A few minutes passed in comfortable quiet before Zhao Yichen returned, wiping his hands absently on the front of his shirt. He glanced around at the group with an easy smile. "Shall we tour the villa? See what we're working with?"
"Yeah, sure," Han Jiho said, already rising from his seat with an enthusiastic stretch.
Gu Chengze let out a short scoff, his gaze sliding pointedly toward Su Wanyan. "I might as well. Anything's better than staying here with someone insufferable."
Su Wanyan simply raised an eyebrow, her expression calm. What is up with this annoying man? she thought, but kept the words to herself.
Sensing the slight tension in the air, Zhao Yichen clapped his hands once, bright and decisive. "Shall we go, everyone?"
The others stood, gathering themselves. Su Wanyan remained seated, glancing down at the peaceful weight on her shoulder and in her arms. Both Mo Xingxue and little Mo Yan were sleeping soundly—Mo Xingxue's breathing slow and even, the baby's tiny chest rising and falling in perfect rhythm against her.
Zhao Yichen noticed and let out a quiet laugh. "Oh, okay. We'll go ahead first then."
The group filed out of the living room, footsteps softening on the polished floors. A cameraman followed them with the main camera, its lens capturing the casual chatter as they disappeared down the hallway.
Left alone with the two sleepy figures, Su Wanyan turned her gaze toward the large window near the door. Warm afternoon sunlight poured through, painting golden patches across the floor and illuminating drifting clouds outside. The peaceful view settled over her like a soft blanket.
Then she felt it—Mo Xingxue's head slowly slipping off her shoulder.
Su Wanyan moved carefully, lifting her right hand to guide the actress's head back into place with gentle fingers. She adjusted the angle just enough for comfort, making sure nothing strained.
Once everything felt steady again, she returned her attention to the window, letting the quiet wrap around her once more.
Then, a small movement caught her eye. Little Mo Yan stretched her legs, one tiny foot dangling free. Su Wanyan chuckled under her breath and reached down to tuck the foot back under the light blanket, then shifted Mo Mo Yan's arm into a more relaxed position against her side.
She let out a small sigh of relief, the kind that comes after small, careful tasks, and looked back out the window, mind drifting peacefully.
From the corner of the room, a soft laugh suddenly broke the silence. Su Wanyan turned her head and spotted a young staff member standing there, hand over her mouth, eyes sparkling with amusement at the wholesome scene. Their gazes met. The staff member froze, cheeks flushing, then quickly ducked away and fled the room.
Su Wanyan couldn't help but laugh softly herself at the reaction. She shook her head and turned back to the window, letting her thoughts wander again, the gentle warmth of the sunlight soothing.
A few more minutes of that calm passed before Mo Xingxue stirred. She didn't wake up fully. Instead, still deep in sleep, she shifted closer and slid her arms around Su Wanyan's waist, hugging her tightly as if seeking comfort even in dreams.
Su Wanyan stiffened for a second, surprised by the sudden closeness. She looked down at the still-sleeping woman—elegant features relaxed, lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks—and let out a quiet sigh.
What have I gotten myself into?
Still.. this was the original owner's childhood best friend. And now, technically, hers too. Su Wanyan relaxed her shoulders and decided to simply let it be, returning her gaze to the drifting clouds outside.
Meanwhile, the live barrage was in full meltdown.
[AHH, THEY'RE SO CUTEEE!]
[FR!]
[Like mother, like daughter—they're both fussy sleepers.]
[Tbh, I'm grateful to Su Wanyan. Because of her, we get to see this soft side of our queen Mo Xingxue.]
[RIGHT?! I thought I'd get tired of her cold face again, but HOT DAMN was I wrong.]
[Fr, fr.]
The person at the center of all that excitement, however, was simply dissociating, eyes soft on the sky.
The peace was so complete that drowsiness began to pull at Su Wanyan too. It's been such a long time since I had a relaxing day like this, she thought, eyelids growing heavier. She gave in, letting the gentle exhaustion wash over her.
+-+-+-+-+-+
"Bro, I still can't forget about that secret room," Qin Yuran said with a laugh as the group made their way back down the hallway toward the living room. "No joke," Lin Xuanyu added, eyes sparkling with amusement, though his gaze kept drifting toward Gu Chengze.
Gu Chengze walked ahead in silence, jaw set. That inferior alpha must be seducing my wife again, he thought bitterly, picking up his pace just a little.
When they stepped back into the living room, the sight that greeted them was utterly wholesome.
Su Wanyan had fallen asleep too, still holding little Mo Yan protectively in her arms. Her head rested back against the sofa, neck at what looked like a slightly uncomfortable angle. On her shoulder, Mo Xingxue slept soundly, arms wrapped around Su Wanyan's waist, looking as peaceful and comfortable as her daughter.
Qin Yuran let out a quiet laugh and leaned toward Song Meiyu, whispering, "Look, they're progressing faster than us."
Song Meiyu blushed and shot her a shy glance in return.
"Looks like we already have our first established couple," Zhao Yichen said with a warm chuckle as he settled back into his usual spot.
The others followed, returning to their seats one by one with soft smiles and amused glances. Gu Chengze, however, stared at the sleeping trio with open hatred burning in his eyes.
Mo Xingxue.. you're already going to be mine, yet you're mingling with another alpha?
His gaze shifted to Su Wanyan, the hatred deepening.
And this inferior alpha… how dare she seduce my omega?
He huffed and leaned back in his seat, fists tight. You'll pay, Su Wanyan. You'll pay.
Beside him, Lin Xuanyu had caught every flicker of Gu Chengze's expression. Jealousy and bitterness flared hot in his chest. Why is he so obsessed with her? I'm clearly better.
Then his eyes landed on Su Wanyan, and a sly, calculating smile curved his lips.
Oh yeah.. I can use her. Terrific.