Su Ding walked into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and opened the refrigerator, only then remembering she hadn't bought groceries in a long time.
So what could she make?
She had only eaten a cold, unappetizing boxed meal all day, and her stomach ached with hunger now. But it was late at night, and she couldn't go shopping.
Frowning, she rummaged through the cupboards. She decided to just make some red bean soup.
She'd steam some eggs and find a few packets of preserved vegetables to make do, but she wondered if the pampered Young Master Jin could adapt.
Just as she finished soaking the red beans to cook, she heard Jin Ye push open the kitchen door and enter.
"Need any help?" Jin Ye's voice was magnetic, a perfect baritone.
Su Ding didn't turn around, but her cheeks flushed. Her body instinctively tensed, and she felt awkward. "No, it'll be ready soon."
As she spoke, she felt the tall figure stride towards her.
In her peripheral vision, she saw his long shadow stretching across the floor. The man's tall, perfect physique was even more captivating under the light.
Su Ding tilted her head slightly, a strand of hair falling to her cheek, adding a touch of gentleness.
Her eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, her rosy lips parted slightly, and her clear, shy gaze quickly darted away when it met Jin Ye's deep, tender eyes.
"What are you doing in here?" she asked softly, lowering her head.
"Helping you," the man replied curtly.
Before Su Ding could say another word, her waist was encircled from behind, his strong arms holding her close.
She dared not move, her heart pounding with nervousness, her breathing becoming unsteady.
Jin Ye savored her scent, feeling a sense of peace. That deep, tender affection felt like strands of light illuminating his dark, closed heart.
Her waist was slender and perfectly shaped.
Her hair was black and soft, intoxicatingly fragrant.
He held her gently, watching the red beans boil and tumble in the pot, sending up clouds of white steam. Everything was filled with the breath of life.
"Wife, let's live together," Jin Ye proposed softly, his head resting against her hair.
"This..." Su Ding couldn't bring herself to refuse.
"Which area do you want to live in? I'll have my secretary arrange for a villa tomorrow." Jin Ye tenderly tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. His fingers brushed against her smooth, fair cheek, adding a layer of lingering affection.
Su Ding uncomfortably dodged his touch, looking at him in surprise. "Why buy a villa?"
A flicker of disappointment crossed Jin Ye's eyes. He released Su Ding and explained calmly, "It's our marital home."
Su Ding frowned, still finding it difficult to adjust to this identity so quickly.
Seeing her expression, Jin Ye's tone gained a hint of insistence. "We're already married."
This was an emphasis.
Su Ding's expression was awkward. "I know."
She turned to look at the red bean soup in the pot, then at the steamed eggs in another, pretending to be busy to hide her unease.
Jin Ye, however, directly grasped her wrist, pulled her closer, wrapped his arms around her waist to steady her, and pressed her against the refrigerator.
He lowered his head, drawing closer to her face.
Their bodies pressed together, and the distance between their faces was only a few centimeters. The small, confined space made their breathing intermingle erratically.
"You, what do you want to do?" Su Ding asked weakly.
"Guess," Jin Ye fixed his gaze on her vulnerable, watery eyes.
"The soup is still cooking. Don't, don't fool around," Su Ding's voice trembled with shyness.
"Call me husband," Jin Ye moved closer, their noses touching.
His husky voice was filled with passionate hoarseness, and a beastly glint flashed in his dark eyes.
"What are you talking about?" Su Ding's earlobes turned crimson. She bent down, trying to escape his embrace, but her lips were sealed.
Their soft lips met intimately, the man pressing down possessively, capturing her fragrance. Su Ding gradually became immersed in it...
"Ah!"
A soft voice startled them apart. Looking down, they saw Su Xiao Rui covering her eyes with her small hands, a mischievous smile on her face.
Su Ding immediately pushed Jin Ye several steps away. Caught off guard, Jin Ye knocked a basin off the counter, sending it crashing to the floor.
"Clang!"