Chapter 20

She had kissed her.

Wen Xin was a bit dazed, her alcohol-soaked brain reacting sluggishly. It was as if she hadn’t quite grasped the meaning in Shi Qianyu’s words and simply stared straight into her eyes.

The nighttime suburbs should have been utterly silent, but tonight was the exception. In the courtyard, the barbecue grill had been set up, and the air thrummed with blaring music, raucous laughter, clinking glasses, and lively chatter—a cacophony weaving together into its own little world.

Yet right here, in this room, another world existed entirely—one belonging only to Wen Xin and Shi Qianyu. The noise from outside was muffled, not intrusive at all. The only thing that rang loud was the pounding of her heart.

Shi Qianyu’s hand trailed from her earlobe to her lips, the lace gloves carrying a fragrance. The white tea scent, usually fresh and pleasant, had now turned into a seductive poison. Wen Xin didn’t dare to breathe deeply, afraid she’d drown in that alluring aroma.

It was as if she had finally caught on. She parted her lips instinctively but, unsure how to respond, fell silent instead.

Had Shi Qianyu really hit the nail on the head?

Was she truly jealous?

Wen Xin didn’t have time to dwell on it. Shi Qianyu was pressing closer step by step. She was the star of tonight’s party, yet here she was, slipping away to hide in this secluded room with Wen Xin, kissing her, getting intimate with her.

“I want to kiss you,” Shi Qianyu murmured, hooking an arm around her neck. The two of them tumbled onto the sofa together, their gown fabrics tangling and rubbing against their skin. It was maddeningly itchy.

In this cramped space, Wen Xin had nowhere to escape. She was forced to meet Shi Qianyu’s gaze. The room’s light was dim at first; she hadn’t been able to make out much and hadn’t noticed Shi Qianyu’s eyes until now.

It was an expression she’d never seen before. The usual Shi Qianyu was poised and controlled, a master of her emotions—like a hunter perched high above, keeping her prey firmly in hand, dictating the pace for all to follow.

But not now. That earlier kiss hadn’t just stirred Wen Xin’s feelings; it had ignited Shi Qianyu’s own. As their eyes locked, Wen Xin saw the fire of desire burning in hers.

Wen Xin’s hands trembled suddenly—not from the alcohol. The room’s lights were bright now, and she didn’t dare hold Shi Qianyu’s gaze any longer, nor did she want those eyes fixed on her own. So she lifted a hand to shield her face, leaving only half her cheek exposed, flushed like the glow of dawn.

She didn’t agree, but she didn’t push her away either.

Finally, Shi Qianyu decided to take it further. She leaned down and kissed Wen Xin’s knuckles softly, her lips trailing slowly along the smooth skin. Each kiss was patient and tender, just like her voice—sweet and coaxing.

She began calling her “sister” again, her tone playful and wheedling, chipping away at her defenses bit by bit. “Sister, why won’t you look at me?”

She had been drinking too, her skin fever-hot, her lips the same. Wen Xin felt scorched by the touch and finally let her hand drop.

Shi Qianyu smiled again. Before Wen Xin could fully lower her arm, Shi Qianyu caught it and brought it to her lips, kissing her palm triumphantly. She was like a cat—beautiful and regal, ignoring everyone else and recognizing only Wen Xin as her one true owner.

She was so good at seduction. Just a few kisses had Wen Xin utterly captivated, much like that night.

Wen Xin’s mind clouded over once more, but her senses sharpened intensely. The overhead lights were too bright, making her head spin. She couldn’t find many words; it took a long while before she came back to herself.

“Someone might come,” she managed to whisper, only to forget her own words the next instant.

“I’ve locked the door,” Shi Qianyu replied to her concern nonetheless, her hot breath swirling over Wen Xin’s palm. Wen Xin instinctively curled her fingertips against the heat. “Everyone’s having a blast out there. No one will notice us.”

“I just want to kiss you,” she said softly, negotiating with Wen Xin like it was the most reasonable request. “It won’t take long.”

It was an honest, perfectly logical answer.

Perhaps it was that sincerity that convinced her. This time, Wen Xin didn’t refuse. Maybe that first kiss had already awakened her desire, suppressed and ignored until Shi Qianyu stoked it again.

At last, their lips met. The sofa was too narrow, forcing them to press tightly together. Wen Xin felt Shi Qianyu’s weight against her, their skin sharing warmth where it touched. It was scorching hot, the heat spreading straight to her core.

Wen Xin felt sweat beading on her skin, her cheeks burning red. In the fervor of the kiss, she was pushed back, her breath coming in gasps during the brief pauses. Shi Qianyu’s scent filled her nostrils, and even the corners of her eyes tinged pink.

Then Shi Qianyu kissed the corner of her eye, her fingertip returning to Wen Xin’s lips. She pressed down firmly, rubbing slowly. Wen Xin couldn’t hold back her gasps; her lips went numb from the touch—itchy and aching all at once. Amid the haze of pleasure, she gently grasped Shi Qianyu’s wrist and shook her head, as if she couldn’t take it.

“What’s wrong?” Shi Qianyu met her eyes again, her voice low and husky, dripping with sensuality.

“It hurts,” Wen Xin murmured softly, her legs even going weak from the kisses.

Shi Qianyu quickly pinpointed the issue: her lace gloves. They were new and expensive—she loved them and usually took extra care when wearing them.

But no treasure compared to the person before her. Some things had to be sacrificed when the moment called for it. She should have removed them at Wen Xin’s request right away, but in that instant, she changed her mind. She took off only one, then slowly extended the other hand toward Wen Xin.

Her lips parted slightly, her words warm and coaxing. “Sister, why don’t you help me with this one?”

Help? How?

Wen Xin didn’t dare move her hands. She was perched on the edge of the sofa; without Shi Qianyu holding her, she’d risk tumbling off. She was a little scared, hesitant to make any big movements, even lifting her wrist.

But Shi Qianyu was determined to get her assistance. Wen Xin’s mind was a whirlwind; she couldn’t think of another way. In the end, she summoned her courage, tilted her head up slightly, and took Shi Qianyu’s fingertip between her lips, tugging gently at the lace.

Shi Qianyu cooperated, withdrawing her hand slowly. Inch by inch, the snowy white skin of her forearm emerged, followed by her wrist, palm, and fingertips.

Wen Xin’s tongue was soft, laced with the taste of alcohol, warm and lingering on her fingertips. Shi Qianyu gazed down, easing off the glove as she leaned in to kiss her again. The overhead light was blocked out once more, along with the distant party noise.

All that remained was the sound of their heartbeats, echoing in their ears, unending.

…

It was a long while before Wen Xin finally regained her senses.

Shi Qianyu had sat up by then and was even straightening Wen Xin’s gown for her. The lipstick on their lips was mostly gone, so Shi Qianyu pulled out her lipstick and reapplied it.

She looked much the same as when they’d first entered—elegant, poised, graceful as ever. Her breathing had steadied completely. The only difference was her hands: those black lace gloves discarded just like that.

Remembering the scene that had just unfolded, a wave of shame crashed over Wen Xin. If that night at the bar had been her first time being so bold, then tonight was the second.

She and Shi Qianyu had kissed for so long—on the night of her birthday party, sneaking away from everyone.

Wen Xin ducked her head again, unable to meet the other woman’s eyes, until Shi Qianyu finished her makeup and turned back toward her.

“Are you okay?” She crouched down in front of Wen Xin, her expression and tone back to their usual calm, as if nothing had happened to disrupt her.

Wen Xin, on the other hand, felt like a thief caught red-handed, avoiding her gaze entirely and mumbling a vague nod. “…Yeah.”

Shi Qianyu said nothing more. Her fingertip gently tilted up Wen Xin’s chin as she focused on applying makeup for her—using the same lipstick tube she’d just used on herself, still faintly warm to the touch.

Wen Xin’s eyes darted away; suddenly, time seemed to stretch on forever, her heartbeat quickening all over again.

“Rest a bit longer,” Shi Qianyu said gently, negotiating softly with her. “I’ll head out first. Come find me once you’re ready.”

“But don’t take too long. Come down before midnight, okay? That’s when I’ll make my wish and cut the cake. I want to celebrate with you.”

Her words were so earnest; Wen Xin had no reason to refuse. “Okay.”

The frenzy over, she slipped back into her usual shy and reserved self.

But no matter her demeanor, Shi Qianyu adored her. She gently stroked Wen Xin’s hair, savoring these last moments of closeness.

“See you soon,” she said then.

~~~

Wen Xin finally calmed her emotions and, true to her word to Shi Qianyu, left the room before midnight.

The girls at the party had gone through several rounds of drinks by now. Some sat around eating barbecue and resting, while others remained buzzing with energy, laughing and joking with their friends.

Just as Shi Qianyu had said, no one had noticed her absence.

Someone did notice her return, though. Jiang Jianxue, who had been lounging bored in her chair, shot to her feet and headed straight toward her, her pretty eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re Wen Xin, right?”

“Yes,” Wen Xin replied politely, unsure of her intentions. “That’s me.”

“How are you feeling?” Jiang Jianxue asked with concern, as if she’d heard some rumor. “My sister said you had a bit too much to drink earlier and were resting in a room. She told us not to disturb you.”

“Are you feeling better now?”

“I’m feeling much better.” Wen Xin wasn’t used to chatting with strangers, especially not with someone like Jiang Jianxue—a radiant female star. She couldn’t help feeling a little nervous, but more than that, she worried someone might pick up on something amiss. “Thank you for your concern.”

“You’re welcome.” Jiang Jianxue shook her head and warmly acknowledged her thanks before adding, “By the way, I bet you haven’t eaten anything yet.”

“My sister told me to save some barbecue for you.” With that, Wen Xin turned to leave but quickly returned, bringing over what she held in her hands and setting it in front of Wen Xin. She pulled out a table and urged her to sit. “Eat up—it’s all freshly grilled. She said you like spicy food, so I added extra chili just for you.”

Wen Xin had no idea how much Shi Qianyu had instructed her to do.

Jiang Jianxue seemed like a genuinely kind person. Wen Xin felt a pang of regret for her earlier suspicions about the woman’s identity and offered her sincere thanks once more. Then, almost instinctively, she glanced around but didn’t spot Shi Qianyu anywhere.

“Excuse me, where did Director Shi go?” She couldn’t help but care—had she come down too late and missed Shi Qianyu’s wish-making?

“Oh, she’s gone to fetch the cake.” Jiang Jianxue explained that she’d seen Shi Qianyu’s birthday cake earlier—a custom-made one with many tiers, silver-white and stunningly beautiful. “She should be back any moment.”

Just then, Shi Qianyu appeared in view.

She was accompanied by two servers who wheeled out the cake. The extravagance of a wealthy person’s life was beyond imagination; even the cake looked like a work of art. Wen Xin had glimpsed it upon arrival and been awestruck, but now, looking closer, the impact hit her even harder.

By comparison, the strawberry cake she’d brought seemed downright inadequate.

Time neared midnight, and the party’s proceedings advanced once more. Everyone gathered spontaneously, surrounding Shi Qianyu at the center.

Wen Xin stood amid the crowd, watching Shi Qianyu with the others as the candles were lit one by one, casting a dreamy glow. The candlelight flickered in Shi Qianyu’s eyes, her thick hair shimmering with layers of luster. Everyone adored her; all were celebrating her. She was like a noble, beautiful princess, deserving of every good thing in the world.

Gazing at her face, Wen Xin felt an unfamiliar sensation stir in her heart again. She didn’t want to belittle herself, but she knew her own worth all too well. The gap between her and Shi Qianyu was vast—an uncrossable chasm of countless divides. The earlier flicker of desire finally subsided. Though she stood so close, Wen Xin felt as distant from her as ever.

No one chose to feel inferior, but it wasn’t a matter of choice.

Shi Qianyu pressed her palms together and made a wish amid the blessings, then lowered her eyes to blow out the candles, smiling her thanks to everyone.

The pre-prepared fireworks launched at that moment, dazzling and multicolored, drawing every gaze. This display had been rehearsed in advance and lasted a full twenty minutes.

Wen Xin looked up too, watching the fireworks like the rest. In the midst of the noise, someone brushed her hand. She turned instinctively and found Shi Qianyu standing beside her, though she couldn’t say when she’d arrived.

Everyone else stared at the fireworks, but not Shi Qianyu. She alone averted her eyes, gazing quietly at Wen Xin’s face.

Wen Xin shifted uncomfortably under her stare and whispered, “What’s wrong?”

Thinking she might have done something out of place, she quickly lowered her eyes to check her appearance—until Shi Qianyu grasped her wrist and held it gently but firmly.

“Come with me.” Her voice was soft, nearly lost in the clamor, almost inaudible.

Yet Wen Xin made it out. She nodded, bewildered, and followed Shi Qianyu’s steps. The two slipped away from the crowd, heading to a private little world of their own.

Shi Qianyu led her into a room and gestured toward the table. “Look at that.”

It was a strawberry cake—Wen Xin’s strawberry cake. Somehow, someone had opened it, and it sat intact on the table, even with candles already inserted.

Wen Xin stared in surprise, unsure of Shi Qianyu’s intent. “This is…?”

“I told you, didn’t I? Tonight, I’m definitely eating the cake you brought.” Shi Qianyu smiled and guided her to the table, picking up a lighter to ignite the candles. Compared to the earlier one, this cake was rather modest, but Shi Qianyu treated it without a hint of disdain, as if it were a treasure.

“Two cakes mean I get two wishes.” She spoke softly to Wen Xin, asking her to sing the birthday song. This wish took a bit longer to voice, and it somehow felt even more solemn than the first.

Then she picked up the knife and fork, cutting a slice for Wen Xin herself. The fireworks show still had plenty of time left; she had all the time she needed to spend with her.

“This is the best cake I’ve ever had. I love it.” She parted her lips, murmuring the words to Wen Xin.

She was exaggerating, and Wen Xin could tell.

Yet for some reason, in that instant, Wen Xin found herself wishing it were true.

Only in hindsight did Wen Xin realize she was getting greedy. Over the past few days, she’d scoured every cake shop nearby, comparing ingredients, designs, and flavors until she settled on this one. Back then, she’d only hoped the gift wouldn’t look too shabby, that Shi Qianyu would accept it without issue.

But once Shi Qianyu had accepted it, Wen Xin’s greed grew. She hoped Shi Qianyu would open it, taste it for real. When the massive tiered cake had rolled out earlier, she’d felt a twinge of disappointment, thinking her own gift inevitably fell short, her mood plummeting.

Until now.

Shi Qianyu hadn’t shared the cake with anyone else but hidden it away to enjoy herself.

The fireworks outside dazzled spectacularly. Wen Xin should have been out there with the crowd, admiring them alongside everyone else. But now, she had no attention to spare. She simply lowered her gaze to the sliced cake.

Then she picked up the fork and took a bite, just as Shi Qianyu had, savoring it carefully.

The cream was a touch too sweet, the strawberries overly tart, and the sponge’s texture left something to be desired. Wen Xin confirmed her earlier suspicion: Shi Qianyu was fibbing. For such a cake to be called the “best,” her taste buds must be off.

Something struck her, and Wen Xin smiled without thinking. It was perhaps the first genuine smile she’d worn all day—and over this subpar cake, no less.

“I think it’s pretty good too.” After a moment, she echoed Shi Qianyu’s opinion. Unfortunately, she was terrible at lying; the amusement in her eyes gave her away.

Shi Qianyu laughed along with her and affirmed, “I really do think it’s delicious.”

Wen Xin murmured in agreement—whatever Shi Qianyu said, it was. “Yeah, delicious.”

“Aren’t you curious what I wished for?” Shi Qianyu asked next.

Wen Xin shook her head. “Wishes don’t come true if you say them out loud.”

“That depends on whether you’re willing to help make it happen.”

Wen Xin blinked in confusion. “Me?”

“Yeah.” Shi Qianyu nodded slowly. “I want you to take me to a movie.”

“?”

That was her wish? Something so simple?

Wen Xin wondered if the alcohol was making her hear things and sought confirmation. “You’re serious?”

“Yeah.” Shi Qianyu met her eyes earnestly. “Will you help make it come true?”

After all the care Shi Qianyu had shown her lately, Wen Xin couldn’t refuse even this much. The alcohol bridged the distance between them, freeing her from overthinking gains and losses, making her bolder.

In the end, she nodded. “…Okay.”

“It’s a deal, then.” Shi Qianyu hooked her pinky, as if afraid she’d back out. “Pinkie promise.”