Mute Beauty

Chapter 63: Wife

Late at night, Yu Ting turned over, snuggling Ran Ling close to her chest. Her face pressed gently against Ran Ling's forehead, her warmth radiating, each breath steady and close to Ran Ling's ear, so vivid and real.

It was entirely an unconscious gesture.

Even in sleep, Yu Ting always had these subtle ways of lowering Ran Ling's guard. She often played these little tricks, catching Ran Ling off guard — even in her dreams.

Ran Ling found it all captivating, reassuring somehow. Her eyes grew heavy, and at last, she let herself surrender, eyes closing as she drifted into sleep.

In the haze of half-sleep, a thought crossed Ran Ling's mind: the forecast said the rain would stop tomorrow in Yuncheng. Perhaps they could go out together. Yu Ting would agree to that.

Tonight felt different. They were closer now.

As predicted, the rain stopped the next morning, and they awoke to sunlight spilling through the windows, the sky clear and bright, with no hint of heat. Perfect weather for a date. But Yu Ting had come down with a fever.

Yu Ting had woken before Ran Ling, already feeling unwell — dizzy, with a scratchy throat — but brushed it off, getting up, washing, and heading downstairs. Yet, facing the meticulously prepared breakfast on the table, she felt no appetite.

After a few bites, she put down her fork and returned upstairs to check if Ran Ling was awake.

Yu Ting remembered her promise to visit the cat café with Ran Ling. Over their time apart, Ran Ling had been sending her picture after picture of cats, expressing how cute they were, how she couldn't wait to go.

Today seemed like the perfect day for it.

But back in the bedroom, Ran Ling was still sound asleep. The room was quiet; she lay curled in bed, one pale shoulder peeking out from beneath the covers, a sliver of skin just visible. Her hand gripped the edge of the pillow, her figure serene yet seductive, emanating warmth.

What a lovely woman, Yu Ting thought, her mind drifting to the night before...

Ran Ling's hands were beautiful, delicate and fair, soft to the touch, no hint of aggression. Last night, she'd clutched the pillow so hard that her knuckles showed. She'd trembled, trying to hold herself back, but each time, she'd turned back to Yu Ting with tearful eyes, full of pleading.

Several times, Yu Ting had to stop and comfort her, afraid her heart couldn't take it. But Yu Ting's reassurances were half-hearted; the moment Ran Ling recovered, she couldn't help but continue. Yu Ting's desire was relentless, even as Ran Ling wept.

With a pang of guilt, Yu Ting leaned against the bed's headboard and watched her sleep, eventually drifting back into slumber herself.

The next time she woke, it was to the gentle touch of Ran Ling's hand.

Ran Ling, freshly awake, sat up slowly, her robe loose around her shoulders. She looked like a lazy, sleepy fox, soft and content. But her brow was furrowed, eyes full of concern. She reached out, placing a hand on Yu Ting's forehead, then leaned closer, her cheek brushing Yu Ting's forehead.

Only then did Yu Ting realize she was checking for a fever. It felt strangely animalistic.

After a few seconds, Ran Ling pulled back, looking at Yu Ting with worry.

"You have a fever," she mouthed.

A fever? Perhaps it was because of the rain last night, or the fact that she hadn't dried her hair before bed. Or maybe it was the exhaustion from her recent trip.