114 Morning Tenderness

Lying on the bed, she was held tightly in Duan Nanyu’s embrace, both dressed yet resting quietly together, with no hint of impropriety.

Yun Xueyan leaned against Duan Nanyu’s chest, feeling a deep sense of comfort. Was this what it meant to have someone to rely on?

“What are you thinking about?” Duan Nanyu softly asked, noticing her absent gaze. He pulled her closer, savoring the warmth of her body.

He desired her, craving her to the point of madness, but not now—not when he feared he might hurt her.

“Nothing,” she replied, closing her eyes and lying still.

Her long lashes fluttered down, curling gracefully; her cherry lips pressed gently together, and her dark hair veiled half her cheek, making her fair complexion even more radiant.

A burning sensation flared in Duan Nanyu’s throat, forcing him to pull away slightly to control his restless desire. His palm rested on her back, gently stroking.

Leaning down, he softly kissed her cheek, then smoothly moved his lips to hers. Her body trembled slightly, and her fluttering lashes made her all the more enchanting.

With a low growl, his body seemed aflame. Duan Nanyu’s eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on her, his hands reaching for the knot at her waist, intent on undoing it.

Suddenly, Yun Xueyan opened her eyes, instinctively grasping his hand. Her watery eyes blinked innocently. “I don’t want to…”

He did not press or insist. Instead, he sighed heavily, turned his hand over to hold hers, and drew near to her lips. The fire in his deep eyes slowly faded. “If you don’t want to, then rest early. I know your heart still harbors doubts, Yan’er… We have plenty of time to slowly dissolve the barriers in your heart. Trust me.”

Yun Xueyan said no more, simply resting her head against Duan Nanyu’s chest and falling into a deep sleep.

At dawn, she woke to find Duan Nanyu’s smiling face before her. Her cold heart suddenly warmed. How long had she waited for such a morning?

She had waited until despair nearly consumed her.

He had never stayed by her side at dawn before, nor had he ever looked at her with such tenderness. That gaze was like a pool of autumn water, ready to drown her completely.

“Don’t you need to attend the morning court?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“It’s raining. I won’t go. There are other matters to handle later,” Duan Nanyu replied softly, his usually stern face softening considerably.

“You can just skip court like that?” she was taken aback. That was no trivial matter.

“I don’t want to go. Who dares say otherwise? If I don’t go, then I don’t go.” His calm tone carried a hint of playful coaxing as he tightened his hold on her hand.

She laughed gently, shaking her head as warmth blossomed in her chest. “Alright then, no need to go.” Her voice was tender, as if soothing a child.

“Rest well. I’m heading to the study; I might have to go out later.” Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Duan Nanyu rose and straightened his clothes.

His robe had been crumpled on the bed all night, and his hair was tousled, giving him a somewhat disheveled appearance. Yun Xueyan smiled softly, unable to reconcile this moment with the image of the fierce man he once was.

“What are you laughing at?” Duan Nanyu turned, puzzled by the radiant smile on her face. That genuine laughter warmed him from head to toe, a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

“Look at yourself. Go check the mirror.” Yun Xueyan giggled.

He stepped to the mirror, examining himself carefully before understanding her amusement. He had not slept all night, afraid that everything he saw was merely a dream, which explained his utterly worn-out appearance.

Quickly spinning around, he strode back to her, a mischievous smile curling his lips. “Dare to laugh at me? You’ve got some nerve. Let me show you how I’ll handle that.”

He kissed her tender lips, gently claiming them with lingering affection. Yun Xueyan’s eyes grew dreamy. This—this must be the happiness she had longed for…