CITM - 29

Bai Wenfu lingered in the corridor alone, his thoughts a turbulent mix of regret and satisfaction. His mind refused to settle.

When he returned to the room, Tong Mingfang called out, “Tell Ye Yun to wake up and eat something.”

“I’ll bring it in,” Bai Wenfu replied tersely.

Tong Mingfang raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Is she too weak to get out of bed?”

Bai Wenfu shot her another indifferent glance, choosing not to engage further.

Glancing at the position of the sun, Tong Mingfang pressed on, “Aren’t you supposed to go to Zhejiang today? If you don’t leave soon, won’t you be late?”

Bai Wenfu fetched a basin of warm water, replying nonchalantly, “I’m not going. I’ll postpone for a couple of days.”

Tong Mingfang adopted a pained expression, muttering as she approached him. “What about your train ticket? Such a waste. Go ahead—I’ll take care of her. It’s not like it’s a big deal.”

His lips quirked into a faint smirk as he met her gaze. “Take care of yourself first. The person who belongs to me will be taken care of by no one else but me.”

When he entered the room carrying the basin and a bowl of hot porridge, Ye Yun was still asleep. The thin blanket covered only half her body, revealing glimpses of her smooth, supple figure—a sight that captivated the eye.

Initially intending to pull the blanket over her properly, Bai Wenfu froze upon closer inspection. Last night had been spent in darkness, but now, under the full light of day, he could clearly see the vivid red marks scattered across her alabaster skin—evidence of how thoroughly she had been ravished.

He had tried to restrain himself, fearing she couldn’t handle his strength, yet her delicate frame proved even more fragile than he’d anticipated.

Ye Yun stirred slightly as Bai Wenfu gently wiped her body with a warm towel. Half-awake, she instinctively whimpered, mistaking his actions for another round of passion. The soft, throaty sound sent waves of desire coursing through him.

His breathing grew heavier, but he managed to suppress his urges, tenderly stroking her waist instead. “Eat something before you sleep again.”

Her eyes remained closed, her limbs limp and unresponsive. Dissatisfied, she muttered a vague protest and turned away from him, feigning indifference.

Watching her childlike petulance, Bai Wenfu’s lips curved into an indulgent smile. He wanted nothing more than to pull her close and nibble on her ear.

Bai Wenfu had always lacked patience when dealing with others. To him, relationships were simple: they either worked or they didn’t. Whether it was friendships or business partnerships, he never tolerated disrespect. If someone gave him trouble, he wouldn’t hesitate to walk away without looking back.

The only exception had been his younger brother, Wen Bin. For Wen Bin, he had shown remarkable tolerance, indulging him in trivial matters of daily life.

Now, there was another.

Ye Yun hadn’t eaten much the previous evening, and after enduring the night’s intensity, skipping meals would leave her physically drained.

Leaning against the headboard, Bai Wenfu pulled her into his arms, feeding her spoonfuls of warm porridge. Each time, he instructed her softly, “Open up.” She obeyed hesitantly, eating only when prompted. With every spoonful she swallowed, he repeated the command.

After finishing nearly half the bowl, Ye Yun regained some strength and gradually became more alert. Shaking her head, she refused to eat any more. Setting the bowl aside, Bai Wenfu gazed at the remnants of porridge clinging to her lips. Her alluring appearance tempted him beyond control, and he leaned down to kiss her gently.

Still drowsy from waking, Ye Yun protested weakly, her voice tinged with playful reproach. “Big Brother, no…”

Bai Wenfu released her, his eyes blazing with desire. “Stop calling me Big Brother.”

“Then what should I call you?”

“My name. Wenfu.”

Accustomed to addressing him as Big Brother, Ye Yun found saying his name too intimate. Hiding her face in his chest, she hesitated. Bai Wenfu didn’t let her evade, tilting her chin upward. His affection was blatant, unapologetic. “Say it. Let me hear you.”

In a soft murmur, she whispered, “Wenfu.”

Instantly, he crushed her against his chest, his voice deep and possessive. “Did Wen Bin ever touch you?”

“…No.”

His embrace tightened, almost painfully so, as if trying to embed her into his very bones.

“I’ve already told Mom to inform the tailor shop. You’ll stay home and rest for two days.”

Ye Yun grumbled, “But I’m fine. Why should I lie around at home? It’s boring.”

“Then go,” Bai Wenfu said simply, releasing her.

Summoning false bravado, Ye Yun pushed herself upright. As the blanket slid off her shoulders, Bai Wenfu’s heated gaze lingered on her exposed skin. Flustered, Ye Yun hastily pulled the blanket back over herself. “You can’t look!”

His amused grin widened. “Why can’t I?”

“You just can’t. Turn around.”

Still smiling, Bai Wenfu complied, turning his head.

Determined to prove her independence, Ye Yun climbed off the bed. But the moment her feet touched the floor, her legs buckled beneath her. Before she could fall, Bai Wenfu caught her and lifted her back onto the bed.

“Rest until you’re fully recovered. Listen to me.”

Lowering her lashes, Ye Yun abandoned her pretense. Perhaps her body was too exhausted; despite having complained about boredom moments earlier, her eyelids drooped heavily once more. As consciousness began slipping away, she heard Bai Wenfu say, “Next time I return, I’ll finalize the date with Mom.”

“What date?”

“What do you think?”

She withdrew her hand, hesitant. “Isn’t this too soon?”

He chuckled softly, capturing her hand and pressing it to his chest. “Too soon? You’ve been living with us for over a year. We’ll do everything properly—no expense spared. I’ll marry you with full honors, and no one will dare question it.”

Eyes closed, Ye Yun remained silent.

Leaning down, he asked quietly, “Do you want me to accompany you home and speak to your family?”

Shaking her head, she declined.

Thinking of the father who had once laid hands on her, Bai Wenfu didn’t press further, respecting her wishes.