One hundred and eight.

Lunch passed with Xia Yuwei seemingly having a good appetite, carefully selecting her favorite dishes and eating quite a bit.

“A picky little girl…” Ye Lifeng shook his head with a smile, still serving her some fish rolls she loved. “But those who love fish are smart. I like that.”

“Heh.” Xia Yuwei lowered her eyes, letting Ye Lifeng pamper her so indulgently. She gracefully ate the meal before her, a smile curling at the corners of her lips. Lu Yichen’s ruthless push seemed to have wiped away the faint feelings and worries she held in her heart, sealing it away.

“I’m done eating. I want to go back and sleep now,” Xia Yuwei said quietly after a moment, setting down her knife and fork as she looked at Ye Lifeng.

“Miss, are you sure? It’s only one-thirty in the afternoon. Are you really going to sleep now?” Ye Lifeng teased her. Judging by her weary expression, she probably hadn’t slept well the night before. But if this night’s rest could help her sort out who truly deserved her trust, it was worth it.

“Yes. I’m sure.” Xia Yuwei smiled at him. She was tired, and rest was necessary. After resting, everything would be new again, wouldn’t it?

How long had it been since she last wore such a beautiful smile?

Sitting by the window, the autumn sunlight bathed her radiant face, giving her an almost sacred beauty.

Ye Lifeng gazed closely at that smiling face, feeling a flicker of bewilderment.

This beautiful woman, the one who had once troubled him, the elusive little girl he couldn’t catch—did she finally belong to him?

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Having filled the bathtub with water and stripped off all her constraints, she tested the temperature—it was just right. She poured in bubble bath liquid, added a few drops of rose essential oil, and stirred the water until a thick layer of delicate foam floated on the surface. Then she stepped in, slowly reclining, gently brushing the water with her hands, caressing her skin, letting the bubbles and the pure scent of essential oils envelop her.

Fortunately, she was allergic to pollen; at least in this world, essential oils could make up for the absence of fresh flowers.

It had been a long time since she had enjoyed such a relaxing bath. She couldn’t recall how long it had been. No mood, no emotion to carefully care for her body… Only memories of sleepless nights, days without rest, loss of appetite, and the absence of genuine laughter. She just felt exhausted.

Her whole body relaxed, hands resting on her chest, consciousness gradually fading…

*******************************************************************************

…

When she opened her eyes, Xia Yuwei realized the outside world had turned completely dark.

Her gaze withdrew from the pitch-black window to find herself lying in bed, neatly covered by a quilt. Her heart leapt in surprise as she hurriedly touched her body—she was wearing her usual bathrobe, with no sign of anything unusual.

She clearly remembered being in the bathtub just moments ago—how did she end up lying in bed, dressed in a bathrobe?

Was she dreaming? Why did she have a faint, hazy impression of hands gliding over every inch of her body in the water, followed by a warm embrace gently drying her off and laying her down on the bed… That familiar scent brought her reassurance, as if she had fallen into a deep sleep from exhaustion, or perhaps subconsciously surrendering, allowing him to treat her in all those ways…

A fleeting dream?

In the darkness, Xia Yuwei’s face flushed.

Feeling no strangeness on her body, she glanced at the firmly closed bedroom door and the quiet surroundings. Slowly, the anxiety she held began to ease.

Heh, she must be too tired. She must have forgotten she had finished bathing and went straight to sleep… Or perhaps she had sleepwalked.

Still lying in bed, she didn’t know the exact time, nor did she wish to know. Her heart savored this rare moment of tranquility, intending to cherish it.

After an unknown span of time, the phone rang. It was likely Ye Lifeng calling as usual.

She slowly reached for her phone. “...Lifeng…”

Silence stretched from the other end.

“Hello!” Xia Yuwei felt an inexplicable pressure.

“Weiwei,” Lu Yichen’s voice was low and hoarse.

“…” This time, Xia Yuwei was silent.

“Is he the only one in your heart…” Lu Yichen asked, speaking the name she had unwittingly called out, holding the phone tightly as he struggled to control his emotions.

“…” Xia Yuwei remained silent. So, all the calm she had forced upon herself was just self-deception. Hearing his voice still stirred feelings. Again and again, endlessly…

The two held their phones, listening to each other’s breathing.

Xia Yuwei heard a faint cough from the other side.

“You’re sick,” she whispered softly.

“…If I’m sick, will you come see me?” His voice was dry, truly sounding ill.

“…Besides me, there’s someone to take care of you. In the days when I’m not by your side, you still have to learn to take care of yourself.”

“If you catch a cold or have a fever, remember to see a doctor. Don’t be stubborn—small illnesses are still illnesses. Ignoring them can lead to serious, dangerous conditions, just like last time. Your stubbornness almost cost you your life… Do you understand…”

“In the days I’m gone, take good care of yourself… Don’t be stubborn… Don’t let others see and feel… pain…”

“…”

Her words seemed to pour out more and more, not arguing over past grievances or right and wrong, only wanting to care for him, one last time. Although, she had lost count of how many times she had said “one last time.”

“…Quietly listening to her finish. In the end, he still didn’t ask her to come see him. He simply listened quietly. She was that kind of woman—if her heart grew too impatient, she would vanish without a trace. But if he took a step back, she would involuntarily follow him.”