Xia Nai’s steps paused, and she bit her lip involuntarily.
Even though the basement garage was not warm, and the air felt damp and chillingly cold, Xia Nai broke out in a sudden sweat!
She stared at that unhurriedly moving figure pushing a suitcase ahead of her, her gaze trembling. The few steps she had just taken had shifted the improperly tied knots right against her most sensitive areas, and the discomfort was only now sluggishly making itself known.
Physically and psychologically, it was uncomfortable on every level!
She had initially harbored a sliver of hope that this person hadn’t noticed, but now, that hope was utterly shattered!
What’s wrong? Can’t walk?
The person walking ahead noticed that her follower had fallen behind, so she stopped and turned around.
Seeing Lin Yuran look back at her, Xia Nai didn’t know what came over her; she instinctively pulled her coat tighter around herself!
Lin Yuran looked at the arms suddenly crossed tightly in front of Xia Nai’s chest and raised a delicate eyebrow.
Now she knew to cover up, perhaps a bit too late.
Her inspecting gaze lacked any warmth, like someone suppressing a certain emotion as it drifted down inch by inch, landing on the bare calves exposed beneath the trench coat.
It was affecting her walk.
Recalling how Xia Nai had been sitting on pins and needles in the car, Lin Yuran closed her eyes for a moment, her thick, long eyelashes brushing against the air to sweep away chaotic guesses, leaving behind only one conclusion:
It wasn’t just what she had seen up top; she was going commando.
The lower half, hidden beneath the trench coat, was the same.
Moving her gaze back up to Xia Nai’s face, meeting those eyes that were just as clear and simple as they had been in her memories, Lin Yuran’s expression was far sharper than before.
Who was it that brought her into playing something like this?
Under that suddenly sharpened gaze, the spot that had already been moistened and irritated by the rope contracted sharply, and Xia Nai’s heart skipped a heavy beat!
Knowing that the other person was well aware of her current condition, and being looked at like this, Xia Nai felt as though she had been stripped naked. Blood rushed to her face all at once, turning it instantly crimson!
She genuinely wanted to bury her face in the ground!
Why did it have to be Lin Yuran who saw her?!
If it were a stranger, her embarrassment would quickly fade, and she might even laugh about it later out of sheer awkwardness.
Why did it have to be Lin Yuran?!
How was she supposed to forget this when she’d be seeing her every single day from now on?!
Xia Nai, the elevator is here. What are you dawdling for?
A voice called out from not far away. Xia Nai looked over and saw her mother leaning most of her body out from the elevator entrance.
What are you and Xiao Ran doing? If you have something to say, say it inside.
She had nothing to say!
Xia Nai felt like she could never possibly have anything to say to Lin Yuran again!
She had been seen completely bare!
And she was a proud, unswerving lesbian! Who was she supposed to vent this grievance to?!
Stop shouting, I’m coming!
Answering back, Xia Nai broke into a run. Amidst the friction-induced pain of the ropes, she wailed wildly in her heart all the way into the elevator!
Why is your face so red?
As soon as Xia Nai stepped inside, Xia Lian noticed the anomaly. Primarily, Xia Nai’s face was flushed almost the color of a ripe tomato, making it hard to miss.
It’s hot!
While shouting this out, Xia Nai simultaneously knocked her mother’s hand away from the open button and frantically pressed the close button.
What are you doing? Xiao Ran hasn’t gotten in yet.
Xia Lian immediately tried to push past Xia Nai to hit the open button again.
Bursting with a sudden surge of strength, Xia Nai planted herself firmly in front of the control panel, refusing to budge an inch as she continuously hammered the close button.
The elevator doors began to slide shut, and just as they were about to meet, a familiar hand reached inside.
At the same time, Xia Lian managed to reclaim control of the panel and pressed the open button.
The elevator doors slowly slid open once more, fully revealing Lin Yuran’s tall figure standing outside.
Meeting eyes, Xia Nai, whose successful escape had fallen just short, spotted a flash of amusement in those slender eyes behind the lenses through her own peripheral vision.
What was she laughing at? Laughing at her failed attempt?
You naughty child, how old are you, playing tricks like this!
Xia Lian reached out and gave the back of Xia Nai’s head a smack, knocking her already listing hair bun even further crooked.
Withdrawing her gaze, Xia Nai rubbed her head and stayed silent.
She wasn’t playing around; she genuinely wanted to leave the person behind, just never expecting her to walk so fast!
It was utterly vexing. Xia Nai turned around to face the corner, adopting a posture of absolute unwillingness to communicate.
Xia Lian offered an explanation on Xia Nai’s behalf: Xiao Ran, Xia Nai was just joking around with you. She didn’t genuinely want to lock you out. That’s just how she is, always full of mischievous energy.
Looking at Xia Nai’s back turned toward her, the corners of Lin Yuran’s lips curved upward slightly.
I know.
Seeing that Lin Yuran didn’t mind, Xia Lian breathed a sigh of relief. Very soon, the elevator reached the 7th floor.
Xiao Ran, right over here, 701, we’ve arrived.
Xia Lian briefly introduced the apartment layout: it was one elevator serving two households, and her unit faced west with excellent lighting.
Guiding her to the front door, Xia Lian verified her fingerprint while telling Lin Yuran the password, 711711, which was a duplicate of Xia Nai’s birthday.
No need to memorize it. Later, you can have Xia Nai register your fingerprint so you can use it to unlock the door.
Remaining silent, Xia Nai offered no response. She certainly wasn’t going to register Lin Yuran’s fingerprint. Following closely behind the two of them, she watched her mother and Lin Yuran walk in affectionately, hand in hand, feeling very much like she was the one renting a room from them instead.
Unlocking successful. Welcome home.
The passcode lock chimed, and the door swung open.
As soon as they stepped inside, Lin Yuran’s eyes fell upon a large painting hanging on the wall directly facing the entrance, taking up a good portion of the surface area.
It depicted a sunset.
Without even checking the signature, Lin Yuran could tell this was painted by Xia Nai.
She still loved sunsets just as much.
Her shoulder bumped, and Lin Yuran pulled her gaze away to look at the person beside her who was rushing anxiously inside.
Xia Nai figured these two definitely still had plenty of nonsense left to talk about, and she was desperate to get inside. She needed to untie the ropes on her body and check if her private parts had suffered any abrasions or breaks.
She might even need to apply some ointment.
Squeezing past the middle of them, Xia Nai kicked off her shoes the moment she crossed the threshold, not even bothering to change into slippers as she made a beeline for her bedroom.
However, she had barely taken a step before a strong force from behind grabbed the belt of her coat.
Where do you think you’re going? Xia Lian frowned, displeased by Xia Nai’s rushed, frantic demeanor. Go clean up the second bedroom first!
Xia Nai felt a wave of gratitude that she had instinctively tied a hard, dead knot in her panic, preventing her mother from pulling her coat open!
I need to change my clothes first!
Change what clothes? Go tidy up the second bedroom right now.
Xia Lian’s apartment wasn’t large: two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The entrance featured a shoe cabinet, right beside which was the door to the secondary bedroom.
Speaking as she opened the door to the guest room, she pushed Xia Nai right inside. Look at this bed; it’s covered in plushies. Clear them out right now.
The apartment had been rented out in a rush, and since Xia Nai hadn’t been paying attention when called that morning, her room was still piled high with various items, looking anything but livable.
Feeling a bit awkward, Xia Lian turned to Lin Yuran. We hadn’t originally planned to rent out the second bedroom, and Xiao Ran, your move was rather sudden, so things haven’t been tidied up yet. How about this: you sit down and rest for a moment while Xia Nai gets it ready for you.
With that, she took a pair of disposable slippers out of the shoe cabinet and handed them over. Just wear these for now. I’ll have Xia Nai buy you a new pair later.
Taking them and putting them on, Lin Yuran said thank you before handing over a gift box she had been carrying.
A small gesture, Auntie Xia. I’ll be troubling you and Xia Nai from here on out.
Seeing the gift box handed to her, Xia Lian caught a quick glimpse of bird’s nest tonic and health supplements. She was a bit surprised, not expecting this to be for her.
No need, you’re too polite, child. It’s our Xia Nai who will be causing you trouble moving forward.
Xia Lian’s favorable impression of Lin Yuran rose another notch. Given how rushed this rental arrangement was, the girl had still prepared a gift; her interpersonal skills were truly impeccable, and her own Xia Nai really ought to take notes.
Using Xia Lian’s own words from the car earlier, Lin Yuran replied, Xia Nai and I will look after each other. You’re doing me a huge favor by being willing to rent your place to me. My travel schedule was rushed, so I didn’t bring anything extraordinary. I hope you won’t mind.
Since things had reached this point, and seeing that the gift wasn’t expensive enough to demand an equivalent return favor, Xia Lian accepted it, though she didn’t intend to keep it for herself.
Give this to Xia Nai. Her body needs nourishment far more than mine does.
Lin Yuran curved her lips slightly. This is for you, Auntie. As for Xia Nai,
She paused there, her smile deepening. I have a separate gift for her.
Hearing this, Xia Nai, who was inside the guest room racking her brains over how to clean up, poked her head out. A gift?
Xia Lian shot her a glare that practically sliced her back into the room: Did you prepare a gift for her? Asking for a gift right off the bat? Hurry up and clear out that second bedroom!
Xia Nai:
Did she ask for one? She was just surprised!
Surprised that this person rented an apartment and still brought gifts for both the landlord and the landlord’s daughter, acting as if she had money to burn
Thanks, no gift needed, and I don’t have one for you either.
With that, Xia Nai suppressed her physical discomfort out of sheer irritation and went back to clearing the clutter off the bed.
Even though she had been rebuffed, Lin Yuran’s gaze looked somewhat lighter than before.
Auntie Xia.
Turning her attention to Xia Lian and dropping the subject of gifts, Lin Yuran politely asked, Where is the restroom?
Xia Lian had originally wanted to scold Xia Nai a bit more for being impolite, but hearing the question, she put on a smiling face and pointed out the direction for Lin Yuran.
The house was quite small. Aside from the open dining and living room area and the balcony visible through a glass door, the remaining rooms consisted of Xia Nai’s bedroom, the kitchen, and right in the middle, the bathroom.
Hearing that Lin Yuran had headed toward the bathroom and listening to the door click shut, Xia Nai promptly pulled her mother into the guest room and lowered her voice.
Mom, I still think this is a bad idea. We cannot rent this room to Lin Yuran.
Putting aside the extremely awkward situation of accidentally being seen naked, Xia Nai possessed a sixth sense telling her that she simply couldn’t live under the same roof as Lin Yuran.
This person felt worlds apart from her childhood memories, giving Xia Nai an uncontrollable sense of insecurity.
I’ll refund all her money. Fearing her mother would disagree, Xia Nai gestured to the corners of the room packed tight with junk. With so much stuff and nowhere to put it, we should just let her stay in a hotel instead.
Even Xia Nai had to admit that Lin Yuran’s image clashed violently with her dog kennel of a room; she belonged in a five-star hotel suite, looking radiant and dazzling.
There was zero chance of persuading Xia Lian now.
Even if you refund her money, I’m still renting to her. She can stay for free, for as long as she wants.
Through their brief interaction along the way, Xia Lian’s impression of Lin Yuran had completely shifted from the obedient bookworm of her childhood to a capable, poised, and exceptionally well-rounded young adult.
The crucial part was that this outstanding young adult had also agreed to help guide her Xia Nai toward self-improvement.
Xia Lian shared an inexplicable intuition as well; she felt that once Lin Yuran moved in, Xia Nai would undergo a massive transformation.
After all, proximity breeds influence.
Moreover, she harbored a secret, unspoken little pleasure of her own. She thought of the ancient story of Mencius’ mother moving three times to secure a good environment, and how talent nurtured elsewhere had looped back around to fall right into her lap as a ready-made advantage, giving her a subtle sense of hidden triumph.
Mom, my dear mom!
Continuing her attempt at persuasion, Xia Nai tried an angle she considered exceptionally useful: Look at Lin Yuran’s looks, aren’t you even slightly worried I might develop feelings for her? What if, hypothetically, she develops feelings for me too? When that happens, you’ll have to go over to Lin Yuran’s mother’s house to apologize, and she’ll definitely claim your daughter corrupted her precious child!
Xia Nai remembered this from when her mother mentioned the observation tower sunset earlier; back in the day, her mother had warned her to stay away from Lin Yuran precisely because of this.
Relax, she’s straight. Xia Lian wasn’t worried about that possibility.
When Xia Nai came out of the closet, she had explicitly stated that sexual orientation is innate and unchangeable.
Xia Nai looked surprised. How do you know?
She herself had sensed something amiss earlier, harbouring a faint, indistinct intuition that Lin Yuran might not be entirely straight though she wasn’t certain.
She has a fiancé. Xia Lian had heard about it from an old colleague back when Lin Qing mentioned it. They said he’s a foreigner with an exceptionally good background.
Not only wealthy, but also Lin Yuran’s Ivy League classmate who got engaged right upon graduation. Xia Lian had never liked Lin Qing, so she brushed those comments aside when she first heard them, but seeing Lin Yuran in person now brought those past details flooding back into place.
Xia Nai blinked in astonishment. She actually had a partner and was engaged? No wonder, Xia Nai thought of the ring indent on Lin Yuran’s ring finger, which suddenly made a lot of sense.
Yet, that didn’t quite add up either. If so, why take the ring off? Were they having relationship troubles?
As this thought popped up, Xia Nai linked the clues together and reverse-engineered the situation, deducing a plausible possibility.
A possibility that made all these pieces fit: Lin Yuran most likely had a falling out with this fiance, which was why she rented a place in the morning and bolted by the afternoon, likely trying to escape that person
No, this makes it even worse! What if she brings that fiancé over to live here,
Her words cut off mid-sentence as the sound of a flushing toilet drifted in from outside, followed by the bathroom door opening.
Realizing Lin Yuran had emerged, she instinctively clamped her mouth shut and glanced toward the doorway.
The next second, Lin Yuran materialized in her field of vision.
Xiao Ran, there’s one thing I forgot to mention regarding a house rule.
Catching sight of her, Xia Lian beckoned her over, acknowledging that the issue Xia Nai just raised was indeed worth addressing.
Look, this apartment only houses you and Xia Nai as two young women. For the sake of safety and privacy, you are not allowed to bring guests over to stay the night.
Pondering for a moment, Xia Lian added, If you want to bring friends over during the day, you’ll need to get Xia Nai’s consent as well. What do you think,
Okay.
Lin Yuran agreed readily, her gaze sweeping past Xia Lian to land on Xia Nai, lingering for a brief second before pulling back to look at Xia Lian again.
Auntie Xia, if Xia Nai wants to bring guests over, I hope,
Before she could finish, Xia Lian interrupted with an equally direct agreement. Of course, she’ll need to get your consent too.
Xia Nai: ???
Whose house was this? What on earth was going on? Why did she need Lin Yuran’s permission to bring people over?
Lin Yuran looked somewhat taken aback as well; what she had intended to say was that she just wanted to be given a heads-up
Just treat this place like your own home. In the future, you and Xia Nai can discuss matters together. Xia Nai’s temper might be a bit rough, but her heart is good. If you talk to her nicely, she’ll listen.
Who has a bad temper? Xia Nai reflexively retorted.
Xia Lian shot her a glare, signaling her to shut up, before returning a warm, amiable smile to Lin Yuran.
If Xia Nai ever bullies you, just give me a call, and I’ll come set her straight.
Xia Nai:
Mom, are you surnamed Lin? Honestly, tell me, whose biological child are you?
Xia Lian reached out and poked her. I’m being impartial, not playing favorites.
Xia Nai let out a skeptical hum. Judging by you, you’re practically lining up to be her adoptive mother.
Lin Yuran closed her eyes for a brief moment, slightly stunned by the trajectory of this argument. Hearing Xia Lian’s words, her hands curling at her sides tightened just a fraction.
It’s getting late; I should head back.
Looking at Lin Yuran, Xia Lian smiled. My husband and I bought a place in the suburbs a couple of years ago, so we mostly live out there now. Xiao Ran, if you have free time on the weekend, come over for a visit. The vegetables we grow ourselves are very healthy. I remember you loved eating bayberries when you were a kid, and they’re in season right now, freshly picked and delicious.
Turning to Xia Nai, Xia Lian’s enthusiasm took over, and she set the schedule on the spot: How about next weekend? Xia Nai, you bring Xiao Ran over for dinner.
Xia Nai:
Hearing this sounded truly twisted. If she ever brought a girl home, it would be her girlfriend; why on earth would she bring Lin Yuran?
Xia Nai opened her mouth to refuse, but Lin Yuran spoke first.
Thank you, Auntie Xia. Then I’ll come impose on you and Uncle next weekend.
Xia Nai:?
Did anyone ask for my opinion? Did I agree to this?
Xia Nai wore an expression of sheer speechlessness.
Turning back, Xia Lian gave her uncooperative daughter another swat. What are you not agreeing to? Which time have you ever come over without eating and taking food away? It’s all been given to you for free, yet you push back every time I ask you to do a simple favor!
The mention of food reminded her of the rent money she had just accepted, prompting another reminder to Xia Nai: Oh right, don’t forget you’re responsible for Xiao Ran’s three daily meals. Everything else is fine, but don’t oversleep for breakfast. Remember to set a few extra alarms.
Xia Lian agreed to this arrangement partly because the rent paid well, and partly because she realized this meant Xia Nai would finally start eating breakfast too.
Her eyes widening in horror, Xia Nai realized that while her focus had previously been entirely on the money, she had completely overlooked the most crucial part!
Right, three meals a day, which included breakfast!
As someone who routinely slept until noon, how on earth was she supposed to wake up early to cook?!
Seeing her mother finish speaking, bid Lin Yuran a weekend farewell, and head straight for the door with Lin Yuran’s gifts in hand, Xia Nai cast aside the pain of the rubbing ropes and rushed after her. Mom, Mom,
She wanted to say she couldn’t handle this chore, but as if anticipating what she would say, her mother purposely denied her the chance, tossed out a final goodbye, and walked off at a brisk pace, slamming the door shut with a loud bang the moment she stepped out.
Following right behind, Xia Nai nearly smashed her nose against the panel.
Mom, you really are my own biological mother!
Pressing her forehead against the door, Xia Nai felt like crying without tears. Sometimes she truly wished she could appeal to the highest authorities to see if anyone could manage this dictatorial Dowager Empress of a mother of hers!
Getting up early wasn’t that different from a death sentence to her?!
No way, your humble servant simply cannot do this!
Convinced that she had to cancel this arrangement even at the risk of getting her head chopped off, Xia Nai clenched her fists and spun around to go track the person down.
Before she knew it, the moment she turned, she crashed headfirst straight into the tall figure in the crisp white shirt!
Lin Yuran had been standing silently right behind her the entire time!
Caught completely off guard, Xia Nai let out a start and took a step back, her entire spine slamming a heavy thud against the door panel.
The crisscrossing rope knots on her back pressed hard against the wood, sending a jolt of sharp pain through her.
Hisss,
The corners of Xia Nai’s eyes welled with sudden moisture as she lifted an indignant glare toward the intruder.
Are you insane? Standing quietly behind someone like a ghost, trying to scare people?!
It was a miracle she didn’t have a heart condition!
Lin Yuran had been standing behind Xia Nai for quite a while.
Meeting those startled, accusation-filled, reddened eyes, the tall figure leaned forward abruptly.
What are you afraid of? I’m not going to eat you.
The scorching breath brushed close to her ear, causing Xia Nai to instinctively jerk her head away.
She wasn’t scared! She was just caught off guard by someone standing behind her; it was more shock than fear, much like how she was currently stunned by this conversational distance that completely overstepped social etiquette!
What’s wrong with you? If you want to talk, talk; why are you leaning in so close?
Looking down, she saw their bodies were practically pressed together, and with no retreat behind her, Xia Nai felt completely cornered.
Looking up at her against the backlight, those slightly upturned, slender eyes behind the lenses looked a bit darker, with a strange, unreadable gleam flashing through those deep black pupils.
What are you doing?
Xia Nai blinked, catching a hint of danger in the other person’s heavier breathing.
Move aside, you’re blocking the way.
Xia Nai reached out to push her away, but she was a beat too slow!
A pair of well-defined hands landed on Xia Nai’s shoulders,
Like an eagle’s talons, pressing firmly right over the rope knots through her trench coat, unyielding and tight.
Xia Nai, do you really like playing this?
Slender fingertips brushed over the crumpled fabric of the trench coat, and the gaze that had been so aloof and restrained earlier swept daringly across Xia Nai’s exposed shoulders and neck, tracing the pulsing veins down into the collar.
With Lin Yuran pressing her weight against the knots, Xia Nai gasped, holding her breath in sheer astonishment!
Uncomprehending of how any of this was happening, and clueless about what would come next, Xia Nai watched wide-eyed as the person before her suddenly brought her lips close.
Warm breath instantly diffused against her ear.
Following a soft chuckle, Xia Nai heard Lin Yuran say:
Let Me Teach You, If You Tie It So Poorly, You Might As Well Let Me Do It.