Su Yue started in surprise, quickly pulling away and stepping off his lap, standing before him.
Subconsciously, she put her arms behind her back.
She didn't want to say she was caught by Zhou Mu, lest it cause further complications.
“Extend it, let me see.” His voice grew serious, his expression darkening.
He reached out to her, wanting to inspect it.
“I accidentally bumped it on the table, please don’t look.” She quickly offered her other hand, placing the medal into his palm, and replied softly.
She clearly lacked confidence.
Naturally, this didn't escape his notice.
“I, will, look.” He continued to meet her gaze but didn't force her.
“You said I don’t have to fear anything when I’m with you. You acting like this, I’m scared.”
Su Yue decided to give up the pretense. She wouldn't let him see it.
If things went well, it would disappear by morning.
But if he saw it, he would surely discover something, after all, who bumps into a table and gets a handprint in a perfect circle?
As if surprised by her retort, Chen Ziming fell silent for a moment before withdrawing his hand.
Su Yue let out a sigh of relief.
Seeing him still lost in thought and saying nothing, she considered for a moment, then extended the hand without the mark and gently took his.
“I’m sleepy, shall we go to bed?”
Her voice carried a hint of coquetry.
“Okay.”
He didn’t press further, standing up and carefully placing the medal down.
However, his displeasure was evident.
After they lay down, he turned off the bedside lamp, rolled over, and pulled her into his embrace, saying no more.
The atmosphere felt a little tense; usually, they would chat for a while, sharing their day.
Su Yue nestled in his arms, listening to his somewhat muffled breathing, feeling a pang of discomfort.
She suddenly remembered something.
She rolled over, propped herself up on her arm, reached over him, and switched on the bedside lamp.
“What’s wrong?” A flicker of confusion crossed his face.
“Um… there’s something.”
She looked at him, her eyes clear and bright, biting her red lip as if contemplating something.
The man’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he extended a hand and cupped her cheek.
His thumb gently caressed the smooth, fair skin.
His deep voice murmured, “Mm?”
Su Yue stared at him earnestly for a few more seconds before breaking into a smile.
Then, she directly lifted a leg, crossed it over his other side, and straddled him.
He froze visibly.
But she didn't give him a chance to ask further, leaning down to kiss his lips.
“Yue Yue.”
Even as he was consumed by the moment, Chen Ziming couldn't help but interrupt her, his voice hoarse beyond recognition:
“Stop fooling around, let’s sleep.”
“Are you tired?” A hint of confusion flashed in her eyes as she asked.
The moment he frowned, she kissed him again.
Then she pulled back slightly and whispered, “It’s over now.”
She could distinctly feel the hands holding her waist tighten.
But she pretended not to notice and continued:
“If you’re tired, then sleep…”
As expected, before she could finish, he pulled her down.
How could he be tired? He was merely enduring.
…
They woke up quite late the next day.
Fortunately, the maids were all present and prepared breakfast for the late risers.
“How is the preparation for the debate competition coming along?”
After breakfast, he surprisingly brewed tea at the tea table while chatting with her.
“It’s going well, especially after visiting Grandma’s yesterday…” Su Yue was about to say that Wang Mengning had given her a lot of inspiration, but stopped abruptly, remembering something.
“No need to hide it, it’s not like I don’t know.” He said calmly, placing a cup of tea before her.
Despite his words, she still felt a sense of guilt.
“It seems my darling quite likes my family.”
“Don’t call me that just yet.” Su Yue quickly stopped him, mindful of the maids nearby.
Unexpectedly, a maid spoke up, “It’s alright, Yue Yue, we’re already used to it!”
Su Yue: …
Of course, she liked his family. They were talented, and possessed great empathy and understanding.
Far from being arrogant about their abilities, they were exceptionally approachable.
Before she knew them, she was certainly intimidated.
But after getting to know them, she naturally wanted to draw closer to them.
Chen Ziming, seeing her thoughtful expression, smiled and said leisurely,
“Since you like them, why not go and gather with them during the Mid-Autumn Festival?”
“My father has already suggested it.”