Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 33.1

Chapter 33.1
Li Zhi’s voice was soft and soothing. As he leaned in and whispered those words in her ear, Shen Qingqing nearly bought it.
‘But Li Zhi is such a good actor… So how can I easily believe his words…? Shen Qingqing couldn’t help but feel a bit suspicious. “You claim you married me for love, but where’s your proof?” Shen Qingqing pressed him again.
Li Zhi released her from his embrace but didn’t let go of her small hand. With a bittersweet smile, he faced her doubts. “I don’t have any proof.”
Shen Qingqing scoffed, “Then don’t be surprised if I don’t believe you.”
Li Zhi gazed into her bright almond-shaped eyes and smiled. “I don’t blame you, and I don’t regret not saving you that day.”
Shen Qingqing was taken aback.
She asked what he just said, but Li Zhi just kept laughing, which only fuelled her anger. Struggling to free herself, she stomped on his foot with all her might, trying to crush it.
Li Zhi didn’t flinch; he bore it without a change in his expression.
Shen Qingqing realised she was unable to beat the stupid man, so she was about to demanded he let her go when Li Zhi suddenly bent down, wrapped his arms around her legs, and swiftly turned. In an instant, Shen Qingqing found herself on the table.
Unsure of his intentions, she jumped down in a panic, but Li Zhi caught her shoulders and leaned in closer.
Shen Qingqing instinctively backed away until she hit a wall, and suddenly Li Zhi’s striking face was right before her. She spun around and snapped at him, “You…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Li Zhi quickly brushed his lips against hers, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of water.
Shen Qingqing was taken aback.
She stared at him, unable to believe what just happened.
Li Zhi held her gaze and declared, “Miss Seven, I don’t regret what I did that day. Regret doesn’t help; I’m here to make it right. Just wait, and I’ll turn you into the finest lady in the capital.”
His tone was confident, almost like he was stating a fact, and she could see her reflection in his sharp, phoenix-like eyes.
Shen Qingqing looked down, unsure of how to reply.
She was torn about whether to trust him this time.
Later that night, Li Zhi wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Shen Qingqing felt herself sweating and her breath quickening.
“It’s all wet back here,” Li Zhi remarked as his hand brushed against her damp coat.
Shen Qingqing didn’t want to admit it, so she stammered, “It’s because you’re sweating too much.”
Li Zhi chuckled and suddenly placed his large hand in front of her.
Shen Qingqing yelped in surprise and tried to swat his hand away.
Li Zhi asked earnestly, “Can my sweat really seep through and wet you?”
“Let go!” She knew he wasn’t just trying to talk about sweat.
Li Zhi took Shen Qingqing’s hand and whispered, “Miss Seven, if I really wanted to force you, you wouldn’t have a chance to refuse. But I’m willing to wait. One day, you’ll come to me on your own.”
Shen Qingqing instinctively shot back, “In your dreams!”
Li Zhi chuckled and playfully rubbed her ear, saying, “How could I ever want to sleep without my beloved wife in my arms?”
With that, he pulled Shen Qingqing closer, holding her tightly.
****
One day, at three o’clock in the afternoon, Li Zhi was taking a break and napping in Shen Qingqing’s embrace.
Shen Qingqing had been married for over half a month now. During this time, Li Zhi had been incredibly kind and chatty with her. Even though she still had her doubts about his sincerity, she was slowly getting used to his presence and didn’t give him the cold shoulder as much. On good days, they could have normal conversations.
“A new jewellery store just opened in town, and I heard their craftsmen are top-notch. Can I take you shopping?” Li Zhi asked, running his fingers through his young wife’s long black hair.
Shen Qingqing raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why would a military commander like you care about jewellery? Who told you that?”
Li Zhi paused for a moment, and Shen Qingqing’s curiosity was increased. She recalled how often he had been out late over the past few weeks and frowned, guessing, “Did you visit a brothel?”
Li Zhi raised his eyebrows, stared at her, and asked, “Do you mind?”
“If you’re looking for a woman, I can find you a nice girl to be your concubine. But honestly, those brothels are full of dirt and who knows what else. You might end up catching something and passing it on to me,” Shen Qingqing scoffed, pushing the man away.
‘That was a bit much.’Li Zhi quickly explained. “I’m not into that. Once you have a baby, you won’t have time for shopping anyway. I just went to meet my grandma yesterday, and she mentioned taking you out when I have time.”
At first, Shen Qingqing was a bit doubtful, but then she realised Li Zhi was always around her. It didn’t seem like he had the energy to chase after anyone else.
“Forget it. Before I got married, my grandfather specifically told me not to live extravagantly just because my husband’s family is wealthy. If he knew you were taking me to a jewellery store, he’d definitely have second thoughts.”
Now Shen Qingqing wasn’t really interested in such things. Before marriage, she tried everything to get her grandfather to approve of her lifestyle, but after marrying Li Zhi, her interest in clothes and jewellery just vanished. Since it was gone, why bother thinking about it?
Li Zhi didn’t expect his wife to save money for him, so he playfully twisted her hair and said, “Then I’ll just have them bring some stuff for you to pick from.”
Since he was so keen on showing off, Shen Qingqing replied coolly, “Do what you want.”
Have a nice day!