Chu Miao rose on her toes and kissed him before he could continue. Ye Xuan drew her closer, returning the kiss with urgency as the worry of the past day finally began to fade.
When they separated, Chu Miao rested her forehead against his and whispered, "Should we finally take that bath?"
His eyes darkened with warmth. "If you change your mind again, I may have to lock the bathroom from the inside."
"Then stop talking and carry me."
Ye Xuan lifted her into his arms with a satisfied smile and walked toward the bathroom.
This time, no communication device interrupted them.
Several hours later, Chu Miao woke beneath warm blankets with Ye Xuan's arm around her waist. Pale morning light entered through the curtains, although the sun had not yet risen.
She remained still for a moment, enjoying the warmth behind her.
Then she noticed that the light outside was the wrong color.
It wasn't the soft gray of dawn.
A dull, dirty haze covered the window.
