Morning Light and the Journey Home
Lu Yan sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the closed door, imagining Aemeath leaning against the door with her hands covering her burning cheeks, and couldn't help but let out a pleasant laugh.
He stood up, walked to the window, and drew back the curtains completely.
Sunlight poured into the room without reservation, bathing the entire space in golden light.
Last night's spring rain washed the sky clean, leaving it a clear, deep blue, without a trace of impurity.
Glistening water droplets still clung to the leaves outside the window, refracting delicate light in the morning glow.
Lu Yan took a deep breath of the cool, fresh morning air, then turned around, his gaze falling once again on the slightly messy bed.
In the very center of the bed sheet, a vibrant crimson blush, illuminated by the sunlight, appeared both dazzling and utterly sacred.
A hint of tenderness flickered in Lu Yan's eyes.
He stepped forward and gently pulled the sheet off.
He didn't just toss it into the laundry basket; instead, he carefully folded it.
For Lu Yan, this was more than just a piece of cloth; it was a testament to Aemeath's complete surrender to him, a mark that took root and sprouted here.
He carried the bed sheet to the laundry sink on the balcony, turned on the tap, and cool tap water gushed out.
Lu Yan poured some laundry detergent and gently rubbed the stain with his fingers in the water. At this moment, while doing this extremely private and everyday housework, his heart was filled with a strong sense of responsibility to be a good husband.
Wash, wring dry, and air dry.
As the clean sheets fluttered gently in the sunlight and breeze, Lu Yan clapped his hands in satisfaction.
He changed into a clean set of home clothes and then turned and walked into the kitchen.
Today I'm taking the high-speed train back to my hometown. Although the journey isn't particularly long, I still need to make sure my little cat has a hot meal before I leave.
Considering the energy they had expended last night, although Aemeath said she wasn't tired, Lu Yan felt she should be nourished, so he decided to make her a simple yet nutritious breakfast.
Gradually heat the frying pan over the fire, then pour in a little oil.
With a soft sizzle, two round eggs were cracked into the pan. The egg whites quickly solidified, and the edges developed an enticing golden-brown crust.
The bacon, cut into even slices, sizzled and released its rich aroma as it was fried in the side area.
The toaster made a crisp "ding" sound, and two slices of toast popped out perfectly.
In the small pot next to it, pure milk was bubbling and steaming.
The kitchen is filled with the most ordinary yet most comforting aroma of cooking.
Just as Lu Yan was carefully placing the fried eggs and bacon into a pure white bone china plate, a soft footstep sound came from the living room.
Lu Yan didn't turn around, but the corners of his mouth had already unconsciously turned up.
The next moment, a pair of slender, soft hands wrapped around his waist from behind.
Aemeath, exuding a delicate fragrance, rested her head on his shoulder.
"It smells so good~" Aemeath's soft, sweet voice came from beside my ear.
After a long period of mental preparation in the restroom, Aemeath finally managed to suppress her shyness.
She had changed into a silk turtleneck top and jacket, along with light blue jeans. Her long pink hair was styled into a side ponytail, with a few wisps falling on either side of her face.
Aemeath had shed her allure from the previous night, now exuding a pure and obedient charm like a girl next door.
Lu Yan turned off the stove, turned around, and pulled her into his arms.
He looked down at Aemeath's face, which was still moist from washing, and especially at her bright, golden eyes, which were staring at him intently, as if afraid he would disappear.
"Finished washing up?" Lu Yan raised his hand and gently brushed her still slightly damp nose. "Weren't you so shy that you hid from everyone? How come you're finally willing to come out now?"
When he lifted Aemeath's earlobe, the pinkness that had barely faded from her ears began to show signs of reviving.
She gave Lu Yan a playful glare and gave him a light pinch on the waist.
"You still dare to say that! It's all because of you... Ugh, let's not talk about that, I'm hungry~~"
Looking at her adorable attempt to change the subject, Lu Yan couldn't help but lower his head and gently kiss her cherry-like lips.
"Okay, that's enough." Lu Yan smiled, turned her around, and pushed her shoulder towards the dining room. "Breakfast is ready. Go sit quietly at the table and wait for me."
The two sat facing each other at the dining table.
Aemeath held the milk cup in both hands, taking small sips, inevitably leaving a ring of white milk stains around her lips.
She took a bite of the toast with a fried egg and bacon, her eyes narrowing into two crescent moons of happiness.
"Mmm... A-Yan's breakfast is delicious." She praised indistinctly while chewing, then looked at Lu Yan as if she suddenly remembered something.
"By the way A-Yan, what time is our high-speed train today?"
Lu Yan pulled out a tissue and gently wiped away the milk stains from her lips. "The train leaves at 9:30 this morning. After we finish eating, we'll do a final check of our luggage and head to the high-speed rail station around 9:00. We'll have plenty of time."
Aemeath's cheeks felt slightly hot from the touch of the tissue.
Although the two had already done the most intimate things in the world, this everyday tenderness still made her heart flutter.
Aemeath enjoyed his meticulous care and nodded obediently, "Yes! My clothes and toiletries were packed in my suitcase last night."
"The gifts I bought for my uncle and his family are all packed."
Looking at her serious expression, Lu Yan couldn't help but find it amusing. "Actually, there's no need to be so nervous. Although my uncle sometimes speaks a bit loudly, he's actually a very easy-going person."
"As for the rest of the family, if you feel you can't handle it, just keep smiling and leave the rest to me."
"I'm not nervous at all!" Aemeath retorted instinctively, but her shifty eyes betrayed her. "I've seen so many big occasions, how could I be nervous just meeting the parents... I'm just... just thinking about how to perfectly integrate into this family dynamic!"
As Lu Yan listened to her remarks, the smile in his eyes deepened.
A simple breakfast was enjoyed with a special warmth amidst the occasional playful bickering and shared smiles.
After the meal, Lu Yan didn't ask Aemeath for help, but instead quickly cleared away the dishes.
When he finished cleaning the kitchen, washed his hands, and returned to the living room, he saw Aemeath squatting in front of the suitcase, carefully checking the items inside.
They had no worries about the future during this trip.
Lu Yan walked over and squatted down beside her. He looked at Aemeath's serious profile and reached out to tidy up a stray strand of hair on her forehead.
Aemeath felt his touch, stopped what she was doing, and looked up to meet his gaze.
Their eyes met in the air, the burning intensity of the previous night replaced by a gentle, flowing peace.
"Have you rested well?" Lu Yan asked softly, his tone carrying a double meaning of concern.
Aemeath paused for a moment, then realized what he was asking.
She remembered his gentleness from last night, but also his passionate words, and a blush rose on her cheeks again, but she didn't flinch.
She looked into Lu Yan's eyes, a bright smile curving her lips, and nodded vigorously.
"Alright." Lu Yan stood up, zipped up the suitcase, and with a crisp click, the lock snapped shut.
He pulled up the suitcase handle with one hand and reached out the other to Aemeath.
"Then let's get ready to go." Aemeath looked at the hand and placed her own hand on it.
The moment their fingers intertwined, their heartbeats seemed to overlap and beat at the same Frequency.
Lu Yan led her to the door.
He turned back one last time and looked around his warm and cozy home.
The security door clicked shut gently.
A gentle breeze swept through the courtyard, rustling the persimmon leaves as if bidding them farewell.
Lu Yan pulled his suitcase with one hand and held the hand of his most precious lover with the other, walking side by side on their journey home.