As long as she was in the house, as long as her presence filled the home, Fu Yinxiu would be happy.
He was willing to stay hidden and watch her from the shadows if necessary. Although it might seem a bit voyeuristic, he preferred to imagine that she was living here. He wanted every corner of the house to bear her traces so that even when she wasn't around, he could still miss her.
At this moment, Little Jingshi came out with his bag, seemingly having overheard Fu Yinxiu's words.
Taking advantage of Ming Yutong's distraction, he made a few gestures at Fu Yinxiu, indicating that he had the situation under control. He then approached Ming Yutong, clutching his bag, and hugged her leg.
"Tong Tong, stay here tonight and keep me company, okay? Tomorrow morning, you can make me breakfast. I want to eat the breakfast you make."
"I didn't get a chance to eat it last time when you made breakfast at your house," Little Jingshi said, looking up at her.
Mentioning this reminded Ming Yutong not just of the missed opportunity but also made Fu Yinxiu feel guilty.
Fu Yinxiu was regretful because he had insisted on taking Little Jingshi away last time, wasting Ming Yutong's heartfelt effort.
Otherwise, he could have tasted her breakfast.
His actions had also meant that Ming Yutong had been left alone at home, likely feeling hurt.
Ming Yutong had wanted to prepare breakfast for Little Jingshi with such anticipation, and Fu Yinxiu's actions had ruined that opportunity.
Fu Yinxiu's heart ached, and his eyes showed his pain.
"Yes, stay here and keep Little Jingshi company," Aunt Huo also persuaded.
"Although his fever has gone down, he's still sick, and it's so cold outside. He could easily catch another chill."
Aunt Huo's words hit the mark. Little Jingshi's well-being was what mattered most to Ming Yutong.
Earlier, Ming Yutong had been so pleased that Little Jingshi wanted to stay with her that she had overlooked this important point. She felt particularly guilty.
"Tong Tong, please stay. I want to sleep with you tonight," Little Jingshi said, shaking Ming Yutong's hand.
Ming Yutong was already wavering, and Fu Yinxiu said, "If you don't want to see me, I can leave, and you can stay."
Even if Ming Yutong felt that Fu Yinxiu had deceived her, she had no intention of forcing him out. It was his home, and it wasn't right to kick the host out.
"No need," Ming Yutong replied.
Fu Yinxiu, surprised and eager, asked, "You're not planning to stay?"
But Ming Yutong continued, "I'll stay tonight to keep Little Jingshi company, and you don't need to leave. I'm not that unreasonable."
Fu Yinxiu stepped forward with joy. "Really?"
"That's great!" Little Jingshi hugged Ming Yutong. "Tong Tong will sleep with me tonight!"
"I'll go prepare pillows, blankets, and toiletries for Miss Ming," Aunt Huo said happily, rushing off to get things ready.
"I'll put my luggage away!" Little Jingshi said, giving Fu Yinxiu a meaningful look before he went off.
"Tong Tong, I…" Fu Yinxiu stammered with happiness, "I'm very glad you're staying."
"I'm doing this for Little Jingshi. I didn't consider it well earlier, and he was sick but had to go back with me," Ming Yutong said coldly.
"I'm going to check on Little Jingshi now."
Ming Yutong turned and headed upstairs, only to have Fu Yinxiu's expression change as he hurried to follow her.
Her coldness and apparent rejection were not just his imagination, they were real.
"Tong Tong, what's going on? We were fine the last time we met. Why are you so cold now?" Fu Yinxiu asked urgently, grabbing her arm.
"Let go." Ming Yutong's gaze was icy, as sharp as a knife. "You promised me that if I stayed, you wouldn't be a nuisance in front of me."
Did simply appearing before her make him a nuisance?
"You weren't like this last time. What did I do wrong? Tell me!" Fu Yinxiu was desperate.
It seemed impossible for him to get even a smile from Ming Yutong.
Without saying a word, Ming Yutong shook off his hand and continued up the stairs.
Fu Yinxiu bit his lip and followed her, determined not to let her slip away.
Just as Ming Yutong was about to enter Little Jingshi's room, Fu Yinxiu suddenly grabbed her and pulled her towards his own bedroom.
Ming Yutong was startled and angry but didn't dare to cry out, fearing Little Jingshi might hear.
She was dragged into Fu Yinxiu's bedroom, a place she had never seen before.
Once inside, she noticed the room's décor was cold and gray, reflecting Fu Yinxiu's own temperament.
Before she could take it all in, she found herself pressed against the door by Fu Yinxiu.
"Tong Tong." Fu Yinxiu's tone was filled with frustration, his teeth clenched. "Can you just tell me directly what you want? Give me a clear answer. Don't make me guess. I don't know what you're thinking. I don't know what to do to make you happy. Just tell me what you want me to do, other than staying away from you."
"You were angry with me before, and I knew why you didn't want to see me or give me a good face. At least I had a goal to strive for. I tried to show you my sincerity and that I was working hard to change, to let you know that I love you."
"Do you know? Last time at the hospital, seeing you so worried about me, and even when I hugged you, you didn't immediately push me away—I was so happy. You finally seemed to accept me a little. Even a small sign of warmth from you made me so happy I couldn't sleep."