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 Chapter 33: The Proud and Cold Xiao Ruiyuan

Xiao Ruiyuan was awakened by a stifling feeling. As he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the dusty and old-looking ceiling. Recalling the events of last night, he glanced at his abdomen, which had already been bandaged, and knew that he had been saved.

"Huh? You're awake!"

Just as he slowly moved his body, wanting to get out of bed, a crisp and tender voice sounded in his ears. He looked up and saw a five or six-year-old child staring at him with big eyes, looking surprised.

Xiao Ruiyuan was about to ask him something, but the child turned around and ran away.

Zhen'er, who had been frightened to tears by his bloody appearance last night, ran to the kitchen and called out to his sister who was brewing medicine, "Big sister, that big brother is awake! Is the medicine ready?"

Mo Yan was startled by his loud voice and couldn't help but poke Zhen'er's forehead with her hand, pretending to be angry, "He's awake, so what's the rush?"

Zhen'er smiled awkwardly and made a gesture with his small hand full of admiration, saying, "That big brother is so amazing. He has such a long wound on his body and lost so much blood, but he didn't cry when he woke up. Zhen'er is useless, he cried last night!"

At the end, he felt embarrassed, thinking that he, a grown boy, had been frightened to tears last night. How could he protect his sister and brother in the future if he was so cowardly?

Thinking of the little guy crying hard last night, Mo Yan felt both distressed and helpless. "Zhen'er is still young, so naturally, his courage is small. When Zhen'er grows up, his courage will grow too, and he won't be afraid anymore!"

Zhen'er didn't doubt the truthfulness of his sister's words and nodded seriously, saying, "Then Zhen'er will eat well to grow his courage soon!"

"..."

Yan Yan, do you teach your little brother like this? Does your father know?

Xiao Ruiyuan slowly moved to the main hall and heard the silly conversation between the siblings. When he heard the last sentence, he couldn't help but curl his lips. His originally cold and hard face seemed to melt like ice and snow melting for the first time, adding a touch of charm to his picturesque face.

This kind of warmth was something he had never experienced before, and it made him feel uncomfortable to listen to, but he couldn't help but be immersed in it involuntarily.

"Oh, why are you getting out of bed? What if your wound opens up?"

Li Yan came in from outside, seeing the injured person standing, she couldn't help but feel anxious. Last night, they had worked hard to treat his wound.

Mo Yan heard the sound and came out of the kitchen. She saw Xiao Ruiyuan, and although she knew he was awake, she didn't expect him to get out of bed. So she said, "Your wound is too deep and not easy to heal. It's best not to move around. If you need anything, just call us!"

Mo Yan's words reminded Xiao Ruiyuan of the purpose of getting up. His face, which had turned slightly red due to excessive blood loss, became even redder. He furrowed his eyebrows and remained silent, appearing angry to Mo Yan and the others.

Seeing his bad complexion, Mo Yan felt annoyed too. If it were someone else who had broken in last night, to avoid trouble, she could have just left him alone. But this person happened to have a great kindness towards their family. If it wasn't for him commanding his subordinates to subdue those bandits when he arrived, their family would have suffered greatly.

The atmosphere became somewhat tense. After a while, Xiao Ruiyuan endured his embarrassment and blushed, coldly saying, "I need to use the restroom!"

Pfft~

Mo Yan couldn't help but make a sound, trying hard to keep herself from laughing. Facing his murderous gaze, she tried hard to suppress her laughter and pointed to the latrine in the corner of the courtyard, instructing Zhen'er to help him.

Now wasn't the time to care about face. Xiao Ruiyuan didn't refuse Zhen'er's assistance, but as he turned around, a crack appeared on his icy face!

Mo Yan struggled to contain her laughter. She finally understood why Xiao Ruiyuan was cold-faced earlier. She just felt that he was so cute.

If Xiao Ruiyuan knew that he was associated with the word "cute," he would probably wish he had never met this woman named "Mo Yan."

When Xiao Ruiyuan finished attending to his physiological needs and returned to the room, his face was still gloomy. Mo Yan brought a bowl of medicine over, and when she saw his expression, she couldn't help but want to laugh, but she managed to hold it in.

"Here, drink it while it's hot. It's good for your wound!"

Xiao Ruiyuan felt a bit uncomfortable seeing her, but he still took the bowl of medicine and muttered, "Thank you."

Huh? Mo Yan was a bit surprised. She thought this ice block wouldn't bother talking to her.

"You don't need to be polite. It's the least I can do! Speaking of which, I have to thank you. If it weren't for you saving my family, I'm afraid my family would have been gone long ago!"

Xiao Ruiyuan heard this, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: When did he save someone?

Mo Yan saw his confusion and knew that he didn't remember. Since he didn't remember, she didn't bother to explain. Saving him was considered repaying his lifesaving grace. They didn't need his gratitude.

Xiao Ruiyuan didn't ask any further, but carefully recalled, still unable to remember when he had saved someone.

Seeing him bowing his head to drink the medicine, every move showing elegance, Mo Yan became more certain of her speculation.

Although she didn't know his identity, the fact that he could command those people full of murderous aura indicated that he had crawled out from a pile of dead bodies. He wouldn't be an ordinary person. Moreover, his innate nobility, even though he was injured and had limited mobility, had not been erased in the slightest.

Mo Yan speculated that this person was either in a high position with great power, or came from a prestigious family with a noble status.

Regardless of which one it was, ordinary people wouldn't easily provoke him. If someone could provoke him and inflict such severe injuries, then that person was definitely not ordinary. Because of this, saving him was risking great danger.

Worried that his enemies would follow the blood trail to find them, last night her father had helped him treat his wounds, and she and Grandpa Li had wiped away the traces he left behind, fearing that someone would come here. Fortunately, the night was calm, and this person had woken up.

After a moment, Xiao Ruiyuan finished drinking the medicine. Seeing the pills handed to him, Mo Yan's mouth twitched, and she expressionlessly took the bowl of medicine and prepared to leave.

"Wait, I'm hungry. I want to eat!"

Although his voice was clear and aloof, it still carried a hint of arrogance. Mo Yan stumbled and turned around to glare at Xiao Ruiyuan: Am I your mother?

Xiao Ruiyuan looked at her faintly, and with an air of noble elegance, he said, "You said not to be polite!"

Mo Yan choked up. Was this person retaliating against her for laughing just now? But she couldn't be bothered to argue with a patient and resigned herself to go to the kitchen to prepare food for him.

Mo Yan never expected that saving Xiao Ruiyuan would bring her such a big surprise...

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  Chapter 96: Isn't She Still Alive?

She didn't check her phone immediately; instead, she stood up and shook hands with the other manager. "I wish us a pleasant cooperation in advance."

"President Ou is a straightforward person. I believe our cooperation this time will be very pleasant."

The other manager was quite satisfied with her and smiled, "As long as the delivery is on schedule, and there are no quality issues, we will continue to cooperate."

"Understood."  Ou Yan raised her lips, "We always strive for perfection in our work. You can rest assured."

The other manager left with a smile.

 Ou Yan watched her get into the car and then took out her phone. She saw two missed calls from Si Yechen and called him back, "Is something wrong?"

"Busy?"

"Yes, just met with a business partner."

"I also want to be your business partner." Si Yechen's voice was filled with longing. "That way, I can see you more often."

 Ou Yan slightly raised her lips, "Don't we already see each other every day?"

"Not enough." Si Yechen was very certain. "Far from enough. I want to see you every minute and every second, to be with you."

 Ou Yan walked along the street, "Alright, I'm calling a car now. We can talk when I get back."

"You're alone outside?" Si Yechen thought she might be with her assistant. "I'll come pick you up. Where are you?"

"No need, it's close to the company. I'll just take a cab."

"Let me pick you up. I want to."

Si Yechen had already left his office, and Qing Mu, seeing him in a hurry, thought something had happened!

 Ou Yan, feeling helpless, sent him her location and then stood on the side of the road, waiting.

This street had few shops. Except for the café they just left, several consecutive shops were empty. Behind her, there was a patch of weeds, giving off a desolate vibe.

At this moment, while dealing with personal matters on her phone, three cars stopped in front of her.

She raised her lazy gaze and saw Yin Qing, who had been beaten into a pig's head, getting out of one car. Simultaneously, her younger brother Yin Wu and a dozen henchmen accompanied her.

"That's her!"

Yin Qing originally planned to go to the mountain to settle the score with Yin Panpan and Li Chunyuan. Unexpectedly, on the way, she spotted  Ou Yan walking alone!

Truly a stroke of luck!

"This bitch slapped me a few times and even kicked me!" Yin Qing complained to her brother.

A gust of wind blew, lifting  Ou Yan's long hair. Her fresh and refined face made Yin Wu stare dumbfounded.

Beautiful!

Too beautiful!!

"Yin Wu, what are you staring at? Help your sister get justice!" Yin Qing's face was so swollen; she couldn't even cover it with one hand. At this moment, she pushed Yin Wu's shoulder in anger.

Although Yin Wu had seen many pretty girls, he had never seen one with such elegance as  Ou Yan!

With his hands in his pockets, he walked towards  Ou Yan, thinking he looked cool, "It's you who beat up my sister?"

 Ou Yan casually raised her eyebrows, as if not putting them in her eyes.

With more than ten henchmen and this greenhorn, did they think too little of her?

"If you're sensible, kneel down and kowtow ten times…" Yin Qing thought that with her brother backing her, she could act arrogantly in front of  Ou Yan.

 Ou Yan glanced at the pig-headed Yin Qing, "Isn't she still alive? Wanting others to pay respects so soon? The coffin isn't even laid yet, and you want to be worshipped as an ancestor?"

"You, you..." Yin Qing was infuriated and couldn't think of a retort, her expression twisted in rage.

"Sharp-tongued." Yin Wu found it interesting. "If you don't want to kneel... that's fine. As long as you accompany me and make me happy, we can consider my sister's matter resolved."

"Yin Wu, what are you saying! I asked you to teach her a lesson!" Yin Qing didn't want to resolve this matter so quickly; she hadn't had the chance to beat  Ou Yan properly.

 Ou Yan raised her eyebrows, looking at Yin Wu, "Here? I'm afraid not."

She knew there were several surveillance cameras nearby, and she didn't want to leave evidence.

"If you're shy, we can also go there..." Yin Wu thought she agreed and looked towards the patch of weeds behind  Ou Yan.

"Okay."  Ou Yan took the lead and walked towards the grassy area. Yin Wu followed. The henchmen didn't know whether to follow or not, looking at Yin Qing.

 Ou Yan reached the grassy area; the weeds were knee-high. She turned to Yin Wu, "This should be fine."

Yin Wu hadn't expected the girl to choose the location. Lying down here would block the view of others.

Not bad, a bit shy.

"Only you?"  Ou Yan raised a charming eyebrow, glancing at the dozen or so henchmen. "Others won't join?"

"You little bitch, acting slutty…" Yin Wu thought he could take advantage of this beauty, planning to play for ten days or half a month...

Yin Wu's hand had just reached out, and before he could touch  Ou Yan's clothes, she swiftly captured his hand, throwing him into the grass. His face met the soil intimately, and he even got some mud in his mouth.

"Damn it." Yin Qing knew this troublesome girl wouldn't be easy to deal with. "What are you all standing there for? Don't you see she's fighting back? Help!"

The girl seemed to be tired of living, daring to lay a hand on her precious brother?

You must know her brother was the family's treasure!

Eight or nine henchmen surrounded  Ou Yan. They all attacked at once, but  Ou Yan swiftly caught one as a human shield, then systematically incapacitated the rest. One henchman pulled out a long knife, aiming at  Ou Yan. She not only dodged swiftly but also held the knife to his neck, frightening him to the point of trembling.

Yin Qing watched  Ou Yan knock down one after another, leaving only the last trembling henchman.

He, wisely, used the stick to knock himself out and fell into the bushes... truly relieving to the heart.

 Ou Yan's gaze then landed on Yin Qing.

Yin Qing was shocked. Damn it, again, she's the only one left!

"Yin Wu... Yin Wu!!!" Yin Qing shouted a few times, but her precious brother hadn't crawled out of the bushes yet. She felt a bit scared, unable to understand how there could be someone like  Ou Yan in the world!

  Chapter 95: Don't Send Smiles During Work Hours

"My friend has gone abroad and asked me to help her rent out her house," Ou Yan casually mentioned, "Price is not an issue; the main thing is that the tenant should take good care of the property."

"We take very good care of our place!" Yin Panpan hurriedly said, as if seeing a glimmer of hope.

"How much is the rent here per month?"

"3500!"

"Then it's 3500 for you." Ou Yan said casually, "The house is also nearby, making it convenient for commuting."

"President Ou, we've checked all the houses around here. Except for this one, there are no two-bedroom apartments for 3500..." Yin Panpan was afraid she might be pricing it too low, and it would be difficult to explain to her friend later.

"My friend said the price is not a problem."  Ou Yan checked the time, "I have some things to attend to right now. He Ning will come back later to help you move. I'll ask my friend for the exact location; she mentioned it to me last time, but I forgot."

"President Ou..." Yin Panpan didn't know how to thank her.

Li Chunyuan also stood up, "Xiaoyan, you've helped us twice now, and we really have no way to repay you... Thank you so much!"

"No need to repay."  Ou Yan raised her lips, "Live a good life. Living better than them is the best repayment for me and for yourselves."

Something seemed to touch Li Chunyuan's heart, and her nose unexpectedly felt a bit sour.

"That's settled then."

 Ou Yan got up and left. After getting into the car, she opened her phone and found the details of the smallest apartment located in the city center from her assets.

It was a small three-bedroom in Sunshine Coast, exquisitely decorated, with an area of 90 square meters. The entry code should be 101010; a few grandpas often sent her houses, and they all had this password to help her remember.

 Ou Yan sent the detailed information to He Ning, "When you arrive at the Café later, I'll go in by myself. You help them move."

"Yes, President Ou."

At the CEO's office of the Si Corporation.

Si Yechen had lost track of how many times he had checked his phone. Besides the girl's screensaver, there wasn't a single new message.

"Is the network bad?" Si Yechen looked at his full WiFi signal and suspected that the full signal display was problematic. He looked at Qing Mu, "Send me a WeChat message."

"Huh?" Qing Mu didn't understand what Master Chen meant, "Send, send a WeChat message?"

Why send a WeChat message when they were so close? Couldn't he just speak directly?

Although he thought so, Qing Mu still asked respectfully, "Master Chen, what should I send?"

"Whatever you want."

"Then, then I'll send an emoji..."

Qing Mu sent a smiling face, and Si Yechen received it immediately.

So, it wasn't a network issue, nor a signal issue; the little girl just didn't send him a WeChat message! That's why he hadn't received anything!

"Why are you sending a smiling face during working hours?" Si Yechen always felt that this smiling face was mocking him for being ignored. "Donate this month's bonus to the Hope Primary School."

Qing Mu widened his eyes, what? Master Chen, didn't you ask me to send it? Wasn't it okay to send anything?

Why is this smiling face bothering you?

Si Yechen opened the chat box; his conversation with Yan Yan was still at 6 AM. At that time, Yan Yan told him to go to sleep first, saying they would meet again in a while...

Clearly, she cared about him a lot, but why did she disappear once she went to work...

Thinking of other male employees in the company pursuing her, Si Yechen's mood became a bit irritable. When he saw Qing Mu still standing there, "What? Nothing to do? Did you follow up on the projects and solve the issues I asked you to solve?"

"Master Chen, I'll do it right away!"

"Stop!" Si Yechen looked at him intending to leave, "Did I ask you to go?"

Qing Mu: ???

Qing Mu forced a smile and turned back, "Master Chen, do you have any instructions?"

"Last time when we acquired those brands, was there anything related to clothing?"

Thinking that Si Yechen asked like this, Qing Mu pondered for a moment, "Yes! There's one, a top-tier brand called VO. Due to financial problems, internal struggles, and other reasons, it was incorporated into our company..."

Si Yechen asked casually, "Do we need a partner for that?"

"Ah?" Qing Mu was stunned for a moment. "Master Chen, are you joking? Our group covers so many areas and has so many subsidiaries. How could we need a partner? Others are begging to cooperate with us!"

Just as he finished speaking, he suddenly realized something. Clothing company! Partner!

Understood!!!

Qing Mu immediately changed his statement, "But, after cooperating with some companies for a long time, the prices are not as favorable as before. I think it's better to find a new partner. Also, considering VO, they could be like Ms.  Ou Yan's clothing company, independent and with a completely new name. Although they rely on Si Corporation behind the scenes, on the surface, it is a completely new and independently developed company! Moreover, I've thought of a name for the new company—Muyan!"

Si Yechen raised his eyebrows, "You've thought it out quite thoroughly."

Inwardly, Qing Mu was relieved, "Thank you, Master Chen!"

Before leaving, he had a sudden inspiration, "Oh, by the way, Master Chen..."

"Hmm?" Although Si Yechen still maintained his indifferent appearance, it seemed that his mood had improved a lot.

Qing Mu smiled and said, "Although you are busy every day, you still need to care about Ms.  Ou Yan! For example, you can send her a message, make a call, ask what she's doing. We men need to be a bit more proactive, don't you think so, Master Chen?"

"Reasonable." Si Yechen finally picked up his phone and called  Ou Yan.

  Chapter 11: Birthday Celebration

Feng Jinyao saw her like this, feeling somewhat sorry for her, so she spoke up to comfort her.

"Alright, today is grandmother's birthday celebration. I see they've set up a pitching game pavilion over there. I reckon both male and female guests can show off their skills. You should show your face then, so everyone knows that the Wei family's daughter follows strict rules, and the Bai family's people are not all outstanding."

"Really?" Bai Siruo's eyes lit up suddenly. Feng Jinyao coaxed her like a child and nodded along.

The two sisters chatted and laughed, becoming closer. They only got up to greet the guests when a servant came to say that guests had arrived.

At this moment, guests crowded the entrance of the Bai residence, with carriages lining up along the street. Nearby, vendors gathered to set up stalls, creating a lively atmosphere with congratulatory shouts and calls.

The steward of the Bai residence handed out some candied chestnuts to the children eagerly watching outside.

With the snacks, the children happily congratulated Madam Bai, and even the usually stern steward showed a warmer expression.

In the backyard, the atmosphere was equally lively.

Madam Bai had two best friends in her youth.

One was the wife of the Duke of Zhengguo, and the other was the wife of the Grand General of the Cavalry. Now, the two of them were accompanying her, chatting away.

"You're really lucky. I heard your seventh daughter-in-law is also pregnant?"

Madam Bai asked the Duchess of Zhengguo with a happy smile. At their age, they loved to gossip about family matters.

The Duchess of Zhengguo had a difficult childbirth when she was young, which left her with only one son. Originally, she thought it would be difficult to have more children, so she took in several concubines. Unexpectedly, the Duke of Zhengguo cherished his wife dearly, dismissed the concubines and devoted himself to his wife.

After the eldest son grew up and married a girl from the Yin family, she gave birth to one child after another, seven in total, four sons and three daughters, all outstanding. Even the youngest daughter was now pregnant, and the family prospered.

"It's true, but her pregnancy hasn't stabilized yet. I've asked her to rest more at home and not to join in the festivities. After she safely delivers the baby, I'll let her come to pay respects to you, sister."

"The important thing is the heir. I'm still healthy, and I'll prepare a good gift for my precious little great-grandson when the time comes."

"You spoil them too much."

The two old ladies chatted happily, while the Grand General's wife beside them remained silent, smiling quietly at their conversation.

Bai Siruo brought Feng Jinyao over and greeted a woman excitedly as soon as they entered the courtyard.

"Mingyue, I'm here!"

The woman called Mingyue was none other than Xu Mingyue, the granddaughter of Master Xu.

With eyebrows like crescent moons and cheeks like peaches, she looked just like her name, as bright and clean as the moon, making people feel close yet wary of defiling her.

"This is my cousin from the Feng family. You can call her Ah Yao. She hasn't been feeling well, so she rarely attends banquets. Today, there are many people, so I brought her out to meet others."

Bai Siruo introduced them, showing a hint of intimacy in her words.

"Sister Xu, hello."

"Ah Yao, you're too polite. This little tyrant has never introduced me to her sisters before. It's not easy for you to catch her eye."

Xu Mingyue joked, her relationship with Bai Siruo was exceptionally good, like sisters at first sight.

Although Xu Mingyue came from the Xu family, known for their strict rules, she was not a rigid woman. She had a sense of propriety, knew when to advance and when to retreat, and had a straightforward temperament, not constrained or artificial.

Seeing Xu Mingyue's friendly gesture, Feng Jinyao also felt impressed, especially because of her memories from her previous life.

In her previous life, after the engagement with the Liang family was broken off, Xu Mingyue didn't resort to drastic measures. Instead, she went to the Yunqi Academy and became a female scholar, not inferior to men in the slightest. Feng Jinyao admired her greatly for her character and ambition.

After she showed her goodwill, Feng Jinyao also felt a sense of closeness towards her.

The three of them chatted and laughed for a while until a group of people came in.

Leading the way was the well-known noblewoman in the Eastern Capital, Wei Lanxuan, with her beautiful eyes and charming smile, her fiery red fox fur cloak enhancing her allure.

Following her was none other than the most respected daughter of the Grand Justice of Dali, Liang Luo, the niece of the Ministry of Personnel's Assistant Minister, Wen Yuwei, and several daughters of minor officials, appearing like stars surrounding the moon in the courtyard.

As for the others, Feng Jinyao didn't pay much attention to them for now, except for a venomous look from Wen Yuwei towards her.

After whispering a few words in Wei Lanxuan's ear, everyone's gaze turned towards Feng Jinyao, their expressions not looking good.

Wei Lanxuan smiled and nodded at the three of them but then led the group into the main hall without saying a word, leaving them behind.

"Such arrogance."

Bai Siruo frowned slightly. She and Wei Lanxuan's faction had never had any grievances and they would usually exchange a few words when they met. What happened today that she didn't say anything?

Xu Mingyue, on the other hand was not surprised and whispered to the other two.

"I heard that Lady Wei is going to betroth herself to the Ninth Prince. Soon, the Wei family will have another prince's main wife. It's a big joy and her status will rise even higher."

No wonder she's so arrogant, she's going to marry into the royal family again.

The Ninth Prince was the only son of Lady Wei, not only already an adult but also favored by the Emperor. It was said that he intended to confer him the title of Prince. If the news was true, he would be the first among his peers to receive such an honor. Even the eldest son born to the Empress couldn't compare to him.

The Wei family's power and prestige were still boundless.

Bai Siruo pursed her lips, not interested in such matters.

Rather than staying here to see those people flattering the Wei family, it was better to go to the Qinxian Courtyard and guess riddles.

"Ah Yao, let's go."

Bai Siruo turned around but saw Feng Jinyao lost in thought, rubbing her thumb and index finger on the hand warmer.

When she saw Wei Lanxuan and Wen Yuwei standing together just now, she suddenly thought of something.

She had been puzzled before, why did the Wen family want Wen Yuwei to deliver the jade, even risking the engagement of their eldest son, Wen Mengsheng?

It couldn't be just to tempt her, right?

If it was because of the Feng family's power, then after they got married, the Feng family had already been divided into the faction of the Ninth Prince.

Moreover, after they got married, she did indeed trouble her father and brothers for her husband's affairs, even involving her maternal grandfather's family.

What exactly happened that made the Wei family and the Wen family willing to ruin the Feng family?

Unless...

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 Chapter 160: Clues Uncovered by Chu Heng

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 159: Taking the Initiative

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 615: An Unexpected Fierce Battle

Hou Yunjiao recognized it and smirked.

He turned Qin Ruan over and let her lean against him.

Her belly, nearly six months pregnant, pressed against his abdomen.

Whenever the child moved inside her belly, he could clearly feel it.

Hou Yunjiao reached out and lifted Qin Ruan's chin, staring into her eyes with a hint of panic, trying hard to maintain a calm appearance.

He asked gently, "Are you blaming me for not spending enough time with you?"

His tone was serious, without any teasing.

Qin Ruan immediately shook her head when she heard this.

She didn't mean that.

It's just that today, Hou Yunjiao had been by her side, unlike before when he would avoid her casually, giving her a surreal feeling.

Hou Yunjiao's deep and gentle eyes stared at her intently. "Really?"

Qin Ruan shook her head again. "No."

Not knowing whether he believed her or not, Hou Yunjiao placed his hand on her belly and gently caressed it.

As his fingertips glided over her skin, a strange feeling washed over Qin Ruan.

It wasn't uncomfortable.

It was more like a peculiar, soft sensation in her body.

Feeling Qin Ruan relax, Hou Yunjiao leaned in and kissed her forehead.

He wrapped his fingers around her waist and soon let go.

Qin Ruan didn't notice the tension in Hou Yunjiao and his inner hesitation.

She enjoyed his comforting touch, feeling a sense of contentment.

Hou Yunjiao leaned close to her ear and asked softly, "You've been feeling down lately. Why didn't you tell me? Is there something you find hard to talk about?"

Qin Ruan lay in his embrace, closed her eyes, and replied in a calm tone, "There's nothing."

The faint aroma of sandalwood tickled her nose, calming her restless emotions.

Hou Yunjiao continued to stroke her soft hair, and his hand slowly moved down to her exposed nape.

He gently pinched it, and Qin Ruan made a contented sound.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes, as if not believing that the sound just came from her.

Hou Yunjiao's low and magnetic voice contained a smile as he said, "Relax, I'll give you a massage."

His hands continued to move, giving Qin Ruan a massage on her nape.

Surprisingly, it felt quite comfortable.

Qin Ruan responded with an acknowledgment and relaxed her body.

This time, Hou Yunjiao's strength was reduced, and she didn't make the suggestive sound she did earlier.

But her expression was different.

While her expression was relaxed, it also exuded a different kind of charm.

Hou Yunjiao lowered his head and saw her long and fluttering eyelashes trembling, as if there were feathers teasing his heart.

He involuntarily averted his gaze and looked at the tablet on the side.

His hand continued to gently rub Qin Ruan's nape.

After a while, Hou Yunjiao spoke with a slightly hoarse tone, "In the future, if you're not feeling well, tell me. Don't bear it alone, okay?"

"It's not a big deal," Qin Ruan said dismissively.

During pregnancy, emotions were unstable, and the child and Hou Yunjiao both worried her.

With all the things piling up, she'd be a rare sight if she were relaxed.

Hearing her stubbornness, a glint of darkness flashed through Hou Yunjiao's peach blossom eyes.

Dr. Chen's words echoed in his mind again.

Enduring again and again, his hand on Qin Ruan's nape slowly moved down.

Hou Yunjiao held her waist, gently pushing her away while being cautious not to exert pressure on her stomach.

They were in a position where they wanted to get close but had to keep a distance.

Hou Yunjiao touched Qin Ruan's delicate chin, gently rubbing it.

"Ruan Ruan, we are husband and wife. You can tell me any request. As your partner, I have an obligation to fulfill all your needs."

Qin Ruan looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

There was no trace of desire in her clear eyes.

Hou Yunjiao's thin lips slightly curved up, and he placed his hand on her collarbone, leaning against her shoulder.

His breath sprayed on her skin.

Though there was no overheating temperature, it was unexpectedly alluring.

In Qin Ruan's bewildered gaze, Hou Yunjiao, with his refined and perfect appearance suitable for playing the piano, began playing.

Qin Ruan's eyes widened, and her bewildered expression overflowed with astonishment.

She could hardly believe that the man who was just chatting with her a moment ago would start making moves at this moment.

She pressed her hand on the pillow next to her, looking languid and pitiful.

The tablet fell to the ground with a soft thud, not loud enough to disturb the couple, who had recently received their marriage certificate and were just beginning to experience new things together.

Time passed slowly.

The dimly lit room was filled with the soft light of the streetlamp outside.

In the dim room, Qin Ruan's hand covered the back of Hou Yunjiao's hand, which had been playing for a long time.

She sighed softly, and her watery eyes revealed a trace of annoyance.

It seemed that she was still singing a monologue alone from beginning to end?

No, that's not right!

Qin Ruan lay exhausted on the bed, her eyes containing a glimmer of brilliance.

She clearly heard Hou Yunjiao's chaotic breathing and the hoarse, coaxing tone in her ear just now.

When Hou Yunjiao hurriedly went to the bathroom, she unintentionally caught a glimpse of his disarrayed steps.

Even if he tried to restrain himself, she still noticed the slight panic in his eyes.

Discovering this, Qin Ruan's blushing face looked much prettier.

But she still couldn't understand why Third Master would suddenly launch an unexpected fierce battle at the slightest disagreement.

She pulled the blanket around her and pressed her hot face against it.

Qin Ruan had never seen Third Master play the piano.

She couldn't help but sigh that it was a pity his hands didn't play the piano.