Chapter Thirty-Five: A Lifetime as a Housewife

In contrast to Shi Zhaodi’s restless manner—eating while stealing glances at Jiang Hao’en, as if he were the appetizer for her meal—Jiang Hao’en ate slowly and with elegant grace. From time to time, he would scoop food into her bowl.

"Brother, next time, let me cook for you!" Shi Zhaodi said to Jiang Hao’en with a sweet smile.

Jiang Hao’en looked up at her and nodded. Shi Zhaodi couldn't help but whisper to herself inwardly, *I am willing to cook for Brother for the rest of my life!*

After lunch, Shi Zhaodi insisted on washing the dishes so that Jiang Hao’en could rest. She hummed a light tune while working, feeling quite happy. Suddenly, the sound of porcelain shattering echoed from outside. Startled, she dropped the dishrag and rushed out, only to see Jiang Hao’en about to crouch down to pick up the pieces.

Shi Zhaodi hugged him from behind and said anxiously, "Brother, let me sweep it up."

She knew that Jiang Hao’en could not stand the sight of blood; he suffered from hemophobia. If he were to accidentally cut his hand while picking up the shards, it would be troublesome. She let go of him, bent down to collect the larger fragments, and tossed them into the trash bin. Then, she retrieved the vacuum cleaner to clear away the finer shards. Throughout the entire process, Jiang Hao’en stood by, watching quietly.

Once she had finished cleaning, she noticed him still standing there and asked with concern, "Brother, what’s wrong?"

"Are you worried about something?" Jiang Hao’en asked slowly, looking up at her.

Shi Zhaodi was stunned, staring blankly at him. After a long moment, she replied in a low voice, "No, it’s just that our statuses are different, so leave these chores to me."

"You are not a servant!" With that, Jiang Hao’en walked straight out of the small cabin.

Shi Zhaodi stood there, dazed for a while before coming to her senses and chasing after him. Fortunately, he hadn't gone far; he was simply standing outside the cabin, gazing at the distant mountains.

"Brother, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you angry," she said, wrapping her arms around him from behind and resting her head against his back, feeling a wave of sadness.

Jiang Hao’en’s body stiffened for a few seconds before he pulled her around to face him, holding her quietly in his embrace.

Shi Zhaodi leaned against his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart. *Brother, I love you so much! If only we never had to leave.*

That afternoon, Jiang Hao’en carried his canvas on his back and took Shi Zhaodi for a walk along the upper reaches of the small stream. They arrived at the source, which turned out to be a clear, tranquil lake. The water was so transparent that one could see small fish swimming freely. Shi Zhaodi wanted to get closer to look, but Jiang Hao’en gripped her hand tightly, preventing her from moving any further.

She turned to look at him in confusion.

"Dangerous," was his only reply.

He set down his canvas, sat on the nearby grass, and pulled Shi Zhaodi down to sit beside him.