Without waiting for his wife to say anything, Jiang Xia took it upon himself to make breakfast. Lin Yanwan used the opportunity to wash up in the bathroom, even sneaking in a quick shower.
Breakfast was poached eggs in sweet fermented rice soup, a sweet and tangy dish that both sisters loved.
Afterward, he played with his sister-in-law and Yuyuan for a bit—hide-and-seek, then drawing. Once he had thoroughly entertained his sister-in-law, he commandeered his wife’s computer and began to work in earnest.
In the middle of his work, Jiang Xia gave his mom a call. He just told her that he was at his wife’s house and wouldn’t be home for lunch, so she didn’t need to wait for him.
His mom was happy to have the free time. With Jiang Wende not coming home for lunch either, she only had to fend for herself.
Time always flies when you’re focused on work. Lunch was simple—a curry with chicken breast, potatoes, carrots, and onions. His sister-in-law uncharacteristically ate two huge bowls, her eyes filled with adoration as she looked at her brother-in-law.
In the afternoon, his sister-in-law considerately went to her room for a nap, leaving the couple to themselves again.
"Why don’t you get some rest, too?" Lin Yanwan asked, her heart aching as she saw the exhaustion in Jiang Xia’s eyes.
Even though they were back in their eighteen-year-old bodies, staying up late to work overtime every day would wear down even an iron constitution.
Jiang Xia shook his head. "It’s fine. If I close my eyes now, I won’t be able to wake back up. I’d rather just draw a few more storyboards."
Now that he had two temporary key animators, he had to complete the storyboards for three episodes every ten days. On top of that, he had to squeeze in time for filming and editing. His workload was the most grueling of anyone’s.
Lin Yanwan hesitated slightly before pulling an attractive glass bottle from a drawer. It was filled with a pink liquid.
"Get on the bed," she commanded.
Jiang Xia blinked. "What’s this?"
"It’s rose essential oil, for massages. To help you relax." Lin Yanwan’s face was slightly red. "You draw like this every day; it’s going to wreak havoc on your neck, shoulders, and back." She had gone out of her way to buy it from a massage parlor and had never even opened it.
"I don’t care about getting a massage. I just want to rub it all over you," he said with righteous conviction. ’My wife’s skin deserves the best care. After it absorbs this rose oil, it’ll be glistening and supple.’
’As if she didn’t know what he was up to. "Rubbing"? He probably meant "groping." If she really let him have his way, she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to resist and would end up being completely devoured.’
"Cut the crap. Lie face down on the bed. And take your shirt off."
She gave Jiang Xia a light, exasperated swat. ’Sometimes, I have to be strict with him,’ she thought. ’Otherwise, he’s just a shameless flirt who’s never serious.’
"Oh."
Resigned, Jiang Xia took off his T-shirt and stood before his wife, feeling surprisingly shy for some reason.
"Your pants, too!"
"My pants, too?"
"I’m not asking you to strip completely naked. Now hurry up, before I have to take them off for you."
Lin Yanwan glared at him. ’If he doesn’t listen, I’m going to find a whip and...’
"...Boohoohoo... Honey, be a little gentler with me."
He took off his pants and lay face down on the bed, wearing nothing but the pair of little yellow duck underwear she’d bought him. The duck’s bill pointed straight ahead, looking utterly ridiculous.
Lin Yanwan took a deep breath, twisted open the bottle of rose oil, and poured a small amount into her hand. The oil was fragrant, with a smooth, delicate texture that her skin absorbed easily.
And so, she sat down on Jiang Xia’s lower back, spreading the essential oil all over his back and neck before starting to knead his muscles with her small hands.
’Finally, a chance to practice the techniques I learned at the massage parlor.’
Jiang Xia closed his eyes, his body relaxing as he blissfully enjoyed his wife’s massage. Her small hands were soft yet strong, working their way from his neck to his shoulders, down his spine, and to his waist. He hummed and groaned, on the verge of crying out in pleasure.
"If you feel sleepy, just close your eyes and take a nap," Lin Yanwan said, her voice calm and unhurried. "I’m going to take my time, so there’s no point in rushing."
"Mmm..."
As she continued to rub, knead, and press with sublime skill, Jiang Xia gradually fell into a deep sleep.
A short while later, hearing his even breathing, a blushing Lin Yanwan turned him over onto his back. She then proceeded to remove his last item of clothing. ’After all, I saw him countless times in our past life,’ she told herself. ’There’s no reason to be shy. I’m used to it.’
As she placed his shirt and pants on a chair, a small, rose-colored, square packet fell from his pants pocket. It had "001" printed on it.
Her expression suddenly turned strange. ’This guy has some nerve!’ she thought. ’If you were that bold, you wouldn’t be fast asleep right now!’
She massaged the fine essential oil all over Jiang Xia’s body. With rhythmic pats of her palms, it was slowly absorbed into his skin, leaving a glistening sheen that was actually quite attractive.
An hour passed in a flash, and Jiang Xia still showed no signs of waking. Lin Yanwan took out some oil-blotting sheets and carefully wiped his skin clean before tucking him under the light comforter. Then, she changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed herself.
’Didn’t this guy just want to cuddle with me?’
’Fine, I’ll indulge him today.’
As she drifted off, Lin Yanwan felt a hand on her. She didn’t move, pretending to be asleep. ’Let’s see just how lecherous this guy can be,’ she thought.
But as it turned out, she had let her imagination run away with her. Jiang Xia was dead to the world. He had merely wrapped an arm around her waist and hadn’t moved again. He held her tightly, just as he had for all those years they’d shared a bed. Even in his sleep, his subconscious movements were filled with love and protectiveness for her.
A faint smile touched her lips as she snuggled her back deeper into his embrace. She had never felt so secure since being reborn.
’So this is what it was,’ she realized. ’All along, I’ve been longing to be held by him while I sleep.’
’A habit like this had long since become a part of her very being.’
"I love you, honey~"
she whispered, then secretly took Jiang Xia’s hand and slipped it inside her shirt. ’Consider it his reward.’
’Later, if he wakes up and notices his ’misbehaving’ hand, I can even turn the tables and act offended. I just love watching him scramble for an excuse. Sometimes, teasing him like this is just so much fun.’
’He’s the one who’ll get a scolding, but I’m the one putting my own body on the line!’
At four in the afternoon, Lin Yanwan slowly drifted awake. A small smile crept onto her face as she felt the broad, warm chest pressed against her back.
It had been almost five months since she was reborn, and this was the first time she had slept so soundly. ’Jiang Xia must feel the same,’ she thought. ’Otherwise, he wouldn’t insist on holding me even in his sleep.’
She suddenly thought of a phrase—
Go to bed with the one you long for most.
While the sun is warm and the breeze is soft,
While he is still here, and before you grow old.
"Baby... I like you so much... so, so much..."
Jiang Xia suddenly murmured in his sleep.