Chapter 57: Still Cold?

A soft sigh came from the other side of the partition.

“Bring your blanket and come over here.”

“Huh?” Luo Yixia didn’t quite grasp what Song Chengyi meant.

“Come here,” he repeated.

“It’s okay, I’m just not used to it yet. I’ll be fine in a bit.” Luo Yixia knew Song Chengyi was only being considerate, worried she might catch a chill.

But the bed was already small; sharing it would make things even more cramped.

“Be good,” came his voice again, this time coaxing, almost cajoling.

Perhaps bewitched by his tone, Luo Yixia gathered up her little quilt and slowly made her way over to Song Chengyi’s side.

He was already sitting up, lifting one side of his blanket for her.

Obediently, Luo Yixia crawled in, and Song Chengyi draped her blanket over his as well.

Now she was covered by two quilts.

Song Chengyi lay down. He noticed Luo Yixia’s small figure huddled as far from him as possible, practically pressed against the edge of the bed.

Indeed, half her body was almost hanging off the side. Why was the bed so narrow? If she moved back any farther, she’d be pressed against Song Chengyi.

They had forgotten to bring pillows, too; lying on her side without one was uncomfortable.

It was impossible to sleep like this.

Just as Luo Yixia was fretting, an arm slipped under her neck, and in the next instant, she was gently pulled backward, her back nestled tightly against someone’s chest.

Song Chengyi was so warm, like a living heater.

Luo Yixia rested her head on his pillow.

Both of them lay on their sides. Luo Yixia could feel his breath warm against her neck.

She froze, not daring to move.

“Are you still cold?” came the deep voice behind her.

“N-no, I’m not cold anymore…” In fact, she was far too warm, Luo Yixia stammered.

“Sleep now.” Song Chengyi tucked the quilt securely around her and spoke softly.

Luo Yixia didn’t answer. With his arm beneath her neck, she stared drowsily at his hand, so close she could reach out and grab it.

“Weren’t you angry before?” Luo Yixia shook her head, her lips trembling, her voice muffled.

Song Chengyi’s eyes, which had been closed, suddenly opened, gazing at the little tousled head before him.

“So don’t make me angry again, all right?” he said quietly.

Luo Yixia nodded emphatically.

Satisfied, Song Chengyi reached out to ruffle her hair.

“Good girl.”

That gentle praise was enough to melt her entirely.

She couldn’t help but smile.

Then, secretly, she stretched out her hand until it found Song Chengyi’s free hand, and she gently clasped it.

The person behind her seemed surprised at first, but soon his grip tightened around her small hand as well.

Seeing her gesture returned, Luo Yixia’s smile grew even sweeter.

Content at last, she closed her eyes.

Before long, she drifted into sleep, her breathing steady and calm.

As if by habit, her body turned, burrowing deeper into Song Chengyi’s embrace, her arm looping around his waist.

Finally, she smacked her lips in satisfaction, as if dreaming of something delicious.

Song Chengyi opened his eyes, looking down at the little figure in his arms. He brushed aside the hair that had fallen across her cheek.

Then, with the pad of his finger, he gently stroked her face.

Her skin was so soft and smooth.

She was already in her twenties, yet she looked like a child, her complexion as delicate as a baby’s, soft and pleasing to the touch.

Song Chengyi knew she was a lazy girl, unlike others who loved wearing makeup. She was simple, usually just splashing water on her face, never bothering with cosmetics, often skipping even lipstick.