"Yurong, are you sleepy?" Li Yan asked softly.

Yurong shook her head, but then remembered he couldn't see her, so she whispered, "Not sleepy yet. Are you... wanting to talk about Qiao Huanxuan?"

The moment she said it, she regretted it, wishing she could swallow back her words!

Why did she suddenly bring up Qiao Huanxuan? Everyone knew to avoid the topic during the day, and mentioning it now would ruin the mood, right? She just thought they should find something to talk about, to say something, and didn't realize she casually brought up such an awkward topic that would lead to silence.

Li Yan was slightly taken aback, but didn't find the topic inappropriate. Even if she wasn't sleepy, he couldn't just say 'If you're not sleepy, let's do that then.' He originally wanted to find a topic, chat for a bit, and create some atmosphere before saying anything. Hearing Yurong mention Qiao Huanxuan, he also felt he should say something to her. Although by noon, everyone knew a decision had likely been made, they weren't sure what it was exactly, and she, as one involved, might misunderstand if she didn't know.

"Yeah, I talked to her about our situation."

"Oh," Yurong replied simply.

In fact, she was a bit nervous and really wanted to know what Qiao Huanxuan said, but felt the topic was inappropriate, as it might end with an unpleasant note, ruining the mood. Tonight could be considered the most special night of the entire holiday, and it was best not to spoil it. Earlier, when she hinted again that the two of them should sleep under the same blanket, it was with this mindset.

Li Yan turned to face her, "She... knows about me and Yu Xiaodi, knows about my relationship with you, and she was quite shocked."

Yurong faced him too, wanting to listen quietly, afraid he might misunderstand that she was angry. Seeing he had already spoken without any sign of displeasure, she replied, "So how... did she react?"

"Despising me is unavoidable, right? But after all... with more than ten years of emotional buildup, it's not something that can just be given up, even knowing we're married, she still..." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"I can understand," Yurong said earnestly, "Actually, I also admire her. If I were in her place, I don't know if I could do it. And..."

"Hmm?" Seeing her hesitating to speak, Li Yan prompted her.

Yurong softly said, "...And you can tell, Mom and Dad are very satisfied with her as well. In the years you didn't come back, she must have visited home many times, and they know about her feelings for you. If it weren't for me, they would likely be very happy to see you two together... In some sense, I am the third party who broke her and you up."

"What are you saying!" Li Yan grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, comforting her, "This isn't your fault."

"A year ago, you and I didn't even know each other, how could I compare to Qiao Huanxuan who waited for you for more than ten years? Yu Xiaodi only took a few months to move you. If you had met her first, you surely would have been moved by her, and as for me..." Yurong sighed lightly, "Now that I think about it, I was really the worst to you before."

Hearing this, Li Yan felt a wave of relief in his heart; Yurong had indeed changed completely toward him! Feeling guilty because of her initial indifference, it showed that now in her heart, he had become very important.

"Don't be silly, I wasn't good to you back then either, and I was a man, your husband, and I didn't even try to coax you or care for you. How could I blame you? The most important thing is, we now understand each other; even more importantly, we will love each other going forward!" Saying this, Li Yan naturally extended his arm, pulling her into his embrace.

"Mm..." Yurong obediently leaned into his embrace, feeling his warmth and listening to his heartbeat.

"Give her more time! She still thinks you're a fake wife I found, convincing her of our relationship requires more time, and it won't be easy for her to change her mindset. As for you, don't be jealous, she has liked me for so many years, she can't just switch those feelings off..."

Yurong basically accepted his explanation, this problem had been on her mind since noon. If more than ten years of feelings could be given up instantly, she would lose respect for her. She also feared pushing too hard might lead Qiao Huanxuan to do something extreme. But now, she could accept the current state. First love, after all, isn't so easily replaced, the most important thing is to be the last woman standing for the man!

"Ha ha... liked you for so many years? You're thick-skinned. Didn't you say before that what she liked was your youthful self, combined with the image she imagined in her heart over the years? Now you might not necessarily attract the mature her anymore." Yurong spoke with a relaxed tone.

"Really? Then how come the current me can attract you?" Li Yan kissed her on the forehead.

"I... I don't have a choice, living with you every day, you're the only man I come into contact with, do I have other options? It's just... familiarity breeds affection!" With more intimacy between them, Yurong wasn't as reserved anymore.

Their feelings indeed grew after living together for a few months, where she managed him at work, and during unexpected situations, he protected her. They grew affectionate over time, though it was slightly different from how it developed with Hai Fu over time.

Hearing this, Li Yan naturally thought about it. Even though they had been married for a year, they hadn't yet breached the final barrier, now seemed like a great opportunity, right? Cuddling in the same bed and with the special holiday context, the atmosphere just created was nice. As a man, if he wasn't a bit proactive, could he expect the passive Yurong to strip herself and offer herself willingly?