"Shengsheng, you need to eat properly from now on." Lu Shiyan spoke as he unpacked a bag, setting out containers of chicken soup, rice, and other dishes.
The rich aroma of chicken soup filled the air.
But instead of stirring her appetite, the scent hit her like a wave of nausea, and Ye Shengsheng gagged.
Clamping a hand over her mouth, she tried to get out of bed, but the IV in her hand held her back.
Lu Shiyan was instantly by her side, holding a wastebasket for her.
When the retching subsided, she looked up to find him standing there with a bottle of water.
"Here, Shengsheng," Lu Shiyan said, offering her the water. "Rinse your mouth."
She took it with a grateful nod.
But as soon as she'd settled back against the pillows, the smell of the chicken soup hit her again...
Following her gaze, Lu Shiyan understood immediately. Without a word, he picked up the soup and swiftly carried it out of the room.
By the time he returned, Ye Shengsheng was feeling much better.
"Da Shu, I'm sorry, I..."
"There's nothing to be sorry for." Lu Shiyan’s brow creased with concern. "Shengsheng, does this happen often?"
"No," she said, shaking her head. After a moment's thought, she added, "It was just in the mornings a few days ago, so I went for a check-up. It didn't happen yesterday or the day before."
Her words only deepened the worry on his face.
He said softly, "We’ll have to monitor it for a few days. For now, just eat this. I'll arrange for a nutritionist to prepare your meals from now on."
"Okay," she murmured.
Lu Shiyan mentioned he had to step out for a moment.
Ye Shengsheng sat on the hospital bed, staring at her belly in a daze.
Today had been too close a call.
If she had...
The mere thought of losing the two babies sent a wave of pain through her chest.
She remembered the look of pure panic on Lu Shiyan's face in the car.
Da Shu was a good man, really. And thank God, the babies were safe.
Suddenly, a look of resolve hardened her features, as if she had just made a monumental decision.
A few moments later, Lu Shiyan returned to the room.
Ye Shengsheng looked up, meeting his eyes. He wasn't so scary after all.
"Da Shu, I've made up my mind. I'm keeping the babies. But you have to remember what you promised. If I keep them, you have to let me see them whenever I want. You can't go back on your word."
"Of course, Shengsheng. I told you I'd take responsibility." Lu Shiyan was taken aback. He'd only stepped out to ask the doctor about a few precautions. He hadn't expected to return to such a solemn declaration. Then again, she had already said once on the way to the hospital that she wanted to keep them.
Lu Shiyan’s voice was gentle, and his words soothed Ye Shengsheng’s anxious heart.
Remembering she had classes the next day, Ye Shengsheng sent a message asking for a week's leave.
She watched Lu Shiyan carefully wipe her hands with a warm towel, and a gentle warmth spread through her chest. No one had ever treated her with such care. He was a little older, yes, but he was truly good to her.
Looking at the man's profile, she couldn't help but think, *Da Shu is so handsome*.
After two anxious days in the hospital, the doctor finally gave her the all-clear during morning rounds, saying she was fine to go home and rest.
Ye Shengsheng breathed a sigh of relief. She could finally go home.
These past two days, Lu Shiyan had been incredibly busy. On top of caring for her, he had his own work to deal with. At night, the moment she stirred, he would be at her side, asking if she needed anything.
Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, Ye Shengsheng felt a pang of sympathy.
Back home, Ye Shengsheng spent a few days resting in bed. She had to go to school tomorrow, or she'd never catch up on her classes.
As dusk settled, Lu Shiyan still hadn't returned.
Li Ma, the housekeeper, noticed her glancing at the door every so often and smiled. "Young Madam, the Young Master has some business today. He'll be back late."
"Oh."
A flicker of disappointment passed through her. She didn't know what was wrong with herself. Ever since the two-day hospital stay, she felt so fragile. Was it the pregnancy?
She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.
She went upstairs to take a shower, needing to wake up early for school tomorrow.
Ye Shengsheng had just finished her shower and stepped out of the bathroom in her nightdress and a pair of small slippers.
She was toweling her hair dry when she heard a sound behind her and assumed Li Ma had come in.
"Li Ma, I'm done! Come smell this new milk-scented body wash, isn't it lovely?"
Ye Shengsheng had grown quite close with Li Ma over the past few days and wanted to share everything with her.
She extended her arm back toward the figure.
Lu Shiyan stared at the soft, pale arm offered to him. The faint scent of milk drifted to his nose, seeping into his senses, fraying his control. It wasn't just the milk; there was a hint of a light floral note underneath. The drug from that night hadn't been enough to make him lose his mind—it was this fragrance that had completely undone him.
Ye Shengsheng was still rubbing her hair with one hand, her other arm held expectantly in the air.
She still hadn't realized the person standing beside her wasn't Li Ma.
"It smells wonderful. Very sweet."
The low, husky male voice that answered was not Li Ma's. The air in the room suddenly felt charged.
Ye Shengsheng instinctively pulled her arm back, dropping the towel from her hair as she whipped around to look.
Their eyes met.
The man's deep eyes were like bottomless whirlpools, threatening to pull her in.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" he chuckled softly.
Snapping out of her daze, Ye Shengsheng gave an awkward laugh. "I thought you were Li Ma."
"Da Shu, you're back so late. Have you had dinner?" she asked.
"I have," Lu Shiyan's voice was deep and raspy.
Ye Shengsheng took his hand. "Da Shu, can I go to school tomorrow? If I miss any more classes, I'll fall behind."
Her voice grew quieter as she spoke.
Lu Shiyan’s gaze fell on her lips—soft, red, and glistening like jelly. He lost control. He closed the distance and kissed her.
Ye Shengsheng tried to pull away, her hands pressing against his chest, but his strength was overwhelming. She had nowhere to run.
Her heart hammered against her ribs.
He didn't pull away until he felt her struggling for air, her face flushed a deep red. *This little girl really is sweet*, he thought.
As soon as she could breathe again, Ye Shengsheng gasped for air.
"Da Shu, what are you doing?"
Lu Shiyan's eyebrow quirked. "Sorry. I lost control. You're too sweet, Shengsheng."
"..."
By the time she processed his words, she had already scurried to the bed and dived under the covers.
"Da Shu, I have to wake up early for school tomorrow! I'm going to sleep now."
Lu Shiyan sighed, a helpless smile on his face.
He turned and left the room.
Ye Shengsheng heard the door close and peeked out from under the blanket, only to meet the man's amused gaze. He hadn't left.
She ducked back under the covers.
"Shengsheng, your hair is wet. You'll catch a cold." Lu Shiyan felt a pang of regret for his lack of control; he'd clearly frightened her.
"Come on, let me dry it for you," he said, holding up the hair dryer he was now carrying.
No one spoke. The only sound in the room was the low hum of the dryer, and the air was filled with the sweet, milky fragrance.
"Da Shu," Ye Shengsheng said in a small voice, "can you promise me something?"
















