Chapter 80: Extra 6

Sang Ning dreamed of her university days. On that sweltering summer day, she stood under the shade of the trees, silently watching Shen Tingwan’s back as she walked away, completely vanishing from her world.

She woke up feeling lost and melancholic.

Sang Ning rolled over and looked at the person beside her. The familiar eyebrows and eyes greeted her first, and she let out a sigh of relief. She scooted closer in the covers and hugged her tightly.

Shen Tingwan habitually wrapped her arms around her.

Sang Ning buried her head in the crook of her neck and breathed in gently.

Shen Tingwan opened her eyes a little and teased her for being so clingy.

After hugging for a while, Sang Ning murmured, “I dreamed about our university days.”

Shen Tingwan brushed aside her long hair and whispered softly near her right ear, “Did you dream about me showing you around?”

“Yeah, and you playing the piano at the freshman welcome party,” Sang Ning muttered, her memories tinged with bitterness. “And you saying goodbye to me at the school café. I really thought we’d never see each other again…”

Even though she had dreamed of parting with Shen Tingwan many times, things were different now that they were together. Possessing her made the fear of loss all the more acute.

Shen Tingwan vaguely remembered that Sang Ning had greeted her casually back then. She tightened her embrace and stroked her hair. “We were fated to meet.”

Sang Ning smiled and hugged her tighter. The warmth of the moment chased away the melancholy of the dream.

They couldn’t laze in bed for too long—they had to get up for work.

In the morning, while Shen Tingwan helped her put on her hearing aid, Sang Ning clung to her for a few more hugs. Shen Tingwan had a business trip that day and would be leaving Birch City for several days.

After fastening the hearing aid, Shen Tingwan tidied her hair. “Had enough hugs yet?”

“No.” Sang Ning huffed petulantly. She had gotten quite good at acting spoiled with Shen Tingwan now.

Shen Tingwan loved watching her be clingy and spoiled—it was unbearably sweet. She rubbed the back of her neck and leaned down to kiss the corner of her mouth.

Sang Ning understood tacitly and pressed closer to kiss her soft lips.

Shen Tingwan parted her lips in response, but she couldn’t linger too long. She pinched Sang Ning’s ear and said in a husky voice, “I need to head to the airport.”

Sang Ning pursed her lips and nodded.

Shen Tingwan looked into her eyes and smiled again. “I’ll miss you.”

Sang Ning felt like she had eaten honey. Shen Tingwan had always been like this—straightforward and gentle in expressing her love. She adored it.

Shen Tingwan flew out of town, and Sang Ning busied herself with work.

After Shen Tingwan left for her trip, Sang Ning returned home alone each night, unaccustomed to the solitude. Her ability to cope with loneliness plummeted.

It was still early after finishing work in the evening, so Sang Ning went for her usual night run, and Yu Shuang joined her.

Yu Shuang had put losing weight back on her agenda. Recently, she had met a crush at a party—an older sister—and now she had motivation.

After their run, they passed a barbecue stall, but Yu Shuang resisted with sheer willpower. She only bought a sugar-free drink at the convenience store.

Sang Ning teased that she seemed highly motivated this time.

Birch City had been scorching hot lately. Sang Ning was drenched in sweat from running, so the first thing she did when she got home was take a shower.

Shen Tingwan had just wrapped up a drinking session with colleagues and returned to her hotel. There was a public piano in the lobby for anyone to play. She stopped when she saw it and asked her colleagues, “Can you record a video for me?”

Sang Ning came out of the shower and only then saw the message from Shen Tingwan—a three-minute video. Shen Tingwan sat at the piano, playing gracefully. The melody matched her demeanor: elegant and captivating.

Sang Ning stared at the beautiful profile on the screen, watching it over and over. Whenever she mentioned something, Shen Tingwan always remembered it.

Sang Ning made a video call.

Shen Tingwan had just returned to her room and was lounging on the sofa when she answered. Sang Ning had just blow-dried her hair, leaving it fluffy and slightly messy—it looked so soft.

Sang Ning smiled. “I saw the video you sent. It sounded great.”

Shen Tingwan had guessed she’d be happy. Sang Ning had told her before that she first learned her name at the freshman welcome party, where she had a piano solo. “You like watching me play the piano?”

Sang Ning nodded.

Shen Tingwan’s lips curved up. “No wonder you liked my Moments post from years ago in the middle of the night.”

Sang Ning hadn’t realized. “You saw that?”

“I didn’t say anything back then because I didn’t want to embarrass you.” Shen Tingwan thought back and chuckled. She stared at Sang Ning’s fair face. “I was thinking, this junior is such a closet pervert.”

“…”

Sang Ning still felt embarrassed bringing it up.

Shen Tingwan laughed until her shoulders shook lightly, a faint sourness rising in her heart. Sang Ning was even more reserved than she’d imagined.

After the awkwardness passed, Sang Ning seized the chance to change the subject. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow night.”

Shen Tingwan said, “Don’t come if you’re busy.”

Sang Ning gazed at the screen and said softly, “I’m not busy. I have time.”

Shen Tingwan said no more. Sang Ning wouldn’t say outright that she missed her, but her feelings shone in her eyes, more alluring than words. Shen Tingwan wanted to go back right then and hug her.

Another long night passed.

The next evening, Sang Ning headed straight to the airport after work.

Shen Tingwan hurried out of the arrivals area. When she spotted the familiar smile, she slowed her pace. No matter how tired she was, seeing Sang Ning waiting for her always lifted her spirits.

Sang Ning couldn’t wait and ran over. She took her suitcase and then held her hand as they went home together.

Once home, Shen Tingwan received the long-awaited hug first thing.

Sang Ning was more direct with her actions than words. Without even turning on the light, she pinned Shen Tingwan against the entryway cabinet.

Shen Tingwan’s lips heated up. She sighed with a smile and, in the dark, cradled the back of Sang Ning’s head, delivering a deep kiss.

The room was dimly lit by nightfall, their entwined breaths sweet and fervent.

Sang Ning kissed relentlessly for a long time before their lips parted.

Shen Tingwan turned on the light. Her eyes were watery, her breathing ragged.

Sang Ning caught her breath too, then knelt to help her change shoes.

Shen Tingwan wanted to stop her, but Sang Ning already held her ankle, slipping off the high heels and replacing them with comfortable slippers. She smiled helplessly down at her.

Sang Ning finished changing her shoes and went to the kitchen to pour water.

Shen Tingwan watched her bustle about. “Are you treating me like a kid?”

Sang Ning smiled and asked proactively, “Want another hug?” Shen Tingwan always liked hugging her to “recharge” when she was tired.

Shen Tingwan pulled her down to lie on the sofa together.

Sang Ning adjusted her position instinctively, making it more comfortable for Shen Tingwan to hold her.

Shen Tingwan dozed lazily. Having someone you could completely relax around and be yourself with was true happiness.

Sang Ning didn’t sleep. She just quietly gazed at her face, feeling happy too.

The AC was on strong. After lying on the sofa for over ten minutes, Sang Ning rubbed Shen Tingwan’s waist.

Shen Tingwan opened her eyes and looked at her.

Sang Ning whispered, “Let’s shower and go to bed.”

Shen Tingwan gazed at her silently for a moment, then her fingers moved to her ear, removing the hearing aid.

Sang Ning’s breathing quickened. They understood each other so well now. She let Shen Tingwan remove the hearing aid while leaning in to kiss the lips before her.

Shen Tingwan met the kiss and removed the one from her left ear too, setting both aside.

Sang Ning understood. Her cheeks flushed hot as she flipped them over, pressing Shen Tingwan beneath her. She kissed delicately while unbuttoning her clothes.

Shen Tingwan’s breaths grew heavier, easily aroused. She loved how obedient yet unabashed Sang Ning was.

The returning kisses were passionate, and Sang Ning kissed deeper and deeper. Her reserved nature had been gradually coaxed out by Shen Tingwan.

They went to the bathroom together.

Sang Ning took the showerhead to wet their bodies and helped her wash.

They often fooled around in the bathroom. Usually, Shen Tingwan took the initiative, but tonight she deliberately held back, curious how long Sang Ning could endure while looking so serious.

Sang Ning was distracted. Seeing no move from Shen Tingwan, she figured she was too tired. She reined in her naughty thoughts and simply washed her body.

After getting wet, Sang Ning squeezed out some body wash, lathering up plenty of foam. From her neck to collarbone, then to her soft breasts, she washed carefully.

Shen Tingwan bit her lip lightly, conceding.

Sang Ning’s palms, full of foam, rubbed from her chest down to her slender waist.

Shen Tingwan hugged her face-to-face.

Sang Ning took a deep breath and held her while rubbing her back.

Shen Tingwan’s breath ghosted near her ear.

Sang Ning paused, then couldn’t hold back. She kissed her, her hand on the slim waist growing restless.

Shen Tingwan was enveloped in the scorching kiss. She chuckled lowly and kissed her right earlobe. “Can’t hold back anymore?”

Sang Ning squeezed out softly, “You’re teasing me again.”

Water droplets clung to Shen Tingwan’s face, her smile enchanting.

Sang Ning nipped her upturned lip, foreheads touching as she gazed at her. Her fingers ventured into the slick wetness.

“Mm.” Shen Tingwan gradually lost her words.

Sang Ning’s fingertips grew bolder, unable to get enough of her aroused expression. Her possessiveness swelled—this gentle allure was only for her.

Shen Tingwan’s legs went weak, her back pressing against the fogged glass.

Sang Ning supported her lower back, holding her steady.

Shen Tingwan’s eyes brimmed with affection. She leaned toward Sang Ning’s right shoulder, her soft pants murmuring near her right ear.

The uncontrolled moans mixed with the water sounds entered her ear. Sang Ning felt Shen Tingwan’s indulgence toward her knew no bounds. She loved hearing her soft gasps, so she always whispered them right there.

Their intimacy continued in bed.

Shen Tingwan no longer relied much on drinking to unwind. She had a preferred way now—like at this moment, their bodies intertwined, relaxing and pleasuring each other.

Sang Ning’s passion was quiet but endless. Shen Tingwan loved relaxing like this when tired, and she devoted herself fully to satisfying her.

Shen Tingwan loved teasing her in bed. Sang Ning was very compliant—shy but adaptable to any position, and a quick learner.

They had been together for a while, but some things never got old, just like in the early days of their romance.

Afterward, Shen Tingwan was utterly spent. She could think of nothing and slept soundly.

*

On Friday evening, Wei Xue stirred up another gathering at a friend’s bar.

Sang Ning picked up Shen Tingwan after work, and they went to the bar together. Having a car made things much more convenient, whether for work or daily life.

Their lives had changed a lot since being together.

Sang Ning accompanied Shen Tingwan to bars for drinks, and Shen Tingwan joined her for street photography strolls. They had many differences, but they blended well. Being together expanded each other’s worlds, making them broader and more interesting.

That evening, Wei Xue invited two friends, warning them in advance not to gossip about Shen Tingwan and Sang Ning’s situation. “…They’re true love, so don’t say anything stupid.”

The previous unpleasant incident was still fresh. It was the first time Wei Xue had seen Shen Tingwan so furious, leaving her at a loss. Meeting someone you liked really created exceptions for everything. She was happy for Shen Tingwan but a bit envious too.

Sang Ning and Shen Tingwan arrived a bit late. Wei Xue was already quite drunk and fooling around with people.

“You’re here!” Wei Xue pulled them over. “Drink up, drink up.”

Sang Ning’s tolerance had improved; she could now manage a glass without toppling over like before.

Shen Tingwan still stopped her. “Drink less.”

Sang Ning smiled. “I know my limits.”

Shen Tingwan couldn’t help laughing. “You said that last time too, and ended up clinging to me drunk.”

Sang Ning: “…”

Shen Tingwan finished her remaining half glass and made her switch to juice.

“Hey!” Wei Xue couldn’t stand it from the sidelines. “Shen Tingwan, I can’t take you anymore. Are you trying to rub it in on this single dog?”

A friend laughed at Wei Xue. “Sister Wei, want me to introduce you to a hot babe?”

Wei Xue: “Sure, I need a beauty to keep me company.”

As they bantered noisily, someone approached. Everyone looked over—a tall, slender woman with a cold aura.

Wei Xue quieted instantly upon recognizing her, forgetting her drink.

Shen Tingwan knew the woman; they had grown up together. She smiled and waved at Ling Fei. “What a coincidence.”

Ling Fei said, “Just wandering around here.”

After a long silence, Wei Xue blurted, “Does CEO Ling still hang out at bars?”

Ling Fei was Wei Xue’s childhood friend and knew many of her friends. She smiled and asked, “What were you all chatting about so happily?”

A half-drunk friend nearby answered, “Sister Wei is lonely and said she needs a beauty to keep her company.”

Ling Fei glanced at Wei Xue.

Wei Xue: “…”

Ling Fei walked over to Wei Xue and sat beside her, casually reminding, “Don’t drink too much.”

Wei Xue: “…………”

Sang Ning sensed the awkward atmosphere and quietly asked Shen Tingwan, “Who’s that?”

Shen Tingwan thought for a moment. “Someone who can handle Wei Xue.”

…

The next day was Saturday. Sang Ning let Shen Tingwan sleep in and got up without waking her.

Shen Tingwan woke naturally and pulled open the curtains. It was another bright, sunny day.

Sang Ning was organizing the photo album in the study with a new batch of freshly printed photos. She didn’t hear the footsteps behind her until Shen Tingwan bent down from behind to hug her, leaning close to her right ear to ask, “What are you busy with?”

At home, Sang Ning was used to not wearing her hearing aid, so Shen Tingwan would speak right next to her right ear like this. She turned her head to look. “The photos from last time.”

Shen Tingwan sat down beside her, and they looked through them together. Before they knew it, the photo album had thickened considerably.

They had recently gone hiking and taken quite a few photos. Shen Tingwan flipped through them—there was a whole pile of ones taken of herself. She asked Sang Ning, “Which one do you like the most?”

Sang Ning blurted out, “I like all of yours.”

Shen Tingwan pinched her cheek. “Sweet talker.”

Sang Ning was telling the truth and earnestly explained herself. “It’s not sweet talk.”

Shen Tingwan kissed her and said with mock seriousness, “Sweet.”

Sang Ning beamed and kissed her back.

Shen Tingwan held her as they continued organizing the photo album.

Sang Ning lowered her head to tuck the last photo into the album, then carefully closed it.

A hefty photo album, recording endless stories—about their past, present, and many, many futures.