Chapter 18: Lying, Huh~ Part 1

This statement wasn’t wrong—Miao Zhu was doing something quite thrilling, and Mu Shanyi was the ally she had actively drawn into the game.

Not to mention that Mu Shanyi had grown up surrounded by admirers, dominating the business world where she got whatever she wanted and said whatever came to mind. Beating around the bush simply wasn’t her style.

Miao Zhu silently chewed the ice in her mouth. Even so, she couldn’t help but fire back at Mu Shanyi’s successive shocking remarks.

“Aren’t you?” She lowered her voice. In the presence of her ambiguous partner, Mu Shanyi was still provoking her, which clearly meant she wasn’t one to seek a bland life either.

Mu Shanyi raised an eyebrow.

“…” Alright, Miao Zhu thought, that retort might have been a bit overstepping.

The voice behind her fell silent. Sheng Xingran was coming back, and Mu Shanyi retreated with a half-smile, sitting back down properly.

Sheng Xingran held a towel and, as she approached, replied to a message via voice note on her phone. She said, “I’ll ask Longlong.”

Miao Zhu was puzzled, but Sheng Xingran handed her the towel. “My mom says the massages here are pretty good and suggested we try them. You performed for so long yesterday—you could get an essential oil SPA, focusing on your waist and back.”

After finishing, Sheng Xingran realized Mu Shanyi was there too. Out of courtesy, she should ask her along. “Sis, you coming?”

Mu Shanyi lifted her wine glass. “I’ll go to sleep after this drink.”

“Oh.” Sheng Xingran ended the conversation with Mu Shanyi without a second thought and turned to Miao Zhu.

“My waist does feel uncomfortable, but I’m on my period.” Miao Zhu said regretfully.

Periods weren’t suitable for SPAs. Sheng Xingran let out an “Ah~” and furrowed her brows. “Then you won’t be able to go in the water tomorrow when we head out to sea. I booked the itinerary without considering your condition.”

Miao Zhu smiled faintly. “The sun will be blazing anyway. I’m too lazy to get in the water.”

“Then I’ll keep you company fishing.” Sheng Xingran sighed in annoyance.

Miao Zhu slipped on her shoes and, after bidding Mu Shanyi good night together with Sheng Xingran, let herself be pulled back to the villa’s main hall, hand in hand.

The SPA was on the basement level. They waited for the elevator on the first floor, where Sheng Xingran still looked a bit down. Miao Zhu pulled a kraft paper bag tied with a bow from her purse and handed it over.

“What’s this? A gift?” Sheng Xingran’s mood lifted instantly. She eagerly tore it open, her eyes lighting up. She immediately hugged Miao Zhu in delight, shaking her back and forth. “You specially bought an identical one for me?”

“You wanted to match, right? I asked the SA first, and they said they had stock left in the store. Otherwise, I couldn’t have done it.” The elevator arrived at their floor. Miao Zhu patted Sheng Xingran’s back. “Alright, Xingran, you go ahead. I’ll take the next one.”

Sheng Xingran released the hug, smiled, and stepped into the elevator. She waved at Miao Zhu, her upturned lips refusing to settle down.

The elevator carried Sheng Xingran to the basement. Miao Zhu watched the floor numbers change on the screen. From the corner of her eye, she saw Mu Shanyi approach.

The elevator paused briefly at the basement before ascending again. The doors slid open slowly, and the two entered one after the other.

“Which floor is your room on?” Mu Shanyi was closer to the button panel and asked casually.

Under the bright wall lamps, Miao Zhu noticed a thin flush of alcohol on Mu Shanyi’s face, extending down to her neck, partially hidden by her collar.

…It was hard to say what magic that night at Moon, seeking out Mu Shanyi, had held. Facing the tipsy Mu Shanyi now, Miao Zhu felt like she had stepped back into that evening. Her mind clearly remembered the lipstick mark on Mu Shanyi’s collar, the evening breeze mingling with warm yellow light and shadows, the air filled with Mu Shanyi’s scent. The difference was, last time she had been sober; this time, she had drunk too—definitely the champagne kicking in. Otherwise, why would she feel so dizzy and dazed?

“Third floor.” Miao Zhu breathed softly.

Mu Shanyi pressed the number 3, and the elevator rose.

“The fireworks were beautiful.” Mu Shanyi’s voice came.

Miao Zhu absentmindedly hummed in agreement. Mu Shanyi must have seen the photo she posted on her Moments.

The elevator reached the third floor, but Miao Zhu didn’t exit. Mu Shanyi turned to look at her. Miao Zhu kept her head down, lost in thought.

Just before the doors fully closed, Mu Shanyi pressed the open button again. Leaning against the elevator wall, she asked Miao Zhu in a unique, hazy, nonchalant tone, “Do I get a gift too?”

Standing so close, Mu Shanyi had naturally seen her give the scarf to Sheng Xingran.

Miao Zhu said lightly, “Yes.”

Mu Shanyi continued in that tone. “Can we go to your room?”

Miao Zhu glanced up at her, then quickly looked away. “…Sure.”

The room had been serviced for the night. The bedside lamp emitted a dim, subdued glow. The covers on the bed were turned down at the corner, looking fluffy and inviting. Cream-colored drapes hung from the ceiling, enveloping the space in a relaxed, ambiguous atmosphere.