C15 She Was Bathing

"I... I'll go get you some hot water and find a clean set of clothes!" Xue Zhengqing said before heading out. Qian Duojing sat on the bed, watching his flushed ears and hurried departure. She couldn't help but laugh, her heart filled with a mix of embarrassment and sweetness.

Soon after, two young female train attendants arrived with fresh bedsheets and two large pots of hot water. They poured the water into a basin and changed the bedding, then placed a red and white checkered dress on the bed before leaving.

Xue Zhengqing, now in a fresh pair of pants, leaned against the doorframe. He cleared his throat and said, "Qian Duojing, go ahead and clean up. I'll be right outside the door. If you need anything, just call me." With that, he closed the door.

Qian Duojing removed her soiled clothes, tossing them to the floor. As she took off her pants, she realized she had started her period. The dark blue of her factory uniform had concealed it, explaining her discomfort.

Having not menstruated for four or five months due to starvation, Qian Duojing had almost forgotten the monthly ordeal. Now it had returned, bringing with it severe pain, cold limbs, dizziness, and backache.

She carefully washed herself in the basin, feeling refreshed afterward. Drying off, she approached the bed and picked up the dress, discovering underwear and a white package tucked inside. It was a pack of sanitary pads, simple in design but familiar in use.

With her cheeks aflame, Qian Duojing dressed. The underwear was a tad snug, but wearable. The red and white checkered wool dress, lined with silk, felt comfortable and perfect for the current temperature, though her bare legs were a bit chilly for her special condition.

The dress featured decorative front buttons and a large red bow. The white lace trim added a charming touch. Struggling with the back zipper, Qian Duojing found it stubborn and hard to pull up, eventually getting stuck.

Qian Duojing was wrestling with her zipper when Xue Zhengqing, standing outside the door, could faintly hear the sound of running water. The noise made him feel a bit flushed, and he leaned against the door, trying to keep his mind off the scene unfolding inside.

But the water had stopped some time ago, and there was no other sound. Qian Duojing hadn't come to open the door either. He knocked and called out her name a few times, but Qian Duojing, preoccupied with her zipper battle and the noise of a passing train, didn't notice. So, Xue Zhengqing took matters into his own hands and burst through the door.

Upon entering, he was greeted by the sight of Qian Duojing's pale, smooth back, her thin white bra straps contrasting with her creamy skin, and her black hair cascading down, creating a striking image against her fair complexion. He was momentarily speechless.

Startled by the sudden intrusion, Qian Duojing let out a yelp, clutching her hands to her chest as she turned to see Xue Zhengqing, who had already shut the door behind him and was staring at her, dumbstruck.

"You... Why did you just barge in? I'm not even dressed yet," she exclaimed.

Snapping out of his daze, Xue Zhengqing replied, "I waited outside for a long time and called out to you several times, but you didn't answer. I was worried you might have passed out and no one would know, so I rushed in."

Embarrassed, he averted his gaze. Despite her being his lawful wife, he couldn't understand why he felt so shy and awkward—it was inevitable that he would see her eventually. Trying to cover his discomfort, he coughed and said, "Ahem, I'll step out then. You can finish getting dressed."

"Wait!" Qian Duojing called out to him, "Could you... Could you help me with the zipper in the back? I can't seem to pull it up."

Qian Duojing had a deep trust in Xue Zhengqing by now. He had respected her enough not to undress her when she had fainted, leaving her as she was. She knew that even awake, if she were unwilling, he would honor her wishes, despite being her husband.