The days passed by in a blur, Yan Mei's fever was gone, but because she wanted to spend time with Lei Zhao. She rested at home and skip her work for a few days—something she has never done for the past five years unless she was terribly sick.
Yan Mei had to admit their relationship had significantly improved with the time they spent together at home. They would snuggle, cuddle, and talk about trivial matters like an ordinary couple. They would occasionally bicker on an issue until one of them gives up.
Yan Mei looked at Lei Zhao, breathing steadily beside her, and her lips curved into a soft smile. She had woken up in the middle of the night, and she was finding it difficult to go back to sleep. Maybe she was nervous; she had been thinking about, Mrs. Leng said for the past few days.
She wanted to find the right time to tell him, but she never got the chance. She felt like a teenager who was planning on confessing to her crush. The words always get caught in her throat anytime her eyes meet his, looking longingly at her. His gaze always made her feel like she was his entire universe.
She ran her fingers through his hair as she took her time memorizing his features. Lei Zhao's brows screwed together when he felt a tingling sensation in his hair. Yan Mei smiled, she thought he looked cute. He was sleeping with his lips slightly opened. Lei Zhao slowly opened his eyes and smiled lazily at her when he saw her staring at him.
"Why are you still up?" He arched his eyebrows together in confusion. Yan Mei pouted, "Because my husband didn't hug me so I can't fall asleep. I feel cold!" Yan Mei bem.o.a.ned.
"Oh." Lei Zhao chuckled. It seems his wife was becoming clingy.
"Sorry, dear. I was a little tired, so I fell asleep the moment I hit the bed." Lei Zhao explained.
He has been busy with some business affairs that need his immediate attention, but because Yan Mei got sick, he had to delay. Also, he wanted to spend time with her, so he waits until she falls asleep every day before sneaking away to the study to attend to some business matters.
Unbeknownst to Lei Zhao, Yan Mei knew about this, but she didn't say or ask him anything. She just felt warm in her heart. She would wait for him to come to bed and pretend she is sleeping when he comes back.
Yan Mei harrumphed and turned her back at him, completely ignoring him. Lei Zhao groaned and pulled her into his arms and wrapped his arms around her waist.
He rested his head into the crook of her neck, smelling her unique smell that calmed him. He planted a kiss there.
"Sorry Wifey, I will always hold you from onwards unless I'm sick or my hands are cut off." Lei Zhao mumbled softly.
Yan Mei smiled to herself. His words are always able to melt her heart. The room fell into silent, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
------
Lei Zhao grunted as he opened his eyes and felt the sun blaring his vision. He squinted and stretched to touch Yan Mei's body. He wanted to give her a good morning kiss, but he realized he was alone on the bed, and he had overslept.
It's been a long time since he had overslept. Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep from his face and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. Lei Zhao got down from the bed and made his way towards the kitchen. He assumed Yan Mei was probably bathing, so he decided to make breakfast for her.
Lei Zhao stopped in his tracks when he heard the bustling of utensils in the kitchen. He furrowed his brows and hurried to the kitchen. Yan Mei's back was facing him. Her hair was tied in a messy bun, wearing a pajama and a sweater; she looked adorable.
"Good morning, Wifey." Lei Zhao spoke, startling Yan Mei. She yelped, turning around surprised with a blush crept on her cheeks.
"Good morning. Would you like some coffee?" She asked softly with a smile, making her whole being glow.
"Yes." Lei Zhao said as he strode towards her. He pulled her closer and planted a kiss on her forehead before sitting down comfortably.
Yan Mei served him coffee and a toasted cheese sandwich. Lei Zhao stared at the burnt sandwich and quirked his brows. He looked up and saw Yan Mei's eyes flickering with 'nervousness?'
"You made this?" Lei Zhao asked with uncertainty evident in his voice. Yan Mei nodded and blushed profusely.
"Oh, it's a miracle you didn't burn the kitchen and the house down." Lei Zhao chuckled, teasing her.
Yan Mei glared at him and threw the napkin she was holding at him. Lei Zhao laughed at her adorable face.
"I'm not that bad. I have been watching you when you prepare breakfast. Also, we have a toaster and a coffee maker!"
Yan Mei explained, rolling her eyes.
Lei Zhao eyed the piece of bread wearily. 'Even with a toaster, and she still burned the thing!'
Lei Zhao inwardly complained. He saw her hopeful eyes and couldn't bear to disappoint her. Also, he was touched by her gesture.
Lei Zhao took a bite and was surprised that it wasn't 'that' bad.
"It can be better, but I'm not complaining." Lei Zhao smirked, trying to tease her again.
Yan Mei smiled sadly in return and folded her hands before her. She fiddled with her fingers, avoiding eye contact with Lei Zhao.
"You don't like it?" Yan Mei pouted. Lei Zhao stared at her lips, and he wanted to bit it. He cleared his throat and shook his head.
"O-okay." Yan Mei mumbled. She shrugged nonchalantly, feigning that she wasn't affected by what he said. She stared at her feet, distractingly.
"Wifey," Lei Zhao chuckled. Yan Mei snapped her head towards him.
"I'm just teasing you. It's actually good since it's your first time preparing breakfast."
Yan Mei stared at him for a couple of seconds and then started walking away saying nothing. Lei Zhao jolted from the chair and grabbed her wrist. He pulled her into his arms and encased her by holding her waist.
"Are you angry?" Lei Zhao asked
Yan Mei harrumphed and turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.
A smug plastered on Lei Zhao's face. "Wifey, sorry."
Yan Mei scoffed and ignored him.
"Okay, know that you asked for this."
Yan Mei frowned. Before she could ask what he meant, Lei Zhao tickled her, melting her angered face. Yan Mei busted out laughing.
"Lei Zhao—ah-stop!" She yelled. Lei Zhao grinned.
"Not until you have said you have forgiven me!"
Yan Mei didn't want to give up, but the tickling was too much for, so she surrendered.
"Okay..o, I forgive you!" Lei Zhao smirked triumphantly and let her go.
He flickered her nose, "I won."
Yan Mei snorted, "I will get back at you!"
"Oh, how do you plan on doing it?" He asked as his eyes wandered on her face. Yan Mei looked up and met his fiery gaze. She swallowed and stared back at him. Her heart fluttered in her chest, and her stomach swarmed with butterflies.
Her eyes lingered on his lips. Unconsciously, she licked her lips. God, she missed him. It's been so long since-
The lingering smirk on his face suggested he knew her train of thoughts, and he was amused. Yan Mei scoffed and pushed him away.
"I'm going to take a bath." Yan Mei said and hurriedly scurried away.
Lei Zhao shook his head and stared at her back. Yan Mei stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him.
He saw her walking back to sit down. Taking a deep breath, she called him.
"Lei Zhao.."
Lei Zhao turned to look at her when he heard her calling him.
"Yes. Is there something wrong?"
Yan Mei's eyes met his, and her heart skipped a beat. Time seemed to slow as they just stood there staring at each other. Lei Zhao quirked his brows when he saw the emotions brewing in her eyes. It was hard for him to decipher the emotions.
"Wif- " Lei Zhao was cut off by Yan Mei's voice, thick with a strong emotion.
"I love you." Yan Mei blurted out.