Chapter 2292
In the distance, the wrecked speedboat belched black smoke as it sank, already vanished from sight.
After venting, You Le'an hung limp on Jin Chen, his soaked body pressed close.
His forehead rested against Jin Chen's neck, his body trembling uncontrollably in small shakes.
"It's my fault, I'm fine."
Jin Chen responded softly, firmly supporting his waist and back, gently patting.
Lin Xi and Zhou Du were still shaken, purely frightened.
Lin Xi wiped his face, watching You Le'an cling to Jin Chen without regard for danger, then recalled the earlier reckless, mutual-destruction-like impact, and shuddered violently.
No wonder he's a villain—he said he'd ram and actually did.
He was so shocked he couldn't find another word to describe that feeling; his soul almost flew out.
Zhou Du pressed his lips tight, his gaze equally complex as it swept over the sea now returned to calm, then fell back onto You Le'an.
Ruthless, crazy, and… truly reckless.
You Le'an was oblivious to his surroundings.
Jin Chen's heartbeat and patting were like a sedative, slowly drawing out the taut nerves.
After a while, the clenched arm loosened slightly, and the damp head rubbed against Jin Chen's neck, emitting a muffled whisper.
Jin Chen didn't catch it, lowered his head close, and asked, "What?"
"It's not your fault." You Le'an lifted his head, averting his gaze uneasily.
That incompetent villainous miser Xie Jiulong must have found out he was meddling there, angry enough to send assassins.
{Villain Heartthrob Value +5, total 35! }
Jin Chen tightened his arms, holding him more securely.
"Return."
The operator's face turned ashen; Weisen hauled him back to the speedboat's cockpit, as if pardoned, he immediately obeyed.
Only then did Jin Chen lower his head again.
His long fingers, calloused thinly, unusually gently brushed aside the wet hair dripping from You Le'an's forehead, revealing his pale, slightly furrowed brow.
The temperature of his fingertips seemed a touch warmer than the seawater.
A low voice sounded near You Le'an's sweaty ear, warm breath brushing over his ear.
"Alright, leave the rest to me."
His fingertip lightly brushed the cool forehead, his tone unprecedentedly gentle:
"Rest a while."
Like a lullaby that could hypnotize and relax, You Le'an's last consciousness sank into darkness, his body going completely limp in Jin Chen's arms, his breathing finally steady.
Jin Chen held the sleeping person in his arms, feeling the steady breath, his gaze turned to the distant sea where warning lights flickered.
The gentleness in his eyes faded, leaving only icy sharpness.
——
After arriving home.
Not mentioning how the Xie family was investigated and obviously retaliated, as the saying goes, hit the snake at seven inches; Jin Chen repaid in kind, nearly killing the half-life Xie Jiulong had painstakingly saved.
During that time, Zhou Du and Jin Chen cooperated, seizing most of Xie Jiulong's assets; that vented the resentment.
But whether it was a sudden surge then crash of emotion, overstimulation, or catching a cold after returning, You Le'an felt miserable for several days and even had a bad nightmare.
He dreamed he was on a cruise ship, really pushing Jin Chen into the sea, doing many wrongs, before receiving Lin Xi's countermeasure, he was nearly sent back to Britain by Jin Chen, who sensed something off.
After waking, You Le'an only felt puzzled, but even more miserable.
It was the hottest time of year; morning light poured through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, gilding the dining room of the Jin Family Villa with a warm golden edge.
You Le'an shuffled downstairs in slippers, somewhat dazed.
The nightmare's remnants lingered in his mind, leaving him listless, like a wilted blade of grass.
The dining room was filled with the aroma of food.
He lifted his gaze, his steps pausing slightly.
Jin Chen and Lin Xi were sitting by the window eating breakfast.
Morning light outlined their profiles; Jin Chen wore soft gray loungewear, lessening his usual aloofness, the corner of his lips holding a faint but genuine curve.
Lin Xi spoke animatedly, occasionally letting out clear laughter, while Jin Chen occasionally nodded.
The atmosphere between the two brothers was very relaxed.
You Le'an leaned against the stair railing, quietly watching.
The sunlight was a bit glaring. Inappropriate settings from the book flashed through his mind.
The devoted male side character truly likes Lin Xi, the protagonist's lover.
This realization was like a tiny prick, once again stabbing his heart out of nowhere.
An unfamiliar, dull sourness spread for no reason.
He frowned, not even understanding what this sudden emotion was.
"So then, brother,"
Lin Xi's voice carried a hint of teasing laughter, clearly drifting into Jin Chen's ears.
Mom and my godmother's promise really looks like it's going to come true, eh.
You guys are loading this progress bar pretty fast! No need for my godmother to worry about the selection.
Upon hearing that, Jin Chen's lips curved a little deeper; he picked up the small silver spoon beside him and tapped Lin Xi's forehead as she leaned in.
There was never a second option—just eat your breakfast and quit talking.
My wife can only be mine.
"Oh!"
Lin Xi exaggeratedly covered his forehead.
You Le An finally moved into the cafeteria; Jin Chen, seeing that, casually picked up the prepared cup of hot milk on the empty seat beside him and handed it to You Le An, his voice gentle.
"Come have breakfast."
You Le An suppressed the inexplicable heaviness in his chest and walked over slowly.
Jin Chen's gaze lingered on his face for a moment, keenly catching the lingering weariness low in his eyes, his brows furrowing in confusion.
"Your complexion doesn't look good; what's wrong?"
You Le An instinctively wanted to shake his head and say he was fine, but when the words reached his lips and met Jin Chen's focused, questioning gaze, that stubborn thought suddenly vanished.
He lowered his eyelashes, thick lashes half-covering his eyes, his voice a hoarse, nasal mumble from just waking up, sounding a bit aggrieved.
"... I had a nightmare."
Those beautiful eyes lifted, clearly reflecting Jin Chen's figure, with an unconscious reliance.
Jin Chen's heart gave a light thump; he set down the milk cup, grabbed You Le An's wrist, and gently brought him to sit in the empty seat beside him.
After sitting, Jin Chen didn't withdraw his hand; naturally raising it, his palm rested on You Le An's still somewhat messy light-colored hair, gently rubbing it.
The action was almost indulgent affection.
You Le An stared blankly for a moment, inexplicably zoning out.
Immediately, his warm, dry palm pressed again against his clean, slightly cool forehead, staying for a few seconds as if checking the temperature.
"No fever."
Jin Chen withdrew his hand, his voice low and gentle, "Have something warm first."
He pushed the warm milk cup toward You Le An again, "Eat something; if you're still tired at noon, sleep properly."
The natural concern, the warm touch on his hair and forehead, felt like a magical heat current, dispelling the nightmare gloom lodged in his heart and that inexplicable sourness.
You Le An looked at Jin Chen's close side profile, pressed his lips, said nothing more, and obediently lifted the warm milk cup to drink.
【Detected Villain Blackening Value -2, total 10!】
Lin Xi, still uneasy, moved a bit farther from You Le An, but it didn't stop him from gossiping.
When did his older brother become this gentle?
The big villain really has some tricks.
"Eh."
Lin Xi sighed genuinely,
【Hehehehe!】 Ling Gun Gun suddenly laughed, turned his head, and transmitted it to Jin Chen.
Jin Chen: "..."
He glared at Lin Xi, "Go practice piano."
All day thinking about random nonsense.
"Okay." Lin Xi glanced at his older brother with an extremely complex and slightly sympathetic gaze, shook his head, and left the table.
End of Chapter
