66. Cute
Chen Yunsheng sat quietly beside the bed, watching Jiang Nan's sleeping profile in the dim glow of the reading lamp. The calm and confident demeanor she maintained during the day completely melted away in her sleep, revealing an unguarded softness.
Then his eyes traced her eyebrows, nose, lips, inch by inch, finally landing on her hand resting on the quilt. In the dim light, the pink diamond on her ring finger still delicately reflected a multicolored light, like a small cloud.
In fact, before today, this ring still held a certain meaning as a prop provided by agreement. But now, watching her sleep peacefully with it on, Chen Yunsheng felt something indescribable stirring within him.
He remembered her anxious and flustered look, the worry in her eyes when she squatted beside the couch and looked up to ask him questions, and how she forced herself to talk to him despite feeling sleepy, but in the end, she fell asleep beside his bed with full trust like a shy and harmless creature.
These images made him feel an indescribable satisfaction and peace of mind, as well as a relaxed and leisurely pleasure, more than any victory in business negotiations.
He had never imagined that one day, in this old house filled with childhood memories yet also filled with indifference, on such a sudden night of illness, he would be cared for by someone so clumsily yet sincerely. And she was originally just a wife he hired with a piece of paper.
The arrangement of fate is sometimes ironic, and sometimes so wonderful that it makes people cheer for joy.
Thinking of this, Chen Yunsheng leaned forward slightly, gently pulled up the quilt that she had rubbed down, and then carefully tucked it in. His movements were cautious and slow, as if he was afraid of waking her up.
When his fingertips accidentally brushed her cheek again, the warm touch still made his fingertips tremble. Then, a hot blush quietly climbed up his ears.
He calmly withdrew his hand and sat up again, but still had no intention of leaving. He stayed with her like a treasure lost and found, until the sky outside the window was faintly gray, and he finally couldn't resist the weariness and fell asleep leaning against the headboard.
——
Jiang Nan was awakened by the anxiety of attending a grand birthday party.
She opened her eyes hazily and looked at everything in front of her almost blankly.
Then she froze.
The memory of last night flashed back to her - Chen Yunsheng's stomachache, her panic, the soda crackers, and the subsequent conversation. She blinked and tried to recall how she had gotten to bed.
As she recalled, she turned her head to look for Chen Yunsheng.
Jiang Nan found him without much effort - Chen Yunsheng was leaning against the head of the bed, his head slightly tilted to one side, and he seemed to be still sleeping.
——So he carried her to bed, and he sat beside her all night.
This realization made Jiang Nan's heart sour and soft, like a gradually softening lemon candy. After a minute or two of silence, she quietly threw back the quilt and got out of bed. Then, she stepped barefoot onto the floor and walked over to him.
The halo of the reading light was still dim, but when it shone on his face, it softened his cold and hard features, just like his name, like a soft cloud.
Jiang Nan hesitated for a moment, but still reached out to brush away the loose hair on his forehead.
However, before her hand touched his hair, he suddenly opened his eyes.
At first, those deep eyes were hazy as if he had just woken up, but after seeing that it was her, they quickly regained clarity, and even a hint of discomfort and embarrassment flashed across their eyes.
Jiang Nan's hand froze in mid-air, and he retracted it awkwardly: "You—you're awake? How do you feel? Is it still painful?"
She asked a series of questions, partly to ease the awkward situation and partly out of genuine concern for his health.
Chen Yunsheng adjusted his sitting position to a more comfortable position, stretching his stiff neck. Then, in a sleepy voice, he replied, "It's much better now. It doesn't hurt anymore." He paused before looking up at her. When his eyes caught sight of her bare feet, his brows furrowed slightly. "The ground is cold."
Jiang Nan then realized that she had forgotten to wear slippers again and curled her toes in embarrassment: "Oh, I'll put them on right away."
She turned around to look for her slippers, but her heart beat inexplicably faster.
By the time she had put on her slippers and turned around, Chen Yunsheng had already stood up. "I'm going to wash up. You can rest for a while." He said as he walked towards the bathroom, his steps looking steady, not weak.
Jiang Nan watched the bathroom door close and breathed a sigh of relief.
——It seems that he is really okay.
Jiang Nan stood there bored for a while, then walked to the window and turned off the reading light. Then, she pulled open the heavy curtains to let in more sunlight.
The courtyard of the old house looked peaceful and beautiful in the morning light, as if the chaos of last night was just a short dream.
After a while, Chen Yunsheng finally emerged from the bathroom. He had already changed into a clean shirt and trousers, his hair wavy and fluffy, like a clump of lush green grass. But this clean and casual look did indeed mitigate the weakness brought on by his pale complexion, making him look much fresher.
"Can you make it to the birthday party today?" Jiang Nan was still a little worried.
"It's okay," he said, fastening his cufflinks, his tone returning to his usual calm and composed tone. "It's just a minor ailment, it's healed now."
At this moment, there was a sudden knock on the door, followed by the voice of the housekeeper Qian Yuan: "Master Yunsheng, Miss Jiang, breakfast is ready. The old man wants to eat together."
Chen Yunsheng glanced at Jiang Nan and agreed, "I understand, Uncle Qian. We'll be there right away."
So Jiang Nan quietly quickened the pace of her washing and changing clothes. When she finished changing and came out of the bathroom, Chen Yunsheng was leaning back on the sofa, taking a nap with his eyes closed, looking very calm.
Seeing him like this, Jiang Nan felt a little embarrassed - he was clearly the patient last night, but in the end she was the one who slept in the bed. She walked gently to Chen Yunsheng and called out, "Chen Yunsheng."
"Hmm?" Chen Yunsheng responded, then quickly opened his eyes and returned to his usual calm and composed demeanor. He glanced at Jiang Nan and asked, "Are you done?"
Jiang Nan nodded.
"Then let's go."
Jiang Nan nodded again and followed him downstairs.
On the way to the main house restaurant, the two walked side by side.
The road from Chen Yunsheng's yard to the main house in front was very quiet, with only their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor.
But Jiang Nan would occasionally steal a glance at the man beside her. He walked calmly, his expression normal, not a trace of the man who had curled up weakly on the couch last night, relying on her hand to drink water.
But the dark circles under his eyes and the lingering, strange softness in her heart reminded her that everything had really happened and was not her imagination.
——
At the breakfast table, Mr. Chen was in high spirits. When he saw Chen Yunsheng and Jiang Nan coming together, his smile deepened.
Su Wanrong remained elegant and dignified, but every time her eyes passed over the ring on Jiang Nan's hand, they would often pause slightly, as if examining, or doubting. Chen Mingyuan remained silent, but the overall atmosphere was harmonious.
The most important thing is that no one mentioned what happened in Chen Yunsheng's yard last night.
Yet Jiang Nan couldn't help but observe Chen Yunsheng quietly. He handled himself appropriately, his demeanor natural, showing no signs of illness at all. This immense self-control filled her with both admiration and an indescribable pity.
After breakfast, Mr. Chen suddenly called Chen Yunsheng over, as if he had something to discuss. Jiang Nan tactfully made an excuse and returned to their courtyard.
Today was a birthday banquet, and everyone in the family was busy. Even Chen Yunsheng's birthday gift had been delivered in advance when he arrived yesterday, in case there wasn't enough time today. Jiang Nan also brought a birthday peach ornament she'd bought at a silversmith's shop—Old Man Chen knew she was hired, but Jiang Nan still appreciated his kindness.
On the way back to the courtyard, Jiang Nan looked at the busy servants and couldn't help but be infected by their nervousness and became uneasy.
But Jiang Nan only had one thing to do in the morning - prepare.
The master craftsman from Chunhua Qiushi would come over with the final modified cheongsam for a final confirmation. Furthermore, because this banquet was quite important, Chen Yunsheng had hired a professional team, rather than letting Jiang Nan figure it out on her own as before. However, the makeup artist and hairstylist would not arrive until the afternoon.
But when Jiang Nan returned to her room, the first thing that worried her was the ring on her ring finger. She thought about it, but still didn't take it off.
Since he asked her to wear it, then let her wear it.
Besides, if she wore it, she would feel more at ease - she was very worried that the ring would be lost, and then she would have to compensate Chen Yunsheng with a huge price that she might not be able to pay back in her entire life.
Jiang Nan was amused by her own pessimism, and her mood lightened a little. Then, she sat on the sofa and picked up a magazine to read.
After an unknown amount of time, there was a sudden sound of steady footsteps outside the door. Jiang Nan looked up at the sound and saw Chen Yunsheng pushing the door open and walking in.
He also held an antique wooden food box in his hand.
"Grandpa asked the kitchen to prepare this," he put the lunch box on the table, "yam and millet porridge, it's warming. I want you and me to have some."
"Okay." Jiang Nan put down the magazine and stood up.
Chen Yunsheng opened the lunch box, revealing two steaming bowls of porridge and a few light side dishes.
Jiang Nan looked at the bowl of porridge and felt something in his heart. He wondered if this was a coincidence or if Mr. Chen already knew what happened last night.
Chen Yunsheng saw her confusion and explained in a gentle voice, "My complexion may still be a little off this morning, and Grandpa noticed it. Don't be afraid, it's just ordinary concern."
Jiang Nan said "oh" and didn't ask any more questions. Then, the two of them sat at the table and drank porridge quietly.
The porridge is soft, sweet, and has the unique warmth of yam. When you eat it, you will feel warm in your stomach.
"Thank you." Chen Yunsheng suddenly spoke.
Hearing this, Jiang Nan looked up in surprise, and happened to meet his gaze. She found his eyes focused and serious, with a sense of solemnity. She blinked and asked a little dully, "What are you thanking me for?"
"Last night." He only said two words, but Jiang Nan understood what he meant.
"Nothing," she said in a fake, relaxed tone, lowering her head and stirring the porridge in her bowl with a spoon. "It's just helping each other."
After she finished speaking, she felt that her words were a bit silly. The agreement did not mention that she had to take care of a patient with stomachache in the middle of the night.
Chen Yunsheng smiled lightly and said nothing more.
Not long after the two finished their porridge, the master arrived on time with his assistant - the final fitting was flawless. The makeup artist and hairstylist also arrived and began to prepare Jiang Nan's evening look.
All afternoon, the courtyard was permeated with a bustling yet orderly atmosphere, and the only protagonist was Jiang Nan. She was meticulously dressed like a doll, powdered, eyebrows drawn, hair combed, and dressed. Chen Yunsheng spent most of his time in the small study on the first floor, handling matters. He would occasionally stop by to check on her, but he didn't bother her much.
As the sun rose over the hills, casting its warm afterglow, Jiang Nan finally finished dressing. Standing in front of the full-length mirror to examine her results, she could barely recognize herself.
The shimmering pale emerald cheongsam accentuated her jade-like complexion and graceful figure. Her meticulously styled hair was elegant yet fluid, and her makeup was delicate yet restrained, perfectly emphasizing her clear eyes and soft features. The jade bracelet on her wrist and the pink diamond ring on her ring finger complemented her elegant demeanor.
After a while, the door was gently pushed open. Then, Chen Yunsheng walked in leisurely. He had also changed into formal attire, a dark suit that was well-tailored, making him look dignified and calm.
When his gaze fell on Jiang Nan in front of the mirror, there was a noticeable pause. In those eyes, which were always calm and gentle, a glimmer of smile and a deeper appreciation were clearly reflected.
He walked behind her and looked at her in the mirror.
"It looks good," he murmured, his voice softer than usual.
The two people in the mirror, one elegant and graceful, the other handsome and noble, stood together in perfect harmony. The styling team praised their good looks. Jiang Nan preferred this to be a social gathering for workers, but she still felt a little excited.
Then, Jiang Nan looked at him and herself in the mirror, her cheeks slightly warmed, and she suddenly felt an unprecedented surge of courage and anticipation in her heart. However, compared to all that, she now had something more important to do. She turned around, looked at Chen Yunsheng and said, "Can you do me a favor?"
Chen Yunsheng raised his eyebrows slightly and said with a smile, "Wait a minute." Then he turned to the styling team nearby and asked them to go downstairs to find Zhao Ming. He would take them to the main hall.
Then in the blink of an eye, they were the only two left in the room.
Then, Chen Yunsheng looked at Jiang Nan silently for a while, then took out a handkerchief and asked, "Do you want me to keep the ring temporarily?"
Jiang Nan nodded repeatedly, almost excitedly taking off the pink diamond ring from her finger. She handed it to Chen Yunsheng as if she had unloaded a heavy burden.
He carefully wrapped the diamond ring in a handkerchief, hesitated for a moment, and finally put the ring into the inner pocket of his suit. It was at this time that Jiang Nan discovered that Chen Yunsheng was also wearing a ring - a platinum ring.
Chen Yunsheng noticed Jiang Nan's gaze and casually hid his left hand at his side. Then he said, "Let's go. We have to go greet the guests."
"Oh, okay," Jiang Nan quickly came back to his senses and immediately put on a serious expression, "I'm ready."
Chen Yunsheng stared into Jiang Nan's eyes and suddenly felt a strange tingling in his blood - at this moment, facing her dressed up, the only thought in his mind was that she was very cute.
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