Chapter 10: Writing Poems

The morning sunlight filtered through the gap in the curtains, casting a soft golden glow over the two sleeping figures. Li Mian slowly opened her eyes, still half-dreaming, when she felt a warm breath enveloping her. Blinking sleepily, she realized she was nestled tightly in Lu Tingbai’s arms.

Carefully lifting her head, she saw his handsome face so close to hers—his long lashes casting faint shadows in the morning light, his thin lips pressed together, his breathing even and calm. Reaching out, her fingertips lightly traced along his features, from his straight nose down to his sharp jawline. Just as she was about to touch his lips, a large hand suddenly caught her wrist.

“What are you doing?” Lu Tingbai’s deep, husky voice sounded, tinged with the laziness of sleep.

Startled, Li Mian nearly jumped out of bed. She stammered nervously, “I—I just wanted to see if you were really…”

Lu Tingbai arched a brow. “See if I’m really what?”

Her eyes darted around, then lit up with sudden inspiration. “I wanted to see if you were really breathing! You sleep so quietly, I was worried you…”

Lu Tingbai couldn’t help but laugh. He released her wrist and rubbed her head gently. “I’ll make breakfast for you.”

Watching him leave the room, Li Mian rolled on the bed and buried her face in the pillow, savoring the warmth of his embrace.

In the kitchen, Lu Tingbai was skillfully frying eggs, the aroma filling the air. Lu Yunchi sat at the dining table, face stiff, staring silently at the tabletop.

When Li Mian finished dressing, she skipped cheerfully into the dining room. Spotting Lu Yunchi, she broke into a bright smile. “Good morning, Little Chi Chi!”

Lu Yunchi lifted his head and shot her a cold glance before lowering it again.

Completely unfazed by the child’s frosty attitude, Li Mian leaned closer, her voice sweet. “Little Chi Chi, you know what? This morning I dreamed of a cute little bunny. Its eyes were big and round, just like yours!”

Lu Yunchi frowned, his lips twitching as though holding something back.

All the more encouraged, Li Mian continued brightly, “Little Chi Chi, do you want to come see the bunny with me? We could even give it a name—how about ‘Little Chi Chi Number Two’?”

That was the last straw. Lu Yunchi’s eyes widened as he snapped, “Only you can see the bunny in your dreams! You dummy!”

Li Mian blinked at him, feigning hurt, her eyes shimmering with tears. “Little Chi Chi, how could you say that? Aren’t we good friends?”

Just then, Lu Tingbai brought over the breakfast, shaking his head helplessly at the scene. “Alright, that’s enough. Yunchi, don’t be rude to Sister Mian.”

Li Mian stuck out her tongue and obediently sat down.

Lu Yunchi pursed his lips, muttering under his breath, “Hmph! All the titles are messed up. Yesterday I was told to call her Auntie, and now they want me to be friends with a dummy.”

Lu Tingbai set the fried eggs and millet porridge before them, speaking gently. “Eat up. I have to head to the base later. Mian, don’t go running around today. Auntie Wang will bring lunch. You and Yunchi should get along.”

“Got it, Tingbai. Don’t worry, Mian will take good care of Little Chi Chi!”

Lu Yunchi nearly choked on his egg at that, glaring at her furiously.

Lu Tingbai hid a smile at their banter. Clearing his throat, he said in mock sternness, “Yunchi, you must listen to Sister Mian.”

At once, Li Mian straightened her back and declared solemnly, “Don’t worry, Tingbai. Mian will definitely discipline Little Chi Chi properly!” She even winked playfully at the boy.

Lu Yunchi’s face flushed red with rage, but he dared not lash out in front of his father. He could only bite angrily into his egg as if it were Li Mian’s head.

Watching this, Lu Tingbai burst out laughing. He ruffled Yunchi’s hair, patted Mian’s shoulder, and said, “I’m off.”

After seeing him out, Li Mian turned to Yunchi, eyes gleaming mischievously. “Little Chi Chi, you know what? Last night I also dreamed you turned into a cute little kitten! You kept following me around, meowing, and rubbing your little head against my legs!”

Yunchi’s face instantly flushed crimson, his whole body trembling with anger. “Y-you’re spouting nonsense! I would never turn into a cat! You dummy!”

“Little Chi Chi, why are you calling me a dummy again? I’m actually very smart—I can even compose poems! Do you want to hear one?”

Without waiting for an answer, she cleared her throat and recited:
“Little Chi, Little Chi, with such a bad temper,
Outside you’re all prickly thorns, making me yelp and scatter,
But looking deeper, your heart is soft,
Sweet as a piece of candy.”

Yunchi’s complexion went from red to green, then pale. He jumped up, pointing at her. “Y-you’re insane! I’m telling Dad you’re bullying me!”

Inside, Li Mian laughed gleefully, but outwardly she blinked innocently, her voice aggrieved. “Little Chi Chi, how did I bully you? I was only expressing how much I like you. I even compared you to a big, sweet bunny!”

Yunchi was speechless with fury. He spun around and bolted for his room, slamming the door shut.

Li Mian, still smiling brightly, realized she didn’t quite understand why teasing him brought her so much joy. Maybe it was because his reactions gave her a warmth and happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Beaming, she knocked on his door, calling out, “Little Chi Chi, don’t you really want to play? I’m great at telling stories—you’d be hooked in no time!”

“You’re annoying! Stay away from me!”

“Little Chi, I really can tell great stories. Just give me a chance!”