Chapter 31

Wen Xin gradually relaxed under Shi Qianyu’s massage.

She was indeed exhausted today. She’d been rushing around with work all day, not even able to rest properly during lunch. Now sleepiness mingled with comfort, prompting her to close her eyes instinctively.

Shi Qianyu’s touch was gentle, her voice soft as she spoke to Wen Xin. She told her amusing stories from the office, about the Gatekeeper Uncle’s cats, and the sights from her recent business trip. Wen Xin listened quietly, finding every detail interesting and wonderful.

Before she knew it, she felt even sleepier.

“If you’re tired, go back to your room and rest,” Shi Qianyu noticed the change in her state and gently stroked her head. “I’ll head out in a bit.”

Head out? She wasn’t staying tonight?

Wen Xin lifted her gaze hazily to look at her. She’d assumed Shi Qianyu would stay over—otherwise, why had she used that excuse to come upstairs with her? She hadn’t expected to misunderstand her intentions like this.

“Did you think I was going to stay over tonight?” Shi Qianyu read her mind effortlessly, her beautiful lips curving into a smile. “Or do you not want me to go?”

“Sister, do you like me that much? Can’t bear to be apart from me even for a second?”

No way.

Wen Xin shook her head at the word “like” in her words. “No, that’s not it.”

Shi Qianyu pounced on her slip. “So you hate me, then.”

Wen Xin hurried to explain. “Of course not!”

Shi Qianyu always managed to trap her with just a few words. Things weren’t simply black and white—she’d denied liking her, but that didn’t mean she had to hate her.

Wen Xin wasn’t quick with words, and her drowsiness made it hard to find the right ones. After a pause, she could only repeat, “No, of course not.”

“Alright.” Shi Qianyu seemed to accept it and let her off the hook. Dinner had been heavy tonight, and she worried Wen Xin might get thirsty in the middle of the night, so she turned toward the kitchen. “Go wash up.”

“I’ll heat some milk for you. A glass before bed is good for sleep.”

How could she be so thoughtful, taking such meticulous care of her?

Wen Xin hadn’t felt this kind of care since her parents passed away. Even a little kindness from others made her anxious and uneasy, wondering how to repay it. She craved affection but feared it would be too much—she was scared of falling too deep, scared of being unable to give back.

“Shi… A-Yu, I can do it myself.” She shook her head, unable to hold back her refusal. “It’s late. You should head home.”

“No problem.” Shi Qianyu smiled lightly. “I just want to take care of you a bit more. After all, we’re not strangers. It’s only natural for me to treat you well.”

Only natural.

Was it really?

Wen Xin had never had a lover before, but she knew what that relationship entailed. She realized Shi Qianyu’s kindness toward her might have gone beyond that, making her tense. She couldn’t fully enjoy everything she was given. “But we’re just…”

“Just lovers, I know what you mean.” Shi Qianyu interrupted her softly, explaining in a gentle tone. “But who says lovers can’t do these things? Most people might think it’s only about physical pleasure, just fun in bed. But some of us—like me—want more. We seek emotional fulfillment too.”

“Either way, it’s all about happiness. For me, it’s not just lovemaking. Sharing dinner, taking a walk together, talking and listening to you—these make me happy too.”

She said, gently shaking the coffee cup in her hand. “Or heating a glass of milk for you before bed.”

“Sister, don’t overthink it. As long as we’re happy, that’s enough.” Shi Qianyu was a natural at coquetry. She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Wen Xin’s neck, not giving her time to dwell. “Or did I do something wrong to upset you?”

“Do you hate me heating milk for you?” She blinked, her tone light and coaxing, laced with a hint of probing. “If you really do, just tell me. I won’t do it next time.”

As she spoke, her brows furrowed slightly, her lips pressed down a touch, her butterfly-wing lashes drooping to veil her eyes. She looked truly aggrieved.

Wen Xin knew Shi Qianyu was probably putting on this act for her benefit, but she still fell for it completely. She stopped worrying about her earlier concerns and answered softly at once.

“No, I don’t.”

“That’s great, then.” Shi Qianyu smiled and planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Now go wash up. The milk will be ready soon.”

“Okay.” Wen Xin nodded. Caught off guard by the kiss, her cheeks flushed again. “…Thanks, A-Yu.”

Shi Qianyu caressed her cheek. “You’re welcome.”

~~~

After heating the milk, Shi Qianyu left as promised.

Wen Xin had already finished washing up by then. She watched her get into the elevator, reluctant to leave with the night so deep. She couldn’t help reminding her several times, “Be careful on the way.”

“I know.” Shi Qianyu met her eyes seriously. With her hair down and wearing a nightgown, Wen Xin looked utterly adorable.

Deep down, Shi Qianyu really wanted to stay. But everything needed to progress step by step. Right now, Wen Xin couldn’t resist her coquetry and didn’t mind her clinginess or flattery. But life was long—who knew if she’d change someday?

If that day came and Wen Xin grew tired of her, any attempt to fix it would be closing the barn door after the horse was gone.

Shi Qianyu didn’t want that outcome, so she had to learn restraint, no matter how reluctant she felt.

“Go rest.” She waved goodbye, pressing the elevator button with a gentle smile. “See you tomorrow.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow,” Wen Xin replied.

With that, the elevator doors closed.

Wen Xin lingered in front of the elevator for a moment before turning away and returning to her cramped rental.

The room was perfectly still, as if no one had ever been there. Wen Xin looked down at the milk Shi Qianyu had warmed for her and drank it, but the atmosphere felt especially lonely.

It was easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go back. Having tasted liveliness, she couldn’t stand the quiet anymore.

It hadn’t been long since they’d signed the agreement. How had she grown so dependent on Shi Qianyu?

The more Wen Xin thought, the more ashamed she felt. Her cheeks burned. She shook her head to clear her mind, finally kicked off her shoes, and slipped under the covers.

…

An unexpected delay on the road meant Shi Qianyu didn’t get home until an hour later.

Assistant Wang hadn’t gone to bed yet. She confirmed tomorrow’s schedule over WeChat, and after handling two emails, Shi Qianyu finally went to wash up.

Her phone stayed silent—no messages from Wen Xin. Even as lovers, Wen Xin rarely initiated contact. Shi Qianyu was used to it and assumed she was asleep.

So she didn’t disturb her, just sent a simple text: 【I’m home now and about to rest. Good night~】

She hadn’t expected a reply, but Wen Xin’s message popped up right away: 【Why so late? Did something happen on the road?】

Shi Qianyu was a little surprised: 【Not asleep yet?】

A moment later, Wen Xin replied sheepishly: 【Worried about your safety, so I haven’t slept.】

Those few words softened Shi Qianyu’s heart.

It was hard to explain over text, so she called with a voice message. Wen Xin paused, then picked up.

“Hello?” Her voice was soft and drowsy, fighting off sleep.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Shi Qianyu quickly explained what happened. She hadn’t realized Wen Xin had waited so long, so her tone carried a hint of apology.

“Good to hear.” Wen Xin processed it with her foggy brain and let out a relieved breath. “Then you should sleep soon.”

“Okay.” Shi Qianyu agreed. “You too.”

“If it happens again, I’ll let you know right away.”

Her promise went unanswered—Wen Xin had fallen asleep. Hearing her steady breathing, Shi Qianyu slowly smiled.

“Good night,” she whispered softly, thinking of how Wen Xin had quietly shed tears in her sleep on her birthday night. She murmured a bedtime spell:

“You’re sure to have sweet dreams tonight.”