Chapter 117: Wanting to See Your New Pajamas

“Xiao Zhen, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”

“I’m okay, really, Sister A-Yun. You sound just like a mom worrying about her kid who’s gone off on their first long trip—always fretting.”

“Are you my child?”

“I’m your baby.”

“You’re no baby of mine. You’re my ancestor.”

“Hmph, I am your baby. Oh, right—my show wraps up late tomorrow night, but I snagged a red-eye flight. I’ll be there right on time for your opening the day after. Don’t miss me too much.”

Ji Zhenshi hadn’t rested for more than a couple of days before she was bouncing around full of energy again. She didn’t want to slack off too much and put Tang Xien in a tough spot, so she headed back to work soon enough.

Li Yunli really wanted her to take a few more days off, but Ji Zhenshi insisted on going in. So Li Yunli fretted over her injury, always asking a few extra questions with every phone call.

Listening to Ji Zhenshi’s voice through the receiver, Li Yunli chuckled softly. “Who’s missing you? I don’t know who’s the one calling every morning when they wake up, every time before they go on stage. My phone’s almost dead from all your calls. I really don’t get it—you’re the one who insisted on going back to work, aren’t you? So stubborn, won’t listen to a word.”

Ji Zhenshi didn’t feel embarrassed at all. If anything, she felt proud. “Work and calling don’t conflict. Besides, I’m just checking in so you don’t think I’m out here flirting with girls. What if Sister A-Yun gets jealous later?”

Li Yunli’s possessiveness ran deep, and she was quick to get jealous.

“Oh, sure, sure. You’re just checking in.”

“Since I’m checking in, what’s Sister A-Yun up to? Give me a report too?” Ji Zhenshi asked.

Li Yunli sat in the shop, a stack of postcards in her hands, reading them one by one. Hearing Ji Zhenshi’s voice, she set the phone aside on speaker. Her voice was gentle. “I’m reading the love letters Xiao Zhen wrote me.”

She’d confirmed the “L” was her. With every postcard she flipped through, Li Yunli’s heart beat a little faster.

Xiao Zhen had been thinking of her all along.

These postcards were like Ji Zhenshi’s diary, full of her inner thoughts. They let Li Yunli clearly sense Ji Zhenshi’s feelings in those moments—the longing from the days they hadn’t been in touch, all laid bare on the cards.

At those words, Ji Zhenshi went quiet for several seconds. “What love letters? They’re just some random scribbles I jotted down.”

The day Ji Zhenshi moved out, Li Yunli had gone with her. While packing, Li Yunli had asked for the stack of postcards right away. Ji Zhenshi had thought her casual remark would be forgotten, never imagining Li Yunli had already seen them—or that she’d hold onto them for so long.

And just like that, the postcards had been “confiscated.”

If Li Yunli had looked at them in secret, it might’ve been fine. But saying it out loud felt like her angsty teenage diary being read aloud to the world. Even over the phone, Ji Zhenshi felt mortified.

Li Yunli crossed her long, slender legs, the fitted thin blouse subtly outlining her graceful figure. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on her jade-like hands and the messy handwriting on the postcard.

Endless tenderness flowed in Li Yunli’s eyes as she drawled softly, “Oh~ Just random scribbles, huh.”

A delighted laugh filtered softly through the receiver into Li Yunli’s ear. “I’ve never seen anyone’s random notes say things like ‘I feel empty without you. I miss you so much, but we’re miles apart.’ Xiao Zhen, empty? Are you lonely too?”

Hearing her hidden secrets recited in Li Yunli’s gentle voice made Ji Zhenshi want to crawl into a hole.

Her face flushed beet red. She held back for ages before squeezing out through gritted teeth, “Lonely. Will you come keep me company? Teacher Tang booked a king-size room, and I’m here all alone—not just empty, but lonely.”

She’d just parted from Tang Xien, and with no one around, Ji Zhenshi’s words turned bold, like she was throwing caution to the wind.

Li Yunli had tried to tease, only to get teased back. Her chest rose and fell a few times. “Flaunting it in broad daylight.”

Ji Zhenshi let out a cheeky hum of laughter and shut the door behind her, her brows arched expressively.

“At my age, with a soft, fragrant wife like you, what do you think I want? Especially since you’re the one who asked if I was lonely.”

Ji Zhenshi had lost her once and found her again—like she’d gotten her hands on some precious treasure she couldn’t stop clinging to.

The first two times hadn’t brought her joy. Once, she’d gone along reluctantly, a thorn in her heart. The other, she’d been drunk and remembered nothing—until Li Yunli let it slip by accident.

For days after, whenever Ji Zhenshi touched Li Yunli in bed at night, she’d refuse any moves citing her wound, leaving Ji Zhenshi utterly aggrieved. Even just innocent cuddling to sleep was off-limits.

“Xiao Zhen, you’ve gotten naughty,” Li Yunli said indulgently.

She preferred the Xiao Zhen who could only pitifully write postcards to ease her longing—her little thoughts all out in the open, so cute.

“No way. It’s like Sister A-Yun put a spell on me. Without you, I feel listless and weak all over. Only your kisses make me better.” Ji Zhenshi was tired, slumping on the sofa to sweet-talk Li Yunli.

Her body ached with fatigue, but her spirits were sky-high.

Li Yunli didn’t reply. Ji Zhenshi heard the faint scrape of a chair on the floor through the receiver and went on, “I miss Sister A-Yun’s kisses so much. I want dessert.”

Each sentence more brazen than the last. Li Yunli paused in sorting the postcards.

For them now, not just milk—dessert had taken on new meaning. Anywhere but the bedroom, it felt like a forbidden word.

She bit down hard on her back tooth and ignored her.

Ji Zhenshi had some nerve bringing it up!

Li Yunli really regretted giving in that once and letting her have dessert!

Afterward, playing the invalid card, Ji Zhenshi treated it like her exclusive privilege, tormenting Li Yunli once a day without fail.

“Sister A-Yun?” Ji Zhenshi called softly.

“Mmm.” Li Yunli responded flatly, bending to scoop up Hihi, who’d been scampering about, and settling her on her lap.

Hihi hopped in Li Yunli’s arms, knowing playtime was here. She meowed twice and nudged her head into Li Yunli’s hand for pets.

Hearing the meows, Ji Zhenshi finally remembered she had a daughter too. She cooed, “Hihi, can you hear me? Did you miss me? I missed you so much. Wait for Mom to bring back some fish treats, okay?”

Li Yunli pinched Hihi’s ears. She adored the little cat.

Today, only Hihi was with her at the new store, helping check the items for the opening the day after.

“Finally remembering Hihi? You don’t even ask about her on calls, and you’re always whispering in her ear when I’m not around.” Li Yunli propped up the phone and switched to video for Ji Zhenshi.

She’d held off earlier, considering the other’s thin skin and her own reading of the postcards.

The screen suddenly showed a poised, gentle woman by the window. Her skin was flawless and fair, like polished jade, her eyes curving warmly at the camera.

The light hit just right, making Li Yunli’s face even softer and more beautiful.

Ji Zhenshi shot up straight, staring delightedly at Li Yunli on screen, blurting out, “Sis.”

As expected, Li Yunli was always her first sight—where was the daughter she’d been pining for?

“Mmm. Go stand in front of the mirror and show me your wound.” Li Yunli waved Hihi’s paw at the camera in greeting.

Ji Zhenshi waved back and winked at Hihi. “Okay.”

She stood from the sofa. The camera pointed at the ceiling for a few seconds, then at the full-length mirror. Ji Zhenshi was in her bra up top. “See? The scar’s almost gone.”

Seeing no issues, Li Yunli nodded. “Mmm, healing well. Good girl, you listened. I’ll reward you when you get back.”

To avoid misunderstanding, she quickly added, “I’ll buy you that watch from your cart you couldn’t bear to get.”

In debt, Ji Zhenshi had turned miserly. She’d never cared much for material things anyway, and now her standards were even lower—living day by day.

How else could she have paid back Tang Xien’s hundreds of thousands in just half a year?

Li Yunli couldn’t stand watching it. She’d offered to cover the rest for Tang Xien since she had spare cash. Ji Zhenshi could owe her—it wasn’t the same as with Tang Xien.

But Ji Zhenshi refused flat out. Stubborn as ever.

The light in Ji Zhenshi’s eyes visibly dimmed. She hummed nasally, “Oh.”

“Put your clothes back on.” Ji Zhenshi didn’t move, so Li Yunli looked down, covering Hihi’s eyes.

Little kittens shouldn’t see; it’d corrupt her. Their Hihi was still just a kid.

Ji Zhenshi held the phone steady, deliberately flexing her arm to show off the powerful lines for Li Yunli. “Does Sis like?”

Her arms got plenty of use, so the muscles weren’t overly bulky but had sexy, defined lines.

Li Yunli knew firsthand just how strong Ji Zhenshi was.

Biting her plump red lip, Li Yunli narrowed her eyes. “It’s alright, I guess.”

“Hmph, dishonest woman.” Ji Zhenshi stepped closer to the mirror, angling the camera at her waist and splaying four fingers. “Bet you love it. Why else do you always rest your hand here when we sleep? Feel good?”

A screen full of pale skin. Li Yunli set Hihi down and crooked a finger at Ji Zhenshi.

Ji Zhenshi obediently leaned her ear to the speaker.

“I bought two new sets of pajamas—the kind Xiao Zhen would like.”

Just one sentence, and Ji Zhenshi’s fair skin flushed pink. Urgency filled her eyes, flames of desire burning away her reason.

Damn it—Li Yunli hadn’t said anything explicit, but Ji Zhenshi knew exactly what it meant.

“Xiao Zhen will like them, right?” Li Yunli gazed at her with a pleased smile, echoing her words.

Xiao Zhen, forever in the palm of her hand.

Ji Zhenshi swallowed hard, images flooding her mind.

“No.” Ji Zhenshi’s last shred of pride.

“Stubborn mouth.” Li Yunli saw right through her.

“So mean, always bullying me.” Ji Zhenshi shot Li Yunli a dissatisfied glare and grudgingly pulled her clothes back on.

She’d meant to tease Li Yunli, but one casual line had her squirming, her urge to rush home peaking.

She really wanted to get back and bully Sister A-Yun properly.

A thirty-year-old woman’s gentle affection came with extra allure, her waist soft and boneless. A ripe woman like that—just a squeeze and she’d melt. How could anyone not love it?

Li Yunli let out a soft hum, upping the ante. “They should’ve arrived today, right?”

!

Ji Zhenshi sucked in a deep breath. She couldn’t take it. Her mind even toyed with skipping work right then to bolt.

“Hanging up. I’m packing. Get some early rest. Good luck with tonight’s show.” Li Yunli teased ruthlessly and ran.

“Ah!” Ji Zhenshi wailed in agony.

Li Yunli could hold back; Ji Zhenshi’s nature couldn’t.

The instigator regretted it deeply.

…

The day Li Yunli’s new store opened.

Do You Like the Moon?

Ji Zhenshi loved it to death.

Leaning on the counter with one hand, she mimicked Li Yunli making coffee. The shop buzzed with energy—two rows of flower baskets at the door. Li Yunli’s friends had all shown up, pitching in since they were swamped.

Her and Ji Zhenshi’s social circles overlapped a lot, so Ji Zhenshi knew everyone. Grinding coffee beans, her face stayed neutral, but her feet had shuffled to Li Yunli’s side. She murmured softly, “Sister A-Yun~”

Her ID had expired, so she couldn’t fly back with Tang Xien last night. She’d caught a morning flight and arrived just as the opening started—she’d missed a bunch.

Li Yunli glanced sideways and pulled her over. “Perfect timing, Xiao Zhen. Let me introduce you. This is the friend you’ve been so curious about—the one who lent me money when I needed it most. Just call her Xiaowei-jie.”

“Xiaowei, this is the Xiao Zhen I’ve told you about—Ji Zhenshi.”

Ji Zhenshi smiled obediently at the woman. Politely, she said, “Hi, Xiaowei-jie. Thanks so much for helping Sister A-Yun through that rough patch. I’ve always wanted to meet you.”

The woman called Xiaowei nodded slightly at Ji Zhenshi. “Xiao Ji, Yunli and I have been friends for years. No need for thanks. I’ve heard all about you, though. I’ve seen you—on your show. So charismatic. No wonder. You two match perfectly.”

“Thanks, Xiaowei-jie.”

After greeting Li Yunli’s friends, Ji Zhenshi finally stole a moment alone with her in the bathroom.

She hooked an arm around Li Yunli’s waist, dragging her back and locking the door cleanly. Pressing her hand between Li Yunli’s waist and the wall, Ji Zhenshi buried her face greedily in her chest. “Sister A-Yun, you haven’t said a word to me all day.”

Li Yunli had been too busy; every time she opened her mouth, something interrupted.

Knowing she’d neglected her today, Li Yunli rubbed her head soothingly. “Tonight when we get home, I’m all yours. Be good. It’s just been so hectic I couldn’t tend to you. Sorry, good child.”

“I want to see your new pajamas tonight.” The words tumbled out of Ji Zhenshi.

“…”

So she’d really been fixated on it this whole time?

Li Yunli laughed helplessly. “Is that all that’s in your head all day?”

That aggrieved look—like her favorite toy had been snatched away.

“I missed you too much.” Ji Zhenshi clung to her chest, her voice muffled.

Li Yunli’s heart softened. She let her hold on for a few minutes. She’d been rushing around since morning; being held by Ji Zhenshi actually settled her a bit. “Alright, they’re calling me out there. And bathrooms are filthy—hugs later at home.”

Ji Zhenshi whined in protest but finally let go.

Not right away, though. She nuzzled her nose into Li Yunli’s collar first. “You said you got new lingerie too. Let me check if I like it.”

“Why should I wear it for you to like? Xiao Zhen, you really have gotten bad.” Li Yunli clamped down on her collar and wriggled free.

But seeing her disappointed face—even with the door open—she turned back and pressed the car keys into Ji Zhenshi’s palm. “Xiao Zhen, do me a favor. Go home and grab the camera and the Polaroids for me. Too busy today, I forgot them. I want to take some pics with everyone later to remember the day.”

Better to send her off on an errand than have her pining in the shop.

Phones worked for pics too. Li Yunli had forgotten and planned to skip it, but now it was a perfect task for her.

“Okay.” Ji Zhenshi nodded.

“Good girl. Love you.” Li Yunli rewarded her with a light kiss and patted her cheek before heading out.

The kiss satisfied Ji Zhenshi instantly, a smile blooming on her face.

She was so easy to please.

Off she scampered with the keys to run the errand.

Li Yunli watched her through the window, unable to hold back a soft laugh. “Good thing she doesn’t have a tail. If she did, it’d be wagging nonstop.”