Back in Nie Rougang's room, the sound of running water finally stopped.
He stepped out of the bathroom, steam still clinging faintly to his skin. The room was dim, lit only by a soft floor lamp that cast long shadows across the bed. Song Yue was already asleep, curled slightly on her side, her breathing slow and even.
He lifted the blanket and lay down beside her with careful movements, afraid that even a shift of air might wake her.
In the quiet darkness, his eyes lingered on her face.
You're very bad, he thought.
And yet… no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't let her go.
*
Nie Rougang caught the girl's wandering hands and gently pushed them away.
"Being mischievous again?"
"Uncle, can't I even sleep?" Song Yue poked her head out from under the blanket, wide eyes blinking with practiced innocence.
"If you're not sleepy, go to the gym," he said, turning his back to her. "You'll be tired after that. I have a meeting early tomorrow."
