Lu Jun shrugged, looking relaxed:
"Work and rest should be balanced. Keeping yourself wound too tight all the time might not be effective. Sometimes, going out for a walk and changing your mood could bring unexpected gains—or even new inspiration."
"Heh."
Leng Yulai chuckled softly, her tone carrying a hint of teasing. She suddenly extended a slender jade-like finger and lightly flicked Lu Jun's forehead with swift precision.
"You've finally started thinking that way. Our busy man has finally seen the light."
"..."
The cool touch on his forehead made Lu Jun pause, and he immediately frowned in mild displeasure.
He raised his hand and precisely caught Leng Yulai's slender hand—the one that had committed the offense and was about to withdraw—holding it in his palm.
"I'm not a child anymore, Yulai. Stop talking to me in that tone."
His hand was warm and dry, enclosing the cool, delicate back of Leng Yulai's hand.
Leng Yulai tried to pull her hand away, but Lu Jun's grip was steady. After struggling once without breaking free, she stopped trying and simply let him hold it. Her smile instead grew brighter, and she even mischievously stuck out her tongue.
"In my eyes, you're sometimes still a little brother. Honestly, I miss how you used to be more. You always acted like a little adult, but those occasional flashes of innocence were rather adorable."
Her fingertips unconsciously traced gentle circles across his palm.
Lu Jun looked at her, his gaze softening slightly as he smiled.
"I also miss those days when you always stood in front of me and protected me. I've never forgotten that bond."
His thumb unconsciously stroked the back of her hand.
"Especially... when you disregarded your own safety and risked your life to deliver that Hundred Thousand Year Immortal Herb