Chapter 32

Over the next few days, Shi Qianyu still didn’t stay over.

The previous project derived from the domestic comic had reached its wrap-up phase. Though Wen Xin wasn’t the lead on it, she had poured considerable energy and mental effort into it. She hoped it would turn out well in the end—this was, after all, the first project she’d been involved in since joining Qi Qing.

On one hand, she fretted over this endeavor; on the other, she dashed between other tasks. These past few days, she’d been working nonstop, like a top spinning on its axis. She rarely even made it to the cafeteria, settling instead for quick bentos to tide her over.

Shi Qianyu watched it all unfold, her heart aching terribly for Wen Xin.

Yet she said nothing. Life was one thing; work was another. In daily life, Wen Xin was quiet and reserved, but at work, she was exceptionally diligent and earnest. Shi Qianyu understood her mentality well and knew exactly what nailing this project meant to her.

Unlike those tiny startups, Qi Qing placed great emphasis on individual talent. Shi Qianyu could bend the rules to hire Wen Xin through her own influence, but the road ahead would have to be paved by Wen Xin herself.

What Shi Qianyu wanted was for Wen Xin to grow, for her abilities to earn recognition from others. She also hoped Wen Xin would learn more at Qi Qing, building experience and confidence.

If one day Wen Xin left Qi Qing, it wouldn’t be because she’d been fired—it would be because she’d found even better prospects.

That said, the prerequisite was that she didn’t wreck her health in the process.

Shi Qianyu didn’t interfere outright, but she cared for Wen Xin in subtle, nurturing ways. If Wen Xin worked too late, Shi Qianyu would drive her home. Under the pretext of sharing a meal, she’d buy the best ingredients—not just for dinner, but even preparing bentos for the next day with meticulous care.

Her massage techniques had also improved through practice, greatly easing the soreness in Wen Xin’s shoulders and lower back. One touch, and the pain was gone.

And if she sensed Wen Xin’s mood dipping low, Shi Qianyu didn’t mind slipping in some gentle psychological counseling during the massage.

Of course, it was all free.

~~~

This had clearly surpassed the bounds of a mere lover’s relationship.

Though Shi Qianyu had explicitly said that looking after Wen Xin brought her joy, time wore on, and Wen Xin inevitably felt guilty about it. After all, she wasn’t the only one exhausted—Shi Qianyu, as director, worked grueling hours every day and shouldn’t have to carve out extra time just to care for her.

Wen Xin didn’t want to keep accepting Shi Qianyu’s kindness without reciprocating. She wanted to do something for her in return.

“I want to massage your shoulders too, A-Yu.” So, after finishing dinner that evening, Wen Xin suddenly suggested.

“Hm?” Shi Qianyu looked up, forking a piece of fruit to her lips, seemingly puzzled. “Why?”

“No reason.” Wen Xin shook her head, shyly eating the fruit. “Because you’re working hard too.

“I want to take care of you…”

Her voice was soft, almost inaudible, but Shi Qianyu heard it clearly. The corners of her lips curved up.

She found the person before her adorable—sweet and obedient in her rare initiative. Of course, Shi Qianyu wouldn’t refuse. “Sure.”

“Then thank you in advance, Sister.”

With that, Wen Xin let out a relieved breath, happy that Shi Qianyu had accepted. She waved her over at once. “Come sit here, then.”

“Okay.” Shi Qianyu nodded agreeably, submitting fully to Wen Xin’s direction. Whatever she said, Shi Qianyu would do.

Wen Xin carefully rolled up her sleeves and, for better access, gently tied back Shi Qianyu’s beautiful hair.

That day, Shi Qianyu wore a vibrant purple slip dress—dazzling and sensual. A faint, enticing fragrance clung to her body. Wen Xin stared at the expanse of pale skin exposed on her shoulders, momentarily at a loss for where to begin.

Until Shi Qianyu prompted her: “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Wen Xin snapped back to herself, lowering her gaze to place her fingertips on Shi Qianyu’s shoulders. She began kneading gently.

She’d never massaged anyone before; her motions and pressure mimicked Shi Qianyu’s. Fortunately, it worked well. Under her touch, Shi Qianyu relaxed further, her breathing steady, her expression one of pure comfort.

Seeing Shi Qianyu so at ease filled Wen Xin with a quiet delight.

Shi Qianyu had been right—caring for someone really did bring happiness.

Wen Xin’s strength wasn’t a match for Shi Qianyu’s, so she put extra effort into each motion. While effective, it drained her stamina quickly. In less than ten minutes, fatigue set in.

Shi Qianyu noticed and called a halt. “That’s enough.”

“You did great,” she said, turning to take Wen Xin’s wrist and draw her to sit beside her. She gently massaged Wen Xin’s hands. “It felt really good.”

“Really?” Wen Xin’s eyes lit up at her words. “Then let me massage other spots for you, A-Yu…”

“No need.” Shi Qianyu quickly held her back, pulling her into an embrace. “This is plenty.”

“Take a break, okay?” The sofa beneath them was soft and inviting. Shi Qianyu looped an arm around Wen Xin’s neck, drawing her down to lie together. Time alone was precious; she hadn’t had nearly enough closeness with Wen Xin. Why would she let her go do anything else?

Shi Qianyu’s body was incredibly soft—her chest especially so.

Wen Xin found herself held tight, her cheek pillowed against that yielding warmth. Shi Qianyu’s unique scent filled her senses, and a blush crept up to her ears.

Shi Qianyu toyed with her hair, lightly caressing her cheek. Wen Xin didn’t know where to put her hands; she remained stiff throughout.

Amused by her reaction, Shi Qianyu leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Doesn’t Sister want to touch me?”

Wen Xin’s face burned red. “Ah…?”

“Are you shy?” Shi Qianyu’s eyes crinkled with laughter as she coaxed softly. “We’ve already seen each other bare before. Why so bashful now?

“Or has Sister lost interest in me?” Shi Qianyu feigned disappointment with a sigh, her tone low. “What do I do? Am I being cast aside?”

What was that supposed to mean?

Wen Xin hurriedly refuted her. “No, I haven’t.”

“Then touch me.” Shi Qianyu smiled, gently guiding Wen Xin’s hand.

She led Wen Xin’s fingertips in a slow caress across her own face—from eyes to nose, lips to neck.

Her skin was flawless, every inch as smooth and silky as satin. Guided by Shi Qianyu, Wen Xin’s pads glided over it.

Shi Qianyu was seducing her, her gaze alluring and teasing. The overhead light illuminated her eyes, letting Wen Xin see the desire burning there plainly.

Sensing the intent behind her actions, shame welled up in Wen Xin. She murmured embarrassedly, “A-Yu…”

“Hm?” Shi Qianyu smiled lightly, unmoved.

Meeting her eyes, Wen Xin surrendered first despite being the one in control. “E-enough.”

Her face was scorching. They locked gazes, and perhaps finally satisfied, Shi Qianyu relented and released her hand.

“No more teasing.” She chuckled, hugging Wen Xin close again and nuzzling her head like a large cat. “Let me hold you a bit longer. I have to go soon.”

Go?

Was she heading home tonight?

It had been nearly two weeks since they’d become lovers, and they hadn’t been intimate since that night. At first, Wen Xin chalked it up to Shi Qianyu’s busyness—no time for such things. But as days passed, her unease grew.

She wasn’t overly passionate about physical matters; excess intimacy even made her nervous and shy. Yet she understood what their lover’s agreement entailed. Shi Qianyu was supposed to crave her body, to desire her. Wen Xin liked being needed; she believed it was what made their bond solid.

But now…

A tangle of emotions churned in Wen Xin’s heart. It was rare for someone to enter her life like this, to offer care and companionship. She didn’t want it to end too soon. She feared slipping back into her old isolation and loneliness.

So she looked up again, instinctively trying to keep her there. “Are you leaving already?”

Shi Qianyu kissed her forehead. “Yeah.”

“Will you come tomorrow night, then?” she asked further.

Shi Qianyu thought for a few seconds. “I’ve got a dinner tomorrow—might run very late. I won’t disturb you.”

“Oh.” Wen Xin nodded and fell silent for a moment. “Then be safe going back.”

“Mmm.” Shi Qianyu smiled, holding her quietly in an embrace before rising.

As usual, Wen Xin saw her to the door, a sudden sourness in her heart she couldn’t quite name. She accompanied Shi Qianyu to the elevators, watching the numbers count down on the display.

It stopped at her floor and opened—to reveal it packed with people.

“Good evening!” The tenants inside recognized her vaguely, tipsy from drinks, and greeted her warmly. “These are my distant relatives—they came all this way to visit. I’m taking them downstairs now.”

“Sorry, no room in the elevator,” he added apologetically. “Wait for the next one?”

“Sure.” Wen Xin nodded. “No problem.”

Unbeknownst to herself, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Shi Qianyu seemed to notice something, subtly glancing sideways without a word. The air around them quieted once more; neither spoke, each lost in her own thoughts.

Until the elevator arrived again.

Shi Qianyu stepped toward the elevator. “I’m heading out.”

“Mm.” Wen Xin murmured softly in response, her eyes following Shi Qianyu’s every move. But just a second before Shi Qianyu could enter the elevator, Wen Xin reached out and tugged at the hem of her shirt. “Wait.”

Shi Qianyu turned back immediately, a faint smile curving her lips. “What’s wrong?”

Wen Xin wanted to beg her not to go, but the words stuck in her throat, refusing to come out no matter what.

After a long moment, she gently withdrew her hand. “It’s nothing. I just forgot to remind you…”

“Be safe on the road…”