“The weather is fine today. No lightning, no thunderstorms,” Ye Jiayuan remarked calmly, her gaze falling on Fu Chaoying’s hand lightly tugging at her sleeve.
She spoke with such composure it sounded like a simple weather report.
A wave of indescribable disappointment washed over Fu Chaoying’s heart. Did I move too fast? she wondered. They had just confirmed their relationship, and she was already asking to sleep together.
“I see.” Sensing a rejection, Fu Chaoying blinked and tried to play it off with a strained smile. “I was just… joking.”
Before she could finish, her fingers released Ye Jiayuan’s sleeve and she began to step back, trying to widen the distance between them. Suddenly, her wrist tightened. A warm force pulled her back.
“It’s not because the weather is bad this time.”
There was a hint of imperceptible playfulness in Ye Jiayuan’s tone.
Fu Chaoying looked up, crashing into the depths of Ye Jiayuan’s eyes, only to hear a soft, smiling whisper: “Come downstairs with me to get my suitcase.”
The soft touch on her wrist felt like a current, sending a tingling sensation straight to her heart. Fu Chaoying held her breath instinctively, following Ye Jiayuan out of the room like a shadow.
As they reached the stairs, Ye Jiayuan naturally let go of her wrist. It was as if the previous intimacy was merely an illusion, she played the role of the “secret lover” to perfection, adding a thrilling sense of the forbidden.
In the living room, Liu Xin and the driver had been waiting for a long time. Seeing the CEO and Fu Chaoying descend one after another, they offered appropriate smiles.
Before they could speak, Ye Jiayuan said flatly, “Help me bring up the suitcase.”
Fu Chaoying stood behind her, her expression calm. The two of them looked identical in their professional aloofness. It was as if Ye Jiayuan staying the night at the Fu residence was a perfectly ordinary occurrence.
Liu Xin was internally shocked. Ye Jiayuan kept a permanent suite at the Nanyan Club and owned several properties in the South City and the CBD. Why would she suddenly choose to stay at the Fu house? Could it be…
Liu Xin didn’t dare think further, shaking her head to suppress the impossible thought. She quickly moved to carry the luggage to the second floor guest room and then discreetly exited.
Silence returned to the second floor.
Standing at the door of the guest room, Fu Chaoying stared at the suitcase. A strange emotion bubbled up, and she forced a light laugh. “Well… get some rest, Sister Jiayuan.”
Watching her retreating, disappointed back, Ye Jiayuan’s eyes flickered. Out of nowhere, she asked, “Should we set a secret code?”
The question was nonsensical, but Fu Chaoying understood instantly. She turned around, a smile dancing on her brows as she tilted her head. “The moon is beautiful tonight?” (Note: A Japanese idiom for ‘I love you’).
Ye Jiayuan clearly didn’t get the reference. She frowned slightly, looking genuinely lost. “What?”
Seeing her serious face, Fu Chaoying burst out laughing and waved her hand. “Nothing. You think of one then.”
Ye Jiayuan paused, seemingly in deep thought. After a moment, she looked up and slowly uttered: “Changes in parity leave the sign unchanged.”
Her tone was solemn, as calm as water.
Fu Chaoying blurted out the response instinctively: “The sign depends on the quadrant.” (Note: A common Chinese mnemonic for trigonometric functions).
This code… is very “science student.”
Fu Chaoying found it both hilarious and adorable. She curled her lips into a smile and turned back to her room to shower.
Later, lying on her bed scrolling through her phone, she saw a WeChat message from her aunt: [There’s an event at the Provincial Artists Association tomorrow. You’re coming with me.]
Not knowing when her aunt had returned, Fu Chaoying pursed her lips and replied simply: [Okay.]
Just as she sent the reply, a soft knock sounded at her door. Two taps, then silence, followed by a cool voice: “Changes in parity leave the sign unchanged.”
Fu Chaoying’s smile returned. She cleared her throat and called out, “The sign depends on the quadrant!”
The door handle turned gently, and Ye Jiayuan’s tall figure appeared. She was wearing silk pajamas, long sleeves and pants, looking much like she did back in Singapore.
Fu Chaoying’s eyes swept over her quickly before settling on her eyes, which always hid emotions she couldn’t quite read.
Ye Jiayuan’s gaze also fell on her, lingering briefly on the fair skin revealed by Fu Chaoying’s low-cut nightgown. She asked softly, “Are you resting now?”
Fu Chaoying blinked, intentionally teasing, “Is there something else you haven’t done, Sister Jiayuan?”
Ye Jiayuan shook her head and reached out to turn off the bright overhead light.
The room plunged into darkness, save for the faint glow of Fu Chaoying’s phone screen, which cast a dim light on her collarbone, looking exceptionally alluring in the dark.
Ye Jiayuan’s throat moved. She awkwardly shifted her gaze, walked to the bed, and sat down at a distance before climbing in.
Hearing the movement, Fu Chaoying crawled to her side and whispered with a giggle, “Sister Jiayuan… you seem to have forgotten to lock the door.”
She lowered her voice, her tone suggestive and heavy with the thrill of the forbidden in the silent night.
Ye Jiayuan’s breath hitched. “I’ll go now,” she said softly.
As she made to get up, a soft hand caught her wrist in the dark.
“I’m kidding,” Fu Chaoying cooed, gently shaking Ye Jiayuan’s wrist playfully. “Aunt Wu won’t just barge in.”
The atmosphere lightened slightly.
Fu Chaoying let go and lay down properly. As Ye Jiayuan settled beside her, Fu Chaoying reached out and realized there was enough space between them for two more people.
She felt a surge of boldness and rolled toward Ye Jiayuan, closing the gap. Her arm brushed against Ye Jiayuan’s, and a sudden, electric sensation shot through her body, making her hold her breath.
In the quiet room, every small sound and the warmth of their touch became magnified.
Sensing Ye Jiayuan tensing up, Fu Chaoying’s lips curled. She slowly moved her fingers, searching until she found Ye Jiayuan’s palm. She lightly traced the palm, feeling its dry warmth.
Moving further down, her fingertips brushed over Ye Jiayuan’s fingers as if testing the waters. Ye Jiayuan held her breath, her body growing increasingly stiff. After a few seconds, her pinky finger was gently hooked by a soft digit.
“Sister Jiayuan,” Fu Chaoying said with a hint of a pout, “don’t you owe me something?”
Ye Jiayuan’s throat bobbed. She let the younger girl rub against her pinky. “What?” she asked, her voice still level.
Fu Chaoying rubbed the finger and then slid her own into the gaps between Ye Jiayuan’s fingers. “You refused to hug me in Singapore.”
As their fingers intertwined, Ye Jiayuan took a deep breath and hummed a soft “Mhm.”
Fu Chaoying chuckled. “So, shouldn’t you pay me back now?”
In the darkness, Fu Chaoying turned her head to look at her, but Ye Jiayuan remained still. Fu Chaoying moved her thumb to stroke the web of Ye Jiayuan’s hand, a silent nudge. Yet, the person beside her remained as cold and self-possessed as ever.
Was the flirting just in my head? Fu Chaoying wondered. It’s night, we’re in bed together, how can she still act like this?
Just as her patience was wearing thin, the hand interlaced with hers suddenly tightened. A warm force pulled her in.
Immediately, Fu Chaoying’s nose was filled with the faint scent of magnolia. The moment she was embraced, her senses were heightened. Through two thin layers of silk, softness pressed against softness. A warm, strong palm rested on her waist. Fu Chaoying trembled, an indescribable feeling rose from her heart.
“Sleep,” Ye Jiayuan whispered. Her voice was calm, but held a trace of hidden helplessness.
Fu Chaoying buried her face in Ye Jiayuan’s neck. She tried to close her eyes, but her racing heart and the heat radiating from her body wouldn’t let her sleep. Ye Jiayuan’s embrace was more stimulating than a double shot of espresso.
Wrapped in warmth and beginning to sweat slightly, Fu Chaoying mumbled, “I can’t sleep.”
Ye Jiayuan loosened her grip slightly, creating some space. “Sorry, is it too tight?”
She’s too rational, too polite, Fu Chaoying thought. She looked up, unable to see her face, and whispered, “It’s okay.”
They lay there in a comfortable distance, the air thick with something unspoken. Listening to their synchronized breathing, Fu Chaoying asked, “You’re leaving tomorrow night. Do you want to go to the art museum with me during the day?”
Ye Jiayuan was silent for a moment. “I have to visit a tech company for an inspection tomorrow morning.”
So, Ye Jiayuan hadn’t come specifically for her. She had work in Nanyan. She had other, more important things to do.
It was normal, Fu Chaoying told herself, but she couldn’t help the pang of disappointment. Neither spoke again. Fu Chaoying forced herself to clear her mind and eventually drifted off.
The next morning, sunlight filtered into the room.
Ye Jiayuan opened her eyes to the sight of slightly parted pink lips and a pale face glowing in the morning light. She gazed at her, her hand rising instinctively to touch Fu Chaoying’s cheek, only to stop inches away and drop back down.
She stared intensely at her sleeping face before closing her eyes again, her arm around Fu Chaoying’s waist tightening. Her breath grew heavy for a fleeting moment she hoped went unnoticed.
Soon after, Fu Chaoying woke up, blinking groarily, surprised to find Ye Jiayuan still there. Before she could admire the sight, a frantic knocking erupted at the door.
Fu Chaoying’s heart leapt into her throat. They hadn’t done anything but sleep, yet she felt the sudden, terrifying guilt of being “caught in bed.”
“Xiao Ying, why aren’t you up yet?”
It was her aunt! Why was she here?
Fu Chaoying remembered the door wasn’t locked. Her heart skipped a beat as she hurriedly pushed Ye Jiayuan awake.
Ye Jiayuan, not fully awake, frowned in confusion. “Hmm?”
“Xiao Ying?” Fu Anjun’s voice called again, more urgent this time.
Understanding the situation, Ye Jiayuan sat up instantly, her movements swift and decisive.
“I’m coming in?”
At the last second, Fu Chaoying shoved Ye Jiayuan into the bathroom and shut the door. As the bedroom door opened, Fu Chaoying forced herself to look calm, faking a yawn. “Auntie, why are you here?”
Her tone was perfectly drowsy.
Fu Anjun looked at her sleepy state and gave her a slight side eye. “I knew you’d be late. I came to pick you up for the museum.” She was clearly worried Fu Chaoying would use oversleeping as an excuse to skip.
Fu Anjun glanced around. “Aunt Wu said Xiao Yuan was here too. Where is she?”
Fu Chaoying smiled naturally, her brain working at lightning speed. “Sister Jiayuan has a habit of working out. Is she in the gym?”
Fu Anjun nodded. “Go wash up then.” With that, she turned to leave.
Fu Chaoying exhaled in relief, quickly locked the door, and ran to the bathroom. “Sister Jiayuan, you can come out now.”
Ye Jiayuan gave her a calm look and walked toward the bedroom door, only to find it wouldn’t budge.
Fu Chaoying gave an awkward smile. “I… I was in such a rush I accidentally locked it.”
Ye Jiayuan sighed almost imperceptibly, unlocked the door, and walked out. Fu Chaoying trusted Ye Jiayuan’s ability to handle the situation, she would surely find a natural way to explain where she had been.
Fu Chaoying finished her morning routine in record time and applied light makeup before heading downstairs.
In the dining room, Ye Jiayuan and Fu Anjun were already seated, talking. Noticing Fu Chaoying, Ye Jiayuan offered a polite nod.
Fu Chaoying matched the energy. “Good morning, Sister Jiayuan.”
The older women were discussing a charity auction. Fu Chaoying listened quietly, playing the role of a bystander. After breakfast, the three of them left together. Ye Jiayuan went to her corporate visit, while Fu Chaoying and her aunt headed to the Provincial Art Museum.
On the way, Fu Anjun asked casually, “Why is Xiao Yuan staying with you?”
Fu Chaoying remained poised, using the excuse she’d prepared: “Sister Jiayuan said she’s dodging Aunt Chu’s pressure to get married.”
Fu Anjun nodded, then asked, “Are you two close now?”
Fu Chaoying felt a twinge of nerves. She pursed her lips. “I guess. She’s a very nice person.”
Fu Anjun gave her a meaningful look and said flatly, “Xiao Yuan is a good person, but you should keep an appropriate distance. Don’t go running to her for every little thing.”
Fu Chaoying took a deep breath. “I know.”
Keep your distance. Don’t bother her. This was the rule Fu Anjun always expected her to follow.
Fu Chaoying wanted to laugh. When she found out Ye Yi’an was cheating, Fu Anjun had asked why she didn’t tell the family first. But if she had, would Fu Anjun have truly stood by her?
She remembered her freshman year of college when she was ostracized by her roommates. She fought back, and they complained to the counselor. When she asked her aunt if she could come to the school to help, Fu Anjun had simply said: “You know how busy I am. Why don’t you look at yourself first? Is there something you did wrong? Even if they are bullying you, you’ve always been too soft. How will you survive in society?”
Later, it was her grandmother, Fu Li, who found out. Despite her failing health, she came to the school in a wheelchair. “Our Xiaoying is well-behaved and kind. She would never hurt anyone without reason.”
She still remembered her grandmother’s sallow face and labored breathing.
Fu Chaoying went silent, clearly unwilling to continue the conversation. Fu Anjun sensed the tension and changed the subject.
The Provincial Artists Association was hosting a Southern Ink Wash exhibition. They had borrowed several pieces by Fu Li and invited her descendants to a seminar. Fu Chaoying hated these events. People would praise her grandmother’s achievements and then subtly hint that the family should donate more of Fu Li’s private collection.
Fu Chaoying had watched those paintings come to life. Her grandmother had held her hand, teaching her stroke by stroke. To her, they weren’t just valuable art, they represented her grandmother’s unconditional love.
It was a preference no one else had ever given her.
She would never let anyone take away these tangible pieces of love.
During the seminar, Fu Chaoying remained silent as usual, watching her aunt mingle. At 11:00 AM, during the break, she tried to leave, but her aunt caught her. “Your sister is coming soon too.”
Fu Chaoying hummed an acknowledgment and checked her phone. She saw a message from Ye Jiayuan sent thirty minutes ago: [Are you free for lunch?]
Her heart skipped. She replied instantly: [Call me directly, otherwise Auntie won’t let me leave.]
Almost immediately, a voice call request popped up.
Ye Jiayuan said on the phone that the tech company she was inspecting needed a traditional Chinese painting consultant. She asked if Fu Chaoying could join them for lunch to discuss a collaboration.
Fu Chaoying pretended to hesitate and asked her aunt for permission. “Sister Jiayuan says there’s a work opportunity. She wants me to come talk to them.”
Fu Anjun, busy talking to the association members, waved her off. “If it’s work, go ahead. Just remember to come back early this afternoon.”
The moment Fu Chaoying stepped out of the museum, she felt like she could finally breathe. Just as she was about to call a taxi, a car horn honked behind her.
She turned to see a black Mercedes slowing to a stop.
Ye Jiayuan stepped out and walked toward her with firm, steady strides. Silhouetted against the light, she looked like a savior descending from the heavens.
Fu Chaoying’s heart throbbed. She stood frozen as Ye Jiayuan reached her and said softly, “It’s only been three hours. Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten what your girlfriend looks like?”
There was a definite trace of a smile in her voice.