Chapter 107: I Sleep on the Couch

Chapter 107

Ji Nian's trembling hand pointed to the bedroom door and said, "In there..."

Yu Luobai walked over, Ji Nian fearfully followed behind him. He opened the bedroom door but saw nothing.

"There's nothing," Yu Luobai said, turning on his phone's flashlight to reveal the messy bedsheets. He looked around and noticed a slipper on the floor.

Yu Luobai shook his head and bent down to pick up the slipper, gently helping Ji Nian slip her foot back into it. "It seems you were quite startled, even forgot to put on both slippers."

Ji Nian finally came to her senses, realizing she had only worn one slipper. Feeling Yu Luobai's warm palm against her foot made her start, but she no longer felt as afraid.

"Where did you see it?" Yu Luobai asked with a smile.

"I wanted to close the curtains and passed by the full-length mirror..." Ji Nian said with a pitiful look.

Yu Luobai calmly shone his phone's light towards the mirror and beckoned her over.

Ji Nian hesitated for a moment before walking up to him. Seeing their two reflections in the mirror, she froze.

Yu Luobai chuckled and patted her head. "It's just us in the mirror."

Ji Nian blinked in disbelief, stepping closer to get a better look. Outside, the storm raged on, but she stared at the mirror, rendered utterly speechless.

"Damn it," Ji Nian blurted out, realizing she had spooked herself.

She tried recalling what had happened—perhaps the thunderclap woke her, and she was too dazed to recognize her own face, mistaking it for the original owner's visage.

Yu Luobai's eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched her fixated on the mirror. "Are you still afraid?" he asked.

Ji Nian's eyes were still moist with trepidation. She turned away in embarrassment. "Sorry, Yu Laoshi... I woke you up in the middle of the night..."

Yu Luobai laughed. "I didn't expect you to be such a scaredy-cat."

Ji Nian's face flushed. It wasn't that she was timid—that scene had been terrifying.

Yu Luobai patted her head. "Alright, it's late. Go back to sleep."

Joy lit up Ji Nian's eyes. Yu Luobai was still reliable in a pinch. She was so scared she nearly died!

Ji Nian scurried to the couch, kicking off her slippers and clutching a pillow as she sat cross-legged obediently.

"Yu Laoshi, don't mind me. You go sleep. I'll stay here," she said earnestly.

Yu Luobai's heart raced knowing she'd be spending the night. He felt elated but feigned nonchalance with a nod. "There's a guest room."

Ji Nian shook her head. "No need, it's too much trouble to set it up. Your couch is big enough. I'll make do."

Yu Luobai's gaze darkened slightly. "It's no trouble. I'll get it ready for you."

Ji Nian scurried over and ushered him into the bedroom. "Yu Laoshi, don't worry about me. I'm self-sufficient. You go to sleep."

Yu Luobai watched as she closed the door, his mind still wandering. Instead of leaving, he sat on the bed, needing a moment to collect himself.

Ji Nian turned off the living room lights. The rain had subsided, and the thunder stopped. She yawned.

No longer afraid, she felt safe at Yu Luobai's place. Rubbing her eyes, she hugged the pillow she'd brought, pulled a small blanket over herself on the couch, and quickly dozed off from sheer exhaustion.

When Yu Luobai emerged, he saw Ji Nian asleep on the couch, her soft breathing audible as he approached.

Yu Luobai gazed at her peaceful, sleeping face, so different from her lively demeanor. "Nian Nian, are you asleep?" he asked softly.

Ji Nian didn't answer, her only reply the patter of rain outside.

Yu Luobai gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his expression tender.

Then, he carefully scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, laying her on the bed and tucking her in.

"Good night," Yu Luobai whispered, gently pinching her cheek.

Ji Nian shifted restlessly, mumbling something before falling back into a deep slumber.

Yu Luobai watched her for a while longer, reluctantly leaving the room. His heart was no longer calm. How could he handle liking her even more now?