Chapter 111: Gazing into Each Other's Worlds

Qin Yu felt as though she had enjoyed the most restful, satisfying sleep of her life. Her entire being was filled with an unprecedented sense of ease and contentment.

As she opened her eyes, she found Qing Li's face right before her, and with her hand, she gently traced the contours of his features.

When her fingers brushed across Qing Li's lips, he caught them in his mouth. Qin Yu's face flushed instantly, and she mumbled softly, "Let go."

Qing Li, still holding her fingers in his mouth, looked at her with a smile.

Feeling the weight of Qing Li's gaze, Qin Yu suddenly snatched her fingers away, puffing her cheeks in mock annoyance. "Hmph, if you won't let go, I'll pull away myself!"

Qing Li couldn't help but laugh at her childishness. He buried her head in his chest and said, "Mm, our little Yu is the cleverest. I knew you'd pull away, that's why I didn't let go!"

The tender, coaxing tone, coupled with the familiar scent of him, made even her ears flush red.

Looking at her, blushing from her face to her ears, Qing Li felt as though he could never tire of gazing at her. Though he wished he could hold her forever, reality intervened—

"Boss! Boss! Are you awake? Come out for breakfast! Xiao Meng made a hot, delicious, heartfelt breakfast! Hurry up and come eat with your wife, or it'll get cold and won't taste as good!" Xue Qi's booming voice echoed throughout the second floor.

Qing Li glanced at the door, which was rattling from the knocking, his eyes flashing with a glint of mischief. Looking at Qin Yu, whose head still rested on his chest, he stroked her hair and said, "Yu'er, get up and wash. Let's have breakfast together. I have something to discuss with you after we eat."

Qin Yu looked up at him, blinking, and softly replied, "Mm."

Unable to resist, Qing Li placed a light kiss on her lips—a fleeting touch, because he feared he might not be able to control himself if he lingered. Now was not the time.

The moment he kissed her, Qin Yu leapt up and darted into the bathroom to wash up.

Watching her flee in near panic, Qing Li's lips curled into a wicked smile. His Yu'er really was adorably innocent.

Although Qin Yu had once loved Li Mo, their relationship had never gone beyond holding hands. It was precisely because of this that Li Mo, unable to bear the loneliness, had so readily abandoned her in their previous life.

Soon, Qin Yu and Qing Li went downstairs. Seeing everyone at the table sitting upright and proper, but with eyes full of gossip, the two exchanged a glance, each recognizing the mischief in the other's eyes.

As soon as they sat down, Zhao Meng couldn't hold back the burning curiosity inside her. Eyes alight with excitement, she asked, "Xiao Yu, who is this?"

Qin Yu smiled faintly, a look of hidden mischief in her eyes as she replied, "This is my brother."

"What? Your brother? But why is your brother so..." Zhao Meng was so shocked she couldn't even finish her sentence. She'd been on edge all day, thinking this man was Xiao Yu's sweetheart! Honestly!

Xia Cheng, seeing Zhao Meng's disappointed face, chuckled and ruffled her hair. "What brother sleeps in the same room with his sister and acts so close? And besides, you've known Qin Yu for over ten years—have you ever heard her mention a brother?"

Zhao Meng paused. That's right! Xiao Yu had never mentioned a brother. She looked up at Qin Yu, whose smile was full of amusement, and suddenly understood. "Well! Xiao Yu! You tricked me! Hmph!"

"I didn't trick you! He really is my brother. Isn't that right, Brother Li?" Qin Yu turned to Qing Li with a smile.

"Actually, I prefer it when you just call me Li," Qing Li replied, his face full of fondness.

"Hmph, what brother! I say he's more like your lover! Xiao Yu, that was mean!" Zhao Meng made a face, her expression screaming, "You'd better placate me or we're done!"

"Pfft," Feng Ji couldn't help but laugh. "Meng, you're really too cute!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Cheng immediately grew alert and shielded Zhao Meng from view.

Feng Ji just shrugged indifferently and started eating, but his eyes briefly betrayed a flicker of pain. He thought of another woman who had once been as lively and endearing as Zhao Meng, but now—damn it! It was all his fault! If only he hadn't—

Xia Cheng frowned as he watched Feng Ji, unsure what he was thinking.

Meanwhile, Zhao Meng continued bantering with Qin Yu. The whole breakfast table was filled with laughter and harmony.

As for Xue Qi, the loudmouth—why wasn't he saying anything? Well, Qing Li had decided since he was so energetic, he might as well return to their base early to take care of business.

After breakfast, Qing Li pulled Qin Yu back to their room. As for the others, although curiosity burned in their hearts, they were sent off with tasks, with strict orders: anyone caught eavesdropping would face the consequences.

Once inside their room, Qing Li locked the door and brought Qin Yu into his own space.

Qin Yu felt a moment of darkness, then found herself in a completely different place. Looking at the endless veins of ore, her eyes widened in disbelief, and she stammered, "Th-this is—"

Qing Li chuckled. "Look at you, you can't even speak. These veins belong to you, don't they?"

Qin Yu nodded blankly, looking up at him. "They all disappeared a few weeks ago. So they ended up here with you!"

"Yeah, I was startled when they appeared," Qing Li said, pinching her cheek.

She batted his hand away and began to survey his space. Aside from the continuous stretches of ore, there were also countless unknown trees and flowers stretching into the distance. Remembering her own barren, desolate space, Qin Yu suddenly felt the urge to cry.

How was this fair? Why was his space so fresh and vibrant, while hers was empty and bleak? She almost wanted to burst into tears.

"Yu'er, what's wrong?" Qing Li asked, noticing her downcast expression.

"Nothing at all!" Qin Yu gritted through her teeth.

"Pfft—Yu'er, you're so adorable when you're like this," Qing Li said.

Adorable, my foot! Qin Yu raged inwardly, though outwardly she maintained an air of indifference.

"You've seen the state of my space, Yu'er. Let me see yours, all right?" Qing Li came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her, his breath warm against her ear, making her shiver.

As he spoke, he led her out of his space. Back in the familiar bedroom, Qin Yu glanced at Qing Li's eager expression, lowered her head, and said, "You have to promise not to laugh!"

Qing Li nodded solemnly. "I promise I won't laugh at you, Yu'er."

Resigned, Qin Yu took his hand. With a thought, they entered her space together.

No matter how much Qing Li had mentally prepared himself—telling himself that Yu'er's space couldn't possibly contain anything remarkable—he was still taken aback by what he saw.