Chapter 9: Fleeting Reactions

Lu Tingbai looked into Mu Mian’s big watery eyes, and a wave of softness welled up in his heart. He let out a gentle sigh and reached out to rub her hair.
“Mu Mian, you’re still young, you don’t understand what ‘liking’ means.” His voice carried warmth tinged with helplessness. “I just care for you like a younger sister.”

Li Mu Mian pouted and muttered in dissatisfaction, “I’m not little! I’m already grown up!”
As she spoke, she puffed out her chest as if trying to prove her point.

Lu Tingbai was amused by her gesture, a laugh almost slipping out, but he quickly straightened his face and pretended to be stern.
“Comrade Li Mu Mian, you mustn’t do that.”

Mu Mian dismissed it with a pout, then suddenly her eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. She grinned slyly.
“I get it now, Comrade Tingbai! Then teach me how to kiss. Once I learn, I’ll be grown up!”

Lu Tingbai was at a loss for words, his face instantly flushed red. He coughed to cover his embarrassment.
“Mu Mian, don’t mess around. Go to sleep.”

But Mu Mian wouldn’t let it go. She rose on tiptoe, pressing her face close to his.
“Tingbai, Mu Mian is ready to grow up now. Teach me quickly!”

Lu Tingbai was forced backward until his back hit the wall. His breathing quickened, heartbeat racing, his eyes flickering with panic.

And then, suddenly, Mu Mian tiptoed and planted a light kiss on his cheek.

Smack! The sound rang especially clearly in the stillness of the night.

Lu Tingbai froze as if struck by lightning. His face flushed crimson, even his ears burned.

Mu Mian looked at his reaction proudly, giggling.
“Hehe~ Tingbai, your face is all red!”

Lu Tingbai’s heart was in chaos. He had never imagined Mu Mian would be this bold. His pulse thundered in his chest as if trying to break free. He struggled to calm himself, but the heat in his face refused to subside.

“Li Mu Mian, you really are…” His voice softened, tinged with helpless affection. He gently pinched her nose, trying to ease his own tension.

Deep inside, an unacknowledged emotion was beginning to stir, and he knew he needed to tread carefully.

“Alright, time for bed. We need to wake up early tomorrow.” He urged gently, forcing calm into his tone.

Mu Mian puffed her cheeks, clearly unwilling, but she still turned and headed toward the bed. Watching her, warmth rose in Lu Tingbai’s chest. No matter what, he wanted to protect this little girl and guard her innocent smile.

He took a deep breath to steady himself and forced a stern expression.
“Comrade Li Mu Mian, you’re not allowed to do that again!”

He sighed in relief, thinking the crisis had passed. But just as he relaxed, Mu Mian suddenly spun around and leapt into his arms.

“Tingbai, hug!”

She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, clinging to him.

Lu Tingbai was startled by the sudden move, his body stiff, arms hovering awkwardly in the air, unsure if he should hold her back.

Mu Mian tilted her head up, blinking those wide eyes.
“Tingbai, don’t you like hugging? But Mu Mian likes sticking close to you.”

Lu Tingbai inhaled deeply, then slowly lowered his hands and gently patted her back.
“Alright, Mu Mian. But now it’s really time to sleep.”

Reluctantly, she let go and crawled onto the bed, while Tingbai turned, preparing to sleep on the sofa.

“Tingbai!”

He stopped and looked back. She patted the empty space beside her, her eyes wide and innocent.
“Tingbai, sleep here. The bed is big, there’s enough room for both of us.”

Lu Tingbai frowned, ready to refuse, but she quickly added:
“If I sleep alone, monsters will come take me away. Won’t you protect me? How can you protect me if you’re on the sofa?”

Her words left him speechless. After a moment’s hesitation, he sighed and sat down on the bed.

Mu Mian happily dove under the covers, turning her back to him with a smug smile on her lips.

The night deepened. The room was filled only with the sound of their breathing.

But Lu Tingbai couldn’t sleep. He was acutely aware of her warmth and her faint, sweet scent beside him, leaving him restless. He kept reminding himself she was just like a little sister—that he must not let his thoughts wander.

Just as he was finally drifting off, he felt movement beside him.

“Tingbai… hug…”

Mu Mian murmured in her sleep, her voice soft and sweet.

His heart jolted. He thought of waking her, but before he could, she had rolled into his arms. Her head rested against his chest, her arms instinctively circling his waist.

Lu Tingbai froze, afraid to move. He could feel her warm breath against his chest, her soft body pressed close. The intimacy made his head spin.

His heartbeat quickened, his breathing grew uneven. He tried to calm down, but his body betrayed him with a response he hadn’t felt in years.

“What…?” Shock and confusion filled him. After so long of no reaction, why now?

He struggled to restrain himself, wanting to move her away but afraid to wake her.

And then Mu Mian shifted again, draping one leg over his.

Panic surged through him. Heat spread through his body, sweat beading on his forehead.

“Calm down… calm down…” he repeated inwardly, but her image filled his mind—her smile, her innocent eyes, her soft touch.

When he tried to move, his hand brushed against hers. She let out a soft murmur in her sleep and hugged him even tighter.

Lu Tingbai gave up struggling. With a soft sigh, he gently stroked her hair.
“Mu Mian, do you know how dangerous this is?” he whispered, his tone full of helpless affection.

Mu Mian’s lips curved into a faint, sweet smile, as if she’d heard his words.

Gazing at her porcelain-doll face, fast asleep, a fierce protectiveness rose in his chest. He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“Good night, Mu Mian,” he murmured softly, finally closing his eyes and drifting into sleep.