Chapter 53 Overnight Stay

Xie Shiyan's gaze meticulously traced every corner of the room, from the warm, delicate lamp on the bedside table to the fluffy lemon-yellow cushions on the bay window, and the newly placed dressing table beside the bed, with the bottles and jars reflecting a soft luster.

All her cold, sharp edges were cleverly wrapped in warm colors and a soft touch. He tightened his grip on her hand, pulled her into his arms, and gently rested his chin on the top of her head.

His deep voice, filled with undisguised joy and satisfaction, trembled with laughter from his chest and conveyed to her: "Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful." He paused, then added, "Just like you."

Jiang Yining snuggled against him and smiled contentedly, like a cat that had been stroked and felt good.

"Go wash up quickly," she said, stepping out of Xie Shiyan's embrace and walking briskly to a hidden door beside her. Pushing it open, she found herself in a spacious and bright walk-in closet. She expertly took a set of dark gray silk pajamas from his wardrobe and handed it to him, her tone tinged with a coquettish urgency.

"I didn't sleep much last night, so I'll get some rest early tonight." She was referring to the night at the hotel, when the two of them were so excited about their long-awaited reunion that they barely slept a wink.

Xie Shiyan took the pajamas, his deep gaze fixed on her, a dark undercurrent surging in his eyes. He took a step forward, stretched out his long arm, and easily pulled Jiang Yining, who was trying to slip away, back into his arms. He lowered his head, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe, his voice magnetic and seductive: "Together."

"..." Jiang Yining's cheeks flushed instantly, like ripe tomatoes. She struggled symbolically for a moment, but he held her tightly.

Under the bright lights of the dressing room, the undisguised longing and tenderness in his eyes made her heart race. Finally, blushing, she nodded almost imperceptibly.

The spacious master bathroom quickly filled with warm, humid steam. Behind the frosted glass partition, the sound of running water pattered down, masking all other subtle noises, only vaguely revealing two intimately intertwined, indistinct figures.

The refreshing scent of lemon verbena shower gel filled the air, mingling with the steam like a sweet, slightly intoxicating dream. After an unknown amount of time, the sound of water ceased. Xie Shiyan carefully wrapped Jiang Yining in a large, soft bath towel, picked her up, and carried her back to that warm, pale yellow "territory."

He gently placed her on the soft, cloud-like bed, and showered her with delicate kisses like raindrops, from her damp hair to her smooth forehead, then to her slightly trembling eyelashes and the tip of her upturned nose, finally covering her lips with a sweet lemon scent.

The kiss deepened, carrying the preciousness of something lost and found, and endless longing, igniting the air. A corner of the pale yellow blanket was lifted, then quietly fell back down, concealing all the tenderness.

Only the bedside lamp emitted a hazy, warm glow, gently enveloping this private space.

As everything calmed down, the moonlight outside the window quietly climbed up the window frame, casting cool, bright spots of light on the creamy white gauze curtains.

Jiang Yining nestled in Xie Shiyan's warm embrace, her cheek pressed against his strong chest, the steady, powerful beat of his heart ringing in her ears. She was exhausted, her body aching, yet her mind was unusually clear. She tilted her head back slightly, gazing greedily at the sleeping face so close to hers in the dim light.

His once cold and stern features, like an ice sculpture, completely relaxed in his sleep. The frost that had settled between his brows for eight years seemed to melt away completely, leaving only peace and tranquility.

His thin lips were slightly pursed, with a faint trace of satisfaction lingering at the corners. Thick eyelashes cast small shadows beneath his eyelids, concealing the often unsettling loneliness and sorrow in his deep eyes.

Jiang Yining's heart felt as if it had been gently brushed by the softest feather, a bittersweet sensation. She carefully extended her finger, with utmost gentleness and an almost reverent touch, tracing his handsome brow bone, his high, straight nose, and finally resting on the slightly upturned corners of his lips.

The warmth from her fingertips felt so real. She nestled closer to Xie Shiyan, feeling the rise and fall of his chest. She closed her eyes, burying her face in the crook of his neck, her breath filled with his familiar, crisp scent, mingled with a faint lemon fragrance.

In the stillness of the night, her heart's voice echoed silently and clearly deep within her soul:

"Brother Shiyan, this time, I'm holding on tight. I'll never leave you again...forever...forever."

On the windowsill, the lemon balm, bathed in moonlight, swayed its emerald green leaves gently in the cool night breeze, silently releasing a refreshing and slightly sour fragrance.