Chapter Twenty-Three: Living Under Someone Else’s Roof

When Song Chengyi emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered, he saw Luo Yixia lounging on the bed, engrossed in a game. As he towel-dried his damp hair, he asked, “I remember you freshmen have summer assignments, don’t you?”

Luo Yixia, caught up in her excitement, replied without a second thought, “Yes, and it’s a thick stack.”

“Have you finished it?” Song Chengyi raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t even know where I put it,” Luo Yixia answered absentmindedly.

“Find it tomorrow.”

Luo Yixia paused her game, puzzled. “What for?”

“To finish it.”

“There’s no rush, I’ll do it later,” she protested, clearly reluctant.

“Tomorrow I’ll take you back to get it,” Song Chengyi said, leaving her no room for argument.

“You don’t have class tomorrow?” she asked.

“It’s over.”

“So soon?” Luo Yixia sounded on the verge of despair.

“It’s already the end of July—how could it not be over?” Song Chengyi retorted.

Luo Yixia grumbled inwardly, wishing classes would last just a bit longer.

“But my mom just kicked me out yesterday, and now you want me to go back tomorrow? Plus, I bought so many things to keep here…” she complained softly.

“That’s why I’ll go with you,” Song Chengyi said, lifting the covers and sitting down beside her.

“But what about after you leave? My mom will skin me alive,” Luo Yixia said pitifully, tilting her head to look at him.

Song Chengyi sighed and tapped her on the head. “Didn’t you hear me? I said you’re bringing your homework back here. Don’t you get what that means?”

Luo Yixia rubbed the spot where he’d poked her, trying to puzzle out his meaning. Was he suggesting she’d keep staying here with him?

She had more questions, but by then, Song Chengyi had already picked up a book and started reading. Seeing how focused he was, Luo Yixia decided not to disturb him, lowering her head and thinking things over by herself.

Song Chengyi was disciplined about sleep. When the clock struck eleven, he hurried Luo Yixia to turn off the lights—there was no room for protest.

And so, the night slipped quietly by.

The next morning, Song Chengyi was roused by a stifling sensation. Opening his eyes, he found a face alarmingly close to his own, and an entire body draped over him. Luo Yixia’s leg was sprawled across his stomach, her small arms wrapped tightly around him; he felt as though he’d become her sleeping teddy bear.

He’d hoped to sleep in on his day off, but with the girl clinging to him, all hope of rest evaporated. For some reason, he felt a strange heat building within him...

Besides, this little imp was completely sprawled on top of him. It was early summer morning—didn’t she feel hot? He was already sweating from the warmth.

Tilting his head slightly, he could feel her breath tickling his neck, sending a shiver down his spine.

He gently nudged Luo Yixia away. She didn’t react at all, simply rolled over, wrapped herself in the comforter, and continued sleeping soundly.

Song Chengyi shook his head in helpless resignation. Looking at the culprit who’d left him in such a state, he was tempted to wake her up so she could share in his discomfort. But his heart softened, and instead, he got up and headed for the bathroom.

Luo Yixia slept until she woke naturally, stretching lazily. She reached for her phone on the nightstand—nine o’clock.

Last night, with Song Chengyi setting the rules, she hadn’t dared to stay up. She’d gone to bed at half past ten, the earliest night she’d had in years.

But what could she do? She was living under someone else’s roof.

She slipped out of bed, shuffled to the bathroom in her slippers, and after washing up, emerged dressed but still yawning, unable to shake off her sleepiness.