Crybaby Transmigrated into a Little Husband Chapter 69

Chapter 69: 狗糧

[Dog Food [{internet slang} public display of affection]]

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Even after eating countless crabs, some people still had exceptional skills, but none matched Tang Xiaobao’s dexterity. In no time at all, he’d devoured most of a large crab. Staring at the dismantled shell in her hands, Sang Jiayi suddenly felt a pang of embarrassment, wondering if she’d eaten too much. She turned to look at Tang Xiaobao, who was struggling to extract meat from a crab leg. Sang Jiayi found it odd—if he could prepare crab so deliciously, why did he seem so clumsy eating it?

 

This wasn’t Tang Xiaobao’s fault. Being a skilled cook didn’t necessarily mean one was skilled at eating. He only knew how to prepare it because, in his previous life, customers occasionally requested it when it was in season. They’d urge him to get some, and since they were all regulars, he rarely refused. However, he didn’t particularly enjoy the taste, so he never studied how to eat it properly. When he ate it, he resorted to brute force, nowhere near as refined as they were.

 

Before Sang Jiayi could resolve her inner confusion, only saw Ji Ling casually placed the creature—meat and shell separated—from his plate in front of Tang Xiaobao. He then brought the crab, already partially devoured by his bites, to his own side. Meeting Tang Xiaobao’s gaze, he calmly stated, “Let’s swap what we’re eating.”

 

Tang Xiaobao stared at the crab meat before him, arranged like a work of art, unsure whether to take a bite. He felt as if he were being pampered. Thinking this, he glanced back at Ji Ling. There he sat, elegantly dismantling his own crab. Simple tools glided through his hands like a craftsman wielding divine instruments, effortlessly extracting succulent meat from the shells. Unlike before, Ji Ling didn’t set the meat aside. Instead, he dipped each piece into sauce and ate it immediately. His movements were both graceful and aesthetically pleasing, a stark contrast to Tang Xiaobao’s earlier clumsy approach.

 

Watching Ji Ling’s series of actions, Tang Xiaobao noticed him reaching the leg that he himself had forcibly pried off earlier. A faint smile seemed to play at the corner of Ji Ling’s lips, as if finding the shape amusing. He even gave it a little nudge with his knife. Instantly, Tang Xiaobao’s face flushed red. Just then, Ji Ling, who had been under constant scrutiny, suddenly turned his head and smiled at him. “It seems that from now on, whenever we eat crab together, we’ll need to swap pieces.”

 

Tang Xiaobao’s face flushed crimson. He said nothing, merely bowed his head and began picking at the crab meat in his bowl, pretending to eat. Ji Ling didn’t continue teasing him. Instead, he instructed a servant to fetch something. When the servant returned, he carried a small bottle that appeared to be a wine vessel.

 

Just as Tang Xiaobao had guessed, it was indeed a container for liquor. The maid carefully placed three cups on the table and filled each one. The scent of wine tickling his nose made Tang Xiaobao feel a bit tempted. He hadn’t really had any wine since arriving here.

 

Placing the cups before each of them, Ji Ling said indifferently, “Crab is cold in nature. Having some wine with it is just right. It’s still early, so I had the servants bring some mild wine. You should all be able to handle it.”

 

Tang Xiaobao nodded, then picked up his cup and took a light sip. Instead of the expected sharpness, it held a subtle fruity fragrance. His eyes lit up. The cup wasn’t large, and Tang Xiaobao drained the rest in one gulp.

 

Sang Jiayi had been observing their actions. Seeing Tang Xiaobao finish his drink without hesitation, and Ji Ling across from her, sipping hers gently, she slowly lifted her own cup. After one sip, she recognized it as the priceless ‘Xiao Yao Zui’. The wine didn’t intoxicate, yet it was unforgettable. She had only tasted it once before, when a friend of her father’s had brought it over. Her father, wanting to show off, had given her just a tiny sip.

 

After finishing her sip, Sang Jiayi’s gaze toward Ji Ling grew intensely complex. Especially when she saw Tang Xiaobao, having tasted it, become utterly enamored. He poured himself glass after glass, until the tiny bottle visibly emptied. Her heart involuntarily tightened. Priceless wasn’t an empty phrase. That minuscule bottle truly commanded such staggering value.

 

Perhaps it was because Sang Jiayi’s gaze was too intense that Tang Xiaobao finally snapped out of it, staring at the bottle in his hand. Seeing it was empty, he said sheepishly, “Um, sorry, I accidentally finished it.” After a moment, he muttered under his breath, “Honestly, I don’t know why. It was just alcohol, but even after drinking it all, I still crave it.”

 

Ji Ling, sitting beside him, seemed unconcerned as he watched Tang Xiaobao. He smiled and said, “It’s no big deal. If you want more, I have some left. But you’ve already had quite a bit today. If you drink more, you’ll get drunk. Let’s save it for another day.”

Tang Xiaobao’s cheeks were flushed, a rosy pink that was utterly adorable, tempting one to pinch them. Just the thought of Tang Xiaobao passing out drunk

meant losing out on a whole lot of fun that night—better not.

 

Tang Xiaobao proved surprisingly compliant. Upon hearing Ji Ling’s words, he nodded, indicating he wouldn’t drink more. Yet his gaze lingered on the crab meat still sitting untouched in his bowl. After finishing a bottle, even the finest liquor had begun to take its toll. Now, Tang Xiaobao stared blankly at the plate before him, his hand frozen in mid-motion.

 

Ji Ling had been watching his reaction and now guessed why he was acting this way. He picked up his chopsticks, speared a piece of crab meat, dipped it in sauce, and held it directly to his lips. Seeing him obediently open his mouth and swallow it, smacking his lips twice, he then beamed at him with a sweet smile.

 

Sang Jiayi stared blankly at the scene, feeling as if something had struck deep within her soul. Even the succulent crab meat before her lost its appeal; she felt utterly sated by some intangible force. Lost in thought, she kept her eyes fixed on the pair without turning her head. Only when Ji Ling finished feeding Tang Xiaobao the last piece of crab meat, wiped the corner of his mouth, and turned to look at her, “Not satisfied?”

 

This remark snapped Sang Jiayi out of her daze. After a two-second pause to process, she realized it referred to the crab still sitting before her, half-eaten. Her mouth moved involuntarily as she replied:

“My appetite hasn’t been great lately, so I haven’t eaten much.”

 

Ji Ling nodded in understanding, then turned to the dazed Tang Xiaobao. Though his tone remained utterly flat, you could still hear the affection in his voice. “But do you want to go back and rest for a while?”

 

Tang Xiaobao glanced up at the sky, then back at Ji Ling, and nodded blankly. It was nap time. His baby needed to sleep.

 

Ji Ling stood up, took the already drowsy Tang Xiaobao by the hand, and headed toward the house. Just as they were about to exit the pavilion, she suddenly seemed to remember something. Turning to look at Sang Jiayi, who was still seated there watching them, she said indifferently, “Excuse us. I need to take my husband back to rest. My servant will escort you home shortly.” With that, he gestured toward Feng Ling, who remained standing guard.

 

Sang Jiayi observed his perfunctory gesture and nodded. Only after both had departed did she gaze at the crab left on her plate. After a few seconds of silence, she decided to sit down and finish it. Feng Ling, standing guard nearby, saw her action and a flicker of puzzlement crossed his eyes before he resumed his dutiful stance.

 

After finishing her meal, Sang Jiayi rose slowly and addressed Feng Ling with polite formality: “Please escort me back.”

 

Feng Ling responded with exaggerated deference, bowing slightly as he replied, “Miss, you’re too kind. It’s my duty.”

 

When Feng Ling escorted Sang Jiayi outside, a small sedan chair awaited. Noticing her surprise, Feng Ling hastily explained, “Young Master said you must be weary from your journey. He wished for your return to be more comfortable.”

 

“Thank you for your trouble,” she replied before stepping into the sedan chair herself.

 

After seeing her off, Feng Ling took his leave. Sang Jiayi then returned to her chambers with her maid.

 

Upon entering, the maid instructed the outer servant to bring in a basin of hot water. She then helped her young miss onto a soft cushion before fetching items from the inner room.

 

When the younger maid brought the basin of hot water, she personally removed her mistress’s shoes and socks. Seeing her mistress’s reddened feet, some areas even cracked and peeling, she felt a pang of pity. As she soaked her mistress’s feet, she muttered indignantly, “That Third Young Master clearly did it on purpose. He knew full well you’re not as tough as those men, yet he still made you walk that far.”

 

Sang Jiayi remained silent, her gaze fixed outside as she lost herself in thought.

 

“Even if the Ji household is better off than the Sang household, that doesn’t mean they should act this way.” Perhaps because she was usually very close to Sang Jiayi, the maid showed no fear of being scolded by her mistress. She continued to chatter on: “Moreover you spend all day hanging around with the Third Young Master! He’s a married man. What if something happens…? What will become of our young mistress then? Her reputation would be ruined. How could she ever marry after that?” As she spoke, tears began to fall from her eyes.

 

Noticing the maid’s distress, Sang Jiayi gently stroked her head and said softly, “It’s alright. My aunt dotes on me.”

 

After carefully drying her mistress’s feet and applying medicine, the maid observed Sang Jiayi’s hesitant expression.

 

Sang Jiayi, who had been lost in thought, found her hesitation rather amusing. This maid was usually so dependable; Sang Jiayi had never seen her look so troubled. She asked directly, “What is it? Why do you look so troubled?”

 

Gazing at her own young miss, as radiant as a flower, the maid clenched her jaw before finally speaking. “The Third Young Master treats his husband so well, and he has no concubines or mistresses. Given how much Da Fu Ren dotes on you, if you were to marry him, you would be the one running the household. Miss, I know you’re proud, but this is the best option. If Father were the one who chose for you, who knows what sort he’d pick.” As she spoke, tears fell, but she quickly wiped her face and regained her composure.

 

Hearing her maid’s words, Sang Jiayi’s expression remained flat, though it held less of a hint of popularity than when she’d been with Tang Xiaobao earlier. She murmured softly, “I understand all this, but…” Recalling Ji Ling’s protective stance toward Tang Xiaobao and the young man’s silly, simple, earnest demeanor, she found herself reluctant to be the villain who disrupted this harmony.

 

Noticing her young miss seemed lost in thought, the maid recalled her weakness. Her voice grew faint as she suggested, “Miss, if you marry the Third Young Master, you could be with that Tang Ge Er day and night. Don’t you like him?”

 

Sang Jiayi turned to look at her, her expression distant, but she said nothing.

 

In the days that followed, Ji Ling continued taking Sang Jiayi out for outings as instructed by the First Lady, but each time, Tang Xiaobao was brought along. After their excursions, they would always have a meal at Ji Ling’s place as usual.

 

To Tang Xiaobao, Sang Jiayi was like a neighbor’s younger sister—and a relative of Ji Ling’s at that. When relatives visited, it was only natural to take them out to enjoy the sights. He gave nothing else a second thought.

 

Word of this reached the eldest madam’s ears. She expressed great satisfaction and even rewarded the servant who brought the news. Then, turning to the old matron by her side, she remarked, “I reckon their happy occasion won’t be far off now.”

 

The old matron looked at the eldest madam and chuckled, ” Still Young Miss’s plan was brilliant. Men, after all, can’t resist something fresh.”

 

Hearing her old nurse speak thus, the matriarch thought of her own husband. Though stubbornly set in his ways, he hadn’t been stingy about bringing concubines into their household. How could one take a man’s words at face value? At this thought, the smile faded from her face.

 

Seeing Da Fu Ren’s smile fade, the old nurse instantly understood her thoughts. She too composed herself, falling silently behind her mistress and murmuring, “What shall we do next?”

 

Da Fu Ren toyed with the jade in her hand, her voice detached. “I recently acquired a splendid set of jewelry. You called Jia Yi and brought her in. That vivid color will suit her well.”

 

“Yes, Madam,” the matron replied, rising slowly and heading toward the door. The two women never liked outsiders present during their conversations.

 

Watching the matron depart, the First Lady sat there examining the jewelry, her voice tinged with melancholy. “Without realizing it, I’ve grown so old.”

 

Shortly after, Sang Jiayi arrived with her maid. Upon entering, she first curtsied to the First Lady, then smiled sweetly. “I heard from the matron that Auntie had a new set of jewelry to give Jiayi. I couldn’t wait to come and see! Was Auntie just teasing Jiayi?”

 

Seeing Sang Jiayi’s cheeky banter, the First Lady didn’t grow angry. Instead, she beckoned her closer and said cheerfully, “You little monkey, you’ve always been so mischievous. I thought you’d grow up to be more sensible, but it seems you haven’t changed a bit.”

 

Hearing Da Fu Ren’s words, Sang Jiayi didn’t get upset. She just smiled and then pouted playfully, “That’s because I know Auntie won’t be mad at me.”

 

Da Fu Ren looked at her, gently tapped her forehead, smiled, and said nothing—silently acknowledging her words. Among her relatives, this niece was her favorite, for she bore the closest resemblance to her. She had always thought that if she had a daughter like herself, she would spoil her rotten.

 

After exchanging a few words, the matriarch had someone fetch the jewelry set and handed it to Sang Jiayi with a smile. “This was given to me by someone else, but I thought the color suits your age perfectly, so I’m passing it on to you.”

 

Sang Jiayi looked at the matriarch’s gentle smile and accepted the gift without hesitation.

 

Sure enough, upon seeing Sang Jiayi accept the gift, the First Lady’s expression brightened further. After all, family should never be too distant.

 

Watching Sang Jiayi’s maid take the items, the First Lady patted her hand and smiled. “I hear you’ve been spending time with Third Brother Ji lately. What do you think of him?”

 

Hearing the matriarch’s question, Sang Jiayi smiled. Her expression grew even warmer as she replied softly, “I think Third Brother is a good man. He’s been very considerate toward me.”

 

Seeing Sang Jiayi speak so sincerely, the genuine approval in her eyes made the matriarch’s smile blossom even more brightly. Watching her favorite child marry the future head of the Ji family, she felt this was the best possible arrangement. Turning to her own niece, she paused briefly before tentatively asking, “Do you think Third Brother is someone you could entrust your life to?”

 

Sang Jiayi pondered for a moment before replying slowly, “Third Brother (San Gege) dotes on his husband immensely. He must be a good husband.”

 

Unexpectedly hearing this, Da Fu Ren suddenly recalled that Ji Ling had a husband of unknown origin. Remembering his Fu Lang’s appearance—clearly unfit for elegant society—she dismissed the thought. She merely looked at her niece and asked, “If I were to ask you to marry him, would you be willing?”

 

Hearing the question, Sang Jiayi promptly lowered her head, feigning bashfulness, her voice brimming with a maiden’s coyness. “I’ll follow whatever Father and Aunt decide. I know Aunt only wants what’s best for me.”

 

Satisfied with her niece’s response, the First Lady felt pleased. Here was a girl who knew how to repay kindness. It seemed Ji San wasn’t entirely without interest either. If that was the case, things would be much simpler. Even Sang Jiayi’s father would have to heed her wishes. At this thought, the eldest madam raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased. She then patted the girl’s hand, her voice carrying a hint of encouragement. “You must get along well with him. Your uncle holds him in high regard.”

 

Sang Jiayi’s heart skipped a beat hearing these words. A flood of thoughts rushed through her mind in an instant. It finally made sense why her father had repeatedly urged her to seize the opportunity, and why her aunt still wanted her to marry Ji San even after learning he already had a husband. Yet, despite all these thoughts, it was merely a fleeting moment. Her expression quickly returned to normal as she looked at her aunt and smiled, “I understand, Auntie.”

 

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