I'll Raise Pigs to Support You - Chapter 24

After a busy day, Song Yugui returned home to find two full bundles of firewood in the yard. She felt a surge of relief—the male lead seemed decent enough for now.

Once I have money, I’ll definitely pay him back!

Shen Xizhi was also delighted, her eyes crinkling like a fluffy little pet waiting to be petted. She clung to Song Yugui’s arm and said, “So much firewood! It’ll last us through winter!”

They had already gathered plenty of firewood before, and with this addition, they wouldn’t have to toil anymore.

“Mm.”

Song Yugui led Shen Xizhi inside. The chicks, unfed all day, scurried out of their coop, flapping their wings indignantly. Shen Xizhi gasped, covering her lips. “Oh no, I forgot to feed the chickens! They’re still growing—they need to eat more!”

She was counting on these chickens to lay more eggs to nourish her wife!

Song Yugui watched the slender, straight-backed figure hurry away and thought, You’re still growing too—why don’t you eat more?

She can’t lose weight under my care. Otherwise, after the divorce, she’ll resent me.

Lost in thought, she carried the groceries inside.

Since Shen Xizhi had helped out at the tavern today, the manager had given her a leftover piece of pork liver and some greens to take home. It saved them the cost of buying vegetables and allowed them to eat well.

After feeding the chickens, Shen Xizhi started the fire to cook. Seeing Song Yugui sling a basket over her back, about to head out again, she quickly called out, “Where are you going? You’ve worked all day—rest a bit.”

There was a rare trace of concern in her eyes.

Before, she hadn’t known, but today she’d seen just how busy the tavern was. Song Yugui was always sweating—this job was hard.

Shen Xizhi bit her plump, tender lips, a stubborn thought rising: I don’t like this job.

I… I don’t want her to work so hard.

We can eat less. We don’t need to earn so much money.

As long as Song Yugui doesn’t go back to how she was before… that’s enough.

Oblivious to the girl’s emotions, Song Yugui even smiled cheerfully. “I’m going to cut pigweed. Haven’t you noticed how much fatter the pig’s gotten? A little more feeding, and we can slaughter it for meat before New Year’s.”

They’d save on buying meat for the holidays too.

Shen Xizhi pressed her lips together, strode over, and tugged at her sleeve. “Don’t go. Rest first. I’ll cut the pigweed later.”

“You? Then I’d better go.”

Song Yugui’s eyes swept over the girl appraisingly before she delivered that line, as if she didn’t trust her at all. Shen Xizhi flushed with anger.

What do you mean, ‘then I’d better go’? When you’re too lazy to cut pigweed, isn’t it always me who does it?

“It’s fine. I’ll be back soon—just in time for dinner. Be good and wait for me at home.”

She soothingly ruffled the girl’s fluffy hair.

Hmm, she’s missing a pretty hairpin. I’ll buy her one once I save up.

Shen Xizhi sulked, turning back to the stove with a huff.

Always telling me to be good, but she never listens to me.

Unaware of the girl’s displeasure, Song Yugui simply found her obedient and left swiftly. She returned at mealtime with a basket full of pigweed.

Still simmering, Shen Xizhi sat at the table pouting until Song Yugui, after feeding the pig, absentmindedly patted her head again.

Now she was even angrier.

“Don’t touch my head with unwashed hands,” she grumbled.

“Alright, alright. I forgot our Xiao Zhi loves cleanliness. Next time, I’ll wash my hands first. Wow, this pork liver smells amazing!”

Today’s meal was a rare indulgence. Shen Xizhi had stir-fried pork liver with garlic greens and made a side of sautéed vegetables. The liver was cooked with plenty of oil and fragrant garlic leaves, its aroma intoxicating.

Shen Xizhi was still reeling from being called “Xiao Zhi.” Her heart felt like it was soaking in honey—how could she call her that again?

So shameless…

A delicate pink tinged the corners of her eyes.

“Eat more. You’ve worked all day—you must be starving.”

Shen Xizhi obediently piled pork liver into her bowl. Any lingering anger was long forgotten.

She’d deliberately cooked extra rice, heaping a mountain of it into Song Yugui’s bowl. Now that she knew how hard her wife worked, she wanted her to eat well and stay strong.

Song Yugui glanced at Shen Xizhi’s bowl, relieved to see a generous portion, before digging in.

Coarse rice is still tasty, though a bit rough on the throat. The pork liver is so tender and flavorful—I’m so lucky! How could the original owner not appreciate a wife who cooks this well?

Hmph.

After mentally chastising the original owner, Song Yugui polished off her bowl.

Seeing her eat so heartily, Shen Xizhi unconsciously ate more too, her eyes curving into happy crescents.

If things could stay like this… it would be really nice.

Every day, I’m so happy and full of anticipation.

At bedtime, Song Yugui draped an arm over the girl’s smooth, rounded shoulder, her palm skimming the delicate ridges of her shoulder blades, pulling her close. She even hooked a leg over Shen Xizhi’s slender, bare thighs, clinging to her with intimate ease.

Shen Xizhi peeked up at her through dark, glistening eyes.

Why does she have to hug me every night? She’s so clingy.

Even as she thought this, Shen Xizhi wrapped her own arms around Song Yugui’s waist, inching closer until she was nestled against her chest, holding her tight.

Fine, clingy is fine. She’s my wife—it’s okay if she’s a little clingy.

With that, Shen Xizhi seemed to forget all the pain she’d endured at her hands before, surrendering to the warmth enveloping her.

This feels so nice…

The next morning, thick fog blanketed the village. Surprisingly, Shen Xizhi was the first to rise. She hastily prepared breakfast and pestered Song Yugui to take her pigweed-cutting. Only after they’d each returned with full baskets did she voice her little wish.

Her slender frame swayed slightly in the cold wind, her fingers nervously twisting together. Blushing, she whispered, “Wife… can I go to the tavern with you today?”

“Hmm?”

Song Yugui swallowed her porridge and, without much thought, refused outright. “Don’t go. The village is so far from town—it’s exhausting to make the trip. Wouldn’t you rather rest at home?”

Shen Xizhi’s plump lips puckered in displeasure. “But I want to…”

“I can’t take you every day. If we go too often, the manager will think we’re just there to freeload tea. Be good and stay home today.”

Yesterday, she’d only brought her along to keep the male lead and the villainess apart. But today, the male lead wasn’t coming—why not stay home? Going to town every day was tiring.

Shen Xizhi knew she had a point, but she just… couldn’t bear it.

The moment the word “bear” crossed her mind, the girl froze. Realizing her reluctance stemmed from longing, her eyes clouded with confusion.

When did I start relying on her so much?

It’s only been a month. How could I let go of my guard, stop resenting her?

Song Yugui, worried Shen Xizhi might throw a tantrum if she refused, waited anxiously—until she heard a reply as light as the wind:

“Okay. I’ll wait for you… at home.”

The girl lowered her eyes, her long, thick lashes veiling her expression. Song Yugui could only see the top of her fluffy head.

But she exhaled in relief. “Mm. I’ll come home early.”

Maybe she’s just bored being home alone.