Volume 1 Chapter 23: Safety
On the way back, Li Xuzhou clearly sensed Ruan Yu’s high spirits. Unlike the mood during the trip there—like a wilted, drooping flower revived by sunlight, plump and full of vitality—she now seemed restored, her petals lush and vibrant.
He, too, felt cheerful. The gloom from earlier at the Ruan family home vanished completely upon seeing her happiness, dissipating like smoke.
“Will you come with me next time too?”
Ruan Yu leaned against the seatback, tilting her head as she asked.
Her eyes sparkled, unbearably adorable.
“Of course.” Li Xuzhou noticed she said “come” rather than “go back.”
Just as the light turned red, he glanced sideways and asked, “Earlier, it seemed like you and your mother were a bit distant. Has she not treated you well?”
Ruan Yu stopped fiddling with the seatbelt, pausing for a moment before stammering, “It’s… okay…” As she spoke, her body stiffened slightly, and she unconsciously bit her lip, clearly agitated.
Could Li Xuzhou be completely trusted?
Was now the best time to confide in him?
Ruan Yu wasn’t sure.
After a long while, the signal light turned green, and the car started moving again.
As if making up her mind, she whispered softly, “I can’t say yet.”
Li Xuzhou didn’t look over again, nodding, his tone unchanged. “Alright.”
The hem of his suit jacket was tugged once more. Looking over, he found Ruan Yu gazing at him eagerly, her eyes shimmering with a fervent glow. “Can you kiss me now?”
Li Xuzhou hadn’t expected the new topic to take this turn. Stunned for a moment, he shifted his gaze back to the road ahead, a hint of helplessness in his voice. “Why bring this up so suddenly? I won’t force you to reveal everything to me. I can…” wait.
For some reason, Ruan Yu still felt restless and interrupted Li Xuzhou. “Kiss me, or let’s go to bed…” Her voice grew softer, tinged with frustration by the end. “Never mind.”
Ruan Yu pouted unhappily, sulking to herself. She knew her request was somewhat unreasonable and suspected Li Xuzhou might be displeased by her secrecy. Yet, she couldn’t suppress the desire in her heart.
Whenever her emotions fluctuated intensely, she desperately craved greater intimacy with Li Xuzhou. Physical contact made her feel safe, just as it had three years ago.
She couldn’t control it.
Suddenly, the car turned onto a side road and pulled over.
The man’s deep voice drew near, carrying a mix of resignation and indulgence. “Ruan Yu, close your eyes.”
Before she could react, Ruan Yu instinctively shut her eyes.
A scorching touch met her forehead as the man’s heated breath brushed against the fine hairs at her crown. Blood rushed to that spot, sending a shiver through her bones. Her entire body went limp and tingling, and her eyes grew warm.
As if under a spell, Ruan Yu froze in place, unable to move.
The next second, she felt the man intensify the pressure of his lips, while a large hand cupped the back of her neck. Though it was merely a kiss on the forehead, it felt like an even more intimate act. Ruan Yu couldn’t help but let out a soft moan. “Mmm…”
Li Xuzhou released her, his thumb brushing the corner of her eye, where he felt dampness. The girl before him still kept her eyes closed, her cheeks flushed with color, her eyelashes fluttering softly, and her lips slightly parted—an alluring, kiss-seeking expression.
Unable to resist, his fingertip grazed the tip of her nose, causing Ruan Yu to tremble again, the tips of her ears turning even redder.
He knew she had a sensitive constitution, but he hadn’t realized that a mere kiss on the forehead could evoke such a strong reaction in her.
Her eyes and brows were relaxed with comfort.
“You can open your eyes now.” Li Xuzhou gently stroked her hair, sensing she hadn’t fully recovered yet. He slid his fingers into her hair, massaging her scalp to help her relax. Ruan Yu finally opened her eyes and saw Li Xuzhou’s handsome face so close to hers. Feeling slightly dazed, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
This time, Li Xuzhou didn’t pull away. He quietly felt the soft, damp touch on his cheek. At such close distance, he could smell the sweet fragrance surrounding the girl—soft, enticing, his own personal stimulant.
He stopped at just the right point, holding the back of Ruan Yu’s head with one hand as he gently pulled back.
“Don’t be angry with yourself,” Li Xuzhou patiently comforted her.
“I will find you, and I will bring you home.”
He repeated the words he had said earlier at the Ruan family home, wanting to convey the sentiment: “I will wait until the day you tell me everything. No matter what, please believe that I will accept all of it, solve every problem you have, and bring you home.”
He didn’t know what Ruan Yu had been through, but he understood her wariness and caution. Building trust takes time, and he had patience. All he needed to do was protect her, heal her, and make her happy throughout the long journey ahead.
Ruan Yu was forced to meet his gaze. She saw the tenderness and acceptance in Li Xuzhou’s eyes and murmured, “Okay…”
“Good girl.” His large hand patted her head before moving to grip the steering wheel, while she remained lingering in the afterglow of the kiss, unable to snap out of it.
Li Xuzhou’s lips curved into a smile. Clearly still so inexperienced, yet trying to act like she knew what she was doing. Adorable.
Upon returning to the Li Residence, Ruan Yu walked back to her room on unsteady legs. Li Xuzhou instructed the kitchen to prepare a meal and went to the front hall to contact Doctor Li.
The monthly physical check-ups had been ongoing. Doctor Li believed Ruan Yu’s physical recovery was progressing well, though she still had some way to go before reaching full health. Maintaining this pace was sufficient.
However, due to his previous work in Germany, Li Xuzhou hadn’t yet found time to discuss Ruan Yu’s psychological issues with Doctor Li. Now was the perfect opportunity.
He dialed Doctor Li’s number and briefly explained Ruan Yu’s current situation.
“Miss Ruan is recovering very well now. Moving forward, she needs to gradually step outside more and participate in social activities.”
“Understood.”
Doctor Li continued, “Although she’s entering a new phase, we still need to keep a close eye on her. Protect her from any triggers, and remain cautious.”
“Mhm.” Li Xuzhou paused before asking, “She… often wants me to do… certain activities with her. Why is that?”
Doctor Li stopped flipping through documents and asked carefully, “Does she require specific actions or behaviors from you?”
“Yes.”
On the other end of the line, Doctor Li let out a relieved laugh. “That’s wonderful.”
Just then, the kitchen finished preparing a meal. Li Xuzhou glanced over and noticed all the dishes were Ruan Yu’s favorites. Distracted for a moment, he missed what Doctor Li said next. “Sorry, what did you say?”
“If Miss Ruan hopes for specific behaviors from you, it means she once found security in those actions before. It’s like how kittens enjoy kneading or having their chins scratched—both behaviors that brought them comfort in their early days.” Doctor Li’s voice was filled with pleasant surprise.
“If Miss Ruan only has such desires directed at you, it also means you are the source of her sense of security.”
Li Xuzhou froze, not even hearing the kitchen staff asking if he wanted the meal delivered to Ruan Yu’s room.
Physical contact with Ruan Yu makes her feel safe?