The next morning, Qi Taiguo returned from the military with a lunch box in his hand. He used a key to unlock and enter his home, pausing for a moment in mild surprise.
The house was clearly tidied and cleaned, everywhere scrubbed spotless and put in order. The windows were open, the gentle morning sun warm and inviting as it spilled in, and a light breeze made everything feel comfortable.
Something within him stirred slightly as he looked around, emotion welling up from the depths of his heart.
The house was still the same, and so was the furniture, but somehow he felt that overnight, something had changed. What exactly was different?
"Eh, how come youâre back?" Cheng Suâs voice came from behind him.
Qi Taiguo turned around to see her hair tied in a ponytail, her fair face dotted with water droplets, skin translucent and glowing, clearly having just washed her face.
He suddenly understood what was differentâit was the presence of another person in the house, a woman.
From now on, he was no longer a lone man, he had an additional responsibility on his shoulders, and the house would no longer be cold and empty.
So, this is what a home with a woman feels like, he mused.
"Yeah, we were out of rice and flour, so I brought back breakfast," Qi Taiguo lifted the lunch box in his hand.
Cheng Su smiled, "Thank you!"
She was grateful, but Qi Taiguo felt a bit awkward. Why so formal? He was somewhat unaccustomed to it.
He placed the lunch box on the table and said, "Iâm going to take a shower. Iâm all sweaty from the morning drills!" With that, he took a towel and entered the bathroom.
The bathroom too felt different, the scent wasnât the same, it had a special fragrance, Cheng Suâs body scent.
Qi Taiguo stood stupefied for a while, then sighed softly. Indeed, it was no longer just his own territory; everywhere bore the mark of someone elseâs presence.
Turning on the water, the corners of his mouth lifted slightlyâwhy did he feel this was not so bad after all?
After taking a cold shower, he came out to find Cheng Su already eating breakfast. She asked him, "Have you eaten yet?"
"I have," he replied.
"Then I wonât stand on ceremony!" Cheng Su smiled again.
When Qi Taiguo saw her smile, his gaze flickered briefly before he cleared his throat and said, "This house used to be just mine. Because Iâm often at the base, I havenât acquired many things. Look around and whatever you think is missing, go buy it."
Cheng Su swallowed the mouthful of steamed bread and said, "You really speak to my heart."
Qi Taiguo raised an eyebrow, settled down, and waited for her to continue.
Cheng Su said, "Qi Taiguo, letâs not talk about our past for the moment. Now we are married, and whether you like it or not, we are together, meant to share a life."
"So what? What are you trying to say?" Qi Taiguo hung the towel over his shoulder and crossed his arms over his chest.
Cheng Su smiled slightly and said, "I know you canât stand me and donât have room for me in your heart."
Qi Taiguo frowned.
"Ah, perhaps itâs better not to mention that. Feelings are hard to predict. You might not feel anything for me now, but who knows about the future. Letâs talk about how weâll live from now on. Weâll be sharing this home as husband and wife in name. But practically... well, I think we should both make an effort to create a good atmosphere at home so itâs comfortable for both of us. What do you think?" Cheng Su asked tentatively.
"What are you really trying to say?" he asked.
Cheng Su cleared her throat and said, "I mean, as cohabitants, shouldnât we lay down some ground rules?"