SGEIRS -Chapter 213 Quietly Testing

Today, Gu Jingxi came home relatively late, only arriving in the evening—just in time for dinner.

Meng Jinyao noticed her little secret thoughts, the ones she didn’t dare let others see. Seeing Gu Jingxi now, looking both troubled and frustrated, she realized he didn’t even have the heart to eat. But she still had to put food in her mouth to avoid going hungry.

She had originally chosen to marry Gu Jingxi for the protection his status and position could offer her. After marrying him, Gu Xiuming could no longer bully her; she hadn’t dared to hope for anything more.

Yet now, she realized she was developing feelings for Gu Jingxi without even knowing whether he had any for her.

Her heart was uneasy, and she felt a little afraid—afraid of becoming greedy, of wanting not only status but also affection. People who aren’t content are truly frightening. She feared losing herself.

Gu Jingxi naturally noticed the young lady’s unease. She had been fine yesterday, yet today she had reverted to her previous state. Perhaps she was feeling emotionally fluctuating due to issues with her family, but he could only take her out on his days off.

After dinner, Gu Jingxi dismissed the maidservants and said earnestly, “My lady, if you have any troubles, you can tell me. Keeping them inside can make you sick. I’ve told you more than once before: we are husband and wife. You should trust me more. We share honor and disgrace together. Whatever the problem, we can face it together.”

Hearing this, Meng Jinyao felt a warmth in her heart. She shook her head lightly. “It’s nothing really. Maybe I’m just overthinking and can’t adjust my mindset yet.”

Seeing that she still wouldn’t speak, Gu Jingxi let out a barely audible sigh and said, “You’ve always been so clear-minded. How did you suddenly get stuck in a mental trap?”

Meng Jinyao couldn’t tell the truth, so she had to find a plausible excuse. After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Things with my family are frustrating. I’m eager for revenge, but some matters require careful planning, step by step. Thinking about it makes my mindset unstable.”

Hearing this, Gu Jingxi’s expression showed relief that it made sense. He then spoke gently, “My lady, you’ve waited all these years. A few more months won’t matter. Overthinking for her and making yourself sick is not worth it.”

Meng Jinyao nodded and forced a smile. “Don’t worry, husband. I’ll slowly calm my mind.”

Seeing this, Gu Jingxi didn’t know what more to say to comfort her, so he just quietly stayed with her.

But Meng Jinyao felt awkward being so close to him and wanted an excuse to escape. She hurriedly instructed the maid to prepare water for a bath. After bathing, she lay down on the bed, but no matter what, she couldn’t sleep. After a long while, hearing some noise outside, she quickly turned away from him and pretended to sleep.

Gu Jingxi, not wanting to disturb her, quietly tidied up and lay down to sleep.

Meng Jinyao, eyes closed, listened to the movements behind her. Knowing he was already lying down, she “slept” while trying to stay alert. Yet the man didn’t try to secretly hold her as before, leaving her puzzled.

Yesterday morning, when she woke, Gu Jingxi was holding her. She realized he must have held her in the night without intending to, before she noticed.

Tonight… what was happening?

Was he not going to hold her? Or had she misunderstood that night, thinking he embraced her when he only meant to hold the blanket?

Her mind raced. Suddenly, she had a daring idea but hesitated to act.

After a while, sensing he was about to fall asleep, she mustered courage, turned unconsciously, and gradually moved herself closer. After a few turns, she ended up in Gu Jingxi’s arms, pretending to hold him like a blanket while continuing to “sleep.”

Her plan was simple: to test him, to see how he would react while fully awake—would he push her away?

Gu Jingxi was nearly asleep when a young lady rolled into his arms. Instantly, his drowsiness vanished, leaving him slightly stunned. But with experience, he didn’t freeze like before.

He whispered near her ear, “My lady.”

“Mm~”

Meng Jinyao responded unconsciously, hugging him tighter and burying her face in his chest. Otherwise, her twitching eyelids might reveal her pretense.

Gu Jingxi was surprised by her reaction. Thinking he had disturbed her sleep, he gently patted her back. “Sleep, it’s alright.”

But it was summer, and their bodies pressed together, making it a little hot. He let out a soft sigh but didn’t push her away. The fan was at the far end of the bed, out of reach, so he carefully lifted her, retrieved the fan, and then lay down slowly, fanning gently.

Meng Jinyao, noticing his response, was fully alert but dared not move, curling up in his arms while pretending to sleep. Her thoughts raced.

Holding Gu Jingxi like this, and with him not pushing her away… That night, he had probably held her secretly until morning too.

A man as proper as Gu Jingxi, who had refrained from looking at her previously due to her thin sleepwear, now remained gentle even with their bodies so close.

She couldn’t blame herself for reading too much into it.

She suspected Gu Jingxi might have feelings for her; otherwise, he wouldn’t accept such closeness. If he couldn’t accept it, he could have pushed her away even if she were asleep.

Time passed unknowingly. With someone fanning her, Meng Jinyao slowly grew drowsy. Listening to his strong heartbeat and the faint orchid scent on him, she drifted into sleep.

Yet Gu Jingxi couldn’t sleep. The young lady clung to him like an octopus, and he had to accommodate her sleeping position. Fortunately, after a long while, she loosened her grip, giving him a chance to adjust his own posture.

He looked down at the girl in his arms. Perhaps from staying so long pressed against him, her face was flushed with sweat, strands of hair sticking to her face, giving her a slightly disheveled, endearing look.

Looking at that adorable little face, he was lost in thought, feeling subtle emotions. His fanning gradually stopped.

He didn’t know when he fell asleep, but the next morning, she was still in his arms.