Chapter 428
When Jiang Yexun returned to the room with the water prepared, he found Su Xiaoxiao already lying softly on the bed. Her misty eyes were half-open, looking at him. That hazy, wandering gaze made Jiang Yexun want to etch himself deeply into her eyes so that she would see only him forever.
However, since Jiang Yexun had been standing there in a daze for a while, Su Xiaoxiao impatiently kicked her little legs. Though she didn’t say anything, her soft, sweet grumbling made Jiang Yexun immediately surrender.
Hurriedly, he brought the basin over, squatted down beside her, and gently placed the warm towel on her face, rubbing it slightly. Even though he wasn’t using much strength, the girl was still dissatisfied and brushed his hand away.
“It hurts…” Su Xiaoxiao pouted and whimpered. The soft, lilting end of her words hooked upwards like a little hook, almost melting Jiang Yexun’s heart.
Quickly, Jiang Yexun moved the towel back a little. Seeing her face flushed red from his rubbing, he felt a pang of guilt and immediately apologized, “I’m sorry, I used too much strength. Let me be gentler, okay?”
“No!” Su Xiaoxiao murmured in dissatisfaction and kicked Jiang Yexun with her foot, still not appeased.
Jiang Yexun could only soften his voice, continuing to coax her, “Little ancestor, you still have makeup on. Won’t it feel uncomfortable when you sleep? Let me wipe it off, alright?”
His overly gentle voice sounded as if he were soothing a child. Finally appeased, Su Xiaoxiao tilted her face up slightly.
Jiang Yexun quickly took the towel and wiped her face again. This time, he didn’t dare to use even a hint of force, carefully removing all of her makeup. Su Xiaoxiao, no longer feeling any discomfort, allowed him to take care of her quietly and soon drifted off to sleep.
After finishing up with the towel, Jiang Yexun chuckled softly as he heard faint snores by his ear, shaking his head. He didn’t rush to leave; instead, he stayed squatting by the bed, his gaze locked on Su Xiaoxiao’s face.
Due to his earlier rubbing, her fair cheeks were even redder than if she’d put on blush. Without makeup, her little face looked even more delicate, as if it were pure, flawless jade.
“This is my wife!” Jiang Yexun’s lips curved up slightly, and he leaned in, giving her smooth, soft cheek a light kiss. Seeing that she was deeply asleep and didn’t react at all, he finally stood up, taking the basin out of the room.
But when Jiang Yexun came out holding an empty bowl, it was something no one had anticipated. Seeing him continuously filling the bowl with food, a neighbor couldn’t resist teasing, “Jiang, how come the groom isn’t in the room with his bride but came back down here?”
“Xiaoxiao drank on an empty stomach, so I’m worried her stomach might feel uncomfortable. I’m getting some food for her,” Jiang Yexun replied with a light smile.
Everyone was clearly surprised that a rugged countryside man like him could be so considerate. They couldn’t help but say to Mr. and Mrs. Su, “Your Xiaoxiao is truly blessed. At home, she has you and her brother who dote on her, and now she’s married into a family where her mother-in-law cares for her, and her husband holds her in the palm of his hand. Now you can rest assured.”
Mr. and Mrs. Su smiled contentedly, though they humbly replied, “How can we be completely at ease? Raising children always comes with endless worries.”
The others didn’t think they were exaggerating; instead, they felt even more strongly that Su Xiaoxiao was a truly blessed person.
When Jiang Yexun returned to the room with the food, he was surprised to see that his little bride, who should have been asleep, had somehow sat up. Hearing the movement, she didn’t even open her eyes and just spread her arms towards him, looking like she wanted a hug.
Jiang Yexun quickly quickened his steps, setting the bowl aside. He immediately lifted Su Xiaoxiao and placed her on his lap.