Chapter Twenty: Companionship

The girl could hardly be unaware of his thoughts, yet she chose not to expose them, and was content to play along.

“Alright, then let’s skip breakfast,” she said, pulling the hand that clung to her sleeve and guiding him toward the living room. As they walked, she asked, “Do you have any plans for this morning?”

“None…” The girl scratched her head with her free hand, her brows furrowed as she tried in vain to think of anything scheduled.

He sighed. “If you can’t think of anything, that’s fine. But why are you always grabbing your head?” With tender care, he freed the strands of hair tangled in her fingers and gently smoothed them out.

Ah, always tugging at your own hair—who knows when this little habit will change… When I’m here, I can tidy it for you, but what about when I’m not?

His smile faded, a quiet frustration lingering in his chest with nowhere to go.

“Brother Zichen, what’s wrong?” Though she hadn’t seen his expression, the girl sensed his change in mood and called out with concern.

At her voice, Mu Zichen quickly returned to his usual gentle demeanor. “I’m fine,” he said, deftly shifting the topic, “Since Jiujiu has no plans, why not spend the morning at home with me, and we’ll go shopping in the afternoon? How does that sound?”

“That sounds great! Thank you, Brother Zichen.” Her eyes, bright as crystal, sparkled with mischievous charm, as if enchanted, drawing him in.

Mu Zichen stared at her, momentarily lost.

“Brother Zichen, let’s go,” she urged, snapping him out of his reverie.

She wasn’t keen on lingering here; if Mu Zichen were somehow provoked, who knows what he might do… Their relationship, for now, was poised between kinship and romance, and couldn’t move forward too quickly.

In the luxurious study.

The girl curled herself up in his arms, her pale pink dress draped carelessly, a magazine in her delicate hands, her slender fingers turning the pages from time to time. On a small table beside her sat a glass of milk.

Mu Zichen, meanwhile, lounged on the sofa, relaxed and lazy, holding a script in one hand and running the other through her silky hair, winding a strand around his fingers and letting it go.

Sunlight bathed them in a golden glow, peace settling over the moment. Each was quietly absorbed in their own pursuits, undisturbed yet enveloped in an inexplicable warmth and harmony.

“Mmm~” The girl put down her magazine, moved her numb legs, and rubbed her cheek against his large hand, like a kitten seeking affection, soft and pliant.

From his vantage point, Mu Zichen admired the pale nape of her neck. “What’s wrong?” he asked, smiling gently.

“A little tired,” she replied in a soft voice, rising to reach for the milk on the table. She tipped her head back, drank a sip, swallowed, and swept her tongue over her lips to catch any lingering milk, the movements fluid and elegant.

Mu Zichen watched her exposed neck, long and fragile, irresistibly alluring. His gaze darkened unconsciously, but returned to normal the instant she looked his way.

Had she seen, she would certainly have teased him: Truly, a veteran of the entertainment world—the speed of that transformation is astonishing!

“Brother Zichen, I’ve been lying on you all this time. Aren’t you tired?”

He smiled, pulling her closer into his arms. “Not at all. It’s very comfortable.”

“Hmm? Comfortable?” She lifted her lashes, looking at him with a hint of puzzlement.

Was it comfortable lying down, or comfortable being pressed upon?

…

He merely smiled, not answering, and instead asked, “Do you want to keep reading?”

“No, I feel like sleeping.”

Nestled against his warm chest, lulled by the gentle rumble of his voice, she felt safe enough to drift off.

“It’s almost lunchtime. Eat first, then nap; otherwise you won’t have energy to shop later,” he said softly, negotiating like a gentleman.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you, Brother Zichen~” Her lips curved into a wide smile.

A surprise, just as she’d hoped—she’d need all her energy for later!

After lunch together, Mu Zichen escorted her back to her room for a nap, only leaving once she was sound asleep.

When he returned that afternoon, he found her still sleeping.

He chuckled softly, pinching her petite nose.

“Mmm…” She was sleeping peacefully, but suddenly found herself unable to breathe, and let out a little hum from her nose.

Her drowsy eyes fluttered open, only to see the “culprit” smiling at her.

Mu Zichen couldn’t help but laugh at her adorable, just-awakened look.

“Brother Zichen!” she exclaimed, realizing he’d been teasing her, glaring with mock annoyance, both coquettish and petulant.

Mu Zichen felt his heart skip a beat…

He drew a deep breath, the corners of his mouth lifting as he apologized in a low voice, “Alright, I was wrong. Will you forgive me, Jiujiu?”

“Hmph!” she tilted her head with a sly glint in her eyes, unwilling to forgive so easily.

He saw right through her little game, patiently smoothing her hair as he coaxed, “What will it take for you to forgive me, Jiujiu?”

At last, she’d been waiting for this. Turning back with a playful pout, she said sweetly, “Then Brother Zichen has to stay with me all afternoon, and you mustn’t lose patience.”

So young, so childlike and innocent—was that even a real demand?

No matter what she asked, he would always grant it.

In Mu Zichen’s eyes was a depth of feeling only he understood, his lips curving as he kissed her fair cheek. “Alright.”

“Thank you, Brother Zichen!” She habitually wrapped her arms around his neck, too happy to notice how intimate the gesture had become.

He stiffened instantly, her breath warm and damp against his skin, tickling deep within him.

His heart stirred, longing to kiss her…

But she simply threw back the covers, preparing to get up.

He quickly averted his gaze from her lips, flustered, and tossed out, “Go change your clothes, I’ll wait downstairs,” before hurrying out. After a few steps, he suddenly turned back. “Today’s your birthday, remember to dress beautifully,” and with that, left the room.

The girl watched his retreating figure until the door closed, her blissful expression fading in an instant. She stared blankly at nothing.

After a long while, she withdrew her unfocused gaze, lowered her eyes to hide her emotions, and went into the dressing room to change.

Dress beautifully—what counts as beautiful?

Her slender fingers trailed over the delicate dresses, finally settling on a white mermaid gown.

Yes, this one.

When she finished dressing and came downstairs, Mu Zichen was already waiting in the living room in his own fresh attire, wearing his characteristic gentle smile. She could never tell how long he had been waiting.