This embrace was too comfortable, too warm, too safe... It made one reluctant to leave.
It had been so many years since she had slept so soundly that even Gan Yuan herself could no longer remember when it last happened. Let her enjoy it a little longer, just for a little while, ten minutes, no, even... five minutes would do.
Gan Yuan, you’re playing a dangerous game.
Once you have a first time, there will be a second.
No, I promise, just this once.
In the end, her emotions got the better of her, and she closed her eyes again, leaning slightly into his embrace, pretending to sleep.
Feeling her movement, the man’s arm carefully adjusted, and his hand lifted to press down the blanket that had brushed against her face.
The father and son continued their chess game. This time the man was more focused on the game and didn’t notice that the woman in his arms was already awake and was feigning sleep.
Of course, he wasn’t trying his hardest to win the game but had to let Xiaotang win without letting Gan Tang detect he was doing so, and yet had to appear as if he was trying to win earnestly. This was much harder than simply winning the game.
This round, they played for a full twenty minutes before it ended with a "narrow victory for Gan Tang".
Xiaotang placed the key winning move and let out a breath.
Huangfu Jue smiled gently, "Not bad, you have improved a lot since our last game."
"That’s because the opponent was strong enough." Xiaotang spoke like an adult, "Mommy said that the stronger the opponent, the more one’s potential is stimulated."
"Is that a compliment for me?" he asked with a smile.
"Of course." Xiaotang lifted his face, "So far, you’re the only one who can beat me."
In this area, he was more talented than Gan Yuan; his mother was no longer a match for him.
Xiaotang’s tone wasn’t overly proud, just calmly stating a fact.
"In a few days, I will take you to meet two people who are even more formidable."
As soon as Xiaotang heard there were opponents, he immediately got excited, "More formidable than you?"
"Of course, because they have beaten me."
"No way!" Gan Yuan abruptly tore off her eye mask, sitting up straight from his embrace, "Absolutely not... I mean, it’s not the right time yet! I... I’m not ready yet!"
"Mommy, did you wake up a while ago and eavesdrop on our conversation?" Xiaotang asked.
Noticing that both men were looking at her with unusual eyes, she was at a loss for words, "I... I just happened to hear!"
"I’m going to the restroom."
Xiaotang smiled, slid off his chair, and ran in the direction of the restroom.
"Huangfu Jue!" Without caring about her son, Gan Yuan turned around and seriously grabbed Huangfu Jue’s shoulders, "I’m serious. It’s really not the right time. You can’t..."
The man’s smile was enigmatic.
"So... you’ve been awake for a while?!"
"I... just... just woke up."
The man leaned in, "Kiss me."
She lifted her face, narrowing her eyes.
"Kiss me, and I won’t take Xiaotang to meet my parents for now."
His voice was low, the smile at the corner of his lips slightly cunning.
It was the first time he had seen her this shy, and it was so adorable that he couldn’t help wanting to tease her.
Huangfu Jue didn’t respond but just tilted his face towards her.
Gan Yuan insisted stubbornly.
Huangfu Jue chuckled softly, his face still turned aside.