SGEIRS -Chapter 209 Sleeping While Holding Her

The next morning.

Meng Jinyao woke up and was about to get up, only to realize that she was pressed against a warm body. She froze instantly.

She opened her eyes and glanced over, discovering that she was clinging to Gu Jingxi—and Gu Jingxi was still holding her close. They had been sleeping tightly pressed together.

Realizing this, Meng Jinyao was utterly shocked. She could hardly believe that Gu Jingxi would actually sleep while holding her. As for when he had held her, she had no idea—probably after she had fallen asleep.

Had Gu Jingxi secretly held her like this before, and she just hadn’t noticed because she had woken up late?

Could it be that Gu Jingxi truly had feelings for her?

Otherwise, why would he hold her while sleeping?

Her heart pounded wildly, and she didn’t dare move. Getting up now might wake him, which would be awkward, so she decided to pretend to be asleep. She would wait until he got up first, then act as if she were slowly waking, while her mind wandered off in endless speculation.

After a while, Gu Jingxi woke up and discovered that he was holding the young lady. He froze. Last night, she had been the one holding him, so how had it ended up the other way around?

He became inexplicably nervous, feeling as if the warm body he was holding was not a soft, fragrant young lady, but a hot potato. Instinctively, he glanced down to see if she was awake. Seeing her eyes closed and her sleeping peacefully, he silently exhaled in relief. He gently let her go, then tiptoed off the bed like a guilty thief.

Meng Jinyao listened intently to his movements. When she heard the rustling of clothes, she knew Gu Jingxi had gotten up to dress. She too relaxed—he hadn’t noticed she was awake, avoiding any awkwardness.

After a while, estimating that Gu Jingxi had finished dressing, she pretended to wake leisurely, slowly opening her eyes. Seeing the man who had just put on his clothes, she steadied herself, forced a smile, and casually called out, “Husband, good morning.”

She hadn’t made a sound before, but speaking out suddenly startled Gu Jingxi, who was already feeling guilty.

Gu Jingxi froze, slowly turning to look at the young lady on the bed. Meeting her clear and innocent eyes, he felt even more guilty. He hadn’t been the one to make the first move, yet he felt as if he had taken advantage of her.

Summer sleepwear was thin to begin with, and even at night, her top looked delicate. Through the light fabric, the color of her undergarments was somewhat visible. He was used to it and hadn’t paid attention before.

But this morning, he stared at her on the bed, and the daylight was far brighter than the candlelight from the night before. The light lotus-pink undergarment was clearly visible.

Do not look inappropriately!

His face instantly felt hot, and he hurriedly looked away.

Meng Jinyao noticed his odd expression, paused slightly, then examined him more closely. She realized that although he appeared calm on the outside, his ears were red.

His ears were red?

Meng Jinyao was utterly shocked. Her gaze fixed on his flushed ears. She thought: Could it be from embarrassment? But he had already held me, and I deliberately “woke up” later, pretending to know nothing—so what was there to be embarrassed about?

Curious, she called, “Husband?”

Gu Jingxi, feigning calm, responded with a simple “Hmm.”

Seeing him so awkward, Meng Jinyao’s playful side kicked in. She couldn’t help teasing him and asked with a smiling gaze, “Why are you acting so strangely today?”

Gu Jingxi countered, “Am I?”

Meng Jinyao sat up and stared at his face, giggling, “How could you not? The way you looked at me—like I was some terrifying beast! Am I really that scary?”

At her words, Gu Jingxi coughed lightly to ease the awkwardness and replied calmly, “Nonsense. You’re a weak little girl; I’m not afraid of you. Since the lady is awake, I’ll call the maid in to serve you.”

He turned and left without waiting for her response.

Meng Jinyao watched his retreating back, silent. One day, this man might develop romantic feelings for her. She had never dared to imagine this seemingly impossible possibility, yet the evidence lay right in front of her.

She thought: I’m actually not too bad-looking. Perhaps Gu Jingxi, seeing my face every day, slowly developed feelings?

Perhaps wanting to stimulate Gu Jingxi and help him recover, she thought about the maids at Weirui Pavilion. All were attractive, especially Chunliu and Xiazhu, the two senior maids. Even the second-tier maids were pleasant to look at, and the junior maids were all delicate in appearance. If he were purely influenced by looks, Gu Jingxi would have been smitten long ago, given how long they had been at Weirui Pavilion.

“Gurgle…”

Her stomach growled, pulling her thoughts back. She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on the matter. After all, a hug wouldn’t necessarily mean anything. She was his wife—surely hugging her wasn’t forbidden.

After a while, the maid came in to help Meng Jinyao dress, wash, and groom herself.

During breakfast, Gu Jingxi had calmed down and behaved as usual, showing no signs of abnormality.

Suddenly, Meng Jinyao asked, “Husband, why did you get up so late today?”

Gu Jingxi replied, “Today is a day off.”

He paused for a moment, thinking of how gloomy the young lady had been lately. Originally planning to handle official business, he felt it could wait. The young lady had been married to him for so long, yet he had never taken her out. They always went only to her family. Today was a good chance to go out and let her relax.

With this in mind, he asked, “Lady, after breakfast, shall we go for a walk?”

Meng Jinyao paused mid-bite, surprised. When had he ever said such a thing to her before? They got along well after marriage, but going out together like this had never happened.

Regardless of his motives, she wouldn’t refuse. If he truly had feelings and she rejected him, wouldn’t that push him away? She didn’t understand romance, but she knew marriage required effort from both partners. If he wanted to get closer and she remained distant, he would eventually stop trying.

She pressed her lips into a smile and replied crisply, “Sure.”

Seeing the smile on her face, Gu Jingxi knew he had done the right thing.

Meng Jinyao then asked, “Where are you planning to take me?”

Gu Jingxi hesitated, then asked for her preference, “Is there somewhere you’d like to go?”

Meng Jinyao thought for a moment, then said, “Why don’t we go to the Lotus Garden to enjoy the blooms? The lotus flowers there are in full bloom this season—better than the ones at our residence.”

Gu Jingxi had no objection: “Alright, we’ll follow your choice and go to the Lotus Garden.”

Watching this, Qingqiu and Ningdong, who were attending them, exchanged smiles. The marquis really was treating their mistress better and better—not only buying her jewelry and sweets, but now even taking her out, just like any ordinary affectionate couple.