On a rainy night, the school beauty knocked on my door and asked for shelter

Often, conflicts between couples begin as small, unspoken disagreements that gradually accumulate into a major conflict, eventually erupting into a fit of resentment towards each other.

In the current situation, as long as something happens, we can immediately talk things out.

This would effectively relieve both Chen Mo and Su Yuqing of the lingering resentment that might have arisen from this.

This is what a healthy relationship between couples should look like.

Although this little incident caused them both some guilt, they both felt much more at ease tonight because they had opened up to each other.

It also gave me a clear understanding of what kind of distance to maintain after establishing a relationship.

This will prevent the anxiety and confusion that previously arose because neither party knew how the boundaries of their physical intimacy would change after establishing a relationship.

Especially Su Yuqing, after returning home, she immediately avoided Chen Mo, precisely because of this.

Now that they have a standard to measure things, things are much easier for both of them.

Chen Mo doesn't need to worry about touching her too much and causing Su Yuqing to have an uncomfortable experience.

Su Yuqing doesn't need to worry that Chen Mo will do anything inappropriate that would make her feel awkward refusing.

The light and shadow of the deep sea flowed silently on the wall, the changing blue like the calm lake of their hearts at this moment.

Su Yuqing buried her face deeply in Chen Mo's shoulder, no longer trembling, only instinctively seeking warmth.

After snuggling together quietly for a while, enjoying this rare peace and intimacy, Su Yuqing whispered, "The porridge bowl hasn't been washed yet."

"Okay, I'll go wash up. Why don't you sit and rest for a while?" Chen Mo made a move to get up.

“Together.” Su Yuqing also stood up. The two exchanged a knowing glance, both seeing the unspoken ease in each other’s eyes after the conversation.

"ah!"

Suddenly, Su Yuqing exclaimed in surprise.

"What's wrong?" Chen Mo asked anxiously, holding her close.

"...My leg." Su Yuqing's voice was muffled by his clothes, with a slightly embarrassed nasal tone, "It's a little numb."

Chen Mo's chest vibrated, and he let out a short, pleasant chuckle.

After he sat down on the sofa, he immediately tightened his arms and lifted her up more gently, so that she was almost sitting on his lap. Then he carefully straightened her legs from their curled-up position.

His actions conveyed a thoughtfulness that needed no words.

Su Yuqing sat up straight, her cheeks still flushed, but her eyes were clear, like the sky after a rain.

She looked at Chen Mo, then simply reached out and gently touched the subtle creases left by the fabric she had unconsciously clenched beneath his slightly open collar.

This small gesture speaks louder than a thousand words.

It is a silent comfort, and also an intimate mark.

Chen Mo caught her fingers as she tried to pull them back, enveloping them in his palm. He gently rubbed the back of her smooth hand with the pad of his thumb. After confirming that Su Yuqing's blood flow in her legs had returned to normal and the numbness had subsided, the two of them went to the kitchen together.

The kitchen lights came on, and Chen Mo rolled up his sleeves and turned on the tap. The sound of rushing water broke the surrounding tranquility, but brought a different kind of warm and homey feeling.

Su Yuqing picked up a clean rag and stood aside to dry the dishes he had washed.

The sound of flowing water masked subtle noises, and a tacit understanding and harmony flowed between the two.

Occasionally, their arms would brush against each other, their fingertips brushing the edge of the pool, no longer eliciting the previous electric shocks and tremors, but conveying a gentle warmth. There was no hesitation, only a naturally flowing affection.

Su Yuqing dried the last bowl and gently placed it in the cupboard, watching Chen Mo's tall and focused profile as he busied himself at the sink.

The last trace of embarrassment she felt from her earlier rejection vanished completely in the way Chen Mo's natural tenderness and ease.

"Alright." Chen Mo turned off the tap, shook the water droplets off his hands, turned to look at her, his eyes gentle and smiling, "Mission accomplished."

Su Yuqing smiled and handed him a towel to wipe his hands.

After Chen Mo took the towel and dried his hands, his gaze naturally fell on her face. He raised his hand and gently brushed away a stray strand of hair that had slipped down her cheek with the back of his fingers.

This gesture is purely out of affection and care.

Su Yuqing did not flinch, but her eyelashes trembled slightly, her cheeks flushed, and her heart felt warm as if it had been gently tickled by a feather.

"Want to keep watching?" Chen Mo pointed towards the living room, where the silent, flowing deep blue light and shadow on the TV screen continued to shift.

"Hmm, finished reading it? It felt... very peaceful," Su Yuqing replied softly.

She truly loved the atmosphere of the deep sea, especially after experiencing emotional turmoil; the tranquil blue had a soothing power.

The two returned to the living room and sat down on the sofa.

After the two sat on the sofa, there was no distance between them. Chen Mo did not try to hug her, but simply sat relaxed next to Su Yuqing. Su Yuqing hugged a soft pillow, leaned slightly against Chen Mo, and looked at the screen.

The light and shadow of the deep sea flowed across their faces, jellyfish drifted by, schools of fish swam, and the silent world isolated them from all the noise and clamor.

Chen Mo's hands rested naturally on the sofa beside him, very close to Su Yuqing's hands.

After a while, Su Yuqing seemed to be attracted by a certain scene on the screen, and leaned forward slightly.

Her fingertips unconsciously brushed against the back of Chen Mo's hand, which was resting on the sofa.

Chen Mo didn't move, but just turned his head to look at her.

Su Yuqing seemed to realize this only then, her fingertips slightly retracted, but she didn't immediately move away. Instead, she paused for a moment, and then, extremely slowly, with a completely new sense of calm and certainty, she gently hooked her little finger around Chen Mo's little finger.

A tiny, almost negligible action, yet it was like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples in Chen Mo's heart.

He turned his hand and gently enveloped her outstretched hand.

There was no restlessness of lust, only unspoken warmth and peace.

This is an intimacy that is clearly defined and fully accepted, like finding the most comfortable harbor.

Su Yuqing felt the warmth and strength from his palm, and a faint, reassuring smile curved her lips.

She no longer needs to be constantly vigilant about the boundaries of "limits," because the boundaries are now clear and are being carefully protected by the other party.

She can enjoy this closeness and this pure companionship with peace of mind.

The same applies to Chen Mo.

He no longer needed to guess or suppress his feelings; the urge to get closer was dissolved by understanding and respect, transforming into a deeper and more steadfast affection.

Holding her hand, gazing at her focused and relaxed profile, an unprecedented sense of peace and contentment welled up within me. (End of Chapter)