Chapter 108: A Much-Needed Tonic

Lost in their own thoughts, the two said nothing more, silently bowing their heads to finish their meal. Once done, Yan Yichen went straight to his study.

Not wanting Yu Mingxin to worry about her due to the morning’s trending topics, Meng Yi'er curled up on the sofa and chatted with her via WeChat. Half an hour later, the conversation ended. Meng Yi'er set her phone aside, picked up a magazine, and flipped through it out of boredom.

Suddenly, the melodious sound of a guitar, accompanied by a low, cool, and captivating voice, drifted into her ears. Meng Yi'er froze. That familiar voice—it sounded like music from the heavens. It was Yan Yichen singing!

She listened for a while, curled up on the sofa. The singing seemed to possess a magical quality, stirring her heart and compelling her to stand up and walk toward the upper floor, drawn by an irresistible pull. Following the music, she found Yan Yichen sitting sideways on a bench on the terrace, cradling his guitar.

After the previous night’s heavy rain, the air was exceptionally crisp, carrying the faint, fragrant scent of damp earth. She took a deep breath, feeling a refreshing coolness seep into her heart despite the summer heat. Yan Yichen’s handsome features were focused as he played, his long, slender fingers dancing over the strings, releasing notes that flowed like a babbling brook. The gentle post-rain sunlight filtered through the vines covering the pavilion, casting dappled, ethereal light upon him, as if he were part of a hazy dream.

In this moment, time seemed to stand still. Meng Yi'er’s heart skipped a beat.

She watched him, dazed, for a long time. Not wanting to disturb him, she sat on a sofa nearby and leaned over to listen quietly. The melody carried a faint hint of melancholy, and paired with the unique timbre of the acoustic guitar, the minimalist accompaniment, and his cool, clean voice, it lulled her entire being into a state of quiet relaxation.

She did not know how much time had passed, but Meng Yi'er, who had suffered from insomnia the night before, fell asleep to his beautiful singing.

When Yan Yichen paused and prepared to leave, he caught sight of the little woman sound asleep. Why was she here? He paused briefly, his thin lips curving into a subtle, almost imperceptible arc. He walked over to her slowly, leaned down, and fixed his dark gaze upon her beautiful sleeping face.

She slept with such tranquility; her long eyelashes, like feathers, fluttered with each breath. She looked incredibly peaceful, her delicate red lips slightly upturned as if she were having a sweet dream. Yan Yichen looked down at the sleeping woman, his gaze deepening.

Perhaps uncomfortable in her position, the young woman murmured softly and shifted from lying on her stomach to curling up on her side.

Yan Yichen pondered for a moment. The air was a bit chilly after the night's rain; she would catch a cold sleeping out here. With that thought, he bent down and gently lifted Meng Yi'er into his arms.

Feeling her soft warmth against him, Yan Yichen paused. He looked down at her, his brow furrowing as he thought to himself: This woman is far too light. She needs to be properly nourished.

Yan Yichen carried her into his bedroom and laid her gently on his large bed, his gaze lingering on her lovely, delicate face with reluctance. Looking at her innocent, sleeping posture, Yan Yichen’s lips curled upward, his eyes overflowing with tenderness. He sighed with satisfaction, feeling that if he could gaze upon this face for the rest of his life, it would be worth dying for.

Little girl, when will the day come when I can wake up and find you lying in my arms?

Yan Yichen looked forward to it, and he felt that day was not far off.