Chapter 145: Yan Yichen’s Secret (4)

Meng Yi'er curled her lips into a smile, her eyes dancing with amusement as she watched the handsome face of Yan Yichen gradually stiffen, a heavy trace of pain flashing through his ink-black eyes.

"..."

Was this girl trying to be cruel? She knew perfectly well that his self-control in her presence was virtually non-existent. To propose such a condition—Yan Yichen regretted it so much he could have bitten his tongue off.

Yan Yichen raised an eyebrow. "Actually... I've changed my mind."

"How can you go back on your word?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Yan Yichen chuckled, his slender fingers gently pinching her delicate chin. "Kissing my own girlfriend is only natural; it's not against the law."

"..."

Meng Yi'er rolled her bright, round eyes, her brain spinning at lightning speed as she tried to find a rebuttal. But in an instant, his lips were already pressed firmly against hers.

"Yan Yichen, you're not keeping your word..." Meng Yi'er protested, her face flushed with shyness, but unable to break free, she could only passively endure his tender kiss.

The faint, delicate fragrance of her breath escaped from her slightly parted lips. Yan Yichen restrained himself from deepening the kiss; he lingered for only a moment before letting her go.

"How can you blame me?" Yan Yichen rested his forehead against hers, his voice deep and raspy, vibrating in her ears. A smile played on his god-like face, accompanied by a hint of feigned innocence.

Watching his mesmerizing smile, Meng Yi'er was dazed for a moment, her heart pounding violently. After a long while, she finally collected herself and chided, "If not you, then who? Don't tell me you're blaming me?"

How could this man be so unreasonable? He was the one who broke his word, yet he was trying to shift the blame.

"Of course, I blame you."

Meng Yi'er was indignant. "Me? Why on earth would you blame me?"

Yan Yichen smiled and pressed a light kiss to her forehead. His dark, deep eyes remained locked onto her face as he said tenderly, "If you weren't so tempting, how could I possibly lose control of myself?"

Shyly, Meng Yi'er lowered her gaze and let him hold her, her flushed face pressed against his chest. Hearing the drum-like beat of his heart, she felt her face grow even warmer. After a moment of hesitation, she gently pushed him away. "It's getting late. You should go back."

Yan Yichen’s eyes held a deep sense of reluctance, but he released her nonetheless. "I'll wait for you for breakfast tomorrow morning."

Meng Yi'er nodded, cast him one last glance with her bright eyes, and flashed him a radiant smile.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Watching her close the door, cutting off their line of sight, Yan Yichen let out a soft sigh. The corners of his lips lifted, a smile appearing on his cold, handsome face that seemed at odds with his usual demeanor.

Hearing the door open, Auntie Yun stepped out of her room, her kind face wreathed in a warm smile.

"You're back, Young Master?"

"Yes," Yan Yichen replied as he changed his shoes. "Auntie Yun, why are you still up so late?"

Auntie Yun walked over to the door to put his shoes away in the cabinet. "I’m old, I don't sleep much... couldn't drift off. Were you out on a date with Miss Meng?"

Yan Yichen smiled faintly, a flicker of uncharacteristic bashfulness passing through his ink-like eyes. "Auntie Yun, go get some sleep now."

Seeing their usually reticent and stern young master reveal a shy smile, Auntie Yun's own smile deepened. She laughed, "Alright, alright... I'm going to sleep. You rest early as well."

"I will... Goodnight, Auntie Yun."