The Bridal Chamber Night

"Hey, hey, hey, you can't do this!"

"You're using numbers to defeat us!"

"Ouch, my old waist."

Outside the dormitory, it was a complete mess. Yu He and Dong Shu stood pressed against the wall. Being older, they were already exhausted after barely moving. Su Na, Shu Xue, and Jia Yuan were even worse off. Chen Yao cleared the space with a sweep of his arms, and Gu Qizhou took advantage of the chaos to kick the door open, shouting to Lu Yu: "Go inside and grab the bride!"

"This isn't a wedding procession, you're clearly kidnapping the bride!"

"Jiang Nian, run quickly!"

Shu Xue shouted playfully. Chen Yao blocked the door with his arm so Shu Xue couldn't squeeze in. Lu Yu strode inside, and when he saw Jiang Nian sitting on the edge of the bed, his footsteps suddenly came to a halt.

Outside the dormitory was noisy and bustling, but inside was a completely different scene.

Lu Yu looked at Jiang Nian dressed in red, with three small velvet flowers in her hair. Her light bangs fell softly over her delicate, curved brows. Her eyelashes fluttered, her bright eyes were beautiful, and her lips were rosy. When she smiled, she revealed her pearly white teeth. Lu Yu couldn't help but stare in a daze.

In two years, this was the first time he had seen Jiang Nian dressed up like this.

At this moment, Lu Yu wanted to hide Jiang Nian away, not wanting everyone's eyes to linger on her. Thinking this, he did exactly that. He pulled down the red silk ribbon from his clothes, draped it over Jiang Nian's head, scooped her up by her waist, and ran outside. Ge Mai was stunned for a moment before recovering, shouting: "Lu Yu, how can you do this!"

Battalion Commander Fang and Battalion Commander Ren arrived carrying two large bags of candy. They distributed wedding candies to everyone. Gu Qizhou and Chen Yao were busy snatching the bride; the two sides cooperated tacitly, and only stopped once Lu Yu carried Jiang Nian into the car and drove off.

Over at the family compound, Regiment Commander Xia of the Second Regiment and his wife were managing the event. Below the family building, pots and stoves were set up, with thirty tables laid out. At a glance, the scale was grand, with meat dishes served on every table. Adults and children alike sat clustered around the tables.

As soon as the car arrived at the family compound, people swarmed around. Lu Yu held Jiang Nian's hand as they got out. The bride's family was arranged to sit at the front tables. Xia Xiong, the commander of the Second Regiment, was a talkative man. This time, he and his wife had helped Lu Yu prepare everything. The atmosphere was lively, and everyone's eyes eagerly fell on the bride.

The bride stood next to Regiment Commander Lu, her figure petite and delicate. Her hand was held tightly by Regiment Commander Lu, and her snow-white face flushed with a rosy glow. She looked incredibly fair and beautiful, a perfect match for Regiment Commander Lu. Jiang Nian pursed her lips and smiled, her palms sweating slightly from nervousness.

Lu Yu squeezed her fingers, leading her around to toast a round of drinks and introduce everyone. Then, he carried her upstairs to the bridal chamber on the third floor amidst roaring cheers. Jiang Nian clutched Lu Yu's clothes with both hands, her head almost buried in his chest, her small face completely red.

This was the second time Jiang Nian had been to this room, and it was completely different from her first impression.

The walls were painted stark white, decorated with festive balloons. The bed was covered in a deep red quilt scattered with red dates and peanuts. The headboard, wardrobe, and windows were all pasted with "Double Happiness" characters. Lu Yu placed Jiang Nian on the bed. Taking advantage of the fact that the others hadn't entered yet, he cupped the back of her neck and kissed her lips.

Their hot breaths mingled, and their noses brushed against each other. Jiang Nian's heart had never beaten so fast. The air in her lungs was quickly depleted. It wasn't until the sound of footsteps drew closer that Lu Yu reluctantly let her go, kissing the tip of her nose and saying: "Sit here. I'll go down to be with them and bring you some food in a bit."

Jiang Nian nodded gently: "Okay."

Ge Mai and Shu Xue arrived to keep Jiang Nian company. Not long after, several women brought children over. The children called out "Auntie Jiang" and asked for wedding candies, which Ge Mai and Shu Xue handed out to them.

A moment later, two women arrived. The slightly older one was Lan Hui, the wife of the Second Regiment Commander. She placed two trays on the table and said to Jiang Nian: "Quick, eat something first, you must be starving."

Lu Yu had told her that the Second Regiment Commander and his wife had helped a lot with the bridal chamber and the wedding. Jiang Nian smiled and said: "Thank you, Sister Lan."

Lan Hui smiled: "This bride has such a sweet mouth."

Accompanying Lan Hui was Yue Qiao, who lived opposite her and was the wife of Battalion Commander Fang. Several of them sat and chatted. Lan Hui said: "Get some rest. There will be some rowdy wedding games tonight."

Jiang Nian's scalp tingled, instantly thinking of the rowdy bridal chamber teasing.

Previously, when Zhou Jun and Zhang Xiao had their bridal chamber teased, Lu Yu had taken her to watch. It was quite wild.

By afternoon, Ge Mai and the others had returned, and the noise outside gradually died down. Lu Yu returned smelling of alcohol, clearly having been forced to drink quite a bit. Sitting in the room, Jiang Nian heard the door close outside, followed by footsteps entering the bedroom. Her heart tightened involuntarily, and she gripped the quilt tightly. As Lu Yu pushed the door open and entered, her face flushed red for no reason.

The laughter of children and the chatter of adults could still be heard downstairs.

This only made the room feel even quieter.

Jiang Nian clearly hadn't drunk any alcohol, but smelling the faint scent of liquor in the room, she felt tipsy as well, her head spinning.

"Are you drunk?"

Jiang Nian swallowed, standing up nervously. Ever since Lu Yu entered, his gaze had been fixed on her, making her feel hot all over.

"I'm not drunk."

Lu Yu unbuttoned his shirt with one hand, strode over to Jiang Nian, wrapped his arms around her soft waist, and pressed her down onto the deep red quilt. The sudden dizziness made Jiang Nian gasp. She instinctively reached out to push him away, but the man pinned her hands above her head with one hand. In this position, the most alluring parts of Jiang Nian were pressed tightly against him.

The light in the room seemed to dim instantly.

Lu Yu lowered his body, pressing down a bit more. His Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes were dark with a burning, passionate fire that Jiang Nian could barely withstand. As their lips touched, Lu Yu gasped softly, his breath fanning her nose: "Nian Nian."

The two deep words carried an indescribable magnetism.

Jiang Nian felt her entire body go soft.

The sensation on her lips gradually intensified. This was the most pure and joyful contact, without any hesitation. The taste of alcohol filled their mouths, making Jiang Nian feel half-drunk. She tried to move her hands but couldn't escape Lu Yu's hold. The man leaned close to her ear, breathing hotly.

Jiang Nian turned her head to avoid him, but Lu Yu caught her again.

Carrying the scent of alcohol, the man wildly parted her teeth, tangling with her trembling tongue.

Jiang Nian only felt her vision blur, tears pricking her eyes. The large hand gripping her wrist had slipped away at some point, resting on her waist.

Free and uninhibited, he explored.

Her wedding dress buttons came undone, and her hair gradually spilled out like a dark night sky draped over the galaxy. Lu Yu's eyes flared with a crimson hue. Desire and the scent of alcohol filled the room. Jiang Nian's fingers gripped the quilt tightly, her wet eyes not daring to look down.

A cold draft hit her chest.

The red wedding dress was tossed onto the pillow.

Jiang Nian bit her lower lip tightly, trying not to look at the jet-black hair spilling over her chest.

Lu Yu propped himself up beside her waist. Jiang Nian's fingers squeezed his arm tightly. This time, with no distance between them, she clearly felt the firm, toned muscles of Lu Yu's body for the first time.

She couldn't pinch him at all.

"Regiment Commander Lu!"

"Regiment Commander Lu, there's still some time, where are you?"

The noise had started outside the door, with Chen Yao and a crowd of people calling out one after another.

Jiang Nian was startled, fearing they would break the door down just like they did at the dormitory.

The veins on Lu Yu's temples throbbed violently, and a rare flash of murderous intent flickered in his dark eyes. He took a deep breath, picked up the clothes, and put them back on Jiang Nian, carefully fastening each button. Looking at her rosy, wet lips, Lu Yu tried his best to maintain his remaining sanity.

Jiang Nian sat up, pulling the quilt over herself.

Lu Yu pulled her, quilt and all, into his arms, kissing the crown of her head. His voice was deep and hoarse: "Rest first. There's another round tonight."

Jiang Nian nodded gently. The banging on the door continued outside. Guang Sheng, the deputy commander of the Third Regiment, called out loudly from outside: "Regiment Commander Lu, it's not time for the bridal chamber yet. Don't be in such a hurry."

Lu Yu: "..."

Jiang Nian: "..."

It was still light outside, though the curtains were drawn.

Lu Yu stood up to put on his jacket. Jiang Nian's gaze uncontrollably drifted downward.

Stopping at a place she shouldn't look.

In an instant, her face flushed red. She pulled the quilt over her head, covering herself completely.

A flush appeared on Lu Yu's ears. He coughed awkwardly, buttoned his jacket, and opened the door to walk out.

As soon as the door opened, the noise outside immediately became much clearer.

Jiang Nian threw off the quilt and pulled back the curtains, letting the bright light flood the room. She patted her still-burning face, stood up to tidy her clothes, put on her shoes, and cleaned up some things on the floor.

It was very lively outside, and the smell of alcohol drifted in.

Not long after, Chen Ping and Yue Qiao walked in. Yue Qiao chatted and laughed with Jiang Nian, while Chen Ping chimed in: "Jiang Nian, will you live in the family compound from now on? Or will you still stay at the new house?"

Jiang Nian looked at Chen Ping calmly. Although Chen Ping hid it well, Jiang Nian could still see the embarrassment and stiffness in her eyes.

Jiang Nian: "..."

Yue Qiao glared at Chen Ping: "Isn't that a silly question? Jiang Nian and Regiment Commander Lu are married now. They are husband and wife, so where else would they live if not together?"

Chen Ping: "..."

She had just made a slip of the tongue.

When night fell, Lu Yu and the others arrived.

The bridal chamber teasing here was quite brutal; they played rougher in the military.

Lu Yu was forced to do three hundred push-ups, then had to carry Jiang Nian while doing squats. This was a test of physical strength. Jiang Nian was truly frightened, wrapping her arms tightly around Lu Yu's neck. The man carried her effortlessly while the crowd cheered and counted.

Even this wasn't enough. Chen Yao and the others came up with more mischievous tricks. Seeing the sweat on Lu Yu's forehead, Jiang Nian felt a pang of worry for the first time. She couldn't help but reach out to wipe the sweat from his brow with her sleeve.

Chen Yao clapped and laughed loudly: "Sister-in-law is worried!"

Others cheered: "Kiss her! Kiss her!"

Jiang Nian's face flushed. Lu Yu didn't hesitate to kiss her lips in front of everyone, sparking loud laughter and cheers in the room.

Usually, it was Regiment Commander Lu training them. Today, they finally caught an opportunity, and everyone was eager to "train" Regiment Commander Lu.

The revelry lasted until midnight before finally coming to an end.

Although Jiang Nian hadn't done anything throughout the process, she felt utterly exhausted. Lu Yu, who had been tormented by Chen Yao and the others, was still in high spirits. Once everyone left, Lu Yu carried Jiang Nian to the bed: "Go take a bath first, I'll clean up the house."

Jiang Nian nodded gently. After Lu Yu left, she took off her red wedding dress. Wanting to change into her own clothes, she realized they were all in the wardrobe in the next room. Currently naked with nothing to cover herself, she opened the wardrobe in this room and found Lu Yu's military uniforms and white shirts hanging inside.

Jiang Nian took Lu Yu's white shirt and put it on. He was tall with long legs, so his clothes were large on her, just barely covering her thighs. Hearing the sound of sweeping outside, she let out a breath, cracked the door open slightly, and saw Lu Yu holding a broom, bending over to sweep up sunflower seed shells and candy wrappers on the floor.

Hearing the door open, Lu Yu looked up.

The door was cracked open slightly. Jiang Nian held the edge of the door, poking half her head out, her face a bit red as she whispered to him: "Turn around first."

Lu Yu's tall frame suddenly tensed. His dark eyes pierced through the crack in the door, catching a glimpse of the white shirt draped over Jiang Nian's body. The hem of the shirt was hidden behind the door, with only the light casting her shadow on the floor.

The man's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice suddenly turning hoarse: "Okay."

Seeing Lu Yu turn around, Jiang Nian finally gathered the courage to open the door and ran toward the bathroom. Hearing her light, pattering footsteps, Lu Yu couldn't help but turn to look. A white figure was running toward the bathroom, wearing his white shirt. As she ran, the hem of the shirt fluttered in the breeze.

Lu Yu saw what he shouldn't have seen.

The man's eyes darkened instantly, and the veins on the back of his hand became prominent. Across the door, the sound of splashing water came from the bathroom. Lu Yu's thin lips pressed tight. He quickly finished sweeping the floor, took off his jacket, and hung it on the hook.

Jiang Nian stayed in the bathroom for a long time. When she came out, she felt much more refreshed. She was still wearing Lu Yu's white shirt. Although she had dried her hair, water still dripped from the tips, sliding down her neck and collarbone into her collar.

Her eyelashes were wet, flushed pink from the warm steam.

Jiang Nian didn't expect to see Lu Yu standing right outside the bathroom. The man was shirtless, wearing his military trousers with a black belt fastened around his waist. In an instant, his firm and powerful abdominal muscles appeared before her eyes.

Her eyelids fluttered in shock. Before she could even look up, Lu Yu pressed her against the wall, his arm wrapping around her waist as he leaned down to lock his lips onto hers.

The misty steam filled the air, making Jiang Nian feel as though she couldn't distinguish between dream and reality.

The strength of his arm felt as if he wanted to embed her into his bones. Her shirt collar slipped, nearly falling off her shoulder.

For the first time, Jiang Nian felt what madness was.

Previously, Lu Yu had always restrained himself. Facing him at this moment, Jiang Nian's heart raced wildly. In an instant, the world spun, and by the time she could see clearly, she had been lifted up by Lu Yu. Frightened, she wrapped her arms around his neck, the hem of her shirt pressing flat against his body.

Both of them froze for a moment.

Jiang Nian's face flushed completely red, while Lu Yu's gaze grew even darker than before.

From the bathroom to the outer room, and then to the bedroom, it wasn't until she fell onto the mattress that Jiang Nian reacted. She turned her head, her hands pressing against Lu Yu's shoulders. The man's arm muscles were well-proportioned and firm; she felt as if she were touching a block of iron. She whispered: "Go take a bath first."

She pursed her lips and added: "You smell of alcohol, and you're sweaty."

"Okay."

Lu Yu's voice was extremely deep, hoarse and heavy.

The man stood up and went to the bathroom. Jiang Nian instantly felt the weight lift from her body. She gathered the red dates and peanuts on the bed, placed them on the table, tidied the bed, and then changed into a tank top and shorts before climbing into the warm blanket. After all this commotion, the moment her head hit the pillow, she actually fell fast asleep.

On her wedding night, she slept sounder than a pig.

When Lu Yu came out of the bathroom, he saw Jiang Nian lying on her side, her snow-white arm resting on the edge of the bed, her legs clutching the quilt, sleeping peacefully.

Lu Yu: "..."

He grabbed a towel to dry his hair, suppressing the flames of desire. He walked over to the edge of the bed, lifted the quilt, and pulled Jiang Nian into his arms with one sweep of his large hand. She rested her head on his arm, finding a comfortable position to sleep.

Then, her hand wandered over his body, and she mumbled in her sleep with a chuckle: "Abs... eight-pack."

Lu Yu: "..."

He gently pinched Jiang Nian's cheeks, looked at her rosy lips, and narrowed his eyes as he called out: "Jiang Nian."

The sleeping girl mumbled and snuggled deeper into his chest.

Lu Yu: "..."

The man pinched his temples where the veins were throbbing, let out a helpless sigh, and held Jiang Nian tightly, completely sleepless.

Compared to Lu Yu, Jiang Nian's sleep was incredibly deep.

She hadn't dreamed of her family in the new century for a long time, but tonight she did.

Just like before, she pushed open the door to her house and saw her grandparents, father, and mother sitting at the table eating dinner. This time, there was no "Jiang Nian," but her family was just like last time, acting as if they couldn't see her. Jiang Nian frowned, sat in the empty seat, and looked at her parents talking beside her, her eyes turning moist.

"Dad, I got married."

"Mom, I got married."

Jiang Nian looked at them, but in her parents' eyes, she had indeed become invisible.

The only regret of her wedding was that her closest family wasn't there. Jiang Nian sniffled and couldn't help but cry. She stood up and ran back to her room. The room was just as before, clean and tidy, except that the book on the desk was missing.

"Jiang Nian" was not there.

She almost doubted whether her previous dream was just a dream or if it had actually happened.

Jiang Nian sat on the edge of the bed for a long time, then slowly lay down. When her hand brushed beside the pillow, she felt the corner of an orange notebook cover tucked under the pillow. She didn't remember having this notebook, so she pulled it out, sat on the edge of the bed, hesitated for a moment, and opened it.

— Jiang Nian.

The handwriting was somewhat crooked, completely different from hers. At first glance, it looked like someone who had just learned how to write.

Jiang Nian instantly thought of the other "Jiang Nian."

At this moment, curiosity triumphed over morality. She wanted to see what "Jiang Nian" had written, wanting to know what connection still existed between her and this "Jiang Nian." More than that, she wanted to know why she kept dreaming of the new century.

Just as she opened the first page, her waist suddenly tightened. Before she could react, fine, warm droplets of water fell onto her cheek.

The scene before her shattered and vanished. Jiang Nian opened her eyes dazedly, seeing Lu Yu close at hand. She blinked in confusion, her voice still carrying the softness of sleep: "What are you doing?"

Lu Yu said: "Continuing what we didn't finish last night."

Awake half the night with a soft beauty in his arms, and on their wedding night, Lu Yu threw all his self-control to the wind!