Rebirth: Once Again With You

Sunlight pierced through the window and fell on her face. Li Caiyi, who was in a deep sleep until a few moments ago, stirred in her sleep before slowly opening her eyes. Her body still felt sluggish even after a night's sleep, but her head was lighter than before.

"Ugh…" she groaned uncomfortably before forcing herself to sit up.

For a moment, she felt disoriented and couldn't remember what had happened before she passed out. Then, she looked down at the warm sensation on her hand and saw Dai Zhiqiang sleeping beside her bed. The memories quickly caught up to her.

Now that Li Caiyi's head was cleared up, she recalled every word she said to Dai Zhiqiang. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. For all she knew, it could threaten their relationship, but thankfully it didn't escalate further.

Li Caiyi felt a bit regretful. She meant to do that more civilly, but her emotion got the best of her.

Looking down at her boyfriend's sleeping face, she smiled affectionately. "He really stays with me until I wake up this time."

Li Caiyi fondly caressed his head, enjoying the morning tranquility before someone interrupted her.

"Ahem. Sorry for disturbing you, but I'm here too, you know?"

Li Caiyi automatically raised her head and saw Meng Renshu sitting on the chair beside her study desk. Her eyes widened in shock. "Y-you. Why are you here?"

"Your brother called me here because he had to leave for the hospital. Apparently, he doesn't trust a certain someone enough to leave you alone with him."

She couldn't remember what happened last night, which meant it must have happened after she passed out. Li Junjie could be really nosy when he wanted to be. What was he thinking, making Meng Renshu and Dai Zhiqiang watch over her in the same room?

As though he could read her mind, he added, "Junjie was worried that someone might come and target you again. He said the more people by your side, the more secure he felt."

Listening to the word 'Li Junjie' in the same line as 'worrying for her' felt somewhat awkward. Especially after their argument last night. However, Li Caiyi acknowledged that her brother was indeed slightly concerned about her, based on her observation the previous night.

"So, have you heard something from my brother about Xiaohua's condition?"

Meng Renshu relayed to her what Li Junjie told him last night, and her expression instantly turned grim. She glanced at Dai Zhiqiang, who was still sleeping, before saying, "Brother Renshu, I think people who attacked our house last night probably have something to do with that organization, after all."

Meng Renshu straightened his back. He pondered with a grave look on his face. "The timing was indeed too good to be a mere coincidence. As expected, they are coming after you first."

"We should inform Detective Tang about this immediately."

"Did you hear anything that could help us identify who was the one who attacked you last night?"

Li Caiyi rubbed her forearms and felt goosebumps all over her skin. Last night's experience still left a chill down her spine when she recalled it.

"I managed to hear some things from him, but I don't know how much it would help us."

"Did he tell you the reason he attacked you?"

Hu Jian: [I want to play with you and break you so Dai Zhiqiang will suffer].

She could almost hear his maniacal laugh following those words. She shook her head before replying, "I'm not really sure about that."

Meng Renshu saw the uncomfortable look on her face and decided not to press the matter for now. There would be plenty of time to talk after this.

'Besides, this should be enough to make him move,' Meng Renshu thought as he stared at sleeping Dai Zhiqiang.

"Brother Renshu, did you sleep while sitting the whole night?"

"Hm? Yeah, there wasn't any more space, and the floor is cold at night," Meng Renshu replied while wearing a pitiful expression.

"Oh." Li Caiyi felt terrible for making a rich young master sleep in such an uncomfortable environment for her. He could have slept in another room, but she guessed her brother must have made him sleep here. "Sorry for the trouble. Your body must feel sore now."

"No, it's fine. This much is alright." Meng Renshu smiled gently before standing up to check on her. "More importantly, how are you feeling? Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I slept very well."

"That's good." Meng Renshu put his hand on her forehead to check her temperature before smiling, "En. You don't have a fever or anything like that. But still, there's no hurt in being careful. It would be best if you lay down some more. I will ask Mr. Mu to buy a warm breakfast for you."

"Oh, there's no need to do that! If you give me some time, I can get ready in five minutes and make something for you."

Li Caiyi blurted that without deep intention, but it seemed her words made him very happy. Meng Renshu's beautiful face brightened up like a bulb immediately. "Really? You'll make it for me?"

"Sure. Since you have gone through trouble because of me. Or do you prefer to order takeout?"

"No! How can takeout be better than your cooking? I don't want you to force yourself, but if you insist, then I won't refuse your kind gesture."

Li Caiyi smiled awkwardly. She didn't expect him to respond so enthusiastically. "Then give me some time to wash my face first. I will need to make some for Zhiqiang and Mr. Mu too."

"Oh, don't bother. Mr. Mu is a conscientious man. He will feel uncomfortable eating with me. And Dai Zhiqiang had his sleep after sunrise, so I assume he wouldn't wake up until noon."

"Is that so? Then I will whip something for us first."

She was about to stand up when her hand was pulled down, making her body fall back to the bed again.

"I'm awake too." Dai Zhiqiang said in a hoarse voice and with bloodshot eyes. He looked scary as he gave Meng Renshu a sharp look.

"But Zhiqiang, you didn't get enough sleep last night because of me. You should sleep some more. You can use my bed if you want." Li Caiyi said worriedly. Meng Renshu was taken aback by her invitation, while Dai Zhiqiang smirked.

A mischievous idea crossed his mind, deepening his smile. Then, he wrapped his arms around Li Caiyi's waist, making her blush in embarrassment, while Meng Renshu clearly looked displeased.

"But I'm hungry too. Feed me?"  He asked while looking up in a spoiled manner.

Li Caiyi almost got a heart attack from his adorableness. What happened? Dai Zhiqiang had never acted like this in front of her before! Was this his wake-up habit or something?

She became so nervous she stuttered, "O-of course! L-Let me see what we have in the fridge. S-So, can you let go of me first?"

"No. Stay with me for another five minutes, and I'll let you go." He rubbed his cheeks on her thighs, which burned her face even more.

Meng Renshu, who stood by the side and silently watched the disgusting scene, couldn't hold it back anymore. Using extra force, he grabbed Dai Zhiqiang by his jacket and pulled him apart from the frozen Li Caiyi.

"Now, don't act like a child, and let the lady wash her face in peace. In the meantime, let me help you watch your slimy face."