Chapter 5: Another Cold Shower in the Morning

Clara stayed in the library until it closed, returning to Xiyuan just before midnight.

She tiptoed upstairs and cautiously pushed open the door to the master bedroom.

Only a floor lamp was lit, casting a soft glow. Julian lay on the bed with his eyes closed, the warm yellow light softening the coldness of his features.

Clara let out a breath of relief, grabbed her clothes from the walk-in closet, and headed to the bathroom in the guest bedroom to freshen up.

Back in the master bedroom, she turned off the light, pinched a corner of the duvet with two fingers, slowly lifted it, and eased herself onto the bed.

Just as she was celebrating her success in not disturbing the man beside her, Julian’s slightly raspy voice broke the silence. "You're back?"

"...Yes," Clara said softly. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry."

"It's fine." He rolled over, seemingly looking at her.

Clara noticed that Julian was a paragon of a gentleman in certain aspects; for instance, he always looked into the other person's eyes when speaking.

So, she rolled over as well.

The two of them stared at each other in the darkness, their breaths mingling in the short distance between them.

"At 9:00 AM tomorrow, I'll accompany you back to see your grandfather. I can't stay long, though; I have a project signing ceremony at 3:00 PM."

"That sounds wonderful. Half a day is more than enough," Clara said cheerfully.

"Good. Go to sleep."

"Mm-hmm. Goodnight."

Her voice was clear and pleasant, just like her name—like the sound of a trickling stream, quietly brushing against Julian’s nerves.

Just as Clara thought the conversation had ended, she heard the man’s response: "Goodnight."

Clara smiled slightly, buried herself deeper into the duvet, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning at 7:00 AM, Julian woke up from a sensation of restlessness.

Just like the day before, there was a person in his arms, a hand draped across his chest, and a leg wrapped around his waist.

Under the duvet, skin met skin in certain places. Julian didn't even need to look to imagine the scene.

As soon as the thought arose, a certain part of his body suddenly tensed.

He rubbed his throbbing brow, closed his eyes, and slowly moved Clara’s limbs away before getting out of bed.

In the bathroom, cold water poured down. He looked down, caught a glimpse of his vigorous arousal, let out an impatient tsk, and adjusted the water temperature even lower.

When Clara got up and went downstairs, Julian was sitting on the living room sofa reading a financial magazine, dressed in a crisp shirt and trousers, his hair perfectly styled.

Morning light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, kissing his handsome profile. He sat at the boundary of light and shadow, holding a bone china cup. His fingers were slender and well-defined, possessing a luster that surpassed the porcelain.

"Clary, you're up! Come have breakfast." Mrs. Martha’s warm greeting pulled Clara back from her thoughts.

Julian looked up at the sound.

"Good morning, Mrs. Martha." After responding, Clara turned to Julian with a smile. "Good morning, Julian."

"Morning," Julian replied, his tone as flat as always.

He checked his watch. "You have 15 minutes."

"Oh! I’ll be ready right away." Clara hurried over to sit down, picked up a soup dumpling, and began to chew quickly.

From Julian’s perspective, her rosy-white cheek was puffed out and moving—like a...

A hamster? Not elegant enough.

A pufferfish? Not cute enough.

After a moment of thought, Julian still couldn't find the right comparison.

Realizing his gaze had lingered too long, he looked away and rubbed his fingers together.

He suddenly felt like... pinching her.

He quickly stopped his straying thoughts and calmly turned a page of the magazine.

Clara, focused on her meal, was oblivious to the man’s complex psychological activity.

She finished breakfast just before the deadline and smiled. "I'm ready. Let's go."

Julian set down the magazine and stood up to head out.

Mrs. Martha followed behind. "Julian, the return gifts sent by the Madam yesterday are already in the trunk. Remember to take them out when you arrive."

Julian hummed in acknowledgement and sat in the driver's seat.

Clara didn't hesitate to sit in the passenger seat, waving goodbye to Mrs. Martha. "Bye-bye!"

The black Bentley slowly pulled away as Mrs. Martha called out, "Clary, if you’re coming back for dinner tonight, message me in advance! I'll make you something delicious!"

"I will!" Clara responded loudly.

Julian caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye.

The tone she used with Mrs. Martha was much more intimate than the one she used with him.

Clara lowered her head to apply lipstick, not noticing his scrutiny.

Her natural lip color was a cherry pink; with a thin layer of peach-pink lipstick, her complexion looked even more vibrant.

Julian’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel as he focused his attention on the road ahead.

The interior of the car was quiet—so quiet it made Clara a bit uncomfortable.

As a typical extrovert who couldn't stand an awkward silence, she cleared her throat and said, "Let me tell you about my family."

"Okay."

"My family is very simple. You've already met my grandfather. my grandmother passed away when I was very young. My parents—" her voice dropped slightly, "passed away in a car accident eight years ago."

Julian’s gaze narrowed slightly.

"My father had a brother. My aunt and uncle have a son, a year younger than me. They’ve always been good to me. Their family lives in the UK now and hasn't been back for a few years."

"There are also some extended relatives, but I won't go into detail."

Julian nodded. "I see."

...That’s it? She said all that, and he responded with two words. Is this man afraid of speaking? Clara grumbled internally, then looked up and asked, "What about your family?"

"Both my grandparents are alive, but they live apart—one in Singapore, the other in London."

"My father has a sister. My aunt has a daughter, but as for her age," he paused slightly, "I don't remember."

Clara: "..."

How could someone not even remember their cousin's age?

As if reading her expression, Julian glanced at her. "What’s with that face?"

"Huh? What? Let me check." Clara quickly changed the subject. "My makeup seems a bit smudged; I need to touch it up."

She held up a small mirror, effectively blocking his gaze.

Julian didn't call her out, returning his focus to the road.

The Jiang estate soon came into view.

As soon as the car stopped, Clara pushed the door open and flew toward Silas, who was waiting at the door, like a young bird returning to its nest. "Silas!"

"Oh! My princess is back!" Silas stepped forward with a wide grin. "Let me have a good look at you!"

"Did you miss me?" Clara asked with a beaming smile.

"Every single day!" Silas said. His gaze then fell on the approaching Julian. "Sir, I apologize for the display."

"Not at all." Julian nodded. "Silas, you can just call me Julian."

Silas followed suit and smiled. "Julian, Clary, come in. Sir is waiting for you." He then instructed the servants to bring in the gifts Julian had brought.

Julian walked to Clara’s side and took her hand. Her fingertips trembled slightly before she relaxed, letting him lead her inside.