The Foolish Husband of the Landlord's Family (GL)

Chapter 47: Deliberate Restraint

The next morning, Jiang Yuan awoke to find her waist still sore, a small bump on her head from the previous night’s fall. Though it throbbed, it was nothing serious.

Stretching her hands, she realized her arms were empty. Opening her eyes, she saw Lin Kong hurriedly dressing by the bedside, her knots untied, as if avoiding something.

Recalling their conversation, Jiang Yuan understood Lin Kong’s concerns. She quietly slipped out of bed, wrapping her arms around Lin Kong, slowly tying her sash.

Feeling Jiang Yuan’s warmth against her back and her hands at her waist, Lin Kong trembled, feeling awkwardly constrained. Blushing, she protested, "I-I can do it myself."

Jiang Yuan continued, resting her chin on Lin Kong’s slender shoulder, helping her tie the sash, insisting, "You must call me 'Wife.'"

Lin Kong’s lips moved silently, her body tensing. Sensing her discomfort, Jiang Yuan smiled, adding, "Always remember you’re pretending."

"Okay," Lin Kong murmured, allowing Jiang Yuan to smooth her clothes, Jiang Yuan’s hands seemingly everywhere, leaving a tingling sensation.

Knowing Jiang Yuan was teasing her, Lin Kong stiffened, ready to leave.

"Smile," Jiang Yuan said, pinching Lin Kong’s cheeks. "You don't look silly at all."

Lin Kong pursed her lips. She wasn’t silly.

Nevertheless, she rubbed her face, trying to appear as she used to. It felt awkward but novel, not difficult.

Seeing Lin Kong’s vacant expression return, Jiang Yuan smiled, satisfied, opening the door only to find Shiqi waiting outside, freezing in place.

Jiang Yuan forced a smile, asking, "How long have you been here?"

Shiqi, eager to speak with Lin Kong, noticed Jiang Yuan’s hand on her waist. Glancing at Lin Kong’s uneasy face, she seemed to understand, explaining, "Just arrived, didn’t hear anything."

"…" Jiang Yuan said, "Come in then."

"Okay." Shiqi followed, standing awkwardly before Lin Kong, excitedly asking, "Little sister, how do you feel? Do you remember me?"

At their parting, one was nine, the other twelve, both retaining their childhood resemblance.

Of course, Lin Kong recognized Shiqi upon recovering, but the term "little sister" left her unsure, looking to Jiang Yuan for help, "I... I..."

Jiang Yuan noticed Shiqi seemed transformed, her usual gloom replaced with energy, and helped Lin Kong, "Keep calling her Kong'er."

Shiqi’s eyes dimmed, her vitality fading, incredulous, "What do you mean? Little sister... Kong'er hasn’t recovered?"

"No," Jiang Yuan explained her plan from last night. Shiqi calmed, prompting Jiang Yuan to ask about the massacre, better addressed now than leaving Lin Kong burdened.

"Shiqi, do you know what happened?"

As Jiang Yuan spoke, Lin Kong clenched her sleeves, listening intently.