SGEIRS -Chapter 237 Taking the Initiative to Kiss Him

Gu Jingxi stepped up onto the stairs.

Meng Jinyao quietly reached out her hand and grabbed the sleeve of his official robe.

Just as Gu Jingxi was about to take another step, he felt the sleeve being tugged. Lowering his eyes, he saw that small hand clutching his sleeve; the red of his robe made her hand look dazzlingly pale.

A hand like a budding flower, fingers like spring onions—this was exactly how one would describe his little lady’s hand.

He reversed his grip and held her hand in his own, speaking warmly: “Let’s go.”

Seeing this, Meng Jinyao couldn’t resist pushing a little further. She spread her fingers and intertwined them with his, locking their ten fingers together.

Gu Jingxi indulged her. He glanced sideways at the little girl, smiling like a child who had gotten candy. He couldn’t help but smile too. She was clingy, just like a girl discovering her feelings for the first time, and he liked being held close.

Qingqiu and Ningdong followed behind. Even as their servants, they couldn’t help noticing the change between the husband and wife. Somehow, in front of the Marquis, the young lady had begun to show the tender charm of a little daughter.

No matter how composed she had been, she was still a sixteen-year-old girl. Without anyone supporting her, she could barely maintain her poise. Now, with the Marquis’s affection, she gradually revealed the personality a girl of fifteen or sixteen should have, letting down her mask of maturity and composure.

It proved one fact: marrying the right man is crucial. Marry a good husband, and you can live carefree like a child; marry a troublesome one, and life will be more exhausting than being someone’s mother.

Meanwhile, from afar, Old Madam Gu noticed the couple holding hands. Surprised at first, she then smiled and said to Nanny Feng: “My son, who used to be as stiff as a block of elm, is really starting to come to his senses. Now he even holds his wife’s hand—before, he would have gone out of his way to avoid a girl.”

Nanny Feng said, “Madam, the Marquis probably just hadn’t met someone he liked before.”

Old Madam Gu nodded, feeling relieved but also a little regretful: “It’s just that his health isn’t strong. Otherwise, if they could have a child, their marriage would be even more perfect.” She sighed again. “Well, contentment is happiness. Some things can’t be forced. Now that he has a wife, he won’t be lonely for the rest of his life, and I can rest easier.”

Nanny Feng didn’t dare comment further. Matters concerning the master’s health were not something a servant could discuss. The Marquis had once been depressed over this very thing; a once-spirited young man had fallen silent for a while because of it.

Inside, the room was brightly lit.

Meng Jinyao held a book to pass the time. It was still early, and she couldn’t sleep yet.

Suddenly, a large hand reached over and took the book from her. Startled, she looked up to see the man towering above her. “Husband, what’s the matter?” she asked.

Gu Jingxi’s voice was gentle: “It’s late. We should rest. Reading at night strains the eyes—read during the day instead.”

Meng Jinyao glanced at the clock. It was only five-quarters past the hour of Xu (around 9:15 p.m.). Surprised, she asked, “It’s not even the hour of Hai yet. Are we sleeping so early? Are you tired, husband?”

Gu Jingxi nodded softly and added, “I didn’t sleep well last night.”

She asked curiously, “Why didn’t you sleep well?”

He glanced at her and said calmly, “I’m not used to it.”

Meng Jinyao fell silent for a moment. Sleep? Not used to it? At someone else’s place, you might say you’re not used to the bed, but here at home…?

That was her thought. But to avoid disturbing him, she didn’t continue reading. She had the maid turn off the lights, leaving only a dim lamp so that the room was dark but not pitch black—safe in case they got up for water in the middle of the night.

As soon as she lay down, the man reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Meng Jinyao froze for a moment, then looked up at Gu Jingxi. Seeing his warm, smiling face, she seemed to suddenly understand something: when he said he wasn’t used to it, he probably meant he wasn’t used to her not being by his side.

Her lips curved, and she smiled: “Husband… I’m not really used to it either.”

The words caught him off guard. After a moment, he realized what she meant. The girl in his arms was smiling, her eyes curved with gentle mischief as she looked at him.

Instinctively, Gu Jingxi hugged her tighter. Near her ear, he spoke softly: “Yesterday afternoon, after finishing my duties, I went to your favorite old Xu Wonton shop and bought some back. Then I remembered you weren’t home, so I ate them myself.”

His tone carried a touch of grievance, like a little sulky wife.

Meng Jinyao was slightly surprised, but the smile on her lips deepened. It was an ordinary statement, yet it felt like it was sweetened with honey, filling her heart with joy.

Men at Gu Jingxi’s age, tempered by life, became calm and restrained. Even their fondness for a girl was subdued—sweet words weren’t something he would say aloud.

But even if Gu Jingxi didn’t say it directly, she could feel it.

Every sentence, even without mentioning missing her, was saying exactly that.

Looking at his lips, she had a bold thought. Tugging at his collar, she shyly said, “Husband… lower your head.”

Gu Jingxi didn’t understand what she intended, but he obediently leaned down.

The next moment, his lips were covered by soft, gentle lips.

He froze, staring at the girl who had wrapped her arms around his neck, momentarily forgetting how to react. Then her lips nibbled at his with no order or restraint before she finally let go.

Gu Jingxi chuckled: “I’m not something edible… why are you nibbling on me like a chicken drumstick?”

Meng Jinyao, uncharacteristically bold, was suddenly embarrassed and annoyed. She glared at him, retorting: “Other people’s husbands are for looking at, not eating. But mine—why can’t I eat him? What’s wrong with nibbling a little?”

Gu Jingxi froze, seemingly stunned by her words.

Meng Jinyao pouted. “Am I wrong?”

Then her damned competitive spirit kicked in. Even if she were wrong, she would make it right. Hugging his neck again, she launched herself back into nibbling.

Gu Jingxi cupped the back of her head, taking the initiative.

Meng Jinyao didn’t back down either.

The playful chase and counterattack ended with Meng Jinyao gradually retreating, finally surrendering.

She lay in Gu Jingxi’s arms, breathing heavily.

He gently patted her back, and once she caught her breath, his hand moved from her back to her chin, lifting it slightly so she could look at him.

The next moment, her misty, innocent, and slightly bewildered eyes met his.

Her gaze was like a little victim, helpless, yet irresistible—making him want to tease her further.

Gu Jingxi’s eyes darkened slightly. With his thumb, he gently wiped away the moisture at the corner of her lips, his voice soft and teasing: “A-Yao… do you want to nibble a little more?”