Chapter 96 Don't underestimate his physical strength

The sun sank deep into the tops of the paulownia trees.

The dappled sunset, like melting honey, streamed through the paper-covered windows of the red-brick building, landing on the two figures intertwined on the brown-curtained bed at that very moment.

The refreshing scent of soapberry in his nostrils almost completely extinguished Xie Zhongming's remaining rationality.

Whether it was the intense heat of the setting sun shining on Xie Zhongming or something else, at this moment, his whole body felt as if it were on fire, the heat spreading from his ears and climbing up his neck to his cheeks.

Qiao Xingyue's breath fell on his cheek, soft and warm, each breath like a small flame, making his ears burn even hotter.

Xie Zhongming dared not look up, his thick eyebrows furrowing even more tightly as he tried to avoid Qiao Xingyue's gaze.

But at this moment, she was pressing down on him, so close that he could see the curve of the corner of her eyes. That crisp yet playful and cute smile was like a feather, gently brushing against his heart.

His hand on her waist didn't loosen; his knuckles were still white, but his palm was sweaty.

His Adam's apple bobbed again.

A hint of panic, imperceptible even to herself, crept into her hoarse voice, "Xingyue... is it really okay?"

"Xie Zhongming, why are your ears so red?"

Qiao Xingyue laughed heartily.

It's crisp yet playful and cute.

She was just teasing him on purpose.

Her fingertips brushed against his earlobe unintentionally.

The cool touch on his burning skin was like ice thrown into a sea of ​​fire, making Xie Zhongming shudder. The heat in his ears instantly reached its peak, turning them so red they were almost bleeding, and even his neck was tinged with a thin layer of red.

He suddenly grabbed Qiao Xingyue's slender hand. "Xingyue, don't touch it."

The little hand in her palm mischievously pulled away and followed the top button of her military uniform all the way down.

"I'm going to touch it anyway."

The voice was still crisp and clear, with a hint of mischief.

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him, a playful smile playing on her lips.

Her fingers continued downwards, tracing across his flat stomach.

Through her clothes, the firm lines of her abdominal muscles taut beneath her fingertips.

Finally, it stopped on the belt around his waist.

The belt was issued by the military; the dark brown leather showed signs of wear, but he fastened it neatly.

Qiao Xingyue's fingertips landed on the belt.

The coolness and roughness of the leather made her twitching fingers slow down, then she reached inside and down, asking, "What part of you won't let me touch?"

She comes from the future, not one of those shy little girls from this era.

Her bold move made Xie Zhongming's ears turn so red they almost bled.

"I'm not just going to touch this place, I'm going to touch this place too."

Qiao Xingyue's voice carried a hint of playfulness.

With a "clatter".

The buckle on the belt was unbuckled by Qiao Xingyue, which was like a thunderclap in Xie Zhongming's ears.

This action pushed Xie Zhongming's self-control to its breaking point.

The hand that was originally on her waist suddenly tightened.

The next second, he exerted force suddenly.

His years of training gave him immense arm strength, which was now on full display. His body, which had been pinned down, suddenly flipped over and, with irresistible force, pressed Qiao Xingyue onto the bright red bedding.

The movement was so fast that Qiao Xingyue couldn't react in time. Before her fingertips could retract, Xie Zhongming firmly pressed his other hand down on the top of her head.

The man's chest heaved rapidly.

His hot breath sprayed onto her fair cheeks, carrying a uniquely masculine and rugged aura.

The loosened leather belt hung around his waist, swaying with his rapid breathing, adding a touch of wildness.

The playful smile on Qiao Xingyue's face slowly faded, revealing a rare shyness.

I really shouldn't flirt with this man.

If he were to actually do it, she wouldn't have the strength to resist.

Her heart was pounding like a deer.

How can there be a man with such amazing physical strength as Xie Zhongming?

He was taken away by the security department yesterday and hung up like a hawk in the interrogation room all night, his eyes were bloodshot, but now he still looks like nothing happened and is full of energy.

"Xingyue, you're so naughty!"

The man's gentle gaze carried an immense degree of self-control.

If he weren't covered in sweat and didn't want Xingyue to think he was dirty, he would have taken her long ago.

She's right, he's her man, and she doesn't need to control him.

But Xingyue is very clean, so when the couple is in bed together, he must be clean and smell nice.

Therefore, he did not take any further action.

At this moment, he was sober. He wanted to consummate the marriage with her while both of them were sober, but he wanted to possess her in the most dignified and cleanest state, so that she could smell the fresh scent of soap on him, instead of the smell of sweat.

This thought overwhelmed all the palpitations.

He didn't dare linger on her any longer, and almost hastily rolled off her, lying on his side and busy fastening his belt.

The hand holding the belt suddenly seemed a little clumsy.

For some reason, Qiao Xingyue had just noticed Xie Zhongming's ears burning, but now she felt her own ears were also slightly hot.

The sun had completely sunk below the treetops, and the last bit of light filtering through the paper window gradually disappeared.

The room was dimly lit.

"Xingyue, I'm a little tired, I'm going to take a nap."

Xie Zhongming closed his eyes, even his breathing was careful. He had been kept awake all night by the security department, but he wasn't sleepy at all. His mind kept replaying the thought: Tonight I must take a good shower, scrub myself clean with soap, change into freshly washed clothes, and let my wife smell how fragrant I am. Then...

He quietly tightened his grip on the hand under his head, his fingertips turning slightly white, hiding all his excitement and longing in this careful restraint, leaving Qiao Xingyue with only a fake appearance of being sound asleep.

Qiao Xingyue thought he was really tired because he hadn't slept all night.

She gave him a playful smile and glanced at him, then quickly moved the fan to let the cool air blow on him. "Then you go to sleep. I'm going to my parents' place to see if I can help with anything. I'll come and wake you up when it's time for dinner."

After getting up, Qiao Xingyue walked to the door and glanced at Xie Zhongming.

The room was dimly lit at that moment.

Seeing Xie Zhongming lying on the brand-new brown bed with even breathing, she felt a sense of peace.

Fortunately, the security personnel didn't do anything to him.

He is safe and sound.

At this moment, Qiao Xingyue had only one thought in her mind: to stay in this era and live a good life with Xie Zhongming.

The best is yet to come.

Afraid of disturbing his sleep, she walked very quietly and closed the door carefully.

Hearing the footsteps gradually fade away, Xie Zhongming finally breathed a sigh of relief.

When he opened his eyes, he got out of bed and immediately sniffed his arm.

It smells strongly of sweat!

He used to train with Jiang Beiyang and Jiang Beisong deep in the jungle, even in the sweltering summer heat. They would lie in the grass and trees for three days and three nights, getting dirty and smelly, but he didn't care.

The stench back then was much stronger than it is now.

He didn't think it was dirty.

Thinking about how Xingyue had just pressed down on him, and how she must have smelled his sweat, she suddenly realized she needed to take a shower right away.

I must say, my family made really thoughtful arrangements.

When Xie Zhongming got up and looked around at the small home that the Xie family had worked together to decorate for them, which had everything they needed and was spotless, even his, Xingyue's, and An'an's clothes were neatly folded in the wardrobe, he felt especially grateful to Huang Guilan and Xie Jiang, as well as his elder brother and sister-in-law, and his second elder brother and sister-in-law.

I quickly grabbed some clean clothes and took a shower.

Normally, Xie Zhongming takes a shower in no more than five minutes.

Today I spent half an hour in the toilet. Even though I was washing with cold water, I felt hotter and hotter the more I washed.

After taking a shower, he changed into a military uniform that had just been issued to him by the army.

The military issues new uniforms every season, but Xie Zhongming is usually reluctant to wear them. He wears his old uniforms until they are faded and the collars are frayed, but he still can't bear to throw them away.

The new military uniform will only be worn on important occasions.

But today, I wore it without hesitation.

The wardrobe had a built-in mirror, and he straightened his collar and combed his buzz cut in front of it.

His short hair accentuated his tall, pine-like figure, making him appear even more rugged and tough.

Few people can pull off this buzz cut.

Xie Zhongming's short hair perfectly showcased his military fortitude and sharpness. The clean and neat short hair accentuated his full forehead, sharp jawline, and even made his neck appear more upright.

...

Huang Guilan and Xie Jiang's two-story red brick house is not far from the family compound that Xie Zhongming just applied for.

Go outside, turn right, and walk a few dozen meters after you see a towering locust tree; you'll arrive.

Qiao Xingyue was still outside the courtyard when she smelled the aroma of meat wafting from inside.

Just as I was about to step inside, I heard the cheerful laughter of Xie's boys and An Anning coming from the courtyard.

"Is An'an and Ningning hidden well?"

"Big brother is coming to find you!"

Qiao Xingyue stepped across the threshold and into the courtyard.

Zhiyuan covered his eyes and counted down, "Five, four, three, two, one..."

Mingyuan and Boyuan Chengyuan, one hid behind the door, the other two hid behind the cucumber trellis, while An'an and Ningning, with their little bottoms sticking out, hid behind the pumpkin seedlings.

Upon seeing Qiao Xingyue, Zhiyuan made a "shh" gesture to her, then pointed to the place where An An and Ning Ning were hiding. Although he could clearly see the two children's little bottoms sticking out, the pumpkin seedlings couldn't hide them, but when Zhiyuan walked up to the two children, he deliberately pretended not to see them.

"An'an and Ningning, where are you hiding? Why can't your brother find you?"

Zhiyuan is the eldest child in the family. He's almost eleven years old, and if he grows another half a head, he'll be as tall as Qiao Xingyue.

This child, so old, is willing to play such a childish game of hide-and-seek with An An and Ning Ning, which shows how much this older brother truly loves his two younger sisters.

Qiao Xingyue didn't disturb the children in the yard and went straight to the main room.

Inside the house, Xie Jiang, Huang Guilan, the old lady Chen Suying, as well as the eldest sister-in-law Shen Liping and the second sister-in-law Sun Xiuxiu, were discussing the marriage of Qiao Xingyue and Xie Zhongming.

The eldest and second eldest brothers were nowhere to be seen, but their voices could be heard coming from the kitchen. One was tending the fire in front of the stove, while the other was cooking. Typical Xie family men—they wouldn't let the women do any work, and they'd take on all the tasks themselves.

"Mom, I think we should hold a banquet for Xingyue and Zhongming. Let's set it for these next few days, have a big celebration, and let everyone in the compound know that Xingyue is Fatty, and the proper wife that Fourth Brother married. That way, those gossipy women won't keep talking about Xingyue behind her back."

“Mom, I think my sister-in-law is right. You set the date, and I’ll ask the army for a few days off to stay and help out.”

As Qiao Xingyue stepped into the main room, the group looked at her simultaneously.

"Xingyue, what brings you here? Didn't I tell you to rest for a while and I'd call you after dinner?"

The speaker was Sun Xiuxiu.

Sun Xiuxiu knew that her sister-in-law Shen Liping had saved Xingyue in Kuncheng before, and that Xingyue and her sister-in-law had a good relationship. Fearing that she and Xingyue might become distant, she quickly took Xingyue's hand and asked her to sit down.

Then he slipped a handful of candy into her hand.

The family's spirit of unity, mutual love, and non-competition made Xingyue feel like she was basking in a spring breeze. "I came over to see if I could help in any way," she said.

“Don’t bother,” Sun Xiuxiu said. “Your eldest and second eldest brothers are in the kitchen, one tending the fire and the other cooking. They’re both very diligent. Xingyue, all the men in our Xie family are hardworking, so we women don’t need to worry about chores.”

Qiao Xingyue noticed this.

The men of the Xie family are all loving, considerate, and hardworking towards their wives.

Huang Guilan looked over with a smile, "Xingyue, we were just talking about your wedding with Zhongming. Your parents are very grateful that you can forgive your parents and Zhongming for neglecting you before. How about we set the wedding banquet for the next few days?"

Sitting in a grand chair, the elderly Chen Suying, wearing reading glasses, flipped through a yellowed almanac. "The day after tomorrow is auspicious for marriage. It's a lucky day. The day after tomorrow is the best day."

Xie Jiang frowned. "Mother, isn't the day after tomorrow too rushed?"

Shen Liping smiled and agreed, "Dad, no rush. My eldest son, my second son, Xiuxiu, and I will all stay and help to make this banquet a lively and festive occasion."

Huang Guilan added, "It's perfect timing. The third and fifth brothers will be back tonight too. With so many people in the family, we can divide the work and make sure things go perfectly."

"Xingyue," Huang Guilan said, looking at Qiao Xingyue again, "Let's set the date for the day after tomorrow. What do you think?"

Qiao Xingyue spoke up, "Mom, there's no need to have a banquet. Zhongming and I are just taking care of An'an and Ningning and living a good life. It's most important that we don't spend money on extravagance."

That won't do.

Huang Guilan and Xie Jiang spoke in unison.

The Xie family members were all chatting away, discussing the topic of hosting a banquet with great enthusiasm.

Finally, the date was set for the day after tomorrow, an auspicious day for marriage.

The old lady, Chen Suying, closed the yellowed old almanac and smiled from ear to ear, "Then let's set it for the day after tomorrow, that's settled."

At this moment, Xie Zhongjie, the second son of the Xie family, came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of twice-cooked pork and a plate of shredded pork with garlic sauce. Sun Xiuxiu, who was sitting at the square table, quickly stepped forward to take one of the dishes and placed it on the table.

The entire main room was filled with the aroma of food.

Shen Liping called out, "Zhiyuan, take your younger siblings to your fourth uncle's house and call him for dinner."

Zhiyuan entered the main room, ready to respond, but Qiao Xingyue hurriedly said, "Let's not wake Zhongming up. Let him sleep a little longer. Let's eat first. Leave some dishes for him and I'll bring them over to him."

"What's wrong, Xingyue? Are you worried about Lao Si? Are you afraid his body can't take it?" Shen Liping went to the kitchen, helped bring out a plate of green pepper and potato shreds, put it on the table, and said with a smile, "You don't know, Lao Si is the strongest among his brothers."

Shen Liping stood in front of the square table and said with a smile, "During the military exercise, Lao Si lay motionless in the damp swamp for three days and three nights, enduring dozens of hours and still managing to subdue the enemy. Don't underestimate his physical strength."