The wedding ring shimmered brightly on Lin Zhixia's ring finger.
Jiang Yubai embraced her once more in his arms.
He lowered his head to kiss her, his heart holding but a single thought: I love her—a phrase that, when isolated, seemed simple, common, and ordinary, yet he couldn't find a more concise or powerful substitute at the moment. Though he tried to maintain composure, he was already deliriously happy inside. Gradually, he could no longer restrain himself, and his kisses grew increasingly fervent.
Lin Zhixia felt half her bones turn to jelly. Unconsciously, she began to tilt backward, but Jiang Yubai swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist, lifted her up, and carried her to a single bed inside the cabin.
Lying on her back, Lin Zhixia clutched his shirt tightly, creating messy creases all over it. The charm of this school uniform became even more apparent—it represented warm memories of their high school days while also enticing her to break free from all restraints.
She couldn't help but drift into a daze.
The cabin roof had a skylight that opened to the vast, deep night sky, where scattered starlight twinkled and a distant moon hung out of reach. Lin Zhixia's gaze drifted farther and farther through the window until Jiang Yubai kissed her cheek and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
She replied, "I'm thinking..."
"Hmm?" he responded.
Jiang Yubai braced himself for Lin Zhixia's sweet nothings.
However, Lin Zhixia said, "I might start rambling about things you won't understand again."
Jiang Yubai gripped both her wrists, pinning her hands to either side of the bed. It was the first time he had restrained her like this, and she found it novel and interesting, focusing even more intently on meeting his gaze.
He said, "You can say whatever you want. Even if I don't understand, I'll try my best to listen. You're my..."
"Wife," Lin Zhixia finished for him.
He chuckled and kissed her forehead again.
The air was filled with a sweet fragrance as they lost themselves in the joy of mutual affection. Lin Zhixia couldn't resist whispering, "Besides Xia Xia, do you have any other nicknames for me? I want to hear... sweet words."
What counted as sweet words?
Jiang Yubai lay down beside her, turning the narrow single bed into a nest of tender intimacy. He lifted her skirt and caressed upward, cherishing every inch of her skin.
Lin Zhixia felt utterly blissful. She clung tightly to him, letting out a contented sigh as all life's pressures melted away under his kisses and touches. He leaned close to her ear and murmured, "Xia Xia." She lazily responded, "I'm here."
Jiang Yubai paused his movements.
Lin Zhixia cooed, "Keep touching me, please."
Not only did Jiang Yubai oblige, but he also tried out several endearments—"baby," "wife," "sweetheart"—testing each one. Lin Zhixia buried her face in his chest, laughing uncontrollably, "Hahahaha..."
Jiang Yubai tightened his hold on her waist, and she lifted her head to kiss his chin, reciprocating with, "Baby, hubby, sweetheart..."
For the first time, she told him, "I love you."
Before this, she had only said things like, "You're so good," "You're so gentle," "I really like you," or "I want to be with you forever," but she rarely spoke the word "love" aloud.With just that single word, she pried open a crack in Jiang Yubai's heart, filled it with honey, and stitched it shut with fine, delicate threads of affection. His arms gradually tightened, pulling her firmly toward him as kisses of varying intensity fell upon her skin. She hinted subtly, "Shall we go to the bedroom?"
Before Jiang Yubai could respond, Lin Zhixia leaped off the bed, not even bothering with slippers, and dashed straight toward the master bedroom.
Laughing as she ran, she called out, "If you catch me, I'll..."
What would she do?
She didn't say.
Jiang Yubai abandoned this spaceship.
Wherever Lin Zhixia was, that was where his heart truly belonged.
Around 11 p.m., the bedroom was pitch dark.
The quilt and pillows had fallen to the floor, left untouched. The enclosed room was filled with the lingering scent of receding passion. Lin Zhixia murmured distractedly, "I'm completely drained..."
Her voice soft and pleading, she added, "You're so amazing... I admit defeat."
Jiang Yubai had been holding her in a relaxed embrace. Yet, upon hearing her words, the muscles in his arms tensed rigidly. Lin Zhixia wondered, "What's wrong?"
Jiang Yubai urged her, "Say it again."
Though puzzled, Lin Zhixia complied without hesitation. She even declared with full formality, "Jiang Yubai, you're incredible. I surrender."
Suddenly, Jiang Yubai gripped her waist, his hold so tight it hurt her. Lin Zhixia first complained, "You're hurting me." Then, she pried his arm away, rolled into the corner of the bed, and refused to cooperate with any further advances.
Lin Zhixia stated honestly, "I'm truly exhausted."
Jiang Yubai threw on his clothes and got out of bed.
Lin Zhixia thought he might be a little upset.
However, Jiang Yubai soon returned. He brought a clean, soft new quilt from the closet, gently laid it over her, and tucked in the corners. Lying down behind her, he completely shed the aggression and possessiveness of minutes before, soothing her softly, "Shall I hold you while you sleep?"
Lin Zhixia pondered for a moment.
She rolled into his embrace.
"Goodnight. I'll see you in my dreams," her voice fading gradually.
He replied, "Goodnight, Xia Xia."
The next morning, around 8 a.m., Lin Zhixia slowly woke up. She showered in the bathroom, then picked up the engagement ring, holding it up to the morning sunlight for a careful inspection.
She hadn't had time to examine the ring properly last night.
Now, she noticed its exquisite craftsmanship: the band was set with a circle of small diamonds, accentuating a brilliant central stone, and she found her name engraved on the inner surface.
Lin Zhixia put on the ring, left the bedroom, and went to find Jiang Yubai.
As she approached the study, she overheard him on a call.
In fact, Jiang Yubai was video chatting with his parents.
He honestly informed them that he had proposed to Lin Zhixia the previous night, she had agreed to become engaged to him, and he was overjoyed. From now on, Lin Zhixia was his fiancée.
Jiang Yubai spoke at length, describing Lin Zhixia's many virtues.
Observing his mother's expression, he detected nothing unusual. He had just taken a sip of water when his uncle interjected, "Great, that's wonderful! Xiao Jiang, when are you and Xiao Lin having the wedding? If you want me to provide music at your ceremony, it's not out of the question—my orchestra has some friends who play quite well..."Before Uncle could finish speaking, Dad turned his head and glanced at him, causing Uncle to step back and fall silent.
Dad asked, "Are you both certain?"
Jiang Yubai replied, "Of course."
Dad seemed to have anticipated this. After a moment of careful thought, he asked, "Have you resolved the matter with Jiangke Software Company?"
"I had a meeting with them today, and the issue should be resolved soon," Jiang Yubai answered.
Dad nodded slightly, "Alright, I trust your capability."
Mom wasn't in the frame. Her voice came from beside Dad, "Your father and I would like to meet your fiancée's parents. We'll be family soon, so proper etiquette should be observed."
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