Zhou Zhijun's rough, large hands gently stroked Chuntao's back, comforting her softly.
Having finally caught such a good opportunity, how could Zhou Zhijun settle down?
Chuntao had long figured out his stubborn, mule-like temper; if she didn't satisfy him, there would be no peace once they went back.
The wheat harvest was just around the corner, and right after that, they would have to plant the autumn crops and weed the fields. They would be busy all the way through the autumn harvest and planting. The days of being rushed off their feet were still ahead.
She thought that with Zhou Zhijun harboring those desires in his heart, he would be distracted no matter what work he did.
For her own sake, and to keep him from being distracted during work, Chuntao could only try her best to accommodate him in this limited time.
...
Chuntao had originally thought she could have a moment of peace, not knowing that this kind of thing was like a man smoking cigarettes—the more he smoked, the bigger the addiction grew.
At first, it might be one pack a day, but left to his own devices, it could become three, five, or even ten packs a day.
Zhou Zhijun was full of energy, while Chuntao felt completely drained, as limp as overcooked noodles.
She hadn't closed her eyes all night. She was exhausted and sleepy, but didn't dare to sleep. As soon as the sky began to turn light, she urged Zhou Zhijun to head back.
Looking at her soft, limp state, a roguish smile tugged at the corner of Zhou Zhijun's mouth. He planted a loud kiss on her forehead. Tao, you are so good!
So annoying! Chuntao, blushing furiously, quickly pulled the quilt over her face. Her voice carried a hoarseness from the aftermath. It's almost dawn, we need to leave quickly!
Although no one knew them here, Chuntao felt guilty and nervous, always feeling as if there were eyes hidden in the cracks of the walls.
Zhou Zhijun naturally understood her thoughts. Besides, given what had happened last night, he was also worried that leaving too late and running into too many people wouldn't be good.
Alright! Let me wash you up first.
Zhou Zhijun went to scoop half a basin of cold water, then picked up the thermos from the nightstand to mix in some hot water. It was neither too cold nor too hot—just right.
He soaked a towel in the basin, wrung it half dry, and then pulled back the quilt covering Chuntao.
Even though there were no longer any secrets between them, Chuntao still felt incredibly bashful.
She wanted to push him away, but her arms were too weak to lift, so she could only cover her face tightly.
His hands, however, were incredibly gentle. As his fingertips brushed across her skin, bringing the warmth of the towel, he treated her like a rare treasure, terrified that even a little force might break her.
Wrapped in the warmth, Chuntao felt a bit dazed, as if the rough man from the night before wasn't him at all.
Perhaps all men were like this? Once satisfied, they completely changed their demeanor.
People all have two sides, and wasn't she the same?
During the day, she would repeatedly make up her mind to break things off with Zhou Zhijun, her resolve incredibly firm.
But the moment she was held in his arms, all that resolve shattered into pieces. She couldn't think of anything else; she just wanted him to hold her... to do whatever he wanted...
......
Zhou Zhijun kept saying shameless things, but his hands didn't stop, gently wiping the sweat from her body stroke by stroke.
After wiping her clean, Zhou Zhijun helped her put on her undergarments and outer clothes piece by piece. When he was done, he kissed her forehead. Tao, wait here!
This night was nothing for him; he had only used a fraction of his boundless strength.
But Chuntao, this delicate and soft little woman, had long since reached her limit.
He cleaned out the handcart, secured the side panels, spread a layer of dry wheat straw on the bottom, and then pulled out some bedding from a fertilizer bag to lay on top. It made for a very soft bed.
Tao, I'll pull you back! He carried Chuntao and laid her on the cart, then covered her with an old homespun cotton sheet.
Afraid of being seen, Chuntao pulled the sheet over her face and lay completely still, not even daring to breathe loudly.
The dirt road was full of potholes, and the cart bumped along roughly. Chuntao was so exhausted that she unknowingly fell asleep.
When she woke up, she thought she was at home. Only when she opened her eyes did she remember she was still on the handcart.
Everything from the night before felt like a dream. She pinched her own wrist and gasped at the pain, finally confirming it was all real.
She and Zhou Zhijun had gone to Wanggang Street to sell piglets and had spent the night at an inn.
Chuntao was already feeling anxious. If Zhou Zhijun pulled her into the village on the cart, she would never be able to clear her name, even if she jumped into the Yellow River.
Brother Zhijun, where are we? Let me down! Her voice carried the exhaustion of being thoroughly ravaged, soft and sweet, tickling Zhou Zhijun's heart.
Tao, we still have a long way to go! Zhou Zhijun pulled the cart under the shade of a tree by the main road, his eyes full of tenderness. Tao, are you hungry? I bought some meat buns in town!
As he spoke, he pulled a brown paper package out of the fertilizer bag, along with a glass jar filled with tofu pudding.
Chuntao had been in a daze ever since leaving the inn and had no idea when he had bought them.
When did you buy this? How come I didn't know!
Having been tossed about until she felt like she was falling apart last night, whatever food she had in her stomach was long digested. Chuntao was truly hungry, and upon smelling the aroma of the meat buns, her stomach began to rumble.
I bought the buns on the street. I didn't have anything to hold the tofu pudding, so I asked the lady selling it for an empty glass jar. Seeing you were groggy and about to fall asleep, I didn't wake you. Zhou Zhijun lifted Chuntao so she could sit up on the cart and handed her a bun. Eat up!
He kept one foot on the pedal next to the wheel to prevent the cart from tipping backward.
With one hand rubbing Chuntao's back and the other holding the jar, he squatted there, his gaze glued to her flushed little face.
Chuntao kept her eyelids lowered, not daring to look at the passersby on the road, and took small bites of the bun.
From time to time, Zhou Zhijun brought the rim of the jar to her lips. Have some soup, don't choke!
His voice was hoarse yet gentle, as if coaxing a child.
Chuntao's eyes suddenly grew hot, and two teardrops fell onto the back of his hand.
She had lost her father when she was little and didn't know what it felt like for a father to dote on his daughter. Perhaps it was just like what Zhou Zhijun was doing now?
Why are you crying? Zhou Zhijun quickly wiped away her tears with his thumb.
Don't be afraid. If anyone dares to gossip, I'll make them taste the same fate as Zhou Er!
Brother Zhijun, you are so good to me... Chuntao looked up at him with teary, blurry eyes.
Zhou Zhijun felt a complex mix of emotions, and his own eyes reddened. Tao, just hearing you say that is enough for me!
Suddenly recalling the scenes from last night, a wave of heat surged in Zhou Zhijun's chest.
He reached out and tucked the loose strands of hair on Chuntao's forehead behind her ear. His fingertips brushed across her cheek, bringing a warm, rough texture.
Hurry and eat, he said, turning his head. He rubbed the stubble on his chin, his gaze shifting toward the direction of their village.
Once the wheat harvest is over, I'll rescue you from that fiery pit!
Chuntao's body suddenly stiffened, and the bun in her hand nearly dropped to the ground.
