Chapter 404: Lighthouse

Others treated wealth, fame, careers, houses, secrets, or family as their treasure. But for Zoren, his only treasure—before Penny came back into his life—was the memories of her. They were the only good thing that had ever happened to him, and he cherished and recorded them so he would never forget her.

He had even built an amusement park inspired by their shared memories. So, the mere thought of someone peeking into his treasure and using it against him felt like a mortal sin. And yet, on the outside, Zoren appeared as calm as a lake.

"Maybe it was the vitamins," he said, lying flat on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I feel sleepy instead."

Instead of going out to get answers tonight, Zoren lay there in bed, his eyelids heavy, feeling like he would fall asleep soon. This was unusual. Normally, Zoren wouldn’t sleep after someone tried to touch what was his. Even when he wanted to let it be, his mind and heart wouldn’t let him.

But tonight was different.

The corner of his lips curled up. "Or maybe it’s because I know she’ll come here."

Slowly, Zoren closed his eyes as the quiet night lulled him to sleep. Though his mind remained active for a while, his body began to relax.

Eventually, Zoren fell asleep on his own, without fainting, without forcing it, and without taking any pills.

Despite the things he had learned that night, it still ended peacefully.

---

At the break of dawn, Zoren regained consciousness even before opening his eyes. The first thought that crossed his mind was...

’Strange,’

Every day for the past twelve years, Penny had always appeared in his dreams. And in those dreams, Zoren was the only one growing up. Even so, they would still play and talk. These dreams happened every single time he slept or was unconscious. But last night, there was no dream of her.

If anything, he dreamt of... nothing.

As Zoren fully opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a face hovering above his own. He blinked slowly, raising his hand to touch her face. He felt her smile as his thumb brushed her skin.

"Good morning!" Penny greeted with a grin, her knee resting on the side of the bed as she balanced her body over him. "Wakey wakey! Time for some exercise."

His eyes softened, understanding now why he hadn’t dreamed of her. Penny was no longer just in his dreams. She was here — in his life, in his reality.

"Good morning," he replied, raising his other hand to hold her face.

Penny’s eyebrows rose as she propped herself on the mattress, careful not to fall on top of him. His thumb gently stretched over her cheek, as if he were making sure she was real.

"It’s me," she said, only to hear him say, "I know it’s you, but I still can’t see you clearly."

Penny pouted. "Renren, just get better so you can see me."

"But then I wouldn’t have an excuse to touch your face freely."

"Who said you can’t?"

He paused, then smiled subtly. "I can," he whispered, as if reminding himself that he didn’t need to be sick for her to care. His twisted thoughts were just as the doctor had said.

It doesn’t work that way.

"Now, get up!" she urged. "Time to move."

Just as Penny was about to push herself off the bed, Zoren swiftly caught her arm and pulled her down. His arm quickly wrapped around her as he took a deep breath, letting her warmth envelop him.

"Renren..."

"Five minutes," he murmured, closing his eyes. "Just give me five minutes."

Penny awkwardly rested her hand on his side, puffing her cheeks as she let him hug her like a bear. She raised the foot she had kept on the floor and crawled onto the bed beside him.

"Hehe." She giggled, hugging him back with the blanket still covering them. "Renren, when you get better, let’s add weights together."

"Mhm."

"The blanket makes you huggable," she teased, raising her eyebrows playfully.

"Do you want me to get fat?"

"No, no. You’re perfect the way you are, but you should eat more."

Zoren shrugged slightly. "I know I’m thin. It doesn’t hurt my feelings."

She chuckled, adjusting her head on his arm. Penny closed her eyes, smiling. Zoren casually rubbed her back with his palm, enjoying the scent of her hair. He didn’t mind the scent assaulting his nostrils.

"I thought I woke up early," he said. "I was ready to wait."

Penny grinned. "I told you I’d be here when you woke up. Did you sleep early?"

"Hmm. Depends on what early means to you, but for my body clock, it’s early." After all, he usually stayed up late working. "But I think I’ll start sleeping earlier."

"Hey... I can’t do this every day."

"It’s alright." He pulled her closer, as if the small space between them was too wide. "Today is enough."

Penny glanced up at him, smiling softly as he kept his eyes closed. She giggled and repositioned her head again. This time, Zoren peeked at her, smiling, before closing his eyes once more.

Staying in bed like this was something they weren’t used to, given Penny’s busy schedule and Zoren’s need to keep his mind occupied with work. But today, staying in bed felt like a need.

What was normally considered late for them seemed too early to start the day.

How nice would it be if they could do this every day?

---

[Skyline Plaza: Old Pierson Residence]

"Old Madam, it’s a bit early for you to be up," Butler Hubert said, glancing at the elderly woman rocking in the chair in the courtyard. "I think the young master and young madam will arrive in an hour."

Old Mrs. Pierson sat eagerly, gazing at the landscape outside. Unlike her usual comfortable clothes, she was already dressed in her workout clothes, complete with wristbands and a headband.

"It’s alright, Butler Hu," she said with a wide smile. "I’ll wait for them."

Butler Hubert sighed, only to notice two figures approaching from the distance. He squinted, seeing Penny and Zoren walking and chatting. Penny seemed to be cheering him up.

Butler Hubert smiled, turning to Old Mrs. Pierson. "Old Madam, they’re here."

"Really?" Old Mrs. Pierson perked up, her face brightening at the sight of the approaching couple.

Seeing her reaction, Butler Hubert couldn’t help but feel touched. He glanced at Penny and Zoren with a smile, grateful that Penny wasn’t just bringing light into Zoren’s dark world, but also sharing it generously with Old Mrs. Pierson.

’May the heavens protect her always.’