'Of course I'm after you,' Gu Jiaojiao thought.
But she didn't say it out loud, afraid her forwardness might scare him off.
"Leng Yuan, I know I can be a bit wild, but I wouldn't lie about this. I'm serious. Can't you just trust me this once?" Gu Jiaojiao said with a charming coyness as she walked up, grabbed his arm, and began to sway it gently.
"Just trust me this one time, please?"
Leng Yuan lowered his gaze to Gu Jiaojiao's fair, delicate fingers. They were clutching the coarse fabric of his sleeve, their coquettish swaying full of playful pleading. As she continued to shake his arm, any trace of his sternness simply melted away.
"You really want to marry me?"
"Of course! I did all of this for you. If you don't take responsibility, you'll be the most heartless scoundrel in the world." Gu Jiaojiao's expression was grave and earnest, her eyes gazing at Leng Yuan with the utmost sincerity.
Gu Jiaojiao was beautiful, completely different from the other village girls. Her skin was smooth and fair, giving her a delicate air that made it obvious she came from a well-to-do family.
Perhaps it was because her skin was so flawless.
Leng Yuan's gaze drifted down and happened to land on her neck. A bright red mark stood out starkly against her delicate skin.
Remembering her helpless state beneath him last night, Leng Yuan couldn't help but swallow hard. His gaze on the pouting girl deepened.
Fortunately, his self-control was formidable. He tossed out, "I hope you don't regret this. We'll go get the certificate this afternoon."
With that, he turned and left.
From the look of his retreating back, he seemed a little flustered.
Gu Jiaojiao blinked. It took her a moment to realize what had happened—Leng Yuan had just accepted her proposal. A delighted smile made her beautiful, shimmering eyes curve into crescents, sparkling with joy.
She glanced at the sky, quickly washed up, then rolled up her sleeves and went into the kitchen.
Just as she was about to start cooking, the man stopped her.
"You go rest. I'll cook."
Leng Yuan entered the kitchen carrying a colorful pheasant. It was clearly from the mountains, though she had no idea when he'd caught it. The bird was still struggling in his grip.
In those days, getting to eat meat even once a year was a luxury, and there were very few hunters in the village.
The man before her looked so refined, yet he was an expert hunter. Rumor had it he'd been properly trained by a martial arts master as a child and was incredibly skilled.
'Good-looking and capable—he's a real catch in this village.'
'No wonder his standards are so high.'
The thought that this outstanding man would soon be hers made Gu Jiaojiao's gaze land on him with fiery intensity.
Leng Yuan's movements as he plucked the chicken stiffened imperceptibly for a moment before becoming even more swift and efficient.
In just a few moments, the plucked chicken was cleaned and ready.
Leng Yuan looked at the woman standing beside him, then brought a small stool over and placed it next to her.
Gu Jiaojiao added another item to her mental list of his qualities: thoughtful.
In this day and age, men never set foot in the kitchen, yet his practiced movements made it clear he cooked often.
'He isn't a male chauvinist.'
Gu Jiaojiao grew even more pleased.
Since they had decided to get married, she figured she should get to know him better.
So, she sat right down on the stool Leng Yuan had brought for her. Her lovely, shimmering eyes were fixed on him, following his every move.
Leng Yuan glanced at her sitting obediently to the side. Her chin was propped in her hands, her exquisite face fair and smooth. Her eyes were glued to the chicken in his hands, her expression one of pure craving.
Realizing Gu Jiaojiao hadn't eaten breakfast and must be hungry, he quickened his pace.
He deftly cut up the chicken, seared it in the pot, then added seasonings and water to make a stew.
'A girl should have some chicken soup to regain her strength after her first time.'
After lunch, Leng Yuan went out. Gu Jiaojiao didn't know where he was going. She waited at home for a while before seeing him ride back on a bicycle.
"Get on."
Gu Jiaojiao was stunned for a moment but obediently sat on the back seat.
Leng Yuan offered no explanation and simply rode off with her.
It was the middle of the day, and not only was it hot, but everyone was tired from a half-day's work. After lunch, they all stayed home to rest, so no one was out and about.
Because of this, they didn't encounter a single person on their way.
Leng Yuan was tall, and he rode the bicycle with a steady hand. After about half an hour, the bike came to a stop in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau.
"Gu Jiaojiao, once we get this certificate, there's no turning back."
Gu Jiaojiao hadn't expected Leng Yuan to actually bring her to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
It was a bit sudden, but after what they had done, getting married was the necessary next step.