The Ice Queen's Secret Romance

Chapter 34 – The Bathroom

That night Luo Ye was shown to a spare bedroom.

“This is my son’s room. He’s out working, so it’s empty now. You can stay here,” Fan Jian said.

“Thank you, Uncle,” Luo Ye replied politely.

Fan Jian’s brow furrowed.

Uncle? He glanced over at the adjoining room—the one occupied by Fan Xin‑Ya and Su Bai‑Zhou. The little courtyard had three rooms in total: his and his wife’s, his son’s, and the empty one he’d just offered Luo Ye.

After bringing his wife back from Hang City, Fan Xin‑Ya had moved into the vacant room. If Su Bai‑Zhou had returned, she would have taken Luo Ye’s room, but since Luo Ye was now occupying it, she would have to share a bed with her mother.

The bathroom was outside the compound, so one had to step out of the house to use it. Luo Ye felt a little uncomfortable with the arrangement, but he reminded himself to go with the flow.

Fan Jian, however, did not leave. He settled himself on the kang (the raised platform that served as a bed) in Luo Ye’s room, his expression serious.

“Kid, what do you think of my ‘fan‑fan’—my niece?” he asked bluntly.

Luo Ye put on his most earnest face. Standing before an uncle, he knew he could not hide his true feelings.

“I... I don’t know!” he blurted.

Seeing the stern look on Fan Jian, Luo Ye swallowed, then spoke more carefully.

“I can’t really put it into words, but she’s truly wonderful. Anything that involves her, I like it.”

Fan Jian nodded approvingly, evidently pleased that his niece was held in such high regard.

He then changed the subject.

“Kid, what does your family do?”

“My aunt and my uncle run a company that makes video‑game software,” Luo Ye answered.

“Who asked you about your aunt? I asked about your parents,” Fan Jian pressed, his tone hardening.

“I don’t have parents,” Luo Ye said calmly.

“What do you mean?”

“When I was still a baby, they sacrificed themselves for me,” Luo Ye replied, his voice flat. He had grown up without them and had learned to accept that fact.

Fan Jian stared at him, his expression turning to one of sudden pain and guilt. The thought of a parentless youth struck a chord in the middle‑aged man, who himself was a father.

“What you meant by ‘sacrificed’…?”

Luo Ye recalled the story his aunt had once told him: his parents had been high‑profile officials who, because of their status, had made many enemies. One dangerous criminal sought revenge and attacked the newborn and his mother. In order to protect his son, both parents gave their lives.

When the truth sank in, Fan Jian’s eyes welled up.

“Those monsters…!” he muttered, his fists pounding the kang. He then pulled Luo Ye into a tight embrace.

“From now on, you’re family. I’ll be your uncle, your relative.”

Luo Ye was left speechless, his mind reeling from the sudden turn of events. In the household hierarchy, Fan Jian’s authority was barely above his son’s, and far below the old, yellow‑coated dog that guarded the yard—a dog that had served the family for nearly a decade and was, frankly, more useful than Fan Jian in many ways.

After Fan Jian left the room, Luo Ye lay back on the kang and stared up at the rough ceiling. Though the house lacked the city’s bustle, it exuded a quiet, comforting warmth. He replayed the day’s highlights in his head—most vividly the moment on the bus when Su Bai‑Zhou had rested her head on his shoulder. The memory made his heart race; he tossed and turned, unable to settle.

Fortunately, he had managed to finish his novel’s update early in the morning, so the readers would not have to wait.

The Late‑Night Bathroom

In the dead of night Luo Ye awoke with a sudden urge to pee. Still half‑asleep, he sat up on the kang, his eyes half‑opened, and realized he had no idea where the bathroom was. The house’s layout meant the toilet was outside, and the courtyard was pitch black without moonlight.

He slipped on his slippers, opened the bedroom door, and stepped into the darkness of the courtyard. The rural night was utterly black, and he could see nothing.

He wandered, hands feeling the walls, looking for a clue. Finally, he stumbled upon a small, dark outbuilding. Lacking any light, he turned on his phone’s flashlight, illuminating the cramped space. A strong, acrid smell confirmed it was the toilet.

After taking care of his business, he switched off his phone’s light and headed back out. As he emerged, a figure stepped into the doorway, and they bumped into each other.

It was Su Bai‑Zhou, who let out a pained “ouch!” Upon hearing her voice, Luo Ye’s reflexes kicked in. He stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her waist, and tried to keep his cool—only to lose his footing on the slick ground. Before he could fall, he managed to push her forward, using her as a cushion.

“Are you okay, Senior?” he asked, worry in his voice.

“I’m fine,” she replied, her tone flat, but Luo Ye could see her cheeks flushed a deep red. The darkness made it hard to see the details, but their eyes met for a brief, shimmering moment—both sets of pupils reflecting a faint glimmer of light.

In that instant, Luo Ye felt a rush of happiness. He noticed how soft her body was; she usually wore loose clothing, but now he could sense the perfect shape beneath. He felt as if two tiny rabbits were pressed against his chest, unable to move.

Holding her close, the only thought in his mind was a single word:

“Bliss.”

“Have you had enough of being held?” he asked, half‑joking.

Su Bai‑Zhou made no objection, but her face was already flushed, and she seemed on the verge of losing consciousness. The night air was still, the only sounds the faint rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of insects. Their silence said more than words could.