Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs

Chapter 9

The onlookers dispersed as the three of them walked to rest under a tree.

"Which Lu Yao are you referring to?" In Lujia Village, there were over eighty households all surnamed Lu, so it was inevitable that some would share the same name.

"Don't call me 'benefactor.' My name is Zhao Beichuan, and I live in Wangou Village. Our villages aren't far apart; just call me Da Chuan."

Lu Xi said, "Indeed, we're not far. I even have relatives living in your village."

Zhao Beichuan: "The Lu Yao I'm talking about lives at the western end of the village. His father is named Lu Guangsheng, and he has an older brother named Lu Lin, who has a bit of a leg problem."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xi confirmed, "Ah, you mean that lad!"

"What kind of person is he?"

When Lu Yao was mentioned, Lu Xi found it hard to describe him, "Our families are neighbors, and we grew up together. He... how should I put it? If you want to be nice, you'd say he's spoiled. If you want to be blunt, he's lazy and bad-tempered, with almost no redeeming qualities except for his good looks."

Zhao Beichuan felt a jolt in his heart.

When he had asked the matchmaker to find him a wife, he clearly wanted someone with a gentle personality, someone who didn't need to be beautiful but could manage the household well. How did she get it so wrong!

Lu Xi continued, "Lu Yao fell seriously ill when he was young, nearly losing his life. His mother dotes on him, so he doesn't do any work at home. He sleeps until noon and often bullies his two younger brothers..."

Zhao Beichuan's face darkened as he listened, his heart tightening, wishing he could fly back home to check on his siblings.

"Also, he hasn't married for years. There are rumors that he's involved with a Scholar in town, though we don't know the specifics. It's certainly not a good situation."

Lu Yao's father, who had been silent, couldn't help but speak up, "Young man, why are you asking about him? You're not planning to marry him, are you? Listen to an old man's advice: character and personality matter more than looks. That boy, although handsome, isn't a good match."

Zhao Beichuan hesitated, knowing it was too late. He had already brought Lu Yao home. Could he still back out?

*

Meanwhile, unaware that he was being criticized, Lu Yao hummed a tune as he led the two children to Lujia Village.

"Sister-in-law, where does your family live?"

Lu Yao pointed into the distance, "See that big willow tree? The wooden gate next to it is our house."

The two children ran ahead upon hearing this.

"Slow down, don't trip." Lu Yao quickened his pace and soon reached the front door.

He knocked, and a short boy came out. This was his fifth brother, Lu Miao, twelve years old.

Seeing Lu Yao, the boy turned pale and ran inside.

Zhao Xiaonian asked curiously, "Sister-in-law, why didn't he greet us?"

Lu Yao awkwardly rubbed his nose. The original body had a poor relationship with his younger brothers due to his domineering nature, which often led to bullying.

Soon, Lu's mother came out, ready to scold, but seeing the two children with Lu Yao, she held her tongue.

"You're back."