369: Gather in the dormitory

Su Yunniang took the opportunity to stretch out both arms, tightly hugging his neck. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and the soft ripples in her eyes were like the waves on a spring lake at night, deep and full of affection.

“Husband, why have you only come now? I have been waiting for you for a long time.”

She pressed her cheek against his shoulder, her voice carrying a hint of coquettishness.

“I was handling some trivial matters, sorry to keep you waiting.”

Situ Jun responded softly, his palm gently stroking her abdomen with movements that were extremely tender.

After a pause, he said:

“How are you feeling today? Is there any discomfort anywhere?”

“Everything is fine, I just missed you a little.”

Su Yunniang's voice was soft and sweet, carrying a deep sense of attachment.

Amidst their tender moment, a soft knocking came from the courtyard gate. Soon after, the bedroom door was pushed open carefully, and Lin Suwan walked in carrying an exquisite food box.

She wore no makeup, yet her bright and moving elegance was hard to hide. A peach-pink nightgown outlined her tall and slender figure, its hem embroidered with delicate peach blossom patterns. As she moved, she was like a blooming red rose, passionate and eye-catching, with a touch of charming grace.

“Sister, Husband, I stewed some bird's nest soup. Thinking you might not have rested yet, I brought it over.”

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a mountain spring, as she gently placed the food box on the side table.

As she turned around, she happened to catch sight of the two in an intimate embrace. A faint blush instantly stained her cheeks, yet she wasn't awkward or shy. Instead, she smiled generously and said:

“Husband has had a long journey; it's just right to nourish your body.”

Situ Jun saw the undisguised concern in her eyes, and a wave of warmth filled his heart.

He stood up and reached out, pulling Lin Suwan to sit beside him. His fingertips touched her warm skin, bringing a delicate sensation.

“Thank you for your hard work, Su Wan.”

Lin Suwan leaned into his side naturally, her cheeks slightly red as she whispered:

“It's no trouble. Being able to do things for Husband and Sister makes me very happy too.”

Just as she was about to say more, two sets of soft footsteps came from outside the door, and Xu Lian and Nangong Xue walked in side by side.

Xu Lian was dressed in a water-green gauze dress, the hem embroidered with fine lotus patterns. The light gauze was ethereal, swaying like flowing water as she walked.

Her long hair draped over her shoulders, black and lustrous. Her features were gentle and moving, and her skin was as radiant as jade, glowing with a faint luster. She was like a lotus newly bloomed after rain, elegant and refined, carrying a faint fragrance of mist that made one forget worldly troubles upon seeing her.

“Husband, I heard from Sister Su Wan that there were late-night snacks here, so Xue'er and I came over. We aren't disturbing you, are we?”

She gave a gentle smile, her voice so soft it seemed it could drip water, her eyes holding a hint of apology.

Nangong Xue wore a plain white dress, with only a few elegant orchids embroidered on the cuffs and hem. The light fabric complemented her tall stature and her cold, otherworldly temperament. She was like a secluded orchid under the moon, her dark fragrance floating, possessing a solitary beauty of her own.

She held a plain embroidered handkerchief with orchid patterns and walked gently to sit at the foot of the bed. Her gaze fell on Situ Jun, carrying a peaceful concern.

Her beauty was not like Su Yunniang's gentleness, Lin Suwan's charm, or Xu Lian's soft allure; rather, she had the charm of a mature young woman, with a faint air of detachment between her brows that made one instinctively feel protective of her.

“Husband, you've been busy in the study for half the day. Would you like me to massage your shoulders?”

Lin Suwan asked softly, her voice tender and considerate.

Before Situ Jun could answer, another set of brisk footsteps came from outside. Cherry walked in carrying a brass water basin. Wisps of hot steam rose from the basin, the misty vapor blurring her pretty face.

She wore a goose-yellow dress with small daisies embroidered on the hem. Her body was delicate and exquisite, looking as if a gust of wind could blow her over.

Her large eyes were watery, like ripe honey peaches, clear and bright. A faint blush was on her face, making her adorable. She also carried a faint sweet fragrance that made one feel cheerful upon smelling it.

Following behind her was Hong Mei, holding a towel.

Dressed in a water-blue long dress, her slender and graceful figure was highlighted even more exquisitely, drawing one's gaze.

“Husband, Hong Mei and I prepared hot water for you. Soaking your feet can relieve fatigue.”

As she spoke, she gently placed the brass basin on the footstool before the couch. She tilted her small face up to look at him, her eyes full of admiration and attachment, as if he were the most perfect existence in the world.

Looking at the six women before him, each with her own unique grace, Situ Jun felt an indescribable warmth welling up in his heart.

Su Yunniang's gentle virtue, Lin Suwan's bright charm, Xu Lian's soft elegance, Nangong Xue's cold refinement, Cherry's innocent cuteness, and Hong Mei's delicate shyness—the six of them each had their own fragrance and charm, yet all surrounded him with deep concern and love.

He sat back down on the edge of the couch and pulled Su Yunniang closer. His gaze slowly swept over Xu Lian, Nangong Xue, Lin Suwan, Cherry, and Hong Mei. His voice was deep and gentle, filled with endless treasure:

“How fortunate I am to have all of you.”

Hearing this, the women all showed gentle smiles.

Su Yunniang buried her cheek deeper, her arms tightly hugging his waist; Lin Suwan's eyes sparkled with bright light, her lips curving into a smile; Xu Lian smiled gently, her eyes full of tenderness; warmth rose in Nangong Xue's shimmering eyes as a slight arc formed at the corner of her mouth; Cherry excitedly leaned forward, gently pulling his sleeve with a face full of joy; and Hong Mei gave a shy smile.

The candlelight flickered, reflecting the beautiful and clear faces of the six women. Their unique fragrances intertwined in the air, brewing into a cup of mellow and long-lasting warmth that dispelled the chill of the late night and smoothed away the irritability and worry in Situ Jun's heart.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the warmth and fragrance around him, and the hard-won peace and happiness.

The fatigue from days of travel and the dangerous crises seemed to vanish in this moment of tenderness, leaving only a heart full of peace and contentment... Tonight, for the first time, all the women stayed in Su Yunniang's bedchamber.

Perhaps the friendship of reunion was too deep, or perhaps they couldn't bear to leave this warm atmosphere. They didn't shy away at all, each finding a comfortable position to lie down, surrounding Situ Jun.

The moonlight was like white silk, spilling a clear glow onto the brocade couch through the carved window lattices. It intertwined with the warm light of the candles, creating an ambiguous and gentle atmosphere.

The room was quiet, with only the occasional sound of the women's soft breathing and the intermittent chirping of insects from outside the window.

Situ Jun lay on his side embracing Su Yunniang, his palm always covering her protruding lower abdomen. He felt the weak yet stubborn movements of the fetus within. Every touch caused a strong sense of responsibility and happiness to well up in his heart.

Su Yunniang's cheeks were flushed, and her breathing gradually became a bit hurried. Her warm breath brushed against his neck, carrying the sweetness of orchids and a woman's unique fragrance.

She felt the steady heartbeat of the man beside her and the warmth of his palm. Her love and longing surged like a tide.

She proactively leaned closer, her soft lips gently pecking the corner of his mouth. Her voice had a soft, nasal quality, sounding both like a pout and a complaint:

“Husband...”

This low call was like a feather lightly scratching his heart, carrying endless tenderness and attachment, instantly causing the warmth in Situ Jun's heart to surge uncontrollably.

He lowered his head and captured her lips, gentle and deep, his movements as light as if he were handling a fragile treasure.

He carefully avoided her abdomen, gently circling her in his arms, feeling her soft body and hurried breathing.