C8 I Made You Worry

Bai Chongyuan remained expressionless, lost in thought. After Qin Shuangning sat down, he picked up a napkin, wiped the corner of his mouth, and said, "Take good care of the lady during dinner," before heading upstairs.

Qin Shuangning watched his retreating figure, her eyes filled with disappointment.

Lin Ci smiled casually, "Shuangning, don't worry about him. Let's just enjoy our meal."

"Oh, okay." Qin Shuangning tried not to let her feelings show too much. "You have no idea how scared I was when you were unconscious for those days."

"I'm sorry for worrying you."

Qin Shuangning paused, "How are you feeling now? Is there any discomfort?"

"No, I'm almost fully recovered."

"When are you going back to school?"

Lin Ci was momentarily stunned, remembering she was only 20 and hadn't graduated college yet. Since marrying Bai Chongyuan, he had naturally restricted her freedom, and it became even more so after their child was born. She rarely interacted with the outside world.

Well, at least during her studies, she could have some personal time. This way, she could carry out her plans without Bai Chongyuan's interference.

---

10 p.m.

Lin Ci sat bored in the living room, flipping through channels with the remote. She'd been doing this for nearly an hour when Mrs. Wang couldn't hold back any longer. "Ma'am, it's so late. Aren't you going to rest in your room?"

"I'll watch for a bit longer. If you're tired, go ahead and rest. Don't worry about me."

Mrs. Wang glanced quietly upstairs. There stood a tall figure, waiting for who knows how long. Whether the person upstairs heard Lin Ci's words or not, there was no change in expression. Mrs. Wang, unable to decipher the situation, decided to head to bed herself.

Once most of the staff had retired for the night, the house fell silent, like an empty castle. Lin Ci couldn't hold out any longer either. She yawned and finally made her way upstairs.

The door to the master bedroom was open, and from the hallway, Lin Ci could see the soft glow of a lamp spilling out. She hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and walked forward.

"Had enough TV?"

As soon as she stepped into the bedroom, Bai Chongyuan's voice, calm and measured, greeted her. He had clearly already showered, wearing loose pajamas and holding a book. He turned a page slowly before looking up at her.

Lin Ci appeared equally calm, responding with a simple "Mm," as she grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom.

A full thirty minutes later, when she emerged, Bai Chongyuan was still engrossed in his book. She sat at the vanity to do her skincare routine. From the mirror, she caught his deep gaze fixed on her. In a steady voice, he asked, "Are you avoiding me?"

Lin Ci lowered her eyes, avoiding his gaze. "Why would I hide from you?"

The heavy book suddenly closed with a thud, and before Lin Ci could react, a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist. In a dizzying moment, she found herself in his embrace, laid back on the bed.

Startled, Lin Ci watched as his handsome face drew near, his eyes narrowing. His prominent nose brushed against hers, and he teasingly kissed her lips twice.

His deep voice carried a husky, seductive tone, like the rich sound of a cello. "Say it again? No?"

Lin Ci swallowed hard.

This man—over the years, they had been together for more than five years. Yet, his striking face, perfect physique, and captivating voice still left her completely dazed.

Damn, the allure of a good-looking man is truly irresistible!