It was likely her first time experiencing her monthly cycle, which made her feel exceptionally tired. Soon, Zhu Yanyi dozed off. She was startled awake by the sound of firecrackers at midnight.
She checked the time. It was indeed midnight. Zhu Yanli had brought her a bowl of tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) to eat. After telling her to finish them and go to sleep early, Zhu Yanli had returned to her own room.
Eating too much at night could cause indigestion, so the "bowl" of tangyuan actually contained only four pieces. They were small and delicate, easily eaten in one bite.
After finishing her snack, Zhu Yanyi went to the bathroom to rinse her mouth and brush her teeth. When she came out, she found Yan Aohan sitting by her bedside. She was startled.
Yan Aohan frowned slightly upon seeing her. "Get back into the blankets quickly. Why are you standing there dazed? Don't you know you are in a special period?"
Zhu Yanyi stuck out her tongue playfully, then crawled into the bed. Yan Aohan tucked the quilt around her securely before asking, "Does it hurt? It’s your first time."
She had wanted to ask earlier, but she had held back to avoid arousing suspicion from Zhu Shunyang and Xie Xinlian. She had waited until everyone was asleep to come over. She simply couldn’t leave her alone. She knew this was a necessary part of her life, a sign that she was growing up, but seeing her pale complexion had worried her.
"It’s fine," Zhu Yanyi answered seriously. "You know I’ve drunk a lot of Spirit Spring water and Spirit Liquid. My body is very strong. It’s just the first time, so my lower abdomen feels a bit heavy. After two or three more times, my body will get used to this rhythm, and it will be fine."
Yan Aohan touched Zhu Yanyi’s forehead. Zhu Yanyi laughed helplessly and grabbed his large hand. "I’m not catching a cold. It’s just my aunt visiting."
"Aunt?" Yan Aohan didn’t understand this term, but he guessed the meaning.
Zhu Yanyi chuckled and gave a brief explanation. Then she looked at Yan Aohan seriously. "You must have been very worried tonight."
"Very worried, but also very happy," Yan Aohan said with a smile. He adjusted his sitting position, turning to face the same direction as Zhu Yanyi and leaning against the bedboard. He then reached out and pulled her close, letting her rest against him. "I was worried you would feel sad or in pain during your first period. I’ve heard that many girls vomit or feel pain during their periods. But I am also happy. I am happy that my Ani is finally growing up truly, and that I can accompany you as you grow."
Zhu Yanyi spoke a bit shyly. "Actually, I wasn’t sad. I was just a little embarrassed. I was eating water chestnuts, and I didn’t expect it to start without any warning. But since it happened, I couldn’t drive it away, so I was just a little embarrassed."
"It’s okay. Everyone will forget about it," Yan Aohan said. He didn’t think Luo Gang and the others would dare to tease Zhu Yanyi about this.
Zhu Yanyi smiled softly. "Mm." She then looked up at Yan Aohan. "Don’t worry anymore. I’m fine. Did you come here specially today?"
"Not today. Yesterday," Yan Aohan said, knowing he couldn’t hide it from Zhu Yanyi. "I missed you. Also, I told the old man at home that I plan not to return for ten years. So I have nowhere to spend the New Year. Someone has to take me in, right?"
"When will you go back?" Zhu Yanyi knew that Yan Aohan must have been very busy to allow him to return for the New Year. He couldn’t possibly stay with her for the entire holiday.