Wen Yan’s indulgent “yeah” left Jiang Zhou unable to resist a surge of arrogance. Vaguely thinking he was already drunk, he refrained from touching Wen Yan, no matter how obedient he behaved.

Yet, he was still playfully “bullying” Wen Yan.

Leveraging Wen Yan’s love and indulgence, he poured his intense love and longing onto her lips, entwining with his.

Wen Yan nestled in his arms, and his nostrils caught the faint scent of alcohol and the familiar aroma of pine trees from the mountains.

Heavy snow fell outside Xiaohe Village, with its residents and even animals seeking refuge from the cold. In the quiet night, the sound of snowfall and occasional crackling firewood echoed.

Dissatisfied, Jiang Zhou licked Wen Yan’s lips and lightly bit them with sharp teeth, conveying a mixture of desire and restraint. Wen Yan obediently opened his mouth, succumbing to Jiang Zhou’s invasion.

Jiang Zhou’s kiss, typically gentle and restrained, now carried an undeniable strength and passion. Holding Wen Yan firmly, he exhibited impatience with red eyes, but his eagerness didn’t override his desire to avoid causing harm.

Though it seemed Wen Yan was passive, Jiang Zhou, in his impatience, expressed sadness between kisses. Childhood sweethearts growing up together, Wen Yan understood his desires and willingly reciprocated.

Silently, Jiang Zhou conveyed his unease and anxiety despite being separated for some time. Wen Yan, understanding his turmoil, trembled as he grasped his collar and pressed a kiss on his mouth, saying, “Zhou-ge…I’m…”

His words were interrupted as Jiang Zhou, momentarily frozen, embraced his tightly. Realizing the danger near the burning brazier, he carefully placed him on the bed, reassuring, “It’s okay, Ah Yan. Keep your clothes on or you’ll get cold.”

The moment their skin touched, both sighed with satisfaction, bodies that had intimately known each other countless times now unfolding in automatic harmony.

In past intimacies, Wen Yan had been the passive one, but due to the long yearning gap, he found himself equally eager in their current embrace. His fair skin, typically cold and pale, now blushed with a mix of shame and the warmth from Jiang Zhou’s caresses.

Eyes closed tightly, he allowed the husband advances, his trembling body conveying tension and shyness, while his lips actively sought out Jiang Zhou’s.

Despite his drunken haze, Jiang Zhou was pleasantly surprised by Wen Yan’s newfound initiative. Moving his hands, he couldn’t resist a sip of appreciation, leaving him to blush and remark, “So good.”

Familiar with the flow, his gentle words persisted even against potential refusal.

The two bodies, fitting deeply together, mirrored the beating hearts of two reunited souls. The charcoal fire danced as light snow transformed into a heavy fall, covering the ground in pristine white.

.

.

The next day, Wen Yan woke up feeling unexpectedly weak and sore. A tiredness greater than usual lingered.

Beside him, Jiang Zhou wore a satisfied expression, hands tightly securing his waist. Wen Yan glanced at him, a peculiar thought crossing his mind – a year-long restraint now released with fervor.

Unable to voice these musings, he remained silent. Despite any discomfort, he chose not to complain, only exchanging a frown for tears while wrapped in Jiang Zhou’s embrace.

Feeling sticky and uneasy, the desire to clean up surfaced. However, a pair of iron arms held him back before he could move.

Half-awake, Jiang Zhou yawned, pulling Wen Yan closer and murmuring, “Be good, wife, sleep a little longer,” before drifting back to sleep.

Wen Yan, restrained but amused, couldn’t help but ponder as the brazier flickered. In the midst of his musings, he realized the fire had dwindled, and Jiang Zhou, half-asleep, added more firewood, bringing a comforting warmth.

Drowsy, Wen Yan, on the brink of recalling something forgotten, curled up in Jiang Zhou’s arms and succumbed to sleep once more.

.

Upon waking, a soft “squeaking” sound outside caught his attention. He dressed and headed outdoors to find Lu Xiangxi beating eggs in the shed. This temporary “workshop” was crafted by Jiang Zhou to accommodate limited space in his house. The shed, made of wood and straw, boasted a warming fire, ensuring comfort even in the cold.

Lu Xiangxi paused his task upon hearing Wen Yan: “Madam, are you up?”

Wen Yan, still gathering his clothes, questioned why Lu Xiangxi was working on the first day of the new year: “I’m up; why are you still working?”

Lu Xiangxi explained, “A few days ago, several places ordered sponge cakes for the Chinese New Year. At home, I just warming up and chatting. I might as well go out and work.”

Wen Yan nodded in response, “Where is your teacher?”

Lu Xiangxi answered, “Teacher is meeting with the village chief. There is water on the stove, you can wash up and rest. Teacher would return soon.”

Wen Yan followed the suggestion, washing his face and changing clothes before returning.

He handed Lu Xiangxi a small sachet: “Here.”

Lu Xiangxi, finding a sharp-edged object inside, was initially scared. Wen Yan insisted he accept it, explaining, “Since you call him teacher and call me madam, then you have to accept this New Year’s money.”

Despite Lu Xiangxi’s reluctance, Jiang Zhou intervened, encouraging him to keep it for his children to play with.

Jiang Zhou then turned to Wen Yan, inquiring about his well-being.

Wen Yan reassured him, and when asked what he had done, Jiang Zhou handed him a paper.

Wen Yan unfolded it and exclaimed, “Land deed?!”