Chapter 61: Daily Life (Part 1)

Xiao Rong’s attempt at abstinence ultimately ended in failure.

An invitation to intimacy was a temptation he could never refuse, especially in such moments.

Engaging in amorous activities during daylight was truly mortifying.

After being satisfied, Xiao Rong became as clear-headed as if an antidote had neutralized poison, completely shedding his earlier uncontrollable and muddled state.

In contrast, Si Jin appeared utterly exhausted—unable to lift her head or straighten her back—curled up under the covers. Eventually, Xiao Rong ordered servants to bring water into the adjacent room, and she went to wash up only after ensuring the windows and doors were securely covered.

Such commotion naturally did not escape the notice of the other three members of the Si family, who were constantly attentive to the couple’s affairs.

The three were overjoyed and filled with anticipation.

They firmly believed they had been of great help this time and were certain their efforts had been effective.

However, the unusual behavior Xiao Rong had exhibited this time would not be overlooked so easily.

The next day, Si Jin was full of determination. The moment she woke up, she planned to seek an explanation from Doctor Liu.

But before she could even rise from the bed, Xiao Rong wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back into his embrace.

“There’s no need to go to Doctor Liu. He wasn’t the one who tampered with anything.”

“I didn’t say he tampered with anything. It’s the medicine itself that’s problematic.”

“The medicine isn’t the issue.”

Xiao Rong paused, a peculiar expression appearing on his face.

It seemed like embarrassment, mixed with some other emotion—a rare moment where Si Jin couldn’t decipher his feelings.

After clearing his throat, Xiao Rong continued, “It was your parents and your elder brother… They added something to my medicinal concoctions.”

“What?!”

Si Jin was utterly shocked.

But Xiao Rong appeared far calmer than her, as if he hadn’t been the one drugged and subjected to torment.

Then again, the torment Xiao Rong experienced had ultimately transformed into immense pleasure that he fully indulged in.

He truly had no reason to be angry.

The only thing worth being upset about was the initial cause that led to this incident.

However, since it was Si Jin’s family who had done it, Xiao Rong couldn’t harbor any resentment toward them, nor was it appropriate to demand an explanation.

Si Jin gripped his arm, pressing further, “What exactly happened?”

If possible, Xiao Rong wouldn’t just refrain from feeling any resentment—he would prefer not to explain the entire sequence of events to anyone.

Especially to Si Jin.

After Si Jin had fallen asleep early the previous day, he had thoroughly investigated the peculiarities of the matter.

It wasn’t as complicated or intricate as court secrets, so Xiao Rong hadn’t expended much effort on it.

Now, he gazed intently at Si Jin, remaining silent for a long while.

Si Jin grew impatient under his stare. “Tell me.”

Xiao Rong closed his eyes heavily, took a deep breath, and with a resigned expression, leaned close to Si Jin’s ear.

“Seven-day yang-boosting medicine, and a potent aphrodisiac.”

“They thought I… was impotent.”

This major misunderstanding was never properly explained to the family.

Xiao Rong still felt considerable anger and frustration about it.

He didn’t want to be labeled with such a condition, but explaining the truth would be far too awkward.

In the end, it was Si Jin who repeatedly comforted him, feeling both sympathetic and amused.

As for Xiao Rong’s medication and treatment, Doctor Liu managed to find an alternative therapy.

Si Jin inquired about it once and learned that this method was gentler and originally posed no harm, so she didn’t intervene.

The matter seemed to have quietly passed just like that.

The couple’s life returned to how it had been before.

No one brought up the topic of children again, and there were no other unusual occurrences. Soon, it seemed to have been completely forgotten.

After staying in Xiqiu for three months, Si Jin and Xiao Rong prepared to return to the capital.

By the time they returned, the affairs of the Si family should have been nearing their conclusion or already completely resolved.

As for what came after, Si Ming had long decided to remain in Xiqiu, but Si Chengyuan and Cheng Yi were still deliberating.

Initially, they had planned to find a peaceful and elegant place to retire in their old age.

But now, having left the capital due to the Si family’s affairs, they were not yet at that age.

Whether to return to the capital or retire early left them tangled in indecision for quite some time.

On the day of their departure, the other three members of the Si family came to see the couple off.

Before the party could even leave the mansion, Si Jin happened to receive a letter from Shen Xuzhi.

It was quite a coincidence—if she had set off a day earlier, or even a moment sooner, this letter would not have reached her hands so perfectly.

The letter arrived at just the right time. In it, Shen Xuzhi mentioned that she had come to a city near Xiqiu and, not knowing whether Si Jin was still there, wished to invite her for a meeting.

Overjoyed, Si Jin immediately asked Xiao Rong where the city mentioned in Shen Xuzhi’s letter was located.

Xiao Rong’s expression darkened slightly, but he still tilted his head to glance at the letter.

“Not far. A three-day journey.”

“That’s wonderful! Let’s go see Xu Zhi!”

Si Jin was genuinely happy.

Xiao Rong, however, was not in high spirits. “Why should I see her?”

Si Jin: “…?”

“You said ‘we.'”

Clearly, it was only Si Jin who wanted to see her. He was not familiar with Shen Xuzhi, and even if he were, he had no desire to meet her.

Xiao Rong held a grudge. He hadn’t forgotten that every time Si Jin ran away from home, Shen Xuzhi had been behind it, helping her. Not to mention, he could easily imagine Shen Xuzhi badmouthing him behind his back.

Grudge or not, Xiao Rong dared not seek revenge.

But naturally, he couldn’t muster an ounce of friendliness either.

He had sent many gifts to Shen Manor, but they were all cold, impersonal valuables, devoid of any genuine sentiment.

Now that Si Jin wanted to see Shen Xuzhi, he could already imagine the neglect he was about to endure.

In those brief moments, Xiao Rong’s mind was flooded with chaotic thoughts.

But all that showed on his face was that same unchanging, gloomy expression.

Si Jin didn’t pay much attention and said with a smile, “Of course it’s ‘we.’ We’re together and won’t be separated.”

Words like these were most effective in coaxing Xiao Rong, and Si Jin had become quite adept at using them.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Rong’s expression softened slightly.

But only slightly.

Whether Xiao Rong was willing or not, since Si Jin wanted to meet Shen Xuzhi, he had no chance to utter a single word of refusal.

After three days of travel, they arrived at the city where Shen Xuzhi was staying.

As soon as they stepped out of the carriage, Shen Xuzhi warmly greeted them. The inn Xiao Rong had arranged in advance was canceled, and they instead went to the one Shen Xuzhi had booked, staying in the same place as her.

Later, Shen Xuzhi arranged for dinner.

Since the two sisters had many private matters to discuss, as soon as the meal ended and Xiao Rong had just put down his chopsticks, Si Jin looked up and blinked at him.

Xiao Rong: …

His lips tightened. Though his face wasn’t dark, he remained silent and motionless.

Si Jin blinked again.

An awkward silence fell over the dinner table.

Shen Xuzhi didn’t dare to breathe too loudly, nervously darting her gaze between the two before quickly looking away.

There was actually nothing to be nervous about. From their time in the capital until now, observing their interactions, Xiao Rong had completely become a well-tamed and obedient version of himself.

Of course, this only applied to Si Jin.

Shen Xuzhi felt she shouldn’t need to worry about Xiao Rong losing his temper, yet for some reason, she couldn’t shake the chilling sensation creeping up her spine.

Suddenly, Xiao Rong stood up: “Take your time chatting, I’ll return to my room first.”

With that, his expression finally darkened completely as he turned and left without looking back.

Shen Xuzhi froze in fear at the glance he shot her before departing.

As soon as the private room door closed, she immediately said: “Xiao Jin, could this lead to trouble? He’s such a petty person, and his face was as dark as coal just now. What if he seeks revenge later?”

No sooner had she spoken than Shen Xuzhi met Si Jin’s meaningful gaze.

Shen Xuzhi gasped sharply and instantly covered her mouth.

What was she saying? If Xiao Rong wanted revenge, he’d come for her first – the one speaking ill of him behind his back – rather than targeting Si Jin.

Seeing this, Si Jin burst into laughter.

“We haven’t seen each other for so long. He won’t mind us catching up.”

Shen Xuzhi couldn’t help but think to herself: The way he looked earlier certainly didn’t seem fine.

But in truth, Xiao Rong was actually fine.

What could possibly be wrong? He had no grounds to lose his temper, couldn’t make a big deal out of nothing, and couldn’t let dark thoughts fester.

All he could do was return alone to his room, watching the sunset, observing the stars climbing the treetops, and finally gazing at the crescent moon in the night sky, quietly waiting for Si Jin to return.

Si Jin didn’t chat with Shen Xuzhi in the private room for too long.

Although they hadn’t seen each other for nearly half a year, she had already discussed with Xiao Rong beforehand about staying here for a few extra days.

After making plans with Shen Xuzhi to tour the city together tomorrow, Si Jin returned to her room.

Upon entering, she saw Xiao Rong sitting alone by the windowsill.

He did appear somewhat desolate and lonely, but with his back to the door, not turning at the sound of her entrance, and his slightly stiffened posture – it all looked quite theatrical.

Si Jin stood by the door, silently curling her lips into a smile.

She gently closed the door and walked toward Xiao Rong’s back.

Si Jin stopped behind him.

Despite her footsteps being clearly audible, he deliberately pretended not to hear, intentionally ignoring her.

But this feigned ignorance couldn’t withstand the silence after Si Jin stopped moving.

Just as Xiao Rong was about to turn around,

Si Jin suddenly moved again, stepping forward to wrap her arms around Xiao Rong’s waist from behind.

Xiao Rong paused mid-motion, his previously stiff back instantly softening.

Si Jin tilted her head and pressed her cheek against his back. Since he was pretending to ignore her, she would pretend not to notice.

“What are you doing here all alone?”

“Waiting for you.”

“Can’t sleep without me?”

Xiao Rong suddenly turned around, his long arm easily drawing Si Jin into his embrace.

Si Jin’s cheek brushed against him as she moved from leaning against his back to resting on his chest.

“I was waiting for you to come back and comfort me.”

Si Jin chuckled softly: “Isn’t that what I’m doing now?”

“Not enough.”

Si Jin tightened her arms, holding Xiao Rong closer.

“Not enough.”

Xiao Rong lowered his head, his gaze fixed intently on her.

The degree he lowered his head was quite significant, his intention already perfectly clear.

Si Jin withdrew her arm from his waist and raised it to wrap around his neck instead.

Xiao Rong thought she was going to kiss him, naturally parting his lips slightly, even beginning to lean in to initiate the kiss himself.

It was just that Si Jin moved too slowly—he could no longer wait.

Unexpectedly, Si Jin suddenly exerted force with her hands and leaped right onto Xiao Rong.

Xiao Rong was taken aback, instinctively reaching out to catch her.

His hands held her thighs, his body steady, his waist straight.

When he came to his senses, he realized Si Jin’s legs were already wrapped around his waist.

It was unclear whether he had lifted her up, or she had let him lift her.

Si Jin pressed close to Xiao Rong, tilting her head to lean near his ear.

While he was still stunned, she whispered softly, “Let’s go, carry me to bathe. Is this enough now?”