Chapter 1557 - 1544: Providing for the Family Is a Man’s Duty

Marcus Quinn somehow borrowed a small tricycle, placed two cardboard boxes and a luggage bag in the back, and then drove Tanya to their new home.

This electric tricycle is specifically for delivery, with only an engine and seat at the front. Naturally, Tanya sat in the back with the luggage. It was her first time on such a farming tricycle, quite different from the luxury cars she usually rode. At first, she felt a bit embarrassed sitting in this open vehicle, but looking at the man’s broad back, as steady as a mountain, Tanya gradually calmed down.

After more than ten days together, this man has displayed many rare qualities. Although he appears dangerous and intimidating, Marcus Quinn is exceptionally silent. Tanya remembers how he gets up before dawn every morning to wash her clothes and hands her the money he earns daily, causing her cheeks to feel hot.

Washing clothes is a very intimate act, as is handing over his salary. Tanya thought Marcus must be the type of guy with strong limbs but a simple mind. Otherwise, who would hand over all their money to someone they’ve only known for two days without any official commitment, and not fear she’d run off with it?

Tanya has had her share of bad experiences. With other men, she would definitely have left. But somehow, meeting Marcus, this big lug, she chose to stay willingly.

Lost in her thoughts, the tricycle had already left the urban village and entered the bustling area of Fountain City. Luckily it was a small third- or fourth-tier city, or such tricycles wouldn’t be allowed on the road.

Tanya’s gaze fell on a gallery, reminding her of her two paintings. She quickly tugged on Marcus’s tank top and said, "Marcus, stop for a moment."

The wind was a bit strong, and the weather was muggy. Marcus stopped the tricycle under the shade of a tree, then turned around, his eyes as dark as paint, looking at her.

"I’m going to sell the paintings," Tanya explained, holding the two paintings she had done.

Upon hearing this, the man’s brows furrowed. He used to think Tanya painted to pass the time at home but hearing she wanted to sell them, knowing painting strains the eyes and mind, he said deeply, "No need, I’ll earn enough money."

Tanya was caught off guard; this was the first time he had clearly objected to her doing something.

"I’ve already finished them." Tanya hugged the two rolls of paintings, her clear innocent eyes looking at him, then at the gallery.

"If they’re finished, frame them at home." The man rarely showed his assertive side.

Seeing him put her two paintings back, Tanya drooped her head in disappointment. After paying the rent, there wasn’t much money left; though the paintings weren’t worth much, they could at least sell for a few hundred yuan.

Marcus saw her despondent look, not wanting her paintings to be sold cheaply, remained silent for a while, then reached out to pat her head, saying in his deep voice, "It’s a man’s job to earn money for the family. I promise I’ll make more in the future."

After speaking, the man reached out and hugged her.

Tanya dazedly got back on the tricycle, not regaining her senses until they reached the new neighborhood.

She got off the tricycle and saw the man carrying the luggage bag in one hand, picking up the two large cardboard boxes, and striding into the neighborhood.

Tanya looked at her empty hands, hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed him.

Moving is a tedious task. After the landlord came and contracts were signed and money exchanged, Marcus went to buy a lock cylinder for the security door. He returned, replaced the lock cylinder, explained a few things to Tanya, and went off to return the tricycle.

Seeing him able to change a lock cylinder, Tanya gazed at him with a bit of admiration. Truly, children of poor families learn independence early; Marcus seems capable of anything.

Marcus, having hugged her earlier, now caught by her gaze, feeling the memory of that soft, incredible embrace, a suspicious blush appeared on his face. Luckily, with his rough skin, it wasn’t very noticeable.

"How much money do we have left?" Marcus asked.

Tanya took out her coin purse and counted earnestly: "Only 1800 yuan left."

Between the rental deposit, the property and agency fees, 12,000 yuan was spent, plus another 200 yuan for the lock cylinder, leaving only 1800 yuan.

"I’ll be back later, tidy the place up," Marcus said, taking a deep look at Tanya before turning to leave with his tool bag.

Knowing he was leaving to earn money, Tanya felt a warmth in her heart, believing he was the most straightforward and diligent man she’d ever met.

Tanya unpacked the boxes, laid everything out neatly, noticing the refrigerator, air conditioner, and washing machine present, as well as the hardwood floors. Previously, Marcus’s home had nothing but his luggage bag; all household items they now have were bought at Tanya’s request, reflecting her preferences, and are brand new, all moved here together.

Looking at this cozy and warm little home, Tanya smiled with satisfaction, guessing Marcus might have gone back to the urban village to return the tricycle, so she took her paintings and stepped out to sell them.

She remembered the bus stop near the gallery and directly took a bus there, thankful that the gallery was still open when she arrived.

Tanya studied traditional Chinese painting for four or five years, usually considering it a personal cultivation, never imagining she would one day rely on selling paintings for a living, naturally unfamiliar with the market. Being a newcomer with no reputation, she ultimately sold the two paintings for 800 yuan.

Though it took her ten days to earn 800 yuan, it was, after all, her first bucket of gold in life. Tanya felt it was worth celebrating, especially since they moved today.

Back at the neighborhood, Tanya bought some mangoes and grapes and went to buy braised pork shank, intending to give Marcus a good meal. He worked hard daily; some nourishing food was necessary.

The man returned home after dark, passing the neighborhood’s fruit stall, and bought a ten-jin watermelon. Summer was hot; fruit was essential, and Tanya was too thin. Marcus thought this place has a kitchen, and from now on, he’d make three meals a day for Tanya, intending to fatten her up a little.

The man entered, seeing the room illuminated by orange lighting; the wallpaper was understated in color, the whole room warm in tone, the dining table with a plate of braised pork and washed fruit.

Tanya was showering in the bathroom; the man looked at the meat dish she bought, frowned, put away his own dishes, then scanned the room, indeed not spotting Tanya’s two paintings.

The man knew she went to sell them, silently placing the toolbox in the shoe cabinet by the door and looked around at their new home, especially the soft 1.8-meter bed in the middle. His tall and strong frame slightly tensed -- one bed, how were they going to sleep?