Chapter 367: Looking Forward
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Zhenzhen had already formulated a plan. If Su Bin proposed the idea of spending the night together, she would convey that their relationship should progress incrementally, following the path of becoming a genuine couple.
Acceptance would be the initial stage, followed by hugging as the second step, and kissing as the third…
She believed that it would take some time for them to grow closer and better understand each other. Eventually, she might become comfortable with the idea of sharing a bed.
Su Bin had never contemplated immediate consummation, but he continued to hold onto her with a firmer embrace, refusing to release her. Instead, he pulled her closer and closer.
Qin Zhenzhen, slightly discomforted, inquired, “Why are you holding on so tightly?”
Su Bin evaded her question and playfully remarked, “Wife, I can sense your heart racing.”
Blushing furiously, Qin Zhenzhen denied, “No…”
Observing the deep red hue on her cheeks, Su Bin teasingly continued, “Wife, your complexion resembles a rosy blush.”
“Perhaps, if you embrace me more frequently in the future, we can save money on rouge.”
Qin Zhenzhen’s blush intensified. “When did you see me buying rouge?”
“But I must admit, you look even more enchanting with a touch of rouge.” Su Bin’s gaze fell to her reddened lips, and he lowered his head.
Nervously, Qin Zhenzhen covered her lips with her hand. “I believe we should take things one step at a time. The first step is acceptance, the second is hugging, and the third…”
“What’s the third step?”
“The third step is a slight progression beyond the second step…”
The words she couldn’t bring herself to say left Qin Zhenzhen red-faced and flustered.
Su Bin felt sweet and said happily, “I know. The third step is kissing, right, wife?”
Qin Zhenzhen’s complexion mirrored the vivid hue of a crimson fabric. A sudden realization struck her, and she asserted, “No, the second step is for you to hug me. The third step… it’s for me to hug you!”
Amused, Su Bin chuckled and concurred, “Alright, I’ll abide by your plan.”
Relieved, Qin Zhenzhen hadn’t expected Su Bin to readily embrace her idea. She exclaimed, “Wife, you’re absolutely right. Let’s take it one step at a time.
There’s a small surprise awaiting us each day.”
With her heart pounding, Qin Zhenzhen contemplated that these daily surprises might eventually lead to something quite indescribable.
Curiously, she found herself looking forward to it.
The following morning, Qin Zhenzhen, Su Bin, and Su Cheng embarked on their journey to the county city. This time, they were accompanied by Qin Zhenzhen’s cousins on their way to the prefectural capital.
Inside the carriage, the presence of Su Cheng restrained Su Bin from any romantic gestures. However, whenever their eyes met, Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but recall the events of the previous night, causing her face to blush uncontrollably.
Last night, Su Bin had insisted on hugging Qin Zhenzhen to sleep, and the consequences were apparent. Consequently, neither of them had slept soundly, and in the end, Su Bin had relocated to the study to rest.
Concerned, Su Cheng noticed Qin Zhenzhen’s flushed face and inquired, “Third Sister-in-law, are you feeling unwell? Your face is quite red.”
Shaking her head, Qin Zhenzhen responded, “I’m perfectly fine, Third Brother. It’s just quite warm inside the carriage.”
Upon reaching the county, they continued their journey with Qin Zhenzhen’s cousins in tow.
Upon arrival at the prefectural capital, Qin Zhenzhen received another letter from Qin Silong. At the border of the northern region, Qin Silong and Su Ping had parted ways and were stationed in separate military camps.
After half a year, Qin Silong’s rebirth had endowed him with a unique insight into forthcoming events, allowing him to swiftly ascend from a decurion to a centurion within the ranks. Furthermore, there was the possibility of his promotion to the rank of chiliarch in the near future.
In his letter to his sister, he eagerly shared this positive news with her. He also made mention of Su Ping, whom he had encountered once during their joint military duties. That solitary encounter marked the only time the two had crossed paths since their arrival at the military camp..