The village was still far away, and before they were even halfway there, Ji Huaichuan was already slumped in his seat, fast asleep.
Zhou Chiye kept turning his head to look at Ji Zhaoxi. He waited for a long time, but she still hadn't fallen asleep.
Wasn't she tired?
He couldn't help but speak up. "If you're sleepy, you can rest for a while."
Ji Zhaoxi looked at him with a completely confused expression—she wasn't tired at all.
Zhou Chiye stared back at her, and somehow, Ji Zhaoxi managed to catch a trace of pleading in his otherwise calm gaze.
Ji Zhaoxi: ...
Since he wanted her to sleep so badly, she might as well nap for a bit.
She leaned against the window, gazing at the scenery outside. This place looked the same now as it had when she was a child.
Back then, her greatest joy was going to the city to play, because there were so many delicious treats and fun things to do. But now that she actually lived in the city, she rarely went out to have fun anyway.
Half-asleep, Ji Zhaoxi vaguely thought of Jiang Dayong. His appetite had been the biggest in the family—he'd even snatch food from the kids' plates. She hoped that after he went to hell, other ghosts would snatch his food too...
Zhou Chiye breathed softly, watching as Ji Zhaoxi's eyes gradually closed and her head began to bob up and down like a chick pecking at rice.
Finally!
Carefully, Zhou Chiye freed one hand, cupped her face, and gently guided her head onto his shoulder.
Zhou Chiye was over the moon. There was also a bag beside him, but it held the plush toy she had given him. He didn't dare let her see it—afraid she might ask for it back.
Zhou Chiye hugged the toy, feeling her hairbrush lightly against his neck, even sensing her breath falling onto him.
The corners of his mouth kept lifting uncontrollably, and his heart felt so soft he could barely stand it.
The driver up front witnessed everything.
His mouth twitched, and he just kept driving.
They drove for a long time, passing one mountain after another, until finally a village came into sight. Most of the villagers were gathered in front of one particular house, with a few tables set up nearby.
They were chatting and laughing, cracking sunflower seeds, and occasionally someone would step inside to take a look at Jiang Dayong, then emerge smiling again.
Anyone watching would've thought it was some kind of celebration.
The driver and Ji Huaichuan got out first. As soon as they did, the crowd swarmed around them, most of them just eager for a show.
"Xiao Chuan, life's gonna be hard for you now that your dad's dead," a man said, chewing on peanuts, bits of foam at the corners of his mouth, grinning gleefully. "Your mom doesn't take care of you, so what are you and your sister gonna do?"
An older woman nearby scolded him. "What's so hard about it? Times are good now! You really don't know how to talk."
The man clicked his tongue. "Having a man in the house makes a difference. Just wait and see if Ji Fangyun cries when she comes back tomorrow."
Ji Huaichuan ignored them and walked straight toward his aunt.
Ji Cuiyun saw only Ji Huaichuan and asked curiously, "Where's your sister?"
Ji Huaichuan coughed. "Sleeping in the car."
Ji Cuiyun brushed the peanut crumbs off her hands, took a sip of tea, and said, "Sleeping in the car is so uncomfortable. Let her sleep in my room instead."
She was about to open the door when Ji Huaichuan quickly stopped her. "Auntie, it's fine. She'll come down when she wakes up."
Just then, a relative arrived, so Ji Cuiyun hurried over.
"Third Aunt, you're here too."
"Of course I am. I've been waiting for this day for ages," Third Aunt said bluntly.
For so many people to be wishing for his death, Jiang Dayong really did have a certain charm.
Inside the car, only the faint sound of music and the soft rhythm of breathing remained.
Ji Zhaoxi's breath grew warmer, as if she had sunk into a deep sleep. Her breathing kept falling onto his neck. Zhou Chiye didn't move away; instead, he leaned in closer, feeling her breath seep into his clothes.
Zhou Chiye's face flushed red, but his courage grew. His Adam's apple bobbed as he gently took her hand. The touch was still as soft as he remembered.
At first, he gently pinched her fingertips. Then, holding his breath, he slipped his fingers between hers, interlacing them.
In her sleep, Ji Zhaoxi felt a little warm and pushed him away slightly. Zhou Chiye quickly pressed back against her.
He tightened his grip, savoring the feeling of her hand wrapped in his, then slowly spread her fingers out and pressed them gently against his own cheek.
Zhou Chiye's breathing grew rapid. He secretly watched for her reaction, lowering his gaze as he casually brought her hand to his lips.
He was aching with longing and couldn't help but lightly bite her hand.
The noise outside grew louder. The butler had already found the feng shui master and the funeral band.
Only then did Zhou Chiye carefully wake Ji Zhaoxi up.
"Are you very tired?" Zhou Chiye's voice was hoarse. He didn't quite dare to look at her.
Ji Zhaoxi mumbled a drowsy reply.
She didn't want to get out. There would definitely be a lot of Jiang Dayong's relatives outside, and she didn't like any of them.
Zhou Chiye's throat tightened. Even the sound of her grumbling was so nice.
Someone outside had already started crying. Zhou Chiye had figured out from the journey that Ji Zhaoxi had no real feelings for her father.
When Ji Zhaoxi reached for her water, she suddenly noticed her hand felt a little sore. She frowned. Zhou Chiye's heart instantly jumped into his throat.
"Let's go." Ji Zhaoxi smiled at Zhou Chiye.
She was going to help her mother collect the condolence money.
Zhou Chiye immediately followed her out, his gaze still lingering on her hand. His grip had been a bit tight earlier—her hand was still a little red.
He had tried so hard to restrain himself.
But in front of her, he had absolutely no self-control...
