Stinky Bandit, I’m Pregnant! - Chapter 11:

Chapter 11: If You Kiss Me Again

Gu Fei also felt it was time to go back.

The wind on the city tower had left him feeling a bit uncomfortable—he was almost certain he was going to catch a cold.

In front of Xiao Lingshuang, he stretched lazily without a shred of elegance and said, “Since things are taken care of, I should head back and get some rest. Zhang Biao, have the brothers keep a closer watch, and look out for any suspicious movement or people nearby.”

“Don’t worry, My Lord. These days, I’ve been having the boys stand guard at night with weapons in hand… As long as we’re not under siege by ten thousand men, our Shangyuan County is solid as steel—not even a drop leaks out.”

“Good, that’s very reassuring.”

Gu Fei led Xiao Lingshuang down from the tower.

Along the way, he occasionally glanced sideways at her. He wondered—was this woman really a member of the Leng family?

Judging by her behavior and mannerisms, she had to be a direct descendant. No way she was some concubine’s daughter. Because every now and then, she’d unconsciously display a kind of natural-born presence and expression that only those in power had.

That kiss on the tower left a strange mix of feelings in his heart. He hadn’t expected this woman to actually take the initiative.

In that split second, Gu Fei’s heart suddenly trembled and sped up a little.

But he quickly calmed himself and put his usual expression back on.

As they walked, he started to feel his head grow heavy, his nose stuffy—it really did feel like a cold was coming on.

He rubbed his nose and forced a smile. “Miss Leng, the wind up on the tower really was strong. I think I might be coming down with something. I’d better get back and drink some ginger soup.”

Xiao Lingshuang smiled lightly and replied calmly, “Since you’re not feeling well, then go home early and rest. You jumped in the river, climbed the wall… and now you’re surprised you’re sick?”

Gu Fei immediately looked aggrieved. “How can you say that? Why am I sick? Isn’t it because I jumped in the river to save you and Xu Hui?”

Xiao Lingshuang thought about it and realized… he was right. Her heart, which had long been trained to be cold as stone, trembled ever so slightly.

Seeing her silent, Gu Fei assumed she felt guilty.

He smiled faintly. “Just joking, don’t take it seriously… This little county magistrate is made of steel, I’m not afraid of a little wind and rain.”

Just as he finished speaking, he sneezed.

Xiao Lingshuang couldn’t help but press her lips together and chuckle softly. “Lord Gu, that doesn’t sound very steel-like.”

Gu Fei scratched his head and laughed awkwardly. “Looks like I really do need to go home and rest.”

The two continued walking into the city. In the distance, Zhang Biao was still standing on the tower, watching them from behind and pondering how to get his Lord to marry his younger sister.

He muttered to himself, “My little sister Zhang Yao is a real beauty too… Why doesn’t My Lord ever take an interest in her? And what about Head Constable Ye? She’s ranked the top beauty in Shangyuan County, yet the Lord doesn’t seem to care either…”

Suddenly, a wild thought popped into his head. “Could it be… Dragon-Yang affection?” He shuddered and broke out in a cold sweat.

He quickly shook his head. “No way… My Lord looks so straight… no way, right?” Again, he trembled from head to toe.

On the road, Gu Fei sneezed again.

The streets were still bustling. From time to time, they passed patrolling officers. Whenever they saw Gu Fei, they would stop and salute with their hands raised to their ears before marching away in unison to continue their patrol.

Along the way, Gu Fei occasionally teased Xiao Lingshuang to ease the awkwardness left by the kiss on the tower.

But no matter what he said, Xiao Lingshuang always kept a calm expression—only letting a slight smile slip when Gu Fei sneezed again.

She observed everything around her. Shangyuan County’s law enforcement was tight and orderly, the relationship between officials and civilians harmonious. She quietly admired how prosperous and well-managed this little county was.

What surprised her most was how wide the streets were—it left her stunned and confused.

The width of Shangyuan County’s roads could be compared to Zhuque Avenue, the main street in the capital. In fact, some streets in the capital weren’t even as wide as these. Even the narrowest sections here could fit ten carriages side by side.

She couldn’t understand why Gu Fei had built them so wide.

Unable to hold back, she asked, “Why did you build the roads so wide? They look even wider than those in the capital.”

Gu Fei looked at her and grinned mischievously. “Wife, if you kiss me again, I’ll tell you why your husband made the roads this wide.”

“Hmph, forget it then!” Xiao Lingshuang had no intention of kissing him again. That kiss earlier had only happened because she was cornered. Now that her life wasn’t in danger, she definitely wouldn’t fall for that trick.

Gu Fei also knew she wouldn’t kiss him again.

The two continued walking, and the atmosphere between them slowly softened.

Xiao Lingshuang’s gaze shifted from the streets back to Gu Fei, silently wondering—what kind of person was this county magistrate?

He seemed like a scoundrel, yet he was clever and decisive.

Especially what he had done while she was unconscious… Although it made her feel some shame, she had to admit—his methods had worked.

As they reached a bridge, Gu Fei sighed softly. “This bridge… There used to be severe flooding here. The people suffered a lot. I spent a lot of money to connect the waterways here with the Li River, turning it into a flowing channel. Now the tides rise and fall, and the people can even take boats out to fish and sell their catch… See those fishing boats over there? They just came back from the Li River.”

“When I see the people smiling, not worrying about food or clothes, that’s enough for me.”

Xiao Lingshuang nodded slightly. Her opinion of Gu Fei changed ever so subtly.

Though he was glib and cheeky, he had clearly put in real effort to govern this place.

What kind of man was he, really?

Gu Fei noticed her silence and continued, “I know what you’re thinking. You’re probably wondering if it’s too extravagant to build wide streets and bridges just so the people can fish. But I did it with the future in mind.”

“Even though Shangyuan is a small county, wide roads make it easier for merchants to travel. Over time, it attracts more trade.”

“When the people prosper, so does the county.”

“There’s a longer-term plan too, but there’s no point explaining it—you wouldn’t understand anyway.”

He couldn’t exactly tell her it was all for future vehicles and tractors.

Xiao Lingshuang thought it over and realized his ideas were bold, but not without merit.

This damn bandit actually had such far-reaching vision. Which minister at court could compare?

Gu Fei noticed her spacing out and chuckled. “So, wife, what do you think of my plan?”

Xiao Lingshuang replied flatly, “You do have some insight.” Though her tone was calm, Gu Fei could tell that her name, ‘Leng’ (cold), truly lived up to its meaning.

As they walked on, a sudden shout broke the calm.

Gu Fei frowned and sharply looked ahead. “What’s going on?” he muttered, then turned to Xiao Lingshuang and said, “Come on, let’s check it out together.”