A Morning Awakening
Morning light pierced the windows of the penthouse master bedroom, soft sunlight sweeping across the luxurious bedding and furniture, creating a warm, comfortable ambiance. Xiaoxi woke first, her eyes half-open, her gaze immediately falling upon Wei Yu Chen, who was still fast asleep on the side of the bed.
Xiaoxi's heart instantly fluttered.
"Insane… he really is this handsome," she murmured to herself, her tone light but full of admiration. Her hand unconsciously moved toward Yu Chen's face, as if wanting to confirm that the figure was real and not just an illusion from her deep sleep.
Xiaoxi stifled a small laugh, gazing at every detail of Yu Chen's face: his defined jawline, his long eyelashes, and lips that seemed to beckon for a touch—though she knew she had to restrain herself. "I don't think there is a woman luckier than me," she whispered, smiling, her small voice breaking into a crisp laugh audible only to herself.
However, Xiaoxi couldn't resist her own playful jab. "But alas, this handsome one prefers handsome-gu gasp!" she quipped mischievously, forcing herself to cover her mouth with a pillow to suppress a loud laugh. In her heart, she admired Yu Chen but was simultaneously amazed by the alpha aura that always clung to him even though this morning, he looked soft and vulnerable in his sleep.
Xiaoxi gazed at Yu Chen a moment longer, feeling the warmth emanating from his body. Despite having just woken up, his figure still made her feel restless yet comfortable. Her small laugh sounded again as she slowly pulled the blanket up to keep Yu Chen warm, preparing herself to start a day that would surely be full of surprises.
After waking, Xiaoxi immediately hurried to the bathroom. Warm water washed over her body, waking up every cell that still felt tired. She moved quickly, cleaning herself adeptly, her hair falling half-damp, and the scent of luxurious soap and moisturizer filling the air—L'Occitane soap and Kiehl's moisturizer left from Yu Chen's gift package.
Finished showering, Xiaoxi looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was slightly tousled, her face fresh, and her cheeks flushed from the hot water. Deftly, she put on one of Yu Chen's white shirts, which was oversized on her shoulders but still looked sweet and seductive, covering part of her body. She smiled at herself in the mirror, "Oh my, this shirt actually suits me too… but don't tell Yu Chen," she mumbled playfully.
Realizing that Auntie Li had an errand out today, Xiaoxi decided to prepare breakfast herself. With light steps, she entered the spacious, modern kitchen, where luxurious cooking equipment was neatly arranged—a La Cornue gas stove, a built-in oven, and stainless-steel appliances gleaming under the light.
She began to prepare breakfast expertly: warming artisan bread, sautéing fresh vegetables, and brewing warm coffee. While cooking, her eyes occasionally darted towards Yu Chen, who was still asleep in the room, smiling to herself, her heart beating erratically.
"Heh, are you going to wake up? But don't… don't wake up yet," Xiaoxi muttered, half-jokingly, half-worried.
Yu Chen's oversized shirt added a casual yet elegant impression to Xiaoxi's appearance. She hadn't brought any other clothes besides the new underwear Yu Chen had bought for her last night—but with her distinctive style, she managed to combine a sweet, sexy, and premium look without being excessive.
The warm kitchen filled with the aroma of cooking and coffee, while Xiaoxi worked alone adeptly, preparing everything as if she were accustomed to it. This morning's atmosphere felt peaceful, elegant, and energetic, with Xiaoxi as the center of attention not only by herself, but also by the image of Yu Chen slowly emerging in her mind, even though he was still sleeping.
Yu Chen slowly opened his eyes. The morning light penetrated the bedroom window, gently illuminating the room. His body felt warm, but his gaze was empty Xiaoxi was not beside him.
He sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes sweeping across the entire room. The sofa, bedside table, bookshelves, and walk-in closet all looked tidy, yet felt alive with an aura of modern luxury. Leather shoes were neatly arranged on the shelf, his luxury watch lay on the console table, and the light scent of the cologne he always used still lingered in the air.
Yu Chen slowly got up, walking through the room. His steps were soft, but full of attention. He glanced at the balcony, surveying the house grounds, checking if the door was open Xiaoxi could be outside. He walked into the family room, his gaze stopping at the empty sofa, then the coffee table, but there was no sign of Xiaoxi's presence.
With calm yet cautious breaths, Yu Chen stepped through the hallway toward the kitchen. The kitchen door was slightly ajar, and from the gap, the sound of pots clattering and a savory cooking aroma could be heard. His eyes stopped instantly.
In the kitchen, Xiaoxi was busy preparing breakfast. Her hair was still half-damp, her slender body covered by Yu Chen's oversized white shirt, yet she looked sweet and seductive. She poured milk into a cup, sautéed vegetables, and arranged the bread adeptly, occasionally smiling to herself as if enjoying the morning.
Yu Chen was frozen. Xiaoxi's silhouette, her lively movements, and the white shirt made his heart beat faster. The typically cold and controlled alpha aura softened, replaced by admiration and a desire to protect. He held his breath, trying not to make a sound so Xiaoxi wouldn't notice his gaze.
The morning silence was only filled with the sound of the food being prepared. But for Yu Chen, every one of Xiaoxi's movements was an attention-grabber that awakened something unusual a mixture of admiration, a desire to protect, and a slight heat he found hard to control.
Yu Chen finally stood silently at the kitchen doorway, watching Xiaoxi who looked so natural, skillful, and captivating. He realized this morning, he wanted to let Xiaoxi move freely, but it was hard to resist the curiosity that grew stronger.
Xiaoxi turned, her eyes meeting the figure of Yu Chen standing at the kitchen entrance. Yu Chen's gaze was still flat, yet there was a calm aura that made Xiaoxi feel slightly relieved and amused.
"Oh, you're awake, are you? Come, sit and have breakfast," Xiaoxi spoke, carrying a tray filled with warm breakfast. She placed the plates on the dining table: toast, scrambled eggs, fresh salad, orange juice, and a cup of hot coffee. The aroma of cooking and coffee filled the room, adding a warm impression to the morning.
"Auntie Li got permission not to come last night, she had an engagement. She said she left you a message, but you didn't read it," Xiaoxi added as she set down the tray and glasses, then sat down with a skillful yet relaxed demeanor. Her hair was slightly messy, but this only added to the natural sweetness that made it hard for Yu Chen not to pay attention.
Yu Chen sat down too, still with a cold and calm expression, his hands placed on the table. He looked at the food in front of him, then replied briefly, "Hmm." His voice was low, short, but firm, reflecting a tranquility that contrasted with Xiaoxi's liveliness.
Xiaoxi observed Yu Chen for a moment, wanting to tease him, but restrained herself, realizing that this morning she had to remain relaxed and elegant. She began to eat, occasionally glancing at the silent Yu Chen, then smiling internally.
The morning atmosphere was warm, although there was a slight distance between them, that distance felt full of a subtle tension a mixture of admiration, a desire to protect, and something more complex that only the two of them felt.
Every movement Xiaoxi made—from arranging the plates to biting into the toast—reflected the soft morning light filtering through the large kitchen window. Yu Chen remained silent, but his eyes occasionally swept over Xiaoxi, observing every detail of her movement—her half-damp hair, the slightly oversized white shirt, and her cheerful facial expression.
Though he did not say much, the atmosphere between the two of them felt meaningful. The ordinary morning silence was now laden with soft yet stirring emotions, a tension only felt in intimate moments like this.
Click! The sound of the elevator door opening broke the morning stillness in the penthouse. Jiang Fan stepped out with a wide smile, as if he had smelled the breakfast aroma from afar.
"Wow, I came at the perfect time, didn't I! Morning breakfast!" he exclaimed cheerfully as he entered the kitchen, his steps light and relaxed, full of infectious energy.
Xiaoxi, who was eating toast, turned briefly, her eyebrows raised, and smiled amusingly. "Heh, you came to join the morning rush, did you? Quickly, sit down, I've prepared a plate," she said, placing a fork and knife in front of Jiang Fan.
Yu Chen, sitting across, maintained his flat expression, only glancing briefly at Jiang Fan. However, Yu Chen's eyes could not fully detach from Xiaoxi; his gaze was warm yet calm, signifying the bond that was beginning to form that morning.
Jiang Fan sat down, reaching for a glass of orange juice, then looked at Xiaoxi jokingly, "Hahaha, this morning's breakfast aroma is incredible, like a five-star restaurant. Miss Xiao, you really are a great cook!"
Xiaoxi pursed her lips into a proud smile, lightly patting her chest,
"Heh, yes, I have to maintain my stamina, right? I can't let Young Master Yu Chen starve in my house… ah, I mean… in your house, Yu Chen," she said, casting a mischievous look at Yu Chen, who only stared at her coldly but secretly felt warmth in his heart.
Jiang Fan chuckled softly at their interaction.
"Heh, the atmosphere this morning is wonderful. I made the right choice to come," he said, sipping his juice.
Behind the dining table, the aroma of coffee and toast mingled with the morning sunlight streaming through the large window, creating a warm, elegant, and slightly intimate atmosphere. Every movement Xiaoxi made scooping salad, pouring coffee, arranging the plates looked natural, adding a premium touch to the morning scene.
Yu Chen was silent, still outwardly cold, but his heart slowly felt warm. Every time Xiaoxi smiled or joked with Jiang Fan, the wave of warmth intensified, filling this supposedly ordinary morning with an unusual tremor.