How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 81 It's Chinese New Year!

Chu Ci took the package and was about to open it when He Baobao stopped her.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't rush to dismantle it!"

Chu Ci raised an eyebrow in confusion: "What's wrong? Why won't you let me tear it down now?"

He Baobao grinned mischievously and explained, "Anyway, after you go back and take a shower, your husband will help you put it on."

Chu Ci still didn't understand the reason and asked, "Can't I wear it myself?"

He Baobao sighed helplessly and continued to explain, "Uh... actually, this dress is quite complicated to wear, and you might not know how to put it on yourself, so it's best to have your husband help you put it on."

"Is that so..." Chu Ci nodded. Her own clothes were very simple in style; she really couldn't handle anything too complicated.

Song He suddenly interjected, "I also prepared a gift for Sister Chu Ci."

Shi An looked at him, somewhat surprised: "What?"

Shi An just gave him a bracelet, it's a beautiful bright green, I didn't expect this kid to prepare a gift for Chu Ci too.

Song He took out a bracelet that matched Shi An's and handed it to Chu Ci, saying, "This is my gift; one for each of you."

Chu Ci put the bracelet on her wrist, which made her wrist look incredibly white and beautiful.

"Thanks."

Song He asked Shi An to show off the bracelets as well, saying, "Sister Bao Bao said these are couple's bracelets, one for each of you, so outsiders will know you're a couple when they see them."

Shi An was absolutely thrilled. "Is this even possible? This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing."

He took Chu Ci's hand and smiled genuinely. This bracelet was not just a gift, but also a symbol, representing the special relationship between them.

“My lady, look, we are the same.”

"Mmm." Shi An and Chu Ci admired the bracelets on each other's wrists, as if they had become a part of their love.

Their eyes met, filled with love and tenderness.

Seeing their happy faces, Song He felt a surge of joy in her heart.

He felt it was wonderful to witness this moment.

"Oh, right." Chu Ci remembered something and asked Shi An, "Did you give Song He the gift you gave him?"

Song He nodded immediately, her eyes curving into crescents, her tone full of laughter: "I've got it, I love it."

Shi An gave her a garment he had sewn himself, made of light blue fabric with beautiful embroidery, which Song He loved.

Chu Ci originally wanted to give Song He a hairpin that he had carved himself, but Shi An didn't allow it, so she gave Song He a bag of dried meat instead.

These two items are exactly what Song He needs.

"Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, and I need to go home. It's good that we exchanged gifts today, otherwise it would be after the New Year."

When Shi An heard that Song He was going home, she took out the handkerchief she had embroidered for Wu Liu and said, "This is for your uncle."

Song He was overjoyed when she received it. "Thank you, Brother Shi'an. Father will definitely like it."

Chu Ci took out another bag of dried meat and handed it to Song He, saying, "This is for your sister."

Seeing that Chu Ci had bought so much dried meat, Song He felt a little embarrassed, "Sister Chu Ci, you've gone to so much trouble."

Chu Ci smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it."

"My sister will definitely love it; she's a real glutton." Song He carefully put away the dried meat, feeling a little homesick.

Song He has been staying at the clinic recently and hasn't been home for a long time.

Occasionally, his mother would stop by to visit him on her way to work at the docks, but his father and sister were both busy with their own affairs and rarely came to visit him.

This was the first time Song He had been away from home for so long, and her longing for her family grew even stronger.

Shi An keenly sensed Song He's low spirits. He gently held Song He's hand and comforted her, "Xiao He, if you have any difficulties or need any help, be sure to come to me."

Song He raised her head, her eyes glistening with grateful tears, and replied in a slightly trembling voice, "Thank you, Brother Shi An."

Shi An smiled and patted Song He's head, his tone very gentle: "Silly child, why are you being so polite with me? I consider you family."

Chu Ci chimed in, "That's right, Xiao He. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, don't bear them alone. Just tell us, and we will do our best to help you!"

He Baobao nodded in agreement to show her support.

Song He nodded vigorously, "Yes, I understand."

He knew that no matter when or where, there were always three people who genuinely cared about him and were willing to lend a helping hand by his side.

This feeling of being cared for and supported made Song He feel warm and at ease.

"Thank you, Brother Shi'an and Sister Chu Ci. I will study medicine hard and repay you in the future."

Shi An patted Song He on the shoulder, "Keep going! I believe in you."

Seeing that all the gifts had been given, Chu Ci decided not to stay any longer. "Alright, let's go."

Hearing this, He Baobao's face showed a hint of reluctance, "Are you leaving so soon?"

“Yes, we still need to visit other people,” Chu Ci explained.

Zhao Yi has been staying in Lotus Town for Chu Ci's sake, and Chu Ci needs to go and visit her.

After learning the reason, He Baobao expressed her understanding, "Alright, since that's the case, I won't try to keep you any longer."

"Okay." Chu Ci nodded. "Then we'll be leaving now."

He Bao and Song He escorted them to the door, and Chu Ci then led Shi An toward the Hua Lou building.

Passing by a tavern, Chu Ci went in and bought two jars of Daughter's Red wine, intending to give them to Zhao Yi as a New Year's gift.

The restaurant was bustling with activity, with many guests dining on the first floor.

Chu Ci led Shi An through the side door to the third floor, but they ran into Zhao Yi coming downstairs on the second floor.

Chu Ci greeted Zhao Yi warmly: "Happy New Year, Zhao Niangzi!"

Zhao Yi simply replied, "Happy Chinese New Year."

Chu Ci handed her two jars of wine, his eyes filled with apology: "I'm sorry, because of me, you couldn't go home for the New Year."

Zhao Yi gently shook his head, his face showing no dissatisfaction, but rather a calm demeanor.

Her family consists of only her mother, and both of them are very busy, so the Lunar New Year is not much different from any other year for them.

Zhao Yi accepted the wine Chu Ci offered and patted her on the shoulder to express his gratitude.

Chu Ci smiled and replied, "I should be thanking you."

Besides teaching her riding and archery, Zhao Yi also helped her a lot by making peach blossom wine last time.

After delivering the gifts, Chu Ci and Shi An embarked on their journey home together.

As we walked, snowflakes began to fall from the sky.

Shi An looked up at the swirling snowflakes in the sky, a joyful smile spreading across her face: "So beautiful!"

Chu Ci noticed Shi An's reaction, gently took off her scarf, and carefully wrapped it around Shi An's neck, saying with concern, "Don't catch a cold."

Shi An felt the warmth on her neck, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

He held Chu Ci's hand tightly, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably.

"My lady, it's so wonderful to have met you."

Chu Ci pulled the person into her arms, and said with some emotion, "If only you could have met me in your previous life, you wouldn't have had to face death alone."

Shi An shook her head, looking at Chu Ci with tender eyes, "I'm already very lucky, I can't be greedy anymore."

Chu Ci reached out and wiped away Shi An's tears, then gently kissed his forehead and said softly, "With me, you can always be greedy."

Upon hearing this, Shi An's eyes welled up with tears again. He hugged Chu Ci tightly, as if he wanted to merge himself into the other's body.

The two embraced quietly, enjoying this rare moment of peace and warmth.

After the hug ended, they held hands and went home.

After tidying herself up quickly, Shi An went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

"My lady, what would you like to eat?" Shi An asked softly while chopping vegetables.

Chu Ci thought for a moment, then said, "I want to eat meat."

"How's the barbecue?" Shi An took out a cleaned rabbit and showed it to Chu Ci.

Chu Ci nodded in agreement without hesitation: "Of course."

So Shi An began to concentrate on processing the rabbit, carefully brushing his specially prepared seasoning evenly onto the meat.

Chu Ci didn't sit idly by either; he took out a flint and steel and helped start a fire.

Before long, the rabbit meat was cooked and emitted an enticing aroma.

Chu Ci picked up a piece of rabbit meat and put it in his mouth, but because he was in such a hurry, he accidentally burned himself.

"Ah!" She quickly opened her mouth and exhaled in small breaths to dissipate the heat in her mouth.

Seeing this, Shi An quickly poured her a glass of cool water and handed it to her.

"My lady, you're in too much of a hurry." Shi An looked at Chu Ci's mouth with concern. "Did you burn yourself?"

Chu Ci stuck out her tongue for Shi An to see: "How is it?"

Shi An first carefully examined Chu Ci's tongue and saw that it was only slightly red and there was nothing wrong with it, so he was relieved.

However, the next second, he unexpectedly leaned close to Chu Ci and gently kissed her tongue.

Chu Ci was stunned, completely unprepared for Shi An's actions.

"you……"

Shi An's face flushed red instantly, her eyes darting away from Chu Ci's gaze, and even her breathing became rapid.

He himself did not understand why he suddenly did such a thing, but the impulse deep in his heart made him unable to suppress it.

Chu Ci pinched the man's chin, forcing him to look up and stare directly at her.

A hint of a smile flickered in her eyes as she said softly, "Shi'an, let's eat first, and then... okay?"

Upon hearing this, Shi An's face immediately turned red, and her ears burned intensely.

Last time, Chu Ci was completely drunk, but today she is sober. I wonder what the experience will be like this time?

Thinking of this, Shi An couldn't help but feel a surge of heat throughout her body.

After finishing the barbecue, Chu Ci got up and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

Shi An then took out the package that He Baobao had given to Chu Ci from the cabinet and opened it to take a look.

There was a piece of clothing inside.

He took out the garment, unfolded it, and examined it closely, only to find that the garment was somewhat... somewhat improper.

Because its fabric is mainly gauze and uses very little material, it looks like the clothes worn by women who sold themselves in brothels in the previous life.

Although most of those who sold themselves in brothels were men, some wealthy or noble men had strange fetishes, such as a liking for women.

Shi An remembered that he had been pursued by women who sold themselves in the past, but he had rejected them all.

At this moment, looking at the slightly provocative dress in her hand, Shi An felt conflicted.

Ultimately, he decided to take it into the bathroom.

Chu Ci has finished taking a bath and is drying her body.

Shi An walked in, took the towel from her hand, and gently wiped her wet long hair with soft and delicate movements.

"My lady, would you like to try on those clothes?" Shi An asked softly, her voice tinged with shyness.

Chu Ci blinked in confusion, "What clothes?"

"It was given to me by Dr. He," Shi An reminded him.

Chu Ci suddenly realized, recalling her previous conversation with Doctor He, and couldn't help but laugh: "Oh, her... Okay, let's give it a try."

She was a little curious about what kind of clothes Shi An had to personally put on her.

Upon hearing this, Shi An's face turned even redder. He took a deep breath, seemingly trying to control his nervousness.

Then, he slowly said, "Then... I'll put it on you..."

Chu Ci laughed heartily, "Go ahead and wear it, what are you so nervous about?"

"No...no..." Shi An carefully unfolded the mysterious garment and gently draped it over Chu Ci's body.

As the clothes gradually covered Chu Ci's body, Shi An's gaze became increasingly focused. He carefully adjusted every detail to ensure that the clothes fit perfectly.

When Chu Ci was fully dressed, Shi An couldn't help but be attracted by her beauty.

Her long, black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, some curled slightly, some gently brushing against her fair shoulders and neck, exuding a faint fragrance.

Her face was exquisitely sculpted, with distinct features and a beautiful contour, especially her phoenix eyes, which were deep and bright, as if they held countless secrets and stories.

However, what is most striking is her voluptuous figure, which appears even more sexy against the backdrop of the red gauze dress.

Shi An's heart rate soared, almost leaping out of his throat.

He stared blankly at Chu Ci, momentarily speechless.

Chu Ci's expression at this moment was very upright, without the slightest affectation or flirtation, but it was precisely this natural attitude that made her even more attractive.

Her beauty lies not only in her appearance, but also in her temperament and personality.

Her integrity, kindness, and courage make her a unique individual.

Shi An looked at her, his body gradually heating up, and his breathing becoming rapid.

He tried to control his impulses and calm down, but his inner desires grew stronger.

He wanted to kiss her soft lips, feel her warm body temperature, and be possessed by her.

On the other side, Chu Ci frowned, looking at her clothes with a puzzled expression, and muttered to herself, "What... what is this?"

This...this doesn't look like something a proper young woman would wear...

She turned to look at her husband across from her, only to be surprised to find his face as red as a ripe apple, and even his body...

Chu Ci was somewhat surprised, "Shi An...you...what's wrong with you...?"