The next morning.
Shen Hanyu slowly opened his eyes, then felt the familiar warmth beside him and froze slightly.
As he sat up a little, he realized that the person in his arms had somehow become Shui Bing'er. The Snow Empress, who had originally been sleeping beside him, was long gone. Even the bed had lost its remaining warmth, indicating that she had left some time ago.
Sensing Shen Hanyu's movement, Shui Bing'er murmured softly a few times before slowly opening her still-dazed eyes.
"Morning..."
Shen Hanyu rubbed Shui Bing'er's slightly messy hair and spoke softly.
Shui Bing'er suddenly lifted her head. After confirming that it was still early outside, she buried her face back in Shen Hanyu's arms and nuzzled against him. Stretching out her arms, she hugged one of Shen Hanyu's arms, her long, jade-like leg tightly pinning him through a layer of gauze. Her slightly cool body pressed firmly against his, like a migratory bird seeking warmth. It had always been one of her favorite gestures.
Shen Hanyu yawned. Looking at Shui Bing'er's peaceful sleeping face, he reached out and gently pinched her cheek, making her frown.
The crisp sound of a door opening and closing rang out. The Snow Empress entered carrying two bowls of white porridge with a few garnishes, then placed them on the small table beside the bed. After exchanging a glance with Shen Hanyu, she looked Shui Bing'er over with amused eyes.
Shen Hanyu asked softly, "Why are you up so early today? Didn't you usually like sleeping in...?"
The Snow Empress gave a soft snort and said, "Isn't Bing'er here? Young Master Shen's arms are never short of beauties anyway. What difference does one more or one less make...?"
Shen Hanyu found that rather amusing and promptly changed the subject. "So,