She didn’t know how she managed to hang up the phone, standing there as if struck by lightning, dazed and motionless.

She felt like a zombie, soulless and lost.

"Baby, why up so early? Didn’t I say I’d make breakfast for you?" A pair of large hands encircled her waist, and the deep, groggy voice of Yan Yichen, freshly awake, suddenly brought Jian Yixue back to her senses.

She coughed, pretending everything was fine, "I got up early, so I made it. I’ll fry it again..."

"No, baby. It hurts me to see you tired." Yan Yichen held her small hand, unlike most girls’ hands which were soft and flawless, her palms and fingertips had a thin layer of calluses, which always pained Yan Yichen every time he touched them.

Jian Yixue turned slightly, tears nearly welling up in her eyes.

At home, her parents always ordered her around, and her younger brother too; they never treated her like a person. Her father, after drinking, would often vent his anger on her...

No one ever said to her "It hurts me," never once.

She quickly withdrew her hand, "Then I won’t compete with you. I’ll go tidy the room."

Saying this, she left the kitchen, with Yan Yichen raising an eyebrow as he watched her back, deep in thought.

What exactly happened to make her so unhappy?

-

Living room.

Jian Yixue first put away the thin blanket and pillow from the sofa, storing them in the cabinet.

It’s honestly helpless; this place of hers is just a one-bedroom apartment.

The bedroom was hers, and when Yan Yichen moved in, she worried he might want to share the bed with her...

However, he seemed to notice her anxiety and concerns and very gallantly chose to sleep on the sofa.

The sofa was small and hard, and at night, when Jian Yixue got up to use the bathroom, she often saw Yan Yichen curled up, sleeping fitfully.

She couldn’t help but feel guilty, and it’s not like she hadn’t tried to persuade him to return home to sleep. But each time, Yan Yichen would just smile, "It’s not safe for you to live alone here. Don’t feel pressured; I’m just here to keep you company. In case anything happens, having an extra man at home always means more security."

Eventually, Jian Yixue stopped persuading him because she knew it was useless.

Yan Yichen seemed easygoing but was actually very stubborn.

Once he decided on something, he wouldn’t easily change his mind.

-

Breakfast was quickly placed on the table by Yan Yichen.

Jian Yixue absentmindedly took a few bites, and Yan Yichen gently said, "Don’t force yourself to eat if you don’t have an appetite. Do you want to rest a bit? Or should I take you out for a walk?"

Jian Yixue felt a pang of sourness in her nose; he was always so subtly gentle, considering everything thoughtfully and thoroughly. She knew how lucky she was to be loved by such a man.

"No need, it’s just that my period is coming, and I’m a bit emotional." She smiled back, understanding flashing in Yan Yichen’s eyes, "I’ll make you some rose sugar water. Wait a moment. By the way, why do you always forget to eat the dates at home? I’ll wash some for you..."

His tall and handsome figure bustled about the room, his voice like a mountain spring, flowing steadily, unhurried.

Soon, the sugar water and dates were placed in front of Jian Yixue.

She forced herself to eat them all, and Yan Yichen patted her head, "Since you’ve been so good, I’ll reward you tonight with a surprise~ Nod if you’re looking forward to it, shake your head if you’re not~"

Then, he gently pressed Jian Yixue’s head down, his expression relaxing, "Hmm, it seems you’re really looking forward to it."