Chapter 52

The two of them locked eyes in silence. The room was filled with an ambiguous tension, their breathing slowing by half a beat.

Tang Ruan felt a bit uneasy under Ji Jing’s burning gaze. She shifted slightly under the blanket and blinked at him. “Do you still have work to do?”

Ji Jing lowered his head and gave her a hard kiss before hoarsely replying, “No work tonight. I’ll take a shower and then join you.”

“Oh.”

Tang Ruan licked her lips, clearly satisfied.

“Go ahead, I’ll wait for you.”

Ji Jing paused mid-step, then turned back suddenly. Leaning down, he kissed her again, his hand gripping the back of her neck. His voice was rough as he asked, “Are you doing this on purpose?”

Tang Ruan, stunned by the kiss and still feeling the sting on her tongue, blinked as her thoughts came together. “Did I say something wrong?”

Blushing, she muttered, “I’m going to sleep now. I’m ignoring you.”

Ji Jing gazed at her, narrowing his eyes slightly before licking his lips and letting out a low chuckle. “Be right back.”

…

When Ji Jing entered the bathroom, Tang Ruan slowly pulled the blanket off her head. She had been hiding under it for so long she felt almost suffocated.

The sound of running water drifted from the bathroom. For some reason, Tang Ruan felt no anxiety. Perhaps it was because she believed that whatever happened would feel natural, or perhaps she simply trusted that nothing would happen. Either way, she was ready to accept either scenario.

Ji Jing’s bedding smelled like sunlight, as if it had been freshly aired.

Tang Ruan picked up her phone and started scrolling to pass the time.

Just then, Ji Ling bombarded her with messages. Having heard from her mother that Ji Jing and Tang Ruan had come home, Ji Ling couldn’t wait to dig for information. However, worried she might interrupt something, she refrained from calling and instead sent texts.

Ji Ling: “Sister-in-law! Are you still awake?”

Tang Ruan: “Not yet, it’s only 11. What about you? Why aren’t you asleep?”

Ji Ling: “Just finished my homework. It’s so cold at school.”

Tang Ruan: “No heating?”

Ji Ling: “Not yet. It’s not time for it yet.”

The dormitory wasn’t a fully enclosed space, and the heating system was powerful enough that the school usually waited until it was colder to turn it on. For now, it wasn’t considered necessary.

Ji Ling lay in bed, still feeling a bit chilly. She figured it might be because her blanket was too thin and made a mental note to buy a thicker one tomorrow.

During the day, though, it wasn’t that cold.

Tang Ruan: “Is your blanket warm enough? Do you need me to bring you one?”

Ji Ling: “No need, no need! I’ll go buy a new one with my roommate tomorrow.”

Tang Ruan: “Do you have enough money?”

Ji Ling: “Plenty.”

Though her monthly allowance wasn’t much, Ji Ling had saved quite a bit from New Year’s gifts and red envelopes. She was never short on money. The only reason she’d asked for her allowance before was because missing even one month made her feel uneasy.

It wasn’t about need; even if she were restricted to just a small amount, she’d never skimp on herself. Ji Jing was well aware of this.

As the two chatted, the bathroom door opened. Tang Ruan looked up at the man stepping out and froze for a moment before quickly replying to Ji Ling:

Tang Ruan: “Going to sleep now, you should rest early too.”

Ji Ling: “…?”

–

Steam billowed out of the bathroom, and Tang Ruan swallowed hard, her eyes fixed on Ji Jing.

He held a white towel, stepping out with an air of casual relaxation. His tall, lean figure was wrapped in a bathrobe, and faint glimpses of his abs could be seen.

This was only the second time Tang Ruan had seen this side of him, yet she already found herself far less shy.

She pressed her lips together and said before Ji Jing could sit down, “Let me dry your hair for you.”

Ji Jing stared at her flushed cheeks for a few seconds before handing her the towel.

Tang Ruan knelt on the sofa to dry his hair, then grabbed a nearby hair dryer.

His hair was soft and short, just the right length—exactly how she liked it. As the warm air blew through his hair, his features were fully revealed: sharp brows, bright eyes, and an undeniably handsome face.

It was the kind of look that could make someone lose themselves completely.

Tang Ruan reached out and let the hum of the hairdryer fill the room. Neither of them spoke, letting the ambiguous atmosphere grow.

Since Ji Jing’s hair was short, it dried in just a few minutes.

Tang Ruan leaned in closer, catching a faint whiff of Ji Jing’s clean and refreshing scent. It was the fragrance of his body wash, which she had also used just moments earlier.

As the sound of the hairdryer ceased, Tang Ruan lowered her head to wind up the cord, preparing to put it away.

Before she could finish, the room’s lights suddenly dimmed. Startled, she raised her head, only for Ji Jing’s burning kiss to descend upon her.

Their lips and tongues entwined as the hairdryer was discarded somewhere, forgotten.

Their breaths mingled and grew heavier, the kiss stretching on and on until Tang Ruan, feeling out of breath, gave a soft, muffled protest. Only then did Ji Jing finally let her go.

In the pitch-black room, they gazed at each other under the faint light filtering through the window. Their eyes sparkled like stars.

Tang Ruan cupped Ji Jing’s face, leaning forward to plant a soft kiss on his lips before whispering, “What are you doing?”

Ji Jing held the back of her head and lightly nipped at her lips before his deep voice answered, “Stop teasing me.”

He wasn’t as composed as he’d imagined himself to be. Around Tang Ruan, his restraint crumbled bit by bit.

When he stepped out of the bathroom earlier and saw her lying on his bed waiting for him, his self-control was already teetering on the edge. And when she offered to dry his hair, her gentle hands running through his hair, all he could think about was pinning her beneath him and indulging himself thoroughly.

…

Tang Ruan shyly nuzzled into his neck, cautiously asking, “Are you okay now?”

In his arms, she could feel the physical reaction he couldn’t suppress.

Ji Jing: “…”

He took a deep breath, buried his face in her neck, and planted a kiss there before staying still, holding her close.

After a while, Ji Jing rolled onto his side, pulling the blanket over Tang Ruan as he whispered, “Sleep.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

She had no words for his obvious attempt to downplay the situation.

–

Nestled in Ji Jing’s arms and listening to his steady breathing, Tang Ruan lay quietly for a while before speaking.

“Ji Jing.”

“Hmm?” Ji Jing tightened his arms around her. “What’s wrong?”

Tang Ruan opened her eyes and stared at the wall in front of her. Lying in Ji Jing’s embrace felt incredibly safe.

She didn’t know how to put it into words. Back in their home, they used to sleep in separate rooms, but now, sharing a bed felt completely natural—no awkwardness, no hesitation.

During this time, Tang Ruan had done a lot of thinking. At first, asking Ji Jing to “chase” her had been her way of processing her feelings. She had changed too quickly and wanted to give herself time to adjust. Deep down, there had also been an unspoken mix of emotions that made her more reserved and hesitant.

But after spending more time with him, Tang Ruan realized she couldn’t deceive herself anymore. She liked Ji Jing—a lot. Her feelings had gone far beyond a fleeting affection; it was deep, genuine love.

So, she thought, since she liked him so much, there was no reason to hold back or play coy. Being together naturally was the best course of action.

Besides, they were already husband and wife in name and reality.

After some contemplation, Tang Ruan buried her face against his chest and softly murmured, “You don’t have to chase me anymore.”

Hearing this, Ji Jing lowered his head to look at her, momentarily stunned.

Then he asked, “What did you say?”

Tang Ruan clicked her tongue in embarrassment and huffed, “If you didn’t hear it, forget it.”

Ji Jing kissed her earlobe and asked in a low voice, “Does it mean what I think it does?”

Tang Ruan didn’t answer, but she hugged him tightly and nuzzled into him to express her feelings.

…

Ji Jing froze briefly before showing his joy through his actions.

He kissed Tang Ruan deeply, his lips trailing downward.

The kiss stretched on for so long that Tang Ruan’s lips felt numb by the time they stopped.

Holding her close, Ji Jing whispered in his low, raspy voice, “Sleep now.”

“What about you…”

Ji Jing stroked her hair, unwilling to push her too far tonight.

“I’ll go to the bathroom for a bit. I’ll be back.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

After a pause, she asked, “Do you need help?”

Ji Jing froze, his gaze deepening as he stared at her for a long moment. His Adam’s apple bobbed before he finally declined, “No.”

He worried that if she helped, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself.

After all, this wasn’t the best time or place, and they weren’t prepared.

With that, Ji Jing entered the bathroom.

When he emerged again, Tang Ruan was already asleep.

Seeing her peaceful expression, Ji Jing’s heart softened inexplicably. He kissed her lightly on the eyelids and lay down to hold her, drifting off to sleep with her in his arms.

The night grew deeper, and the moonlight shone brighter.

–

The next morning, the first rays of dawn lit up the room.

Tang Ruan had slept soundly and woke up feeling refreshed and energetic.

The spot beside her was empty, but there were sounds coming from elsewhere in the room.

As she sat up in bed, Ji Jing emerged from the bathroom. His strong willpower likely meant he’d gone for a run earlier.

“Did you go running?”

Ji Jing nodded, walking over to her. “Did you sleep well?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Tang Ruan glanced at him and said, “Go get dressed. I’ll wash up.”

After getting ready, they went to visit Ji Jing’s grandfather for breakfast. The old man was delighted to see them together and couldn’t hide his satisfaction.

He nodded approvingly and reminded them as they were leaving, “Take care of yourselves, and Ruan Ruan, come visit Grandpa often when you have time.”

Tang Ruan replied gently, “I will.”

Due to various reasons, Ji Jing didn’t call for the driver but instead drove Tang Ruan’s car to take her to her studio.

The morning weather was lovely, with blue skies, white clouds, and a touch of gentle sunlight.

Tang Ruan glanced sideways at Ji Jing, curved her lips into a smile, and teased, “If you drive this car to the company, will people think you’re about to go bankrupt?”

Ji Jing let out a soft laugh. “Not likely.”

He then commented on Tang Ruan’s car. “We’ll take some time this weekend to upgrade it.”

“Upgrade? How?”

“Replace the internal features,” Ji Jing replied after a brief pause. “I don’t mind you driving a regular car, but safety is more important.”

He was worried about potential risks.

Tang Ruan listened and understood his intentions.

“Alright, let’s modify it this weekend.”

“Good.”

Not long after, they arrived at the studio entrance. Tang Ruan unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car. As she tried to open the door, she realized it was still locked.

“You’re not letting me out?”

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow. “Not yet.”

Tang Ruan chuckled helplessly, leaned over, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Ji Jing, however, seized the opportunity to kiss her lips before letting go.

“You’re really something…”

“What?”

Tang Ruan laughed and said, “Always finding ways to take advantage of me.”