It was late at night.This was my first night after marrying Lu Yancheng.
I had just finished watching a fine little drama unfold.The Su family was drowning in endless grief and despair, while Lu Shiyan and Su Ning'an were taken away by the police for questioning.The suffocating weight in my chest finally eased a little.
It still wasn't enough to make up for the misery I endured before my death, but at least it filled a small corner of the hatred inside me.
Maybe now, I could finally sleep well.
Even though I was in an unfamiliar place, something deep down told me that Lu Yancheng would never hurt me. That thought alone made me feel safe and relaxed.
Before I arrived, he had already prepared a large bed for me, complete with pink bedding—a color girls my age tend to like.Even the pillowcases were trimmed with delicate white lace, giving the whole room a soft, gentle warmth.
After all, I was only twenty now—a girl who was supposed to love these sweet, rosy colors.
I thought back to the past years of my life: the formal suits, the tightly coiled hair, the prim and proper demeanor that made me look more like a stern headmistress than a young woman.Though I had only been twenty-eight when I died, my mindset had long withered into that of a forty-eight-year-old—lifeless and tired.No wonder Lu Shiyan often said I was dull.But that dullness had always been for his sake.
Now, those shackles were gone.I could finally live however I wanted.
I chose a pink long-sleeved pajama set—soft and comfortable, but not too revealing. Even in front of Lu Yancheng, I didn't want to seem improper.
The only inconvenience was that we shared one bathroom.
It was spacious, with a clear dry-and-wet separation and a large bathtub.There were two sinks—his was slightly lower, likely adjusted for his wheelchair.
On his side, only the essentials: hand soap, mouthwash, a razor.On mine, however, it was completely different. Cleansers, skincare, makeup—all top international brands, still unopened.Further in, towels, body wash, shampoo—everything neatly arranged and ready to use.
The more time I spent around Lu Yancheng, the more I realized that beneath his cold exterior, he was actually a very gentle person.
After carefully covering the wound on my body with waterproof tape, I took a long, relaxing bath. The warmth seeped into my skin, and after applying lotion, I stepped out slowly.
The heat from the bathroom faded; the room's temperature was perfectly balanced—neither too warm nor too cool.
I hadn't noticed when he entered, but there he was—sitting by the window in his wheelchair, staring blankly into the falling snow outside.
He seemed lost in thought, so much so that he didn't even notice me approach.That was strange—he used to be so perceptive. Before, the moment I appeared, his gaze would lock onto me instantly.
I placed a hand gently on his shoulder and softened my voice."Mr. Lu, it's late. You should rest."
In my heart, I no longer feared him. Instead, I felt a quiet tenderness toward him, the kind one might feel for an older brother next door.I wanted to take care of him—to repay him, somehow.
He seemed to awaken from his trance, quickly avoiding my touch. His voice was low and composed."Your bed is inside. If you need anything, tell the housekeeper."
"Alright."
"There's been a death in the family recently," he continued. "So, our wedding ceremony will be postponed. Do you mind?"
He looked at me seriously, as if seeking my approval.
I smiled faintly. I had never cared about the ceremony. The last wedding I had ended with my body and soul torn apart.
All those bold words at the time—saying I wanted another wedding—were just to provoke Lu Shiyan.In truth, I still carried the trauma of that day.
"I understand. It's fine," I said softly.
He gave me a long, searching look, then said nothing more. "Go to sleep."
"Okay."
Perhaps because this body had gone through so much recently, drowsiness came over me quickly.
But in the middle of the night, I woke up feeling thirsty.
When I opened my eyes—there was someone standing beside my bed.
Lu Yancheng.
His gaze was fixed on me, intense and unblinking. When he realized I had woken, a flicker of awkwardness flashed across his face.
Our eyes met.
I cleared my throat softly."Mr. Lu… is something the matter?"