Chapter 78: I Can’t Wait

The phone’s insistent buzzing kept coming, and Jiang Xiaoyi’s finger, which had been poking the screen nonstop, trembled slightly.

Meng Chuning rubbed her hands together, her gaze dropping to the camera lens. “Xiaoyi, that’s enough.”

Jiang Xiaoyi cleared her throat. “Sister, are you feeling sober now?”

“Mm.” Meng Chuning picked up her phone and adjusted the camera upward. Her cheeks were flushed, the corners of her eyes damp, and her gaze seemed clearer than before, though a hint of daze lingered.

Even if her sister wasn’t fully sober, Jiang Xiaoyi couldn’t keep going. Meng Chuning had less than twenty minutes before she needed to meet the producer—she couldn’t let her go out like this.

Looking at her, Jiang Xiaoyi said, “Sister, you should get up and freshen up first.”

“Okay.” After pulling herself together, Meng Chuning grabbed a few tissues and wiped the clear fluid off her phone screen. The WeChat interface showed messages from Xiao Yi at 99+. When she tapped to open them, they scrolled upward for quite a while.

Meng Chuning couldn’t help but chuckle. From the moment the phone had been pressed tightly against her, she’d felt its nonstop vibrations—without a single pause. Jiang Xiaoyi had really gone all out poking that screen.

“Sister, remember to eat breakfast. Don’t work yourself too hard.” Jiang Xiaoyi noticed the faint redness in Meng Chuning’s eyes and felt a pang of heartache.

Propping up YN Group must be exhausting for her. Recently, Meng Chuning had put work on hold to record the variety show with her, and who knew if she’d be swamped nonstop after getting back from her business trip.

Meng Chuning, now changed into fresh clothes and about to head out, said, “Got it, Xiaoyi. I’m hanging up now.”

“Okay.” Jiang Xiaoyi leaned toward the camera and planted an air kiss. Meng Chuning smiled and blew one back.

Once the call ended, the bedroom fell into utter silence. That hollow emptiness surged up again, and Jiang Xiaoyi let out a soft sigh. She’d only just hung up with Meng Chuning, and already the longing was flooding back.

“Better find something to do first.” After freshening up, Jiang Xiaoyi headed back to Star City Neighborhood.

It felt like ages since she’d last come home; a thin layer of dust coated the furniture.

Remembering what Meng Chuning had said yesterday about moving into her little place, Jiang Xiaoyi decided to redecorate the apartment from top to bottom.

She’d swap out the bedsheets and duvet cover for new ones, prepare two pillows, clear out most of the closet for Meng Chuning’s clothes, buy a matching pair of toothbrushing cups, get couple’s toothbrushes, new towels, and…

Wandering into the sleepwear section, Jiang Xiaoyi picked out two sets of pink pajamas. That way, they could even match while sleeping.

By the end of the afternoon, every item in the home came in pairs. Jiang Xiaoyi gazed contentedly at the cozy little nest she’d prepared, a deep sense of fulfillment welling up inside her.

The only downside was that the place could have been a bit bigger—or closer to downtown.

Her phone suddenly chimed a few times. Seeing it was Gu Nanzhi calling, Jiang Xiaoyi figured there must be good news.

She picked up. “Sister Nan Zhi.”

Gu Nanzhi’s voice came through. “Xiaoyi, the custom rings are ready. Want me to drop them off?”

Half a month ago, while recording the Friendship Variety Show, Gu Nanzhi had mentioned a friend who was a genius at designing wedding rings—she’d definitely hire her when she married Jing Ying someday. Jiang Xiaoyi had loved the designer’s work, so she’d asked Gu Nanzhi to help book a session.

She hadn’t expected the design and production to go so quickly. Grateful, Jiang Xiaoyi said, “I’ll come pick them up. Thanks, Sister Nan Zhi.”

“No problem.” Gu Nanzhi chuckled. “Your taste matches Chuning’s perfectly. Anyway, swing by YN Group whenever you’re free—I’ll be here all day.”

Jiang Xiaoyi nodded. “Okay.”

After hanging up, it hit her: What had Gu Nanzhi meant by that comment?

When Jiang Xiaoyi arrived at YN Group, she nearly bumped into Meng Qinglan stepping out of the elevator.

Caught off guard by Meng Chuning’s mother, Jiang Xiaoyi tensed up instinctively. After a moment’s hesitation between “Auntie Meng” and something more formal, she settled on, “Chairman Meng.”

Meng Qinglan glanced at her. “Find time to bring your mom over for dinner.”

Stunned for a second, Jiang Xiaoyi quickly recovered with a smile. “Sure, I’ll call her right now and let her know.”

“Mm. Head on up.” Meng Qinglan stepped out of the elevator and headed toward the conference room.

Jiang Xiaoyi stared at her retreating back, thrilled. Chairman Meng’s attitude toward her had been pretty warm just now, even inviting the families for a meal together. Did that mean she’d won her approval?

She had to tell Jiang Meilian the good news right away.

Jiang Meilian picked up, sounding even more nervous than she was. “What should Mom wear that day? Something red, or another color? Should we bring a gift?”

“Mom, just dress a little more formally—that’ll be fine,” Jiang Xiaoyi reassured her. “We should bring a gift for our first visit, though. What do you think?”

Jiang Meilian laughed. “Leave it to me. I’ll handle it.”

Jiang Xiaoyi nodded. “Alright, talk soon.”

No sooner had she hung up than Gu Nanzhi emerged from her office. “Xiaoyi, come on in.”

“Sister Nan Zhi.” Jiang Xiaoyi stepped inside and heard Meng Chuning’s voice coming from the phone: “Why is Xiaoyi there with you?”

Gu Nanzhi was still on the line with Meng Chuning. She glanced at Jiang Xiaoyi, unsure how to respond. She couldn’t just blurt out that Xiaoyi was there for the rings.

“I’ll explain.” Jiang Xiaoyi took the phone and said softly, “Sister?”

“Xiaoyi, my work here wrapped up early. I should land in City A around midnight.” Meng Chuning’s side sounded noisy, like the buzz after a meeting broke up.

Thrilled that Meng Chuning was coming back ahead of schedule, Jiang Xiaoyi said, “I’ll pick you up at the airport.”

Meng Chuning laughed. “Sounds good.”

“Sister…” Jiang Xiaoyi ventured, “Can you stay at my place tonight? I’ve cleaned it all up.”

“Of course.” Meng Chuning’s voice lightened. “I can’t wait to move in with you.”

Jiang Xiaoyi hummed in agreement. “Send me your flight details. I’ll give the phone back to Sister Nan Zhi now.”

Gu Nanzhi took it and chatted a bit more with Meng Chuning. “Mm, I know. It’s all finished—right here in the office. I’ll keep it safe. Bye.”

Assuming they were talking work, Jiang Xiaoyi stayed quiet. She only noticed two ring boxes sitting open on Gu Nanzhi’s desk.

The boxes were identical; she couldn’t tell which was hers. As she reached for one, Gu Nanzhi hurried over and handed her a specific one. “This is yours.”

“Oh, okay.” Jiang Xiaoyi took it, watching as Gu Nanzhi calmly stowed the other in a drawer.

Gu Nanzhi smiled. “That’s mine.”

So it was Sister Nan Zhi’s—probably for Jing Ying.

Jiang Xiaoyi got it. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell Jing Ying.”

“Thanks…” Gu Nanzhi exhaled in relief. Who could’ve guessed she’d end up handling proposal rings for not one, but two couples?

…

The airport bustled with people. Jiang Xiaoyi stood surrounded at the exit.

Was her face mask just for show? Even fully geared up, people still recognized her—but man, it felt amazing.

“You’re Jiang Xiaoyi, right?!”

Since she’d been spotted, Jiang Xiaoyi removed her mask and smiled. “That’s me.”

“I’ve watched your Friendship Variety Show—I love you!”

Jiang Xiaoyi smiled warmly. “Thank you for the support.”

“Are you waiting for Sister Chuning?!”

The excited tone at Meng Chuning’s mention marked her as a CP fan. Jiang Xiaoyi nodded shyly. “Yeah.”

It was a brand-new experience. Jiang Xiaoyi felt flattered; before, she’d walked city streets unnoticed, but now people actually knew her name.

And the fans were so sweet, speaking to her gently, even organizing themselves to keep order. No chaos like she’d feared.

“Aaaah, I see Sister Chuning coming out!”

“Sister Chuning! Over here!”

Meng Chuning turned at the sound. Jiang Xiaoyi waved, too shy to call out “Sister” in front of everyone.

“Xiaoyi!” Meng Chuning quickened her pace. Her assistant, Shen Ling, rushed up. “President Meng, give me the luggage.”

Unburdened, Meng Chuning jogged straight to her. The fans encircling Jiang Xiaoyi parted to let her through.

Blushing, Jiang Xiaoyi held out her arms. Meng Chuning threw herself into the embrace. “Xiaoyi, I missed you so much.”

“Me too.” Jiang Xiaoyi whispered in her ear. Meng Chuning hugged her tighter and chuckled softly. “Why are you whispering?”

“Sister, there are so many people around.” Jiang Xiaoyi’s voice dropped even lower. “Let’s head home first.”

The fans surrounding them silently pulled out their phones to record, hands over mouths to stifle squeals.

Meng Chuning nestled against Jiang Xiaoyi, boldly showing off their affection. “Thank you all for your support. We’re heading home now.”

“Woo, you two be happy!”

“Xiaoyi, post more on Weibo to feed us! We love you!”

“Yeah, share some selfies—nine-grid style!”

“I’ll support you forever!”

As they walked, the fans showered them with blessings. Holding Meng Chuning’s hand, Jiang Xiaoyi nodded along. “Okay, I will. Thank you!”

Outside the airport, Shen Ling loaded the suitcases into the trunk and took the wheel without being asked.

What did it feel like when your shipped CP came true? Shen Ling had been glued to the Friendship Variety Show these days. Seeing President Meng and Jiang Xiaoyi go public had her so hyped she ran a massive giveaway in the Chu-Xiao CP Super Topic—and drew her own five-figure luxury bag.

It stung to give it away, but Shen Ling figured it was worth it!

Once Meng Chuning was in the car, she told Shen Ling, “Tonight, Star City Neighborhood. When we get there, take the car back and leave it at YN Group tomorrow.”

Shen Ling grinned. “Got it, President Meng.”

After arriving at Star City Neighborhood, Meng Chuning took Jiang Xiaoyi’s hand as they got out. Memories flooded back to the night she’d returned from her B City trip.

Last time, the neighborhood had been pitch-black without streetlights, and she’d even been startled by a stray cat.

Now, a new row of lamps lit their path.

“Sister, are you hungry?” Jiang Xiaoyi took her hand instead. “Want me to make you some late-night snacks when we get back?”

In the elevator alone together at last, Meng Chuning looked up at her. “Starving. Haven’t eaten in nearly three days.”

“Huh?” Jiang Xiaoyi turned to her. “Sister, didn’t you promise me you’d eat properly?”

Meng Chuning’s eyes curved in a smile, and Jiang Xiaoyi caught on instantly. “We’ll talk after dinner.”

Jiang Xiaoyi pulled her out of the elevator and toward the door. “Sister, have a seat on the sofa and wait. I’ll go make food.”

“Xiaoyi.” Meng Chuning grabbed her wrist, tugged her back against the entryway wall, and flicked on the light.

The overhead lights flickered on. Jiang Xiaoyi leaned back against the cabinet, gazing at her. Meng Chuning gripped her waist and leaned in for a kiss, her soft tongue slipping out to explore.

Jiang Xiaoyi’s lips parted, entwining with hers in a dance of lips and tongues. A single kiss conveyed all the longing of the past three days.

The wet sounds of their kissing faded away. Meng Chuning mumbled against her lips, “Xiaoyi, we haven’t done it in this house yet, have we?”

Jiang Xiaoyi swallowed quietly. “I think not.”

The day they had spent together in her home before, Meng Chuning had tried several times, only to be firmly rebuffed by Jiang Xiaoyi each time. How agonizing that must have been for her.

To make up for it now, Jiang Xiaoyi took the initiative. “Sister, do you want to shower first?”

“I’ve been working all day and then took a flight. I need a shower to relax and recharge.” Meng Chuning had no intention of sleeping tonight; she planned to make up for those three days in full.

Jiang Xiaoyi grew even bolder. “I’ll help you wash.”

Meng Chuning paused as she reached for the bathroom door. “So enthusiastic?”

“There’s even more enthusiasm where that came from, Sister.” Jiang Xiaoyi’s hands clasped her waist, guiding her inside. “I bought a new sofa. I wonder how sturdy it is.”

Meng Chuning wrapped her arms around her neck. “We can test it out later.”

“Mm.” Jiang Xiaoyi nodded and reached to unbutton her blouse. This time felt entirely different from before; she couldn’t wait to strip Meng Chuning bare.

Meng Chuning smiled at her almost frantic movements. “Slow down, Xiaoyi.”

“I can’t.” Jiang Xiaoyi’s warm hands slid around to her back, deftly undoing the hooks. She then tugged off her skirt and tossed it aside.

With Meng Chuning’s clothes stripped away, Jiang Xiaoyi scooped her up into her arms. Meng Chuning pinched her waist playfully. “No shower? Just holding me like this?”

“Hold you first, shower after.” Jiang Xiaoyi nuzzled her ear with a kiss. “Sister, did you cut your work short on purpose to come back sooner?”

Meng Chuning hummed in affirmation. “I wanted to see you as soon as possible.”

Jiang Xiaoyi’s heart softened. “It must have been exhausting these past few days.”

It had been tiring, truly grueling. Meng Chuning buried her face in the crook of Jiang Xiaoyi’s neck. “But seeing you brings me right back to full strength.”

Worried that Jiang Xiaoyi might think she was too worn out, Meng Chuning added emphatically, “I’m so excited I could stay up all night.”

Catching the implication in her sister’s words, Jiang Xiaoyi turned her head with a smile. “Got it, Sister. Let me carry you to the shower.”

The shower space was cramped, too tight even for a bathtub. Jiang Xiaoyi let out a soft sigh. Buying a new place would definitely have to be part of her plans; otherwise, they’d lose out on one more spot for fun in the future.

After the shower, Jiang Xiaoyi carried the towel-wrapped Meng Chuning out and tumbled onto the sofa with her.

Meng Chuning’s back sank into the soft cushions as Jiang Xiaoyi’s knee nudged her legs apart. “Sister, lift your chin.”

“Mm…” As soon as Meng Chuning raised her chin, Jiang Xiaoyi’s hand loosely encircled her slender neck, drawing her in for another kiss.

Jiang Xiaoyi kissed with desperate urgency, her lips pressing repeatedly to Meng Chuning’s mouth and the curve of her neck. “Sister, you smell so good.”

“…” Meng Chuning’s earlobes burned hot as a muffled hum escaped her throat, her words silenced by the seal of Jiang Xiaoyi’s lips.

Jiang Xiaoyi hooked Meng Chuning’s leg around her waist, her warm hand kneading the soft inner flesh of her thigh.

The sound of ragged breathing filled her ears. Meng Chuning felt dazed from the onslaught of kisses, as if she could hear the faint tinkle of wind chimes.

“Hm?” Blinking her eyes open, Meng Chuning spotted a string of butterfly wind chimes hanging by the windowsill. When had Jiang Xiaoyi bought that?

“What are you looking at, Sister?” Jiang Xiaoyi’s grip tightened on her thigh. “Focus.”

Seizing the brief pause, Meng Chuning gasped, “Nothing…”

“Then let’s continue.” Jiang Xiaoyi dipped her head and kissed her again.

Her kisses descended like a violent storm, leaving Meng Chuning’s neck arched back, her body swaying as if tumbling into a soft, fluffy cloud.

A breeze stirred outside the window, setting the wind chimes jingling. Accompanied by a few breathy moans, the storm unfurled the little butterfly.

Jiang Xiaoyi pecked at her even more fiercely. “Sister, don’t bite your lip.”

She didn’t know how much time passed before the butterfly wind chimes rang out in louder, clearer chimes. Unable to hold back, Meng Chuning trembled repeatedly. “Xiaoyi, wait…”

Before she could finish, Jiang Xiaoyi’s other hand grabbed a throw pillow and tucked it beneath her waist. “I can’t wait.”

With her lower back elevated, pressing closer to Jiang Xiaoyi, Meng Chuning had no chance to relax. “Xiaoyi…”

Jiang Xiaoyi pulled her waist in tight, disrupting her completely. “Sister, don’t pull away.”