look, fearing she might misunderstand, Lianshan explained with a flushed face: "Wife, don’t overthink it. I... ever since marrying such a great, kind wife, I’ve been overjoyed even in my dreams. These days I’ve been eagerly waiting, hoping to bring you home soon!
But since you’re not yet three months along, certain things aren’t suitable. I’m afraid..."
Ahem, there’s no need to elaborate on the fear. But this little act revealed Lianshan’s full concern and affection for Shuzhen.
In her heart, aside from the embarrassment, there was an indescribable sweetness: "I’m sorry to trouble you, brother Lianshan."
"Nonsense!" Lianshan laughed, giving her a gentle head pat: "For a couple living together, understanding is key. What’s there to feel troubled about? We need to pace ourselves steadily over time."
Yes, that’s how it should be. You can’t sacrifice long-term happiness for brief pleasure. God bless, for giving him such a wonderful, outstanding wife, he must cherish her all his life, living harmoniously and serenely together.