124. Sentiment, Intoxication

After bidding farewell, Jing Qingxin returned to her room, exhausted. Having barely rested throughout the day, the sudden relaxation left her limbs feeling heavy and weak.

"How did it go?" Gao Shen naturally knew where she had been.

Jing Qingxin recounted their conversation, emphasizing the couple's firm resolve.

"Then we must respect their choice," Gao Shen said in a deep voice.

"Yes, don't worry. I will do my best to look after their health." Her internal space was certainly not lacking in high-quality medicinal herbs.

Gao Shen took a step forward, wrapped his arms around her, and leaned down to whisper softly near her ear, "Qingxin, you’ve worked hard. And thank you."

Jing Qingxin hugged him back and smiled lightly. "Why so sentimental all of a sudden? Do we really need to be so formal with each other?"

"I just wanted to express what I was feeling inside, not to be distant," he quickly explained, fearing she might misunderstand.

He was moved by her devotion and grateful for everything she had done for him. Having her in his life was his greatest blessing. Thinking of her kindness toward his old mentor and his wife, as well as those close to him, filled him with emotion. He couldn't help but recall the scene earlier that evening when they had seen off Zeng Lin’s family.

***

At the entrance of the alley, Chen Mei had taken out the small silk pouch Jing Qingxin had given her. To her surprise, it contained a necklace that looked like it was made of red jade. It was incredibly clear and beautiful, clearly more valuable than the necklace Jing Qingxin had given He Xiaohua. While the gift to He Xiaohua made sense given their connection, receiving such a precious item upon their first meeting left Chen Mei feeling flustered. They had already been treated to a meal and received gifts; she felt embarrassed to accept more. She turned to Gao Shen and said, "Gao Shen, your sister-in-law slipped this into my hand earlier. It looks far too valuable; I cannot accept it."

Zeng Lin also caught a glimpse of the necklace in his wife’s hand. Even in the dim light, the pendant shimmered with a crystalline glow. Such a piece was not even sold in the high-end department stores, which spoke to its immense value. He suspected it was a family heirloom. From the moment he first met her, he knew that Jing Qingxin’s background was far more than that of a simple orphan; the grace she exuded could not be faked. Since his good brother hadn’t mentioned it, he knew there were reasons to keep silent, and he chose to maintain that discretion.

Gao Shen only glanced at the necklace before saying, "Sister-in-law, please keep it. Everything went so smoothly this time thanks to Brother Zeng’s help. This is just a token of Qingxin’s sincerity. You don’t need to feel burdened. Besides, didn't her cousin-in-law receive one too?"

"This..." Chen Mei looked at her husband.

Zeng Lin laughed heartily. "Keep it, and thank her for us. Once you set the date, be sure to call or send a telegram. Our whole family will definitely come to drink to your wedding."

"That’s right. Don't you dare leave us out," Chen Mei added with a smile.

"I won't," Gao Shen replied happily. He wouldn't dream of holding a wedding without the brother who had once shared life-and-death struggles with him.

***

After hearing Gao Shen’s account, Jing Qingxin couldn't help but chuckle. In this era, people simply hadn't discovered the uses of crystals, nor were they widely available, leading them to assume the necklace was a priceless treasure.

"What a beautiful misunderstanding," she mused to herself.

"Are those necklaces very expensive? I’ve made you spend a fortune today! You should keep your own jewelry for yourself; next time, just give them some food," Gao Shen said, knitting his brows.

"Oh? Did I forget to tell you? I have several chests of jewelry in my space. You don't need to feel sorry for me. Besides, the crystal necklace I gave away isn't actually that valuable. It's just that in this day and age, it hasn't become a trend yet, which is why you all think it's so precious," Jing Qingxin said with a charming smile.

Gao Shen was momentarily speechless. His young wife was so wealthy—he didn't quite know how to process that.

"Anyway, just know that I have plenty. Don't ever compromise yourself for my sake," he said firmly. He knew how kind she was to him and those around him, but he didn't want her to do anything that might make her unhappy.

"You silly man! Since we are husband and wife, your affairs are my affairs, and your friends and family are mine. Besides, I don't feel wronged or reluctant at all. As long as you understand and appreciate my heart, that’s all that matters," she teased.

"Yes, I will be good to you for the rest of my life!" Gao Shen embraced her tightly again. He was not a man of many words and didn't know how to express his emotions eloquently, but he would show her through his actions.

"I know! I’m going into my space for a bath now." Seeing Gao Shen nod, she immediately vanished into the 'Flowing Light Brocade.'

***

Gao Shen took a quick cold shower in the courtyard. Wearing only a tank top and loose, knee-length military green shorts, he wiped the water droplets from his short hair with a towel.

Back inside, he began to pack their luggage and tidy the bed. He knew she would be in her space for about half an hour. Knowing she was safe, he wasn't worried. He knew she was truly exhausted today—she hadn't stopped moving since morning.

He pulled a small red velvet box from his military uniform pocket, a faint smile playing on his lips. He tucked it under the pillow, picked up a book from the nightstand, and leaned against the headboard. With one hand behind his head and the other holding the book, he began to read.

He cherished this way of life—reading his favorite books while waiting for his beloved. Though they hadn't known each other long, there was no awkwardness between them; they felt like an old married couple. There was no need for pretense, suspicion, or trying to please one another. Even in the quiet, the passage of time felt peaceful.

Soon, Jing Qingxin emerged, dressed in cotton pajamas and drying her hair. The first thing she saw was Gao Shen’s handsome profile, his expression focused and captivating. His bare arms were strong and powerful, his physique perfectly balanced—neither too muscular nor too lean—and his long legs were stretched out across the bed. It was a sight to behold.

In this moment, Gao Shen exuded a lazy, charming air that was intoxicating. Jing Qingxin had always known this man was charismatic. It wasn't just his sharp features, but the steady, calm aura he radiated from within and his poised demeanor. Even though he wasn't yet powerful or a man of high status, she felt an immense sense of security by his side. She was certain that a man like him would never live an ordinary life.