Chapter 49

Let's go to bed and keep watch.

Feng Ran understood that Duan Jingchuan was explaining why his personality had changed so drastically when he was young.

He originally lived a carefree life by his mother's side, and he was of high status. His mother poured all her love into him, but later, his mother punished him because she fell out of favor.

The father hadn't seen his son much at the time, so his feelings for him were naturally distant. The once pampered child suddenly felt like he had lost his orphan.

In addition, having always lived under the watchful eye of her aunt, she was only alive because her aunt had shown her mercy.

As Duan Jingchuan spoke of these things, some images flashed through Feng Ran's mind, but they were fleeting and elusive.

She didn't dwell on it and went straight to asking something she didn't quite understand: "Why did Mother say you would die young?"

Duan Jingchuan's gentle eyes darkened with gloom, and he said in a hoarse voice, "It's true."

"Really? How is that possible?" Feng Ran looked at Duan Jingchuan with no surprise whatsoever, seeing no trace of doubt or mockery. "Where did you get this nonsense from? What can so easily determine life and death? The King of Hell? Husband, have you been deceived?"

Duan Jingchuan narrowed his eyes, revealing no coldness in them. “When my mother was pregnant with me, the pregnancy was very unstable. At that time, a wandering Taoist priest came to visit. He said that my mother needed to return to the capital to give birth to me safely. He also said that I would live a muddled life, like a walking corpse, and would not live past the age of thirty.”

As he said this, Duan Jingchuan felt a little nervous and ashamed, but his tone was very firm. He continued, "No matter how long I live, I hope that my wife can always stay by my side."

After speaking, he looked at Feng Ran with trepidation, carefully trying not to miss a single micro-expression from her.

Although his words were forceful, he knew in his heart that even if Feng Ran showed the slightest reluctance, he would give up this unspeakable selfish desire.

But Feng Ran is Feng Ran after all; how could she play by the rules?

With a friendly expression, she even stood on tiptoe to pat Duan Jingchuan's head, saying, "Husband, you're overthinking it. You'll live for a very, very long time."

This is indeed something Duan Jingchuan wanted to clarify with Feng Ran. "Madam, I don't want to lie to you. The wandering Taoist priest who gave me my fortune reading that day wasn't just spouting nonsense. He was 99% accurate in predicting the first half of my life, so I don't think he'll be too far off in predicting the second half. If we really count as thirty years old, I only have ten years left."

Feng Ran was both amused and exasperated by Duan Jingchuan's confident declaration. She stood on tiptoe, cupped his handsome face in her hands, and pinched his nose, saying with a smile, "I didn't expect my husband to be a believer in theology. Don't worry, my husband, I guarantee you won't die young with these little snacks."

Duan Jingchuan's heart skipped a beat. Since Feng Ran was so confident, was there some basis for her claim?

Compared to the wandering Taoist priest who casually mentioned her back then, Duan Jingchuan naturally trusted Feng Ran more. The lady had never hidden her extraordinary qualities from him, which was probably to put his mind at ease.

His voice trembled slightly, "Could Madam foresee my fate?"

Amused by Duan Jingchuan's inquisitive look, she exclaimed, "Husband, what are you thinking? How can anyone else predict a person's fate? Fate, fate, destiny is the virtue accumulated in the previous life, and fortune is the blessing accumulated in this life. I've seen plenty of old Taoist priests who pretend to be gods and ghosts, and we can't listen to their nonsense. Of course, what I say may not be right either, but you must believe that fate is always in your own hands. Even if God plays a joke on you, you can't let that joke kill you, can you?"

When Feng Ran said these words, it was as if she were just saying them offhand, without any sign of her thinking. But Duan Jingchuan believed her. The weight that had been pressing on his heart was suddenly lifted, and he felt much more at ease.

When Duan Jingchuan's downturned lips curled up slightly, Feng Ran knew that his mood had recovered, so she seized the opportunity to press her advantage, "Husband, since you're happy, can we kiss?"

A basin of cold water was poured over his face, startling Duan Jingchuan so much that his hair stood on end, and he involuntarily took a small step back.

Under Feng Ran's questioning gaze, Duan Jingchuan couldn't help but touch his nose and said, "I can't breathe properly today, let's just stay up quietly to welcome the New Year!"

As soon as he said that, Duan Jingchuan wanted to punch himself in the head. What did he mean by that?

Feng Ran's eyes widened, and she accused him with a look of grief, "If you don't want to smoke, just say so. Why do you have to slander yourself for not tasting good?"

Duan Jingchuan took a deep breath, suppressing his eagerness, and said seriously, "Today is New Year's Eve, not suitable for smoking, only suitable for staying up late. Sit down here obediently, and I'll have Xiuer prepare some food for you."

Honestly, it's not that Duan Jingchuan didn't want to, but the night was already late and the atmosphere was too harmonious. He was afraid that he would act inappropriately and frighten Feng Ran.

As Feng Ran sat down, she muttered, "I always feel like you're ignoring me."

Duan Jingchuan rubbed his temples, then, with a look of grim determination, held Feng Ran in his arms and leaned against the couch beside him.

Feng Ran was now completely satisfied. She found a good spot and leaned her entire weight on Duan Jingchuan, comfortably absorbing the immortal energy.

He could hear heavy breathing around him, and Duan Jingchuan felt even weaker. Why was his wife so different from others? She would ask for a hug at the drop of a hat, without any shyness. She was sucking on him so vigorously, without caring whether he was angry or not.

But Feng Ran didn't just lie on him and casually suckle; she also started swinging her legs comfortably.

Helpless, Duan Jingchuan had no choice but to pull his gaze away from Feng Ran and look around the room that once belonged to him.

If you count on your fingers, it's been a long time since he's come back. Usually, it's Feng Ran who takes the initiative to visit him. It's clear that Feng Ran isn't one to decorate her home; the room is almost exactly the same as when he used to live there.

The only difference was that a large dressing table had appeared on the west side, filled with bottles and jars he had given her.

The traditional bamboo screen has been replaced by a carved hibiscus shelf, which is not filled with antique decorations, but with packets of small pastries.

Duan Jingchuan chuckled; his wife never forgot to satisfy her hunger.

In fact, most newlywed couples will set up a separate main house for the wife to live in when they get married. Jinghua Courtyard is a little different, as it only has one main house.

When Duan Jingchuan got married, no one thought of this matter, so it was overlooked. This resulted in Feng Ran occupying the main room, while Duan Jingchuan had been sleeping in the study for almost a year.

He sighed softly to himself, wondering when he would be able to sleep in this room again.

He still remembered how protective his wife was of her food when she first married into the family, as if she was afraid he would take her room. He was afraid it would be difficult for him to move back in.

Before Duan Jingchuan could think for long, the fluffy little head on his neck made his heart itch.

Feng Ran nestled in Duan Jingchuan's arms, whimpering softly.

Duan Jingchuan couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong with Madam?"

Feng Ran was half asleep, her eyes barely open. "Husband, I'm so sleepy. Do we really have to stay up all night? Let's stay up in bed!"

!

He was just thinking about how to come back to sleep. Does his wife have mind-reading abilities?

Seeing Feng Ran's confused and bewildered expression, Duan Jingchuan knew he was overthinking it; she was clearly still half asleep.

Looks like she won't be able to stay up all night this year. Oh well, let her keep sleeping!

Duan Jingchuan gently patted Feng Ran's shoulder, "Madam, wake up. Go to bed. I'm going back too."

Feng Ran didn't know if she heard him clearly, but she wrapped her limbs around Duan Jingchuan even tighter and said indistinctly, "Okay, go to bed."

Duan Jingchuan's anger flared even more as he was entangled in the situation. His brows furrowed slightly, and countless thoughts surged through his mind in an instant, ultimately culminating in a sigh.

Hearing Feng Ran's slightly coquettish voice, his hands and feet went numb.

He couldn't wake Feng Ran up, but he couldn't let her sleep on the bed, so he used his arms to lift Feng Ran up.

Feng Ran readily wrapped her arms around his neck, not at all like someone who was sound asleep.

There were about a dozen steps between the couch and the bed. With each step, Duan Jingchuan wondered whether his wife was inviting him or pretending to be asleep.

However, as soon as he put Feng Ran on the bed, she rolled over and rolled to the inside, and very skillfully wrapped herself in her blanket, her posture as casual as could be.

Duan Jingchuan sighed silently again, and reached out to remove the hairpin from Feng Ran's head so that she could sleep more comfortably.

Even though Feng Ran's eyes were closed, she seemed to sense Duan Jingchuan's movements and even raised her head to cooperate with him until her hair was completely loosened. Her little head was still rolling around on the pillow, and she opened her eyes a crack. "Husband, come and sleep."

The voice was somewhat choked and indistinct, as if the words "staying up all night" had been replaced with "sleeping first."

Duan Jingchuan knew he should leave, but he couldn't take his eyes off Feng Ran on the bed. His feet, which were stuck to the floor, told him he didn't want to go.

On New Year's Eve, the warm yellow candlelight filled the entire room, and pale yellow curtains hung from the sandalwood carved ceiling. Under the lamplight, the little girl's face peeked out from under the blanket, her slightly parted lips pink and tender, making her exceptionally beautiful.

It was only when Feng Ran was silent that Duan Jingchuan could see a very obedient and sweet look on her quiet face, making her seem extremely easy to bully.

Duan Jingchuan leaned against the outer curtain, his gaze burning. He finally couldn't resist the urge in his heart, leaned closer, and encircled Feng Ran in his arms, his dark eyes gazing deeply at her.

The warmth between her nostrils made Feng Ran a little more awake, and she opened her eyes a little wider, immediately seeing Duan Jingchuan's handsome face so close to hers.

Her heart pounded with joy, and she sweetly raised her arm to wrap around Duan Jingchuan's neck, saying, "Husband, you are so handsome."

Duan Jingchuan's lips curled up slightly, and a storm was hidden deep in his eyes as he slowly pressed down on the pink lips he had been teasing all day.

Hmm~

Duan Jingchuan didn't intend to go deep; he only wanted to give her a light peck. Unexpectedly, as soon as his lips touched hers, Feng Ran took them and sucked them hard, then pushed his head away.

She said in a sweet, coquettish voice, "I'm so sleepy, I'll take another one tomorrow."

Duan Jingchuan was about to straighten up when he suddenly felt dizzy and fell directly onto the bed.

She stared blankly at the bed curtains in front of her, blinked, and blinked again.

He was... thrown... oops, carried, not pulled onto the bed by his wife?!

A note from the author:

Duan Jingchuan: Ah, my wife carried me to bed. I feel so happy.

Feng Ran: It's so slow and hesitant, and quite heavy.