Tang Qiyue's face flushed instantly.
Even knowing Zhan Zeyi wasn't usually good with words, hearing something like that at this moment still caught her off guard.
"How… gentle do you mean?"
Her thoughts spiraled out of control, pulling up all kinds of chaotic memories. Her mind felt like it was about to explode.
Before she could sort anything out, Zhan Zeyi reached out, extinguished the oil lamp, and pulled her into the blankets.
"Of course I'll be gentle."
Tang Qiyue closed her eyes, bracing herself for what she thought he meant.
But instead, she was simply held in his arms—used as a pillow—with no further movement.
…
If not for the earlier kisses and teasing, she might have thought he knew nothing at all.
A married couple sharing a bed… was this really all there was?
Just hugging?
So what did he mean earlier?
Had she misunderstood everything?
Her thoughts grew more and more chaotic until, eventually, she gave up trying to figure it out.
Zhan Zeyi was all talk and no action.
With that conclusion, Tang Qiyue adjusted her position and soon fell asleep.
Only after her breathing steadied did Zhan Zeyi slowly open his eyes.
The grievance in them was obvious—though only to himself.
His wife was right there in his arms, yet he couldn't do anything.
What kind of suffering was this?
His mind replayed his mother-in-law's warnings—he could hold her, kiss her, even tease her a little, but he must not hurt her.
But what was wrong with a little discomfort?
He reached out and gently poked Tang Qiyue's cheek.
It felt soft.
Tempting.
He wanted to poke it again… but stopped himself.
Coward.
In the end, he shifted slightly, pulling back just a little while still holding her close.
If nothing else, at least he could hold her.
That night, Tang Qiyue slept poorly.
It felt like being wrapped inside a furnace—warm and suffocating. And the constant, faint nibbling at her neck made it worse.
Annoyed, she slapped back without opening her eyes.
Finally, the disturbance stopped.
Silence returned, and she drifted into deeper sleep.
The next morning, when she opened her eyes, Zhan Zeyi was already gone—most likely out for morning training.
She removed her earplugs and placed them in the small box beside her bed before getting dressed.
Outside, the sun was already up. Voices of early risers filled the air.
After washing up, she started thinking about breakfast—sea cucumber porridge or noodle soup?
Just then, Zhan Zeyi returned, carrying a lunchbox.
He must have gone straight to the canteen after training.
"Why are you standing there? Eat."
His expression was unpleasant. Lack of sleep and early training had clearly put him in a bad mood.
Tang Qiyue didn't argue. She quietly sat down, opened the lunchbox, and saw shrimp porridge, steamed buns, and pickles.
Light and simple—perfect for her taste.
"You eat this for breakfast too?"
Noticing he wasn't eating, she guessed he had already eaten earlier.
Zhan Zeyi snorted.
"What are you thinking? This is specially made. I don't get this. I eat cornbread, salted fish, and seaweed soup like everyone else."
Tang Qiyue paused.
So this was only for her.
Zhan Zeyi draped his towel around his neck.
"I don't know what you did, but the cook makes something different for you every day—and won't even give me a bite."
Tang Qiyue thought for a moment.
It probably wasn't the sugar.
Most likely… the tobacco.
"It's a secret."
She didn't plan to explain. If he asked for the same, it would be difficult. She had already used up most of her points.
More importantly, with Tang Xiuyuan and Bai Xu here, any slip could expose everything.
Still, looking at the untouched food—and remembering his dissatisfaction—she hesitated.
Before she could decide, Zhan Zeyi noticed.
"Can't finish it?"
She nodded.
Without hesitation, he picked up the lunchbox and finished everything quickly—porridge, buns, and pickles gone in moments.
Watching him, Tang Qiyue couldn't help asking,
"Is the canteen food enough for you?"
If she remembered correctly, meals were rationed.
Zhan Zeyi gave her a look.
"What do you think?"
That answer said everything.
Not enough.
"Then… after you eat at the canteen, I'll make something extra for you?"
Tang Qiyue had plenty of ways to get food—between beachcombing and exchanging items. Feeding one more person wasn't a problem.
There was just one condition.
"You can't tell anyone what I cook."
Zhan Zeyi understood immediately.
There were secrets.
"You're my wife. What are you afraid of?"
Tang Qiyue nodded.
Living together, some things couldn't stay hidden forever. It would be better if he helped cover for her.
"Later, I'm going to the fishing village to find Shanhu. I want to buy dried shrimp and make chili sauce for Xiaoyuan and Bai Xu."
After explaining, she added,
"I saw a grove near the shore. It's damp—there might be mushrooms. I want to check it out."
Zhan Zeyi didn't object.
He knew her strength—and he had no time to accompany her anyway.
"Be careful. Some areas on the island are dangerous. If anything feels wrong, leave immediately."
Their conversation felt like that of any ordinary couple.
After he left, Tang Qiyue took a basket, added a bag of peanut candy, and headed to the fishing village.
Shanhu's home was in the middle of the village. When not out fishing, she stayed home mending nets with her family.
Seeing Tang Qiyue, she immediately pulled her inside, delighted.
Tang Qiyue handed over the peanut candy.
"I came to ask for a favor. Please don't refuse."
After hearing the request, Shanhu waved it off.
"That's nothing! Our boat brought back a lot of small fish and shrimp this morning. We were about to feed them to the chickens. If you want them, take them all."
For fishermen, such things weren't valuable.
The peanut candy was worth far more.
Worried she couldn't carry everything, Shanhu insisted on walking her home.
On the way, a small girl suddenly ran up, slipped something into Tang Qiyue's hand, and ran off.