The Sweet Litte Fulang (SLF)

Chapter 41-44 - Encountering Lu Wen

*This novel is more than 200 chapters (just 230), and I want this to be uploaded in one publishing rather than divided into two parts. I decided to upload it in groups with that in mind. I hope it's alright for everyone. 

Shen Xuanqing accompanied Lu Gu as they walked to the hillside in the early hours, not far from their home. Lu Gu carried a basket to gather ground vegetables, while Shen Xuanqing joined him. This time, they left the courtyard gate unlocked, with only the dogs remaining behind, ensuring they wouldn't trample the delicate ground vegetables.

The tender, black-green ground vegetables looked similar to swollen black fungus. After the recent rain, a fresh crop had sprouted on the hillside. Together, Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing scoured the area, filling Lu Gu's basket before heading back.

Upon their return, neither wasted time. Ground vegetables were gathered close to the earth and came mixed with grass and twigs. Lu Gu washed them three times, then spread them over a bamboo tray to dry in the sun the next day.

Shen Xuanqing, meanwhile, stood on a log, sawing it into sections for firewood. He'd felled this tree a couple of days prior, and the logs would be chopped for winter stock when he returned from the mountain.

As Lu Gu rose to pour water, the puppy pawed his shoe, tugging on his trouser leg with a playful bite. The pup was plump and heavy, so Lu Gu gently moved him aside before resuming his task.

It was getting late as their work finished. Lu Gu boiled a pot of water to clean himself. He always brushed his teeth and washed his face with green salt before bed, feeling uncomfortable otherwise. Afterward, he poured more hot water, sitting on the bed to soak his feet. The mountain stream had been cold, and after spending so much time in it, the heat was soothing.

Initially, Lu Gu intended to let Shen Xuanqing wash his feet first. There was still water in the pot, and he planned to add some fresh hot water to the basin if it wasn't too dirty. But Shen Xuanqing glanced at him and suggested, "The basin's big enough. Let's soak our feet together, then rest early."

Though Lu Gu felt it might be improper, he also knew that Shen Xuanqing was his husband. He didn't dare refuse. Hesitating, he finally lowered his head, shifted his chair opposite Shen Xuanqing, removed his shoes and socks, and carefully dipped his feet into the warm water.

The room fell silent, with only the gentle flicker of the candlelight. Shen Xuanqing was suddenly aware of his own hesitation. After Lu Gu placed his feet in the basin, he kept his own rough feet steady, fearing he might unintentionally harm Lu Gu's softer skin.

Lu Gu was more cautious than Shen Xuanqing, his head lowered to avoid looking up. His gaze settled instead on their feet, soaking side by side in the wooden basin.

The basin was indeed spacious; Shen Xuanqing's feet rested on either side while Lu Gu carefully kept his in the middle, moving as little as possible to avoid bumping into his husband.

Had he not been so flustered by Shen Xuanqing's suggestion, Lu Gu might have found the warmth comforting. After a few moments, Shen Xuanqing made the first move, subtly pressing his foot lightly over Lu Gu's. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he cleared his throat, attempting a casual tone. "It's good to rub them."

Most people would instinctively rub their feet against each other when soaking, even if they didn't use their hands, but for Lu Gu, this wasn't ordinary. He sat stiffly, afraid to move, while Shen Xuanqing's foot pressed against his. This touch, although familiar in one sense, held a new and unexplainable warmth.

Shen Xuanqing, experiencing this closeness with Lu Gu for the first time, felt a tightness in his throat and a rush of emotions he hadn't anticipated. After a brief moment, he felt he'd crossed a line, his actions too bold. He reached for a towel with a small cough, handing it to Lu Gu to dry his feet.