He did not register clearly what she said just now.

She heard the voice capable of lifting her spirits and felt a bit more refreshed. She looked up at Ye Ling, "Ling, why don't you ever lie with me a little longer? You always wake up so early."

She peered at the window he had opened. Daybreak had come but she knew it must be quite early outside.

Ye Ling looked at her too with a warm smile. "It's a habit. I can't fall back to sleep after waking up. I wanted to prepare breakfast for you all but my brothers told me to stay with you. I'll help tie your hair later, alright?"

Still lying down, Liu Duo scratched her head and rubbed her eyes. "Oh, I want to lie a bit longer. Ling, rather than just staying with me, why don't you lie with me in bed too?"

Slowly, his cheeks flushed red unknowingly after he heard what she said. "Duo Er, I'll be right here with you. I don't have to lie back down."

Seeing him blush, Liu Duo's fuzzy mind cleared up instantly. How she wanted to tease him!

"Ling, don't stand if you can sit, and don't sit when you can lie down. We have the bed over here, why not make use of it? Come on, lie with me for a while."

He coughed. Hearing the affectionate tone in her voice, Ye Ling was reminded of her melodious rhythm from last night, and suddenly got bashful.

He spotted her shallow dimples too, and averted his gaze. "Duo Er, I-I think I'll pass. If you're still tired, then sleep for a little while longer. I'll stay here."

She purposefully ignored his shyness and made a grab at his arm, giving it a good shake. "Ling, come on, just lie down with me, pretty please…"

Ye Ling, now shy, found it difficult to refuse. "Duo Er, I…"

Before he could finish, Liu Duo interrupted, "Come on, come on, just lie down…"

"A-Alright," Finally admitting defeat, he nodded shyly.

Pffft, Liu Duo laughed out loud. "Ling, why is it so easy to change your mind? Haha…"

She knew Ye Ling could not bring himself to refuse her, but she still thought the self-contradiction along with his shyness was quite funny.

Hearing her say that only made him more confused. To lie or not to lie?

Here he was, being stupidly adorable again. Liu Duo sat up and lightly pinched his cheeks, giggling, "Ling, why are you so darn cute? You're just so lovable!"

Er…

Receiving compliments like that made his ears flush. "Duo Er, do you still want to lie down?"

"No need, I'll just take an afternoon nap later," she said with a broad grin.

How could she fall back to sleep? She was fully awake now.

Ye Ling stopped the small hand that was pinching his cheek. Then he took down a light-colored dress and passed it to her. She put it on, and then he helped her comb and tie her hair.

When all was done, the two of them went downstairs.

"Sis, you're up," Liu Ran greeted them when they came down.

He was helping Ye Yang sweep away the leaves in the yard. He liked to be useful around the house and did not want to leave all the work to the others.

Liu Duo replied, "Right. Ran Er, later when you go to Yuan Fang's house, do you mind going with Liu on his bullock-cart. It's right along the way, so they can give you a ride. What do you say?"

She ought to tell what she had discussed with Ye Liu and the men, to get his opinion.

Liu Ran nodded almost instantly. "Sure, Brother Liu told me about it."

Next, Liu Duo nodded in approval and went to wash up by the well. Ye Ling entered the kitchen to check on their breakfast.