Sun Zhewen saw that it was getting late and said to his parents, "Dad, Mom, you've both had a long day. I'll take you back to your rooms to rest."
Father Sun and Mother Sun had been busy all day, and their faces showed some weariness. But seeing their son so considerate warmed their hearts. Father Sun nodded and said, "Alright, Zhewen. You should get some rest early too. You'll be busy tomorrow."
Sun Zhewen led them to their room. He carefully explained the facilities, especially how to use the bathroom, fearing they wouldn't be used to it. Mother Sun looked at her attentive son and couldn't help but sigh, "Zhewen, you've really grown up and become sensible."
Sun Zhewen smiled, but he was thinking about something more important he needed to handle. He gently closed his parents' door and turned towards Li Zhiyan's room. He pushed open the door and saw Li Zhiyan sitting on the bed, toying with a pair of glittering bracelets. Her expression was complicated, as if she were lost in thought.
Sun Zhewen walked over quietly and asked in a low voice, "Why did you buy such expensive jewelry today?"
Li Zhiyan looked up at him and said lightly, "It's for my parents-in-law."
Sun Zhewen frowned, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "We're faking it."
Li Zhiyan's face immediately turned cold, a hint of disappointment and anger flashing in her eyes. She said coldly, "I know it's fake. No need for you to remind me. Here, take the bracelets."
Sun Zhewen looked at her, and his heart ached, but he knew this wasn't the time to explain. He sighed and said, "My mom gave it to you, just take it."
Li Zhiyan said sourly, "That was for your wife. I wouldn't dare to take it."
Sun Zhewen gave a wry smile, trying to ease the tension. "Come on, what are you saying? It's just a pair of bracelets. Wear them. Here, let me help you."
Li Zhiyan looked at him, a glint of cunning in her eyes. "You're the one putting them on me, you know. Don't let your wife come looking for them later, okay?"
Sun Zhewen nodded helplessly. "She won't. Just wear them."
Li Zhiyan still took off the bracelets and put them back in the box, a hint of stubbornness and reluctance in her expression.
Seeing this, Sun Zhewen asked with concern, "What's wrong?"
Li Zhiyan smiled faintly, but her eyes were somewhat dim. "I've worn them. That's as good as being your wife for a moment. That's enough. Right, come and try on your clothes."
Sun Zhewen was a little puzzled. "When did you buy this for me?"
Li Zhiyan said with a smile, "A few days ago. Try it on. It should be fine, right? It'll be a hassle if there's a problem."
Sun Zhewen took the clothes and went to the mirror to change. Li Zhiyan watched him put on the suit and her eyes lit up. She couldn't help but exclaim, "You really are more suited to wearing a suit. You're so handsome. You'll definitely blind those people tomorrow."
Sun Zhewen looked at himself in the mirror and couldn't help but laugh. "Is it that exaggerated?"
Li Zhiyan nodded, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Mhm, you're really handsome. I'm even a little smitten."
Hearing this, a warmth welled up inside Sun Zhewen. He walked over to Li Zhiyan, gently held her hand, and said softly, "Zhiyan, thank you."
Li Zhiyan was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "What are you thanking me for? It's just a set of clothes."
Sun Zhewen shook his head, his eyes fixed on Li Zhiyan. He said seriously, "It's not just the clothes. It's also your care for my parents. I see it all, and I remember it all."
Li Zhiyan pouted playfully, her eyes blinking, a hint of coquettishness in them. "Then I want you to be my pillow every day."
Sun Zhewen couldn't help but laugh, gently patting her head. "You're a real swindler, you know? Just like that, you want me to be your pillow every day."
Li Zhiyan frowned in dissatisfaction, reaching out to twist his ear, deliberately drawing out her words. "So, are you doing it or not?"
Sun Zhewen immediately raised his hands in surrender, laughing as he said, "Yes, yes, yes. Who am I to say no to the big boss?"
Hearing this, Li Zhiyan finally let go, but then she lowered her eyes, saying dejectedly, "I know all of this will disappear now that you have a girlfriend."
Sun Zhewen's smile gradually faded, and his tone softened. "Zhiyan, don't be like that. We're still friends."
Li Zhiyan suddenly raised her head, feigning ease. "Go take a shower, you stink."
Sun Zhewen shook his head helplessly and turned to enter the bathroom. Hot water washed over his body, but his mind kept replaying Li Zhiyan's expression. Her disappointment, her sadness, all deeply pained his heart.
When Sun Zhewen finished his shower and came out, he found Li Zhiyan with red-rimmed eyes, clearly having just been crying. Seeing him, she hurried into the bathroom, seemingly not wanting him to see her vulnerability.
Sun Zhewen sighed, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. He knew Li Zhiyan's feelings for him, but he couldn't reciprocate her love. The relationship between them was like a chasm that couldn't be crossed.
After a while, Li Zhiyan finally came out of the bathroom. Her face had regained its composure, but the redness around her eyes still betrayed her earlier emotions. She walked over to Sun Zhewen, unceremoniously grabbing his hand, and then rolled into his embrace, holding him tightly. She also pulled his other hand around her waist, and then contentedly rubbed her face against his chin. "Sleep."
Sun Zhewen smiled helplessly and gently patted her back. "Alright, alright, sleep."
It was late, and only the sound of their breathing filled the room. Sun Zhewen felt Li Zhiyan's warmth, but his heart was filled with indescribable complexity. He knew these days wouldn't last long, but he didn't know how to face the future.
The next morning, Sun Zhewen woke up and found Li Zhiyan in his arms. She had already opened her bright eyes, quietly looking at him. Her eyes carried a hint of laziness and sweetness, as if telling of sweet dreams from the night before.
"Awake?" Sun Zhewen reached out and gently stroked her cheek, a smile playing on his lips.
"I plan to go to the hotel today to prepare. We're getting married tomorrow," Li Zhiyan blinked and said with a smile.
"Yes, didn't we get married?" Sun Zhewen chuckled, playfully pinching her nose.
"Oh, stop it, let me have my little daydream." Li Zhiyan blinked again.
"Alright, alright. Don't tire yourself out too much today." Sun Zhewen looked at her with doting eyes, his gaze filled with tenderness.
"I know, honey." Li Zhiyan sweetly agreed, her voice as soft as a spring breeze.
"Hmm, what did you call me?" Sun Zhewen asked with mock seriousness, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes.
"Honey, I have to get used to it first, you know." Li Zhiyan playfully stuck out her tongue, deliberately using a coquettish tone.