Mr. You's fictitious marriage

Chapter 8

You Huo rarely showed interest in such boisterous activities with large crowds of people, but the fair market was indeed a grand event.

Of course, there were market stalls where merchants and traders set up their wares for sale. Showcased were a variety of products from both local producers and traveling merchants. Aside from the market stalls, in the town's square took place a livestock auction where farmers brought their cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, and poultry to be sold.

Just as they were passing by, a lively affair with farmers haggling over the prices of the herd of sheep before making a purchase took place not far away.

For people dressed in their finest clothes and enjoying the festive atmosphere, various forms of amusement were available. Large crowds eagerly watched performances of acrobats, jugglers, musicians, dancers, puppet shows, fortune-tellers, and traveling theater troupes.

The aroma of food filled the air as vendors cooked on open fires or portable stoves. You Huo, like many others, was enticed by those delicious smells, and they ended up buying two pieces of spiced, pumpkin-based custard-filled pie for themselves.

There were a few places where you could win prizes by shooting the targets as well. Qin Jiu made an inviting gesture after noticing You Huo's contemplative gaze.

When You Huo grabbed the ball from the stall to shoot it into the basket as per the store owner's instructions, Qin Jiu suddenly hugged him from behind, his hands dragging over You Huo's own.

"Let me show you how to do it properly, my dear."

The stall-owner and passersby were briefly distracted by such a blunt display of affection. The next moment, the ball fell into the farthest basket. From the side, it looked like Qin Jiu was directing his throw. But only two of them knew that Qin Jiu actually did nothing but let their bodies touch very closely.

After the first time, it happened with the other games You Huo tried out too. Qin Jiu draped himself onto You Huo's body under the pretext of helping him, but in actuality he did nothing but touch, grope, and caress until all of You Huo's skin was tingling.

After You Huo couldn't bear anymore of that, Qin Jiu found a gambling table.

"You're aware of my luck..."

"Let's just have fun! Look, there are 10 guineas; if we lose 'em, we walk away."

The game was one of the simplest ones: Odd or even. Qin Jiu gestured for him to sit in the player's chair while he stood behind him. Besides them, there had only been one other player present.

It was their turn to roll the dice.

As the game of cards unfolded on the table, You Huo's husband, with mischievous intent, approached from behind and shook the cup. Such antics had become customary to You Huo, who paid them no heed. However, the peculiar spectacle of two figures entwined so intimately inevitably drew the attention of those around them. A gathering crowd of curious onlookers became more preoccupied with their proximity than with the game at hand.

Disregarding the spectators, Qin Jiu leaned in towards You Huo and uttered in a soft whisper that caressed his ear: "Do you think it odd or even?"

"Even."

Qin Jiu nodded. He took You Huo's hand in his own and firmly placed their bet on odd.

You Huo was at a loss for words.

The cup was lifted:

Even.

'Lucky' You Huo's expression instantly cleared up.