Chapter 97: Afternoon Nap
Chen Cheng’s mother walked to the bedroom door, carrying a plate of freshly cut fruit.
She stepped lightly, peeking through the slightly open door. Seeing Chen Cheng and An Yuan sitting side by side, diligently working on their homework, she finally let out a sigh of relief.
Maybe things aren’t as bad as she thought?
As a mother, she only had an elementary school education and had long since been unable to help her daughter with schoolwork. An Yuan, on the other hand, had always done better academically than Chen Cheng. Now that they were in their final year of high school, a critical period. If An Yuan could keep helping, maybe her daughter’s grades would improve.
And to make things worse, her daughter was already in a relationship at such a young age. She was a bit clueless and easy to take advantage of. If only she had a son instead, then she wouldn’t mind if he went around “stealing someone else’s cabbage.”
"Time for some fruit~"
Using her shoulder to push the door open, she walked into the room.
"Mom, there’s no space on the desk."
The desk was a bit small. With two people squeezed together and their papers spread out, there was no room for anything else.
"Then I’ll just put it on the computer case?"
She set the fruit plate down and glanced at the homework, completely unable to understand any of it.
"An Yuan, make sure you teach Chengcheng properly. Try to get her into the same university as you."
"Got it, Auntie, don’t worry." An Yuan answered without looking up. "She’s just a little slow, so she’s hard to teach."
"You’re the slow one!"
Seeing them bicker like usual, her mother was already used to it. "If you two get tired, turn on the computer and play some games for a bit. You’ve been studying all morning… I’m going to take a nap."
"Okay."
Chen Cheng and An Yuan had planned to finish two days' worth of homework in this one morning.
But reality hit them hard. There was way more homework than they expected, and it was a lot harder. They had only finished half.
Hearing the sound of her mother’s bedroom door closing, Chen Cheng immediately turned around, kneeling on her chair and peeking through the slightly open door.
Finally! Nap time!
With her mom constantly checking in, even doing homework felt stressful.
An Yuan glanced at Chen Cheng. Her small, round backside was practically being presented to him. Without hesitation, he smacked it.
"Are you crazy?!"
Chen Cheng hated getting smacked on the butt! It didn’t hurt, but it was beyond humiliating. Her face instantly turned red with embarrassment, and she punched An Yuan’s arm a few times.
Even back when she was still a guy, her punches weren’t exactly powerful, let alone now, with her small fists.
An Yuan didn’t feel a thing. Grinning, he said, "What’s the big deal? Just a couple of taps."
"I’ll kill you!"
Still feeling annoyed, she threw two more weak punches before finally sitting back down. "Turn on the computer. Let’s play for a bit."
"Alright."
Since the computer case was on An Yuan’s side, he pressed the power button, then moved their books and papers to the side. He also picked up the fruit plate and set it back on the desk.
"Move over. You’re taking up half the desk. How am I supposed to play?"
"Why don’t you just sit on my lap then?"
Chen Cheng paused for a moment, then grinned. "Don’t complain if I’m too heavy~"
She didn’t think too much about it. Back in middle school, they used to take the bus to school together. If there was only one seat available, she would often sit on An Yuan’s lap.
Now, she plopped down on his lap again, her legs dangling in the air. As she felt the warmth beneath her and his arms wrapped around her waist, she suddenly realized something, things had changed. Since last night, they weren’t just friends anymore. They were a couple now.
Not that it made much of a difference. They still bickered and messed around like before, but now there was an added layer of intimacy… and a promise for the future.
"Not bad, you’re pretty light. Have you checked your weight lately?"
"No, but I guess I’m around a hundred pounds?"
Chen Cheng casually moved the mouse, pretending nothing was wrong. Through the reflection on the glass side panel of the computer case, she secretly glanced at An Yuan behind her.
"Lift me up a bit, I feel like I’m slipping."
An Yuan tightened his hold, making sure she sat more securely on his lap.
Is it really 19 centimeters? Doesn’t feel like it…
Feeling the shape pressing under her, Chen Cheng’s thoughts started to wander. She was both nervous and a little curious. Flashes of certain explicit scenes from the novels she had read popped into her mind, mixed with a tiny bit of anticipation.
But that kind of thing should wait until after marriage, right?!
Back when she was a guy, she had stayed pure all the way through. Now that she was a girl, shouldn’t she be even more conservative?
Still… sitting in An Yuan’s arms like this, playing games while being held. It was ridiculously comfortable.
The warmth of his body surrounded her, his scent filling the air. It was like being wrapped in a cozy cocoon, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation that made her feel drowsy.
She had barely started playing the game when a yawn escaped her mouth.
Then, as if contagious, An Yuan yawned right after her.
"Hmm, I’m getting sleepy." An Yuan leaned back against the chair, rubbing the corner of his eyes as he yawned again. "Should we just take a nap?"
He felt the same way she did. Something about her scent made his mind go fuzzy, as if he were drifting into a peaceful summer afternoon. Like lying on a rocking chair in the shade or stargazing on a grassy field. It was relaxing, with just a hint of sweetness.
The only difference? He also had a certain problem that was beyond his control.
"Are you really sleepy?"
Chen Cheng was skeptical. She turned her head to look at him, then shifted her position slightly, trying to get comfortable, only to feel an uncomfortable pressure.
Is he just trying to trick me into bed?!
"Stop moving and focus on your game." An Yuan rested his chin on her head, staring at the computer screen, his eyelids drooping.
"Are you seriously about to fall asleep?!"
Chen Cheng scoffed. With the way she looked now, sitting on his lap like this, how could he be so calm?
What kind of gentleman was this?!
Clearly, his body wasn’t calm at all. It was full of energy, making her heart race.
Was he faking it?
Losing interest in the game, Chen Cheng leaned back against his chest, grabbing his hands as she tilted her head up to study his face.
Huh, his stubble isn’t completely shaved…
His jawline was sharp and well-defined, way better than the chubby, triple-chinned version he might have in ten years.
His skin was nice too. Not too pale, but a healthy shade of tan. Looking closely, she could even spot a couple of faint acne scars that hadn’t completely faded.
The awkward tension from earlier gradually faded, replaced by drowsiness. Yawning again, she rested her head against his shoulder.
………………………………………
"Chengcheng~ Have you finished your homework? We’re heading out to buy clothes soon."
Waking up from her nap, her mother stretched as she passed by the bedroom. Peeking inside, she saw An Yuan holding Chen Cheng in his arms, their heads resting against each other.
Bathed in the warm glow of the evening sun, the two of them looked unbelievably peaceful and comfortable in their sleep.
Her mother instinctively softened her steps, hesitating on whether to wake them.
Thinking back to her own marriage, she let out a quiet sigh before gently closing the door.
This is quite good too.