Chapter 42: Give It to Me Part 1

After Shi Sui said those words, she seemed to fall asleep again, leaving Jiang Ruoning sitting there feeling uncomfortable all by herself.

What was with all this melodramatic romance?

Jiang Ruoning really wanted to kick Shi Sui, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She sighed and saw that Shi Sui still hadn’t woken up or regained consciousness. Afraid that she might really burn out her brain from the fever, she helped her toward the bedroom.

Unfamiliar with the place, she opened a door and found it was the bathroom.

Jiang Ruoning: …

Why did the bathroom door have to be so luxurious? It was like they were afraid no one would know they had money.

Jiang Ruoning grumbled inwardly, finally found the bedroom door, pushed it open, and fumbled around for the light switch. When she turned it on, the light was blindingly bright, making her squint. She turned it off and on again; this time the light was a bit dimmer. She adjusted it three times until it was at a comfortable brightness before carrying Shi Sui inside.

She laid Shi Sui flat on the bed.

Jiang Ruoning looked at her face and neck, and the anger she had just suppressed flared up again, surging uncontrollably.

Beneath the anger was heartache she couldn’t hide.

It must have hurt like hell.

Jiang Ruoning called out to her, “Shi Sui.”

Shi Sui didn’t wake up; not even her brows furrowed.

Jiang Ruoning said, “I’m calling you. If you can’t hear me, don’t blame me.”

As she spoke, she started undressing Shi Sui.

She went to the bathroom, wrung out a wet towel, and placed it on Shi Sui’s forehead.

It had been a long time since she’d taken care of anyone.

She didn’t even know what to do. While searching online, Jiang Ruoning worked to bring down Shi Sui’s fever.

Shi Sui was very cold.

And very hot.

One moment she shivered, searching for the blanket to wrap herself in; the next, she stuck her hand out from under it, her neck covered in fine sweat.

Jiang Ruoning wiped the sweat for her, tucked her hand back in. The blanket felt like a steamer, hot air rising.

It carried a faint fragrance that belonged to Shi Sui.

Very alluring.

Jiang Ruoning wiped the sweat from her collarbone, leaned down intending to blow on the scraped spot on her neck, but it turned into a kiss.

Very gentle.

Like a feather brushing over it.

Shi Sui’s fingers unconsciously touched her neck.

Jiang Ruoning rolled her eyes.

If this woman were healthy right now, she’d pin her to the bed!

Who was she trying to seduce?

She grabbed Shi Sui’s hands and stuffed them firmly back under the blanket. Shi Sui felt uncomfortable and pulled them out again. Jiang Ruoning wouldn’t allow it and patted her arm. Shi Sui winced in pain and said pitifully, “It hurts.”

Jiang Ruoning snapped, “Good, it serves you right if it hurts to death!”

Shi Sui said again, “Jiang Ruoning, it hurts.”

This time, Jiang Ruoning fell silent.

She couldn’t say another word.

She lightened her touch, letting Shi Sui’s arm rest outside the blanket, and carefully wiped away the excess sweat from her body. Her movements were as meticulous as if she were tending to a priceless treasure. Shi Sui’s tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed, revealing her heroic features between them. Jiang Ruoning brushed aside her silky hair, exposing her forehead. The skin, once flushed red from the fever, gradually turned pale. Jiang Ruoning placed her hand on it.

The fever had broken.

Finally.

She breathed a sigh of relief, went back to the bathroom to change the towel, wiped Shi Sui’s entire body down, and changed her into clean pajamas.

Finally, she covered her with the blanket.

That night, Shi Sui felt like she was walking a tightrope, with a thousand-foot abyss below. Every step brought whistling, biting wind that made her body tremble and shiver from the cold. Yet from the tension, her muscles and nerves were taut, causing sweat to pour out uncontrollably.

So hot.

Her breaths felt like fire, her throat scorched and dry.

Parched and painful.

She coughed hoarsely, coughing herself awake.

Opening her eyes, she saw the familiar ceiling and the familiar flush-mounted light. Shi Sui turned her head.

And saw the unfamiliar Jiang Ruoning.

Jiang Ruoning was sprawled at the bedside, one hand under her cheek, showing half of her right profile. Stray strands of long hair brushed her cheek but didn’t disturb her sleep.

Her breathing was steady.

Shi Sui froze for a moment, wanting to sit up but afraid of waking Jiang Ruoning. Her freshly cleared eyes held confusion.

No way.

Was she dreaming?

She reached out to tuck the hair from Jiang Ruoning’s cheek, her fingers touching warm, smooth skin.

There was nothing by the pillow—no phone either. Shi Sui felt like coughing again; she held it back and tiptoed into the bathroom. Only when the door closed did she cough out loud. Her whole body felt like its bones had been crushed and reassembled—heavy soreness everywhere.

Coughing even hurt her lungs, making stars burst in her vision.

Just one trip to Shangjing, and her constitution had weakened this much.

Shi Sui mocked herself, straightened up from her bent position, finished washing up, and came out of the bathroom. Her phone was on the coffee table. She checked the time and missed calls—several from the company, and a message from Jiang Nuan: [Rest well with Miss Jiang~]

That flashy wavy line.

Shi Sui: …

She asked Jiang Nuan: [Did you tell Jiang Ruoning?]

Jiang Nuan was still catching up on sleep; she’d been busy until midnight last night, came back, showered, and crashed. She hadn’t even seen Shi Sui’s message.

After replying to her secretary, Shi Sui set down the phone and quietly returned to the bedroom.

Jiang Ruoning was still sprawled there.

Shi Sui stood behind her, staring intently for a long time.

She walked to Jiang Ruoning’s side, bent down to help her onto the bed. The moment she touched her, Jiang Ruoning woke up. She opened her eyes, stared blankly for a second, then acted casual: “You’re awake.”

Shi Sui said, “Yeah, I’m awake.”

Jiang Ruoning seemed to react then: “You’re awake?!”

Shi Sui didn’t know why she was so surprised and nodded obediently, a bit stunned herself.

Jiang Ruoning immediately reached out to feel her forehead: “Still feverish?”

As she moved, she realized her hand was numb. She yelped in pain, tears springing to her eyes. Hearing her normal tone, Shi Sui suddenly reached out and hugged Jiang Ruoning. Jiang Ruoning still had her numb hand raised and was caught off guard by the hug.

She was just about to push Shi Sui away.

But Shi Sui buried her face in her shoulder and coughed muffledly.

Jiang Ruoning’s heart softened a little.

But her mouth was still tough: “Let go, let go!”

Shi Sui didn’t let go; she hugged even tighter.

Last night, afraid Shi Sui would overheat under the blanket, Jiang Ruoning had dressed her in silk pajamas—close-fitting and sheer. Hugging this tightly, the warmth of skin transmitted through the thin fabric to Jiang Ruoning.

Jiang Ruoning felt her own skin burning.

Had she caught the fever too?

As she thought wildly, Shi Sui released her and asked, “Why did you come?”

Jiang Ruoning regained her senses and pushed her away: “Your assistant Jiang contacted me.”

Shi Sui said, “She…”

Jiang Ruoning interrupted: “She said you were dying.”

Shi Sui: …

Seeing her silent, Jiang Ruoning explained, “Out of courtesy for our collaboration, I thought I should check on you.”

She made it sound so noble.

Sharing a room with the brand head, caring for her all night, hugging in the morning.

Collaboration courtesy?

That was overly courteous.

They’d practically slept together.

Oh.

They had slept together before.

Jiang Ruoning felt guilty.

Shi Sui didn’t know whether to cry or laugh, but seeing Jiang Ruoning here filled her with more excitement than anything. She was supposed to go back to the company today for a meeting, but she couldn’t be bothered and took the day off.

Jiang Ruoning asked, “Aren’t you going to work?”

Shi Sui said, “Fever. Can’t go.”

Jiang Ruoning looked at her cheek—one side pale, the other slightly swollen. Fortunately, the finger marks weren’t visible. She pursed her lips and lifted her chin: “Did… your mom hit you?”

Shi Sui touched her cheek instinctively, dazed for two seconds, then said, “Yeah.”

Jiang Ruoning glared fiercely: “Why did she hit you?”

From those words, Shi Sui faintly sensed possessiveness and a claim of ownership.

She must be crazy.

Seeing Shi Sui silent, Jiang Ruoning narrowed her eyes: “The marks on your neck—her doing too?”

Shi Sui’s fingers trailed her neck, brushing lightly over her collarbone.

Jiang Ruoning suspected she’d practiced that little move in the mirror a hundred times to make it so seductive.

Shi Sui nodded.

Jiang Ruoning had nothing to say. She made a constipated face: “Your mom is too…”

Then she held back.

She didn’t know what expression Jiang Qin would have or what she’d do if she knew about all this.

It seemed she had no right to judge others.

Jiang Ruoning pursed her lips and said, “Since you’re better now, I’ll head back.”

She made coming to Linping sound as casual as going shopping.

Shi Sui said, “Have breakfast first.” She held out her hand: “Give me your ID.”

Jiang Ruoning was instantly wary: “What for!”

Shi Sui sighed helplessly: “I’ll have Jiang Nuan buy you a plane ticket.”

Jiang Ruoning tugged at her lips: “Oh.”

She handed her ID from her bag, then went to the bathroom to freshen up. Everything in Shi Sui’s place was single-use. Staring at the toothbrush and toothpaste, Jiang Ruoning fell silent. Just as she was about to call for room service, Shi Sui came in, opened the mirror cabinet, and took out a new toothbrush and towel for her.

Shi Sui said, “Use my rinse cup. Mind?”

Jiang Ruoning wasn’t that picky. She filled the cup with water, turned, and saw Shi Sui: “Aren’t you leaving?”

Shi Sui didn’t want to leave.

She wanted to watch Jiang Ruoning brush her teeth, wash her face—in her bathroom.

But Jiang Ruoning’s gaze was too intense, clearly shooing her out. Shi Sui stepped back: “If you need anything…”

The door slammed shut!

Shi Sui touched her nose: “Tell me.”

Jiang Ruoning didn’t need anything.

After brushing and washing, she stood before the mirror. Shi Sui’s skincare was on the counter. She didn’t want to do full makeup, just applied some moisturizer and cream. After staring in the mirror and finding no flaws, she opened the door. Shi Sui was still waiting outside.

As the door opened, a familiar scent wafted out.

It was her face wash and cream.

Jiang Ruoning had used hers.

Shi Sui didn’t know why she was so happy.

But she was—just thrilled.

The moment she opened her eyes to see Jiang Ruoning, it was like all her dead cells had come alive again.

The gloom in her brows and eyes vanished. She touched up her makeup, tied on a silk scarf, and left the house with Jiang Ruoning. Across the street was No. 2 Middle School. Jiang Ruoning stood at the neighborhood entrance, staring for a long time. Shi Sui asked, “Want to go in and look around?”

Jiang Ruoning: “Can we?”

Shi Sui didn’t reply, just took her hand and led her inside. Jiang Ruoning hadn’t reacted before they reached the gate. The security guard seemed to know Shi Sui well: “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

Shi Sui nodded: “Uncle An, can I go in?”

“What’s not to allow?” Uncle An opened the electric gate, and Shi Sui pulled Jiang Ruoning inside.

Seeing how familiar Shi Sui was with the place, Jiang Ruoning was surprised: “You come here often?”

Shi Sui said, “I used to come every weekend to sit for a bit.”

Jiang Ruoning: “You’re pretty free.”

Shi Sui: …

Jiang Ruoning wasn’t unfamiliar with the place either—three years of high school made it impossible not to be. But it had changed a lot. The school had been renovated; there hadn’t been an electric gate before. They used to enter with student IDs; now it seemed like keycards were needed. They’d gotten in thanks to Uncle An swiping his.

Oh, and the security guard had changed.

Jiang Ruoning asked Shi Sui: “What happened to the old security guard?”

Shi Sui said, “He went home to take care of his granddaughter. Switched a couple years ago.”

Jiang Ruoning nodded.