The literacy class didn't have many sessions, taking into consideration that everyone had families to look after. Only three classes were scheduled per week, which was perfect for me, as I had just found out I was pregnant. I even had free time to do other things.
Lu Jiao especially chose a Saturday, planning to take me to the top leader's house to meet Auntie Wei. The night before, I couldn't wait to take out the red dress I had made and change into it.
"Do you think I look good in this, or is it too flashy?"
Lu Jiao was sitting on the bed watching me in the red dress. My skin looked so fair, my waist so slim, and my hair was down over my shoulders. I looked both radiant and delicate. His Adam's apple bobbed. "It looks good. Not flashy at all."
"Really?" I pressed.
"Mhm." He nodded affirmatively.
Satisfied, I posed in front of the mirror. I really liked this outfit myself. It was my first time trying red, and I never expected it to be so flattering. I guess it's true that clothes really do make the person.
His gaze lingered on me, finally resting on my face. Then, in a hoarse voice, he said, "It's getting late. We should sleep."
I looked at the clock on the wall. It was eight o'clock. I was speechless.
We had just finished dinner, and my cool and aloof husband was already rushing me to go to bed. I had just changed back into my pajamas, climbed into bed, and pulled up the covers, when in the next second the light clicked off. Right after that, an arm wrapped around my waist, and my lips were covered.
Right, right, right. I knew there was a reason you wanted to sleep so early. I knew you were up to no good.
We were at it for almost an hour and a half. Only then did he, looking completely refreshed, get dressed. He even skillfully boiled some water to help me wash up.
My wrists were so sore I couldn't even lift them. I glanced at the alarm clock by the bed. It was already ten o'clock. I was so mad I kicked my foot out at him. But that guy, Lu Jiao, didn't even get angry. He just grinned and kissed the top of my foot, which made me so embarrassed I quickly dove under the covers and called him shameless.
The next day, we got up quite early. I changed into that red dress from yesterday. I stood in front of the mirror looking myself over for a long time and then spent a while fixing my hair. Finally, I felt satisfied. "All right, let's go."
When Lu Jiao came out of the room, his eyes were glued to me. The lighting was dim last night, so we didn't get a good look. I didn't expect him to see it even more clearly in the daylight. This outfit truly brought out all my best features. He gulped a little unnaturally. That red dress made my skin look exceptionally fair. It made him feel hot all over.
Lu Jiao's expression was a bit stiff. He said it looked great, then suddenly added that he seemed to have forgotten something. Then, without looking back, he rushed into the bedroom. His retreating figure looked a little flustered.
The senior leader's home was an old-fashioned two-story villa. The exterior walls looked quite old, but the yard was beautifully maintained, planted with seasonal flowers and plants. There were also green plants on both sides of the entrance.
Auntie Wei knew we were coming. She went with Auntie Chen to buy groceries early in the morning and even specially picked two fish for my nutrition. Just as she put the washed vegetables into a basket, she saw us entering the gate from the window. Right after, she heard Lu Jiao call out, "Auntie Wei, we're here."
Auntie Wei took off her apron and walked toward the living room. She spotted my red outfit from a distance. She couldn't help but stare at me for a few seconds. The red color made my skin glow and gave me a more vibrant look. The key was that it was paired well with stockings and black leather shoes.
She smiled and teased, "Lu Jiao, you are so lucky. You went back home and brought back a fairy."
I greeted her openly. "Hello, Auntie Wei. This is a gift for you."
As I spoke, I took out the gift box I had prepared earlier. Inside was a silk scarf I had picked out a few days ago. Auntie Wei accepted it graciously and warmly pulled me to sit down, telling me to make myself at home. Lu Jiao also sat down next to me.
Auntie Wei caringly asked about the baby's condition. We chatted enthusiastically without any awkward pauses. Lu Jiao seemed much more relieved.
Auntie Chen peeked out from the kitchen. Upstairs, Wang Zhen and his daughter Wang Yuan also came down when they heard the noise.
Wang Zhen joked as he descended the stairs. "You're finally willing to bring your wife out for us to see."
Wang Yuan skipped over to me. She called out enthusiastically, "Hello, sister-in-law."
I greeted them back. I took out the gifts I had prepared. Wang Yuan, this fifteen-year-old young lady, is quite a beauty lover. She circled me for a long time, saying, "Sister-in-law, your dress is so beautiful. This is the first time I've ever seen someone wear red so well. It's especially stylish."
Auntie Wei also asked, "Where did you buy it?"
I said, a bit shy, "I made it myself."
Both mother and daughter were quite surprised. The three of us were chatting animatedly when Uncle Wang Zhen knocked on the table and said, "Let's talk upstairs."
He and Lu Jiao then went up to the second floor study.
Lu Jiao told me later that Uncle Wang Zhen brewed pu'er tea that day. Just the two of them, and they drank it quite strong.
Lu Jiao skillfully prepared to boil water, warm the pot, and portion out the tea. Just then, Uncle Wang Zhen suddenly asked him, "What do you think of that northern project?"
Lu Jiao knew what he was referring to. He thought about it seriously and said, "It's good. It would be even better if I could be assigned to execute it."
Uncle Wang Zhen stared at his stoic face for a long time. In the end, he couldn't read anything from it and just smiled. "Do you really think so? Are you willing to leave your pregnant wife?"
Lu Jiao watched the steam rise from the scalding teapot. His tone was very firm as he said, "Life is life and work is work. Whatever the mission, I follow all commands."
Uncle Wang Zhen was very satisfied with these words, because he knew that Lu Jiao was a man of his word.
Seeing that Uncle Wang Zhen was just smiling, Lu Jiao couldn't help but ask, "So, what are your thoughts? Will you let me go?"