Chapter 24: Sister’s Little Loyal Dog

The sound that finally jolted them awake was Gu Yanming slamming the door on his way out.

Shen Wanqing collapsed into Lu Zhixia’s arms, dissolving into laughter.

Lu Zhixia sighed helplessly, ruffling her hair like she would a child’s, and chuckled. “I need to talk to the director—add a kiss scene on the spot and get her to pay me extra for it.”

She said it so earnestly that Shen Wanqing leaned against her, her laughter fading, though the corners of her mouth still curved upward. “Were you serious about what you said earlier?”

Lu Zhixia had rattled off a bunch of things earlier; she wasn’t sure which part she meant.

Shen Wanqing leaned in very close, gazing into her eyes, and asked softly, “Am I pretty?”

Her face flushed as she realized just how near they were—close enough to catch the intensifying scent of Udumbara Pheromones. She turned her head away and murmured a quiet “Mm.”

“Mm?” Shen Wanqing wasn’t satisfied. She edged even closer, pressing her forehead to Lu Zhixia’s and nuzzling gently. “Just an ‘Mm’?”

“Pretty,” Lu Zhixia said, her heart pounding. She repeated, “Very pretty.”

Shen Wanqing smiled, pleased, and asked, “What did it feel like for you?”

“Ah?” Lu Zhixia played dumb. Shen Wanqing’s fingertip brushed her lips as she whispered, “Did you like it?”

Lu Zhixia’s ears burned red. She turned her head away and answered honestly, “It was too sudden. I didn’t even have time to feel anything.”

Shen Wanqing let out a light laugh, pulled back a little, ruffled her hair, and said brightly, “Come on, let’s go home.”

The blind date had ended in farce, of course—and there was a price to pay.

On the drive back, Shen Wanqing’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing. She answered but said nothing, her expression icy.

As Lu Zhixia drove, she reflected: had she gone too far?

The issue was that Gu Yanming struck her as the highly pragmatic type. Posed as a blind date match, he had revealed an intensely controlling side, trying to map out Shen Wanqing’s entire life for her.

Lu Zhixia pursed her lips. She hadn’t gone too far at all. If anything, she should’ve landed a couple more punches to knock some sense into him.

This time, the car pulled into Cloud Water Manor at dusk, treating Lu Zhixia to a breathtaking sight: the estate glowing in the sunset like a princess’s castle.

In the fading light, people bustled through the flowerbeds tending the blooms, others trimmed the lawns, and someone fed the fish by the rockery.

“Your neighborhood is huge,” Lu Zhixia remarked, then snorted at the thought of Gu Yanming. “That Gu guy thinks he can keep you? Can he even afford it?”

Shen Wanqing, seated in the back, replied coolly, “Am I that hard to keep?”

Sensing the edge in her tone, Lu Zhixia hurried to explain. “It’s not that you’re hard to keep—you’re already set on your own.”

The car glided along smooth roads deeper into the estate, where the busy workers called out warm greetings.

Charmed by their smiling faces, Lu Zhixia rolled down the window and waved back.

It was then that Shen Wanqing spoke up. “I’m easy to keep. Put me with someone I like, give me food, and I’m good.”

Lu Zhixia smiled. “That reminds me of Sanmao and He Xi.”

He Xi had thought Sanmao should marry rich, but she’d insisted there were exceptions.

When he asked what if it was him, she’d said all she needed was enough money for meals.

He Xi pressed how much she ate; not much, she replied—she could eat even less.

After Lu Zhixia finished recounting their story, Shen Wanqing murmured in agreement. After a long pause, she added, “Sanmao was right. It’s just hard to find a He Xi.” She pointed to the side. “That’s the aquarium over there. It has seafood—you can check it out tonight if you’re hungry.”

Lu Zhixia turned the car and continued on, offering comfort. “There’ll be milk, there’ll be bread. You’ll find your He Xi someday.”

Shen Wanqing gazed out at the brilliant expanse of red clouds, remembering the day they’d first met, when Lu Zhixia’s cheeks had been just as flushed. She chimed in, “Yeah, and you’ll find your Sanmao.”

Lu Zhixia shook her head vehemently. “No no no.” She pulled into a parking spot and drawled slowly, “I won’t be anyone’s He Xi, and I don’t want a Sanmao. If I ever find someone I like, I won’t do those dangerous jobs anymore. I’ll just stay obediently by her side.”

Shen Wanqing laughed. “Like a little dog?”

Lu Zhixia knew exactly what she meant and felt no embarrassment—only pride. “Yeah. I like dogs, and I’d love to be hers—following her, guarding her, protecting her.” Her voice turned fierce. “Whoever bullies her, I’ll bite them.”

If she had a tail, it would’ve been wagging by now. Lu Zhixia killed the engine, turned around with a grin, and declared, “I’d be the most loyal puppy.”

Shen Wanqing’s lips curved into a smile. She pushed open the door and stepped out, teasing, “Little loyal dog.”

The aquarium was astonishingly vast, filled with species Lu Zhixia didn’t recognize.

Thoughtfully, every glass tank bore a label detailing the most suitable cooking methods.

“These are all edible?” Lu Zhixia asked in surprise.

“Yes,” Shen Wanqing confirmed after circling the space. “Anything you see here—if you want to eat it.”

“Wow.” Lu Zhixia’s mouth formed a perfect O. “Your neighborhood is loaded—you even keep your own fish.”

Shen Wanqing didn’t reply, just trailed behind Lu Zhixia and listened to her murmuring the names under her breath: “Butter crab, East Star grouper, forget-me-not fish, blacklip abalone, jade abalone…”

Lu Zhixia was blown away. No wonder they called it the aquarium—the selection was incredible.

“I’ve never even tasted these.” Lu Zhixia pressed her face to the glass, her voice tinged with grievance. “I’ve gotta hustle and make some money.” She opened her mouth wide against the glass and dragged it along, letting out a goofy roar. “Rawr! I’m gonna eat every last one of you!”

“Then you’d better savor them slowly.” Shen Wanqing stood right behind her, her tone even. “You can come over to my place anytime. We’ll work through them all.”

Lu Zhixia planted both hands on the glass and glanced back at her. “How much would that set me back?”

“When you eat here with me, it’s on the house.”

Lu Zhixia arched a brow, incredulous. “For real?” She pressed on at once. “This isn’t some estate resident perk, is it?”

“You could say that.” Shen Wanqing gave her shoulder a light pat. “Keep going—there’s more up ahead.”

“No more looking. One more peek and I’ll be drooling.” Lu Zhixia rubbed her belly with regret. “Too bad I’m stuffed today. Can’t eat you guys after all. Live another day.”

Lu Zhixia started toward her car, but Shen Wanqing called out to stop her. “There are all kinds of smart little rides here. They’re a blast to tool around on.”

One resembled those old sidecar motorcycles from wartime movies, complete with an extra seat.

Then there were the off-road bikes, gleaming black and utterly badass.

“This isn’t a perk too, is it?” Lu Zhixia circled the motorbike. Shen Wanqing unhooked a helmet and tossed it to her. “Take a spin. Helps with digestion.”

Lu Zhixia had barely settled on when Shen Wanqing swung her leg over behind her. “Hang a right—there’s a dedicated lane.”

She twisted around and hollered, “You really climbed on? Not scared of wiping out?”

Shen Wanqing’s arms encircled her waist, hands clasped over her stomach in a firm embrace.

“Here we go.” Lu Zhixia leaned forward a touch, and the bike roared to life, surging ahead.

Her midsection gripped tight, her back warmed by firm contact—Lu Zhixia felt a flutter deep in her chest.

The summer breeze was gentle, leaving the young women lost in the thrill of speed and freedom undisturbed.

For so long, Lu Zhixia had bottled up a storm of dark moods. Now, tearing through the night on this bike, she felt utterly liberated.

But she knew full well that in a civilized society, some folks could twist even innocent words into something filthy.

So in her mind, she insisted: I’m really just riding. The bike’s flying, I’m thrilled, my thoughts are pure—no dirty ideas here.

Lu Zhixia hunched low, her body cutting a sleek line.

Shen Wanqing clung to her waist, bodies pressed close. This was the first time in her life she’d been carried like this by someone else.

Unlike riding solo, Shen Wanqing felt not just the rush of velocity but a steady stream of security from the warm body ahead.

Riding alone at breakneck speed made her heart race wildly—she thrived on that edge.

A flicker of fear stirred in Shen Wanqing, yet she couldn’t stop. This was how she tasted the raw pulse of life.

She longed to capture that unique joy in precise words, but she knew her world well enough: some things were best left unsaid. Her pleasure was simple—riding with Lu Zhixia was just riding, cool and exhilarating and fun. For the sake of harmony, she’d cut back on solo spins.

This moment was worlds apart. Shen Wanqing leaned against that warm back, solid as a mountain.

She closed her eyes, listening to the wind whip past.

Lu Zhixia whooped in excitement, and Shen Wanqing’s arms slid upward in their hold, feeling the vibration of her chest.

Pressed to her back, she heard the steady thump-thump of a heartbeat—identical to her own.

The sun dipped low, and young lives burned wild and free.

On the turns, Lu Zhixia leaned deep into the curve, tracing a gorgeous arc.

Shen Wanqing’s spirit crested like foam on a wave, tossed by the surge.

Lu Zhixia was happy, so Shen Wanqing was happy too. Lu chased freedom, and in her grasp, so did Shen.

Shen Wanqing groped for prettier words to describe it, but anything too vivid risked misunderstanding. For the first time, she realized the joy of riding couldn’t be voiced aloud.

Lu Zhixia shrieked in glee. “Woo-hoo! I’m! Having! So! Much! Fun!”

Shen Wanqing clung to her back, blooming with a radiant smile.

The bike carved elegant curves before halting at a corner. Lu Zhixia stood bathed in sunset, pulling off her helmet and tossing her jet-black hair back with a flick.

The breeze lifted her strands; sweat dampened her temples, and her eyes gleamed bright and wild, like an exhilarated beast.

“Can you take a photo for me?” Lu Zhixia clutched her helmet in both arms, one leg planted on the ground as she leaned against the motorcycle.

Shen Wanqing held up her phone and prompted her, “Try a few more poses.”

Lu Zhixia didn’t feel the least bit embarrassed. After striking several cool poses, she dashed over to Shen Wanqing, her breaths coming quick with excitement. “Let me see.”

Vibrant life burst forth beneath the fiery glow of the sunset, radiating brilliant colors.

The contours of her profile, softened by the sunset clouds, resembled the scorching sun itself—dazzling and impossible to ignore.

Even the tips of her hair had been caressed by the sunlight, dyed a vivid red, her entire being exuding a wild, unrestrained energy.

Shen Wanqing swiped through the photos one by one, and Lu Zhixia beamed with delight.

The images suddenly shifted from fiery red to a striking white—she was wearing a long skirt, glancing back over her shoulder.

Lu Zhixia’s eyes sparkled as she saw right through Shen Wanqing, crowing like she’d caught her in the act. “Oh! You secretly snapped a pic of me! Busted!”

Shen Wanqing’s features were calm and distant. She smoothed a damp strand of hair behind her ear and shot back, “And what if I did?”

“Then you owe me compensation.” Lu Zhixia huffed in annoyance. “I showed you those photos from Professor Yan, and you laughed at them.”

“Laughed at them?” Shen Wanqing looked puzzled. “Do you even know what laughing at someone means?”

“That was totally laughing at me!” Lu Zhixia plopped down onto the grass.

Shen Wanqing pressed her lips together and stood beside her, blocking out the sunset. In a soft voice, she said, “Fine, I’ll make it up to you.”

Lu Zhixia sat on the grass, still hugging her helmet, and asked offhandedly, “How?”

Her fingertips idly scratched at the soft grass, sending a faint itch through her.

Shen Wanqing crouched down and suddenly leaned in close.

Lu Zhixia jolted in surprise, leaning backward as she stammered, “W-what are you doing?”

Shen Wanqing gently took the helmet from her arms and set it aside. Then she straddled Lu Zhixia’s legs and leaned forward, claiming her breath in a deep kiss. As their lips and tongues tangled thickly and slowly, she murmured against her mouth, “This time, I’ll take it very slow.”

Lu Zhixia’s scalp burned, tingling all the way to the roots of her hair.