Chapter 109: Affirming the Heart's Intentions

Thinking this, he slipped off his slippers, his well-defined feet stepping onto the black carpet as he moved to sit on the bed.

She hadn’t awakened. Yan Yichen, feeling completely at ease, quietly lay down beside her.

The soft bed yielded under his weight, sinking noticeably on the side where he lay.

The balance of the bed was disrupted, and Meng Yi’er unconsciously shifted slightly toward the depressed side.

With that small movement, she rolled right into the arms of the man who had just lain down.

Yan Yichen was stunned.

He had only intended to lie next to her for a moment, to feel the tangible closeness.

How did she end up in his embrace?

Had she woken?

But Meng Yi’er made not the slightest sound; her gentle breathing barely brushed his neck.

Yan Yichen stiffened, startled for a long moment, confirming she was still asleep before he wrapped her in his arms.

The subtle fragrance radiating from the woman in his embrace, the breath caressing his neck, the softness of her body pressed against his chest—all stirred his heart relentlessly.

Suddenly, he regretted his foolish impulse.

It was pure self-torment.

Yan Yichen closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced down the rising tumult in his heart to calm himself.

How long passed, he didn’t know. Perhaps the comfort of having her beside him lulled him, and gradually, drowsiness overcame him as well.

……

Meng Yi’er awoke feeling hazy, only to realize she was lying in a warm embrace.

Eyes flying open, she lifted her head in shock.

Yan Yichen!!

You scoundrel!!

He was actually sleeping here?

It took her a long moment to regain composure from the shock. Hastily, she glanced down beneath the covers.

Fortunately, her clothes were still on!

She let out a long sigh, her eyes darting around the room.

No, this was Yan Yichen’s bedroom!

What on earth had happened?

How had she ended up in his bedroom, sleeping in his bed?

Could it be… she had climbed onto his bed willingly?

Meng Yi’er thought hard, only recalling watching him play guitar on the rooftop, feeling sleepy after a long while, and then… nothing else.

She reasoned that she must have been too tired, fallen asleep, and then Yan Yichen had carried her back to his bed.

Her cheeks flamed crimson; covering her face with both hands, she wished she could vanish into the ground.

Yan Yichen seemed still asleep…

After a moment, she lowered her hands, her gaze quietly settling on the man’s strikingly handsome sleeping face. Her heart began pounding wildly.

In slumber, he was utterly serene—his dark, tousled hair, sharp features as if carved by a sculptor’s hand, sensuous, thin lips, and deep, captivating eyes framed by long lashes that would stir envy in any woman.

Something inside Meng Yi’er tugged fiercely at her heart, as if it might leap out at any second.

It was over.

Though inexperienced in love, she was certain.

This was the feeling of being moved—of falling in love.

Recalling all the moments they had shared lately, her changing attitude toward him, and the feelings stirring within her, she finally acknowledged the truth of her heart: she had fallen in love with the man before her.

Realizing her true feelings, Meng Yi’er blushed even deeper, shyly gazing at the peacefully sleeping man.

If he woke and caught her like this, it would be awkward—she should leave the room quickly.

With that thought, she smiled softly, took one last lingering look at the man before her, and gently sat up, preparing to slip off the bed.