Chapter 9: Temptation

He coughed again, playing the role of the sick and weak very well, "But Aunt is particularly concerned about my health and worries about descendants. She will definitely ask you tomorrow..."

Su An'an understood. He was afraid that Liu would ask, and she might reveal the truth, causing Liu to become suspicious again. She immediately assured, "Tomorrow with Aunt, I know what to answer, husband, don't worry."

Shen Juncheng was surprised.

She had Liu's orders, even without using medicine, Shen Juncheng thought she might have hidden intentions, but unexpectedly, she was very calm, even with a trace of relief on her face, as if she was also breathing a sigh of relief without the consummation.

Dispelling his doubts, he said decorously, "Then it would be hard on Madam."

"Not hard at all; my husband's health is more important."

After speaking, she took one of the two quilts on the bed, spread it out, and then considerately said, "You've been tired all day, husband, hurry up and rest."

"If you need anything, just call me directly."

Shen Juncheng glimpsed at her out of the corner of his eye and replied, "Okay."

Throughout, they were courteous and respectful to each other, like guests.

Su An'an finished making the bed and subconsciously felt her sleeve, finding it empty. She was instantly alarmed and quickly turned her head, only to find it had fallen onto the new bed. It must have slipped from her sleeve while she was carrying the quilt, and she breathed a sigh of relief, hurrying over to retrieve it.

Perhaps in a hurry, just as she reached the bedside, her left foot suddenly stepped on the hem of her skirt.

"Ah..." Accompanied by a surprised cry, she fell straight forward.

Shen Juncheng had already reached the bedside, feeling a sudden gust behind him. His expression immediately became serious. What was this supposed to mean, planning to launch an open attack?

Instinctively turning around, he prepared to exert force in his palm, but instead of an ambush, he was met with a beauty falling into his arms, with a faint fragrance.

With a clatter, the noise was quite loud. Shen Juncheng was knocked onto the soft, large red bed by Su An'an, causing the canopy to sway.

The two young maids outside the door heard the soft call and noise, their ears instantly reddening, then moved in unison towards the corridor; they couldn't listen to the master's affairs.

On the side of the corridor, Mama Li heard the noise, her old face beaming with a smug smile, and she quietly turned away.

Su An'an was stunned for a second, looking at the handsome face just inches away, eyes widening.

Her face turned bright red, and she quickly climbed off him, clumsily sorting out her clothes, "Sorry, I didn't mean to, I just wanted to come over and get something, stepped on the hem of my skirt accidentally, didn't stand firm, and knocked you over. I'm truly sorry."

"Are you alright?"

Her apology was sincere, but her earlier actions made Shen Juncheng sarcastic internally.

Huh, he wondered why she didn't have a follow-up move, so this was the plan.

Afraid the medicine might give them away, so instead planning to directly seduce him?

The way she fell into his arms just now, claiming it was unintentional, was hard for Shen Juncheng to believe.

Su An'an turned out to be pretty cautious.

His eyes darkened slightly, and he slowly sat up, coughing a few times to appear weak, then pretended to be surprised and asked, "Does Madam wish to consummate the marriage?"

Su An'an was utterly embarrassed, "No, it's not like that, I just..."

"Sorry," Shen Juncheng interrupted Su An'an's words, pretending to be helpless, "I've been feeling unwell lately, really lacking the strength, alas..."

He hesitated, looking extremely troubled, "Maybe wait until I regain some health."

Su An'an was so embarrassed her head almost smoked, feeling like the more she explained, the worse it got.

Indeed, her earlier actions were bold, directly knocking him down.

She closed her eyes and explained once more that she really only came to get something, not at all what he imagined.

Her expression was serious, not the slightest hint of fabrication.

Shen Juncheng didn't speak, glancing at her briefly, then covered his mouth and pretended to cough weakly again, asking, "Then what was Madam looking for?"

"Oh, while carrying the quilt earlier, my bracelet accidentally slipped onto the bed."

Su An'an quickly walked over and picked up the item beside him, putting it back into her sleeve.

Shen Juncheng squinted slightly; it was clearly not a bracelet, but a delicate Butterfly Jade Pendant.

Why was she so anxious to retrieve it? Could the jade pendant hold some secret?

Or was it a gift from someone she cared about?

He pondered secretly, saying nothing but habitually pretending to cough a few times,

Su An'an heard the chain of coughs, feeling slightly uneasy, wondering if her reckless pounce earlier had caused him internal injuries.

"Are you sure you're alright? Should I call a doctor for you?"

Shen Juncheng stopped coughing, waved his hand, "No need, it's an old ailment, just need a rest."

Su An'an breathed a sigh of relief, "As long as you're alright. Then hurry and rest, husband."

"Hmm, you too."

Su An'an smiled, considerately letting down the curtains when she left.

Returning to the couch, she rubbed the jade pendant in her sleeve, thinking she should make a lanyard to wear it around her neck.

This jade pendant, she must not lose it again in this lifetime.

After an incense stick's time, the room fell silent. After a tiring day, Su An'an had already fallen asleep.

However, the dream was uneasy.

She seemed to be back in the alley, washing clothes, chopping wood in the scorching weather, with endless chores.

She was tired, hot, and thirsty.

But she couldn't find any water, and the sun was exceptionally harsh, making her sweat profusely, unable to move.

She couldn't go any further and collapsed in the alley, the heat drying up the moisture in her body, her thirst unquenchable. Just then, a man suddenly approached...

She couldn't see his features clearly. She only saw him rubbing his hands, revealing a sleazy smile, then reaching out as if he wanted to...

"No, no," she retreated in fear, "Don't come over, don't come..."

"Ah..." Su An'an suddenly woke up, sitting up, instinctively checking her clothes.

Intact, not torn.

Dragon and phoenix wedding candles burned all night, casting a dim light over the entire room. Su An'an looked around, taking a deep breath, calming her inner fear.

It was a dream, just a dream.

It wasn't real; she had come back, come back...

She would never return to the alley again.

She repeatedly comforted herself, then helplessly hugged her knees.

Shen Juncheng slightly lifted the bed curtain, watching her curled-up back, his eyes profound.

When the aftermath of the nightmare passed, Su An'an realized she was genuinely thirsty and quite hot, with a thin layer of sweat on her forehead.

Barefoot, without even wearing shoes, she went to the table and poured a cup of water, drinking it all at once.

Still thirsty, she poured two more cups.

After three consecutive cups, it slightly alleviated her thirst, but she was still very hot. She wondered why it was so hot, even though it was only an April night?

Touching her cheeks, they were somewhat feverish.

She wondered, what was happening?

Slowly walking back to the couch, she suddenly felt like ants were gnawing inside her, her blood seemed to be stirring.

Her legs weakened, and she fell before the couch.