Two Hearts at Peace

Suddenly Aemeath called out, "A-Yan, turn around for a second."

Lu Yan stopped watering the plants and turned around in confusion.

"Snap!"

With a crisp click of the shutter, Aemeath held up her phone and captured Lu Yan's handsome figure standing in the sunlight, carrying a water bottle, his white shirt slightly transparent, in her photo album.

"You're taking pictures of me without my permission." Lu Yan put down the kettle, raised an eyebrow, and walked over.

"There's no such thing as secretly taking photos; I'm just openly and honestly documenting my life!"

Aemeath proudly waved her phone, "I'm going to set this photo as my wallpaper and post it on WeChat Moments with the caption: 'My handsome gardener has been given a new lease on life!'"

Lu Yan smiled helplessly, walked to the rattan chair, and placed his hands on the armrests, Aemeath in his shadow.

He lowered his head, his nose almost touching hers, and said in a deep, magnetic voice, "Since you took my picture, shouldn't you pay some image rights fee?"

Aemeath didn't back down; instead, she boldly met his gaze, wrapped her arms around his neck, tilted her head back, and offered her soft, pink lips to him.

A kiss, carrying the sweet scent of sunshine and fresh orange juice, lingered endlessly under the green shade of a persimmon tree.

The two whiled away the entire afternoon in the courtyard.

They talked about future plans for the yard, about setting up a small table among the flowers for afternoon tea when they bloomed, and about picking persimmons and making dried persimmons together when they ripened in late autumn.

Those mundane, everyday moments, in their eyes at this moment, are more captivating than any grand epic.

Before we knew it, the clouds on the horizon were dyed a brilliant orange-red by the setting sun, and night began to slowly fall.

The city was lit up with countless lights, and a few warm yellow ground lamps also lit up in the courtyard.

Dinner was a sumptuous feast prepared by Aemeath herself.

"Now that A-Yan has fully recovered, those bland liquid foods can finally retire!"

Sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed sea bass, stir-fried vegetables with dried tofu, and a pot of creamy white and fragrant corn and pork rib soup filled the table.

The two sat facing each other, serving each other food, occasionally breaking into laughter, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in the restaurant.

After dinner and cleaning up the dishes, Aemeath walked up to Lu Yan, who was looking at his phone on the sofa, put her hands behind her back, and a hint of cunning and anticipation flashed in her eyes.

"Lu Yan."

She cleared her throat, adopting a businesslike demeanor, "Given that you have fully recovered today, I, the attending physician, hereby declare that the previous order prohibiting you from getting wet is officially lifted, effective immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yan's eyes lit up slightly.

These past few days I've only been able to wipe myself down with a towel, despite Aemeath's special services.

But only he was comfortable while Aemeath couldn't, which was incredibly frustrating.

"Can I go take a nice, long shower now?" Lu Yan stood up from the sofa and stretched.

"Sure."

A suspicious blush crept onto Aemeath's cheeks. She bit her lower lip, her voice suddenly becoming barely audible, "Um... the double bathtub in the bathroom... I've already filled it with water."

Lu Yan paused, turned his head to look at her.

Aemeath didn't dare look him in the eye, only lowering her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice so soft and sweet it could drip water:

"Now that you're better... would you like... to shower together again?"

This isn't an invitation; it's the most deadly temptation in the world.

Lu Yan's Adam's apple bobbed, and a flame instantly ignited in his eyes.

He Aemeath up in his arms and, amidst her gasps, strode toward the bathroom.

"Since it's such a kind invitation from Master Little Aemeath, how could I dare refuse?"

The bathroom was soon filled with steam, and the warm water washed away all the fatigue and past wounds.

In the spacious bathtub, the water rippled, accompanied by intermittent low sounds and charming singing, creating a melody unique to the two of them.

Night deepened.

In the bedroom, only a dim bedside lamp was left on.

The two embraced tightly, skin to skin, without the slightest gap between them.

Aemeath nestled obediently on Lu Yan's chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat.

Her fingers gently stroked Lu Yan's smooth back, savoring the ultimate intimacy and sense of security.

"A-Yan ~" she called softly in the darkness.

"Hmm?" Lu Yan gently stroked her soft, long hair with his large hand.

"From now on, let's do this every day, okay?" Aemeath looked up, her starry eyes still shining brightly even in the dim light.

"Okay." Lu Yan lowered his head and placed a tender goodnight kiss on her forehead.

"There will be no more separation, no more waiting. From now on, we will be together every day."

A night breeze brushed against the windowpane, bringing the tranquility unique to the deep night.

In this nest filled with love, two wandering souls finally found complete peace, embracing each other as they drifted into the sweetest dreams.