First Frost

The person on his back gradually quieted down, her breathing growing lighter until no more sounds were heard. It seemed the exhaustion from the entire day had been magnified by the drunkenness, leaving her completely overwhelmed.

An unknown amount of time passed, until they were almost at the doorstep of their home.

Sang Yan heard Wen Yifan mumble, "Sang Yan..."

Hearing this, Sang Yan turned his head to look at her. Noticing her tightly closed eyes, his gaze lingered for a moment before he turned back to face forward, chuckling softly, "Talking in your sleep."

The next moment, the arms around his neck seemed to unconsciously tighten.

...

The rest of the way, Wen Yifan remained in a daze.

She couldn't distinguish between dreams and reality, fragments of memories flashing through her mind one after another, making her feel as though she was drifting in endless darkness. A faint remnant of consciousness allowed her to vaguely sense the man's warm and broad shoulders, as if they could dispel the winter chill for her.

When she regained awareness, Wen Yifan was woken up by Sang Yan. Sitting on the sofa, she stared at the man before her, her mind too muddled to understand what he wanted, only feeling that he was like a tyrant disrupting her sleep.

Extremely irritated, she fixed her gaze on him, her morning temper involuntarily surfacing.

"Sang Yan."

Sang Yan was holding a bowl, about to continue speaking.

Wen Yifan added, "Don't disturb my sleep."

"..."

Sang Yan looked back at her, then after a few seconds, set the bowl on the table and laughed, "You dare to get angry at me?"

Wen Yifan ignored him, shifting her body to the side and leaning over as if to continue sleeping. But the next moment, Sang Yan pulled her back, fixing her in her original position.

Sang Yan raised an eyebrow, his tone somewhat teasing, "No sleeping."

"Why can't I sleep?" Wen Yifan found him unreasonable and threatened, "If you don't let go, I'm going to curse at you."

"Fine." Sang Yan pulled her into his arms, finding this rather amusing, "Go ahead."

"You... Sang, Sang..." Wen Yifan's bravado faltered when it came to cursing, turning her into a stutterer. After a long pause, she finally managed to blurt out, "You... mangy mutt of the Sang family."

"..." Sang Yan lowered his gaze, looking at her. Instead of being offended, he laughed, "What kind of insult is that?"

Wen Yifan stayed silent.

Sang Yan: "That's it?"

"That's it. I'm going to sleep." Wen Yifan hugged him, the lingering effects of the alcohol seemingly hitting her fully now, making her visibly uncomfortable. Her expression still carried irritation as she said earnestly, "Don't bother me. I don't want to curse at you."

"Drink this before sleeping," Sang Yan lifted her head with one hand while picking up the bowl from the table with the other, bringing it directly to her lips. "Otherwise, you'll have a headache tomorrow."

The movement made Wen Yifan open her eyes again, but she showed no intention of drinking.

After waiting a moment, Sang Yan said bluntly, "You're not sleeping until you finish it."

The two remained in a stalemate for a while.

Wen Yifan tilted her head, as if remembering something, and slowly said, "You seem like Sang Yan."

"..."

"He's just as fierce."

Sang Yan said expressionlessly, "Are you drinking or not?"

This time, Wen Yifan didn't resist anymore. Obediently, she took small sips from the bowl of hangover soup held by his hand. As she drank, she occasionally glanced up at Sang Yan.

"Do you know how much I drank tonight?" Sang Yan watched her drink, his tone stiff. "I thought it wouldn't matter if I drank too much, since someone would take care of me. But what happened?"Wen Yifan followed up, "And then?"

Sang Yan pinched her cheek. "Then this person even got mad at me."

"Oh." Wen Yifan comforted him, "Then just ignore her."

"..."

Sang Yan had no idea how this girl could have such low alcohol tolerance—just a few cups and she was already like this. He felt like all his talking was useless; she hadn’t processed a single word.

Wen Yifan drank half a small bowl and stopped.

Sang Yan said, "Finish it all."

"No." Wen Yifan shook her head. "You drink the rest. Didn’t you drink a lot tonight?"

"..." Sang Yan glanced at her. "You can still remember in this state?"

Wen Yifan didn’t respond, lifting the bowl to his lips. "You drink."

"There’s more in the pot. I’ll drink it later," Sang Yan said. "Finish what’s left here."

"Then you have to," Wen Yifan worried he wouldn’t drink, "drink it in front of me."

"Still watching?" Sang Yan laughed. "Aren’t you sleepy?"

"Oh." Reminded by him, Wen Yifan remembered. "Sang Yan, I’m so sleepy."

"Mm, go to bed after you finish this."

Wen Yifan sniffled and muttered, "But I smell awful."

Patiently, Sang Yan said, "Then take a shower later."

"I don’t want to move." Wen Yifan looked up, pleading sweetly, "So can you, maybe, help me shower?"

"..."

Seeing his immediate reaction, Wen Yifan realized she might have asked too much of him. Feeling it was unfair, she quickly added, afraid of rejection, "When you don’t want to move, I can help you shower too."

"..." Sang Yan’s brow twitched as he took a deep breath. "No."

All night, every request she made had been refused by Sang Yan, and Wen Yifan was a little upset.

"Why are you so stingy?"

"Me? Stingy?" Sang Yan was both amused and exasperated. "Fine. I’ll wait to see how you regret this tomorrow when you’re sober."

"Then I won’t shower." Wen Yifan continued to threaten him. "I’ll sleep with you tonight and make you smell me."

"..." Sang Yan fed her the last sip of hangover soup, enunciating each word, "Go to your room and sleep right now. I’m not sleeping with you. Don’t even think about making me smell you."

Wen Yifan felt he was going back on his word. "You said before that you’d let me hug you while sleeping."

"Wen Shuangjiang," Sang Yan was at his wit’s end, unable to reason with her and unwilling to lose his temper, "can you spare me a little mercy? How am I supposed to sleep if I’m holding you?"

Wen Yifan asked, "Why not?"

Sang Yan stared at her. "What do you think?"

Wen Yifan shook her head. "I don’t know."

Sang Yan’s gaze darkened as he pulled her closer, asking again, "Tell me, why not?"

"..."

Wen Yifan didn’t answer, seeming not to understand. After a long pause, she lowered her eyes and suddenly seemed to realize something, looking dazed. "Oh, that wouldn’t work."

Sang Yan released her.

"You’re drunk," Wen Yifan said seriously. "I’m afraid you won’t admit it when you wake up."

"..."

Sang Yan stared at her, finally deciding to give up after a long moment. He stopped wasting words arguing with this senseless drunk and simply picked her up, carrying her to the master bedroom.

Wen Yifan kept talking, rambling on and on.

Sang Yan listened quietly.

After barely managing to remove her makeup, Sang Yan watched her drowsy, pampered expression and couldn’t help but laugh."You really trust me a lot."

In her current state, taking a shower was clearly out of the question.

Sang Yan didn't think she smelled bad at all. He only removed her outer coat, leaving her in the base layer. Not bothering to wake Wen Yifan again, he settled her into bed before leaving the master bedroom.

The next morning.

Wen Yifan woke up abruptly for some reason. Blinking sleepily, her eyes instantly met Sang Yan's face. Her breath hitched as every single thing that had happened the previous night flashed through her mind in an instant.

Everything had gone smoothly to the end.

Her last memory was Sang Yan carrying her to the bathroom and removing her makeup for her.

After that, she'd completely lost consciousness.

So.

Why. Was she. In Sang Yan's bed. Right now!!!

Recalling all the outrageous things she'd said to tease Sang Yan last night, Wen Yifan stiffened and looked down at her clothes—still the same outfit from yesterday. She breathed a slight sigh of relief before turning her gaze back to Sang Yan.

After seriously considering the possibilities,

It seemed the only explanation was that she'd sleepwalked again.

Sang Yan's phone lay nearby.

Wen Yifan picked it up and turned it on, immediately noticing that his lock screen was a photo of the two of them on the Ferris wheel. She blinked, staring at it for a long moment before checking the time.

It was just past seven.

Having not showered last night, Wen Yifan now felt uncomfortable all over.

She got up quietly, planning to go back for a shower before returning to sleep, when the man behind her suddenly moved. He grabbed her arm, pulling her forcefully toward him before pressing her into his embrace.

Caught completely off guard, Wen Yifan couldn't help feeling this scene was somewhat familiar.

She cautiously turned her head.

Sang Yan's eyes were still closed, his breathing steady and even—clearly still fast asleep.

Wen Yifan stared at his face, wrestling with herself for a long time. Eventually, she gave up struggling, turned over, and buried her face against his chest. Drowsiness washed over her again, and she closed her eyes once more.

Whatever.

She could shower later.

She liked being held by him.

It was bound to happen sooner or later anyway.

With their relationship official, it wasn't like she was taking advantage of him.

Soon, Wen Yifan drifted back to sleep.

She didn't notice.

From an angle she couldn't see,

Sang Yan slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the top of her head as the corners of his lips curled up slightly.

......

This time, she slept deeply—more soundly than any of the previous times. In her groggy state, Wen Yifan vaguely sensed Sang Yan getting up to prepare for work. She struggled to open her eyes and mumbled indistinctly, "Be careful on your way to work."

"Mn." Having just changed clothes, Sang Yan dragged her up as well. "Get up and have some congee before going back to sleep."

"..."

Still desperately sleepy, Wen Yifan's morning temper flared the moment he pulled her up. She fixed him with a stare but didn't argue. After three seconds, she burrowed back under the covers.

"Hurry up." If she didn't get up now, she'd probably sleep the entire day without eating. Sang Yan showed no mercy. "Eat first, then sleep."

Wen Yifan replied perfunctorily, "I'll eat later."

Sang Yan: "No."

"..."

Wen Yifan pretended to be dead.

"What's wrong with you?" Sang Yan laughed. "You've got quite the temper."

Wen Yifan explained, "I'm not throwing a tantrum."

Sang Yan: "Then get up."

"Sang Yan," Wen Yifan poked her head out from under the covers, trying to speak calmly, though her tone still came out stiff. "I want to sleep. I don't want to get up right now."Sang Yan raised his brows slightly and lifted her up, blanket and all.

Wen Yifan was caught off guard, meeting his gaze.

Before she could speak, Sang Yan lowered his head, staring at her leisurely. "What? Afraid I’ll bring up last night?"

"..." Wen Yifan’s morning grumpiness instantly dissipated.

Her scalp tingled as the memories rushed back. Forcing composure, she said, "People say all sorts of ridiculous things when they’re drunk. It’s normal. Don’t take it too seriously."

Sang Yan let out an "Oh," then continued on his own. "'Top performer of Street of Vice'?"

"..."

"'Redeem yourself'?"

"..."

"'Want me to help you shower'?"

"..."

"'Afraid I’d go back on my word'?"

Wen Yifan couldn’t take it anymore, her embarrassment reaching its peak. With a calm expression, she covered his mouth and reminded him, "Weren’t we having congee? It’ll get cold soon."

Sang Yan stopped.

"You didn’t help me shower either," Wen Yifan pointed out, looking at him. "You, uh, protected yourself pretty well."

"..."

After Sang Yan left, Wen Yifan cleared the dishes and went back to her room to shower. As she undressed, Chen Junwen’s words finally sank in, confirming what she’d clearly heard.

That was exactly how Chen Junwen had recounted it.

A weight settled in Wen Yifan’s chest.

She wasn’t sure if Sang Yan’s words had anything to do with her.

But she hoped not.

She hoped it was just something he’d casually joked about with friends while drunk. She hoped all these years, Sang Yan had been living well—never held back by anything, his life unburdened.

And certainly not affected by her in any way.

The short break passed in the blink of an eye.

Over the following days, because of Mu Chengyun’s warning, Wen Yifan found herself scanning her surroundings whenever she left work. She asked the security guard, but aside from that one time, no one else had come looking for her.

Only after confirming nothing unusual had happened did she finally relax.

With a few light drizzles, spring arrived unnoticed. The temperature in Nanwu gradually rose, shedding the winter chill, and the withered trees along the streets began to show hints of green.

Wen Yifan had just returned to the office from the editing room and was about to turn on her computer when Su Tian sidled up to her, eager to gossip again.

"Hey, I heard that little puppy handed in his resignation."

At that, Wen Yifan glanced over.

Su Tian continued, "Da Zhuang said he’s quitting the industry altogether. Apparently, he was never really interested in journalism—always wanted to be an actor. And now some film company wants to sign him, so he resigned."

Wen Yifan let out an "Ah." "That’s good. Doing what he loves."

"Lucky him. Acting must pay well," Su Tian mused, resting her chin on her hand. "Do you think he’ll get famous later? Should we ask for his autograph now? Might be worth something someday."

Wen Yifan chuckled. "Sure."

Just then, her phone buzzed.

Wen Yifan looked away and picked it up.

A message from Sang Yan.

Sang Yan: When are you off work?

Wen Yifan replied: Soon.

Noticing her reaction, Su Tian couldn’t resist teasing, "When do I get to meet this 'King of Ducks' of yours?"

Wen Yifan smiled. "Next time.""Alright then," Su Tian sighed, a hint of envy in her voice. "How can you, as a journalist, have such a sweet love life? I feel like I should change boyfriends already, waiting for the next unsuspecting poor soul to be stood up by me every day."

Wen Yifan paused. "Is it that bad?"

Su Tian: "Yes."

When she looked down again, Sang Yan had sent two voice messages.

"Want to come to Overtime later?"

"I've been drinking, can't drive."

Wen Yifan blinked and replied with an "Okay."

On the other side.

Noticing Sang Yan's actions, Su Haoan was utterly exasperated: "Why bother with all this? Just say, 'I'm hanging out with friends, want to join?' Wouldn't that be simpler?"

Sang Yan glanced up, lightly tapping his glass. "I didn't drink?"

"Who doesn't know what you're thinking!" Su Haoan couldn't take it anymore. "All you do is brag about your girlfriend. Ever since you brought Wen Yifan to Fatty's wedding, do you even talk about anything else?"

Sang Yan didn't respond, taking another sip of his drink.

Su Haoan pointed at the red bracelet on his wrist. "And this bracelet—"

"Right," Sang Yan cut him off, leaning back into the couch lazily. "Matching couple's set. Your sister-in-law gave it to me."

"..."

"Can't help it. The girl just loves wearing matching stuff with me." Sang Yan tilted his chin up, his tone deliberately slow and infuriating. "Wouldn't want to ruin her fun."

Su Haoan had had enough and ignored him.

When it was about time, noticing activity on WeChat, Sang Yan stood up. He grabbed his jacket, a careless smile on his face. "Leaving. Sorry, someone's here to pick me up."

Su Haoan threw a tissue at him. "Get lost! Don't come back!"

...

After leaving work, Wen Yifan headed straight for Street of Vice. When she reached the entrance of Overtime, she sent Sang Yan a message but didn't wait outside, walking right in.

She approached the bar and waited.

The bartender, He Mingbo, recognized her by now and poured her a glass of water when he saw her.

"Want to go upstairs and find Yan directly?"

Wen Yifan smiled and thanked him. After a moment's thought, she figured it might be better not to make Sang Yan come down. She turned toward the stairs. "Then I'll just go up—"

Before she could finish, someone suddenly grabbed her wrist from the side.

Wen Yifan froze, immediately sensing the unfamiliar presence behind her. Instinctively, she tried to pull away, turning her head abruptly. The next second, she was face-to-face with Che Xingde's drunken expression.

Her breath caught.

Unfazed, Che Xingde grabbed her arm again, clearly intoxicated. "Hey, it really is First Frost. Knew I wasn't mistaken..."

The disparity in strength between them was obvious. Wen Yifan struggled but couldn't break free. She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them, deciding not to waste her energy. Staring at him, her voice was icy. "What do you want?"

"What do I want? Just catching up with my niece. Why'd you ignore me last time?" Che Xingde clicked his tongue. "You've got no heart, not even greeting your uncle after so long—"

In the next instant.

Sang Yan suddenly appeared, forcefully yanking Che Xingde's arm away.

The oppressive, helpless feeling dissipated instantly.Wen Yifan felt herself being pulled into Sang Yan's embrace, once again enveloped by his presence. Only when her nerves relaxed did she realize her body was trembling uncontrollably.

She had never expected to encounter Che Xingde here.

Suppressing the disgust in her heart, she tried to calm herself.

Wen Yifan lifted her head.

Then, she met Sang Yan's slightly fierce gaze.

Her lips moved, but no words came out.

Sang Yan's lips were pressed into a straight line as his thumb gently stroked her wrist. "You okay?"

Wen Yifan gave a soft hum in response.

Seeing this, Sang Yan finally eased up a little. He turned to size up Che Xingde, his emotions now completely unrestrained, his tone laced with ice.

"Who the hell are you?"