MY HUBBY IS TOO CLINGY!

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER FOUR

~♡~

Yan Ling stood frozen in Aoshu's study, her cheeks still warm from his sharp comment about her cooking. She wanted to snap back, but before she could find the words, Chuiye's soft voice drifted from the doorway.

"Sister?" Chuiye's gentle smile appeared as she held a delicate scroll in her hands. "Could I speak with Aoshu alone for just a moment? Would that be okay?"

Alone? The word hit Yan Ling like a small stone sinking into her stomach. Her lips parted, but no words came out. She didn't know what to say.

Aoshu's eyes moved from Yan Ling to Chuiye. His voice was calm, almost too calm. "Go ahead, Yan Ling," he said, his tone flat.

Yan Ling's jaw tightened. She forced a stiff nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "Of course." She brushed past Chuiye, avoiding her gaze. The soft silk of her robe swished loudly in the quiet hallway, her steps quick and sharp. She reached her room and slid the heavy door shut with a soft *thump* that echoed in the silence.

Alone now, Yan Ling leaned against the door, her shoulders slumping. Her chest felt tight, and she didn't know why. Why was she thinking about the gentle way Chuiye had said Aoshu's name? She kicked off her slippers, frustration bubbling up. 'Jealous? That's ridiculous. I just need the points.' She flopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling, her heart still heavy. 'So why does it hurt that he told me to leave?'

In the quiet study, Chuiye stood by the door, watching it slide shut after Yan Ling left. She turned to Aoshu, her face soft and thoughtful. "She's full of spirit," she said, her voice gentle.

Aoshu made a small grunt, his eyes dropping to the brush in his hand. He picked it up but didn't start writing. "Hmm," was all he said.

Chuiye stepped closer, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of his heavy oak desk. The wood felt smooth under her touch. "It's been so long, hasn't it?" she said, her voice warm with memories. "Since we walked through the old bamboo forest by the western ridge. Do you remember? We used to race along those paths. You always beat me, of course."

Aoshu glanced up, and for a moment, his stern face softened. A hint of a memory flickered in his eyes. "That forest is still there," he said. "It's thicker now."

Chuiye's smile grew, her eyes bright. "I'd love to see it again," she said, leaning just a little closer to him. "Before the examinations take over everything. A walk would help clear my mind." She paused, her gaze warm but steady. "Would you come with me? For old times' sake? It's been so long since we did that."

Aoshu's hand stilled. He hesitated, his eyes darting to the door where Yan Ling had disappeared moments ago.

Chuiye watched him quietly, her smile kind but waiting, as if she could sense the tug of thoughts in his mind.

Aoshu paused, then gently set his brush down on the desk. "Alright," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "This afternoon. After the drills."

Chuiye's face lit up with relief and warmth. Her smile grew wide, bright, and real. "Thank you, Aoshu," she said softly. "I've missed this. Missed... being around you." Her hand reached out, lightly touching his arm, a small, familiar gesture that reminded them both of their childhood days together. "I'll be ready."

With that, she turned and moved gracefully out of the study, her steps light. The door slid shut behind her, leaving Aoshu alone, his eyes fixed on the closed door.

★

The afternoon felt endless.

Yan Ling paced her room, her thoughts tumbling over each other. Where had Aoshu gone with Chuiye? Why didn't he tell her? She tried to distract herself. She flipped through a book, but the words blurred together. She rearranged her hairpins, moving them from one box to another. She even picked up a piece of wood to try carving again, but her hands wouldn't focus. Nothing worked.

Finally, she couldn't stand it anymore. She called her maid, Xiaoyu, into the room.

"Where is the General?" Yan Ling asked, trying to keep her voice light and casual.

Xiaoyu hesitated, her eyes darting to the floor. "I... I'm not sure, Madam."

Yan Ling's eyes narrowed. "You're lying."

Xiaoyu flinched, her cheeks turning pink. "Some guards saw him leave with Lady Chuiye earlier," she said quickly. "Just the two of them."

Just the two of them?

Yan Ling's fingers tightened, curling into the fabric of her sleeves. "Did they say where they were going?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Xiaoyu shook her head, looking nervous. "No, Madam."

Yan Ling waved her hand, dismissing the maid. Her stomach twisted into a knot. She walked to the window and stared out at the courtyard. The sun was setting, painting the sky in warm shades of orange and gold. The world outside looked calm, but her heart wasn't. 'Where are they?' she thought, her eyes searching the empty courtyard.

Thirty minutes crawled by.

"Madam!" A maid burst in from the balcony, her voice excited. "They're back!"

Yan Ling's heart skipped a beat. She rushed to the balcony, her silk slippers brushing softly against the wooden floor. She leaned over the railing, her eyes quickly scanning the courtyard below.

There they were.

Aoshu and Chuiye walked side by side, their steps slow and easy. Chuiye was laughing, her delicate sleeves fluttering as she moved her hands, talking with energy. Aoshu's face was as hard to read as always, but he was *listening*. His head tilted slightly toward her, his usual stiff posture just a little softer.

Yan Ling's fingers tightened on the railing, her knuckles pale.

Then, as if she felt someone watching, Chuiye looked up.

Their eyes met.

Chuiye's smile didn't fade. If anything, it grew wider-slow, almost knowing, like she held a secret Yan Ling didn't share. She didn't say a word. She didn't need to.

Yan Ling's cheeks burned. Her chest felt tight, like she couldn't breathe right. She stepped back from the railing, her heart pounding.

Behind her, the two maids whispered fiercely.

"How dare she?" one hissed, her voice sharp. "Walking alone with the General like that, giggling like a-"

"She's his childhood friend," the other maid muttered, but her tone sounded unsure.

"Childhood friend or not, the General is a married man now!" the first maid snapped. "She has no shame!" the second added, her voice low but angry.

Yan Ling didn't say a word. She stormed back into her room, the maids' voices fading as she left them behind.

She flopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling with a glare. Her heart was racing, and she didn't know why.

Why did this bother her so much?

Was it because of the system? Because she needed those intimacy points to succeed?

Or... was it because, for the first time, she'd seen Aoshu look at someone else like that?

She groaned, throwing an arm over her eyes to block out the world.

The next morning, breakfast felt like a battlefield. Yan Ling set a steaming plate of stir-fried chicken right in front of Chuiye, her smile sweet but sharp. "Sister Chuiye," she said, her voice bright, "I made this just for you. Please try it."

Chuiye's face lit up, and she clapped her hands together. "Oh, Sister, you're too kind!" she said, her voice warm and bright. "This is so thoughtful of you!"

Aoshu's hand moved quickly toward the plate, his brow creasing with concern. "Maybe I should-" he started to say.

Yan Ling slid the plate smoothly out of his reach, her eyes locking onto his with a sharp, pointed look. "No," she said firmly, her tone leaving no space for argument. "This is for our guest. You had your share yesterday." She turned back to Chuiye, her smile sweet but tight. "Go ahead, Sister."

Chuiye picked up her chopsticks, her face glowing with delight. "It smells so good!" she said cheerfully. She took a bold bite, her confidence clear.

A split second later, her eyes widened, big and round like coins. Her smile froze, then twisted into something stiff. A faint red flush crept up her neck. "Mmm!" she forced out, her voice tight and strained. "It's... very delicious! Such a special taste!" She chewed quickly, her jaw working hard, and swallowed with a noticeable gulp. Her hand pushed the plate just a little away as she reached for her tea. "Truly special. Thank you, Sister," she said, before taking a long, desperate sip from her cup.

Yan Ling's smile stayed firmly in place, as sweet as ever. "You're so welcome," she said smoothly. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Aoshu stared at his wife, his eyes narrow and full of suspicion. The look on Yan Ling's face wasn't kind or welcoming. It was sharp, like a cat that had trapped a mouse. He glanced at the plate of stir-fried chicken, barely touched, then back at Yan Ling's carefully calm face. Something wasn't right.

---

Later that afternoon, Chuiye slammed her chamber door shut. She doubled over, her hands clutching her stomach. It felt like fire and angry bees were twisting inside her. She groaned loudly, her face pale. "Ugh! That little...!" she hissed, pacing back and forth in a panic. "How dare she?!" Yan Ling's sweet, innocent smile flashed in her mind. "'Very delicious'?! More like poison dressed up as food! What did she *put* in that? Fire peppers mixed with rocks?!" Another sharp cramp hit, and she stumbled toward the chamber pot, grimacing. "Curse her and her awful, spiteful cooking!"

Meanwhile: Aoshu's Study

Yan Ling practically skipped into Aoshu's study, interrupting him as he read. "Husband!" she called out, her voice bright.

Aoshu looked up, his face cautious. "What?" he asked, his tone guarded.

"I need to go to the market," Yan Ling said, trying to sound casual. "Right now. To buy new robes. The spring silks are in, you know." Her eyes flicked toward the hallway-Chuiye's room was down that way.

Aoshu's brow furrowed. "New robes? The dressmaker can bring samples here. You don't need to-"

"No!" Yan Ling cut in, her voice a bit too sharp. She caught herself and softened her tone, smiling. "I mean... I want to see the fabrics myself. Feel them. Choose the perfect colors. It's... important. For a lady's choice." She clasped her hands together, giving him her most sincere look. "Please? It won't take long."

Yan Ling's mind flashed back to the spicy chicken she'd served at breakfast and Chuiye's forced, strained smile as she choked it down. Truth be told, Yan Ling wanted to be far away when Chuiye came out of her room, probably whining to Aoshu about her upset stomach or begging for sympathy.

Aoshu sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose with his fingers. The room grew quiet, the silence heavy. Yan Ling held her breath, waiting.

"Fine," he said at last, standing up from his chair. "But we go now. And we come back quickly."

Relief washed over Yan Ling like a cool breeze. "Yes! Quickly! Thank you!" she said, her voice bright with excitement. She practically bounced out the door, already mapping out the fastest path to avoid passing Chuiye's room.

Aoshu watched her leave, shaking his head just a little, a faint frown on his face.