Chapter 13: Could It Be That Something's Not Right?

Aunt Cai rolled her eyes and sighed as she listened to the cheerful laughter from the kitchen.

Those from the countryside really know how to flatter people. College entrance exams? What an exaggeration—does she even stand a chance? Yet, her ambition did manage to win favor with the Wen family.

Aunt Cai found Jiang Mi somewhat irritating, especially since Jiang Mi had threatened her earlier that day. She constantly felt that as long as Jiang Mi was around, her job was never truly secure.

That evening, after taking out the trash, she approached Mrs. Wen, who was seated on the sofa, and said, “People outside are all talking about the recycling station. This kind of gossip isn’t good for anyone.”

Mrs. Wen didn’t even look up. “Let them talk as they please.”

After a moment's thought, Mrs. Wen turned her gaze to Aunt Cai. “Have all the gifts on the purchase list been prepared? Double-check everything. The day after tomorrow, Zongfu and Little Mi will return home. Nothing can go wrong.”

Aunt Cai could only nod and went to inspect the gifts the Wen family had prepared. They were truly substantial, so much so that her heart warmed, feeling reluctant to part with them.

Upstairs, after her usual washing up, Jiang Mi sat by the vanity, reading a book. Wen Zongfu was boldly lying on the wedding bed, gazing at her slender back and delicate profile.

He recalled what the sixth brother had told him—he had seen Jiang Mi at the school gate today. Wen Zongfu pondered for a moment and asked, “Do you want me to find a way to get you admitted to the school so you can study together?”

“No need.” Jiang Mi didn’t even turn her head.

She didn’t want to rely on the Wen family for this. She had her own methods to enter the school and push forward in the final three months.

Wen Zongfu frowned. “Jiang Mi, don’t you trust me? Let me tell you, don’t underestimate your husband’s abilities.”

Jiang Mi put down her book and turned to look at him. “I do trust your abilities, but this isn’t necessary. I just don’t want to go to school so soon.”

---

He inwardly grumbled about why she stood at the school gate for so long today.

But Jiang Mi sincerely said, “Still, I really appreciate your support.”

“Isn’t it only right to support your own wife?” he replied matter-of-factly.

Looking at him, Jiang Mi felt a warmth in her heart. She had come to understand that the Chen family suppressed her to keep her from spreading her wings, but the Wen family supported her because they had the confidence to uplift their child without fear of her excellence. Wen Zongfu himself was confident and unafraid of his wife’s ambition.

Families like that were truly admirable.

So she closed her book, switched off the light, and lay down beside the bed. Hesitant at first, she finally flushed and turned to lean against Wen Zongfu.

He looked down in disbelief as she rested her whole body against his arm, close yet shy.

A surge of heat rushed through Wen Zongfu’s body. He didn’t dare move even slightly.

He never expected that simply supporting her schooling would make Jiang Mi so affectionate toward him. Being sensitive to emotions, he had always sensed her initial defensiveness and distrust.

But because of this matter, it seemed she softened, revealing a delicate side like a kitten.

His heart instantly flared, but he restrained himself from pulling her close to consummate their marriage. After all, they had only just made some progress—it couldn’t be ruined now.

This had to wait until she was willing from the depths of her heart.

---

Wen Zongfu was delighted, confident it wouldn’t be long before things progressed further.

Jiang Mi, however, was not as calculated as he imagined. After leaning on him, she thought she’d feel uneasy, but she quickly fell asleep. Perhaps because she had gained support for the college exam, her worries vanished.

Thus, she slept soundly and, on the second day of her marriage, rose early to cook porridge in the kitchen. She enjoyed cooking when in a good mood.

Aunt Cai watched coldly from the side, convinced Jiang Mi was again trying to curry favor with the Wen family.

Jiang Mi paid no mind. Her porridge was smooth and fragrant. Mrs. Wen smelled it as soon as she got up and, seeing Jiang Mi in the kitchen, was surprised. “Little Mi’s up so early.”

That didn’t seem right. Newlyweds rarely rose early, especially within the first three days. Mrs. Wen recalled Jiang Mi hadn’t gotten up early yesterday either.

Her thoughts grew restless. Old Wen noticed her distracted expression while reading the newspaper and glanced at her twice.

Eventually, Mrs. Wen went upstairs to wake her son, who was still lingering in bed. After knocking for a long time, Wen Zongfu emerged, annoyed. His mother stood at the door, looking at him with a disappointed, stern gaze.

“Are you feeling unwell? Don’t hide it—if it’s serious, we’ll go to the hospital.”

“What nonsense?” Wen Zongfu muttered groggily. Then suddenly, realization dawned on him, and his expression darkened.