To Sink Into You - Chapter 16

The day after returning from C City, Wen Yuxi received a call from Ming Yang, inviting her to the manor at Lord Yuexi’s request.

With Zuo Lian and Ming Yi both out, Wen Yuxi followed Ming Yang to the study. The manor’s main building had two studies: one for Ming Yi and another for Ming Yang.

As the door swung open, Wen Yuxi’s gaze drifted across the room and landed on a massive poster hanging on the wall.

The woman in the poster wore light summer attire, facing the camera. Her left hand held a bouquet of blooming daisies, while her right hand rested on the wide brim of a beach hat. Her bright eyes sparkled with vitality, and her smile radiated warmth and brilliance.

It was a young Zuo Lian.

Wen Yuxi exclaimed, “Wow, Zuo… Mom was so beautiful!”

Ming Yang grinned proudly. “Right? This poster is my favorite.”

Zuo Lian’s name was practically synonymous with the entertainment industry. She had skyrocketed to fame at just sixteen, maintaining her legendary status for decades. She had composed countless classic songs that resonated with millions, earning countless awards and solidifying her position as a divine figure in the music world.

Blessed with an angelic voice and captivating beauty, she had been revered for years as the Empire’s ultimate dream Omega and a peerless goddess among Alphas.

Tragically, the goddess had married young, tying the knot and giving birth to a daughter shortly after turning twenty-one. Her marriage was harmonious, her love for her wife genuine, and their nearly thirty-year romance remained as deep as the sea, envied by all who witnessed it.

Aunt Wu knocked and entered, carrying two cups of herbal tea. She quietly retreated from the study.

Ming Yang gestured for Wen Yuxi to sit, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze. “Little Yuxi, Mom has something to ask you.”

Wen Yuxi had anticipated this. “Go ahead.”

Ming Yang: “On the day your High Fever Period began, the 24th, did you have any contact with outsiders?”

“No,” Wen Yuxi shook her head. “After leaving the manor, Sister Ming Qian and I went straight to my parents’ place. We stayed with them all day and didn’t go out at all.”

Ming Yang: “Did you eat or drink anything from outside sources, like takeout?”

“No, Mom doesn’t let me order takeout.”

“So, you didn’t consume any external food or drinks. Everything you ingested was prepared by your parents, right?”

“Pretty much. Mom usually cooks. Oh, wait! I did drink tea brewed by Dad.”

“Alright, I understand.” Ming Yang’s brow furrowed, his expression growing increasingly grave.

Wen Yuxi’s voice held just the right amount of confusion. “Mom, are you still investigating the forced High Fever Period drug?”

As if suddenly realizing the implications, her face paled. “Wait… are you saying my parents drugged me?! No way… why would they do that?”

Ming Yang smiled reassuringly. “Don’t overthink it. Your mother is just asking routine questions, not making any definitive accusations.”

Wen Yuxi lowered her head, muttering in a daze, “Right… my parents would never hurt me…”

Ming Yang patted her head tenderly. “Don’t worry. Your mother will get to the bottom of this.”

Poor child.

Let’s not upset her until we’ve uncovered the full truth.

Such a sweet and sensible girl deserves loving parents.

“Alright, that’s all for now.” Ming Yang’s lips curved into a smile. “Is Qianqian coming back from her business trip today?”

“Mm-hmm.” Wen Yuxi’s face lit up at the mention of Ming Qian. “She should be home soon.”

“Good,” Ming Yang said. “Tell her not to work so hard and spend more time with you.”

“It’s okay, things are fine as they are,” Wen Yuxi said, a little embarrassed. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, you know?”

“Oh, you two are quite the romantic couple,” Ming Yang chuckled. “Whatever makes you happy. Go on, go home and keep your wife company.”

“Okay.” Wen Yuxi smiled sweetly. “Bye, Mom! I’ll come visit with Sister Ming Qian another day.”

Leaving the manor, Wen Yuxi entered a jewelry store and asked the owner, “Hello, do you have any pure silver necklaces without pendants? The simpler the design, the better.”

“Of course,” the owner replied with a smile, opening a display case. “All the styles here are quite minimalist. Would you prefer a thicker or thinner chain?”

“A thinner one, I think,” Wen Yuxi considered. “But it needs to be durable, right?”

“Absolutely!” The owner patted his chest. “We run an honest business. If anything goes wrong within a year, we’ll replace it for free.”

Wen Yuxi chose a necklace, paid, and left the store. She took her wedding ring from her pocket, threaded it onto the chain, fastened it around her neck, and tucked the ring under her collar.

She didn’t care if the ring fit perfectly; anything Ming Qian had given her was unconditionally precious.

Back at Ink Moon Manor, Wen Yuxi opened the door, slipped into her slippers, and headed to the living room. Coffee, the cat, trotted over, tail wagging, and rubbed against her legs, begging for a cuddle.

“You little clingy thing,” Wen Yuxi cooed, bending down to pick up the cat and gently squeezing its soft paw pads. “Coffee, let me ask you something: has my wife come home yet?”

“She’s back.”

Wen Yuxi nodded. “Oh, she’s back…”

Wait a minute?

Wen Yuxi’s head snapped up as Aunt Yang approached from the kitchen, smiling. “Your wife is back,” she said. “She’s on the balcony. Go see her.”

Clutching her coffee, Wen Yuxi’s ears flushed crimson. “Oh, okay.”

Ugh, this is so awkward!

Thank goodness Ming Qian didn’t hear that. I’d never be able to face her again.

Wen Yuxi set down the cat and slid open the balcony door.

During Ming Qian’s business trip, Wen Yuxi had poured her heart into decorating the once-plain apartment. She’d bought exquisite ornaments and lush greenery, transforming the space into a vibrant, visually stunning haven.

As evening approached, the air cooled slightly, and a gentle breeze stirred the wind chimes hanging from the umbrella frame, their crisp, melodious tones filling the air.

Ming Qian sat in a lounge chair, gazing at the radiant sunset. A glass of iced water rested on the low table beside her, its frosted exterior beaded with condensation that slowly dripped down, each drop sinking into Wen Yuxi’s heart.

The scene before her was too perfect to disturb.

“Why so quiet?” Ming Qian asked without turning around, her voice laced with amusement. “Trying to scare me?”

Wen Yuxi pressed her lips together, the sunset reflecting in her eyes, mingling with the deep affection within. The swirling colors transformed into a paint called love, coating the blank canvas of her heart.

“Yes…” she drawled, “Too bad you found out.”

Ming Qian turned to meet her gaze, her dark eyes brimming with a gentle smile. “Let me see… whose naughty girl is this?”

Wen Yuxi’s face flushed crimson. “Yours,” she mumbled.

Ming Qian raised an eyebrow, her voice lazy and seductive. “Is that so?”

Wen Yuxi didn’t dare continue the exchange, quickly changing the subject. “Did you see the little things I bought? The decorations, potted plants, plushies… What do you think?”

“They’re lovely,” Ming Qian replied earnestly. “They’re all such homey little things. The decorations are exquisite, the plushies are adorable, and the potted plants are so soothing. And this wind chime—I can hear its tinkling from the balcony. I really like it.”

Wen Yuxi blushed at the praise. “They’re not that good, really.”

Ming Qian chuckled. “Don’t be so modest. They’re wonderful.”

Wonderful beyond words.

For the first time, she felt truly close to life itself.