The faint morning light filtered through the gauzy curtains between the window lattices, softly spilling into the quiet bedroom and casting a warm, pale golden glow across the room.
On the bed, the light gauze hung low, and their breaths intertwined.
Xiao Ling slowly awakened to the sound of soft, steady breathing.
Before his mind had fully cleared, the tip of his nose was already filled with Xun Er's distinctive, gentle fragrance, light and fresh as spiritual herbs.
Lowering his eyes slightly, he saw the girl in his arms sleeping peacefully. Her long lashes rested like butterfly wings, a faint blush still lingering on her cheeks. She was curled docilely against him, her little head gently resting on his chest, her jade-like arm instinctively wrapped around his waist as though she were holding the most precious treasure in the world and refused to let go in the slightest.
A tender, doting look instantly filled Xiao Ling's eyes. His movements became so light that he scarcely dared exert any force, afraid of disturbing the beauty in his arms.
His fingertips lifted slightly and gently brushed aside a few loose strands of hair from her forehead. They slowly traced over her smooth brow and delicate cheek, his fingertips inadvertently grazing her soft lips, making her lashes tremble faintly.
"Brother Xiao Ling..."
Xun Er gave a soft murmur. Her long lashes slowly lifted, and the moment her clear autumn-water eyes opened, they met the tenderness in Xiao Ling's gaze. Her sleepy voice was soft and faint, carrying the laziness and dependence of someone newly awakened.
She raised her eyes slightly to look at the young man so close to her, and a faint flush immediately spread across her cheeks again. Her curled body nestled even closer into his embrace, her soft figure pressing