Chapter 51 Traces The next day, you woke up groggily…

The next day, you woke up groggily, having somehow ended up in bed.

Memories of last night flooded back—to be honest, Bai E was very considerate and attentive to your feelings. He would blush and whisper sweet nothings to you. The moment his handsome face drew near, and his eyebrows twitched downwards, you were completely mesmerized, losing all sense of reason, and half-heartedly gave in…

If I had to point out a downside, it would be that she has too much energy, is incredibly strong, and is overly enthusiastic.

When you woke up this morning, you saw that your body was covered in red marks. Although they didn't look very alarming on the surface, they still felt sore and numb when you touched them. You don't know why he couldn't get enough of kissing you, and he kissed you tenderly again and again.

In the end, he completely scooped her up, and she leaned against the sofa, drenched in sweat. He even leaned down and sniffed her closely.

You didn't even want to move a finger, and weakly said, "...You're covered in sweat, aren't you dirty...?"

He was very serious, though. "Where is it dirty? There's no smell at all. Let me smell it again—"

You: ...Are you a pervert?

The floral wreath ring swayed with your movements.

At first, they were cold, but later they were warmed by body heat. In the night, the blue petals of the forget-me-not floated up and down, like fireflies fluttering in the summer night.

On sultry or slightly cool summer nights, you and Bai Exilian would often quietly climb a small hill not far away, take off your shoes and socks, and frolic in the river to cool off.

The river was so clear back then; you could see the smooth stones and see the shimmering blue magic mushrooms and fireflies reflected in it. You made a face at the river, and Xi Lian ran over to look curiously. Bai E touched the back of his neck and laughed at the two of you.

Finally, when you were tired from playing, Bai E carried you home, taking small, uneven steps. Xi Lian followed beside you, watching your sleeping profile, and mischievously drew a kitten on your face with a pen.

—It's just that now it's not like when we were kids, where we could simply go see fireflies together.

As you grow up, some of your emotions become inflated and even unbearable.

The night sky outside is dotted with stars.

You complained that it hurt a little on your collarbone, and Bai E obediently lowered his head, put the chain in his mouth, and also blocked those incessant, clinging voices.

...

The sofa cover has been changed; it seems Bai'er washed it this morning.

He himself had disappeared again. You looked up at the sunlight and realized it was his usual time for morning exercise. But after staying up so late last night, would he still go for his morning exercise today...? You couldn't help but ponder.

You touched the bed sheet beside you; it was still warm, so it must have been gone for a short time.

Poor you, you forced yourself to stand up, barely managed to grab the bedside table for support, and groped for your shirt to put on.

"Squeak."

The door opened.

A familiar, tall figure appeared at the doorway. He had white hair, blue eyes, and a healthy blush on his cheeks. His delicate features and simple clothes blended together in a strangely harmonious way.

Fine beads of sweat slid down his chin, indicating that he had just finished exercising.

Your legs were already weak, and this sudden fright startled you, causing you to lose your footing and instinctively fall forward—

"Hey, watch out, partner!"

Bai E rushed over immediately, so fast that you could only see a blur. His strong arms quickly caught you, pulled you around the waist, and brought you back into his arms.

He seemed quite pleased with himself, the smile on his face barely concealed, radiating the spiritedness of youth.

"I just got back from my workout, so I went to buy you breakfast. Try it, it's still warm!"

You barely managed to steady yourself, and then you heard him call you "partner" in your ear, and your legs went weak again.

...It's one thing to call him "partner" normally, but why does he do it during a time like that... It makes you unable to stop recalling the details of last night whenever you hear that name, recalling his eyes burning with dark fire and that strange, coquettish tone...cough cough.

This is just too unfair!

When Bai E saw you glaring at him in embarrassment, he seemed to find it adorable. He quickly bent down and kissed the top of your head, then laughed even more happily.

You push him away expressionlessly, "I'm exhausted, how do you still have the energy to do morning exercise???"

He looked innocent and said, "I'm not tired."

Seeing that you pinched his arm a little harder, then dramatically took a breath, you quickly changed your tune, "...Let's eat something first. Are you hungry, partner?"

"Don't call me your partner!"

"Eh—but, but—then…darling?"

"...This is even stranger. Let's call him 'partner' instead."

You compromise. But you're still a little defiant, saying, "You're all sweaty, stay away from me, don't get so close."

“Okay.” Bai E said reluctantly.

Just as you were about to leave his embrace, he, perhaps out of kindness, gently supported you, his arm brushing against your waist—in that instant, his breath enveloped you once more, permeating and invading you…

You swayed unsteadily, but Bai E steadied you with lightning speed, bringing you close together once again.

you:……

Bai E is shameless: Oh my, my partner is so clingy to me?

"Let me go!"

"Don't be angry, my friend, I'll let go right now... Oh, by the way, I actually bought some medicine. Are you feeling unwell? I'll apply it for you—"

"I'll do it myself!"

"Huh? You really want to do it yourself? Okay, okay, don't glare at me, the more you glare at me, the more I want to kiss you... Ouch, don't step on my foot, I'm really not a pervert!"

*

As everyone knows, you and Bai Er are a very affectionate couple.

The village is not big, and the younger generation can all be named. Among the younger generation, you, Bai'e, and Xilian are the most outstanding. Judging from how nervous Bai'e was about you when you were a child, your marriage is now a natural progression and known to everyone.

From a young age, the three of you have had a very good relationship.

At first, the elders were worried that the friendship between the three of you might be unstable, or that you might neglect Xi Lian after you got together with Bai E... But they later realized that there was no need to worry at all. You are both very important to each other. Although it may seem on the surface that the two of them are indulging you, you are actually being tolerant of them as well.

Besides, Bai E has an outgoing personality and can chat with anyone.

He didn't want to get out of bed this morning, but holding you asleep in his arms, his heart melted completely.

However, due to certain physiological reactions in the morning, he couldn't bear to tire you out any further, so he silently got dressed, opened the door, and went out for a run, hoping to release his boundless energy in this way.

Villagers had already set up stalls at the market, displaying fresh fruits and vegetables. When they saw Bai E coming over, they greeted him.

"Xiao Bai, you're up so early today!"

"Here, let me give you some apples! Don't be shy!"

"I was running so fast last night, I barely had a sip of alcohol, hahaha! Next time you come to my house for dinner, drink as much as you want!"

Bai Er responded to everyone's greetings gently and considerately, stopped and walked to a corner, intending to rest for a while.

Suddenly, a strand of pink hair appeared before my eyes.

"—!" Bai E was startled, but breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the familiar face of the pink-haired girl. "Xi Lian? Why are you up so early too?"

Xi Lian: Stare—

Bai E followed her gaze to look at himself and realized that due to the vigorous exercise, the neckline of his shirt had tilted to the side, revealing a bit of his collarbone and a few... ambiguous red marks.

Compared to his biting and nibbling, you were much more reserved in your kissing. You would only wrap your arms around his neck when you were too full to bear it anymore, like clinging to a piece of driftwood in a raging torrent, and sigh in his ear.

Often at times like these, you feel particularly insecure. Even though you're very close, it doesn't feel enough for either of you. It's as if nothing can fill that emptiness, so kissing becomes a way to seek comfort.

Coincidentally, the marks you left were all located low, with less force and lighter color. This morning, Bai E covered them up quite well after getting dressed, but unexpectedly, Xi Lian discovered them now.

Bai E's fair skin immediately flushed red, and she quickly pulled her collar up, "I, um..."

Xi Lian crossed her arms and glared at him, "I told you I would go look for you guys after the ceremony last night, but I couldn't find you anywhere."

Bai'er and you went home early last night. People are more tolerant of young couples and won't want to pry into where you went to chat late into the night.

Besides, Bai'er often falls asleep leaning against you when you're tired from playing. The next day, when Odatta knocks on the door, he finds the two of you leaning against each other, with you resting on Bai'er's shoulder and him resting his head on yours, supporting each other to keep from falling over.

At this point, Odatta would shake her head helplessly, cover you with a blanket, and then quietly retreat and close the door, intending to come back when you naturally woke up.

So even though Bai E didn't come home at night, his parents weren't too worried. In terms of martial arts, there were very few people in the surrounding area who could defeat Bai E, let alone adding you to the mix.

I'm not even talking about how you'll get bullied; it's good enough if you don't bully others.

Xi Lian recalled the custom of pouring wine during the festival, and combined with her understanding of the two of you, her expression changed for a few moments.

"...I'm telling you, you're not going to use being drunk as an excuse, are you? Even though you can't hold your liquor, you don't seem like the type to let yourself get drunk so easily..."

Bai E scratched his face guiltily.

Xi Lian knew she had guessed right again just by looking at him.

She said seriously, "Bai'er, don't be the kind of bad guy who hurts a girl's true feelings."

“I won’t do that!” Bai Er hurriedly shook his head. “Although the alcohol may have affected me, it was a well-thought-out decision. Like the promise that wreath ring represents, I have already thought about the future I will spend with her—”

He said, "What kind of future it will be is up to her. I'll do whatever she wants to do."

Xi Lian looked up and saw the sincerity and determination shining in his eyes.

“…I know, everyone knows you’re not that kind of person.” She smiled. “You two are both very important to me. Seeing you happy makes me very happy.”

She paused, then added, "If you dare to hurt her, I'll be the first to beat you up!"

So Bai E laughed along with him.

“I won’t give you that chance,” he said.

-----------------------

Author's Note: These two chapters may contain typos that I didn't notice, but I can't fix them. Please bear with me, as I've been battling with the reviewers for a long time before they released them (wiping sweat). Another review might be necessary to get them approved.