Chapter 53 Carrying Her Husband...

After the Zhao women had left, Bai Yan obediently nestled herself once more at Jiang Chengyan’s side. Jiang Chengyan was nearly finished tallying the accounts, yet to Bai Yan, the steady clatter of the abacus was as soothing as a lullaby.

Her head began to droop, sleep pulling her under, when just then, Manager Li happened by. Noticing Jiang Chengyan was almost done, he nodded in approval.

“Manager, could I trouble you for a radish?” Jiang Chengyan asked, having just seen a servant carry a basket of fresh, green radishes into the kitchen.

Manager Li was surprised by the request, but he agreed readily. “Wait a moment. Boy, wash a radish and bring it here.”

Soon enough, the servant returned carrying two small, freshly washed radishes.

Jiang Chengyan thanked the manager, then brought the radish to Bai Yan’s lips.

The moment the scent of radish reached her, Bai Yan perked up at once, instinctively reaching out to grab it.

“You haven’t washed your hands. Don’t touch,” Jiang Chengyan chided with a glance. Bai Yan had no choice but to nibble the radish directly from his hand.

All the while, Jiang Chengyan’s right hand moved quickly across the page, and before long, he slid the completed account book to Manager Li.

Looking at him, Manager Li’s eyes shone with admiration and surprise.

“Young man, would you consider staying on as our accountant? The salary is generous,” Manager Li inquired.

Jiang Chengyan remained seated, holding a small radish for Bai Yan with his left hand, and smiled as he shook his head. “Thank you, but I have a child at home to care for.”

Hearing this, Manager Li showed little reaction; but Bai Yan, still gnawing on her radish, widened her eyes and shot Jiang Chengyan a look of utter incredulity, as if to say: Since when do you have another bunny at home?

Manager Li lingered in place, watching until the figure carrying the petite woman had disappeared into the distance before withdrawing his gaze.

“What a pity—he’s already married.”

As soon as they were home, Bai Yan tried to dart off to Zhao’s place, but Jiang Chengyan intercepted her.

“With your half-hearted efforts, you still want to take care of me? Go check on the mushrooms,” Jiang Chengyan said, sending her off to the little storeroom.

Bai Yan pouted, and as if to spite him, grabbed the large water bucket and hurried inside.

Jiang Chengyan pinched the bridge of his nose.

One day, she would be the death of him. Why did it seem his rabbit was more interested in his mother than in him?

Little did Jiang Chengyan know, an even greater surprise awaited him that night.

That evening, after washing up, Bai Yan curled into Jiang Chengyan’s arms, stretched out on her back, and fell fast asleep, limbs akimbo. In that moment, she was the very picture of a bunny sprawled out, belly exposed, for Jiang Chengyan.

He wrapped her snugly in the quilt before blowing out the lamp.

That night would be anything but ordinary—a night destined to be recorded in the annals of history, even many years hence.

Around midnight, Bai Yan, who had been sound asleep, suddenly opened her eyes. She sprang up, hoisted Jiang Chengyan onto her back, and dashed outside.

Jiang Chengyan awoke the instant she moved, but being a grown man, he was both annoyed and startled to find himself slung over her shoulder. Yet in the next moment, he sensed something was wrong.

Like a gust of wind, Bai Yan carried him out the door. Jiang Chengyan had no time to think; he leapt from her back and ran to sound the great bell at the village entrance...