Ye Chen smiled faintly, his heart softening at her words. But deep down, his thoughts were already spinning.
"If I want to protect Yunlan Sect and change the fate written in the original story… I need strength. Real strength."
"And maybe… this system is the key."
He turned to look at Nalan Yanran again, watching the way she fussed over him.
"But before all that… I need to make sure she never leaves my side."
With Nalan Yanran's gentle care, Ye Chen finished the bowl of steaming chicken soup.
A comforting warmth spread through his chest, easing both his injuries and his heart.
She reached for a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of his lips.
Her touch was soft, her expression full of concern and tenderness.
Moved by her thoughtfulness, Ye Chen reached out and took her small hand in his, holding it carefully as if it were a treasure.
"Brother Ye Chen…?"
Nalan Yanran blinked in surprise, a blush quickly blooming on her cheeks.
She hadn't expected this sudden show of affection.
Ye Chen's voice was low and warm as he looked into her eyes. "Yanran… thank you. For everything you've done for me.
You've always been there when I needed someone most."
Her heart skipped a beat. She lowered her gaze shyly, her fingers curling slightly in his palm. "You don't need to thank me, Senior Brother.
I was just doing what anyone would do… I wanted to take care of you."
Still holding her hand, Ye Chen let out a soft sigh.
He had been thinking about this moment for days, ever since the "Many Children, Many Blessings" system had awakened within him. Its constant messages, its urgent reminders
it all pointed to one thing.
He had to act.
And more importantly, he wanted to act.
"Yanran…" His tone became serious, his eyes steady. "Marry me."
Her breath caught in her throat.
"W-What…?"
She stared at him wide-eyed, completely stunned.
Had he just
Did he really just propose to me?
Nalan Yanran's mind went blank for a moment. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
Ye Chen gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I mean it.
Will you marry me, Yanran?
Will you stay by my side from now on… as my wife?"
His voice held no hesitation.
She felt as if her heart had been struck by lightning. All the emotions she had carefully hidden over the years surged to the surface
her admiration, her quiet longing, her unspoken love.
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she nodded slowly.
"…Yes."
The word was soft, almost like a breeze, but it was the answer Ye Chen had longed to hear.
"You really mean it?"
Ye Chen's eyes lit up, and he sat up abruptly, forgetting about the injuries that had kept him in bed.
"Brother! Be careful!"
Yanran panicked and moved to steady him, but he simply grinned, waving her concern away.
"I'm fine. Nothing hurts now."
He reached out to touch her cheek. "Because today… you've made me the happiest man alive."
"The woman I love has agreed to be mine."
The words came out faster than he intended, and he felt a hint of heat rush to his ears. But they were true from the bottom of his heart.
Nalan Yanran's lips trembled slightly. She bit down softly, a glowing smile spreading across her face.
"Senior Brother… I've always felt the same."
Ye Chen's heart swelled with joy. He couldn't help but lean in and press his forehead against hers, their closeness deeper than ever before.
This moment felt like destiny.
But as the silence settled between them, something stirred.
Yanran's heartbeat quickened. Slowly, instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Ye Chen's neck.
"Brother… what are you doing?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it trembled with emotion.
Ye Chen looked into her eyes, his gaze gentle yet firm.
Wasn't it obvious?
He wanted to show his love
not just in words, but with his heart and body.
To hold her close.
To truly become one with her.
To begin their life together as more than just senior brother and junior sister.
He smiled slightly, brushing her hair behind her ear.
So this was the proud, noble young lady of the Nalan clan? Right now, in his arms, she was trembling like a timid little rabbit.
Her vulnerability only made him love her more.
With slow, careful movements, Ye Chen lifted her into his arms.
Nalan Yanran gasped softly, but didn't resist. Her face was flushed red as he carried her gently toward the bed.
She could feel her heartbeat thudding wildly in her chest.
As he laid her down on the soft mattress, she looked up at him, breathless.
"B-Brother…" Her fingers gripped the edge of the bedsheet nervously. "We… we're not married yet."
Ye Chen leaned in closer, his lips near her ear, his voice calm and full of promise.
"The wedding can wait," he whispered, "but I promise you, when that day comes, our wedding will shake the heavens. Everyone will witness our love."
He gently kissed her forehead, then looked into her eyes once more.
"But tonight… let me hold you close. Just this once. As the man who truly loves you."
..............
If you notice any mistakes anywhere, feel free to point them out. I'll do my best to fix them.