Chapter 55 Part 2

The machine’s claw swayed over the Totoro Plush. He pressed the drop button, and under expectant gazes, it clamped perfectly—only for the Totoro Plush to slip and fall halfway up.

“Aw…” The girl sighed in disappointment. Chi Nuan, who had watched the whole thing, felt sorry too.

The boy fed another coin into the machine and tried again for the Totoro Plush.

“Should we…” Chi Nuan started to say to Gu Ningzi that they should go, but Gu Ningzi had already stepped to another claw machine. Pointing through the glass at an ugly Kitty Plush Toy inside, she excitedly asked Chi Nuan, “This one—can you grab it for me? If you do, I’ll give it to Little Nuan as a girlfriend.”

“…” So sweet and childish.

Chi Nuan rummaged through the shopping bags, head down. “Gu Ningzi, did you sneak some of my Lollipops?”

Gu Ningzi: “…”

…

Back home, Chi Nuan started preparing the ingredients. Gu Ningzi hovered around her and eventually just hugged her waist, resting her chin on Chi Nuan’s shoulder, her whole body pressed against her.

Chi Nuan couldn’t move freely and laughed, asking, “Don’t you have to go back tomorrow first?”

Gu Ningzi: “What day is it tomorrow?”

Chi Nuan: “The fourth.”

Gu Ningzi: “No, it’s only the first. I just came to find you.”

Chi Nuan scooped out the blanched broccoli to drain, ignoring her childishness. Gu Ningzi started tickling her. “I don’t want to. I’m not leaving. Don’t remind me.”

Chi Nuan laughed and twisted away, turning around. “You…”

Gu Ningzi kissed her, and as they kissed, they both burst into laughter.

After dinner, with nothing to do, they sat on the carpet watching a movie. Chi Nuan picked an old comedy. Not long into the opening, Gu Ningzi got up and returned with wine glasses and a bottle of red wine that had been opened at some point.

Chi Nuan caught a strong floral-fruity aroma. “It smells so good…”

Gu Ningzi curved her lips. “Want some?”

The deep purple liquid poured into the glasses. Gu Ningzi clinked hers against Chi Nuan’s. Chi Nuan took a shallow sip—sweet and tart, with a smooth, rich mouthfeel that made her drink several more.

Gu Ningzi leaned against the sofa, brushed her black hair back, propped herself on one arm, and watched Chi Nuan intently.

“Good?”

“I don’t know much about this… it’s okay, I guess.” Chi Nuan’s face was already flushed.

Gu Ningzi’s gaze was infinitely tender. “You’re so beautiful.”

Chi Nuan’s heart melted like pulled taffy. She drawled, “You drink some too…”

Gu Ningzi smiled. “I’ll get drunk if I drink too much.”

Chi Nuan: “I’ll get drunk too… That’s fine. We can just go to sleep.”

With that, she snuggled over like a lazy kitten, overcome by the wine, and burrowed into Gu Ningzi’s arms.

The comedy was full of laugh points. Chi Nuan found a comfier spot in Gu Ningzi’s lap, laughing and watching, unknowingly downing quite a bit of red wine.

She had never drunk so much before. The buzz grew stronger, the alcohol stimulating her nerves. She couldn’t focus on the movie anymore and kept clinging to Gu Ningzi for kisses and hugs. Gu Ningzi obliged, but Chi Nuan wanted more. She stood from the carpet and pulled Gu Ningzi back to the bedroom.

On the way to the bedroom, Chi Nuan was practically hanging off Gu Ningzi. Her mind was clear, but her steps floated a bit, and she couldn’t stop wanting to stick to her. Gu Ningzi half-carried her and gently laid her on the bed.

Her fingertip brushed the hair covering Chi Nuan’s cheek. “Feeling bad?”

Chi Nuan shook her head obediently. “Not bad. …Feels like floating on clouds.”

Gu Ningzi leaned down to kiss her.

Chi Nuan was flushed all over, her breath carrying the floral-fruity wine scent. Gu Ningzi hadn’t drunk much, but she felt tipsy from Chi Nuan.

The room’s light was ambiguous. Chi Nuan closed her eyes to receive Gu Ningzi’s kisses. Later, she opened them, soft and pleading. “Gu Ningzi…”

Gu Ningzi: “Hm?”

Chi Nuan rolled over, pinning Gu Ningzi beneath her.

Her long hair cascaded down. Chi Nuan swept it aside, cupped Gu Ningzi’s face, and rubbed her nose gently against it.

Her breath was hot; Gu Ningzi’s throat moved slightly.

Chi Nuan earnestly stripped off Gu Ningzi’s sleepwear, fumbling to figure out how to please her.

…

The next morning, the moment Chi Nuan opened her eyes, she saw Gu Ningzi’s big smile.

“Morning.”

“…” Memories of last night’s wine-fueled antics flooded back—Gu Ningzi’s furrowed brows, her suppressed moans… Chi Nuan’s face went red then pale. She bolted upright, wanting to check. “Did I hurt you?”

Gu Ningzi pulled her into an embrace. “It’s okay.”

Chi Nuan covered her face. “It’ll be better next time.”

Gu Ningzi laughed. “Yeah, it’ll get better and better. For both of us.”

Gu Ningzi had an afternoon flight. After brunch, she took Chi Nuan home. Before parting, she repeatedly instructed, “I’ll pick you up on the sixth. Don’t go back to school on your own, okay?”

Chi Nuan: “Got it!”

Gu Ningzi: “No one else at home—make sure to lock the door.”

Chi Nuan: “Got it!”

Gu Ningzi: “Finish your homework while I’m gone.”

“…” Chi Nuan laughed and threw herself into her arms. “Miss me, Gu Ningzi.”

Chi Nuan didn’t head upstairs until Gu Ningzi’s car was out of sight. She fished her keys from her bag to unlock the door, her fingertip brushing a hard wooden edge. …What was that? Chi Nuan didn’t remember putting anything like this in her bag. Curious, she opened it wide and looked inside.

An exquisitely crafted Jewelry Box.

Chi Nuan hurried inside and studied it for a moment before opening it.

A white note paper caught her eye first. She took it out, revealing the Emerald Necklace beneath.

It reminded her of the Oil Painting Gu Ningzi had done of her mom—the Emerald Gem Earrings on her mom’s ears were similar.

She unfolded the note, seeing Gu Ningzi’s handwriting as expected.

“I was going to give it to you on your birthday. Take it and cherish it like you cherish me. Love you.”

…She hadn’t given it in person on her birthday because she was afraid it’d be refused?

Chi Nuan carefully put away the Necklace and mentally calculated the time. When Gu Ningzi was about to reach the airport, she sent a message.

Chi Nuan: “You…”

Gu Ningzi: “[Love you]”

Chi Nuan: “Love you.”