Chapter 140 Extra: Light in the Darkness
Although Shen Jin fell asleep again after being comforted by Jiang Mianmian, the nightmare about his past life was like a tiny thorn, piercing the regent's heart.
In the following days, Jiang Mianmian clearly sensed that something was "wrong" with her husband.
He became unusually clingy.
They had to hold hands while walking, keep an eye on each other while eating, and even when she went to give Tuantuan a bath, she could see Shen Jin standing at the door with deep eyes watching them, as if they would disappear in the blink of an eye.
"Your Highness," Jiang Mianmian finally couldn't take it anymore, "Are you trying to tie me to your belt?"
[Dude, I know you had a nightmare, but isn't this PTSD a bit too severe?]
The way you looked at me made me think I had a terminal illness and was about to die.
Shen Jin didn't refute, but simply walked over and silently took her slightly cool hand in his palm.
It's getting dark.
He whispered, "Don't stray too far from me."
In his past life, every night was an endless darkness and deathly silence. He feared the dark, and even more so, the bone-chilling loneliness within it.
Jiang Mianmian sighed as she looked at his anxious and uncertain expression.
Okay, okay.
[Who told you to be handsome and have a sugar daddy?]
Since you're afraid of the dark, then this goddess will... create some light for you!
...
As night fell, the carriage stopped at a valley called "Falling Star Slope".
Far from the town, it was pitch black all around, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.
As Shen Jin sat by the campfire, watching the flickering flames, his thoughts drifted back to that cold New Year's Eve of his past life.
Just as he was about to succumb to that oppressive emotion, a hand suddenly waved in front of his eyes.
"Hey! Snap out of it!"
Jiang Mianmian came closer with a grin, holding a... glass jar?
"Look what this is?"
He looked closely and calmly.
Inside the transparent jar were dozens of shimmering fireflies. They danced within, emitting a soft, ethereal green glow, like tiny, vibrant lanterns.
"Fireflies?" Shen Jin was taken aback.
"yes!"
Jiang Mianmian shoved the jar into his hand. "Tuantuan and I just went to the bushes to catch these! I got bitten by mosquitoes several times while trying to catch these little creatures!"
[It's so itchy! Are the mosquitoes in these mountains vampires reincarnated?]
However... this shiny jar is actually quite pretty. Hopefully, it can soothe this sentimental man's fragile heart.
Shen Jin held the warm jar, looking at the faint but tenacious light inside.
This light, though faint, seemed to illuminate the entire night.
"And this too!"
As if by magic, Jiang Mianmian pulled out several...fairy wands from behind her back.
"This is my prized collection!"
She lit the sparkler by the campfire.
"Sizzle—"
A dazzling display of sparks burst forth, golden starlight dancing in the night, illuminating Jiang Mianmian's bright smiling face.
She held a fairy wand and drew circles in the air, the light and shadow swirling around her, making her look otherworldly.
"Chen Jin! Look at me! Look at me!"
Jiang Mianmian shouted, "This is called—Light Magic!"
"As long as there is light, darkness cannot catch you!"
[Smile! My arms are getting sore from holding it up!]
[I've gone to great lengths to make you happy! This is contraband; if the firefighters see it, I'll be fined!]
Little Tuantuan next to her followed suit, holding a fairy wand in each hand and dancing wildly.
"Father! Look at me! I am Nezha!"
Shen Jin looked at the two figures, one large and one small.
The firelight reflected in his pupils, dispelling the lingering gloom that had persisted for years.
The darkness of the past life completely receded at that moment.
Instead, there is the light that is within reach, noisy, and warm.
He was no longer the lonely man sitting on the rooftop drinking cold wine alone.
He is Shen Jin. He is Jiang Mianmian's husband and Shen An's father.
"come over."
Shen Jin suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse yet gentle.
Jiang Mianmian ran over, holding a nearly burnt-out fairy wand: "What? Were you moved by my magic? Want me a red envelope?"
Shen Jin didn't say anything, but simply reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
"Mianmian".
He whispered in her ear, "You are the light."
"The only light shining into my muddy past and present lives."
Jiang Mianmian blushed.
Ugh... that's so cheesy.
[It sounds nice, but... could you please let go of me? The sparkler is burning my hand!]
"Ouch! It's so hot!"
Jiang Mianmian screamed, dropped the sparkler in her hand, and then put her finger to Chen Jin's lips, "Whoosh! Woo her now!"
He chuckled silently.
He took her finger into his mouth and sucked on it gently, his eyes filled with a helpless yet indulgent smile.
This beam of light, though sometimes a bit too hot to handle, a bit too noisy, and even a bit greedy.
But he is willing to spend the rest of his life protecting this warmth.
"Calm and cautious."
Jiang Mianmian looked at him and suddenly said seriously, "Since you're afraid of the dark, then from now on... remember to leave a light on when you sleep at night."
"besides……"
She pointed to her heart, "From now on, when you're feeling down, listen to what's in my heart. Even though I'm scolding you, you should know..."
Criticism is a form of love; confrontation is a sign of affection.
As long as I'm still cursing you, it means I still love you.
You should be worried if I ever stop scolding you.
As Shen Jin listened to this unique "confession," the corners of his mouth curved into a wider smile.
"good."
"Then please, Your Highness... be sure to curse me for the rest of your life."
It's late at night.
The campfire gradually died down.
But the light in Shen Jin's heart was completely lit and will never go out.
He looked at his sleeping wife and children in his arms and carefully placed the jar full of fireflies beside his pillow.
In the darkness, those tiny points of light, like seeds of hope, shimmered in the quiet night.
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