Spring in City S was often rainy, and midnight had quietly brought another shower, with fine raindrops splashing against the windowsill.

Xiang Yuan’s cheeks were flushed. Having worked up a sweat earlier and taken a shower, she now felt completely refreshed.

It seemed somewhat relieving, yet something felt missing.

Cheng Zhinan said she had been too exhausted today, having stayed up late frequently recently, and worried that her body was too weak after the injury. Thus, strenuous exercise wasn’t suitable tonight.

Perhaps noticing the disappointment in Xiang Yuan’s eyes, he added, “We can try another way.”

At first, Xiang Yuan didn’t understand what he meant, but as the room lights went out completely, she realized Cheng Zhinan’s intention.

So, his “another way” meant serving her.

Although fundamentally, she was the one benefiting, it still lacked some of the interactive fun.

Cheng Zhinan overthought everything always afraid she might trip while running around, or concerned that staying home all day sleeping would hinder her recovery through exercise.

He worried so much that it made Xiang Yuan seem careless in comparison.

However, this was the first time they had done something like this since getting married.

Xiang Yuan found it novel.

She lightly licked her lips, savoring the sensation from moments ago.

No physical exertion required, yet still pleasurable.

Truly worthy of Doctor Cheng.

So thoroughly knowledgeable about the human body.

But then another thought crossed her mind.

She turned sideways, peeking out from under the covers. “You’re so skilled… could it be that you…”

Cheng Zhinan had also finished bathing and was leaning against the bedside, ready to sleep.

“Could it be what?”

Xiang Yuan asked curiously, “Where did you learn this?”

Cheng Zhinan remained silent.

Xiang Yuan: “You…”

Cheng Zhinan: “What nonsense are you imagining now?”

Xiang Yuan’s lips curved into a smile.

Cheng Zhinan sighed helplessly.

He turned off the room lights once more.

In the darkness.

He gently traced the area on Xiang Yuan’s leg where she had previously fractured.

“During our blind date, didn’t I tell you everything? My schedule is packed; I have no energy to spend time with other women.”

That said.

Xiang Yuan basically understood.

Cheng Zhinan was likely self-taught, building upon his rich theoretical knowledge.

Although Cheng Zhinan usually acted cold toward her, his medical compassion shone through when it mattered, knowing how to be considerate.

Cheng Zhinan’s thoughts, however, weren’t aligned with hers.

“Have you been exercising regularly lately?”

“Mmm… sometimes I move a bit.”

“Lack of exercise over time isn’t good for the body. Gentle, gradual exercise is more beneficial for recovery.”

“I’ve been fine for a while now.”

His fingertips glided over the skin of her calf, tickling slightly.

Xiang Yuan shifted her leg uncomfortably but didn’t dare say anything, afraid she might utter something Cheng Zhinan would misunderstand.

Cheng Zhinan: “Your previous fracture was much more severe than Dad’s injury tonight. It’s just that you’re resilient if it were someone else your age, they’d be crying in pain.”

“That means I’m lucky to have met a good doctor, otherwise I wouldn’t have recovered so quickly.” She tilted her head, her hair brushing lightly against his cheek.

The man beside her swallowed, as if suppressing something.

His eyelashes fluttered as he looked up at the ceiling.

In that moment, what was he thinking?

Was it Xiang Yuan’s passionate expression from earlier, or the moment she cried out his name, breathless?

His voice slightly hoarse, he asked her, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry.”

Xiang Yuan closed her eyes and smiled. “Life is so beautiful. It would be a waste to spend time being sad.”

Cheng Zhinan replied, “Mm, that’s a good way to think.”

They had broken out in so much sweat earlier that even without physical exercise, it had drained their energy.

Xiang Yuan wanted to ask the man beside her if he was uncomfortable and whether he needed her help.

After all, they were husband and wife helping each other was only natural.

She wasn’t a selfish person; it wouldn’t be right to only care about her own enjoyment.

But exhaustion had already taken over her mind. Before she could voice her question, she fell into a deep sleep.

Seeing her asleep, Cheng Zhinan tucked the blanket around her and whispered softly, “Sleep well.”

—

Monday.

Cheng Zhinan went to work at the hospital.

Xiang Yuan woke up around noon.

Xiang Ming sent her messages, once again venting about everything at her new company.

Xiang Yuan was used to it by now.

For every three messages Xiang Ming sent, she replied to one, occasionally throwing in a sticker to brush her off.

Overall, though, the new company was much better than her previous workplace.

At the very least, the boss knew she was Xiang Yuan’s younger sister and treated her with some consideration.

Xiang Ming gossiped: Your old classmate is as handsome as ever. I bet there are plenty of women chasing after him.

Xiang Yuan: The last time I heard you praise someone like this was when you were complimenting your brother-in-law.

Xiang Ming: Seems like it. But compared to brother-in-law, he still comes out on top.

Xiang Yuan: Oh?

Xiang Ming: Brother-in-law is like a clear breeze and bright moon an unattainable beauty. Ordinary charms can’t compare.

Xiang Yuan: You think highly of him.

Xiang Ming: Of course. He is my brother-in-law, after all. If it’s convenient, you can pass on my compliments. Maybe he’ll give me more pocket money.

Xiang Yuan: [Offline.jpg]

Cheng Zhinan had just returned to S City and was busy with hospital work. Left to her own devices at home, Xiang Yuan spent her time leisurely sketching, unhurriedly enjoying life.

Xiang Ming seemed to have adapted after a few days at work and didn’t complain to Xiang Yuan as frequently afterward.

Ke Hang sent Xiang Yuan a voice message, his tone cheerful:

“Has Xiang Ming settled in at the company?”

Xiang Yuan replied, “She has. But she’s still young and needs polishing. If there’s a place where she can shine, don’t hesitate to put her to work.”

Ke Hang: “Of course. I’m great at spotting talent. Xiang Ming is quite capable I admire her and won’t let her be mistreated.”

Xiang Yuan sent him a [Fist Bump] sticker.

After a five-minute pause, Ke Hang sent another long voice message: “I heard your father sprained his ankle? My fault I’ve been swamped lately and didn’t get a chance to visit after hearing the news. I’ll make time to see him in a few days.”

Among Xiang Yuan’s close friends, it was common to visit each other’s parents when minor issues arose.

Hearing this, Xiang Yuan simply replied:

“Don’t worry, it’s not serious. No need to visit.”

After she sent the message, Ke Hang didn’t respond.

Xiang Yuan didn’t think much of it and went on with her tasks.

In the afternoon.

Cheng Zhinan called, saying he planned to visit her father that evening.

Xiang Yuan decided to wait for him to come home and pick her up so they could go back to the villa together.

You Mei knew the two of them were returning tonight, so she had the housekeeper prepare a table full of their favorite dishes in advance.

By the time they arrived home, the meal was just being served.

Xiang Ming came downstairs and patted her stomach. “Sis, you’re finally back. I’m starving.”

Xiang Yuan sat on the sofa holding an orange. “Is work very demanding lately?”

Xiang Ming: “It’s alright. The boss knows I’m ‘connected,’ so he’s been fairly considerate of me.”

Xiang Yuan advised her: “While working there, don’t act like a spoiled young lady. Focus on learning and gaining experience.”

Xiang Ming understood this well enough.

“Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass you. Even if Manager Ke sometimes gives me special treatment, I won’t slack off.”

Some gifts were placed in a corner of the living room. Xiang Yuan casually asked, “Did we have guests today?”

You Mei glanced over and replied:

“Ah, Ke Hang came by today. He said he heard about your father’s injury and came to visit.”

Xiang Ming: “My boss was here?”

You Mei: “Yes.”

Hearing this, Cheng Zhinan glanced toward the corner.

He had actually brought quite a few things for Xiang Shaohui today, all gifts beneficial to his recovery, including some valuable supplements.

“Xiang Ming’s boss?” He casually took the orange from Xiang Ming’s hand, peeled it for her, and separated the fresh segments.

You Mei explained: “Their group of friends are close, and their parents know each other too, so they often visit during holidays.” As she spoke, she seemed to remember something and reminded Xiang Yuan, “By the way, I heard your Uncle Ke will be returning to the country soon. When he does, take some gifts and go see him.”

Xiang Yuan: “Okay, I understand.”

She looked down and saw Cheng Zhinan peeling an orange for her.

The fresh scent of oranges instantly filled the living room.

His movements while peeling the orange were quite pleasing to watch his long, pale fingers moving deftly.

Xiang Yuan was momentarily captivated, inexplicably reminded of that night’s scene.

It was these very hands, so magical, that had made her experience such intense pleasure that night.

At this thought, she quickly took a sip of water to suppress the flickering warmth deep in her heart.

By now, Cheng Zhinan had finished peeling the orange and handed it to her.

“Eat.”

Xiang Yuan nodded, took the orange, hurriedly separated the segments, and swallowed them hastily.

Cheng Zhinan glanced again at the gifts in the corner and remarked lightly: “Your friend put quite some thought into the gifts.”

“Did he?” Xiang Yuan didn’t really care. “The return gifts I prepare will probably be similar.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Does he often come to visit your father?”

Xiang Yuan thought about it.

Not really often.

At most, he’d only come by when something came up.

But Cheng Zhinan seemed unusually interested in Ke Hang today.

Just as she was about to ask, the topic was interrupted by You Mei.

You Mei urged them to come over and eat.

Cheng Zhinan stood up: “Let’s go eat.”

During the meal, Xiang Ming chattered nonstop, sharing amusing stories from her first few days at work.

Xiang Yuan was doubled over with laughter, thoroughly amused.

You Mei sighed helplessly and said to Cheng Zhinan: “These two sisters have been like this since they were young never serious, always acting like children. Thankfully, you’re mature. You’ll have to look after Xiang Yuan often from now on.”

Cheng Zhinan picked up some food with his chopsticks and placed it in Xiang Yuan’s plate.

“Not at all. She’s wonderful.”

Xiang Yuan thought she was pretty wonderful too.

Every Thursday was their designated movie night. Sometimes they would watch an entire film, while other times, if it turned out boring, they’d switch it off after just a few minutes.

It all depended on their moods that day.

Xiang Yuan usually preselected the movies, striving to create a romantic atmosphere.

After returning from dinner at the villa, she had eagerly planned to play her pre-chosen film, only to discover

Cheng Zhinan had beaten her to it and already picked a movie.

Frowning, she stared at the screen for a few seconds. “What is this?”

Cheng Zhinan sat on the sofa, expression unchanged.

“The Spine Specialist.”

Xiang Yuan: “…”

Cheng Zhinan: “Unless you’d prefer something else?”

Xiang Yuan: “Like what?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Master Hand Surgeons or Orthopedic Compendium?”

Xiang Yuan wasn’t opposed to learning something new, but these topics were beyond her grasp, and besides, late evenings were better suited for movies that fostered marital intimacy. Who would want to study specialized knowledge at this hour…

Pouting slightly, Xiang Yuan sat down anyway to avoid dampening the mood.

But she couldn’t last long.

Beside her, Cheng Zhinan watched with intense focus.

In contrast, Xiang Yuan yawned repeatedly, making no effort to hide her drowsiness.

Eventually.

Xiang Yuan fabricated an excuse about needing to return to her room to meet a drawing deadline.

Cheng Zhinan nodded, letting her go.

Seething with irritation, Xiang Yuan stormed off, her footsteps charged with frustration.

Cheng Zhinan had been inexplicably distant with her tonight.

Last movie night, he had willingly watched a romance film with her, yet this time he arbitrarily chose a documentary.

She decided to chalk it up to his work obsession.

No point arguing with him.

Back in her study, she turned on her drawing tablet and immersed herself in her work.

She tied up her long hair, revealing her petite, fair face, her gaze fixed intently on the screen.

The scene she was illustrating was just approaching a kiss between the two characters.

Recalling their kiss that night which had carried a spark of intense passion Xiang Yuan resolved that every time Cheng Zhinan annoyed her, she would add another kissing scene to her comic.

Watching the two chibi characters on screen, her smile widened, heart fluttering with giddy delight.

If Cheng Zhinan were as adept at charming her as the character in her comic, she wouldn’t have to work so hard to win him over.

But

She didn’t particularly like overly forward men either.

Without challenge, there was no fun.

Someone like Cheng Zhinan was just right.

Although platform guidelines restricted explicit content, she still aimed to keep things sweet and satisfying for her fans, carefully balancing subtlety with appeal.

Deep in her creative flow, she didn’t hear the footsteps approaching from behind.

Cheng Zhinan knocked on the door to get her attention. “Xiang Yuan.”

Startled, she hurriedly covered her screen.

Noting her strong reaction, Cheng Zhinan raised an eyebrow.

With the room temperature slightly warmer, he had unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing his elegantly defined collarbones.

Xiang Yuan suddenly felt a pang of guilt.

This scene mirrored exactly what she had been drawing.

Only it carried more tension than her illustration.

She had been sketching a scene where Cheng Zhinan seductively removed his shirt, and here he was, walking in on her.

Yet he wasn’t trying to seduce anyone he simply stood there, his gaze calm and steady.

Some people only needed to stand still to exude an irresistible allure.

Xiang Yuan stared at Cheng Zhinan’s collarbones and, before she could stop herself, swallowed hard.

“…What’s wrong?”

She covered her drawing tablet, so Cheng Zhinan couldn’t see what she had been drawing – he just glanced briefly before saying to her:

“Come out for a moment.”

“There’s a delivery for you at the door.”

Delivery?

Xiang Yuan’s mind went blank for a second, thinking she hadn’t ordered anything recently.

But then, in a flash of realization, she understood what the delivery at the door must be.

The set she ordered had arrived.