After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 37

Blood instantly soaked through Xie Zhizhou’s robes, the glaring crimson stark against the sky-water-blue silk.

Lin Shengshen froze for a moment.

“You—”

Xie Zhizhou grasped Lin Shengshen’s knife-wielding hand, pulled out the dagger, then reluctantly released her.

“It’s not a vital spot. I’m fine,” he said calmly.

Xie Zhizhou gazed at Lin Shengshen’s face—the pearly white skin bore red finger marks left by his palm.

He silently admitted he had underestimated her. She was far more capable than he had realized, not screaming in panic during such a situation but instead drawing a blade to kill.

Lin Shengshen’s eyes flickered as she looked at the wound beneath his clothing. “Does it hurt?”

She reached out to touch it.

Xie Zhizhou shook his head, a rare smile tugging at his lips. “It doesn’t hurt.”

[It doesn’t hurt? But that minor injury on his hand a few days ago seemed terribly painful. Was he faking it?]

Xie Zhizhou’s smile faded, his brow slightly furrowed. “It does hurt a little, but I can bear it now.”

“…” Lin Shengshen murmured an “oh,” then said, “Sorry, I—”

“You did well. Lin Shengshen, you handle a dagger skillfully.” His eyes held a faint glow.

Lin Shengshen felt somewhat embarrassed. She knew Xie Zhizhou was masterful with daggers and that she had only been mimicking scenes from his past life training—her skills were merely amateurish.

Before she could say more, footsteps approached outside the door. Her eyes widened as she looked at Xie Zhizhou, then she quickly scanned the room.

There seemed to be nowhere to hide!

Without time to think, Xie Zhizhou pulled her under the bed.

Perhaps to accommodate impatient patrons or facilitate certain positions, the beds at Drunken Qiongrui were unusually low.

Pressed beneath Xie Zhizhou in the cramped space, though his back already touched the bed frame, they remained uncomfortably close.

Just as she thought to suggest lying flat side by side, the door creaked open—someone had entered.

Tch, this awkward position had to be maintained. Any movement causing noise would risk discovery.

[Xie Zhizhou’s mind works so slowly—why didn’t he think of lying flat together?]

Xie Zhizhou remained expressionless and silent.

His forearms pressed against the floor, elbows braced on either side of Lin Shengshen’s shoulders, his abdomen taut to avoid touching her.

Knowing she disliked his proximity, he dared not encroach further in this already intrusive posture.

The stifling heat under the bed beaded thin sweat on both their foreheads, their mingled breath weaving together in a haze of sweet pear fragrance.

Lin Shengshen smelled so delightful…

Xie Zhizhou closed his eyes, deliberately slowing his breathing.

Footsteps halted at the room’s center.

“Miss Ningxiang, don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. I advise you to hand over the item quickly,” came Xu Wulin’s voice.

Lin Shengshen tilted her head, seeing crimson embroidered shoes take a few steps toward the boots—the pairs nearly touching.

“Sir, no need for such anger. Shall this humble one help you cool your temper?”

Lin Shengshen almost laughed.

[Who would have thought Xu Wulin would need to sell himself to get what he wants?]

Xie Zhizhou’s lips quirked slightly.

“Are you quite done? The silver I gave you should be enough for your freedom, no?” Xu Wulin sounded clearly irritated.

Ningxiang remained perfectly composed. “It’s enough, but this humble servant still wishes to have one last moment of pleasure before leaving, my lord.”

Her trailing tone carried a seductive hook that made one’s heart tingle. Had it been any other guest, they would likely have already stripped bare, eager to begin immediately. However, Xu Wulin showed no interest whatsoever.

“Not possible,” he stated firmly.

“My lord…” Ningxiang leaned closer.

Lin Shengshen looked over and saw that their shoes were already tangled together, with a crimson outer robe lying discarded on the floor.

[Heavens, is Ningxiang actually going to succeed? Wouldn’t that make things incredibly awkward for Xie Zhizhou and me hiding under the bed?]

[Xu Wulin, though I’d love to see you embarrassed, right now I hope you’ll just take what you need and leave quickly…]

Lin Shengshen grew somewhat anxious, her breathing quickening slightly. Unintentionally, her warm breath brushed against Xie Zhizhou’s face. Suddenly, she felt warmth spreading across her front. Looking down slightly, she saw blood slowly seeping from Xie Zhizhou’s wound, dripping drop by drop onto her chest before tracing the curve of her skin down to her collarbone.

“…” [Didn’t he say he was fine? Why is there so much blood?]

When she looked at Xie Zhizhou again, his brows were furrowed deeply, his entire body tense, and his breathing unsteady.

He seemed to be at his limit…

If he fainted and made any noise, that would be disastrous. If Xu Wulin drew his sword to kill her, her dagger wouldn’t even reach his chest.

Over there, the back-and-forth continued relentlessly. Xu Wulin’s outer robe and Ningxiang’s pleated skirt were both scattered on the floor. It appeared Xu Wulin was indeed being cornered.

Lin Shengshen took several deep breaths, overcoming her inner resistance. She gently reached out, wrapped her arm around Xie Zhizhou’s waist, and pressed down slightly, letting him relax and rest more of his weight on her.

[The greater good, the greater good.]

[Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, I’m not afraid.]

Lin Shengshen repeated these words silently in her heart.

Xie Zhizhou was momentarily startled, then allowed himself to sink against her according to her guidance. Immediately after, he heard her silent mantra.

His heart felt as if scratched by a cat—the soft, resilient paw pads evoking both pity and affection, while the sharp claws brought both pain and restraint.

Lin Shengshen, oh Lin Shengshen…

Xie Zhizhou rested his chin against the hollow of her neck, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.

Lin Shengshen felt as if she were being crushed by a massive rock. His chest was firm, pressed against hers like a stone slab weighing down on cotton. He was heavy and tall, his still-taut, lean waist and abdomen pressing uncomfortably against the protruding bones on either side of her lower abdomen, causing her some pain.

One of her legs happened to be positioned between his. Lin Shengshen thought about bending this leg slightly to provide some support and relieve the pressure on her bones. She began to move slowly…

However, just as she started to shift, Xie Zhizhou suddenly grew alert, staring at her intently, his eyes filled with shock and suspicion. This expression was so rare that Lin Shengshen couldn’t help but pause her movement.

[What does this mean? I didn’t make any sound.]

Xie Zhizhou continued to watch her, then slowly shook his head. His hanging hair brushed against Lin Shengshen’s face.

It seemed to be getting hotter.

Lin Shengshen didn’t understand why he was acting this way.

[Is he afraid I’ll make noise?]

[It’s fine, I’ll be careful. I’ll just bend it a little…]

Lin Shengshen began to slowly bend her leg again. Her knee gradually lifted, slowly… and then—

[What is that?!]

“Hiss—so hot… Xie Zhizhou! How did Xie Zhizhou… Huh? Huh? Huh?”

At the same time, Xie Zhizhou stopped looking at her. He completely buried his head in the crook of Lin Shengshen’s neck, letting out a suppressed, restrained sound…

The angle was just right, like a sword placed on its stand.

“…” Lin Shengshen couldn’t see Xie Zhizhou’s expression, only feeling his ragged breathing against her neck.

Before she could continue to panic, seductive sounds began to fill the room.

Perhaps out of anger, Xu Wulin’s movements carried a hint of retaliation.

Lin Shengshen could see their perfectly intact shoes, along with the scattered jackets and skirts on the floor. They stepped on the clothes recklessly as they moved around the room—sometimes the embroidered shoes stepping forward, followed by the boots; other times, one embroidered shoe standing still, its tip facing the boot’s toe.

The sounds in the room were unbearable to hear.

Although she had some theoretical knowledge of such matters in her previous life, she ultimately lacked practical experience. Moreover, she actually knew one of the people in the room… Lin Shengshen couldn’t help but blush, turning her head away to avoid watching.

“My lord, be gentler, you… why are you in such a hurry…”

“Turn around and lie down.”

This was followed by the sound of a teapot and cups crashing to the floor.

[…No wonder everything here is made of silver—it won’t break.]

[How could he not be in a hurry? Xu Wulin is eager to get his hands on something.]

“This humble servant doesn’t want to go near the window…”

“Since when have you been so coy? Less talking.”

“My lord… please be gentle here too…”

“Say another word and don’t blame me for being rough.”

Then came a series of moans and gasps, followed by pleas for mercy, until only soft weeping, sighs, and sounds of satisfaction remained.

Accompanied by the noise of palms striking flesh.

[…Heavens above…]

It was too hot under the bed. Lin Shengshen’s back was already soaked with sweat, and Xie Zhizhou had breathed too much hot air against her neck, leaving it damp with a thin layer of perspiration. Xie Zhizhou felt like a furnace enveloping her.

Just as Lin Shengshen couldn’t bear to listen any longer, her mind in chaos, Xie Zhizhou suddenly moved. He pressed one cheek against her ear and covered her other ear with his palm.

Finally, it was quiet, but… Xie Zhizhou’s face was too hot.

Like a piece of jade scalded in boiling water.

With her hearing blocked, Lin Shengshen suddenly became aware of Xie Zhizhou’s heartbeat—pressing against her ribs, traveling up her spine, and echoing in her mind.

Thump-thump—thump-thump—thump-thump—

Fast and powerful.

[Is he really going to bleed to death from my stabbing? With his heart beating this fast, he’ll lose more and more blood.]

Meanwhile, Xie Zhizhou, his ear pressed against Lin Shengshen’s, listened to the voice in her heart. He felt as though he were floating on a feather—soft and fragrant. Though obscene sounds filled the room, all he could hear was Lin Shengshen’s inner voice.

Lin Shengshen, oh Lin Shengshen…

Even if he were to die by her hand right now, he would have no regrets, wouldn’t he? Xie Zhizhou thought to himself.

Fortunately, the two in the room hadn’t been so depraved as to do anything on the floor, or else Lin Shengshen would have been terrified by the awkwardness of locking eyes with them.

After who knows how long, the storm subsided. The rustling sounds of dressing could be heard in the room as Xu Wulin kicked Ningxiang’s dress toward her.

“Where is it, exactly?”

Ningxiang’s voice was hoarse as she draped the dress over herself and walked toward the bed. “This humble servant will fetch it for you now, my lord.”

The red embroidered shoes drew closer and closer, like a sharp blade inching toward her eyeballs.

Lin Shengshen held her breath, but her heart was pounding fiercely, almost in sync with Xie Zhizhou’s heartbeat.

If Ningxiang hid the thing under the bed…

Before she could finish the thought, Xie Zhizhou had already reached a hand behind his waist.

Lin Shengshen knew—he was drawing his blade.

Xie Zhizhou had thought of it too.

The room was quiet. Lin Shengshen didn’t dare move recklessly, only twitching her nose to sniff intently.

There’s no pungent, bitter smell under the bed. Veratrum has a strong odor—unless it’s sealed tightly in a lacquered wooden box, it couldn’t be blocked out so completely.

Xie Zhizhou narrowed his eyes, scanning under the bed. Though his right hand remained poised to draw his blade, he visibly relaxed.

The red embroidered shoes approached the bed in a few steps. The covers were thrown back, a bundle retrieved, and the woman sat on the edge of the bed, complaining coyly, “I told you, sir, to come to bed with me, but you insisted on going to the window…”

The dark black boots also approached the bed. Taking the bundle, he opened it.

Instantly, Lin Shengshen caught the familiar pungent, bitter scent.

*It really is veratrum—

Shing!*

The sound of a blade slicing through a throat bone rang out.

Lin Shengshen watched as the red embroidered shoes, so close at hand, went limp and dropped.

The smell of blood overwhelmed the room’s lingering, decadent scent.

He killed her? Just like he killed Xunniang!

Her eyes widened. Her heart, racing from tension, seemed to stop for a moment, followed by an overwhelming surge of fury.

The dark black boots paused briefly, then let out a scornful laugh before heading toward the camphor chest on the other side of the room.

Xie Zhizhou lowered his head, pressing his cheek against Lin Shengshen’s as if to comfort her, while simultaneously blocking her view of the outside.

Thud—

A heavy sound echoed as bone struck the floor.

Just out of Lin Shengshen’s sight, Ningxiang’s beautiful eyes stared vacantly toward the bed, face upturned, body suspended. Her head, pressed against the floor, was dragged slowly away, the gaping wound on her neck still gushing fresh blood.

Her hair, mixed with thick blood, left a long, sticky trail on the floor.

Xu Wulin dragged Ningxiang by the ankle to the camphor chest and carelessly stuffed her inside.

Then, without bothering to clean the blood or conceal the body, Xu Wulin leaped out the window.

So brazen.

Xie Zhizhou propped himself up, cupping Lin Shengshen’s face in his hands, his gaze meeting hers as their breaths mingled. “Don’t look around in a moment, alright?”

Last time, when she saw Xunniang’s corpse, Lin Shengshen hadn’t reacted too strongly. But this time—a living person suddenly dead, blood dragged all over the floor, stuffed into a chest, eyes wide open—it was truly brutal. Xie Zhizhou didn’t want her to be frightened.

Lin Shengshen didn’t push herself. She nodded.

Xie Zhizhou lifted her into his arms, holding her close, and murmured gently, “Don’t be afraid. It’s all over.”

Lin Shengshen took a few slow breaths. Though her mind was still in turmoil, she had calmed down enough to act. She pushed Xie Zhizhou away, creating some distance, and looked at him seriously.

In the dim light under the bed, she could see the brightness in Xie Zhizhou’s eyes.

“Was it the same way Xunniang died?”

Xie Zhizhou nodded.

“Can we arrest him now?”

Xie Zhizhou nodded again. “He has the hellebore. Based on the scent in this room, the marks on Ningxiang’s body, and the evidence under Xunniang’s fingernails, we can arrest and detain him first.”

Lin Shengshen nodded decisively, crawling out from under the bed herself. Seeing the pool of blood on the floor and the skirt hem peeking out from beside the chest nearby, she instantly understood what had just transpired.

Her heart tightened.

Only then did she remember Xie Zhizhou was still under the bed, and he was injured…

She bent down and called under the bed, “Xie Zhizhou, are you alright?”

Xie Zhizhou didn’t seem well. His voice was faint. “Lin Shengshen, I’m in some pain. Can you give me a hand?”