Switching Brides
The two young men who had just arrived suddenly felt their hearts skip a beat. Even though they didn’t know why, they were filled with envy and jealousy.
Lin Chuan’s previous fiancée was already very good, but who could have imagined that the new one would be even more beautiful? Not only beautiful but also stylish—clearly someone from a wealthy family.
However, they had just arrived and didn’t know why the bride had changed, so they pulled Lin Chuan aside to ask.
Lin Chuan, not one to explain much, simply said, “If you want to know, ask your second aunt.” Then, looking at Su Su, he added, “Time to eat.”
“Oh.”
“You don’t need to go over there. I’ll have Lin Hai bring the food here. After eating, you can go.” The house was crowded, so letting her stay here in peace for a while was a good idea. After giving Lin Hai a glance, Lin Hai—fearful of his elder brother to the core—immediately ran off to get the food.
“Oh, okay.” What’s with this special treatment?
But Su Su understood that Lin Chuan was concerned about her comfort, so she cheerfully waited on the side for introductions.
If it were someone more socially adept, introductions would have been made by now. But Lin Chuan wasn’t that type. He grabbed the two young men by the arms and said, “How long are you planning to stand here staring?” Getting to know each other briefly should suffice.
“But we haven’t even introduced ourselves!” they protested, though their resistance was no match for Lin Chuan’s strength. After a few half-hearted struggles, they were dragged away.
Su Su tilted her head and asked Lin Jiang, “Who are those two?” Why weren’t they introduced? Had they offended Lin Chuan?
“Oh, they’re cousins from our eldest uncle and aunt’s family,” Lin Jiang replied briefly before ushering her inside. They had prepared the heated brick bed for Su Su, and soon Lin Hai returned with the food.
Two dishes: stir-fried potato slices and stewed rabbit.
For an ordinary family, this was already quite a feast, especially since they weren’t having coarse cornmeal pancakes today but rather mixed-grain rice.
Su Su, feeling a bit shy, waited until the food was brought in. Everyone else went to the front room to squeeze together and eat, leaving her alone.
As the new bride-to-be, she was well taken care of.
After finishing her meal, Su Su washed her bowl and chopsticks and placed them in the kitchen. She then added some firewood to the stove since she would be sleeping here tonight.
But hearing some noise outside, she stepped out to see. To her surprise, Lin Chuan had already carried a large bundle of firewood down the mountain and was stacking it onto an already massive pile.
“What are you gathering so much firewood for?” she asked curiously.
Lin Chuan looked up at her and replied, “We need it for tomorrow’s wedding and for the long winter ahead.”
Winters in the mountains were longer than elsewhere, and a lot of firewood was needed. He didn’t want this delicate girl freezing. He planned to have his younger brothers keep the brick bed warm for her every day, ensuring the house remained as cozy as spring. As for himself, while he was still on break, he would chop and haul as much firewood as he could.
“Wait, you’re all sweaty,” Su Su said, taking out her handkerchief to wipe his face. When she raised her hand, she realized just how tall Lin Chuan was, making it a bit of a struggle for her.
But the big guy froze as if afraid of her touch, standing stiffly in place.
“Bend down. Is your back hurting?” she asked innocently, genuinely concerned that his constant hard labour might have caused pain.
His face darkened, and he replied in a cold voice, “No, it doesn’t hurt.”
“Oh, if it doesn’t hurt, then just lower your head.”
Lin Chuan finally bent down, and Su Su managed to wipe his face.
Lin Chuan was a very handsome young man with good skin, though it wasn’t very fair.
When he closed his eyes, Su Su couldn’t help but swallow nervously. He looked incredibly alluring like this—with his high nose bridge, prominent Adam’s apple, firm jawline, and slightly upturned eyes.
Before she knew it, her finger traced along his nose bridge and stopped at his lips.
Suddenly, her finger was grabbed. Lin Chuan opened his eyes, which were tinged with a hint of red.
“You…” Lin Chuan’s grip tightened, and his breathing grew heavier.
“I… let go of my hand,” Su Su stammered. His restrained demeanour now resembled a wild wolf in the mountains, and her legs felt weak from fright.
“Tomorrow. Tomorrow is the right time.” It was unclear who he was saying this to, but Su Su felt an inexplicable pressure, her eyes misting over.
Fortunately, Lin Chuan did nothing more. He let go of her hand and turned back to his work.
Su Su, terrified, realized that this man couldn’t handle any teasing. She decided she’d better behave herself in the future, lest she get in over her head.
She quickly ran back inside but couldn’t resist peeking out the window. Lin Chuan had taken off his outer clothes and was now only wearing a vest. His muscular arms were exposed, and the bulging muscles moved rhythmically with his work.
There seemed to be an overwhelming strength within him—both mesmerizing and intimidating.
Remembering his earlier words, Su Su covered her face. It seemed likely that tomorrow, she’d be in for some suffering.
The widow in the story had once said that she never understood the appeal of men before marrying Lin Chuan. But after their marriage, she increasingly yearned for him. However, since he was often away, she eventually sought out other men, though none could satisfy her like Lin Chuan. Thus, she ended up seeking more and more but was still left unsatisfied.
Was the author indirectly praising Lin Chuan’s prowess?
Oh no, now Lin Chuan was hers. Wouldn’t that mean she was in for endless happiness?
Wait, no—she remembered the saying that the first time always came with suffering. Before happiness, there would always be some pain.
(＞＜)
After finishing his work, Lin Chuan calmed himself down. He couldn’t help but think his little bride was bold, daring to do such things. He had almost lost control and kissed her.
If not for the fact that they were outside.
If not for the fact that she wasn’t yet his wife.
But soon, very soon, she would be. He could hardly wait.
Standing at the door, he put his clothes back on, wiped the sweat from his face, and said gently, “Su Su, let’s go to the front yard to meet my aunts and then come back to rest.”
“Okay.” Su Su stepped out. Their eyes met, and both blushed, quickly looking away with a hint of awkwardness.
Lin Chuan led the way, and Su Su followed closely behind like a little wife, feeling a strange sweetness in her heart.
“Are your aunts easy to get along with?”
“Mm.”
“Do they all approve of this marriage?”
“Mm.”
“Do you think I’m not reserved enough?”
“Mm—huh? No!” Sweat broke out on Lin Chuan’s forehead as he realized he’d fallen into a trap. Turning back, he said, “I’ve never thought that, but… you’re only allowed to do that with me. No other man. No one else.”
Wow, how domineering.
Su Su chuckled and said, “Just teasing you. Why so serious?” With that, she laughed and ran ahead of him.
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