C9 Have You Had Enough?

The cool tip of his nose traced along her delicate chin, gliding down to her slender, soft neck. The scent of her body wash filled the air, darkening his gaze slightly as his nose brushed against her skin. "Hmm? Why so quiet?"

Lin Ci's heart trembled as she took a deep breath and pushed away his hand from her waist. "I have school tomorrow."

Even though she had decided to have the baby with him, and they had already done everything a married couple might do, she couldn't bring herself to be with him now, especially after what she knew about him and Lin Ya. She just wasn't ready for that.

Besides, there were still a few months before she would be pregnant with the child. There was no rush.

"Is that so?"

He didn't seem upset. Instead, he leaned down to kiss her lips. Lin Ci instinctively wanted to pull away, but he seemed to anticipate this, holding the back of her head and kissing her deeply, leaving no room for refusal.

When they finally parted, Lin Ci was breathless and dazed, while his handsome face remained as calm as if nothing had happened, his breathing steady.

Annoyed, Lin Ci glared at him, gritting her teeth, and gave him a kick. "Are you done messing around? If you are, I'm turning off the lights and going to sleep!"

He held her restless foot in his large hand and chuckled softly, "Alright, sleep now."

Lin Ci grabbed the remote to turn off the light, wrapped herself in the blanket, and turned to lie on her side at the edge of the bed. Without a word, Bai Chongyuan gently turned her back around, his strong arms enveloping her, resting her head on his shoulder.

She rolled her eyes, knowing from experience that struggling was pointless—she couldn't break free!

A warm, soft kiss landed on her forehead. "Goodnight, Ci."

"...Mm."

Moments later, his steady, deep breaths filled the room.

Lin Ci lay awake.

He was always perceptive, and he had clearly noticed her unusual behavior today. He preferred to uncover the truth in his own way. After asking her and getting no answer, he would likely have someone investigate.

That was fine.

After all, he wouldn't find anything amiss.

——

Morning.

Lin Ci woke to find the bed empty.

She had classes today. Checking the time, she quickly got up to get ready.

As she headed downstairs, Bai Chongyuan was still there.

It seemed he had waited for her. When he saw her, he closed his newspaper, which the butler took and neatly folded.

Adjusting his tie, he glanced at her. "It's Thursday. You only have two classes this afternoon. The driver will be at the school gate to pick you up afterward."

He was indirectly telling her not to stay out too late. Lin Ci felt even less spirited, eating her breakfast in silence. He squinted at her, displeased. "Hmm?"

She reluctantly responded, "I know, you say it every day. Aren't you tired of it?"

To her surprise, Bai Chongyuan actually chuckled. "I'll be home earlier this afternoon." Then he left.

Lin Ci: "..."

She couldn't figure out what was so funny. Even Mrs. Wang laughed, seemingly understanding Bai Chongyuan's thoughts. "Ma'am, you're finally not mad at him. Of course, he's happy."

Lin Ci: "..."

Which part of her looked like she wasn't mad? She thought she was making it pretty obvious!

"Ci, why are you up so early today?"

Lin Ci had just settled down in the study with her book when Qin Shuangning approached.

"Woke up early," she replied dismissively, though she actually had a bit of a headache.