The next morning, rays of sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the figures still lying in bed.
The room was a mess, clothes carelessly scattered across the floor, with five or six used condoms discarded here and there. The bed too, was, disheveled from the night before, and carried the marks of their passion.
When Qin Yuheng opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was her peaceful face, bathed in the gentle morning light. He couldn't help but stare at her, a tender smile curving his lips. His hand moved to trace the outline of her face.
"Good morning, wifey," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth, as though the simple greeting held all the love he felt for her.
Shen Ning, still half-asleep, buried her face against his chest with a soft groan. "My hands are sore, my mouth is sore, my whole body is sore! I'm like an old woman now!"
Qin Yuheng's chest shook as he tried to suppress his laughter.
"You!" She punched his chest playfully.
"Alright, alright," he chuckled, pulling her closer. "I'll massage it."
Shen Ning let out a soft huff, but her body relaxed against him as he gently cupped her shoulders, his thumbs pressing into the soft skin of her back.
"You're lucky I'm so good to you," Qin Yuheng teased, his voice low and soothing as his hands worked their way down her back. He could feel the tension in her muscles, a sign of how much she'd given of herself the night before.
Shen Ning sighed contentedly, her eyes fluttering closed as she leaned into him, her fingers lightly tracing the line of his chest. "I'm not sure you're doing this out of kindness," she murmured, her lips curling into a small smile. "I think you're just enjoying the chance to touch me."
Qin Yuheng chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through his chest. "Maybe," he admitted shamelessly.
-----
They didn't linger in bed for long, eventually heading downstairs together. Shen Ning's walk was a bit awkward, the aftermath of their night evident in her movements.
Mother Shen, Father Shen, and Shen Qiao were already waiting at the breakfast table.
"Mom, Dad, good morning," Shen Ning greeted, settling into her seat.
"Good morning mom, dad," Qin Yuheng added, following her and sitting beside her.
Father Shen nodded. "Good morning."
After a brief pause, Father Shen spoke again. "We'll be leaving today. Your grandmother is alone at home."
Shen Ning nodded, her expression softening. "I'll see you both off to the airport."
Her parents exchanged a glance, and there was a brief hesitation before they looked toward Qin Yuheng.
Sensing their gaze, Qin Yuheng turned to Shen Ning and gently rubbed her hair. "Why don't you open the gifts from Miss Xu today?" he suggested, his tone light and easy.
Shen Ning pursed her lips, her eyes flicking toward her parents before nodding. "Okay," she said, her voice soft but resigned.
Shen Ning went to their bedroom and opened the gifts. At that moment, she forgot about Mu Chen's gift, it was still in her purse.
-----
"Actually," Father Shen began, his voice steady but laced with concern, "we... learned about the rumors surrounding your Qin family. We weren't sure if they were true, so we acted as we did."
Qin Yuheng pursed his lips. "Most people believe those rumors. Mom, Dad, I know what you're worried about, but I assure you, they are not true. More importantly, I will love and protect my wife with all my might."
Mother Shen sighed, her eyes softening. "Then... we are relieved," she said, nodding with a faint smile."
In the afternoon, Shen Ning drove her parents to the airport. Standing by the departure gate, she hugged her mother tightly before turning to her father and Shen Qiao.
"Take care, and give me a call once you've reached home," she said, her tone soft but tinged with a hint of reluctance to part.
Her mother smiled, gently patting her hand. "Okay, you take care too," she replied with a warm look of concern.
Shen Ning nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I won't. Don't worry about me." She glanced at Shen Qiao, who gave her a rare, reassuring grin.
After a few more words of farewell, Shen Ning watched them pass through security. As the figures of her family disappeared into the crowd, she stood there for a moment, letting the quiet hum of the airport wash over her.
As she turned toward the exit, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen: Xu Xie.
"Hehe. Did you like my gift?" Xu Xie's teasing tone immediately came through the line.
Shen Ning gritted her teeth, her face instantly heating. "Shut up, you!" she snapped, her voice low but exasperated.
Xu Xie laughed shamelessly. "Oh, come on. Don't pretend you didn't appreciate it. I'm sure someone had a great time."
"Xu Xie!" Shen Ning's voice rose slightly, drawing a few curious looks from nearby travelers. She quickly lowered her tone, fuming. "You are the worst. I was almost tortured to death yesterday!"
"Haha..." Xu Xie burst into laughter, utterly unrepentant. "Well, it sounds like my gift did exactly what it was meant to do."
Shen Ning closed her eyes, her free hand balling into a fist. "I swear, one of these days, I'm going to return the favor."
"Oh, I'm looking forward to it," Xu Xie replied cheekily before hanging up, leaving Shen Ning standing there, glaring at her phone.