Last night, the wind had raced and the rain had poured, its echoes lingering.
The little desk lamp had flickered on and off countless times.
Chen Shi'an's undershirt and Li Wanyin's old school uniform lay scattered haphazardly on the floor, and a soaking-wet bath towel awaiting washing hung over the chair back.
Under the covers, the two slept sweetly and contentedly in each other's arms after a night of exertion.
Outside the window, the first daylight was a faint crab-shell blue-gray.
As time flowed on, it gradually deepened into a soft, warm gold, silently seeping through the gap in the curtains and spilling over the disheveled bed.
Li Wanyin woke first.
The instant consciousness returned, fragments of last night's searing memories surged over her, instantly flushing her fair cheeks a lovely red.
An unfamiliar lingering sensation, with a slight ache and soreness, remained in her body, reminding her that she had entered a brand-new stage of life.
She turned her head slightly, and Chen Shi'an's peaceful sleeping face came into view.
He was sound asleep, his usually gentle, clear-cut features looking especially soft in the morning light.
His thick lashes cast small shadows beneath his eyes, his breathing was long and even, and one arm still rested loosely around her waist, carrying an unmistakable sense of presence and belonging.
Seeing the person she loved the moment she woke filled Li Wanyin's heart with an indescribable, brimming sweetness.
She carefully adjusted her position, nestling closer to his warm chest. His clean, refreshing scent lingered at her nose, and the air still seemed to hold the intimate fragrance unique to the two of them, left by last night's passion.
She reached out and traced his brow bone, the bridge of his nose, and the line of his lips ever so lightly. The