The King’s Enchanting Chapter 1738 - 1752: A Thousand Calls and Ten Thousand Invocations (15)

Upon his ascent upstairs after concluding his remarks, Yu Zexiao observed Jian Anning seated composedly before the vanity, engaged in brushing her hair.

Her tresses cascaded long and straight, a testament to her natural disposition. Despite her time spent in Canada, she eschewed the trend of blonde highlights or permed curls favored by peers, opting instead for a healthy, unadulterated look. Perhaps it was the recent period of familial harmony, her flourishing career, and the robust strength of their relationship that contributed to her youthful appearance, maintaining a visage befitting a woman in her early twenties even though she had surpassed thirty.

Observing her deliberate strokes with the brush, Yu Zexiao felt a wave of relief wash over him. His grandmother, and indeed his grandfather and father, had harbored a quiet disappointment for years. Even Shen Lanxiao, though unspoken, deeply wished for him to have a child soon.

Though he had proposed in vitro fertilization, his parents remained hesitant. Typically, parents would not opt for IVF unless a child's health was a concern, and the procedure itself carried a less-than-ideal reputation.

Yet, seeing Jian Anning meticulously grooming herself, Yu Zexiao approached, gently took the comb from her grasp, and began to assist her, gliding it through her long hair.

Gazing at their reflections side-by-side in the mirror, she could perceive it clearly now. Despite Yu Zexiao being a year or two her senior, he showed no discernible signs of aging. On the contrary, with the inexorable march of time, his inherent handsomeness had matured into a distinct, masculine charm.

She mused that had she not acted with such decisive resolve in the past, Yu Zexiao might not have found himself beside her now. So many outside the circle envied her, possessing such a handsome partner, a prosperous family background, and his unwavering devotion.

She acknowledged her own culpability, having squandered the blessings bestowed upon her. Had she not maintained her current disposition, he might have long since married, started a family, and experienced a life brimming with greater joy.

Echoing Xia Ziyu's sentiments, she believed he deserved superior prospects, the clear ability to have his own biological children, rendering his constant compromises for her unnecessary.

Meanwhile, Yu Zexiao’s gaze met hers in the mirror. Observing the two of them reflected, he offered a smile, inquiring, "What are you looking at?"

"You are incredibly handsome," she replied, her words entirely sincere. "From the very first moment I met you until this very present, your handsomeness has only continued to grow."

Many young male artists, while initially radiant upon their debut, tend to appear aged and fatigued by the time they reach thirty, a transformation often more startling than that observed in actresses. Yu Zexiao, however, was fortunate; he retained a dashing and good-looking appearance. Even as he gradually ventured into acting, he steadfastly released an album every year or two.

In his own words, this was his way of "giving back to the fans."

Irrespective of the reasoning, their collective endeavors had undeniably led to a consistent year-over-year increase in his fan base. A few years prior, he had tentatively embraced the title of "Little Heavenly King," but now, he seemed to have surpassed the confines of the entertainment industry entirely.

"Why is your little mouth so sweet today? Did you indulge in too many sweets?" he playfully questioned.

She had acquired durian pastries and a blueberry cheesecake, intending to present them to the Leng family. Leng Xiaobao and Mu Shang’en, demonstrating exemplary politeness, refused to hoard the treats and generously set aside a portion for her: "Auntie Mu, please have some!"

Yu Zexiao, naturally, accepted the durian pastries with gratitude, while she sampled a modest piece of the blueberry cheesecake, its tartness and sweetness harmonizing to create a soft, refreshing sensation.

In summation, it was an altogether delightful experience.

"Of course, Zexiao, it's because I love you," she declared. As the words left her lips, Yu Zexiao, having just finished tidying himself, turned and extended his fair arm, encircling her waist. "Meeting you," he confessed, "was the greatest fortune of my life."