Chapter 196: Ye Yunxi—Returning to Youth
The first rays of dawn spilled through the window, warm and gentle.
On the bed, Jiang Nannan was sunk deep into the soft sheets.
Her golden hair fanned across the pillow like melted sunlight, a few strands brushing against her flushed cheeks.
Her eyes remained closed, framed by long lashes casting faint shadows. Her breathing was slow and even, still lost in the sweetness of sleep.
The usual strength or quiet composure on her face had faded, replaced by a rare, tender serenity.
Her lips curved faintly, as if reliving fragments of a dream. The covers rose and fell with her breathing, tracing out a silhouette soft and peaceful—the lazy contentment of one fully at ease.
For the first time in her life, Jiang Nannan lingered in bed that morning.
Ye Chen had woken early, though his heart was light. Turning back toward the sleeping girl, her face even lovelier in repose, he allowed himself a small, gentle smile.
Ma Xiaotao carried fire and wildness.
Zhang Lexuan held quiet, graceful maturity.
Tang Ya radiated affection and closeness.
And Jiang Nannan—Jiang Nannan was sweetness and warmth itself.
Each woman, he thought, had her own charm. And Ye Chen cherished them all.
…
Leaving the room quietly, Ye Chen found Ye Yunxi already awake, preparing breakfast for the three of them.
"Good morning, Auntie," he greeted softly.
"Ah—Ye Chen, morning. You're up early."
Her smile was kind but faintly flustered. Though she tried to keep her expression calm, a light blush colored her face.
The walls in the modest house weren't completely soundproof; through the night, faint sounds had echoed—soft breaths, rhythmic movements, the hush of emotion made tangible.
It wasn't hard for a grown woman to understand what had happened.
Ye Yunxi had turned restlessly for half the night, torn between relief and the bittersweet ache of a mother witnessing her daughter's first step into adulthood.
Now, meeting Ye Chen face-to-face at sunrise, those memories stirred again, leaving her unusually self-conscious.
Ye Chen, sharp as ever, noticed her flustered demeanor immediately. But he only smiled as though unaware, keeping his demeanor easy and polite.
"Auntie, let me help," he offered, taking the tongs from her hands and tending the fire himself.
"What a considerate boy," she said with a faint laugh, smiling in approval.
Breakfast was soon prepared.
Ye Chen was about to call for Jiang Nannan when Ye Yunxi stopped him. Her expression was a mix of hesitation and resolve.
"Ye Chen," she said softly, glancing toward her daughter's room, "young people should know moderation… Nannan is still a girl. Her body's not as strong as yours. Take care of her, will you?"
Ye Chen froze, clearing his throat. "Yes, Auntie… I understand. About last night, we just—"
He stopped himself, embarrassed. Perhaps he should have used a sound barrier after all.
Ye Yunxi, smiling knowingly, waved a hand. "I understand. Auntie's not angry. Just—treat her gently. Girls need to be cared for."
Her tone was warm, with the faintest undercurrent of maternal teasing.
"At least she thinks highly of you," she added, "and I can tell you're a good boy."
Ye Chen could only return a helpless smile.
"Enough of that," Ye Yunxi said cheerfully, changing the subject. "I still have this pill. You should take it—it'll fully cure your illness."
She tried to refuse, shaking her head. "No, really, I feel so much better already—"
The gleaming pill in his palm radiated faint light. She could tell it wasn't ordinary. Two pills had already restored her youth—she couldn't possibly accept another.
But Ye Chen's voice was firm, quiet yet resolute. "Please, Auntie. Open your mouth."
Almost automatically, she obeyed.
Before she could protest further, the pill had already been flicked gently past her lips.
"Mm—"
The moment it touched her tongue, warmth burst across her entire body, a flood of radiant energy surging through her veins.
It was no longer a gentle heat like before—it was blazing sunlight breaking through clouds, flooding every part of her being with life.
A trembling gasp escaped her lips as the wave washed over her, her body quivering from the sheer force of the energy.
It was as though time itself began to run backward.
Within minutes, color flooded her face; her dull, weary eyes shone with vibrant light.
Looking down at her hands, she blinked in shock.
The roughness and faint calluses from years of labor had vanished. The skin was pale and soft, smooth like newly fallen snow.
Her joints were slender and refined, her fingers elegant and pink-tinted with vitality.
The pallor of sickness was gone completely—she looked, and felt, reborn.
Overwhelmed, she rose to her feet—lightly, as though her body weighed nothing at all—and hurried to the mirror.
Staring into her reflection, Ye Yunxi nearly stopped breathing.
The face that gazed back at her was radiant, delicate, and glowing faintly with youth.
Her brows arched gracefully, her eyes bright and alive with renewed vigor.
Her skin held no blemish, no trace of age—just the smooth bloom of health, tinged with rosy warmth.
She looked no older than twenty.
"This… is that really me…?" she whispered.
Her fingers trembled as she touched her own cheek, marveling at the soft, supple sensation beneath her fingertips.
"Ye Chen… what—what did you give me?" she asked breathlessly. "Am I dreaming? This is impossible!"
Ye Chen smiled gently. "It's not a dream, Auntie," he said. "Congratulations. You're completely healed."
(END CHAPTER)
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