Chapter 40 Side Story: Brother's Part 4

After becoming pregnant, Ling Wei experienced firsthand what it meant for someone's appetite to change "faster than turning the pages of a book."

What you have no interest in one second can become an unforgettable desire the next.

Late that night, a strong longing for the time-honored Hu spicy soup from the south of the city swept over her without warning.

The rich aroma of pepper, mixed with the flavors of gluten and beef, seems to dance on the tip of your tongue.

She couldn't lie still any longer, so she tiptoed out of bed, put on her coat, and headed straight for the garage.

The car had just started, and the engine sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

As soon as the headlights came on, a tall figure suddenly blocked the beam of light.

Ling Wei was startled. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was You Jingxuan, dressed in his pajamas.

His chest heaved slightly, clearly from running all the way, and his usually meticulous hair was now somewhat disheveled.

He knocked on the car window, his voice hoarse from just waking up and filled with undeniable concern: "Where are you going so late?"

Ling Wei took out her phone, a little embarrassed: [I want to eat the spicy soup from the south of the city.]

You Jingxuan frowned and subconsciously glanced at his watch: "Now? 4:20 a.m.?"

Ling Wei nodded vigorously, her fingers flying across the screen like a chick pecking at rice: [That shop opens at five o'clock! Let's leave now, perfect timing!]

You Jingxuan raised his hand and rubbed his temples, clearly finding the idea absurd: "I had someone buy it and send it back."

Ling Wei immediately shook her head, her expression stubborn.

You have to eat Hulatang at a restaurant.

Sitting on a small stool, smelling the steaming, oily aroma of vinegar and chili, is the perfect way to enjoy the food.

Looking at her face, which was filled with the determination to go, You Jingxuan recalled Secretary Wang's statement that "pregnant women's feelings are the most important." All his misunderstanding and worry could only turn into a silent sigh.

He resignedly opened the driver's side door: "Get out, I'll take you there."

Ling Wei pointed to herself, then to the steering wheel, her meaning clear: I can go by myself, don't bother me.

You Jingxuan leaned down and easily lifted her out of the driver's seat by slipping his strong arms under her knees and back.

Suddenly suspended in mid-air, Ling Wei was so startled that she instinctively grabbed the front of his pajamas, her nose instantly filled with the clean scent of his bath fabric.

He carefully placed her in the passenger seat, then got into the driver's seat and started the car.

The car drove out of the garage and disappeared into the deep night.

While Ling Wei was still stunned as he carried her into the car, her deep, clear voice came from beside her, carrying an undeniable gentleness:

"Your issues have never been a problem."

The tone was so serious that Ling Wei's heart skipped a beat.

She silently pulled the small blanket from the back seat over herself, closed her eyes, and decided to pretend to be asleep.

Her intuition told her that remaining silent was the safest thing to do at that moment.

In the darkness, she could feel the gaze beside her lingering on her face for a moment, followed by a barely audible, slightly helpless laugh.

Halfway there, You Jingxuan seemed to realize that he was still wearing his pajamas.

He frowned slightly, with a hint of self-deprecation, but his inherent elegance and nobility gave the dark silk pajamas a慵懒 (yōnglǎn, meaning lazy or languid) sense of style.

At five in the morning, the breakfast shop was steaming and the sounds of people gradually rose.

The appearance of Youjingxuan has undoubtedly become the most beautiful sight.

He was wearing an expensive silk nightgown and sitting on a simple stool, yet his posture remained upright and composed.

With slender fingers holding disposable wooden chopsticks, he stirred the spicy soup in the bowl with unhurried movements, occasionally taking a sip. His calm and composed demeanor made him seem as if he were sitting in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

All eyes turned to them, filled with amazement and good-natured smiles.

"Tsk tsk, this young couple is really pleasing to the eye!"

"They look like newlyweds, he dotes on his wife, coming out with her so early in the morning."

The murmurs were clearly audible, and You Jingxuan paused slightly, his gaze falling on the person opposite him.

Ling Wei was sipping her drink slowly, her eyes half-closed in satisfaction, her cheeks flushed from the steam, like a tempting peach.

He lowered his eyes, offered no explanation, and simply pushed his untouched plate of fried dough sticks over.

As the pregnancy progressed into its later stages, more unexpected situations arose, and You Jingxuan also brushed up on her knowledge, becoming more adept at handling them.

That night, Ling Wei was fast asleep when a sudden spasm in her calf muscles jolted her awake with a sharp pain.

She struggled to sit up, wanting to stretch and relieve her pain, but her legs were weak and sore, and she stumbled and lost her balance, her elbow hitting the bedside table hard.

"Clang—crash!"

The glass vase tipped over and shattered into a mess.

The loud noise was particularly jarring in the quiet night; almost simultaneously, the door was flung open.

"What's wrong?!" You Jingxuan appeared at the door, his voice urgent and hoarse from just waking up.

Ling Wei winced in pain, pointing to her calf, tears welling in her eyes.

You Jingxuan immediately strode forward, knelt down beside the bed, carefully lifted her cramped leg, and gently placed it on his bent knee.

His warm, dry hands, with just the right amount of force, began to knead her tense calf muscles, from her ankles to the backs of her knees, his technique surprisingly skilled.

"Relax." His deep voice carried a calming power.

The pain gradually subsided with the strong massage.

Ling Wei leaned against the headboard, watching the man in front of her, who was usually aloof and shrewd, now intently massaging her legs.

During this time, he took care of her in every little detail, like slowly boiling a frog in water, until she had long since become accustomed to his presence and help, and felt a strange sense of security.

As my tense nerves relaxed, a strong feeling of drowsiness washed over me again.

As You Jingxuan massaged her steadily and rhythmically, Ling Wei's consciousness gradually blurred, her eyelids closed heavily, and her breathing became even and long.

She actually fell asleep leaning against the wall like that.

In a daze, she felt that warm, large hand leave her calf.

My body was gently laid flat, and a warm blanket was carefully placed over my chin.

She hummed comfortably, unconsciously turning over to find an even more comfortable position.

Just before her consciousness completely sank into darkness, it seemed as if an extremely soft feather gently touched her forehead.

The feeling was too faint, too illusory, like a hazy dream.

She only gave a muffled "hmm" before drifting off into a deep, sweet sleep.