As night passed, the morning light streamed through the window lattice. Newlyweds naturally slept in a bit later. Charles Clark snored a few times, turned over, and one leg was already draped over Ethan Foster. Ethan Foster seemed uncomfortable from the weight, coughed a few times, and opened her eyes. The scene from last night immediately flashed through her mind, and her paper-pale face flushed red in an instant. She thought to herself, her illness seemed a bit better today—could it be that the alchemist was actually right?

A young woman’s mind is always full of thoughts, and with this, all sorts of strange ideas bubbled up. She couldn’t help but turn to look at the peacefully sleeping Charles Clark, her ears unconsciously turning red again. This man looked just like a child when he slept, but when he set up his calligraphy stall, he was the very image of a refined gentleman. In fact, there was another comment she had: in the bridal chamber, he was like a barbarian.

Thinking of the word “barbarian,” Ethan Foster couldn’t help but blush prettily.

She had thought that after such a serious illness, with the doctor’s words, she didn’t have many days left. Who would have expected such a sudden turn of events? The Wen family had treated her like a dead horse being given one last try, but to Ethan Foster, this husband had not let her down. From today on, life was going to be a little different. A strange thought popped into Ethan Foster’s mind: I want to live well, to be a good wife and mother, and spend my whole life with him.

With this thought, Ethan Foster became calm, a sense of intimacy and gentle warmth making her snuggle a little closer to Charles Clark, her tense body relaxing.

Charles Clark seemed to sense Ethan Foster’s gentle gaze and slowly opened his eyes. Ethan Foster’s relaxed heart skipped a beat, and she immediately shut her eyes, pretending to sleep. Charles Clark glanced at her, only then remembering that he was now married. He studied his wife’s face and saw the blush on her pale cheeks, feeling both a surge of tenderness and a knowing smile that seemed to see right into Ethan Foster’s heart. He leaned down and gently kissed Ethan Foster on the cheek. Her long lashes trembled slightly, making her feel even shyer, and she refused to open her eyes.

Charles Clark then sat up on the bed and deliberately said, “I’m hungry.”

Charles Clark really was a bit hungry. From the wedding night until now, he hadn’t eaten a thing. After all, he was young and full of energy, and now, waking up to an empty stomach, he felt truly famished.

Ethan Foster cracked her eyes open a sliver and saw Charles Clark shirtless, complaining of hunger. She didn’t know whether to respond or not, and was at a loss when Charles Clark continued, “If I get any hungrier, I’ll starve to death. Tomorrow’s headlines in the capital will be: Wen family’s son-in-law starves to death in the bridal chamber, a tragic sight, pitiful to behold.”

Ethan Foster couldn’t help but burst out laughing, unable to keep up the act any longer. She quickly tied her inner garment and sat up, smoothing her tousled hair. “Xiang’er and the others will bring breakfast soon. Husband, please wait a moment.”

Ethan Foster actually looked a bit better than she had last night. Adam Sullivan thought mischievously to himself: Could this really cure illness?

Charles Clark wasn’t truly starving to death, but he felt that letting things drag on like this wasn’t the way. Seeing Ethan Foster get up, he immediately searched for the clothes he’d tossed by the bed and put them on casually. “Later, let me take a look at your illness.”

“Husband, you know medicine?” Ethan Foster looked a little doubtful.

Whether he could really cure her, Charles Clark wasn’t sure. In his previous life, he’d only been a clinic doctor. He’d seen all kinds of cases and had plenty of experience, but when it came to truly difficult illnesses, he might not be able to cure them with a wave of his hand. Without confidence, Charles Clark didn’t dare boast, so he just said vaguely, “I know a little—maybe I can find a way to help.”

Ethan Foster instead became calm and said, “Let things take their course. Today I want to go to Xizhao Temple to offer incense. Will you go with me, husband?” Ethan Foster realized that calling Charles Clark “husband” now felt quite natural.

By now, Charles Clark had already slipped on his shoes and tidied his clothes. He couldn’t help but say, “I’m afraid your body can’t handle it.”

Ethan Foster murmured, “I’ve often heard people say that newlyweds should go offer incense. My health is a bit poor, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to serve you in the future. I want to pray to the Bodhisattva for Ruoyao’s illness to get better soon, and also wish you peace and safety.”

Charles Clark thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Wait until you’re a bit better. If you catch a chill again, it’ll be serious.”

Ethan Foster smiled at him with affection in her eyes, feeling the warmth of Charles Clark’s concern. But deep down, she had her own mind. “Going to offer incense will be good for my illness too. How can I neglect such a thing?”

Charles Clark thought: Fine, I’ll just treat it as taking her out for a walk. If we go early, there won’t be many people, and if we go quickly and come back quickly, nothing should happen.

……

Charles Clark discovered that the pavilion where he and Ethan Foster lived was a separate courtyard within the Wen residence. Because it was in a secluded part of the inner quarters, usually only a few servant girls came and went, making it very quiet and elegant. From this, it was clear that Ethan Foster must be someone who liked peace and quiet—completely the opposite of Charles Clark’s little sister-in-law.