Chapter 194: Winning Over Jiang Nannan, Part 2
An hour later.
Jiang Nannan sat adjusting her disheveled clothes, cheeks crimson as she murmured softly, "You really are such a tease…"
Ye Chen truly was. Kisses hadn't been enough—his hands had roamed as well, and with such strength that she felt her body molded entirely by his touch.
"Nannan-jie, it's getting late. We should head back," Ye Chen said with a satisfied grin, licking his lips lightly.
"Oh no! I completely forgot to buy the vegetables… It's all your fault!" she exclaimed, realizing the time. She stood quickly and hurried toward town, her heart still racing.
Ye Chen followed, amused.
…
Around noon, the two of them returned to the cozy little courtyard, carrying baskets of fresh pork, rice, and vegetables.
Inside lay the simple staples of a modest home meal—humble but warm.
Ye Yunxi was already by the kitchen hearth, stirring and chopping with a vigor that had returned along with her health. When she heard them come in, she turned with a smile blooming across her face. "You're back! Put everything down and rest. Nannan, come lend me a hand."
"Mom, you should rest. I'll cook today," Nannan said, hurrying forward to take the ladle from her hands.
Her movements were quick and practiced—clearly the work of someone accustomed to household chores. Her golden hair was tied up neatly with a simple ribbon, revealing the graceful curve of her neck.
Ye Chen set down the groceries and smiled. "Auntie, how are you feeling today?"
"Wonderful, wonderful!" Ye Yunxi beamed, her tone bright. "After taking that medicine, I feel as strong as ever. I'm just a little rusty from not working in so long."
Her eyes lingered on Ye Chen with growing satisfaction.
And, being a mother, she noticed something immediately—the subtle, unspoken change between Ye Chen and her daughter.
Whatever had happened earlier that day, it had drawn them closer; that much was clear.
…
After the midday meal, and then dinner, Ye Yunxi set down her chopsticks and smiled. "Ye Chen, you've helped us enough today, running around all morning with Nannan. It's late. Just stay here tonight. The house may be small, but we can manage."
"That's really not necessary…" Ye Chen said politely, a little hesitant.
"What's there to hesitate about? You've done so much for us. This home is your home too."
Her tone left no room for argument.
At the sink, Nannan's hands faltered briefly as she washed dishes, her ears turning pink at those words.
"Well… all right then. Thank you, Auntie," said Ye Chen with a smile.
"That's better!" Ye Yunxi laughed in delight. "Ye Chen, you can sleep in Nannan's room. She can bunk with me."
"Mom, no—it's fine," Nannan said quickly, voice small but firm. "You don't have to squeeze. I can sleep in the storeroom."
"The storeroom? Absolutely not!" Ye Yunxi protested. "It's cold and damp, full of dust, and not fit for sleeping."
"But I…" Nannan began, only for Ye Chen to step closer, taking her hand gently.
"Nannan-jie," he said with a light smile, "why don't we just share your room tonight?"
"Wh… what did you just say?" she exclaimed, voice trembling as her blush deepened to nearly scarlet. She looked up at him, wide-eyed, heart pounding so hard she felt dizzy.
Share a room?
Was he serious?
Before she could react further, Ye Yunxi clapped her hands. "Aha! See—Ye Chen thinks ahead. You two can use Nannan's room. The bed's big enough for both of you."
"M-Mom!" Nannan's voice rose an octave, flustered beyond measure.
It felt like her mother and Ye Chen had conspired to trap her. Sharing a room was embarrassing enough—but sharing a bed?
Her mind was a whirl of panic and something dangerously close to anticipation.
"No more arguing," Ye Yunxi said firmly and smiled knowingly. "It's late. You two should rest."
With that, she hummed cheerfully, turned on her heel, and shut her own door behind her in one fluid motion.
Now, only Ye Chen and Nannan remained in the softly lit room, the flicker of the oil lamp painting faint shadows along the walls.
"Ye Chen," she whispered nervously, giving his arm a light pinch, "don't say things like that in front of my mom…"
"What's wrong with it?" he murmured, slipping his arms around her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. "She already told me this morning she wanted to marry you to me."
"W-what?! She… she did—?!" Nannan stammered, mortified.
So her mother had actually said it!
It wasn't that she disliked the idea, but… this was far too sudden. Her mother had never been this forward before!
"Come on," Ye Chen said, his tone playful. "It's getting late."
He threw her a teasing grin and gently nudged her toward her room.
Nannan's small bedroom was immaculate, everything carefully arranged. It wasn't large—barely thirty square meters—but the bed was neatly made, the sunlight-smoothed sheets faintly fragrant with the scent of wildflowers.
A small wooden cabinet and a low table filled the remaining space. Beyond a door in the corner stood a tiny bathroom.
The air carried a freshness that only clean linen and simple living could bring.
Ye Chen stepped in, smiled, and, before she could protest further, guided her gently onto the bed.
The faint fragrance of her hair filled the room.
Under the flickering lamplight, her flushed face was like a blooming rose—too beautiful to look away from.
…
Minutes passed.
The tension in Nannan's body gradually ebbed, replaced by warmth and breathless ease.
"Mmh… stop, I haven't even showered yet…" she murmured shyly, her head tilted aside, her voice small.
She'd spent half the day cooking and cleaning. She couldn't go to bed like this!
"All right, all right," Ye Chen said with a soft chuckle, finally releasing her.
She stood quickly, avoiding his gaze, and went to the wardrobe. Pulling out light sleepwear and a fresh set of underclothes, she slipped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
Moments later, the sound of running water echoed through the narrow room.
Splash, splash.
A faint mist began to seep from the small gap under the door, carrying a delicate warmth into the air.
The sound of the shower filled the room, soft and steady, masking every other noise.
Ye Chen leaned back slightly, lips curling in a smile.
The night was far from over.
(END CHAPTER)
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