The Peach Blossoms White by the Village Edge

Chapter 44: The Bridal Chamber

In truth, Qu Qingjiang was drunk, but not completely so. At least after drinking the "Winter Solstice Special Brew," her tolerance seemed to have increased a bit.

Her current inebriation was partly due to the strong liquor emboldening her, completely releasing the restrained side of her usually reserved self.

Another factor was the influence of today's wedding. Though she knew the wedding was fake, when she and Zhao Changxia walked together through the wedding rituals, exchanged vows, drank from the ceremonial cup, and tied the nuptial knot, her heart couldn't help but be immersed in it. The budding emotions within her rapidly expanded under the influence of alcohol.

After saying those words to Zhao Changxia and acting impulsively, all her thoughts were hidden in her rapidly beating heart.

Qu Qingjiang had applied rouge and powder today. Her lips were a fierce, enchanting red, and now her cheeks, subtly tinged by the alcohol, were also flushed. Her eyes, with their hazy and slightly mischievous light, seemed to possess a kind of effect that subtly amplified one's inner desires.

Zhao Changxia doubted the efficacy of the hangover pills; otherwise, why would her face be so hot and her heart racing abnormally?

She attributed this reaction to the alcohol, deliberately avoiding admitting that she was slightly moved by Qu Qingjiang's repeated flirtations.

She also didn't think Qu Qingjiang's flirtations were out of affection but perhaps out of amusement or simply as a way to express her hidden self to someone who could listen without judgment.

Therefore, facing someone who wouldn't be romantically inclined towards her, Zhao Changxia refused to let herself be trapped in a secret affection. Rather than being influenced by such feelings, she preferred to immerse herself completely in training and tasks.

"What do you want to do to me?" Zhao Changxia asked, sitting up straight with a slightly stiff body.

Qu Qingjiang wanted to kiss Zhao Changxia but was startled by her own thought, and awkwardly averted her gaze, mumbling, "I want to feed you some water."

"I just drank so much alcohol; my stomach is full. I might have to get up frequently tonight to use the toilet."

"Then I'll rub your stomach for you!" Qu Qingjiang reached out to touch her abdomen, discovering it was flat. Though it was through clothing, she could feel the abdominal muscles were firm, unlike her own soft belly.

Zhao Changxia firmly grasped her hand and said in a deep voice, "If you keep acting like this, it's no longer about what you want to do to me but about what I might do to you."

Qu Qingjiang's eyes were bright and curious. "What will you do to me?"

Zhao Changxia suddenly stood up, startling Qu Qingjiang, who instinctively clung to her neck, afraid of falling.

However, Qu Qingjiang soon realized that although Zhao Changxia had stood up abruptly, she did not push her away but instead pulled her up and then set her down gently by the bed.

"Sixth... June..." Qu Qingjiang was a bit flustered, thinking Zhao Changxia might really do something to her. Though nervous, she was not afraid, instead feeling a bit shy and expectant. "Be gentle."

"Hmm? Did I hurt you?" Zhao Changxia asked, puzzled. She had placed her down gently, so it shouldn't have been painful.

Qu Qingjiang was confused. How could it already be painful before anything had even started?

"I mean..." Qu Qingjiang began to speak but found that Zhao Changxia only placed her back on the bed and did nothing else. After a moment, Zhao Changxia straightened up and said, "Your husband has left. It's fine now."