As their skin pressed together, the heat in the bathroom rose once more.
The intoxicating alcohol, the fervent kisses, the warm embrace—each one left her dizzy and breathless. Wen Xin leaned against Shi Qianyu, her arms wrapped around her, her head buried deeply in her shoulder.
Neither of them spoke again. Only the showerhead above continued its tireless spray, the steam growing thicker, enveloping them in a warm, gentle mist.
Wen Xin loved this sensation. When drunk, she was always more sincere than usual. If she wanted to lean against Shi Qianyu, she did. If she wanted to hold her tightly, she held her.
Her fingertips traced Shi Qianyu’s back, feeling her warmth bit by bit. Perhaps she touched a sensitive spot, for Shi Qianyu’s breathing suddenly grew heavier.
Shi Qianyu’s voice sounded in her ear. “What is Sister planning to do this time?”
What was she planning? Wen Xin didn’t even know.
She simply craved Shi Qianyu—a pure, intense longing. Too much had happened that day, leaving her utterly exhausted, her mind blank and chaotic. Every moment alone had been pure torment. Only in Shi Qianyu’s presence did that anxiety and helplessness finally ease, like a fire slowly dying out.
Noticing her long silence, Shi Qianyu spoke again. “What are you thinking about?”
There was no trace of impatience in her voice—still soft and gentle as ever.
Wen Xin came back to herself. “Nothing…”
Shi Qianyu guided her gently. “Are you sleepy?”
Wen Xin shook her head.
“Then are you tired? We’re almost done washing. Shall we head out now?”
Wen Xin nodded lightly in agreement. Shi Qianyu fetched a bath towel, but when Wen Xin raised a hazy hand to take it, she was refused.
“I’ll dry you off.”
“Okay.” Wen Xin didn’t stand on ceremony. She let Shi Qianyu wipe her body dry, blow-dry her hair, and then they returned to the bedroom, where she lay down on the bed.
Shi Qianyu came and went from the room several times, busy with who knew what. At first, Wen Xin simply waited quietly. But when she didn’t return after a while, Wen Xin propped herself up and peered toward her.
Her cheeks were flushed, her beautiful eyes still glistening with moisture. “A-Yu, are you done yet?”
Shi Qianyu glanced over at the sound of her voice, paused for a few seconds, set aside what she was doing, and smiled. “Coming.”
She turned off the lights and climbed into bed. By the moonlight, she made her way to Wen Xin’s side. No sooner had she lain down than she was pulled into a tight embrace.
Shi Qianyu didn’t pull away. Instead, she gently stroked Wen Xin’s back in a soothing rhythm, her tone like that of someone coaxing a child. “Go to sleep.”
“Rest early. Tomorrow is sure to be a happy day.”
To accommodate Wen Xin, she had drunk quite a bit that night too. Her breath carried a faint trace of alcohol, and her voice held a hint of weariness that was hard to detect.
But Wen Xin noticed. So she said nothing more, just nodded.
The night was quiet. Soon, Shi Qianyu’s steady breathing filled the air.
In the darkness, Wen Xin stared at Shi Qianyu’s face. She was sleeping soundly tonight—a rare occurrence—and Wen Xin didn’t want to disturb her. Besides, it was late; it was time to rest.
Yet she couldn’t sleep. The restless heat from the alcohol hadn’t faded with time. Those unhappy memories in her mind now felt distant. She noticed her heartbeat quickening, her cheeks burning, every inch of her skin aflame.
As if compelled by some unseen force, she touched Shi Qianyu’s hand.
Shi Qianyu didn’t stir, sleeping deeply. Wen Xin gently drew her hand closer and pressed a light kiss to it.
The dim light of the room made her bold, immersed. She kissed Shi Qianyu’s knuckles while closing her eyes, her palm sliding down her waist, gradually lower.
Her movements were feather-light, her breathing held back. Every action was concealed by the night and the covers, sending a thrill of tension and excitement crawling up her spine. Shi Qianyu’s fingertips were scorching hot, making her scalp tingle.
The first release came quickly.
But Wen Xin’s desire didn’t wane. For over twenty years, she had been the good girl—restrained, conservative. Until Shi Qianyu shattered it all. She discovered she could go wild, indulge herself. It wasn’t bad; it was addictive. Wen Xin gasped for air and, amid the excitement, slowly gripped Shi Qianyu’s hand tighter.
Then a voice came from beside her ear. “What is Sister doing?”
Wen Xin jolted in shock, her tightly shut eyes flying open. She saw the moonlight, saw Shi Qianyu’s eyes—bright and beautiful despite facing away from the light—and the faint smile on her lips.
It took a long moment before Wen Xin whispered, “A-Yu, how… Did I wake you?”
“No, I just happened to wake up.” Shi Qianyu shook her head, lowering her gaze and leaning closer to Wen Xin. The knuckles Wen Xin had kissed felt itchy, yet good—making her want more.
In a coquettish tone, she pressed the question. “Sister still hasn’t answered me.”
“What are you doing?” she asked.
So shameful. Too shameful.
Wen Xin averted her eyes, unwilling to meet hers, but her aroused mind refused to calm. Deep down, a spark of relief flickered—thank goodness the moonlight wasn’t too bright, so Shi Qianyu couldn’t fully see the blush on her cheeks.
Shi Qianyu waited patiently for her answer.
After a few hesitant seconds, Wen Xin chose bravery. “A-Yu… do you want to?”
“Want to?”
How could she not?
Shi Qianyu spread her fingers, brushing Wen Xin’s lips, then touching her soft tongue.
Wen Xin understood. She gently took the fingertip into her mouth. Her palate was already sensitive; the exquisite torment only intensified with Shi Qianyu’s touch.
Tears welled in Wen Xin’s eyes at some point, only to be kissed away by Shi Qianyu. In the secretive night, they drew close, embraced, kissed—bodies pressed intimately together.
Satisfaction. It was pure satisfaction, body and soul alike.
People always cried from excess joy, didn’t they?
Wen Xin couldn’t hold back the tears at the corners of her eyes. She loved being held tightly by Shi Qianyu. Shi Qianyu had given her so much—care, concern, and most of all, someone to rely on. She would never feel alone again.
Her lips parted, murmuring her name. “A-Yu… A-Yu…”
Mumbled, clear—her drunken mind couldn’t handle fine thoughts. Wen Xin wasn’t even aware, oblivious to what she said or did.
She didn’t even remember that amid the litany of “A-Yu”s were a few precious confessions.
“I like A-Yu.”
“A-Yu, I like you so much.”
Whisper-soft, yet they reached Shi Qianyu’s ears. In the night, Shi Qianyu’s eyes widened, her voice trembling as she asked, “You like me?”
Whether there was a response, Wen Xin had long forgotten.
~~~
The night deepened, their surroundings gradually calming until silence reigned.
Shi Qianyu hugged the person in her arms tighter. Wen Xin was utterly spent now, her palm limply draped over Shi Qianyu’s shoulder, nearly slipping before being caught and held.
“Sleep,” Shi Qianyu said, kissing her forehead.
But Wen Xin didn’t respond. Instead, the kiss made her open her eyes again. In the darkness, their gazes locked, eyes meeting eyes.
After some unknown stretch of time, Wen Xin whispered, “A-Yu, can I ask you for something?”
“Of course.” Shi Qianyu nodded. Wen Xin rarely asked anything of her. If she brought it up, Shi Qianyu would grant it without question.
But Wen Xin made no excessive demand. She simply said, “Can you let me stay here a little longer? I want to spend more nights at your place.”
“Can I?” she asked.
“Of course,” Shi Qianyu replied promptly. “For as long as you want.”
Wen Xin smiled at that. “That’s wonderful.”
Shi Qianyu had agreed. Living under someone else’s roof felt awful, past experiences had taught Wen Xin. Such behavior invited disdain and resentment.
But not Shi Qianyu. She generously accepted the request.
“That’s wonderful,” Wen Xin murmured, nestling into Shi Qianyu’s embrace. Her nose tingled again, just as she’d said before—people cried in moments of overwhelming joy, didn’t they?
“Please,” she said, tears silently soaking into the sheets.
“Take me in. Don’t make me leave.”
