Chapter 127: A Cup of Revolting Milk Tea

That said, the cook didn't truly dare to leave them entirely to their own devices. She followed cautiously and properly behind the pair, watching as they fumbled around the oven.

Zhou Lichuan poured some tea leaves from the package he was holding, rinsed them briefly in fresh water, drained them, and placed them in a bowl before adding a generous amount of white sugar.

The cook desperately wanted to offer a warning, but before she could speak, Jiang Zao silenced her with a "shh."

*That’s far too much sugar... won't it be cloying?*

A little water was added to the bowl, which was then pushed into the oven. A few minutes later, the kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of caramelized sugar and tea.

Zhou Lichuan stepped away from Jiang Zao to retrieve milk from a nearby refrigerator. He poured it over the roasted tea leaves and pushed the bowl back inside.

Ten minutes later, the ceramic bowl of milk tea was steaming, and the room was saturated with the sweet scent of milk. The cook promptly produced a strainer and a cup, watching as Zhou Lichuan carefully poured the finished milk tea into the mug.

Zhou Lichuan placed the tea on the island counter with gentle hands and cautioned Jiang Zao: "It's almost bedtime, so just have a little. We don't want you staying up all night."

Jiang Zao smiled, as if she had expected this all along. She took a tiny lick and then pushed the cup toward Zhou Lichuan.

"You try it."

Zhou Lichuan looked worried. "Is it not good? Or do you not like it?"

Jiang Zao pursed her lips, amused. "It's good. Just taste it and you'll see."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Lichuan picked up the cup and took a sip; a single taste was enough to make him nearly gag.

"I'm sorry, Zaozao. I didn't know it would be this sweet. I should have tasted it first."

Jiang Zao reached out to comfort him. "It’s still very fragrant. Don't be discouraged, it’ll be better next time!"

Zhou Lichuan shook his head. "No, it's too sweet. Don't drink any more of it. Let me make you another cup."

Jiang Zao pulled on his sleeve. "Forget it, I don't really want any now. Let’s do it another day."

"No. It’s rare that you want something; I have to get it right."

Jiang Zao exchanged a look with the cook and pulled Zhou Lichuan to sit at the island. "Never mind. We’ve fussed with this long enough, and I’m not in the mood anymore. I want a cola now—an ice-cold cola. Would Mr. Zhou do me the honor of pouring me a glass?"

At that, Zhou Lichuan had no choice but to grab a glass, dig out the cola kept in the fridge, add a few ice cubes, and pour the soda, watching the foam swirl up before inserting a straw and placing it in front of Jiang Zao.

Jiang Zao poked the ice cubes in the glass with her straw. "Usually, when Sister Hui pours me a drink, she adds mint leaves and lemon slices."

Zhou Lichuan straightened up, scanned the surroundings, and sure enough, spotted two lush, vibrant mint plants on the shelf in the beverage area. He walked over, pinched off a few deep green leaves, rinsed them under the tap, and then took a lemon from the fruit refrigerator to slice it. He added both to Jiang Zao’s cola.

"This should be right now. Have a taste."

Jiang Zao took the glass with a grin and took a large sip of cola, her cheeks puffed out, looking utterly satisfied.

"Delicious."

Zhou Lichuan grabbed a napkin and wiped the trace of cola from the corner of her mouth, his eyes filled with tenderness and doting affection.

"I’ve realized I’m really not very good at taking care of you. I didn’t even know your habits when it comes to drinking cola."

Jiang Zao tilted her head and said with a smile, "You’re rarely home, so of course you wouldn't know."

"That’s not right, Zaozao," Zhou Lichuan said, uncharacteristically serious. "I truly neglected your habits. Just like not knowing what you like—this shouldn't be the case. I should know you much better than I do."

Jiang Zao looked into Zhou Lichuan’s eyes; they were bright and filled with genuine sincerity.

"Fine, if you say so. I'm tired. Shall we go back to the room?"

"All right."

Zhou Lichuan had always believed that by being with Jiang Zao and providing her with the best material comforts and medical care, he could protect her from any harm. Yet today, a single glass of cola had exposed a major issue: he didn't actually understand her. How could one love someone without truly knowing them?

The next day, Jiang Zao woke up to find Zhou Lichuan’s large face sleeping right beside her. His face, still unwashed, had a faint sheen of oil, and his eyes were tightly shut, as if he were in a deep sleep.

Jiang Zao reached out and pinched his gently breathing nose. A dozen seconds later, Zhou Lichuan slowly opened his eyes. He took the mischievous little hand from his face and pressed a kiss to her palm.

"Good morning, wife."

Jiang Zao was lying on her side, a long bolster pillow separating them. It was the pillow she used to relieve the pressure on her body, which Sister Hui had spent a long time carefully making.

Zhou Lichuan stretched out his long arm and pulled Jiang Zao, bolster and all, into his embrace. He wiggled and maneuvered his way over, tossing the long pillow out from under the quilt. Skin pressed against skin, and the morning air was already thick with heat.

"Wife... yesterday was our wedding night..."

Jiang Zao raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"And... we still have some things left to do."

Jiang Zao offered a cryptic smile, her hand—which had been causing trouble just a moment ago—slipping deep beneath the quilt...

"So, Mr. Zhou, you should be getting up for work."

Provoked by Jiang Zao until his face was flushed, the invigorated Mr. Zhou could hardly be expected to get up for work at such a time; he had never been that dedicated.

"I'm taking the day off. I'm staying home to keep my wife company."

The large quilt was pulled over their heads, and before long, ambiguous, breathless sounds drifted out...

...

"Zhou Lichuan, are you really not going to work?"

After their morning exercise left them covered in sweat, the pair—having spent the whole morning being intimate in the bathroom—finally sat in the dining room, facing each other over brunch.

Zhou Lichuan placed a salted egg yolk into Jiang Zao's bowl and said naturally, "I'm only taking one day off. The group won't collapse; I have Du Bin and Gao Chenggong. Stealing a moment of leisure to stay home with my wife is one of life's greatest pleasures."

Jiang Zao sipped her porridge slowly and said nonchalantly, "Then after we eat, let’s go back to the old mansion. We should tell Uncle and Auntie about the marriage registration anyway."

Zhou Lichuan said solemnly, "It’s time to call them Mom and Dad."

Jiang Zao thought for a moment. "Let’s talk about that later. We should get their blessing first."

After the meal, Zhou Lichuan drove Jiang Zao back to the old mansion. As soon as they entered, they heard the lively sound of chatter and laughter.

Shen Xiaonan was sitting in the living room, and on the sofa next to her sat a mother and daughter. They looked remarkably alike; one glance was enough to discern their relationship. The older woman wore simple clothes that couldn't hide her extraordinary bearing—one could tell at a glance she was accustomed to a life of luxury. The young woman looked a bit older than Jiang Zao, exuding an air of scholarly refinement, her expression and tone exceptionally gentle.

Seeing them arrive, Shen Xiaonan waved them over.

"Xiaochuan, Zaozao. Why did you come at this hour? Xiaochuan, look, do you remember Auntie Zheng? This is the daughter of your Auntie Zheng. Do you remember her? You two used to play together all the time when you were little."