Chapter 1: He’s Back

A man sat on the steps, dressed in combat uniform, smoking. His face was smeared with camouflage paint, hinting he wasn’t often home. Though his features were indistinguishable, his intense gaze radiated a magnetic glow that was hard to ignore.

When he saw Lin You return with her mentor, Professor Song, his eyes brightened even more. Standing up, he walked over to them with a smile.

“Son, why are you back? Why didn’t you let us know?”

Qin Lang took the bag from Lin You’s hand, glanced at her outfit, and replied with a slight frown, “There was a drill nearby. I just finished and thought I’d come to check on you. I’ll be leaving early tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Professor Song asked expectantly, “Did you see your father? When will he be back?”

“In about a week, for a longer break. I’m starving, is there anything to eat?”

“We already ate at the hospital, but I’ll make some noodles for you,” Professor Song replied with slight regret.

Qin Lang winked playfully, “Sounds good. I’ll go shower, it’s been hot out. You can start preparing.”

Lin You, still surprised by his return, hadn’t said a word. Professor Song nudged her teasingly, “Yoyo, are you in shock from happiness?”

Lin You, however, had other thoughts. Since he’d be staying the night, what would the evening hold? She nervously sat at the dining table, resting her chin in her hands, lost in thought. To Professor Song, though, this looked like anticipation, and she left for the kitchen with a smile.

Upstairs, Qin Lang noted the tidy room and realized she’d been doing fine without him. Sitting by the bed, he noticed a neatly folded silk slip dress, blue in color. He picked it up, imagining her wearing it, which sent a rush of heat through his body. Quickly putting the dress back, he dashed into the bathroom for a cold shower.

Just as he finished, Professor Song called up, “Qin Lang, are you done? The noodles are ready, or they’ll go soggy.”

Without responding, he went to the wardrobe for his clothes. Finding them stashed neatly in the back, he noticed his wedding photo and other snapshots tucked away, instead of on display. This made him feel a mix of confusion and disappointment.

Meanwhile, Professor Song, not getting a response, urged Lin You, “Yoyo, can you go check on him?”

“Oh, he’s probably still showering. Don’t worry,” she replied with a laugh just as Qin Lang appeared at the stairs.

Having washed the paint off, his tanned skin was visible. His features weren’t traditionally handsome, but he had an understated rugged charm. His muscular arms were clearly defined under his t-shirt, adding to his powerful presence.

Without a word, Qin Lang went downstairs, took a seat, and started eating. As Professor Song questioned her son, Lin You remained silent, preoccupied. Professor Song nudged her, bringing her back to reality, “Yoyo, Qin Lang’s talking to you.”

Startled, Lin You looked up, meeting Qin Lang’s direct gaze. He seemed somewhat displeased, his tightly pressed lips hinting at impatience. Embarrassed, she lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.

Seeing her look so shy, he resumed his meal.

Noticing the disconnect between them, Professor Song sighed. From the moment Qin Lang walked in, they hadn’t exchanged a single word.

Just then, Professor Song’s phone rang. It was the hospital with an emergency case. Heading out, she told Lin You, “Yoyo, stay and keep Qin Lang company. I’ll be back soon.”

Lin You reluctantly stayed behind, noticing Qin Lang’s unwavering gaze on her. She lowered her head, staring at the floor.

From his vantage point, Qin Lang took in her whole appearance a sleeveless pink dress that highlighted her graceful figure, complemented by delicate flat shoes. Her fair skin and long black hair, loosely pinned, gave her an elegant, youthful look. Every part of her seemed to glow under the lights, from her slender arms to her shapely legs.

After finishing his meal, he washed his dishes, smirking slightly as he looked back at Lin You, who was still staring at the floor. Suddenly, he walked over, scooped her up, and carried her upstairs.

“Qin Lang! What are you doing?” she cried, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing closer for balance.

Pleased with her reaction, he quickened his steps to the room, sitting down on the sofa with her on his lap. Holding her waist, he gazed deeply into her eyes.

Unable to meet his piercing gaze, she buried her face in his neck.

Unwilling to let her escape, he softly murmured by her ear, his warm breath tickling her cheek, “Yoyo, are you not happy I’m back?” She struggled to get up, but he held her firmly, his lips teasing her cheek.

She could feel his warmth and smell the faint scent of tobacco, which left her cheeks tingling. She tried to push him away, but he gently caught her hands, keeping her close.

With her heart racing, she shyly replied, “Welcome home.”

That was all it took to dissolve his restraint. He kissed her deeply, savoring the moment.

When they finally broke apart, Lin You, out of breath, was stunned as he placed her on the bed and moved over her, letting his hands roam across her smooth skin.

In a husky voice, he asked, “Yoyo, why did you hide our photos?”

Caught off guard, she stammered, “Dad said, since your job is special, we shouldn’t display your photos at home.”

He gave a slight smile and continued, “He didn’t say you couldn’t keep them in our room, though.”

Lin You’s cheeks flushed as he questioned her. She knew she could’ve kept the photos, but his intense gaze made her feel exposed. He couldn’t resist her any longer and kissed her again passionately, rekindling their embrace.

Professor Song returned to the villa and, hearing sounds from their room, stopped on the stairs, smiling to herself. “I guess my worries were unfounded.”

Early the next morning, sunlight peeked through the curtains. Qin Lang woke up, glanced at her peacefully sleeping face, and smiled contentedly. With a gentle kiss on her forehead, he quietly gathered his things and went downstairs.

Knocking on Professor Song’s door, he said, “Mom, I’m off to the base.”

Professor Song came to the door, hugging him goodbye. “Take care, son.”

Thinking of Lin You still asleep upstairs, Qin Lang chuckled, “She was exhausted last night. Please look after her today.”

Professor Song sighed, shaking her head, “You never go easy on her,” but gave him a warm smile as he left.

From the upstairs window, Lin You watched him drive off, her mind swirling with thoughts. They’d been married 6 years, but in the last three, his visits had mostly been filled with intense embraces rather than meaningful conversations.

She often wondered if he’d married her simply to fulfill his desires. Before their wedding, she believed he cared for her, but now she wasn’t so sure. Their marriage felt like her way of repaying his parents, who had always treated her kindly.

With a deep breath, she moved to tidy up the room and felt the aches from the night before. After changing the sheets, she lay back down and drifted off again, too sore to do anything more.

Later, Professor Song knocked, intending to wake her for breakfast. After no answer, she quietly entered, noticing the faint marks on Lin You’s neck and instantly understanding.

Shaking her head with a soft smile, she left a message on Lin You’s phone, excusing her from work for the day.