A Good Country Wife

"It’s okay, he’s your older brother after all, and as your husband, I should show some courtesy to my brother-in-law. It’s nothing to be slighted by him as long as you, my wife, are happy." Zhao Erhu now found it easy to coax his wife with such words, and no longer felt awkward like before. Indeed, this is what he really thought. Before, he suspected Lin Qing had ulterior motives, but now seeing Lin Qing’s sincere concern for Lin Yue, his attitude naturally changed.

Lin Yue, now often cajoled by Zhao Erhu, was less trusting of his words, casting a doubtful look at him, "Zhao Erhu, when did you become so enlightened? Why weren’t you like this before? What’s your angle? Spit it out! Be honest with me, or you can plan on sleeping on the floor tonight."

"Wife, I swear I’m telling the truth. At first, I thought this brother-in-law of mine was unreliable, always trying to push you towards other men, but now it seems that’s not entirely the case. At the very least, he truly has your best interests at heart, even though his methods are a bit misguided. But that can change. As long as he sees that my love for you is real and that you’re truly happy now, he’ll eventually come around and recognize me as your brother-in-law. Then, you’ll indeed have a family member who sincerely cares for you."

Lin Yue listened and felt her eyes growing moist; she thumped Zhao Erhu’s chest softly, "Zhao Erhu, are you doing this on purpose?"

"What? Wife, what’s wrong? Did I say something that upset you? Don’t cry! You know I can’t stand to see you cry. It pains me. Good wife, if you’re unhappy about something, scold me or hit me, just don’t take it out on yourself. It’s not worth it." Zhao Erhu frantically tried to comfort her, not knowing why his little wife suddenly looked like she was about to burst into tears.

"Zhao Erhu, you’re definitely doing this on purpose, trying to move me on purpose, right? So that I’ll stay by your side for life and never leave, that’s why you said all that. You know this is what gets to me the most. Didn’t I already say I won’t leave? You’re going overboard." Lin Yue was rarely cared for and valued by anyone like this, and her way of showing gratitude was just as awkward.

Zhao Erhu, hearing his little wife, realized that Niuniu had been touched by his words. Looking at his wife, she was indeed different from others; a little kindness and she would be immensely moved. She was truly adorable and irresistible, as if it were impossible not to cherish her and hold her dear.

Zhao Erhu stroked his wife’s little head, "Yes, I did it on purpose. I want you to stay by my side for life, for me to dote on, to love, and to grow old together."