Ling Chuxia stretched out her hand and wiped the corner of her eyes before getting up, walking to the corner, and starting to do a handstand against the wall.
Careful not to handstand for too long in case Shi Che would suddenly return, Ling Chuxia counted the time and, feeling it was about right, she got back on her feet and headed to the bathroom.
Ling Chuxia took a shower and came out to find Shi Che still hadn’t returned to the room. She sat by the bed for a while but eventually lay down and slowly closed her eyes.
Shi Che sat behind the large desk, waiting patiently for the hint of sullenness in his heart to dissipate and for tranquility to set in. He glanced up unintentionally at the wall clock—it was midnight, she must be asleep, right?
He didn’t know why Ling Chuxia had suddenly changed her mind today, no longer insistently determined to complete Mrs. Shi’s tasks, but today’s Ling Chuxia had somewhat warmed his heart.
At least... she had started to care about his emotions, care about his health.
Shi Che knew he shouldn’t be happy too soon because over the years, he had tasted too many flavors of heaven one second and Hell the next with her; he had experienced too many disappointments and despair. But how could one’s heart, one’s emotions, be controlled in the presence of the person they deeply love?
Liking someone could lead to dejection when one’s feelings are not reciprocated, and to excitement over an indifferent goodnight. That was something both blissfully happy and sadly miserable.
The study was quiet, only the ticking of the clock on the wall could be heard. Shi Che silently sat for a while before finally standing up, leaving the study, and walking towards the bedroom.
Pushing open the door, he saw from a distance the slight rise of her body on the large bed. His steps naturally became lighter and softer as he moved closer to the bedside, his dark eyes settling on Ling Chuxia’s face.
She was sleeping on her side, her expression as serene and gentle as ever, her brows relaxed, and the corners of her lips curved lightly as if she was dreaming something pleasant. She shifted unconsciously, and a few strands of her black hair mischievously slid down from her temples.
Shi Che’s dark eyes watched her quietly, slowly crouching down to be level with her face, observing her peaceful sleeping visage as if all the world’s matters had fallen silent at this moment.
The corners of his lips curved lightly, forming a shallow arc as his long fingers reached out, lightly moving her hair behind her ear. His body leaned forward slightly and his thin lips slowly and gently pressed against her cheek.
Such a light kiss, like a feather’s touch, yet filled with infinite affection.
Then, he parted his lips gently, his voice refined, "Wife, goodnight."
He had longed for so long to call Ling Chuxia "wife" simply and to bid her goodnight.
When morning light filtered through the gauze curtains, Shi Che was already awake, feeling a weight on his arm. He looked down to see Ling Chuxia sleeping soundly in his embrace.
In the morning glow, her face was touched with a soft radiance, blurry yet beautiful.
Shi Che couldn’t help but kiss her forehead softly, whispering good morning, and then carefully moved her aside, got up, freshened up, and walked downstairs while rubbing his sore arm.
Arriving in the living room and about to sit down to read the morning papers, he felt like he stepped on something as he settled into his seat.