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

Chapter 76: Awakening

Xiao Yichen thought she might have misheard, but looking into Jing Anrui's eyes, she saw sincerity without a trace of deceit. Her eyes held a shyness, as if she genuinely wanted Xiao Yichen to marry her.

Xiao Yichen needed confirmation, "What did you say?"

"I said if I can't marry you, how about you marry me?" Jing Anrui, face flushed, fidgeted with her fingers, appearing more like a young girl experiencing first love than someone over thirty.

This time, Xiao Yichen understood clearly. Realization dawned on her, "You are...?"

"Yes." Fearing Xiao Yichen might say something unfavorable, Jing Anrui quickly interrupted, deftly untying her belt.

She intended to use the most straightforward method to reveal her true gender, knowing she'd have to confess eventually.

With a swift motion, her outer robe fell open, revealing a white inner garment with a slight swell at the chest. Jing Anrui blushed deeply, hesitating before she moved to unbutton further.

Just as she was about to reveal more, Xiao Yichen recalled Lin Kong calling Jiang Yuan "wife," realizing Jing Anrui's intentions. She swiftly changed the subject, "How are Lin Kong and Jiang Yuan now?"

Xiao Yichen had always found Jing Anrui special, partly because Jing Anrui was cleaner than other men her age and carried a pleasant scent. Despite being over thirty, Jing Anrui remained youthful, without a trace of age or stubble. Xiao Yichen should have realized sooner.

Jing Anrui paused, embarrassed by Xiao Yichen's interruption, her blush fading to pale. Awkwardly, she closed her robes, murmuring, "They're fine."

Xiao Yichen turned slightly, pretending not to notice Jing Anrui's discomfort. Silence enveloped them, unsure of what to say next. She asked, "Why did you..."

Though unspoken, both knew the question's meaning.

Hearing Xiao Yichen's willingness to engage, Jing Anrui's hope rekindled. Leveraging her height, she looked down into Xiao Yichen's eyes, asking directly, "Would you mind?"

"..." Xiao Yichen never imagined Jing Anrui could be so bold. She hadn't agreed to anything, so how could she speak of minding?

She stepped back, saying coolly, "That's your business. How does your disguise concern me?"

"How doesn't it? I like you." Jing Anrui, hurt, said, "I've navigated the court's treacherous waters, dealing with its intrigues, all for the day I could..."

She stopped, not wanting to sound pitiable or seek sympathy.

Xiao Yichen recalled Jing Anrui's near-proposal days, arranged by their families. She had agreed to Jing Anrui's requests just as she'd later complied with the young emperor's.

"You liking me is your business." Xiao Yichen's tone was detached, wary of saying more lest Jing Anrui outmaneuver her.

As she turned to leave, her wrist was grasped, a gentle hand resting on her shoulder, Jing Anrui's face mere inches away.

"Let go," Xiao Yichen admitted she felt guilt toward Jing Anrui. Her youthful closeness had captured Jing Anrui's heart, and her refusal to marry remained linked to her.