After breakfast, Jiayi suggested a relaxing afternoon in the garden. The sun was warm, and a gentle breeze made it a perfect day to unwind. The villa's garden was filled with blooming flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and a small fountain in the center.
"This place is beautiful," Ye Chen said as he followed Jiayi and Lianyi outside.
"It's my favorite spot," Lianyi said softly. She carried a basket of gardening tools, her hands brushing against Ye Chen's arm as they walked.
"You like gardening, Sister Lianyi?" Ye Chen asked.
Lianyi nodded. "It's peaceful. It feels good to take care of something and watch it grow."
Meixiu strolled in behind them, holding a cold drink. "I don't get the appeal. Dirt under my nails? No, thanks."
Jiayi chuckled. "That's because you're impatient. Gardening teaches patience."
"Or I can just watch you guys do the work," Meixiu said, smirking as she plopped down on a nearby bench.
Ye Chen glanced at Lianyi. "Can I help you with anything?"
She looked surprised but smiled. "Really? I'd like that."
Jiayi handed Ye Chen a small trowel. "Help Lianyi plant these flowers. I'll be over there trimming the bushes."
Ye Chen knelt beside Lianyi as she showed him how to dig small holes for the flower seedlings. Their hands occasionally brushed as they worked, and each time, Lianyi's cheeks turned a little pinker.
"You're good at this," Lianyi said softly.
"Thanks, but I think you're just being nice," Ye Chen replied, grinning.
Lianyi smiled shyly. "No, really. You're helping a lot."
From the bench, Meixiu watched them with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You two look cozy over there. Should I grab a camera?"
"Meixiu!" Lianyi exclaimed, her face flushing.
Ye Chen laughed. "She's just teasing."
"Of course I am," Meixiu said, standing up and walking over. "But seriously, Ye Chen, aren't you tired of working? Come sit with me for a bit."
"Go ahead," Lianyi said quickly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Meixiu grabbed Ye Chen's arm and led him to the bench. She sat close to him, her shoulder brushing against his.
"You're working too hard," Meixiu said, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Relax for a bit."
"You're not really giving me a choice, are you?" Ye Chen said, amused.
"Nope," Meixiu replied, smiling up at him.
From across the garden, Jiayi called out. "Meixiu, don't hog him. Ye Chen, come help me carry these branches."
Meixiu sighed dramatically. "Looks like the eldest sister wins this round."
Ye Chen stood and walked over to Jiayi, who was stacking trimmed branches into a pile.
"Thanks for helping," Jiayi said, handing him a bundle. As he took it, she reached out and adjusted his collar, her fingers lingering for a moment.
"You're very helpful, Ye Chen," Jiayi said, her voice warm. "I don't know what we'd do without you."
"I'm just glad to be here," Ye Chen replied, his heart skipping a beat at her gentle touch.
Jiayi smiled and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "That's sweet of you to say."
Back on the bench, Meixiu rolled her eyes. "I swear, Jiayi gets all the good moments."
"Meixiu, stop complaining," Lianyi said softly.
Later that afternoon, they all gathered in the living room. Jiayi brought out a tray of iced tea, while Meixiu lounged on the couch, flipping through a magazine.
"You've been here for a few days now," Jiayi said, sitting beside Ye Chen. "How are you adjusting?"
"It's been great. I feel really lucky to be here," Ye Chen replied.
"You better," Meixiu said with a smirk. "We're spoiling you."
"You're teasing him again," Lianyi said, sitting on Ye Chen's other side. She handed him a glass of tea, her fingers brushing his.
"Thanks, Sister Lianyi," Ye Chen said, smiling.
She blushed slightly and looked away.
Meixiu leaned closer, resting her chin on Ye Chen's shoulder. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure. Do you have anything in mind?" Ye Chen asked.
"We could go to the lake," Jiayi suggested. "It's not far from here, and the weather's perfect for a picnic."
"I like that idea," Lianyi said.
"Me too," Ye Chen agreed.
"Fine," Meixiu said. "But only if Ye Chen carries all the stuff."
Everyone laughed, and the mood was light and cheerful.
As the sun began to set, Jiayi suggested watching the sunset from the villa's balcony. The four of them gathered there, the golden light casting a warm glow over everything.
"This is beautiful," Ye Chen said, leaning against the railing.
"It's one of my favorite views," Jiayi said, standing beside him.
Lianyi stood on his other side, her hands clasped in front of her. "It feels so peaceful."
Meixiu leaned against the wall, her arms crossed. "It's nice, I guess."
Jiayi turned to Ye Chen. "Thank you for helping today. You've been such a big help."
"It's nothing," Ye Chen said, feeling a little embarrassed.
Jiayi smiled and reached out to hug him. Her embrace was warm and comforting, and Ye Chen couldn't help but relax.
"You're part of the family now," Jiayi said softly.
As she stepped back, Lianyi hesitated, then stepped forward and hugged Ye Chen as well. Her touch was gentle, and she rested her head against his chest for a moment before pulling away, her cheeks pink.
"Goodnight, Ye Chen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Meixiu grinned and walked over. "Not fair. My turn."
Before Ye Chen could react, Meixiu pulled him into a tight hug, pressing her cheek against his. "Goodnight, Ye Chen. Sweet dreams."
"Goodnight, Sisters," Ye Chen said, feeling both flustered and happy as they all headed to bed.