Chapter 268: The Empress’s Poise

(Starting today, the updates will consist of one 5K-word Chapter, as I won’t be able to ensure writing and updating for over ten days once I return home. I need to save some drafts to guarantee updates during the New Year. Please understand.)

Given Li Yan’s alertness, he would naturally not be completely unaware if someone entered, especially because he had just finished a shower and fallen asleep. But just like his decision not to sleep in the next room, he had finally calmed down a bit and didn’t want his agitation to lead him to invade Yurong. Therefore, he had no choice but to temporarily disappoint her by pretending to be asleep when she entered, hoping she would leave on her own.

What he didn’t expect was that Yurong, after looking at him by the bedside for a while, didn’t leave; instead, she got into bed! This made him cringe secretly—wasn’t this a test of his self-control?

However, after venting some physical energy in the gym and taking a hot shower, he felt much more relaxed and comfortable. His mental state was clearer than when he had just left Liu’s house. But knowing his past tendencies, he maintained his position—sleeping together is fine as long as he resisted temptation; sleeping until tomorrow should be okay.

Yet, he underestimated Yurong’s initiative. She, who was usually reserved, not only took the initiative to get into his bed tonight but also seemed to move toward him!

However, despite the short distance, she took a long time to move closer, which made Li Yan a little anxious. In reality, the time might not have been that long, but once one’s focus is on something, time can feel stretched through perception.

Just as he began to feel irritated, Yurong finally came to his side and hugged him! His body was warm, while hers, having just come in, was slightly cool—this touch gave him a transcendent thrill that cleared his increasingly agitated mind.

Li Yan took a deep breath, maintaining his position; this was fine, insisting on pretending to be asleep. Yurong couldn’t possibly go further, so it should be manageable.

But as things progressed, he felt it was getting out of hand; Yurong unexpectedly reached down slowly!

Was this still Zhang Yurong? In his surprise and doubt, he continued to suppress his desire; when Yurong’s hand moved around his abdomen, teasing without going further, Li Yan could no longer resist and reached out, grasping her small hand...

With this action, pretending to be asleep was no longer possible.

Zhang Yurong was startled by his movement; her first reaction was realizing Li Yan was awake, and she had been secretly disturbing him! This left her extremely embarrassed.

"You... you..." she stammered, unsure what to say, her hand trembling slightly.

Her trembling was unconscious, but it made Li Yan realize—Yurong felt that their relationship should go further too! Excellent, even if tonight wasn’t the time, reaching this level of intimacy was a significant acceptance step for her.

Seeing she couldn’t even speak, Li Yan turned to face her, softly saying, "Don’t say anything... if you feel embarrassed, just close your eyes, follow your feelings, I’ll guide you, teach you..."

Yurong was at a loss, deeply embarrassed. Hearing his words, she closed her eyes, refraining from looking or thinking; though her face was still burning, she felt somewhat better.

...

When Li Yan finished his shower and came out, he found Yurong was already gone. He went straight to Yurong’s room next door. The primary focus was her ability to internally accept things. Last time, by ensuring her comfort, acceptance was easier. If he focused solely on his own comfort this time, she might have a negative feeling.

Yurong hadn’t locked the door, but when he entered, she had already changed into different pajamas and was curled up under the covers.

Li Yan first went to find some underwear and pajamas to put on.

Intending not to face him, pretending to be asleep, Yurong heard the noise, opened her eyes, and saw him boldly entering without clothes, and said, "You’re so disgusting! Coming in like this, what if Yue Yao sees you?"

Li Yan thought to himself: Let her see if she will. But he didn’t voice that: "Haha, Yue Yao must be asleep now. I came over quickly..."

Once he climbed into bed, Yurong immediately turned her back to him.

Li Yan didn’t offer any explanation or comfort, just reached out and embraced her. Pressed closely against her, devoid of desire, only a warm hug.

His mind had already settled.

Gradually, she too felt at peace.

...

In the morning, Li Yan sensed Yurong carefully getting up, trying not to wake him, moving tenderly as she went into the bathroom.

He understood why—worried she’d disturb him, mainly to avoid embarrassment—and didn’t break the guise, pretended to sleep, waiting until she finished to wake up.

Originally planning to quietly get up and quietly leave, Yurong was hesitant when it was time to change clothes after washing up. The noise might wake him, and since he liked pretending to sleep, who knew whether he was awake or not? Thinking of herself changing clothes with eyes silently watching from behind, she felt uneasy.