But things were subtly different.

That evening, as usual, she sat at her desk reviewing practice questions. She couldn't focus, fidgeting in her chair. When she instinctively turned her head, expecting Zhong Cheng, she realized he wasn't there. The memory of sitting on his lap surfaced, and she understood the source of her unease.

Realizing this, she self-consciously touched her ear. Initially, being held and made to sit on his lap had been uncomfortable. Now, she was so used to it that not being there felt strange.

Jiang Yi shook her head, clenching her fists and squeezing her cheeks. This wasn't a good habit! A man's lap wasn't a reliable seat; only a chair was constant. They might leave at any moment, and they might stop holding her.

This thought darkened her expression, but only briefly. She rallied, shifting in her chair, forcing herself to focus and study for another half hour.

That night, whether due to the cold or something else, she couldn't get warm. Tossing and turning, she realized she was used to being held as she slept, accustomed to another person's warmth.

Pulling the covers over her head, she curled up on her side, squeezing her eyes shut. She counted sheep, battling the lingering images that kept flashing through her mind. Finally, after a long while, she drifted off.

The following days were filled with studying, hobby classes, and occasional outings with Qin Feifei. Yet, at night, the unfamiliar feeling persisted, though she was slowly overcoming it.

Another week passed.

One night, as usual, Jiang Yi lay awake, staring at the ceiling until sleepiness overtook her.

She drifted off, then suddenly felt herself enveloped in a familiar, warm embrace. Half-asleep, she murmured, "Zhong Cheng."

The person holding her stiffened. In the darkness, his eyes gleamed, fixed on the girl in his arms. His grip tightened unconsciously.

"Mmm..." Jiang Yi's brow furrowed at the disturbance.

Startled, he quickly loosened his hold.

Her brow smoothed, and she snuggled closer, finding a comfortable position and drifting back to sleep.

He didn't dare move, holding her close. His drowsiness and unspoken longing for her had been jolted by her subconscious murmur of "Zhong Cheng."

A long moment later, a soft sigh echoed in the dark room. After much internal struggle, he finally closed his eyes, holding her tight.

Jiang Yi woke with the dawn. As awareness returned, she realized someone was beside her. At first, she didn't think much of it, even snuggling closer, closing her eyes, ready to linger in bed. Feeling the hand on her waist shift, she wriggled, murmuring, "Zhong Cheng, stop touching..."

The words hung in the air. Suddenly, the hazy memory of being embraced as she fell asleep the night before rushed back. Had Zhong Cheng returned?

The hand on her waist paused after her words, then tightened its hold.

This scent...

Jiang Yi abruptly looked up, meeting the man's deep gaze. Her eyes widened, sleepiness vanishing instantly.

"Lin... Lin... gege..."

She tried to sit up, the covers slipping from her smooth skin, revealing delicate shoulders and elegant collarbones.

Zhong Lin's eyes lingered on her collarbone, his hand gently tracing its line. "Does Zhong Cheng often sleep with you?"