When Shen Lian opened his eyes, the spot beside him was already empty.
The company was busy at the end of the year, and Chu Yilan had joined the overtime army. Lately, he had been leaving before seven in the morning and returning at eight or nine at night.
Shen Lian shook off his sleepiness before getting out of bed and ambling into the bathroom.
He splashed a handful of warm water on his face, pumped out some cleanser, and gave his face a haphazard rub. Once he had rinsed it clean, he reached for a towel.
The young man in the mirror had striking brows and exquisitely handsome features. Time seemed to have left no trace on him; he still looked as composed and handsome as he had when public opinion first began turning in his favor.
Shen Lian dried the damp hair over his forehead, squeezed out a little of Chu Yilan's face cream, and headed downstairs while rubbing it in.
Aunt Fen heard him moving. She was still in the kitchen, but her voice reached him first. "You're awake, Lian?"
"Yep, Aunt Fen. I want some of that rice porridge you made last time."
"I knew it. Already made it!"
Chu Piggy leaped onto the banister and bounded toward Shen Lian's hand. Before he could rub against him ingratiatingly, his sheer weight nearly sent him off balance. Fortunately, Shen Lian was quick enough to catch him.
"You... honestly." Shen Lian lifted him onto his shoulder to stand there. It might not have felt like a mountain bearing down on him, but he certainly had some heft. "Eat a little less. Where's your wife?"
"Meow~"
Big Orange was a lifelong free spirit. She spent only two or three days a week at home, and no one knew where