He Ran didn’t even grab the water, nearly tripping as he pushed back the chair.

Jian Xi was dragging her suitcase across the road when He Ran shouted, “Stay there, don’t move. There are too many cars.”

He braced himself on the railing, leapt over quickly, and dodged through honking cars, rushing over to pull Jian Xi into a tight embrace.

“How did you get here? Did you come alone? What time did you arrive? Why didn’t you call me?” He Ran fired off questions in quick succession, then pushed her slightly away to scrutinize her up and down.

Jian Xi: “I took three days off from the hospital and caught the last flight after work. I wanted to see you; I missed you so much.” Her voice softened towards the end, looking up at He Ran with pity. “You’ve lost weight.”

He Ran smiled. “I haven’t lost weight; my weight is still the same. It’s just that my muscles have tightened.”

Jian Xi looked skeptical.

He took her hand. “Don’t believe me? Feel it; my abs are rough.”

Finally, Jian Xi burst into laughter amidst tears.

He Ran picked up her suitcase. “Let’s go; I’ll get you a hotel room.”

Jian Xi: “Didn’t you rent a place? I don’t need to stay in a hotel.”

“The hotel environment is better. You must be exhausted after traveling all this way; rest well.” He Ran pulled her forward, but she slipped her hand out of his. He turned back. “What’s wrong?”

Jian Xi insisted: “Take me to your rented place. I want to see it.”

He Ran evaded her words, flustered by her persistence. After some thought, he quietly agreed.

After walking for five minutes, they turned into an older shopping mall building. The further they went, the colder Jian Xi’s heart felt.

He Ran reminded her from time to time: “Be careful, there are stairs here.”

The lights dimmed; only one motion-activated light illuminated the narrow corridor. Passing by five doors, He Ran lived in the last one. He took out his keys to unlock the door. Jian Xi saw the trash bin by the entrance, filled with used instant noodle containers.

He Ran said, “Wait at the door for a moment. The smell inside is strong; let it air out before coming in.”

He quickly entered the room, turning on the oscillating fan to ventilate. Jian Xi followed closely behind. The entire setup could be taken in at a glance—a thin mattress on a wooden bed and a small table beside it holding a lighter and cigarettes.

Jian Xi picked up the pack of cigarettes. “You even changed brands.”

“Huh?” He Ran turned around. “Oh, they aren’t as good as the previous ones.”

How good could they be? Jian Xi knew—they were simply cheaper.

He Ran unscrewed the cap and handed her a bottle of water. “What’s with that expression? You look sad. Don’t worry, I leave early and return late; I just sleep here. It’s not bad.”

Jian Xi’s emotions surged, blurting out, “I don’t want you to earn money anymore. Come back with me.”

He Ran laughed. “What are you saying, silly girl?”

Jian Xi said: “Silly or not, I know my husband suffers here, living in this basement, breathing in moldy air every day.”

He Ran feigned surprise, digging at his ear. “Wow, hearing it like this, I sound pretty great.” From behind, he gripped Jian Xi’s shoulders lightly, leaning close to whisper, “Listen to me. We haven’t seen each other for two months. Do you want me to make love to you in this basement?”

Jian Xi struggled slightly. “Who said I wanted you to do that?”

He Ran chuckled softly, pressing against her ear. “Alright, alright, I want you to take care of me. Are you going to take care of me, wife?”

Overwhelmed by longing, Jian Xi felt like a sponge soaking in emotion, needing He Ran’s support to stand.

She turned around, hugging He Ran’s neck, and kissed him while standing on tiptoes.

Their tongues found each other, quenching their thirst eagerly. In the damp heat of the room, both drenched in sweat, He Ran couldn’t hold out long. Lifting Jian Xi’s long dress, he used his tongue to pleasure her.

Jian Xi was pushed onto the wooden bed, clutching the sheets tightly, matching He Ran’s rhythm.

The moldy walls creaked with the oscillating fan, masking the sensual sounds from the bed.

He Ran didn’t last long the first time, finishing quickly.

The second time, he came fiercely. Jian Xi endured it with difficulty, fully cooperating.

“You’re so obedient,” He Ran panted, pulling her into his arms. With a slight movement, the bed creaked in agreement.

The sweat on Jian Xi’s forehead retained its warmth. She softly said, “You were very obedient today too.”

Hearing this, He Ran chuckled softly.

Jian Xi closed her eyes. “Should I take birth control pills?”

Her calm tone masked her anxious wait.

He Ran’s voice was deep as he slowly said, “Wife, let’s have a child.”

Without opening her eyes, Jian Xi softly responded, “Mm.”

He Ran held her tighter. “I’ll fetch some water for you to shower.”

Jian Xi tried to get up but was stopped by him. “Don’t move, lie down.”

“Why?”

“After making love, lying down increases the chances of conception.”

“...”

Jian Xi was speechless. He Ran chuckled. “All you search online are these things. I can recite them. But honestly, it’s not about positions; it’s about whether the man is skilled.”

Jian Xi muttered, “This theory isn’t scientific at all.”

Nevertheless, she maintained her position, lying there for a long time before getting up.

He Ran brought in two large buckets of hot water. The bathroom only had cold showers. In the cramped space, He Ran stood under the cold water while Jian Xi squatted to wash with warm water. She looked up at his toned body, licking her lips.

He Ran laughed. “Are you acting like a puppy?”

Jian Xi: “Yes, acting like you.”

“Cheeky thing.” Grinning, He Ran picked up the soap and squatted down. “Come closer; let me wash your back.”

Obediently, Jian Xi moved her feet, stumbled slightly, and fell backward.

He Ran yelped, “My balls!”

Jian Xi hastily turned around, thrilled. “What happened? Did they break?”

He Ran: “...”

With one hand, he pretended to choke her neck. “Do you want to climax tomorrow, hmm?”

Jian Xi: “...”

“Squat properly, I’ll wash your back.” He Ran pretended to be fierce, but his hands remained gentle, fearing he might hurt her.

After washing, their exhaustion was swept away, and they were energized again.

He Ran handed Jian Xi the three thousand yuan he earned today. “Here, take it.”

Jian Xi exclaimed, extending her thumb to press it against He Ran’s forehead. “I give you a thumbs up.”

Leaning against the headboard, He Ran bit a cigarette between his teeth without lighting it, savoring the dry sensation. Since getting married, he had consciously reduced his smoking.

Jian Xi wore He Ran’s T-shirt, her face fair, happily counting the money. “In the future, if you earn three thousand a day, I’ll cook ribs for you; two thousand, meat; less than that, we’ll eat Chinese cabbage.”

He Ran sat up straight, his long legs wrapping around Jian Xi. He grinned with the cigarette in his mouth. “How much should I earn to eat you?”

This position pressed them tightly together. Jian Xi wriggled, and He Ran deliberately thrust against her.

“You’re impossible!” Jian Xi scolded.

“Hmm?” He Ran narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerous. “Impossible how?”

Jian Xi shivered, immediately softening, collapsing into his arms. “Absolutely treasured.”

The old fan on the wall continued to oscillate tirelessly, sending refreshing breezes.

The couple squeezed onto the narrow wooden bed, embracing within this confined space as if they held the entire world.

He Ran woke up at three in the morning. He quietly got out of bed, trying not to wake his still-sleeping wife.

But as soon as he stepped down, Jian Xi abruptly sat up, startling He Ran. “What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?”

Jian Xi rubbed her eyes, blinking hard to wake up fully. “I’ll go with you.”

“Oh my god.” He Ran quickly calmed her down. “I have to follow the truck; it’s tiring on the road. You can go shopping today, and tomorrow I’ll take you out, okay?”

Jian Xi, her sleepy eyes barely open, decisively threw off the blanket. “It’s fine, I’m not tired. I want to go with you.”

“Slowly, slowly, your clothes are here.” He Ran steadied her and handed her a bra.

Jian Xi quickly stripped off the T-shirt and dressed herself. “I promise, I won’t bother you. I’ll just be a good little follower.”

Amused, He Ran thought for a moment and agreed.

Thus, Jian Xi became a “bodyguard” for the day.

This trip wasn’t far, from Shenzhen to a small town in Humen. If all went smoothly, they’d return by four in the afternoon.

First, He Ran went to the freight station to load the goods. The late-night air carried the fresh scent of dew. He Ran, wearing short sleeves, flexed his muscles with each movement, exuding vitality.

“Jian Xi, get in the truck,” He Ran called out from a distance, his voice strong.

“Coming!” Excited, Jian Xi ran over. The truck was high, making it difficult to climb into the seat. Fearing she might fall, He Ran simply lifted her up.

Many people around them chuckled at the sight.

Feeling embarrassed, Jian Xi remained quiet while He Ran confidently said, “I’m not holding any other woman. Holding my wife is only natural.”

Under the dim light of dawn, the truck started moving.

He Ran had to help the driver keep an eye on things, so he didn’t dare sleep. Jian Xi dozed off and woke up to bright sunshine.

After exiting the Humen highway, they headed west, then took a winding mountain road. Their destination was a freight station halfway up the mountain.

Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, a problem arose.

On a mountain road near Humen Fort, their truck was stopped by a group of people.

The leader was an old woman who dramatically pulled out a large hen, claiming it had been crushed by their truck.

She wailed and performed theatrically, “I’m just an old woman relying on this chicken to lay eggs for money! What will I do now that it’s dead!”

Soon, a group of “onlookers” gathered, loudly criticizing and blaming them.

He Ran immediately realized they had encountered a gang of scammers.

“Stay put, don’t get out of the truck,” he instructed Jian Xi and told the driver to keep watch. Then he jumped down. The driver quickly locked the truck, and Jian Xi watched nervously as He Ran approached them.

“Ma’am, this chicken wasn’t crushed by our truck. Look, there’s no blood on the tires,” He Ran explained with a polite smile.

The woman exploded, “It’s definitely your truck! Does there have to be blood for proof? I saw it clearly with my own eyes! Are you bullying me because I’m old?”

He Ran stepped back slightly to avoid her spittle.

Patiently, he tried to negotiate, “Ma’am, how about this: I’ll give you two hundred yuan as if I’m buying this chicken from you.”

“Two hundred? Are you treating me like a beggar?” The old woman cried and screamed loudly, “How pitiful! How unreasonable!”

The young “onlookers” began to protest fiercely, accusing He Ran.

He Ran remained calm, still smiling, and took out his wallet from his pocket. The old woman keenly eyed his hand, watching intently.

He Ran took out his wallet and opened it to show, “Ma’am, look, I’m just a truck assistant. I only have three hundred yuan for meals on the road. Earning this money isn’t easy; you can take it all.”

He handed the money over, but the old woman slapped it to the ground, sat down, and started throwing a tantrum.

He Ran coldly watched the farce, coolly asking the old woman, “Then how much do you want?”

The old woman paused her rolling and loudly demanded, “Three thousand!”

The surrounding people immediately surrounded He Ran, shouting fiercely, “Pay three thousand! Without three thousand, you’re not leaving!”

The old woman screamed even more dramatically, “I’m dying! The wheels crushed me!”

He Ran removed his polite facade, anger seeping into his eyes. He stepped back and quickly picked up a solid red brick, threatening to smash it at someone.

This sudden move caught them off guard, instinctively dodging.

Seizing this opportunity, He Ran dashed toward the truck!

“Xiao Zhang! Open the door! Reverse!”

The driver, quick-witted, immediately shifted gears and hit the accelerator. Jian Xi, terrified of He Ran being caught by those people, didn’t think twice. She pulled out pepper spray from her bag and nimbly jumped out of the truck.

“Hey! Sister-in-law!” The driver shouted in alarm, “Brother Ran! Sister-in-law got out of the truck!”

He Ran was terrified, “Jian Xi!”

He was already chased down by them, ferociously intending to attack him. He Ran moved swiftly, each move fierce and determined.

Outnumbered, he quickly found himself at a disadvantage.

Jian Xi, fueled by determination, picked up a thick wooden stick from the roadside and struck the nearest person forcefully, “Get away! Don’t touch him!”

With this assistance, He Ran found it easier. He never lost in a fight, quickly knocking down three or four people.

Jian Xi was like a female warrior. Except for He Ran, she closed her eyes and attacked anyone else.

When someone lunged at her, He Ran cursed, grabbing the person’s collar and throwing them to the ground.

Jian Xi dropped the stick, pulling out the pepper spray and spraying it at the mob like insecticide.

Pained screams filled the air. He Ran grabbed her hand, “Run!”

They quickly climbed into the truck. The door slammed shut, and they sped away.

Jian Xi, still shaken, looked like a little madwoman with her messy hair. Meeting He Ran’s gaze, they both burst into laughter.

He Ran, still alarmed, gritted his teeth and raised Jian Xi’s chin, “If you disobey me again, I’ll leave you.”

Jian Xi blinked, panting as she made a promise, “Then I won’t obey.”

He Ran: “...”

Jian Xi: “Whoever bullies my husband, I’ll fight them to the death.”

The driver beside them gave a thumbs-up, stealing the spotlight, “Sister-in-law, badass!”

He Ran’s racing heart gradually calmed down, and he softened his tone, “Are you hurt?”

Jian Xi shook her head, “Without this, I wouldn’t have known how good I am at fighting.”

He Ran laughed bitterly, “Do you think this is something to be proud of?”

Jian Xi’s face fell, admitting defeat, “Actually, my legs are still shaking.”

He Ran: “...”

This trip, though perilous, ended safely. Returning to Shenzhen, they took a detour via a national road before getting on the highway.

He Ran and the driver took turns driving, with Jian Xi chatting softly to keep him company.

As the sun set behind the mountains, the soft afterglow enveloped He Ran’s figure, enhancing his features.

Jian Xi knew it wasn’t easy to make a comeback. Every effort He Ran made was a desperate struggle.

Off the highway, at a red light, He Ran reached over and pulled her close.

Jian Xi tilted her head, “What?”

He Ran earnestly said, “It’s been two hours since we last held hands. I’ve missed it.”

Jian Xi smiled at him, their eyes meeting without words. She tightened her grip on his hand.

The three-day holiday ended quickly.

At departure, Jian Xi couldn’t bear to part, crying profusely on He Ran’s shoulder. After calming down, she steadied her emotions and boarded the plane without worrying him.

Two hours later, the plane landed safely.

Jian Xi had just reached the exit when Tao Xinglai’s car was waiting there, “Sis, over here.”

After getting in the car, Tao Xinglai exclaimed, “You look like a neglected wife.”

“Shut up.” Jian Xi was still immersed in the sadness of separation.

“I bet Brother He is tanned. If he’s tanned, that’s good. His looks can drop a point, and I’ll be jealous,” Tao Xinglai imagined happily.

Jian Xi peeled a candy and stuffed it directly into Tao Xinglai’s mouth, “Shut up.”

“One last thing,” Tao Xinglai licked the candy, “Banana flavor. I don’t like it.”

“Wait, I have one more thing to say,” Tao Xinglai added, “Sis, you haven’t told me if Brother He is tanned.”

“No, I forgot one thing. Mom wants... um...”

Jian Xi was utterly annoyed and fed him another candy.

This time he stayed silent, as it was strawberry-flavored, which he loved.

Without He Ran by her side, Jian Xi’s life became routine and monotonous.

Going to work, coming home, visiting her parents more often, especially this week, eating every meal at home. Each time, she called Tao Xihong in the morning to report what she wanted to eat for dinner.

During dinner, Jian Xi drank all the soup from the sour fish hot pot. Tao Xihong, perceptive, cautiously asked, “You’ve never been fond of fish. Has your taste changed recently?”

Jian Xi paused while holding the bowl, casually replying, “Hmm, I ate at a colleague’s house and found it quite good.”

After dinner, Jian Xi didn’t linger and returned to her apartment.

In the bathroom, she took out the remaining pregnancy test kit. After all, her period was due in a few days.

Not expecting much, she casually tested it.

After washing her hands, she glanced casually and was thunderstruck.

On the pregnancy test, two red lines appeared clearly.

Winter passed, spring arrived. In the magical March, new life indeed possessed extraordinary power.

As dreamt, Jian Xi was pregnant.