Chapter 439 - 245: That Night, a Fierce Embrace with Jiang Yixia

Chapter 439: Chapter 245: That Night, a Fierce Embrace with Jiang Yixia

Lu Fan’s chin rested on the crown of Jiang Yixia’s head. His warm breath ghosted over her hair.

"Yixia."

"Mm."

"It’s been a long time since you’ve let me hold you."

Jiang Yixia didn’t speak. She buried her face in his chest and closed her eyes.

She remembered eighteen years ago, how they had held each other just like this—on the small bed of their rented room, on the hillside behind the factory, and at the train station when they said goodbye.

Back then, his embrace had been just as warm, just as reassuring.

After Jiang Yixia left, no one had ever held her like this again.

Her fingers twitched at his side. Through his sweater, she could feel the hard, taut muscles of his waist.

Lu Fan’s hand slid down her back and settled on her waist, pulling her gently closer.

His hand was so large it nearly spanned her entire waist.

Jiang Yixia’s waist was very slender. His hand fit perfectly there, and he could feel the soft flesh at her side.

She was wearing a thin sweater and jeans.

His hand rested on her waist, and through her clothes, she could feel the warmth of his palm, hot like a brand.

Her body grew warmer, and her heart began to beat faster.

He lowered his head, his lips pressing against her forehead.

His lips were dry and a little chapped, but they were warm.

Jiang Yixia didn’t pull away. His arm tightened, drawing her deeper into his embrace.

Her body was pressed against his chest. She could feel it rise and fall with each of his heavy breaths.

Lu Fan’s hand began to gently caress her waist, his thumb tracing slow, deliberate circles.

A slight tremor ran through her body. She didn’t know if it was from the cold or something else.

Jiang Yixia looked up and glared at him.

Her face was flushed, her eyes were bright, and her lips were pressed into a thin line.

Lu Fan looked at her, his gaze gentle, the corners of his mouth slowly turning up.

"You’re still as beautiful as ever," Lu Fan teased.

Jiang Yixia’s face grew even redder. She turned away. "Don’t give me that."

Lu Fan didn’t say anything. He reached out, gently took her chin, and turned her face back toward him.

His fingers were hot, but his grip on her chin was light.

Jiang Yixia looked into his eyes. They were bloodshot and showed traces of tears.

She glared at him again, struggled out of his arms, and stood up.

Her legs felt a little weak, and she nearly lost her balance, steadying herself with a hand on the arm of the sofa.

Lu Fan reached out to help her, but she dodged his hand.

"You’re sleeping on the sofa." Though Jiang Yixia’s tone was cold, her ears were red.

"Okay," Lu Fan agreed readily.

Jiang Yixia pushed open the bedroom door and closed it.

She leaned against the back of the door, listening to the sounds outside.

Lu Fan lay down, and the sofa creaked softly.

She stood there for a moment before walking back to the bed. She lay down and pulled the covers over her head.

Jiang Yixia cursed herself, rolled over, and closed her eyes.

But her mind was filled with images from just now—his eyes, his embrace, his breath.

She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

In the living room, Lu Fan lay on the sofa, staring at the ceiling.

He smiled, satisfied.

’After putting on an act all day, I finally got to hold her.’

He rolled over, pulled the blanket up, and closed his eyes.

The effects of the alcohol hadn’t worn off yet, and his head was a little dizzy, but he couldn’t sleep.

Lu Fan listened to the sounds from the bedroom. He heard Jiang Yixia turn over several times, heard her sigh, heard her fluff her pillow a few times.

He smiled and closed his eyes.

That night, neither of them slept much.

The next morning, Jiang Yixia was woken by noises from the kitchen.

She opened her eyes, stunned for a moment, then shot up into a sitting position.

’Someone’s in the kitchen?’

She grabbed her phone and glanced at it. 7:30.

Jiang Yixia quietly opened the bedroom door and peeked toward the kitchen.

Then she froze.

Lu Fan was standing at the stove frying an egg, wearing her apron.

The apron was pink with a small flower on it. It looked completely out of place on him.

Lu Fan’s hair was still messy and his sweater was still wrinkled, but his movements were focused. He flipped the egg with great care, afraid of breaking the yolk.

Jiang Yixia stared at the sight, momentarily at a loss for words.

Hearing the noise, Lu Fan turned around. Seeing her standing in the doorway, he smiled and said, "You’re awake? Just a little longer, it’s almost ready."

Jiang Yixia asked numbly, "What are you doing?"

"Making breakfast, of course. You let me stay over last night and even made me soup to sober up. I have to show my appreciation, don’t I?" Lu Fan said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Jiang Yixia opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, she only asked, "You... know how to cook now?"

"Of course I do. Ever since Silu wanted to eat food I’d cooked, I’ve learned quite a few dishes," Lu Fan said with a smile.

Jiang Yixia didn’t reply, just stood in the doorway watching him work.

His movements were indeed quite practiced.

He flipped the egg without any hesitation and even put slices of bread in the toaster.

Watching Lu Fan’s back, she suddenly felt a sense of déja vu.

Many years ago, she used to be the one waking up to make him breakfast.

Now, it felt like they were back in those times again.

She shook her head, forcing herself not to dwell on it.

A moment later, Lu Fan walked out carrying two plates and set them on the dining table.

On the plates were fried eggs, bacon, toast, and a small serving of sliced fruit.

Lu Fan untied the apron and smiled. "Give it a try. See if you like it."

Jiang Yixia sat down at the table. Looking at the breakfast before her, she felt a swirl of complicated emotions.

She picked up her fork, speared a small piece of egg, and put it in her mouth.

The egg was fried to perfection, the yolk still runny. When she took a bite, the flavor burst in her mouth.