Resplendent – Chapter 549

Chapter 549: Holding You in My Arms as I Sleep

“Hm?” Ling Juechen raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at the young girl. His entire body unconsciously radiated cold air, instantly plunging the study’s temperature below freezing. 

Yue Yuan shivered violently, wishing she could bolt out the door immediately.

“So it’s your type. What of it?” The white-clad beauty’s tone carried a dangerous edge, his stunning eyes as dark as the ink-black night sky, fixed intently on every flicker of expression across Gu Ye’s face.

Gu Ye blinked her wide, innocent eyes, her thick lashes fluttering like butterfly wings: “How could that be? Unless there’s another exactly like you, because… you’re my type!”

The moment those words left her lips, the room warmed instantly, shifting abruptly from deep winter to spring blossoms. The smile that bloomed on the handsome man’s face was like March flowers, intoxicating and captivating. His dazzling eyes seemed to possess a magic that could draw one’s soul in.

Little red hearts blossomed one after another in Gu Ye’s eyes: Seriously, how gorgeous is he? So stunning it’s almost unfair, heartbreakingly perfect… Ahem, basically the most breathtakingly handsome guy in the entire universe!

Ling Juechen smiled faintly, leaned down, and planted a kiss on the young girl’s forehead before confiscating the booklet listing the capital’s most handsome men. 

Gu Ye pouted unhappily, “But I haven’t finished reading it yet…”

“There’s no need to read further! The finest man in all the world stands right before you.” Ling Juechen gently guided her chin, ensuring her gaze remained fixed on him.

She grinned mischievously, “It’s been a few days, but Brother Chen seems to have gained a bit of weight…”

Ling Juechen touched his own slender waist, a look of confusion spreading across his face, “Really?”

She reached out her small hands, running them up and down his solid chest and powerful waist. She even wrapped her arms around the handsome man’s waist, rubbing against him. After her thorough inspection, her puzzled expression faded: “Huh? You don’t seem to have gained weight? Could it be that your face has gotten thicker, making you look fuller…”

“Little imp…” Ling Juechen ruffled her hair affectionately, sighing with both indulgence and resignation.

Gu Ye clung to his waist, reluctant to let go. Whether in her past life or this one, she’d never been drawn to burly musclemen. Instead, she’d always had a soft spot for tall, slender, handsome boys. 

Ling Juechen’s slender frame looked lean in clothes yet revealed toned muscles beneath. His proportions seemed tailor-made for her embrace, offering perfect comfort.

Burying her face against his chest, she inhaled a crisp, pure scent—like winter plum blossoms blooming in the night, their fragrance deep and lingering… How wonderful. He carried no trace of that unpleasant male body odor; he smelled wonderfully fresh.

Ling Juechen gently encircled her slender waist with one arm while supporting her back with the other. The full moon had slipped away unnoticed. Time flowed silently between the two embracing figures, as if the entire room could hold no one else.

His gaze flickered toward the small booklet beside them. His voice, as melodious as a cello, murmured, “Ye’er, after much thought, I feel we should formalize our relationship first. I wouldn’t want my beloved to be coveted by a pack of hungry wolves.”

A muffled chuckle rose from Gu Ye’s chest. “Brother Chen, could it be you too have moments of self-doubt?”

“In front of you, I’ve never felt confident. Sometimes, waking in the middle of the night, I think of us and fear it’s all just a dream; fear that your existence is merely a lingering obsession of mine; fear that someone more beautiful than me might capture your gaze; fear that even knowing you are you, I still can’t draw near…” Ling Juechen tightened his arms around her waist, as if afraid she might fly away.

“No, Brother Chen. In this world, you’re the only one I’d ever choose!” Gu Ye glanced up at him before burying her face deeper into his embrace.

“Have you considered that once you become a Grand Apothecary, the obstacles between us will likely multiply tenfold? I fear the countless handsome men who’ll appear around you might dazzle your eyes. And to prevent the loss of a Grand Apothecary, the ruler of the Dongling Kingdom will surely interfere…” For the first time, Ling Juechen felt his little girl was so outstanding it was almost a headache.

Gu Ye stood on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around his neck with a mischievous grin. “It’s rare to see you so anxious about losing something. But shouldn’t a Grand Apothecary’s choice of partner be based on their own will? As long as you treat me so well I can’t bear to leave you, isn’t that enough?”

“Have I not treated you well enough?” Ling Juechen smiled, a sense of relief washing over him. His precious treasure, Ling Juechen’s, was off-limits to anyone else. Otherwise, he would slay gods if they stood in his way, and kill Buddhas if they blocked his path. Who could stop him?

“Fine! But girls are greedy by nature. We always want more.” Gu Ye clung to him like a koala, her legs wrapped around his waist, arms hooked over his neck. “Your Ye’er is sleepy now. Please tuck me in.”

He chuckled softly, cradling her legs with both hands as he let her lean against his sturdy shoulder. Like a father rocking his daughter to sleep, he paced back and forth in the study.

A faint smile touched Gu Ye’s lips, yet her eyes stung with moisture. Never before had anyone held her like this and lulled her to sleep—not in her past life, nor in this one.

Brother Chen’s arms were so strong, his chest broad and warm—it felt incredibly comfortable to lean against him. Most importantly, he radiated a sense of reassurance, a profound security that made her instinctively want to trust and depend on him.

“Brother Chen, do you know any lullabies?” Feeling utterly content, her voice sounded slightly hazy.

Lullabies? Ling Juechen had lived two lifetimes and had never tried it before. But since his little girl asked, he wouldn’t refuse. Recalling a melody he’d learned in elementary or middle school in his past life, he began to hum: “Sleep, sleep, my dear little one…”

Though a bit rusty, his natural talent shone through. His voice was rich and magnetic, making the song melodious and enchanting—so beautiful it felt like it could make your ears pregnant. Before drifting off, Gu Ye murmured, “Brother Chen, with your talent, you’d win first place on ‘XX Trainee’ or ‘Produce Camp 20XX’ for sure. I’d cheer for you like crazy…”

Not long after, Ling Juechen sensed the little girl had fallen into a deep sleep, yet he couldn’t bear to let her go. He knew holding her like this was fine for a short while, but sleeping through the night would leave her aching all over. No matter how reluctant, he forced himself to carry her to her bedroom.

Hua Hao and Yue Yuan, who had been waiting outside, had long since sent Liangchen and Meijing to bed. Seeing their masters emerge, the two silently followed behind, lifting the curtains as they entered the bedroom.

Ling Juechen laid the girl’s limp body onto the carved rosewood bed adorned with a cloud-silk quilt. Her arms wrapped around his neck tightened slightly, her brow furrowing as if reluctant to let him go.

He stood bent over the bedside, waiting quietly until she slept soundly before gently unwinding her hands from his neck.

“Brother Chen…” the girl murmured in her sleep.

“Sleep well, I am here!” Ling Juechen sat down beside the bed, quietly watching over her.

Gu Ye’s lips curved slightly. Feeling his presence, she drifted into a deeper slumber…