Because she was wearing headphones, the sharp voices from the TV drama filled Xia Zhiwan’s entire head.
“Concubine Xi returns to the palace~”
Hearing that line combined with the background music, Xia Zhiwan felt her whole body stir with excitement.
If it weren’t for her sore muscles, she probably would have knelt down right there to pay her respects to the empress.
She had watched this drama countless times, but every time she reached this scene, she felt the same thrill.
Just as Xia Zhiwan was getting carried away, the hand holding her chips was brushed by a cool, unexpected touch.
Startled, she quickly pulled her hand back and turned to look beside her.
At the edge of the bed, a man was leaning over, catching her anxious, flustered expression.
“Ha—” Xia Zhiwan didn’t even get the word out before half a matcha-flavored chip was gently placed at her lips by his.
Li Xiaohan raised an eyebrow, cupping the back of her head as the matcha taste spread across their tongues.
Only after the flavor had completely dissipated did he reluctantly release her already-flushed little face.
“Hubby… y-you… why are you back?”
Xia Zhiwan covered her mouth, glancing at the sky that still hadn’t darkened.
She didn’t understand much about company affairs, but she assumed CEOs were always busy.
Since Xiyi always complained that her dad never cared for her, Xia Zhiwan figured Ah Han’s schedule must be even more demanding.
After all, his company was far bigger than Xiyi’s family business.
“I’m back. Aren’t you happy, baby?”
A hint of disappointment flickered in Li Xiaohan’s eyes, softening Xia Zhiwan’s heart completely.
She stood on the bed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and patted his head like she would a little puppy.
“No, no, I’m really happy you came back early, Ah Han.”
A small smile curved the corner of his lips, and his hands slid around her slim waist.
“That’s good. I thought you’d be the forgetful type who finishes everything and loses memory of it.”
The words carried a flavor stronger than the matcha chips Xia Zhiwan had just eaten.
Hearing this, Xia Zhiwan puffed up in anger, trying to pull away from him—but her waist was firmly held.
“Who’s forgetful now? Hmph… I’m still sore…”
“You still hurt?” Hearing her complaint, Li Xiaohan’s tone softened with guilt.
He had already applied medicine after she fell asleep and had been careful… only lightly touching… once, twice, three, four… maybe a few times…
“I’m sorry, baby. Hubby was wrong.”
Li Xiaohan bent down, scooping Xia Zhiwan into a princess carry. “Let me apply the medicine again.”
Apply the medicine? That meant…
Intimate contact?
Panicking, Xia Zhiwan shook her head. “No, no, hubby… just let me rest for a week.”
A week was exactly what she had decided beforehand—there was no way she could handle it again so soon.
She was already sore enough…
Already feeling guilty, Li Xiaohan wanted to argue, but looking into her misty, dreamy eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to.
“Alright, baby will rest.”
A light, teasing kiss landed on his lips as she murmured, “Ah Han is so good~~~”
He could only look at her helplessly.
“Hungry? Want to go eat?”
At the mention of food, Xia Zhiwan immediately perked up. “Yes! Hubby, carry me to change first, I’m starving!”
She had only been focused on the drama, barely touching the snacks.
“Hungry but didn’t eat?”
Li Xiaohan frowned, holding her as they walked toward the dressing room, his gaze sharp. “Was Aunt Wang not bringing it to you?”
“No, no,” Xia Zhiwan wrapped her arms around him, unable to gesture. “It’s not that. I just didn’t tell Aunt Wang… she’s very nice.”
“Baby, why didn’t you say you were hungry?”
Hearing her, Li Xiaohan’s anger melted away.
Xia Zhiwan rested her head on his shoulder, shyly whispering, “Not very hungry… I just didn’t want Aunt Wang to guess… why I couldn’t… get up…”
She had been sleeping in bed all day, still marked with little “strawberries” from last night. If Aunt Wang saw, it would be mortifying.
Noticing the marks on her delicate neck, Li Xiaohan finally realized.
“So my baby’s shy and doesn’t want to be seen.”
Leaning close, he murmured seductively to her resting head and gently kissed her forehead.
For some reason, Xia Zhiwan suddenly felt bewitched by him.
How could such a simple phrase stir her heart so easily?
“Ah Han, put me down! I want to change clothes, I’m so hungry.”
Almost hypnotized again, she quickly shifted the topic and wriggled out of his arms.
Seeing her flushed face, Li Xiaohan couldn’t help but be captivated again.
After a quick wash-up, Xia Zhiwan searched in vain for any clothing to cover the marks on her neck.
It was summer—who wore turtlenecks?
With her stomach protesting fiercely, she gave up on the idea of hiding the marks.
“Hubby, I’m ready. Let’s go eat.”
“Ah!” Just as she reached Li Xiaohan, he scooped her up sideways again.
“My baby’s legs are tired. Hubby will carry you down.”
“Hubby, I… I can walk myself.” She struggled, but he held her tight.
“Mm? Can you?” Li Xiaohan whispered in her ear.
“Then… tonight… again?”