He abruptly opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw was the dazzling crystal chandelier on the ceiling, sunlight streaming through the white sheer curtains as a gentle breeze made them flutter softly.
It felt like a dream.
Three seconds later, clarity returned, and he immediately looked beside him, finding a warm, soft body nestled in his arms.
A cold sweat broke out on his back, but his racing heart finally settled when he saw her peaceful, sleeping face.
Carefully, he raised his hand and brushed his fingers against her cheek, the warmth beneath his touch filling him with deep contentment.
She seemed annoyed by the disturbance, murmuring something incoherent before swatting his hand away.
Undeterred, he tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her firmly against him.
The pressure made her uncomfortable, and she finally woke with a frown, blinking sleepily.
His chest tightened as he studied her expression. "Yangyang."
She instinctively nuzzled against him, her voice hoarse with sleep. "What time is it?"
His gaze flickered slightly as he checked his phone before answering cautiously, "Noon."
She frowned, rubbing her eyes as she fully woke. "Noon already?"
Pushing against him, she said, "I need to get up."
But he held her tighter, his expression tense. "Yangyang, you…"
She looked at him, confused. "What about me?"
Seeing nothing but bewilderment in her eyes—no trace of displeasure—his heart, which had been lodged in his throat, finally eased.
He swallowed hard. "Nothing."
She pushed him again. "I really need to get up."
Only then did he relent, letting her slip out of bed.
Clad in a soft cotton nightgown, her long hair cascading down her back, she shuffled drowsily toward the bathroom, the sound of running water soon following.
He finally snapped out of his daze, his pulse gradually steadying.
Was it… a dream?
Yet it had felt so real—so vivid it could have been another lifetime.
He got up and followed her, pushing open the bathroom door.
Sang Ning stood at the sink brushing her teeth, the door unlocked since she wasn’t showering.
Still half-asleep, her eyelids drooped as she stood there, the hum of her electric toothbrush the only sound.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close, resting his chin on her shoulder, his entire being brimming with satisfaction.
"Yangyang."
She blinked sleepily at his reflection in the mirror. "Hmm?"
His heart settled completely.
So, it seemed only he remembered the dream.
After rinsing her mouth, she turned to him, puzzled. "What’s wrong with you?"
He nuzzled her neck, his deep voice murmuring in her ear, "I love you so much."
She tilted her head slightly. This man was being oddly clingy first thing in the morning.
"Sir, Madam, lunch is ready."
Nanny Zhang’s voice came from outside the door.
Sang Ning, now hungry, set down her toothbrush. "Okay."
She tried to pry his hands away.
He didn’t let go.
"He Siyu, it’s time to eat," she said, frowning.
Instead of releasing her, he turned her around to face him, his grip firm on her waist. "Yangyang, I love you so much."
She nodded. "I know."
Dissatisfaction flickered in his eyes as he repeated, "I love you so much."
His dark gaze bore into her, insistent. "I love you so much."
Recognizing the determination in his eyes, she finally relented. "I love you too."
The corners of his lips lifted, pleasure lighting his expression as he leaned down to kiss her.
She pushed him away. "Let’s go eat."
Then she quickly slipped out of the bathroom, as if afraid he’d get carried away if she lingered.
His brow furrowed slightly as he watched her leave, but his mood remained light.
Whether it was a dream or another world didn’t matter.
What mattered was that she still loved him.
Then, remembering something, he left the bathroom and headed to the study.
From a drawer, he retrieved a scroll and carried it to the dining room.
Nanny Zhang had already set the table, and Sang Ning was seated, quietly sipping her silver ear and lotus seed soup.
"Sir, please sit down and eat," Nanny Zhang urged.
He Siyu gave a distracted acknowledgment and took the seat beside Sang Ning.
"Your bowl is across the table," she pointed out, turning to him.
"I know."
Sang Ning studied him, baffled. What was up with him today?
He unrolled the scroll in his hands, his gaze unreadable. "I had this Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix painting authenticated again. The experts confirmed it’s undoubtedly genuine."
Sang Ning’s hand, holding the spoon, stilled for a fraction of a second, her eyes flickering imperceptibly.