Chapter 2481: My Wife Is a Pirate 11

The cosmetic shop on the town wasn't large, but it was kept neat and tidy.

The shopkeeper was a kind‑looking auntie with sharp eyes, accustomed to all sorts of customers; seeing Jin Chen bring Bu Changji inside, she immediately guessed seven or eight out of ten.

These days, it's not just girls—many handsome young men who care about their appearance also come to buy moisturizing ointments, nothing unusual.

Jin Chen said he wanted something suitable for seaside folk, and asked the auntie to recommend.

The auntie warmly came forward, smiling as she recommended several lightly scented, non‑greasy, moisturizing protective ointments.

"Young sir, your skin is tender; the seaside wind and sand are harsh and the sun fierce—this is perfect for you. It goes on smooth, not oily, and also blocks the wind."

Jin Chen listened carefully, opened a box and gave it a sniff; it had a faint herbal aroma, quite satisfactory.

Mainly he didn't find it unpleasant.

While selecting, Jin Chen casually chatted with the auntie.

"Auntie, when we came in just now I saw several officials patrolling and questioning on the street—did something happen in town?"

The auntie also exclaimed in surprise, "You just said you're from the seaside, that you need ointment because of the wind and sun—how come you seaside folks don't know about this? They say there are pirates."

Jin Chen wondered, "Capture the pirates and bring them to town?"

Why does he never understand the people of this little world?

What a strange idea.

The auntie sighed, lowered her voice as if sharing a great secret, "Hey, speaking of this, it actually has a lot to do with your seaside!"

"They say that band of heaven‑condemned pirates, bold as can be, snatched the heir apparent the court wanted to use for a marriage alliance! Now the officials are tracking them all the way here, strictly on guard, searching everywhere."

The heaven‑condemned pirate Bu Changji: "……"

He stood to the side, expressionless, listening; his fingertips unconsciously curled a bit, and he smirked coldly inside.

Prince Jing indeed still won't let go of Fang Yunyao.

Outside rumors say he is wise and virtuous, but behind the scenes he won't even spare his own son—just because he refuses the marriage alliance he wants to exterminate him completely.

No wonder Fang Yunyao feels hopeless and would rather ally with this pirate, stealing his family's treasure vault and fleeing far away.

Jin Chen didn't know what thoughts were surging in Bu Changji's mind, but seeing his expression off, sure enough the marriage matter had spoiled his mood.

Just as he was about to comfort him, a patrol of officials happened to walk toward the shop, scanning the pedestrians on the street.

Jin Chen moved without a sound, his broad shoulders and back completely shielding Bu Changji behind him, blocking the inquisitive gazes.

Bu Changji's heart tightened at the sight of the officials, and he instinctively shrank back, not resisting Jin Chen's closeness.

But the next instant, Jin Chen turned to face Bu Changji, his warm fingers cupping his cheek.

Bu Changji startled, still reacting, when Jin Chen's fingertip already had the ointment the auntie had just recommended for a trial, and he smeared it on Bu Changji's cheek.

The ointment's light herbal scent came through, but what Bu Changji first smelled was Jin Chen's own aroma—like sun‑baked wood, steady and clean, a faint sandalwood that even overwhelmed the ointment's fragrance a little.

It even pressed down the ointment's scent somewhat.

The two were extremely close; their breaths could be heard.

Jin Chen's gaze fell on his face, his fingertip slowly and delicately spreading the ointment across the skin, sending waves of a faint tingling sensation.

Bu Changji's heartbeat inexplicably quickened, its rhythm disrupted, thudding against his chest.

His breath grew shallow, he unconsciously lowered his eyelids, avoiding Jin Chen's gaze; his ears flushed a faint red, and he actually felt a rare hint of embarrassment.

【Detected Villain Heartthrob Value +4, total 14!】

"You two, what are you doing?"

The official's voice suddenly came from behind Jin Chen.

The lead official sized up Jin Chen's tall, sturdy build and Bu Changji half‑embraced in his arms; even amid the bustling street, the pair's appearance and demeanor were somewhat striking.

Jin Chen didn't pause, smoothing the last bit of ointment onto Bu Changji's jaw, then turned calmly, keeping Bu Changji half‑protected at his side, and replied in an even tone.

"Sir, we are fishermen from Whitewave Hollow, come to town to sell some seafood and pick up household supplies."

The official's gaze shifted to Bu Changji, scrutinizing, "And you? You look unfamiliar, not like someone raised by the sea."

Bu Changji's heart tightened; he was just thinking how to fabricate an identity, when Jin Chen's arm slipped around his waist, pulled him closer, and spoke gently and frankly.

"Sir, this is my husband; I just married him from the neighboring village last year. He's timid, hasn't seen much of the world—please don't blame him, sir."

He said it so naturally that no one could doubt it.

Bu Changji: "……"

His body went rigid, his mind went blank.

Husband! This guy really just makes things up on the spot!

But he really isn't in a position to argue now, and he knows Jin Chen is protecting him.

Bu Changji steeled himself, leaning against Jin Chen's shoulder, adopting a shy, dependent look, and gave a slight nod.

Seeing the couple's intimate posture, Jin Chen's fluent replies, and Bu Changji—though overly handsome—still presenting a meek, obedient air, not resembling a fleeing noble heir, the official saw no need to press further, waved his hand and went off to patrol elsewhere.

After the official walked away, the auntie beside them chuckled, "Oh, I wasn't sure just now, but it turns out you really are a newlywed couple!"

"You really make a fine pair! If it weren't for the newlywed bliss, you couldn't be this doting, even personally coming to pick out ointment."

Bu Changji wriggled free from Jin Chen's embrace, his cheeks burning, his heart pounding like a drum.

Hearing the auntie's words made his heart race even more, and he didn't know where to put his hands or feet.

Jin Chen, however, acted as if nothing were wrong, reached out again to pull him back, saying casually, "Don't panic, this side isn't even smoothed out yet."

Saying that, he actually dabbed a bit more ointment and carefully smoothed it onto the other side of Bu Changji's cheek.

Bu Changji could only submit to his movements, feeling the fingertips' path leave a trail of heat.