Chapter 71 - If You Get Used to It
“En.”
Shang Xiaojie listened attentively, taking advantage of his rest period, likely exhausted from crying. After a while, he drifted off to sleep, still clutching onto Mu Sifa's clothing tightly. His appearance was undeniably endearing, prompting another smile from Mu Sifa.
“Are you so afraid that I'll leave?”
It would be insincere to deny the happiness that welled up within Mu Sifa in that moment. Gazing at Shang Xiaojie's peaceful slumber brought about a sense of contentment, simultaneously alleviating the day's weariness.
“This young lad possesses a healing quality. Just observing his serene sleeping countenance imparts a soothing sensation upon me.”
Mu Sifa found himself beholding Shang Xiaojie's sleeping visage up close for the very first time. The boy appeared infinitely more adorable than when he blushed, particularly while clutching Mu Sifa's hand and emitting gentle breaths.
Mu Sifa continued to gaze for more than ten minutes, his fascination unwavering.
Out of the blue, he lightly tapped Shang Xiaojie's soft cheeks and began to play with his lips.
“Impressive suppleness; you truly embody the spirit of youth,” he chuckled once more.
Shang Xiaojie opened his eyes in a daze, he probably woke up.
He blinked those adorable eyes at Mu Sifa and uttered, “Mu Sifa?” His long, feathery eyelashes fluttered like those of a speaking doll.
“Hmm? What's the matter? Did I disturb your slumber?” He gently brushed his hand against Shang Xiaojie's forehead, asking with a smile.
Shang Xiaojie remained silent but continued gazing at Mu Sifa with a dreamy expression. Suddenly, he chuckled, “You're still here.” With those words, he drew nearer to Mu Sifa and enveloped him in a warm embrace.
“If I promise to stay, then I will.” Ye Zichen habitually stroked Shang Xiaojie's hair and interlaced his fingers with Shang Xiaojie's.
“Mm, you didn't deceive me.” His smile was sweet, yet traces of drowsiness still lingered on his face. Perplexed, he drifted back into slumber.
Mu Sifa smiled speechlessly, “Sleeping again?”
Mu Sifa lingered by Shang Xiaojie's side for quite some time. When Shang Xiaojie finally succumbed to sleep, Mu Sifa gently withdrew his hand and retreated to the bathroom for a shower.
Approximately ten minutes later, Mu Sifa emerged from his bath, finding Shang Xiaojie still sound asleep. He approached the bed, tucking Shang Xiaojie in with the blanket before bending down to bestow a tender kiss upon him. Then, he resumed his work on the sofa.
An hour passed, and Shang Xiaojie remained in deep slumber. Concerned that something might be amiss at the hospital, Mu Sifa had no intention of sleeping himself.
Unexpectedly, there came a soft knock at the door. Mu Sifa had ordered coffee.
Wary of awakening Shang Xiaojie, he rose and answered the door.
Seeing Mu Sifa personally receiving the coffee, Xiao Ming appeared mildly surprised. His gaze shifted to the sleeping figure on the bed, and only then did he grasp why Mu Sifa had chosen to handle the task himself.
“What are you looking at, kid?” Mu Sifa frowned.
“No.” The answer was straightforward, but a cryptic smile played upon his lips. Then, he abruptly added, “How does it feel to be ensnared? I've slowly grown accustomed to it, yet I can't break free. I'm actually looking forward to it.”
Mu Sifa couldn't quite fathom Ye Zichen's meaning, furrowing his brow in confusion. However, without allowing Mu Sifa a chance to respond, Ye Zichen made a decision on his own, “Just let me know when you're done with your coffee, and I'll come to clean up.” With those words directed at Mu Sifa, he turned and departed.
Mu Sifa's frown deepened. “He truly is an inscrutable and precocious young rascal.”
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l