After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 42

Baoxiang Tower was somewhat quieter than usual, lacking its former bustle. Xie Zhizhou raised an eyebrow, scanned the area, then glanced back at the bustling Xiangyun Tower across the street.

Yuan Qing approached and whispered, “Young Master, I heard the manager of Xiangyun Tower snatched the Wan Jin Lou deal that Young Madam originally secured, along with the designs and patterns she previously drew… Should we have Yuan Zhen give them a warning?”

Xie Zhizhou raised his hand slightly, his steps never faltering as he headed toward the second floor. “No need. She has always had her own ideas. If I interfere, it would belittle her.”

Lin Shengshen was a towering tree growing majestically upward, not a dodder plant clinging to anyone.

He and Lin Shengshen grew independently, their trunks never disturbing each other, but their branches and leaves intertwined, sharing rain and sunlight.

Arriving at the door of the private room, Xie Zhizhou saw Lin Shengshen intently reviewing accounts through the slightly ajar window. Carrying a food box, he pushed the door open and entered, leaving Yuan Qing outside.

Lin Shengshen didn’t even look up.

Placing a bowl of still-chilled creamy pudding in front of Lin Shengshen, Xie Zhizhou sat down beside her, very close. “Shengshen, have a bite first.”

Only then did Lin Shengshen raise her head, her gaze bold and impudent as she looked Xie Zhizhou up and down.

[This outfit doesn’t suit you.]

Xie Zhizhou was momentarily stunned. Could it be that she no longer liked the color “Tianshui Green”? What color did she prefer then? Was it the deep black Wen Lingzhou wore today?

Seeing Xie Zhizhou’s expression, Lin Shengshen felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction. It had always been her trying to read his thoughts and carefully cater to him. Now, with the roles reversed, she realized just how comfortable it felt to be the one being pampered and indulged.

It was like…training and teasing a little dog—making it sit obediently, then having it circle at her feet, only to cast it aside once she’d had her fun.

Lin Shengshen looked up at Xie Zhizhou and suddenly asked, “Has your injury healed?”

A flicker of delight instantly appeared in Xie Zhizhou’s eyes and brows. He leaned in slightly, drawing closer. “Would you like to touch it? It still hurts a little.”

Lin Shengshen smiled meaningfully. “If I recall correctly, Lord Xie despises being touched by others.”

Xie Zhizhou’s eyes darkened instantly.

“Since your injury hasn’t fully healed, Lord Xie, you should return. I’ve been quite busy these days—not only managing Baoxiang Tower but also preparing mosquito-repellent sachets for General Wen. I don’t have time to savor creamy pudding with you.”

Xie Zhizhou had already straightened up, his brows furrowed, each of Lin Shengshen’s words piercing his heart like needles.

“My injury is nothing serious. I’ll send Yuan Qing to assist with the herbs and spices Wen Lingzhou needs for his journey. Shengshen, don’t trouble yourself over him.”

Lin Shengshen observed his expression shifting from cheerful to crestfallen, as changeable as a summer afternoon.

Her satisfaction grew even stronger.

She picked up a golden spoon and took a small taste of the creamy pudding, nodded, then set it aside and resumed reviewing the accounts.

It was like flying a kite—tugging it now loose, now tight. How amusing. If the little dog could be obedient, a small reward wouldn’t hurt. And when she’d truly had enough of teasing it, casting it aside abruptly would be even more satisfying.

Sure enough, seeing her take a bite of the creamy pudding he had brought, a hint of joy returned to Xie Zhizhou’s usually composed face.

“Shengshen, the trumpet vines at Tangli Residence are in bloom. Would you like to go back and see them?” This was a test of her willingness.

Lin Shengshen replied, “I don’t care for trumpet vines. The peonies at the Lin residence are blooming splendidly—I plan to enjoy them for a while longer.”

Her answer was ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation. If one wished to believe she was still angry and would return in a few days, it made sense. If one thought she had no attachment to the Xie residence and no intention of returning, that too was plausible.

It made her unpredictable and elusive, ensuring no one dared let their guard down.

Xie Zhizhou nodded, personally picking up the golden spoon and scooping a spoonful of the white, tender creamy pudding, offering it to Lin Shengshen. “Alright, wherever you go, I’ll accompany you.” He looked at her intently. “Have another bite.”

Outside the room, the corridor was bustling with people. The bamboo window wasn’t tightly shut, and if anyone happened to peek through the crack, they would surely be astounded.

The same hands that could stir storms with a brush and uphold justice with a blade—elegant and jade-like—were now earnestly holding a golden spoon, yearning to feed the person before them.

Lin Shengshen looked at his focused expression and curved her lips. “This milk pudding is nothing special. I don’t want another bite.”

Xie Zhizhou set down the golden spoon and said patiently, “The milk pudding knows it’s not as good as before. It will surely improve.”

Lin Shengshen smiled and said nothing more.

—

At the Xie residence, Concubine Jin paced around the room, fanning herself, sweat beading on her forehead.

“Yunshuang, I heard that another favored maid was carried out of Prince Su’s Mansion yesterday, her ears cut off—it was horrifying! I’m begging you, please stop. Don’t get involved in this mess!”

Xie Yunshuang took a bite of a date, looking quite pleased. “I’ve met Prince Su. He’s handsome, majestic, and treats me well. Don’t worry so much. Just wait for me to regain our honor in the future.”

“You only know Prince Su, but not the Princess Consort! I had to pull strings and spend money to find out. I heard the Princess Consort was originally the daughter of a disgraced official, sold into servitude and eventually sent to Prince Su’s Mansion as a maid. Somehow, she bewitched Prince Su—not only did he arrange a fake identity for her, but he also secretly settled her family. Now the Princess Consort controls the mansion. All these years, she’s maintained his favor not through family background, but through Prince Su’s love!”

“Yunshuang, when a man gives his heart, even an ant in the dirt can be lifted to the heavens. But if he doesn’t, even the moon in the sky can be trampled into the mud.”

“Right now, Prince Su loves only the Princess Consort, spoiling her beyond reason. Anyone who dares to approach him recklessly will eventually be crushed.”

“Do you think Consort Qi keeps trying to send women to the mansion for no reason? She’s hoping Prince Su will take a liking to one and share some of the Princess Consort’s favor!”

Xie Yunshuang laughed. “That suits me perfectly. I won’t be an ant in the dirt—I’ll be the moon in the sky!”

Concubine Jin was so angry she felt dizzy. She leaned on the desk and sat down on the Rose Chair. “Being the moon isn’t that easy!”

All these years, she had been obedient and devoted, maintaining her looks and figure with great effort, yet she still couldn’t capture Xie Changxing’s heart. It showed that men’s fickleness was innate.

Her daughter was plain in appearance and immature in temperament. Though she had some skill in playing pitiful and acting coy, in the eyes of truly clever people, she would merely be a clown.

“Yunshuang, if it really doesn’t work out, let’s not marry. Stay home a few more years like Xie Zhenhuan, alright?”

Xie Yunshuang shook her head. “Now that I have a chance with Prince Su, why should I hold back? If I wait until he ascends the throne someday, I might not even get to see him. I won’t let this opportunity slip away.”

What’s there to fear from a Princess Consort who was once a maid?

“Besides, time reveals a person’s heart. Maybe Prince Su will shift his affections and favor me in the future.” Xie Yunshuang tossed the date pit away. Look at the one in Tangli Residence—she got what she wanted, and now even returning to her family home requires her brother to accompany her.

Concubine Jin sneered at this. “Her? Xie Zhizhou and Xie Changxing are cut from the same cloth—both cold and ungrateful. Let’s see how long she can keep smiling.”

—

As dusk fell, the lingering sunset painted the sky, its golden light streaming through the bamboo window and casting a glow on Lin Shengshen’s cheeks.

Xie Zhizhou had been sitting with her for most of the day. While she reviewed accounts, he studied official documents, occasionally picking up his brush to write a memorial. Each held a cup of tea, and the day quietly slipped by.

Zhu Yu was pulled downstairs by Wan’er. “Sister Lin and Young Master Xie probably have much to say to each other. Let’s not disturb them.”

Zhu Yu smiled and tapped her nose. “You little imp, you actually understand such things too.”

Finally having finished reviewing the account books and decided which jewelry shop to collaborate with next, Lin Shengshen pushed aside the ledger in front of her and stretched lazily.

Xie Zhizhou also set down what he was holding and looked at Lin Shengshen.

“Young Master Xie, it’s getting late. Please return.”

“West Street is close to the Lin residence. I’d like to visit my father-in-law and mother-in-law.”

[Is this a visit to the in-laws or just an excuse for a free meal?]

Xie Zhizhou curled his lips. “For the free meal.”

Lin Shengshen was annoyed—she had accidentally let her thoughts wander again! She still wasn’t used to Xie Zhizhou hearing what she was thinking.

“Ahem, why exactly can you hear what I’m thinking?”

Xie Zhizhou answered honestly, “Since your birthday.”

Which was also their wedding night.

Lin Shengshen nodded. “That was when I came back.”

“It seems Heaven doesn’t want me to let you off easily, insisting you hear how I curse you in my heart.”

Xie Zhizhou said earnestly, “If I couldn’t hear, I might never have come to know the complete Lin Shengshen, nor realized my own shallowness. Perhaps Heaven doesn’t want us to miss each other again. This lifetime, it’s my turn to follow you.”

“…” Lin Shengshen swallowed and averted her gaze, avoiding Xie Zhizhou’s burning eyes.

“How can you stop hearing?”

“If I can’t see you, I can’t hear.”

“Then from now on, you’re not allowed to look at me.”

“I can’t help but look at you.”

“…”

Lin Shengshen stepped forward and covered Xie Zhizhou’s eyes. “Now? Can you hear?”

Xie Zhizhou blinked against her palm and shook his head.

Lin Shengshen’s palm tickled from his long eyelashes, and she quickly pulled her hand away. “Good. Then from now on, you’ll have to cover your eyes when you talk to me.”

Xie Zhizhou seized the key point. “As long as I can still talk to you in the future, I’m satisfied.”

Lin Shengshen corrected him, “That’s not what I meant.”

“I understand.”

Lin Shengshen fell silent. She felt Xie Zhizhou didn’t understand at all.

“If you want to visit the Lin residence, it’s not entirely out of the question. My parents have been very worried about me lately, and your visit might ease their minds. But one condition: you are not to stay overnight. After your visit, return to the Xie residence.”

[After much thought, it’s best to maintain this marriage until the Crown Prince’s matter is settled and everything is secure.]

Xie Zhizhou said, “Shengshen, I want to live with you.”

“That’s not allowed.”

“What would make it allowed?”

Lin Shengshen tilted her head and looked at Xie Zhizhou. She never expected that he, who used to be aloof and cold as a distant deity, would become even more fervent than herself when it came to matters of love. Truly…

A marvel through the ages.

Actually, whether they lived together or not didn’t matter much. After all, the current Xie Zhizhou was exceptionally obedient and definitely wouldn’t dare to do anything improper.

Feeling mischievous again, Lin Shengshen called out to Peilan outside the door, “Go buy a set of dominoes.”

After giving the order, she turned to Xie Zhizhou. “Small dominoes. Do you know how to play?”

“That day when you played with Baidou and Peilan, I watched and learned. I can play.”

[He actually spied on me playing dominoes and learned in secret? The esteemed Young Secretary of the Court of Judicial Review, engaging in such sneaky behavior.]

“Watching you secretly isn’t shameful,” Xie Zhizhou replied to her.

Lin Shengshen was so irritated she almost covered his eyes again, but when she saw Xie Zhizhou leaning closer with a smirk, making it easier for her to cover them, she stopped.

[Tsk tsk, pale complexion, colorless lips—you look quite unwell, no wonder you’ve lost your usual handsomeness.]

Xie Zhizhou covered his mouth and coughed a few times, his expression grave. “I’ll recover in a few days.”