The Sweetest Marriage Ch.273

Chapter 273 – Leisurely Life

Wei Chen returned to the room, took out a thin blanket, and covered Chen Li. Chen Li, not knowing what he dreamt about, smacked his lips and revealed a smile.

Unable to resist, Wei Chen lowered his head and lightly touched Chen Li’s slightly upturned lips. It was a subtle move, like a dragonfly skimming the water.

Winter sunlight spilled down, enveloping the two figures as if casting a golden glow upon them.

Chen Yunlan stood at the door holding snacks, observing the scene. Upon seeing this sight, he halted his steps. Such a scene was too delicate to disturb.

Wei Chen lifted his head and saw Chen Yunlan standing at the door. He nodded towards him, making a hushing gesture.

“Sleeping?” Chen Yunlan mouthed.

Wei Chen nodded, pulling the thin blanket higher.

The balcony was separated by glass, preventing the cold air from outside. Although there was heating in the room, precautions were still necessary. Chen Li’s body was already weak, and catching a cold would be troublesome.

If possible, Wei Chen did not want Chen Li to conceive at this time. He would ensure Chen Li’s health before considering having a child. This unexpected pregnancy, however, filled Wei Chen with tender affection, especially as he gazed at Chen Li’s still-flat belly.

Even if it was an accident, it was a pleasantly surprising one.

“I’ll take the soup down. When Xiao Li wakes up later, bring him down to have some,” Chen Yunlan whispered. His entire focus now revolved around Chen Li, contemplating how to keep both Chen Li and the baby inside him healthy. His previously empty life suddenly became fulfilling.

Wei Chen nodded.

With Chen Yunlan around, Wei Chen now had plenty of free time. His only task was to stay by Chen Li’s side, and even work-related matters were rarely attended to. He had completely relaxed.

After Chen Yunlan finished speaking, he carried the soup out.

Wei Chen continued reading.

Half an hour later, Chen Li woke up in a daze. As he opened his eyes, he saw Wei Chen.

Hearing movement, Wei Chen turned his head and met Chen Li’s sleepy gaze.

“Awake?” Wei Chen reached out to ruffle Chen Li’s messy hair.

“I fell asleep again?” Chen Li sat up, rubbing his eyes.

Wei Chen pulled Chen Li closer, his arm encircling Chen Li’s waist. With a playful tone, he said, “What’s this? Starting to dislike yourself now?”

“Eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. I’ve become like a pig recently,” Chen Li admitted, feeling a bit disgusted with himself. It was too decadent; he had been here for over ten days and hadn’t even completed a single painting.

“Even if you’re a pig, I’ll still keep you, along with the little piggy in your belly,” Wei Chen’s hand gently rested on Chen Li’s stomach, his tone filled with tenderness.

“Okay, then I and the baby will rely on you for care,” Chen Li relaxed, leaning against Wei Chen’s chest and smiling.

The next moment, Chen Li’s stomach made gurgling sounds—he was hungry again.

“Achen, I’m hungry,” Chen Li said, rubbing his stomach without feeling embarrassed.

“Dad prepared some snacks for you. Should I go down with you to eat, or should I bring it up for you?” Wei Chen asked.

“I’ll go down and eat, and then you can take me out for a stroll,” Chen Li decided.

“Alright.” Wei Chen stood up, holding Chen Li’s hand, and they headed downstairs.

Chen Yunlan was in the living room reading a book. Seeing Chen Li coming down, he stood up and asked, “Xiao Li, are you hungry?”

Chen Li nodded, “Yes, I am.”

“I’ll go to the kitchen and bring out the snacks for you. Sit for a while,” Chen Yunlan said, heading to the study.

Chen Li sat cross-legged on the living room sofa, picked up the remote control, and tuned into an anime channel. Although he didn’t understand the language, he still watched with interest.

Soon, Chen Yunlan came out with a bowl of noodles. The noodles were cooked in a rich broth. As soon as he entered the living room, the aroma filled the air. Chen Li’s gaze immediately shifted away from the TV, eagerly fixed on Chen Yunlan—accurately, it was on the bowl of noodles in Chen Yunlan’s hands.

Chen Yunlan placed the bowl on the coffee table and smiled at Chen Li. “Eat slowly, be careful, it’s hot.” Then, he turned to Wei Chen and asked, “There’s more in the kitchen. Should I bring you a bowl?”

Wei Chen shook his head, “I’m not hungry, thanks.”

Chen Yunlan said nothing more, his gaze fixed on Chen Li, filled with affection.

…

In the evening, light snow began to fall from the sky. The outside temperature dropped, and the cold wind pierced through to the bones.

Inside the house, the lights were on, and the fireplace burned brightly, casting a warm glow that made the room cozy despite the flickering flames.

Chen Yunlan set up his easel in the center of the living room and started painting with a brush in hand. He had a habit of placing a clean bowl of water on the side of the easel, not for cleaning brushes, but to occasionally gaze at the calm surface, soothing his fluctuating emotions.

Today was no different, but his usually composed mind was unusually restless. Unable to concentrate on his painting, Chen Yunlan had to set aside the brush.

Wei Chen had taken Chen Li out for a breath of fresh air at noon and hadn’t returned yet. Chen Yunlan couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.

He asked Carl to pack away the art supplies and was about to call Wei Chen to check on the situation. However, when he picked up his phone, he hesitated, fearing that his call might disturb Chen Li and Wei Chen.

“Are you worried about Mr. Wei and the young master, sir?” Carl, gently organizing the art supplies, asked.

Chen Yunlan nodded, “I feel a bit uneasy.”

Carl earnestly remarked, “Seeing you again, sir, I’m very glad because you’ve changed a lot. You don’t seem as lifeless as before, and there’s light in your eyes. I think it’s because of the young master. But, sir, you’re too nervous. If you’re too tense, it’s uncomfortable for you, and it may cause trouble for the young master.”

Carl was straightforward, always speaking his mind. He saw something and spoke about it without reservation. This was also why Chen Yunlan entrusted the management of the estate to Carl’s family.

His words made Chen Yunlan suddenly realize something.

Being overly concerned could lead to excessive nervousness. This tension might result in overprotectiveness, forcibly narrowing the space between them, leaving only harm.

So…

Chen Yunlan introspected, could he truly, in the name of a father and with the pretext of wanting the best, build a cage for Chen Li?

Of course, the answer to this question was a resounding no. He absolutely couldn’t intervene in Chen Li’s life under the guise of “it’s for your own good”!

“Carl, I think I understand now,” Chen Yunlan smiled, feeling a sudden sense of clarity.

“I think, sir, you’re just getting used to the role of being a father. It’s normal to feel uneasy at first,” Carl suggested after giving it some thought. Feeling that his previous words may have been a bit heavy, he scratched his head, attempting to offer some comforting words.

“Perhaps.” Chen Yunlan replied with these words, but in his heart, he knew that the difficulty of adapting was only a current state, not an excuse. He would strive to embrace the role of a father. In Chen Li’s future journey, he wanted to be a supportive and helpful father, not one who restricted Chen Li at every turn under the pretext of “it’s for his own good.”

“Sir, you will be a great father.” Carl sensed Chen Yunlan’s determination and tenderness, feeling moved, and spoke.

“I believe so too,” Chen Yunlan said, smiling confidently.

For a moment, Carl was stunned. This time, his employer had truly changed a lot. If the previous version of Chen Yunlan was a soulless body, the present one had rediscovered his soul. He had become lively, and his eyes were no longer hollow; they seemed to have been infused with boundless emotions.

At that moment, the sound of the door opening came from the entrance. Both Chen Yunlan and Carl turned their gaze in that direction.

Wei Chen and Chen Li had returned. Chen Li, who had fallen asleep in the car, was carried in by Wei Chen. Snowflakes adorned Wei Chen’s hair and shoulders, indicating they had encountered some snow on their way back. However, Chen Li, held in Wei Chen’s arms, remained completely clean.

“He’s asleep. I’ll take him upstairs to rest first,” Wei Chen whispered to Chen Yunlan.

Chen Yunlan nodded, and with the return of the two, the tension in his heart eased.

“Sir, it’s getting late. You should go back and rest too,” Carl suggested.

“Alright.” Chen Yunlan glanced at the sky outside the window. The snow tonight should be getting heavier. With a smile, Chen Yunlan went upstairs to his room to rest.

In Wei Chen and Chen Li’s room, as Wei Chen laid Chen Li on the bed, Chen Li opened his eyes, still drowsy. He glanced around at the surroundings and realized they were back home.

“Get up and change into your pajamas, hmm?” Wei Chen said as he walked to the wardrobe to retrieve Chen Li’s sleepwear.

Not fully awake yet, Chen Li drooped his head, looking a bit lethargic. However, when he felt Wei Chen approaching, he still lifted his hand, signaling that he wanted Wei Chen to help him change, showing no intention of doing it himself.

Wei Chen didn’t mind; he enjoyed pampering Chen Li. He gently helped Chen Li change into his pajamas.

Chen Li lay down again, and Wei Chen lightly kissed his forehead, saying, “You go ahead and sleep, and take a shower.”

“Okay,” Chen Li yawned, expressing his drowsiness. After snuggling under the blanket and closing his eyes, Wei Chen, with a hint of moisture on him, emerged from the bathroom. Chen Li was already in a light sleep, emitting a faint snoring sound. Since learning about his pregnancy, Chen Li’s sleeping posture had become quieter, lying flat with his hands resting on his belly, unconsciously assuming a protective stance.

Once Wei Chen’s hair dried, he lay down on the bed. Sensing Wei Chen’s presence, Chen Li moved closer, his sleeping posture becoming less restrained. His hands and feet found their way onto Wei Chen’s body.

This was a manifestation of complete trust in Wei Chen. Even subconsciously, Chen Li knew that Wei Chen would protect him and their unborn baby.

Wei Chen gently kissed the top of Chen Li’s head before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

In the latter part of the night, the snowfall intensified, and the cold wind became biting, making eerie sounds outside the window.

By the next morning, the snow had finally ceased. The entire world was blanketed in white, creating a serene and beautiful scene. The temperature, however, wasn’t as cold as the previous day.

Chen Li woke up early that day. Looking at the snowy world outside, he turned to Wei Chen, his eyes sparkling. It was a clear indication that he wanted Wei Chen to take him out to play in the snow.

At first, Wei Chen refused.

“Brother Achen.” Chen Li tiptoed and planted a kiss on Wei Chen’s lips, continuing to gaze at him.

Wei Chen, helpless, compromised, “Fine, but you can’t take off your gloves.” He then helped Chen Li fasten the straps of his gloves and adjusted his scarf.

Chen Li nodded repeatedly. He knew that when he called Wei Chen “brother,” Wei Chen wouldn’t refuse any of his requests.

In fact, even if Chen Li didn’t call Wei Chen “brother,” Wei Chen wouldn’t refuse any of Chen Li’s requests.

Wei Chen’s indulgence toward Chen Li had reached an extreme level, yet Wei Chen felt it wasn’t enough. He believed that his Li Li needed even more affection.

Carl and Mary’s children were on vacation, and the vast world covered in snow after the first snowfall of the year brought joy to the two kids. They dashed out of the room, frolicking in the seemingly endless white landscape.

Chen Li joined them in the snow, and despite the language barrier, laughter bridged the communication gap.

Seeing Chen Li immersed in running around in the snow, Chen Yunlan felt a bit anxious. He glanced at Wei Chen but ultimately didn’t voice his concerns. What if something unexpected happened?

Sensing Chen Yunlan’s worries, Wei Chen spoke proactively, “Don’t worry, Li Li is not that fragile. He cares more about the baby in his belly than anyone else. Nothing will happen to him.”

Chen Yunlan’s thoughtful gaze fell on Chen Li’s face, and he saw the joy in Chen Li’s laughter. In an instant, Chen Yunlan’s concerns disappeared. Yes, Chen Li would take care of himself, and right now, as long as Xiao Li was happy, that was all that mattered.

Wei Chen understood Chen Li well. From Chen Li’s daily actions, it was evident how much he cared for and protected the baby in his belly. So, Wei Chen had a sense of measure. After playing in the snow for a while, when Chen Li felt a bit tired, he went back inside. However, the joy in his eyes didn’t diminish. Even in that short time, Chen Li played with abandon.

Once inside, Chen Li took off his hat and gloves. His hands were always cold, even when covered by gloves, they didn’t warm up much. So, as soon as he removed his gloves, he placed his hands into Wei Chen’s warm palms, a smile playing on his lips, “Achen’s hands are still more comfortable.”

Wei Chen decided to envelop both of Chen Li’s hands in his own, using his warmth to comfort Chen Li. Leaning down, he planted a kiss on Chen Li’s lips. Chen Li naturally nestled into Wei Chen’s arms, curling up into a small ball.

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