The sound of rain outside gradually faded, eventually turning into the stillness before dawn.
Inside the master bedroom, the warm bedside lamp had long been turned off, leaving only a faint gray light filtering through the curtains as dawn approached.
The air still carried a lingering, ambiguous scent—a mix of warmth and something more intimate.
On the large bed, amid disheveled sheets, Zong Yi lay curled on her side, deeply asleep.
A corner of a thin blanket covered her, leaving her shoulder and arm exposed, where faint reddish marks remained, slightly suggestive in the dim light.
Her long hair, damp with sweat, clung to her cheeks and neck. Shadows lay beneath her lashes, but her brows were relaxed, her lips slightly swollen, the corners still holding a trace of satisfied laziness.
Yan Hanxie had woken earlier.
She lay on her back, one arm beneath Zong Yi's neck as a pillow, the other resting loosely at her waist.
She wasn't fully covered either—her silk robe had long been kicked away, leaving her upper body exposed to the slightly cool air.
Those firm, smooth muscle lines appeared softer in the dim light, though still clearly defined, now carrying more post-intimacy languor than sharpness.
Her gaze rested on Zong Yi's sleeping face, filled with an unprecedented tenderness and focus—as if she were admiring a priceless treasure she had finally regained and made entirely her own.
Unconsciously, her fingers gently played with the strands of Zong Yi's hair scattered across her arm, savoring their soft, smooth texture.
The other hand rested over Zong Yi's waist, the skin beneath her palm delicate and warm, rising and falling gently with her steady breathing.
Everything from last night felt like an intense and magnificent dream, every detail vivid in her mind.
From Zong Yi's initial shock and daze, to her later shy compliance, to her hazy responses when she was moved by desire… every expression, every breath, was clearly etched deep into Yan Hanxie's memory.
She thought of those eyes of Zong Yi's—always calm and self-controlled—how they had grown moist and blurred in the tide of desire; thought of her long fingers, how they unconsciously clutched the bedsheets, then climbed up to cling to her shoulders; thought of that moment at the peak, when she couldn't suppress it anymore and called out in a trembling, tear-tinged voice, "Sister Xie"…
Her heart felt as if it were soaked in warm honey—soft, aching, and full to the point of overflowing.
She had finally, completely, utterly possessed this person.
Body and heart.
Her fingertips trailed along Zong Yi's hair, slowly sliding down to her smooth back, pausing beside the most obvious mark she had left last night, gently caressing it.
The motion carried tenderness, and also undisguised possessiveness.
Zong Yi seemed disturbed by the faint touch, letting out a soft murmur in her sleep. She unconsciously curled deeper into Yan Hanxie's embrace, her cheek rubbing lightly against her arm as she sought a more comfortable position.
Yan Hanxie immediately stilled, holding her breath, afraid of waking her.
Only when the person in her arms returned to steady, even breathing did she let out a quiet sigh of relief, the corners of her lips lifting uncontrollably.
Carefully, she withdrew her arm from beneath Zong Yi's neck, her movements unbelievably gentle.
Then she propped herself up against the headboard, quietly watching Zong Yi's sleeping face in the faint morning light.
She didn't know how long she watched, until the sky outside grew brighter and scattered birdsong began to sound.
Only then did Yan Hanxie move with extreme care, turning and getting out of bed. Barefoot, she stepped onto the soft carpet, picked up the robe scattered on the floor, draped it loosely over herself, and tied the sash.
She walked to the window and pulled the curtains open a bit wider. The chilly early-winter morning air, tinged with the damp scent of earth after rain, drifted in, dispersing some of the lingering indulgent atmosphere in the room. In the distance, the clouds along the horizon were edged with a faint golden glow from the rising sun.
Yan Hanxie took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling that the restlessness and unease that had built up over the past days had completely dissipated. She turned, her gaze returning to the bed once more.
Zong Yi seemed to sense the change in light and temperature. She frowned slightly, her eyelashes trembling a few times before she slowly opened her eyes.
Her gaze, just awakened, was a little unfocused, staring at the ceiling for a moment. Then, as if recalling something, her body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and her eyes slowly shifted toward the window.
Yan Hanxie stood there, the morning light streaming in from behind her, casting a soft halo around her figure.
Her robe hung loosely, collar slightly open, long hair cascading down, her face expressionless as she quietly looked at her.
Their eyes met.
Zong Yi's mind felt like rusted gears slowly beginning to turn.
Scenes from last night, along with the soreness in her body and the strange sensations in certain hidden places, surged into her mind like a tide.
Those burning kisses, that firm touch, that irresistible strength, and the overwhelming pleasure at the end…
With a "boom," it felt as if all her blood rushed to her face.
She abruptly pulled the blanket over herself, covering even her head, leaving only a few unruly strands of hair exposed.
The movement was too big, pulling at certain sore parts of her body, making her let out a muffled groan under the blanket.
Yan Hanxie looked at the "bundle" on the bed that had instantly turned into an ostrich and was still trembling slightly. She was momentarily stunned, then let out a low laugh.
The laughter came from her chest, carrying the huskiness of just waking up and undisguised delight, especially clear in the quiet bedroom.
She walked to the bedside and sat down next to the "bundle," reaching out to gently pat the person beneath the blanket.
"What are you hiding from?" Her voice carried a smile, soft enough to melt.
The "bundle" trembled even more, but refused to come out.
Yan Hanxie wasn't in a hurry. She simply patted her gently, one stroke after another, like soothing a startled cat.
"Does it still hurt?" she asked, a trace of tension and concern slipping into her tone.
Under the blanket, Zong Yi's body stiffened.
Does it hurt?
It seemed… more like soreness and a strange fullness.
But how could she possibly say that out loud?
She only let out a muffled, vague "Mm," as a response.
Yan Hanxie seemed to understand.
She didn't press further. Instead, through the blanket, she placed her hand lightly around Zong Yi's lower back area and began to knead gently with just the right amount of pressure.
"I'll help you loosen up," she said, her movements natural and considerate.
The warmth of her palm seeped through the thin blanket, along with the perfectly controlled pressure, indeed easing some of the discomfort.
Zong Yi's tense body gradually relaxed.
After a while, Yan Hanxie spoke again, her voice even softer, "Are you hungry? I'll go make breakfast."
This time, Zong Yi finally reacted. She cautiously pulled the blanket down just a little, revealing a pair of eyes.
Those eyes were slightly moist from being under the blanket and from just waking up, the corners still tinged with a faint red from last night. Her gaze flickered, not daring to meet Yan Hanxie's directly.
"…A little," she said softly, her voice hoarse from sleep and tinged with embarrassment.
Yan Hanxie's heart softened completely at the sight.
She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on each of those evasive eyes.
"Then lie down a bit longer. I'll go make it," she said before standing up and heading toward the bathroom.
Only when the sound of running water came from the bathroom did Zong Yi finally pull her head completely out from under the blanket.
She looked at the closed bathroom door, listening to the faint sound of water, then lowered her head to glance at the clear marks on her body. The heat that had just faded slightly flared up again.
She buried herself back into the pillow, breathing in the scent that belonged to Yan Hanxie—now mingled with her own. Scenes from last night replayed uncontrollably in her mind, her heart racing wildly.
So… this was how it was.
So Yan Hanxie's "weakness" had really only been an appearance.
And she… had actually quite… enjoyed it?
That realization made her toes curl in embarrassment, yet she couldn't deny the sense of satisfaction and calm deep within her body.
The sound of water stopped.
After a while, Yan Hanxie came out, already changed into a clean set of home clothes, her hair half-dried with a towel.
She walked to the bedside, looking at Zong Yi who was still curled under the blanket, and bent down.
"Do you want me to carry you to wash up, or will you go yourself?" she asked, her tone casual, as if asking about the weather.
Zong Yi's face turned even redder.
"…I'll go myself."
"Alright." Yan Hanxie straightened up and didn't tease her further. "I'll go to the kitchen. Your toiletries and a change of clothes are ready in the bathroom."
After saying that, she turned and left the bedroom, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
Zong Yi lay on the bed for a while longer. Only after the heat on her face subsided a little did she slowly sit up.
The soreness in her body became even clearer. Supporting her waist, she winced as she carefully moved off the bed, barefoot on the carpet, and walked toward the bathroom.
Inside, just as Yan Hanxie had said, everything was prepared. A new towel, her skincare products, and a set of clean, soft sleepwear were neatly placed on the rack.
In the mirror, her complexion looked flushed (mostly from embarrassment), her eyes carried a hint of fatigue, yet there was also a strange glow—like she had been thoroughly nourished.
The marks on her neck and collarbone were especially obvious under the bright light.
She hurriedly took a shower and changed into the sleepwear.
When she stepped out of the bedroom, the aroma of food was already drifting up from downstairs.
In the dining area, the sunlight had grown stronger, streaming through the windows and spilling across the long table.
Yan Hanxie stood with her back to her, busy at the kitchen island.
The sleeves of her simple white shirt were rolled up to her elbows, revealing her well-defined forearms.
She was frying eggs, her movements practiced, her posture straight.
Hearing footsteps, she turned her head and saw Zong Yi standing at the top of the stairs, her hair still damp, cheeks flushed pink from the steam, wearing the sleepwear she had prepared (perfectly fitting in both size and style), her gaze still somewhat evasive.
A smile immediately spread in Yan Hanxie's eyes.
"Come sit," she called, her tone natural.
Zong Yi slowly walked over and sat at the dining table. A cup of warm milk was already placed in front of her.
Yan Hanxie brought over the fried eggs and toast, then sat down across from her.
The two quietly began eating breakfast. The sunlight was warm, and the food was good.
Occasionally, when their eyes met, Zong Yi would quickly look away, the tips of her ears reddening.
Yan Hanxie simply watched her, her eyes filled with a gentle smile and a deep, contented sense of peace.
"What are your plans today?" Yan Hanxie asked, breaking the silence.
"Nothing special," Zong Yi said, taking small sips of milk. "Maybe… rest at home."
"Mm, then rest well." Yan Hanxie cut a piece of egg and placed it on her plate. "I'll stay with you."
Zong Yi looked up at her. Yan Hanxie was also looking at her, her gaze serious.
The last trace of embarrassment and awkwardness from last night's "upended understanding" slowly faded in the calm and warm atmosphere of breakfast.
She lowered her head, the corners of her lips curving into a very small smile.
"Okay," she replied softly.
Outside the window, the sunlight completely drove away the chill of the winter morning, filling the dining room with brightness and warmth.
A new day had begun.
And their relationship, after reaching its most intimate union, had entered a more stable—and even sweeter—new stage.
From now on, through morning light and evening dusk, through three meals and the four seasons, they would have each other's companionship.
And that simple ring on the ring finger, along with those intimate names that belonged only to each other, would continue to bear witness to their steady, ever-deepening love.
—
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