{Chapter: 241 Eat Lemon!}
"Huh?" Qiu Wanxi blinked in confusion when she heard Lin Yuan's sudden request.
Still, without hesitation, she obediently stretched out her slender arms and delicate hands, trusting him completely.
Lin Yuan gently took hold of her fair, jade-like arms—her skin was as smooth as silk, reminiscent of a white lotus in bloom. With slow, practiced motions, he began to knead her arms using the tips of his fingers.
His touch was gentle yet firm, carefully avoiding any areas that might cause discomfort. The massage promoted blood circulation and helped her relax.
Unlike his previous, more playful massage with Mei Yuxian, this time Lin Yuan's approach was more formal—professional even. He was fully focused on Qiu Wanxi's comfort and well-being.
With precise pressure, he stimulated her acupuncture points. Gradually, a wave of warmth spread through Qiu Wanxi's body. It felt like someone had lit a soft fire beside her—a cozy, gentle heat that melted her tension and fear.
The nervous pallor that had colored her cheeks earlier slowly faded away, replaced by a healthy pink hue. Her face now glowed softly, like a ripe peach under the morning sun.
Seeing her so adorable and relaxed, Lin Yuan couldn't help but lean over and plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Qiu Wanxi's entire face flushed a deeper red. She lowered her eyes, her heart beating faster in her chest.
"Young Master… I… I'm still in the hospital," she whispered shyly, her voice barely audible.
Lin Yuan chuckled softly. "Do you like it?" he asked with a teasing glint in his eyes.
"I… I… like it…" Qiu Wanxi stammered, but her sweet smile and the twinkle in her eyes made her feelings clear.
"I'm glad," Lin Yuan replied warmly, gently patting her head.
Because she was bedridden for now, Lin Yuan feared she might feel lonely or bored. So he stayed by her side, chatting with her for a long time to keep her spirits up.
Their conversation drifted from casual topics to more personal dreams. They spoke of the Hope Cake Shop's recent growth, ideas for expansion, and what Qiu Wanxi might do after recovering fully. Lin Yuan also joked about how she might repay him for the cost of the operation, prompting giggles from her.
Then, all of a sudden, Qiu Wanxi asked something unexpected, her voice timid yet sincere.
"Young Master… once I recover, can… can you hug me to sleep?"
As soon as she said it, she buried her face slightly in the blanket from embarrassment—but her large, expressive eyes still peeked out to meet his gaze.
Lin Yuan stared into those innocent, sincere eyes. There was something beautiful in their simplicity, something so real and pure. And in that gaze, he could see a budding love—one that had started long ago but now blossomed fully.
She didn't need to say more. Her admiration, her affection, and her longing were all written clearly in her eyes.
"Young Master… Is my request too much?" she asked softly, nervous about how he might respond. "I understand if…"
Before she could finish, Lin Yuan reached out and gently touched her head again. "No, it's not too much. I remember what you said. Once you're fully recovered… I'll hug you to sleep, and I'll sleep beside you."
Qiu Wanxi's eyes sparkled. Her face lit up with joy, and she beamed with happiness, nodding eagerly.
Then, almost instinctively, her soft arms wrapped around his.
This gesture of affection from the usually timid Qiu Wanxi stirred Lin Yuan's heart. He felt her warmth, her sincerity, and her dependence on him.
Unable to resist her charm any longer, Lin Yuan leaned down and kissed her gently again—this time more deeply.
Qiu Wanxi was caught off guard by his sudden boldness. Her eyes widened, and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. They were still in a hospital room, after all.
But even with the lingering shyness, her heart danced with delight.
When their lips finally parted, Qiu Wanxi stared at him with wide, glistening eyes.
"I…" she began, but Lin Yuan smiled and interrupted her softly.
"Let's eat first."
"You've just had surgery. You must be starving. It's important to replenish your strength."
Qiu Wanxi, still dazed and blushing, nodded sweetly.
"Okay, Young Master."
Not long after, Lin Yuan requested that a pot of carefully prepared dove congee be delivered to the hospital room. It was meant to help Qiu Wanxi recover her strength after surgery. Typically, such a request would be handled by the hospital staff or a nurse.
However, to Lin Yuan's surprise, it wasn't a nurse who arrived at the door—it was Dr. Jiang Rou herself.
He raised his eyebrows slightly, clearly not expecting her.
Jiang Rou noticed Lin Yuan's surprised expression and smiled as she explained casually, "The nurse on duty mentioned she was about to bring this up, so I offered to help. I thought I'd also take the chance to check on Wanxi's recovery."
Her voice was calm and professional, but there was a faint warmth behind her words.
After giving Qiu Wanxi a quick look-over, Jiang Rou nodded and passed the pot of steaming congee to Lin Yuan. "It seems like everything is progressing well. She's recovering faster than expected."
"Thank you, Doctor Jiang," Lin Yuan replied politely, accepting the congee.
On the hospital bed, Qiu Wanxi had propped herself up slowly, her movements delicate and gentle. She looked as if she intended to take the bowl herself.
But before she could reach out, Lin Yuan softly stopped her.
"Lie back. Don't move too much yet," he instructed in a gentle tone.
"Huh?" Qiu Wanxi blinked, a bit puzzled.
Without saying more, Lin Yuan picked up a white porcelain spoon, scooped a small portion of the steaming dove congee, and gently blew on it to cool it down. Then, he brought the spoon toward her lips.
"You just had surgery, Wanxi," he said softly. "You're still weak, and congee cools quickly. Let me feed you—it'll taste better warm."
Seeing Lin Yuan's caring gesture, Qiu Wanxi's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She instinctively glanced at Jiang Rou, who was still in the room. Her heart began to flutter.
"This… this is too embarrassing… Young Master…" she murmured, her voice barely audible.
But Lin Yuan remained calm and simply said, "Open your mouth."
The command was gentle but firm.
Almost on instinct, Qiu Wanxi complied. "Ah…"
She opened her lips shyly, and Lin Yuan carefully placed the spoonful of warm congee into her mouth.
As the congee slid down her throat, warmth spread through her chest—not just from the food, but from the overwhelming joy that filled her heart. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help but feel blissful. Every movement Lin Yuan made felt like a dream.
As she chewed and swallowed, Qiu Wanxi looked at Lin Yuan with her bright, sparkling eyes, her gaze full of gratitude and affection.
Meanwhile, Jiang Rou—who had remained silent this whole time—stood frozen at the side. She watched the scene unfold, stunned.
Isn't this exactly like those scenes in the romance novels I read?
She stared at Lin Yuan feeding Qiu Wanxi with such tenderness and care, and for a brief moment, her eyes were filled with tiny sparkles—just like the ones she'd imagined so many times while reading her favorite domineering CEO stories.
'Waaah!' she screamed inwardly.
The young master of the Lin family, someone so powerful and untouchable, was actually spoon-feeding a girl with his own hands.
It was sweet—almost too sweet.
And Qiu Wanxi's radiant expression, filled with happiness and contentment, made Jiang Rou feel a subtle pang in her chest.
A quiet envy began to rise within her.
She had always dreamed of a moment like this for herself. She had imagined it countless times: a powerful man treating her gently, holding her close, feeding her when she was sick, whispering sweet nothings…
But now, before she could ever experience it, she had witnessed it—only it wasn't her in the scene. It was Qiu Wanxi.
The jealousy bubbled within her like a pot of sour soup. This must be what they mean when they say someone has eaten a lemon, she thought bitterly.
She felt more and more sour like she ate a whole lemon. (T/N: eats lemon = sour = jealous)
Trying to keep her composure, Jiang Rou quickly made an excuse to leave.
"I'll let you two enjoy your meal," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Let me know if anything comes up."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and left, quietly closing the door behind her.
Inside the room, things settled into a peaceful rhythm.
Since Qiu Wanxi had just undergone surgery, she needed rest and couldn't leave her hospital room. And because Lin Yuan didn't want to leave her alone, he stayed with her the entire time.
That day, from morning to night, Lin Yuan remained by her side.
They talked about everything and nothing—about dreams, hopes, and simple things. They laughed, shared quiet silences, and cherished each minute together.
By evening, Qiu Wanxi had been watching Lin Yuan sitting beside her for hours. She could see the fatigue in his eyes, the way his posture slowly slumped from sitting upright for too long.
Her heart ached with affection.
"Y-Young Master…" she spoke in a soft, hesitant voice, her cheeks slightly pink. "This bed is really big. Why don't you… come lie here with me?"
Her voice was both shy and filled with concern.
She wasn't asking for anything more than just closeness. She simply wanted to share the warmth of the bed and feel his presence beside her.
Lin Yuan turned his head, looking into her hopeful, gentle eyes.
And in that quiet moment, everything felt serene.
*****
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