A Rough Man Has A Handsome Husband (BL) - Chapter 3

Tang Xiaofu blinked, a hint of excitement in his eyes. He took another sip, and warmth spread through his hands and feet. This weak body, born prematurely, finally felt some strength.
So amazing!

Somehow, Tang Xiaofu knew that this spring water could nourish the body and heal injuries. Though the effects were slow, it was safe and harmless. Drinking it regularly could even extend life.

The spring produced only one bowl of water each day.

Tang Xiaofu let out a long breath, closed his eyes, and silently exited the space.

From now on, this farming space would be his key to survival in ancient times.

Footsteps sounded outside. Tang Xiaofu’s expression turned serious. He quickly sat back on the bed, leaned against the pillow, and pretended to be weak.

Zhao Xiangbei entered the room carrying a rough porcelain bowl, his face full of a simple, honest smile.

“I made honey water and boiled an egg for you. Eat it to regain your strength.”

Tang Xiaofu looked at the white, plump poached egg in the bowl. His heart clenched slightly, feeling a little sour.

Zhao Xiangbei pulled over a small wooden stool and sat across from him. He scooped up a piece of egg with a spoon and brought it to Tang Xiaofu’s lips.

“Try it. See if there’s enough honey.”

They were sitting very close. The warmth from the man’s body made Tang Xiaofu’s face flush, his ears burn. He instinctively leaned back a little.

“Th-thank you. I can eat it myself.”

Zhao Xiangbei lowered his eyes, looking a little disappointed.

Carefully, he placed the warm bowl in Tang Xiaofu’s hands and reminded him softly, “Be careful, it’s hot.”

Not knowing what else to say, Tang Xiaofu could only nod and awkwardly reply, “Thank you.”

The room fell into silence.

With only the two of them inside, the atmosphere became a little awkward.

Zhao Xiangbei rubbed his palms together, hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a deep, muffled voice.

“I… I’m just a farmer. If you don’t want to be with me, why would you jump into the river? If Father and Mother knew, they would be heartbroken.”

In this era, men who married into their wives’ families were often looked down upon. If he were to be kicked out, life would only get harder for this rough man. Tang Xiaofu quickly waved his hands.

“N-no, that’s not what happened. I was just walking by the river that day when someone pushed me from behind. That’s how I fell in!”

Zhao Xiangbei’s eyes widened in shock. He abruptly stood up, his face turning furious.

“Who dares to do such a thing? I’ll go find the village chief and the headman right now!”

His fists clenched, veins bulging on his arms. Like an enraged bull, he was ready to storm out.

Tang Xiaofu quickly grabbed his arm and spoke softly, “Don’t. The person was behind me. I didn’t see their face, so I don’t know who it was. Without evidence, even if we go to the village chief, it will be useless.”

Thinking of the faceless figure from his dream, like a venomous snake hiding in the dark, waiting for another chance…

Zhao Xiangbei didn’t struggle. He sat back down beside Tang Xiaofu, his chest heaving with anger, eyes slightly red.

“Xiaofu, did you at least recognize their voice? Don’t be afraid. No matter who it is, I will beat them to death! Pushing someone into the river in broad daylight—where is the law in this?”

Afraid he would act impulsively, Tang Xiaofu tightly gripped the man’s arm and spoke quickly.

“I remember the voice, but we don’t have proof. Tell me, who saved me after I fell into the water?”

At least this man knew how to protect his family—that was a good sign.

Zhao Xiangbei looked at Tang Xiaofu’s pale face, his heart aching. He held his hand tightly.

“It was Li Mama who found you. She was washing clothes by the river and shouted for help. That’s how the others came to pull you out.”

The man’s large, calloused hand was hot, and Tang Xiaofu felt a burning sensation where their fingers touched. He curled his fingers slightly, his heart beating faster.

In this era, “Mama” was a respectful term for an elder brother who had married. Li Mama was the wife of Uncle Li Tie from the east side of the village. She was in her forties, and their families had some ties, though they weren’t particularly close.

It seemed unlikely that Li Mama was involved. The voice Tang Xiaofu remembered sounded young.

His gaze darkened.

This wasn’t something that could be let go easily.

If you wanted to kill a snake, you had to strike at its vital spot—once and for all.