The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(261-265)

Chapter 261: Girls Are Really Bad

After a few meaningful mentions of "big pig trotters," the irritated mood of Xiao Cheng finally cleared up. The dark color in his eyes faded away, restoring his usual calm demeanor as he looked at the smiling face of the girl in front of him. He realized that his unusual behavior might make her uncomfortable at this stage, so he slowly released her hand and continued walking forward as if nothing had happened.

Walking alongside him at a leisurely pace, Bai Lu could keep up even with her slow steps, her eyes filled with smiles resembling crescent moons. Her hand still hung by her side as they walked together.

"Do we need to eat the big king Zongzi on the spot?" Bai Lu asked.

With the place crowded with people, eating Zongzi in front of so many would be uncomfortable for both Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng. "We can eat them during the night tour of Pingcheng," Xiao Cheng replied.

"Eating Zongzi while enjoying the scenery sounds nice, doesn't it?" Bai Lu suggested.

"Okay."

As the spectators who had watched the race dispersed, excited boys and girls who were still lingering did not leave. Xiao Cheng's display of innate power had left a lasting impression on their minds, and their admiring gazes followed him wherever he went.

A few brave girls wanted to approach him to congratulate him, but upon seeing the stunning beauty beside Xiao Cheng, they all felt inferior and retreated. If memory served right, the gorgeous girl walking beside Xiao Cheng was their former schoolmate—Bai Lu.

Although Bai Lu was not academically outstanding, her beauty was universally recognized in school, making her the school flower. Yet, her soft personality made her an easy target for female classmates.

Zhou Jiayi was the most obvious example, forming cliques to isolate Bai Lu and spreading malicious rumors about her, even after she dropped out.

"Bai Lu is just shameless, leading a chaotic private life, embarrassing herself." Zhou Jiayi's words were more restrained in a crowd, using the term "bad girl."

The disdain and arrogance were evident in the looks directed at Bai Lu.

Among the crowd at the finish line was Xiao Dazhuang, waiting for Xiao Cheng to come and accept the prize together. Xiao Dazhuang frowned upon hearing Zhou Jiayi's words: "Is she jealous that Sister-in-law is prettier than her?"

Luo Shiliu chuckled, "Be more confident, omit the 'is she.'"

"She's jealous that Sister-in-law is prettier than her," Xiao Dazhuang found that it sounded smooth without the extra words.

He also discovered a truth: "Girls are really bad."

Wang Hao burst into laughter, "If you're so confident, don't marry a wife in the future."

Xiao Dazhuang replied seriously, "When I marry a wife, I definitely won't marry someone as fierce as Chen Chunli."

Wang Hao was taken aback: "..."

This time it was Luo Shiliu who laughed, laughing cunningly, "You're telling the truth."

Xiao Dazhuang looked at Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, who were getting closer, and said, "I want to marry someone like Sister-in-law."

Luo Shiliu raised his eyebrows and patted him on the shoulder firmly, "Good idea, go tell Brother Cheng."

Wang Hao also agreed with this good suggestion, "Brother Cheng will definitely praise your intelligence."

If it were before today, Xiao Dazhuang might have been fooled, but now he wouldn't be: "When Brother Cheng saw Lin Jinfan talking to Sister-in-law, he broke the oar just by pinching it. Do you think I dare to say such things? Do you think I don't want to live?"

The honest man has wised up.

Not easy to fool anymore, Luo Shiliu clicked his tongue and shook his head, "You're not stupid, what are you daydreaming about?"

Xiao Dazhuang: "..."

Bai Lu saw Xiao Dazhuang and Luo Shiliu bickering as she approached. It was clear that the honest man had lost.

Upon seeing Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu already heading back, Xiao Wei's petite body froze, and his small face drooped with regret, spilling out of his eyes.

"Is the race over?" Bai Lu nodded, comforting him, "Don't worry, your brother won the championship. We'll eat the big king Zongzi during the night tour."

Xiao Wei, who missed the opportunity for his brother to participate in the dragon boat race, felt sad and upset. He didn't want to speak.

But thinking that his brother still won the big king Zongzi, he could still eat them with his brother and sister-in-law at night, which eased his heart and couldn't help but complain about Wang Cuihua.

"It's all because Wang Cuihua threw the chicken into our yard. The rope wasn't tied tightly, and the chicken broke free and ran around the yard. It took me a long time to catch it."

After cleaning the yard, he came late.

Bai Lu could already anticipate the follow-up. She casually asked, "Where did Wang Cuihua go?"

Xiao Wei, who came alone, saw Wang Cuihua standing at the door of her house at this moment, bringing people with her.

Even from a distance, they could see Wang Cuihua holding a well-prepared chicken and other dishes.

Without a doubt, Xiao Wei received a cold rebuke, and Xiao Cheng was clearly blaming him for not handling things properly.

Xiao Wei couldn't express his bitterness. He didn't know that Wang Cuihua had left and actually said she was going home to cook, but now she was bringing people over for dinner.
























Chapter 262: A Kilometer Long Dragon Boat

Xiao Wei approached Wang Cuihua with a serious expression, asking, "Do you need anything?"

Wang Cuihua, wiping the soot off her nose, replied pitifully in front of Xiao Wei, "Our chimney broke, so my mom and I thought of coming to your place to cook a meal."

In essence, it was just about cooking and eating together.

With elders in tow.

This was the first time Xiao Wei encountered such a situation and didn't know what to do, so he could only run back to Bai Lu's side.

After explaining the situation to Bai Lu, he followed her, unwilling to upset his older brother.

To avoid angering his older brother and being denied a meal.

Bai Lu wasn't sure if Wang Cuihua's chimney was really broken, but since she brought food and elders, she couldn't reject them outright, so she could only ask Xiao Cheng.

However, Xiao Cheng simply said, "It's up to you."

The meal was quickly prepared.

Wang Cuihua's mother was quite considerate as a guest, exchanging pleasantries when necessary, refraining from idle gossip, helping when needed, and not insisting when Bai Lu declined her assistance.

After finishing the meal, they left promptly.

Wang Cuihua hurried back after seeing her mother off at the door to help Bai Lu with the dishes.

Bai Lu declined her help and issued a no-guest decree: "We only agreed today because your mother came all the way from the countryside. There won't be a next time."

Wang Cuihua hesitantly spoke up, "Our chimney is really broken. If you don't believe me, you can come and see."

Bai Lu, uninterested, replied, "If it's broken, you should get someone to fix it."

Wang Cuihua didn't dare to provoke Bai Lu and nodded weakly, agreeing not to do it again.

Then she changed the subject, saying, "My mom is urging me to remarry again."

Bai Lu, appearing uninterested in gossip, struggled to find a way to bring up what she had prepared earlier without being prompted. She had to navigate the conversation herself, "My mom hopes I marry into a good family again. I said I want to marry Elder Brother Xiao Cheng."

Bai Lu nearly choked on her water.

It seemed Wang Cuihua's mother was more perceptive than Wang Cuihua herself; she only needed to glance at Xiao Cheng to understand everything.

Throughout the meal, Xiao Cheng never glanced at Wang Cuihua or used the eyes of a mother-in-law to look at her prospective son-in-law, clearly understanding that Xiao Cheng was not to be trifled with.

Yet, Wang Cuihua was determined.

After she finished speaking, she asked Bai Lu, "Do you agree?"

Bai Lu couldn't believe what she was hearing, but she nodded anyway.

Wang Cuihua seemed unable to understand human speech and had her own way of understanding things, "You agreed, didn't you? I'll go ask Brother Xiao Cheng then."

Bai Lu stopped her at the door, saying, "I didn't agree."

Wang Cuihua's face fell, "But you just agreed."

Bai Lu reiterated, "I didn't agree."

Wang Cuihua persisted, "You agreed!"

"I didn't."

"You agreed!"

"I didn't."

"If you don't like Elder Brother Xiao Cheng, why won't you let him..."

Before Wang Cuihua could finish, Bai Lu's sudden cold expression silenced her. After a moment, she reluctantly said, "Then I'll just like him with you."

Bai Lu's gaze turned icy, and Wang Cuihua felt intimidated, crying out in fear, "What am I supposed to do... If I suddenly fall ill and die, maybe... my body will be eaten by rats and no one will notice... Bai Lu, you're so kind, please help me, let me live with you..."

The kitchen wasn't soundproof, and Wang Cuihua's wailing pierced the air, her tears flowing freely as if they cost nothing.

But she didn't dare to cry too loudly, as if she knew that Xiao Cheng, the master of the house, didn't like to hear people cry. As her crying escalated, it turned into sobbing and whimpering, leaving her looking pitifully at Bai Lu.

Sometimes Bai Lu didn't know whether Wang Cuihua was a delicate flower or a manipulative person.

What was certain was that this crying flower, with the power of a crying baby, was a bit overwhelming.

In similar situations in later years, it was common for someone like Wang Cuihua, tears streaming like a willow, to go to Xiao Cheng to complain, accusing Bai Lu of hitting her or pushing her down.

To gain Xiao Cheng's sympathy and gain an advantage.

But the Wang Cuihua in front of her was unconventional, not trying to win over Xiao Cheng, but trying to win over her every day.

Bai Lu didn't know which nerve had been crossed.

Bai Lu gave her a cold glance, "You shouldn't be asking me about this kind of thing; you should ask Xiao Cheng."

"I've said it many times before, Xiao Cheng isn't someone to be manipulated. He's a person with his own thoughts and the right to make his own choices. I can't represent his opinions or make decisions for him."

Wang Cuihua, seemingly unable to understand human speech, had her own way of interpreting things, "You agreed, didn't you? I'll go ask Brother Xiao Cheng then."

Bai Lu gave her a look to let her figure it out for herself.

Wang Cuihua couldn't understand and was about to continue questioning, but Bai Lu suddenly spoke up, "I don't agree."

"Then you agreed!"

"I didn't agree."

"You agreed!"

"I didn't."

"If you don't like Brother Xiao Cheng, why won't you let him..."

Wang Cuihua's words were cut off by Bai Lu's unexpected cold expression, leaving her speechless for a while before she reluctantly said, "I understand."

Finally, Wang Cuihua gave up.

The bewildered expression on Bai Lu's face, seen by Xiao Cheng, who had stepped in, prompted him to ask, "What's wrong?"

Bai Lu wasn't sure when Xiao Cheng had arrived or how much he had heard. She shook her head subconsciously, "Nothing. Isn't it almost time to board the ship?"

Xiao Cheng acted as if he hadn't heard anything unusual, his expression unchanged. "Fifteen more minutes."

Bai Lu asked, "Then let's hurry and set off. Maybe everyone has already arrived, and it wouldn't be good to be late."

Xiao Cheng agreed, "Okay."

The two adults and one child happily headed out.

As night fell, the road was lit by the lights in front of the neighbors' houses and the lights shining through the windows.

Tonight, the streets were different from usual, bustling with people going to the riverbank in groups.

The neighbors all knew that after the Dragon Boat Race on the Dragon Boat Festival, there would be a night tour of Pingcheng on a kilometer-long dragon boat.

This annual event couldn't be missed. Even if they couldn't ride the boat, it was worth going to see the magnificent sight of the dragon sailing on the river.

As they chatted, the neighbors greeted Bai Lu and talked about everyday life.

Some neighbors wanted to talk about the championship, but since the champion wore a cold expression all the way, as if blaming them for slowing Bai Lu down or diverting her attention, those with insight stopped talking after exchanging pleasantries, while those without continued to feel the coldness.

Finally, they were forced to realize the importance of insight and returned Bai Lu to the big boss.

They arrived at the riverbank without much conversation.

"Big Brother, Sister-in-law!"

Xiao Dazhuang and Wang Hao waved from afar, while Luo Shiliu checked the dragon boat by the riverbank.

Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu nodded in response. Xiao Wei followed Bai Lu, both eagerly looking at the river.

From a distance, they could see the dazzling "Golden Dragon" shimmering in the starry night sky, surrounded by a faint mist, like a dream. It snaked and sprawled across the clear and translucent river surface, complementing the scenery of the river and forest under the moonlight, creating a magnificent and beautiful picture.

Upon closer inspection, the kilometer-long "Golden Dragon" was made up of hundreds of large bamboo rafts, with the dragon's head carefully carved from ancient wood and decorated with bamboo bones, resembling a pavilion on the river.

The brilliant golden light emitted by the "dragon" was from the three palm-yellow oiled cloth umbrellas on each raft, with lanterns hanging from the umbrella bones, illuminating the Guijiang River like a golden dragon encountering the river.




















Chapter 263: A Piece of Fat

In front of the golden dragon head was a section of rope submerged in the water. Ahead of the rope was a guide bamboo raft, which was more than twice the size of the dragon body bamboo raft. A big red lantern hung above the bamboo raft, resembling a mythical dragon pearl.

As the dragon pearl bamboo raft moved, the golden dragon behind it followed suit, creating a magnificent scene of dragons playing with pearls on the river.

"So beautiful..." Bai Lu marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship and was greatly impressed by the cultural charm of traditional national features.

Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu's eyes reflecting the brilliance of the "golden dragon," and a glint of light also appeared in his dark eyes.

The gently rippling river water, illuminated by the light like mist and smoke, filled their eyes with boundless splendor.

"Let's get on the boat."

The members of the Xinzhen Championship team had been waiting for a long time. Bai Lu and Xiao Wei happily boarded the boat, with Xiao Cheng closely following.

Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao followed closely behind, while the other twenty or so team members brought up the rear.

Inside the dragon head pavilion, there was a vast space. The big king zongzi was placed on a round and large bamboo table, surrounded by neatly arranged bamboo chairs. Outside the pavilion, there was also a bamboo fence surrounding the four sides.

Although the dragon head was large, it couldn't accommodate the entire championship team, so the second bamboo raft also belonged to the championship team.

There were bamboo tables and chairs on the raft as well, except for the dragon head, everything else was the same. Some people sat on the second raft.

Bai Lu only realized after boarding the boat that the team rowing the boat on the dragon pearl raft ahead was not the last-place team from the first round of the dragon boat race, but the third-place team in the finals.

"Why is it Pingcheng Team?"

Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu stood together at the railing of the dragon head, admiring the scenery. When they heard this, they glanced lightly ahead.

Naturally, Xiao Cheng said, "They are the last-place team."

Bai Lu turned her head in surprise, "The positioning of the last-place team is quite different..."

"It's different to match their constant clamor for five consecutive championships." Luo Shiliu walked out from the cabin.

Wang Hao and Xiao Dazhuang followed closely behind, and as the river breeze blew, the logically and reasonably explained rules of the game also emerged.

"The last-place team in the elimination round is too weak, they couldn't even make it to the qualifying round, how could they row such a big dragon boat, let alone carrying so many people on board? The teams that can enter the finals are the strong ones, and whoever takes third place can row the boat. It's fair."

"What a humanized rule!"

Bai Lu was persuaded by the three brothers who were enjoying themselves, and she fully agreed, "It's quite humanized."

Not only were the rules of the game humanized, but the number of people on the night tour of the dragon boat was also quite humanized.

As long as the one hundred bamboo rafts were not overloaded, the participating team members could invite their families and friends to board the boat together to enjoy the scenery.

As for the scenery, although there were no tall buildings, colorful neon lights, or colorful street lamps of later generations, there were countless lights here!

There was the most primitive and simple human fireworks atmosphere!

There was the bright moon in the sky, the stars all over the sky, the Milky Way stretching for thousands of miles, the golden dragon swimming in the river, the faces of blessings sent by the shore, and the scenery of bamboo and wood against the current.

There were ancient temples with long-standing inheritance, ancient and mysterious deities, and the long-standing cross-river bridge.

There was Xiao Cheng, who was surrounded by people, slicing the big king zongzi, and there was Xiao Cheng, who handed her the first piece of big king zongzi.

Bai Lu picked up her chopsticks and picked up a boneless pork knuckle from the zongzi to give to Xiao Cheng.

"You haven't eaten yet, you go ahead."

Xiao Cheng looked at her unexpectedly, "No need, I'll eat later."

Bai Lu looked seriously at the pork knuckle, with a face of unbearable resistance, "There's fat."

Xiao Cheng: "..."

He deliberately chose lean meat, the leanest part of the whole pork knuckle, when did it become fat?

Xiao Cheng glanced at it, still searching for scrutiny, and the pork knuckle suddenly went into his mouth unprepared.

"Quick, taste if there's any fat." Bai Lu withdrew her chopsticks, her eyes shining brightly at him.

As if fat was the most delicious thing in the world.

Xiao Cheng bit his teeth expressionlessly, "There's no fat."

"Ah~ Did I see it wrong?"

Bai Lu looked surprised and apologetic, "Okay, I'll be more careful next time."

With that serious expression and indifferent tone, she clearly meant—I was wrong, I'll do it like this next time!

Xiao Cheng swallowed the pork knuckle, deliberately took away the zongzi, "Since you don't like it..."

"I like it like it like it!"

Bai Lu grabbed his arm, "Don't be so stingy, I just don't like to eat fat, I like to eat zongzi, I love to eat big king zongzi."

Xiao Cheng glanced at his arm coolly.

"Am I stingy?"

"I'm stingy! I'm stingy! Ah Cheng, as an adult, you should forget the past and just give me a bite..."

"Just one bite?"

"Just one bite! Finish it in one bite!"

Xiao Wei suddenly felt that the zongzi in his hand wasn't fragrant anymore.

Why did he come out? It's not good to eat the fragrant big king zongzi on the boat, why bother to find abuse?

Just go back.

Luo Shiliu and Wang Hao patted the little guy's shoulder to comfort him, not affecting their exaggerated laughter at all.

Xiao Dazhuang was the one who really comforted him, handing him the zongzi directly, "It's okay, it's okay, get used to it."

Xiao Wei: "..."

The two rowers on the raft had already noticed that although the boss and the lady boss had a good relationship, they always felt like something was missing. After discussing it, they finally reached a conclusion.

They were missing alcohol.

Zhang San and Li Si brought back alcohol from the store and specifically brought it onto the boat, taking the opportunity to invite everyone to drink together and inviting the boss and the lady boss back into the cabin.

The alcohol was a thank-you gift from Xiao Cheng when the new store opened, and Luo Shiliu and the others had already taken theirs, leaving only Zhang San and Li Si. They always took the most useful things.

Since it's not suitable to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, let's not mention it, anyway, they don't have a big sister-in-law to speak up.

After opening the wine, everyone at the table was filled.

Bai Lu didn't drink alcohol, and Xiao Cheng's brothers all knew that, so they never poured Bai Lu any wine during gatherings.

However, Zhang San pretended to be dumb and filled Bai Lu's glass.

He even said, "sister-in-law, it's my birthday today, please give me face and have a drink."

This reason was quite sudden, but no one doubted it.

Men rarely celebrate their birthdays, and among all the people present, except for Xiao Cheng who had been "spoiled" by Bai Lu once on his birthday, the others had never had a birthday, so Zhang San's birthday seemed normal.

To be honest, Bai Lu didn't know where her alcohol tolerance level was. She didn't drink alcohol in her later life.

Grandpa said she got drunk from tasting daughter's red wine when she was a child.

He didn't tell her how much she drank, or what she would do when she got drunk, just told her not to drink alcohol when she went out, and her parents and grandparents said the same.

Only her aunt reminded her secretly that if she ever wanted to taste alcohol, she must have someone she trusts completely with her, otherwise, it would be big trouble.

Bai Lu didn't like trouble, so she didn't drink.

It has been like this until now.

Bai Lu looked at the glass in front of her, there was no strong alcohol smell, only the fruity fragrance of a small glass of wine.

The taste of the wine was different from the one Xiao Cheng and the others brought from home when the new store opened, and it was even different from the last time at Tian Shang Song and Dance Hall, when Wang Hao poured it onto himself.

If she guessed correctly, this should be a glass of fruit wine.























Chapter 264: Absolutely Deadly

Bai Lu wanted to pick up the glass and take a sniff, but before she could, the glass was taken away by a large hand with distinct joints.

In the blink of an eye, the glass was empty and returned to her in front of her.

Xiao Cheng pursed his lips, took the last sip of wine, raised his cold eyes, and glanced lightly at Zhang San.

Turning his gaze to Li Si beside him, he gestured towards the juice on the table, "Pour juice for your sister-in-law."

Everyone knew that the big sister-in-law didn't drink alcohol.

Zhang San poured the wine, Xiao Cheng's tone was as cold as frost, obviously angry, and everyone at the table dared not say a word.

Xiao Wei, sitting beside Bai Lu, also lowered his head, quietly gnawing on the pork knuckle, trying to lower his presence.

Li Si got kicked by Luo Shiliu, snapped out of it, quickly opened the glass bottle, and poured juice for Bai Lu.

"Zhang San didn't know that the big sister-in-law doesn't drink alcohol. The big sister-in-law is generous. Don't compare yourself to him. Drinking juice is just as good for celebrating birthdays. The sister-in-law drinks juice..."

Before Xiao Cheng could speak, if Bai Lu said she could try a sip, it would be like slapping Xiao Cheng in the face.

It would be best to say nothing, pick up the juice, and smile with everyone to celebrate Zhang San's birthday.

The cold atmosphere was restored by Bai Lu's glass of juice, a smile, and a congratulatory sentence, bringing warmth back to the table.

As the wine bottles emptied and the night grew deeper, the scenery on the river became more enchanting, and the fruit wine started to taste intoxicating.

Although the group of young men at the table wasn't stumbling drunk, their conversation flowed more freely, talking about everything from life philosophy to the number of fish in the river.

As the bottles neared empty, leaving only one glass of wine, Zhang San stood up with the bottle, staggering towards Bai Lu under Xiao Cheng's piercing gaze.

Before reaching Bai Lu, he suddenly reached out, swiftly grabbed her glass, and despite spilling a few drops while pouring, the glass was still full when he respectfully returned it to Bai Lu.

"Sister-in-law, today, is, my, birthday~"

Zhang San's tongue seemed tied in knots, speaking intermittently: "Could you, give me, face... and have a drink... I... the happiest thing in my life is to work with brother Cheng, and drink with brother Cheng..."

"I hope, even happier, is to have a drink with Big Brother and Sister-in-law, to receive your blessings on my birthday, and my life would be complete..."

Zhang San's sincere expression of aspirations seemed nauseating to the other men, who avoided eye contact.

But they were curious if Xiao Cheng would tear him apart, so they kept an ear on the conversation while admiring the scenery.

Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao, having drunk enough not to feel awkward, didn't bother intervening.

They couldn't intervene anyway, as the sister-in-law had the big brother.

Bai Lu felt she should handle a small glass of fruit wine well, or if not, there were people she could trust, like Xiao Cheng, who remained composed even when intoxicated.

She trusted him.

So, before Xiao Cheng could stop her, Bai Lu accepted the glass from Zhang San.

Turning to Xiao Cheng with a coy smile, she said, "I'll just have one drink, and you watch over me."

Seeing Bai Lu's unwavering trust, Xiao Cheng's heart was moved. He respected her wishes and let go of any inhibitions.

Bai Lu stood up with the glass, stunning everyone at the table as she congratulated Zhang San on his birthday.

"Big Brother and Sister-in-law wish you a happy birthday. May you have this day every year, and may your life be blessed with joy and longevity. May you have wine to drink and a fulfilled life every day."

The scene was deeply moving, followed by an uproar as everyone tried to prevent the table from toppling over.

The sister-in-law was indeed knowledgeable and creative in her blessings, speaking directly to Zhang San's heart.

After a severe bout of coughing, Zhang San finally regained composure, thanking them for their heartfelt wishes.

Once Zhang San finished his drink, he returned to his seat.

The others at the table praised him for daring to face the consequences of being thrown into the river by the big boss.

Bai Lu felt fine after drinking the wine, but her throat felt a bit uncomfortable.

The fruity wine she imagined turned out to be bitter and spicy, with only a hint of fruitiness and a strong alcohol taste.

Whether it was a misconception or a chemical reaction to the alcohol, her brain felt a strange, slight excitement.

It wasn't the desire to do something reckless, but rather the urge to express her aspirations freely.

Bai Lu had never experienced this before.

Not knowing if she liked it or not, she felt her reactions were slow, and a not-so-great sixth sense slowly emerged.

She decisively turned to look at Xiao Cheng.

Uh-oh.

Xiao Cheng indeed looked more handsome.

Her aunt had said that when drunk, men would seem extremely handsome, far more than usual.

Before her eyes was a distinct contour, deep-set features, and a chiseled face, exuding an unparalleled charm that no one could match.

Uh-oh, uh-oh, she must be drunk!

Wait, no, Xiao Cheng was already very handsome to begin with!

Peerless beauty, unmatched in this life or the next.

Moreover, the chemical reaction of alcohol couldn't work this quickly. Stay calm, don't panic.

Surely, it was just psychological.

Let's go outside for some fresh air.

Bai Lu pushed away the juice Xiao Cheng offered, taking his hand, "Ah Cheng, let's go outside and enjoy the scenery."

Xiao Cheng looked at the slight blush on her cheeks and the slightly hazy look in her clear eyes, hesitating for a moment.

Bai Lu immediately shook his hand, "I want to see the scenery. Will you accompany me?"

Was this... acting cute?

The entire table was stunned, from the elders to the young men, all gaping in disbelief.

So, the big sister-in-law knew how to act cute after all, just not in front of them, only in front of Xiao Cheng.

Her pure and innocent smile, her melodious voice, her graceful and charming demeanor, every movement exuded a mesmerizing charm.

Absolutely deadly!

It was killing them! Their hearts were flying out!

Big brother, please refuse! Please don't take the sister-in-law to see the scenery! Let them keep watching the scenery!

Xiao Cheng obviously wasn't going to comply with their wishes. With a cold glance that silenced the table, he wrapped his arm around Bai Lu's slender waist and strode out.

Xiao Wei hesitated for a moment but didn't follow. Seeing everyone's gaze fixed on the disappearing figures, he furrowed his brows.

" Sister-in-law belongs to my brother. What are you all staring at?"

"We're admiring the scenery!" Everyone was honest.

Xiao Wei: "..."

Beside him, Wang Hao, eating a piece of pork knuckle, handed a piece to the little guy, "Ignore them. Let's eat pork knuckle."

Xiao Wei suddenly asked Wang Hao, "Why didn't you see Sister-in-law carrying the baby out to play?"

Although they disliked Chen Chunli, the baby was cute. If they brought the baby out more often, maybe the big brother and sister-in-law would change their minds and have a nephew.























Chapter 265: I'm Here

Chen Chunli suffered complications during childbirth, which left her body weakened, almost costing her life. She remained bedridden, recuperating at home, unable to get up.

Wang Hao's mother had to take care of Wang Hao's sick father while also attending to Chen Chunli during her confinement. Knowing the situation at Wang Hao's home, Chen Chunli's mother came to help take care of her daughter during her confinement.

They returned to Qingshui Town on the Dragon Boat Festival, and before going home, Wang Hao and his mother prepared many zongzi for Chen Chunli to take back.

Chen Chunli could barely walk these days, but she could manage to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom on her own.

Wang Hao only came out after coaxing the child to sleep tonight.

"Her body hasn't fully recovered, so she can't carry the child out to play. She's already asleep. When she's feeling better, I'll have her bring the child to play with you."

Xiao Wei didn't believe that Chen Chunli would listen to Wang Hao, but the fact that her body hadn't recovered left his seven-year-old mind puzzled.

"It's been so long, and her body still hasn't recovered. Is childbirth really that dangerous?"

Wang Hao nodded gravely, "I heard that giving birth is like passing through the gates of hell. There's always a risk to life. Once you pass through, both the mother and child are safe, but if not..."

Xiao Wei's face turned deathly pale.

Wang Hao always answered questions seriously, and even children's questions had to be answered fully. "There's another situation, like your sister-in-law's, where she survived a difficult childbirth. But her body suffered significant damage and she's too weak to even get out of bed. It takes a long time to recover."

After listening, Xiao Wei's face wasn't just pale but ghastly white. His entire body stiffened, his fingers gripping the chopsticks turning white, his pupils filled with fear.

Childbirth was so dangerous.

So dangerous...

It would be better if his sister-in-law didn't have children. She should focus on studying. He didn't want a nephew anymore.

His big brother definitely didn't want one either. He had never mentioned having a nephew to his sister-in-law. His big brother must have known for a long time that having a nephew was very dangerous, and he didn't want his sister-in-law to get hurt.

Xiao Wei, now knowing the truth, finally felt relieved and was moved by his brother's deep love for his sister-in-law.

He didn't even know the beginning of the matter.

The corridor outside the ship.

A cool breeze from the river gently brushed their faces. Along with the slowly flowing river, the faint water droplets drifted into their eyes like mist, causing Bai Lu to rub her eyes, making the blurry colors even more intense.

Turning to look at Xiao Cheng, she noticed that he was becoming more and more handsome, to the point where she wanted to throw herself into his arms.

Uh-oh, it seemed the river breeze was useless.

Bai Lu wanted to splash her face with river water to sober up, but Xiao Cheng stopped her.

"What's wrong?"

His voice... was damn pleasant!

Bai Lu realized that her drunken state was becoming more severe, and there was no reason to deny it anymore.

"Ah Cheng, I think I'm drunk."

Her nervous and bewildered voice struck Xiao Cheng's heart like a heavy blow, shattering all his calm and reason. He pulled her into his arms.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

Bai Lu realized an even worse fact: her actions didn't match her thoughts, and she couldn't control her behavior.

In her mind, she thought she should respond to him and then leave his embrace, or give him a hug and then leave.

But her actions...

She just snuggled into Xiao Cheng's arms, smelling his familiar scent, and didn't want to leave.

It felt like the safest place in the world.

The only fortunate thing was that they were both leaning against the railing, one on each side. She didn't completely bury herself in his embrace, just leaned against his shoulder from the side.

But this seemed inappropriate too.

Bai Lu thought for a moment, but her mind was a mess, unable to figure out what was inappropriate.

After thinking carefully again.

Hmm...

What was she thinking about?

Bai Lu noticed the movement of the ship beneath her feet and looked up to see the gently flowing river in the serene night, the willow branches swaying in the wind on the shore, and the falling leaves fluttering down.

The dragon boat they were on was illuminated by the golden light, creating a dreamlike and indescribably beautiful scene.

Bai Lu looked at Xiao Cheng in astonishment. "Where are we going?"

Xiao Cheng was momentarily surprised. Seeing her eyes filled not with nervousness or anxiety but curiosity and admiration, he felt relieved. He continued to explain what she wanted to know.

"After winning the Dragon Boat Race today, we're taking a night tour of Pingcheng on the dragon boat. We set off from Xinzhen in the evening..."

Bai Lu listened to his explanation, her expression changing from surprise to admiration.

"You won the Dragon Boat Race and the King's Zongzi today. You're so amazing!"

Xiao Cheng chuckled. "It was the Xinzhen team that won."

Bai Lu didn't lower her joy and praise even after his explanation. "The Xinzhen team won because of you. Xinzhen has been last for the past four years, and this year, they won the championship with you. You're the best..."

She only forgot about today's events.

Xiao Cheng understood from her words and continued to answer her questions, telling her everything she wanted to know.

Just as Bai Lu finished learning about the final rankings of the teams in the competition and the order of the dragon boats, she saw three figures approaching from the second raft.

They were coming towards her.

"They've come to bother me again." Bai Lu leaned against Xiao Cheng's shoulder, raising an eyebrow without any nervousness.

Xiao Cheng liked her carefree reliance at this moment, her straightforwardness.

Before, when she was sober, she remained calm in every situation, choosing her words carefully. She wouldn't say a word more than necessary, and when someone came to pick a fight, she dealt with it herself.

She didn't need his help for anything, nor did she share her joys and sorrows with him.

Now, she was reporting to him like a child, telling him that someone was trying to bully her.

Xiao Cheng's eyelids twitched slightly, his gentle eyes turning icy cold as he scanned the three figures hesitantly approaching between the dragon boat and the second raft.

"Did they bother you before?" he asked.

Bai Lu nodded vigorously, staring at the three figures in front, laying out everything: "Li Shuixian pushed me into the river before. The river was swift, and I couldn't swim. I almost drowned. When I was in the bathroom, Zhou Jiayi and another girl locked the door, preventing me from getting out, and they even poured water..."

Bai Lu recounted these incidents, which were actually experiences of the original owner, but now her mind was a bit blank, unable to distinguish whether the memories were

hers or someone else's.

Whatever floated into her mind, she said it.

Without any reservations, without any concealment.

She didn't even notice that Xiao Cheng's expression was becoming more and more terrifying, his gaze could kill.

Terrified Li Shuixian and Zhou Jiayi dared not come forward themselves but pushed another girl forward.

The girl was trembling, obviously afraid to come over.

It seemed that Zhou Jiayi had something on the girl, forcing her to come forward tremblingly.

When she reached ten meters away, the girl stopped in place, too scared to move further, and shouted to Bai Lu from a distance.

"Bai Lu, Jiayi has something to tell you. Can you please come over?"