Reborn in the 1970s — Married a Proud Rough Man-Chapter 118 - 54: From Now On, Don’t Wash Your Hair During Special Times

"Whether he agrees or not isn’t important. If he agrees, we’ll bring him along. If he doesn’t, we won’t." Qin Mei patted the back of Jie Jingshan’s hand. If Jie Jingchen played along, he was in her plan. If he didn’t, he was out.

Qin Mei’s guiding principle was simple: those with her would flourish, those against her would be cast aside.

"If we don’t bring Fourth Brother, what if we run into danger on the way?" Jie Jingshan asked worriedly. She had never traveled far from home and was both excited and timid.

"I’ll protect you," Qin Mei declared, patting her chest, completely forgetting she got motion sickness. ’If we really run into danger, forget protecting Jing Qi—I’d be lucky to save myself.’

"Let’s bring Fifth Brother," Jie Jingshan suggested.

"We’ll see when the time comes." Qin Mei didn’t immediately reject the idea. ’Convincing Jie Jingchen would be easier than bringing Jie Jingjue along.’

"Sister-in-law, are you short on money?" Jie Jingshan asked, her large, dewy eyes fixed on Qin Mei, a glint in their depths.

Qin Mei’s gaze flickered. She looked at the incredibly wealthy Jie Jingshan. ’In the future, she becomes a tycoon in Xiangjiang, but because of her disability, she’ll never marry.’

"Short? Of course I am. No one’s truly well-off these days," Qin Mei lamented.

"Our family is," Jie Jingshan stated.

Qin Mei fell silent. ’Alright, you’ve got the money. You’re the boss.’

She had to admit, being born into the right family was a skill in itself. Some people were born destined to struggle, while others were born in Rome.

"Jing Qi, do you need a bath?" Qin Mei changed the subject.

"I have a medicinal bath tomorrow, so I won’t wash up tonight," Jie Jingshan said with a smile.

Qin Mei felt a headache coming on. Jing Qi’s medicinal bath tomorrow was another huge undertaking. With Shen Qing back at her parents’ house, Qin Mei wondered if she should ask her mother-in-law to take half a day off work.

"I’ll push you back to your room." Qin Mei got up and wheeled Jie Jingshan back inside.

Back in her room, Qin Mei took the items Mrs. Xie had prepared for her and went to the bathroom to change.

The difference between the rich and the poor was stark when it came to menstrual products. Mrs. Xie had prepared sanitary napkins for her. They were nothing like the ones from the future, but in this era, only the rich and powerful could afford them. Back at the Sun Family, her sister had given her a reusable menstrual belt, which was an experience she’d rather not describe.

The first time she used one, all she could think was, ’Why couldn’t I have been transmigrated into a man’s body?’

When Qin Mei came out of the bathroom, she saw the kitchen light was on. After a moment’s thought, she went over. Jie Jingchen was boiling water. "Couldn’t resist? Decided you want a bath after all?"

"It’s for you," Jie Jingchen said, glancing up at her. ’It’s better to just do it than to wait for her to ask. I’m the one who ends up boiling the water anyway.’

Qin Mei smiled. "You really get it," she praised.

Qin Mei went back to her room to get a bucket. Half the pot of water was already boiling. When she lifted the lid, she froze. A greasy film lined the edge of the bubbling water. Only then did she remember the wok had been used to fry spicy potatoes.

"What’s wrong?" Jie Jingchen asked, seeing her staring blankly at the pot instead of scooping out the water.

"See for yourself." Qin Mei set the lid aside. ’Compared to the bathwater at the Sun Family’s house, this is a massive improvement.’

Jie Jingchen stood up, glanced at the water in the pot, and frowned. "I washed it so many times. How is there still grease?"

Qin Mei just smiled without a word. ’Can I really complain? No. The man was kind enough to boil water for me. I should be grateful.’

Seeing no disgust or dissatisfaction in her eyes, Jie Jingchen thought for a moment and said, "I’ll wash it a few more times and boil a fresh pot."

"Don’t worry about it. I’m not that fussy." Qin Mei picked up the ladle and started scooping. The past six months at the Sun Family’s house had broken many of her old habits. ’This is just how this era is. If you can’t change the times, you have to change yourself.’

She filled the bucket halfway. Jie Jingchen offered to carry it for her, but Qin Mei refused.

"Slow down. Watch your step." Seeing the way Qin Mei lifted the bucket gave Jie Jingchen a cold sweat. That was boiling water; a burn would be serious.

"I’m not a three-year-old." Qin Mei carried the bucket, swaying as she walked toward the bathroom. Jie Jingchen followed behind her, watching water splash out, terrified she would get scalded.

Only after he had escorted her to the bathroom did Jie Jingchen’s tense nerves finally begin to relax.

"What are you doing?" Qin Mei put the bucket down and turned to see Jie Jingchen following her into the bathroom, her eyes flashing with wariness.

Seeing the undisguised suspicion in her eyes, Jie Jingchen’s expression darkened. He turned and strode away.

’How bizarre.’ Qin Mei stared at his retreating back for a few seconds before she remembered his current physical condition. ’Even if he harbored any beastly intentions toward me, his body wouldn’t allow it.’

Qin Mei went back to the kitchen for another half-bucket of water. After spending a long time in the bathroom washing her hair and bathing, she finally emerged. She was stunned to see Jie Jingchen waiting outside the door, holding a military greatcoat. Then, a bright, clear smile bloomed in her eyes.