The next day.
Ruan Jiaojiao woke up feeling well-rested and full of energy. She stretched, only to discover that Second Uncle was sleeping on the far side of the bed, a world away. He was facing away from her, his broad back exposed, his arm pressing down on the quilt as if he were still asleep.
Whenever she had woken up before, he was either already out of bed, or he was right there beside her, holding her close. She had grown accustomed to it; perhaps Second Uncle needed to hold someone to fall asleep. She was a good person, after all—if he wanted to hold her, she would let him.
Chapter 43