Chapter 36: Is There an Affair Between You Two?

At these words, everyone in the room cast suspicious glances toward Jing Zhuo.

Without changing his expression, Jing Zhuo walked downstairs, carrying a large bag of snacks, and placed them into Sui Sui’s arms under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

His tone was calm and tolerant.

"The child likes to shout; I don't mind."

The implication was that Sui Sui had simply given him a title at random.

Sui Sui’s eyes widened, feeling that something was wrong. "But it was clearly you—mmph!"

Seeing this, Song Xi hurriedly covered Sui Sui’s little mouth, cutting her off.

"Sui Sui, you’ve got it wrong! That isn't your eldest sister’s husband!"

She turned the girl around to face her cousin’s newlywed husband and corrected her: "This is your brother-in-law. Be a good girl, stop talking, and take a good look."

Fortunately, Sui Sui’s attention was entirely on the snacks; once interrupted, she let it go. She wanted to eat her jelly!

Everyone assumed it was just a misunderstanding and laughed it off.

Song Xi breathed a secret sigh of relief, her heart nearly stopping.

Just then, Song Shiqian’s car arrived to take Jing Zhuo to the drone headquarters for a visit.

Jing Zhuo greeted everyone and stepped out.

It was still quite a novelty to have a stranger in the house. Once he had left, her cousin pulled Song Xi aside and whispered:

"How did that handsome guy from the capital end up staying at our house?"

Song Xi played dumb: "I don't know."

"Could he have taken a fancy to you?"

Her cousin judged with a sharp eye: "Just now, when Sui Sui called him brother-in-law, he looked at you instinctively. Is there something going on between you two?"

Song Xi’s eyes darted around: "No, I haven't, I would never commit adultery."

Even if they had already done it, she and Jing Zhuo were legally husband and wife.

How could that be considered an affair?

Her cousin knew Song Xi’s character well—her face was open and generous, but she was actually reserved, introverted, timid, and soft-hearted. She couldn't even navigate a simple romance, so she certainly wouldn't be messing around with a man.

She offered some advice: "Still, it’s better this way. Keep your distance from him. You grew up in Suzhou; marrying into the capital is too far away. It’s best to marry locally. With your family here, if you have a fight after marriage, they can still be your support."

Song Xi smiled stiffly and said nothing.

For one, she didn't have a real family home to lean on, nor would they stand up for her if she were bullied.

For another, she was already married.

It was just that their relationship was currently unstable, so she didn't dare to make her husband public.

***

After lunch, Song Xi went to pick up her cheongsam as directed, and then went alone to the century-old shop that specialized in custom suits.

It was her first time there, but she understood the various sizing measurements for suits and handed a slip of paper to the proprietor.

"Boss, I’d like to commission a men’s suit."

The elderly proprietor looked up from his sewing machine, peering over his reading glasses, and asked with a smile:

"What style are you looking for?"

Song Xi thought for a moment and said, "A traditional style, for a wedding outfit."

"Ah, so it’s for your fiancé."

The proprietor recommended several exquisite styles for her to choose from.

"These finished pieces are all excellent—fashionable and flattering. With your husband’s proportions, he will definitely look good in them."

Song Xi picked one with a new-Chinese flair. The fabric featured subtle, carved-pattern textures, and there were two toggle buttons at the waist. It was elegant, imposing, and steady, like a graceful young gentleman from a noble family.

It would suit Jing Zhuo’s face perfectly.

The proprietor noted the measurements and took the deposit, then asked her a final question.

"Does your husband usually prefer to keep things to the left or the right?"

Song Xi: "Huh?"

The proprietor gestured with his hands: "If he prefers the left, the crotch seam is shifted slightly to the left; if he prefers the right, it’s shifted to the right."

Song Xi understood.

She was instantly mortified.

Did custom suits really require such specific details?

But this kind of thing... how could she know whether Jing Zhuo preferred it to the left or the right?

That was something only he would know.

She asked quietly: "Where do people... usually keep it?"

"It varies from person to person. Some prefer the left, some the right," the proprietor said earnestly. "A suit is a slim-fitting garment; if it’s not done right, it will be restrictive, and your husband won't be comfortable wearing it. You understand, right?"

Song Xi understood.

Yet, she couldn't just guess at this information.

If it didn't fit right, and he felt uncomfortable wearing it or had to change the side, how embarrassing would that be?

Her earlobes turned red as she said, "Tell you what, Boss, let me add you on WeChat. I’ll go back, ask him personally, and then message you."

"That works."

The proprietor readily displayed his QR code for her to scan.

***

Back home that night, Song Xi’s head was filled with left or right. She wanted to give Jing Zhuo a surprise gift, so she didn't want to ask him directly.

She waited in her bedroom until 9:00 PM, finally hearing the sound of the door opening in the next room.

He was back!

Song Xi immediately pulled open her door to greet him.

"Hi~ Good evening!"

Jing Zhuo, holding the doorknob, raised an eyebrow slightly at her words.

He seemed surprised that she had taken the initiative to greet him and that her timing was so precise—a second later, and he would have been inside.

His wife was waiting specifically for his return.

Jing Zhuo’s expression softened, revealing a gentle look: "Waiting here for me—is something the matter?"

Song Xi didn't hear the question; her attention was entirely on the man’s trousers. Her gaze was fixed intently on Jing Zhuo’s lower half, a focused state that felt familiar to him for a fleeting moment.

"Song Xi?" he called out.

Song Xi quickly regained her composure, covering up with embarrassment: "Well, you've been staying at the house for so long, I assume your laundry hasn't been done. Would you like me to wash it for you?"

Using the guise of laundry to get his trousers into her hands would allow her to inspect the seam.

Jing Zhuo’s expression turned peculiar at this. He looked up at her: "You want to wash my clothes?"

"Mm-hmm," Song Xi nodded like a little chick. "You washed mine last time, so I’ll wash yours once. It’s only fair."

Hearing this, Jing Zhuo pondered for a moment and said, "Then give me a moment. I’ll go inside and take them off."

"Okay!"

The door closed.

Song Xi stood at the threshold, feeling that success was within reach.

She was just too clever.

A little bit of brainpower and she had it in the bag.

Before long, the door opened from the inside. Jing Zhuo was dressed in a crisp shirt and trousers. He reached out toward Song Xi.

In his long, slender, and bony hand, he held a pair of dark men’s briefs.

Song Xi: "???"