Shen Qingqing knew Lin Fengmian didn't like her and didn't plan to visit the Lin Family early.
It was more practical to go back and translate a few pages of manuscript to earn more fee.
"Where to?"
Shen Qingqing didn't turn back, "Back to the guesthouse."
If it were before, Jiang Zhixun wouldn't have objected.
But Sister-in-law Wang's words still left a mark on his heart.
Imagining Shen Qingqing alone in a room, looking lonely, he inexplicably felt a bit sorry for her.
She endured so much hardship to come to the Northwest.
Anyway, she won't stay long, so it'd be better to be nice to her for now.
With his hand in his coat pocket, he appeared indifferent, "Come with me to the dormitory to get something."
Shen Qingqing refused, "I can't enter the dormitory, better wait here for you."
Jiang Zhixun had a serious expression, "Is this your attitude?"
"What attitude?"
Shen Qingqing found him inexplicable.
Since he wants to draw a line with her, shouldn't he be happy now?
Nervously glancing at Jiang Zhixun, she wondered if he took Sister-in-law Wang's words seriously?
She hurriedly asked, "When are you submitting the application?"
The hand in the coat pocket tightened slightly.
Jiang Zhixun said, "If you keep this up, don't blame me for not cooperating with you. After all, you didn't cooperate well with me, which made Sister-in-law criticize me."
Shen Qingqing let out a sigh of relief.
Seeing Sister-in-law Wang still standing at the door sending them off, she said with a fake smile, "As long as you're happy."
Jiang Zhixun's mouth curled slightly.
Then quickly straightened.
He always felt that this trip to the Northwest, Shen Qingqing seemed different from before.
Thinking that three years had passed, people couldn't stay unchanged, Jiang Zhixun felt relieved again.
He took long strides, walking ahead of Shen Qingqing, "Keep up."
Shen Qingqing waved to Sister-in-law Wang, signaling her to go home, before turning to follow Jiang Zhixun.
Just as before, they still walked one in front of the other.
But those who knew Jiang Zhixun could see that he was deliberately slowing his pace.
Shen Qingqing's arrival at the compound on the first day caused quite a stir.
After two days of fermentation, everyone knew Jiang Zhixun was married, and his wife was a beauty.
Walking on the road now, Shen Qingqing noticed people secretly watching her.
Even some women grouped in threes or fours hurried over but didn't approach, just awkwardly watching her and Jiang Zhixun from a distance.
Shen Qingqing guessed in her heart; they were Jiang Zhixun's admirers.
Outstanding men always easily attract the affection of women, which is normal.
The conduct between men and women was strictly managed, even after three years, Shen Qingqing never doubted whether Jiang Zhixun would do anything out of line.
He just didn't like her, feeling calculated by her and Grandpa Jiang.
Not the kind of scoundrel with his foot in several boats.
The man in front suddenly stopped, Shen Qingqing also stopped.
There was at least a three-meter gap between the two.
Jiang Zhixun turned his head to look at her, "Are you a turtle, walking so slowly?"
Shen Qingqing also had a temper, "Then why don't you go alone, why insist on me following?"
She looked cold and indifferent, not like she was intentionally being petty.
More gazes landed on them.
Jiang Zhixun pursed his lips, walking back towards Shen Qingqing.
His shoulder held her, and Shen Qingqing was completely stunned.
Back in the county guesthouse, he held her like this, the situation was special, so it was understandable.
But now, why suddenly hold her?
"Don't move."
Shen Qingqing took a deep breath, "In broad daylight, mind the impact."
Jiang Zhixun suddenly felt like teasing her.
Would it be fine at night?
He changed his words as they came out, "With so many people watching, don't give them a chance to make wild guesses."
Shen Qingqing tilted her head to look at him.
Just right, Jiang Zhixun lowered his head, showing his deep and sharp eyes.
She chuckled softly, "When did you start caring about this?"
Jiang Zhixun seemed indifferent, "Now."
He switched to holding Shen Qingqing's hand, taking her quickly away.
Seeing this scene, someone whispered, "Wasn't it said that their marital feelings weren't good? Why is Captain Jiang so proactive, it doesn't seem like the rumors."
"Miss Shen is beautiful, and also Captain Jiang's right and proper wife, there are many ways to please him, I guess they made up."
"Never thought Captain Jiang would be proactive, he's cold like an ice cube, wanting to stay as far away from women as possible, I thought he wouldn't come to his senses and would be single forever."
"Having a wife, of course, wouldn't notice other women..."
As those words came out, someone ran away covering her face.
They came this time wanting to see what kind of woman could make Jiang Zhixun agree to marriage.
Now they have seen.
Shen Qingqing really is beautiful, standing next to Jiang Zhixun, the man is handsome and tall, the woman is beautiful and slender.
Their temperament was excellent, at a glance they were educated and knowledgeable.
With such a woman, how could they compete?
Moreover, they were married, there was no place to compete, certainly couldn't ruin their marriage showing no face.
That would be self-destructive, and the outcome would be miserable.
Anyone thinking clearly would avoid doing such foolish things!
Someone shook her head, "Captain Jiang's marriage probably saddened many women who like him."
"There are many outstanding men, if Jiang Zhixun is married, just choose someone else, how big a deal."
"Are matters of emotion ever that simple?"
"Then what can be done, they're married, immoral things can't be done."
"Unless someday Captain Jiang and Miss Shen divorce, otherwise, the other women have no chance."
"..."
The man's temper ran high; holding Jiang Zhixun's hand, Shen Qingqing's hand also burned.
Spread all the way, up to her face.
Jiang Zhixun felt somewhat dizzy too; this was the first time he held Shen Qingqing's hand.
Three years ago at the civil affairs bureau to get the certificate, Shen Qingqing actively held his arm.
Compared to now, holding hands was clearly more intimate.
He didn't know what she applied, her hand was soft and smooth, as if without bones.
Jiang Zhixun instinctively squeezed, the feeling was good, making him want to hold tighter.
The calloused skin of his fingertip brushed across the back of her hand, Shen Qingqing's face suddenly reddened.
In the corner of her eye, Jiang Zhixun was still that icy cold look, somewhat absent-minded, not knowing what he was thinking.
It felt like being splashed with cold water, and the blush disappeared instantly.
Shen Qingqing came to her senses, "We've walked far enough."
As she withdrew her hand, the man suddenly increased his strength, "Still twenty meters, wait for me downstairs."
Jiang Zhixun turned his head, seriously instructing, "Don't talk to other men."
Shen Qingqing glared at him, irritated, and turned her head.
She didn't struggle anymore.
The weather was very cold.
Yet Jiang Zhixun's ears were burning hot, unable to suppress the steaming heat.
Finally, he told himself.
Shen Qingqing was the wife on his household registration, and they would have children soon.
Starting with holding hands, it's good to adapt.
Otherwise, doing that kind of thing right away would be awkward for both of them.
Maybe... he'd escape again.