A delicate beauty takes a place in a marriage, while a cold, rough man seduces her every night.

A few days later, Qingyan took some time to go back to her parents' home to visit Qiao Nianshan.

Thinking about how the old man is doing all by himself at home, I wonder what he's like.

Upon entering the courtyard, they were surprised to see Chen Xiuying coaxing Qiao Yi to eat with a bowl in her hand. Meanwhile, Qiao Nianshan stood silently in a corner of the courtyard, engrossed in his carpentry work.

Qingyan understood; the two had made up.

She exchanged a few perfunctory polite words with Chen Xiuying, then went over and chatted with Qiao Nianshan for a while.

"She brought Qiao Yi back and begged me for forgiveness." Qiao Nianshan smoked his old man's cigarette, his brow furrowed deeply.

"I've lived most of my life, what's there to be upset about?" These words seemed to be Qiao Nianshan advising himself. "Take it slow, life is the same no matter who you're with. At least you have to raise your younger brother first."

Qingyan said to her father, "You can decide for yourself."

After coaxing her son to finish his meal, Chen Xiuying took Qiao Yi out for a stroll.

While Chen Xiuying was out, Qiao Nianshan mysteriously pulled Qingyan into the house.

The Qiao family's house was built by Qiao Nianshan's grandfather's generation. It's an old mud-brick house that's several decades old, with thick wooden beams that make it very sturdy.

"I hid some money in the roof beam."

"If I die one day, take this money and use it to make a coffin for your father. You can keep the rest as a small compensation from your father."

Qingyan pursed her lips, her throat tightening, and after a long while, she finally said, "How old are you? What are you talking about, dying or not?"

Recently, Qiao Nianshan has been experiencing inexplicable heart palpitations, giving him a sense of foreboding.

However, he didn't say much, he just waved his hand:

"Sigh, who knows what tomorrow will bring. Anyway, just remember, the money is there. I'll put in more when I earn more."

Qingyan: "I have money, I don't need yours."

Qiao Nianshan said to himself, "The part of the money I earn that I give to Chen Xiuying is for your brother, and this part is for you."

"If I die, you'll have no parents and no one to rely on. At least you'll have some money to protect yourself."

"Actually, Jinye is a good kid. You should live a good life with him."

Qiao Nianshan knew he had failed his daughter, and his heart was filled with so many things he wanted to say. He should apologize to Qingyan before he died, repent for not being a good father, and for failing her.

However, his environment and experiences over the years have shaped his character into one that is as hard and silent as a mountain.

He couldn't bring himself to say it, nor could he swallow his pride and ramble on and on. He could only give her a brief explanation or two.

"Why are you talking like you're making your final arrangements?" Qingyan thought that people tend to overthink things as they get older, so she patted her father's shoulder to comfort him, "Don't think so much, you're still alive."

As the two came out of the house, they met Chen Xiuying, who happened to be entering the courtyard.

She forced a smile and said, "Qingyan, you're leaving already? Come home for a visit sometime."

Qingyan glanced at her, said nothing, greeted her father, and turned to leave the courtyard. Qiao Nianshan, who was now somewhat unable to bear seeing Chen Xiuying, also went into the house with his hands behind his back.

No sooner had Qingyan left than Chen Xiuying spat angrily in the direction she had gone:

"You shameless hussy, trying to put on airs with me?"

"You'd love for me to divorce your father, wouldn't you? Dream on! I'm going to squeeze every last penny out of Qiao Nianshan, leaving him not a single cent for you!"

Chen Xiuying knew that the rift between her and Qiao Nianshan was irreparable.

She's been back at her parents' home for so long, and this old man hasn't even come to comfort her.

If she hadn't been planning to take advantage of the fact that this dead carpenter could still make money and use her son to keep him firmly in her grasp, she wouldn't have shamelessly come back on her own.

Since returning, Qiao Nianshan has been unwilling to touch her or sleep in the same bed with her. He talks most to his son, Qiao Yi, and is always cold to her.

Fortunately, she was cautious and returned home after going out.

The moment she overheard their conversation, she clenched her fists tightly, her neck turning red with anger.

This old bastard actually dared to secretly leave money for his daughter without telling me!

How could she let him succeed!

-

The scorching sun baked the earth until it was steaming hot.

Qingyan was sweating, and the sweat flowed down her neck to her chest, sticking to the fabric of her clothes.

It was very sunny, so she wiped her forehead and hurried home.

Throughout the journey, Qiao Nianshan's words kept popping into Qingyan's mind.

He actually left her some money?

To be honest, it's impossible not to be moved at all.

After all, she was already married. In most parents' minds, all their wealth should be left to their sons, not their married daughters.

Qingyan, lost in thought, soon arrived at the path a few hundred meters from her house.

From afar, she saw Xiao Jingye wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and loose shorts, leaning on crutches, limping as he led Duoduo this way.

"Where are you going?" Qingyan quickly stepped forward to support him.

He had only been practicing walking with crutches for a short time when the doctor said he needed to exercise appropriately and recover gradually, and not to overexert his injured leg.

"I've come to pick you up." Xiao Jingye stood in front of her, shifted his feet, and his tall and broad figure cast a shadow, shielding her from most of the scorching sun.

He looked at the sweat on her face and reached out to wipe it away for her: "If my leg is better and I can ride a bike, you won't have to walk this far."

"I'm not tired," Qingyan said.

Xiao Jingye suggested, "How about we buy you a smaller bicycle then? It'll be convenient to go anywhere."

"I don't like riding a bike, you know. The roads in the village are too bad. If I fall and get injured, it will be a real problem."

"From now on, I'll pick you up and drop you off every day."

Qingyan noticed a few drops of sweat on his forehead, took out a handkerchief, stood on tiptoe, and gently wiped them away for him, saying sweetly, "Let's talk about it when your leg is better."

She was wearing a vest dress, revealing her two porcelain-white, smooth arms. Her skin was delicate, and her cheeks were flushed from the heat, making her look exceptionally beautiful with a rosy glow.

Xiao Jingye couldn't help but lower his head and quickly kiss her lips: "I missed you so much this morning."

"Duoduo is still here." Qingyan snorted, revealing a slightly arrogant and reproachful expression that she only showed in front of him.

When Duoduo heard her sister-in-law call her name, she quickly and eagerly held up a small water bottle she was carrying:

"Sister-in-law, this is sweet soup...it's so sweet."

Thanks to Qingyan's teaching these past few days, her expressive abilities have improved significantly.

The water in the kettle was honey water that Xiao Jingye had cooled at home; it was perfect for drinking on such a hot day.

Qingyan ruffled her hair: "Thank you, Duoduo."

She tilted her head back and took several large gulps. Noticing that Duoduo was staring at her, she gathered her skirt and squatted down to be level with her: "Want some too?"

Duoduo blinked her round, grape-like eyes excitedly and nodded vigorously.

Qingyan thought for a moment, then held up one finger: "You can only drink a small sip."

Duoduo is very obedient, and most of the time, she is a child who listens carefully to adults' instructions.

I really restrained myself and only took a small sip.

After finishing the drink, she smacked her lips, shook her head, and savored the aftertaste.

Xiao Jingye looked down at the two people in front of him, one big and one small, and his heart instantly melted into a soft honey, slowly flowing to every corner.

We've been married for over a year now, and my leg has almost fully recovered.

It seems it's time to put this on the agenda.

With that in mind, he took action that very night.

The light was turned on, the door was closed, and the room was plunged into darkness.

At first, he leaned close to her and whispered in a sticky voice, "Wife."

Qingyan pretended to be sleepy, turned over and didn't respond.

Ever since she helped him once, she was unwilling to do it for him a second time.

The claim that "Xiao Jingye is incompetent" is absolutely a fabrication. This rumor is utterly absurd, more absurd than the sun rising in the west!

She couldn't imagine who could be compatible with this inhuman creature.

Anyway, she and he are not a good match.

It's terrifying to even think about; it definitely won't work.

She will die.

It was the height of summer, and the blankets had been removed, leaving only a thin sheet draped around their waists.

The window was open, and the night breeze was cool, making it feel comfortable and pleasant.

Seeing that she had turned her back to him, Xiao Jingye continued to coax her with a shameless smile, his warm breath brushing against the back of her neck: "Wife, how about a kiss?"

Qingyan did not respond.

His lips gently touched the skin on the back of his neck, giving it a kiss, implying, "My leg is healed."

Qingyan pushed his head away and mumbled, "I'm sleepy."

Xiao Jingye stroked her soft belly: "It's only a few o'clock and you're already sleepy. We haven't even gotten down to business yet."

Qingyan continued to play dead.

The man sighed. She had only helped him once before, and she wouldn't help him again if he asked for it later.

I promised to make it up to him properly once his leg heals.

He looks like a deadbeat who refuses to admit his debts.

Xiao Jingye nuzzled and clung to her again, patiently coaxing her with kind words for a few moments.

The girl remained cold and unresponsive, even lying further away.

When his patience ran out, Xiao Jingye simply pulled the person back into his arms.

His hot chest pressed against her back, and he asked impatiently, "What do you mean?"

The girl's figure appeared even smaller against his broad and tall frame, and she huddled up in a ball.

Qingyan, with her eyes closed, slowly replied, "What...what do you mean?"

"You don't want to fulfill your marital obligations, do you?"

Qingyan swallowed hard and turned to look at him.

"Xiao Jingye".

"Hmm?" He buried his head in front of her collarbone and began to lift her tank top.

"I want to discuss something with you."

"What is it?"

Qingyan grabbed his hair: "Get up, I'll talk to you properly."

Xiao Jingye nibbled on her collarbone: "Say it, my wife."

Qingyan felt something frightening in her stomach and was so startled that she stepped back a few centimeters.

With her hand on his shoulder, a slightly defensive posture, she mustered her courage and asked with difficulty, "How about we have a platonic relationship from now on?"

"What is the meaning of 'Kashiya'?"

Plato.

Xiao Jingye frowned: "What's Plato?"

"It's...it's just that we only talk about feelings, and maintain a pure relationship, no, not that." Her voice grew weaker and weaker as she spoke, and she herself lacked confidence.

The air froze, and Xiao Jingye fell silent.

Maintaining a platonic relationship? No *that*?

What's the difference between this and dangling a piece of fresh meat in front of a wolf to tempt it, but preventing it from eating it?

Is this going to kill him?!

I endured it for more than two months, only to receive this cold-hearted remark from her.

The man beside her seemed to be angry; he fell silent, leaving only his suppressed, heavy breathing.

Qingyan felt her heartbeat slow down. She turned her back to him and didn't dare to say anything.

She knew he had been holding back for over two months, but... she couldn't risk her health.

After a while, Xiao Jingye pressed the tip of his tongue against his back molars.

With a cold sneer, he swiftly flipped over and pinned the girl down.

He had little patience left; just smelling her fragrance tonight had already made him ready to pounce.

Since coaxing doesn't work, then let's stop.

Qingyan's face was pressed tightly against the pillow, her hands were locked behind her back, and she couldn't move. She hurriedly said, "Xiao Jingye, what are you doing?"

The man suddenly grabbed her neck with one hand, turned her delicate face towards him, and brought his hand close to her ear menacingly:

"Qiao Qingyan, you're getting more and more demanding. Taking advantage of my kindness and indulgence, you keep testing my patience and limits."

"To tell you the truth, I like you so much that from the first moment I saw you, all I can think about is how to fuck you!"

Qingyan's ears burned as she listened. She knew he was barbaric and vulgar, but she never expected him to be so obscene.

Is this man some kind of wild beast living inside him? He's perfectly fine during the day, but he turns into a monster at night.

Qingyan was truly terrified now. Her eyes were red, and she struggled to break free.

Afraid that the old woman in the other room would hear the noise, she deliberately lowered her voice: "Xiao Jingye, you, you're such a scoundrel!"

Xiao Jingye licked his teeth: "Yes, I am a scoundrel! That Bai something-or-other, you can forget about him for the rest of your life!"

His eyes were bloodshot, one large hand pressed against the back of his neck, the other scooping up his slender waist:

"I'll kill you tonight!"