A Peaceful Morning

He stood up but unconsciously searched for the woman.

Xia Ruoxin.

Sounds of light footsteps came from the balcony. He walked over, watching quietly from afar.

The morning sun was not strong, but rather, unexpectedly warm. Xia Ruoxin had finished hanging the last piece of clothing, wiping away the sweat on her forehead that glistened and shone just like her.

Under the faint sunlight, her face was warm, soft, and delicate. Her long eyelashes occasionally blinked like two excellent fans that could subtly cause clear, soft ripples on water.

Her body was extremely slender, but she had lost much weight. It seemed as if just a gentle grab or grasp would break her bones into pieces. It was such a weak and tiny body. If he wanted to, he could destroy her completely.

Chu Lui's black eyes immensely darkened. He leaned against the sofa at the side, silently staring at her with those unfathomable eyes—eyes that silently flashed with a plethora of emotions.

Xia Ruoxin suddenly looked back and locked gaze with Chu Lui's unmasked eyes. She flinched on instinct.

He stood up and stood there for a very long time, watching her for a good amount of time.

Then, Chu Lui straightened his body and walked towards her. He was approaching her, but she drew back.

She retreated until there was nowhere to go, and he was standing in front of her. Black eyes met black eyes—they saw themselves in each other's eyes.

His eyes held her, but they were cold.

Her eyes were only filled with him, but with fear.

He had made her scared, scared of being hurt, and scared of hurting him.

"You made breakfast?" Chu Lui's lips lifted into a faint smile, making her fear sink to the bottom of her eyes. She felt appeased.

Xia Ruoxin lightly nodded her head, her clear eyes reflecting two tiny images of him.

"It was delicious," he said. It was supposed to be a compliment, but from his mouth, it sounded stiff. She thought, this man was used to the world revolving around him, and perhaps, very seldom praised people.

Any compliment that would come out of his mouth would sound strange. He was the type of person who lives on his own terms, without regard for anyone else.

She lowered her head, and for some reason felt the sudden urge to laugh. This man was really not suited to act like that.

"Are you mocking me?" The man raised an eyebrow, looking at the woman's eyelashes gently vibrating. He was almost sure that she was definitely mocking him.

Xia Ruoxin raised her head, her eyes showing less of sadness and more of happiness. She had really smiled, just a little, but a genuine smile nonetheless.

"Should I feel honored for making you in such high spirits?" Chu Lui's voice became slightly colder, but Xia Ruoxin realized that she could actually sense that he was not angry despite his poker face. He was just naturally cold.

And this thought led to a sweetness blooming in her heart. This was the most peaceful day they experienced together, without cruelty and aloofness. Even though he still did not show her any pleasant expressions, they just stood there gazing quietly at each other. Not like two porcupines attacking each other.