novelzi Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Jiang Zhou took him to a food-related market, right next to Sanshu Lane, which turned into a dark alley.
The dark alley was primarily filled with fish vendors. Due to the town’s dense water network, the fish there weren’t particularly valuable. However, because of the mountains around them, there was very little farmlands that could owned by the villagers.
Hence, many people continued to catch fish. These fishmongers not only sold their catch to nearby villages but also sold it in this dark alley.
Consequently, the strong fishy odor in this area was quite choking.
As they strolled through this dark alley, Jiang Zhou made a conscious effort to keep a distance from the fish stalls, because Wen Yan had a very sensitive nose.
In the past, when Wen Yan cooked, the one thing he didn’t prepare was fish. He didn’t like it because of its strong fishy smell. In fact, Wen Yan felt a shiver down his spine at the sight of fish scales.
However, with their villages around the river, fish was very much ingrained in their meal. After all, they could catch it for free while meat would need money to buy it. Wen Yan wasn’t a fan of preparing fish, but he loved to eat it.
Every time, Jiang Zhou would buy cleaned fish, never killing them in front of Wen Yan. He made sure the scales were removed. He was quite particular about it, and the local vendors knew it was that his wife was scared of fish scales. So, every time Jiang Zhou came to buy fish, the vendors meticulously scaled them for him.
However, not all vendors were patient. Some fish were not properly cleaned. Jiang Zhou didn’t mind. He would borrow a knife and patiently handle them himself so as not to frighten Wen Yan.
During this particular visit, Jiang Zhou led Wen Yan to detour down Jiangshui Lane.
There was a slaughterhouse in this area, but it was not doing well. Only one butcher had managed to survive over the years.@@@@
The butcher’s last name was Chen. He was a tall, robust man with a very kind demeanor. When he spotted Jiang Zhou, he warmly greeted him, “Long time no see, Jiang Da!”
Indeed, it had been a while since their last meeting. Jiang Zhou used to be a regular here.
He bought some meat to bring back for his wife to restore her strength. After the time traveler came, that man had bought meat from him twice. However, he had been busy with work, and his wealth had gradually dwindled, so Butcher Chen hadn’t seen him in quite some time.
Butcher Chen glanced at Wen Yan who was following Jiang Zhou and understood the situation. He envied Jiang Zhou’s deep affection for his wife, “You two have a great relationship. You always come here for years for him. You truly love him.”
Jiang Zhou scratched his head in embarrassment, but didn’t display false modesty. He simply replied, “You’re too kind. We’ve been sweethearts since childhood. It’s a blessing to marry Wen Yan in this life.”
After some time, Wen Yan touched his own warm cheeks and hesitated, “What are you thinking?”
Jiang Zhou moved closer, his eyes filled with depth, and he replied, “You are so beautiful.”
Wen Yan’s face reddened even more, and he pursed his lips without saying a word. Seeing Jiang Zhou approaching, he didn’t resist, instead leaning against the wall.
Jiang Zhou was quite nervous. His hands were already clenched into fists behind his back, and his heart was pounding loudly, as though it might burst at any moment.
As they drew nearer, they could almost hear each other’s rapid heartbeats.
Jiang Zhou reached out and gently brushed away the vines hanging near Wen Yan’s ears. He used this motion to press Wen Yan against the wall.
Wen Yan had closed his eyes ready; his trembling eyelids showed his nervousness.
A warm and moist breath blew into Wen Yan’s ear which made his ear turned redder.
Jiang Zhou deliberately lowered his voice and said closely, “I want to kiss you.”
Their feeling had always been a matter of letting nature took its course. Jiang Zhou’s most unrestrained words were just ‘I love you’, when the two had their wedding.
How could Wen Yan be able to bear such a straightforward statement like this? He was so embarrassed that he opened his eyes!
But, as soon as he opened his eyes, he was covered by Jiang Zhou’s warm palm then he felt Jiang Zhou came closer to him.
His lips were held and rubbed carefully and a tongue licked between the lips then sneaked inside his mouth. When he gasped, his mouth was already wide open.
Jiang Zhou kissed Wen Yan sweetly, as if he could feel that he had truly returned from the warm of Wen Yan’s mouth.
Free from the possession of another’s soul and a year of slumber.
In this gentle and undeniable kiss, he poured his heartache, regret, and guilt.