42.2. Princess, do you want me to help you relieve some tension

Qin Zhaoyi slept unusually soundly and didn’t have any nightmares.

When she woke up, she saw Luo Yue with her arm on the table, chin resting in her hand, eyes closed.

Not only did the pain relievers work, but the hot water bottle and ginger tea also helped alleviate Qin Zhaoyi’s discomfort a lot.

She couldn’t even remember what happened before she fell asleep.

She vaguely remembered there was some argument between them, but the specifics were forgotten.

The sour and swollen feeling in her heart at the time left an impression, along with a sense of grievance. Probably, she had vented all the emotions of these past few days.

But waking up and seeing Luo Yue made her feel much better.

Qin Zhaoyi stared at her intently as she woke up.

How could someone prefer to grow on her heart?

Luo Yue had a pimple on her forehead, and Qin Zhaoyi found it cute just looking at it.

She even wanted to reach out and touch it, but her hand remained tucked under the covers, damp with sweat, so she didn’t dare to reach out.

Qin Zhaoyi wondered, why doesn’t someone as good as her love me?

Like me, fiercely, passionately loving me.

Moving forward and retreating on the edge of ambiguity, making it impossible for people to figure out.

Qin Zhaoyi’s thoughts were still chaotic when suddenly she met a pair of clear and bright eyes, and a gentle voice sounded in her ears, “Haven’t seen enough yet?”

Qin Zhaoyi’s thoughts were immediately brought back, and she quickly looked away.

Being caught peeking, and even being called out on it face-to-face, felt a bit shameful.

Qin Zhaoyi coughed softly, trying to explain, “I was just checking if you were still asleep…”

“It’s been almost five minutes,” Luo Yue sat up straight, slightly shaking her arms and turning her neck to loosen her muscles, “I can’t keep pretending anymore.”

Qin Zhaoyi remained silent.

With the embarrassment of being caught, Qin Zhaoyi muttered softly, “Then why didn’t you wake up earlier?”

Luo Yue chuckled lightly, “You were too engrossed.”

Qin Zhaoyi grumbled, “And you blame me…”

Looking at her, Luo Yue finally felt relieved that Qin Zhaoyi wasn’t in the same powerless state as before.

She had also figured things out herself, tossing all those tangled questions aside, focusing only on the present moment. Her words became easier, and she casually asked, “What did you say?”

Qin Zhaoyi, feeling annoyed, ran her fingers through her hair with a resigned attitude, “I said it’s my fault.”

Luo Yue shook her head, “How could it be your fault?”

Qin Zhaoyi scoffed lightly, “Don’t you want to blame me?”

Luo Yue said firmly, “Blame me.”

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t expect Luo Yue to readily take responsibility like this and was somewhat incredulous.

Indeed, the next moment, Luo Yue teased, “Blame it on me for being too good-looking, making you so fascinated.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

She even praised herself.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t mind that her fondness for Luo Yue was discovered. Skipping over her own somewhat shy emotions, she confidently said, “Yeah, blame you.”

Luo Yue chuckled softly, the corners of her mouth curving just right, with a hint of a helpless expression. A strand of hair, a little disobedient, accidentally fell in front of her eyes.

Beautiful like a poem or painting.

Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t help but stare again.

It wasn’t until Luo Yue reached out and waved her hand in front of her eyes that she snapped out of it.

Luo Yue asked, “Are you so engrossed because you’re looking at me? Or are you looking through me at someone else?”

Qin Zhaoyi never thought she’d become so “infatuated” one day. After all, she had seen all kinds of glamorous female celebrities in the entertainment industry, but in front of Luo Yue, she always seemed like someone who had never seen the world.

But it also felt reasonable.

Isn’t this how you feel when you like someone?

But thinking of Luo Yue’s previous distant behavior, Qin Zhaoyi didn’t want to admit it so readily. She just stubbornly said, “Of course, I’m looking at someone else.”

Qin Zhaoyi added, “You look a bit like Lu Xinyin, have you noticed?”

Luo Yue was slightly stunned, her smile froze on her face, not expecting Qin Zhaoyi to say such a thing seriously.

“You might not follow entertainment news and don’t know who Lu Xinyin is,” Qin Zhaoyi said, “She’s the female lead in Zhong Ling’s new movie, and she has many fans.”

Luo Yue: “…”

“Seriously?” Luo Yue asked.

Qin Zhaoyi instinctively replied, “When…”

She stopped abruptly after saying a word, looking at the storm brewing in Luo Yue’s eyes, she reluctantly admitted defeat, but it was still awkward to admit her impulsive remarks, so she turned her face away irritably. “I was kidding.”

In Qin Zhaoyi’s eyes, Lu Xinyin was nowhere near as good as Luo Yue, not even a single strand of her hair.

Qin Zhaoyi used to just say hello to her and then bury herself in her phone.

She had never really looked at her seriously.

Luo Yue laughed and reached out to pinch Qin Zhaoyi’s chin. “Mad at me?”

Qin Zhaoyi muttered, “Can you still get mad at me?”

Luo Yue asked back, “Why wouldn’t I?”

“You never cared about me, right? You didn’t get jealous of Zhong Yu, kissing me was impulsive, and you’re too busy every day to even think of me.” Qin Zhaoyi locked eyes with her, in a confrontational stance. “You’d only get mad if you cared. How could you be mad at me?”

Luo Yue paused for a moment. “How do you know I don’t care?”

She cared so much it was driving her crazy.

She almost couldn’t hold it in.

Otherwise, why would she rush back to Moon Island halfway through her journey and return early just from seeing a photo?

She just wasn’t used to throwing all her chips on the table as soon as she sat down to gamble.

Unlike Qin Zhaoyi, who, after throwing these chips, still had people continuously handing them to her, for Luo Yue, these chips, these elusive emotions, were her everything.

Qin Zhaoyi shook her head slowly, denying, “You’ve never said you cared.”

“I’ve never said I didn’t care either,” Luo Yue said.

Qin Zhaoyi stared at her. “So you care?”

Luo Yue countered, “What do you think?”

Qin Zhaoyi pursed her lips, not following Luo Yue’s lead but instead said, “Luo Yue, you’re doing it again.”

By turning the question back into a rhetorical one, she made her guess.

And she couldn’t guess.

Qin Zhaoyi said, “If I felt your care, I wouldn’t ask like this. Your words have no meaning.”

Seeing her patience wearing thin and teetering on the edge of rage, Luo Yue restrained all the push and pull tactics, and spoke gently, “I care.”

Qin Zhaoyi was taken aback, not expecting Luo Yue to relent.

Luo Yue continued, “Quite a lot, actually.”

With the addition of modifiers, her words sounded even more pleasant. Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t help but curl her lips slightly, but quickly suppressed it, afraid that Luo Yue would see through her thoughts.

Pretending to be puzzled, Qin Zhaoyi said, “Then why didn’t you say so?”

Luo Yue fell silent.

She dared not say, could not say.

Qin Zhaoyi asked her, “Are you always this stubborn?”

Luo Yue paused, then said somewhat stiffly after a few seconds, “Am I?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“It’s your own mouth,” Qin Zhaoyi was speechless. “Don’t you know yourself?”

She still had to ask.

Qin Zhaoyi even knew that this was Luo Yue’s habit of speaking.

She always had a habit of rhetorical questioning.

Luo Yue pursed her lips. “I didn’t know.”

She said, “You felt it, so I asked you.”

The atmosphere suddenly became ambiguous, tinged with a hint of moist heat.

After closing the window, the room became stuffy, with even the sound of breathing magnified several times, making the breaths feel hotter.

Qin Zhaoyi’s expression became indescribable. Swallowing saliva, even the “gulp” sounded loud.

Qin Zhaoyi tried to take advantage, “I forgot.”

Luo Yue indulged, “Then you… can feel it again.”

As soon as the words fell, Qin Zhaoyi leaned in closer.

Luo Yue responded calmly, allowing Qin Zhaoyi to bite her lips.

After it was over, Qin Zhaoyi earnestly said, “Soft.”

Luo Yue chuckled softly, “Anything else?”

Qin Zhaoyi retorted, “What else?”

She leaned in, “Let me feel it again.”

Unlike the roughness of that night, it was more like a gentle stream flowing through her body, enveloping her gently and beautifully.

After the kiss, Qin Zhaoyi buried her face in Luo Yue’s neck and deliberately exhaled warm breath, lowering her voice, “Tasted it, it’s sweet.”

Qin Zhaoyi tasted sweetness and returned to her usual self.

Because she was menstruating, Luo Yue took special care of her, and Qin Zhaoyi enjoyed this care, silently thinking about how to repay it.

While she was still contemplating, Luo Yue mentioned that their teacher, Qi, had been transferred.

Teacher transfers usually happened during the summer or winter vacations to avoid disrupting the teaching schedule.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t immediately realize who it was, so Luo Yue reminded her, “It’s the male teacher who used to like you.”

Unpleasant memories flooded back, and Qin Zhaoyi’s face instantly turned cold. “That scumbag wouldn’t be a good teacher anyway. The sooner he’s gone, the better.”

Luo Yue sighed, “The school needs teachers.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Remembering their previous conversation, Qin Zhaoyi immediately declined, “I’m even less suitable for teaching children.”

“Why?” Luo Yue asked.

Qin Zhaoyi adjusted her expression. “I can’t stop children from crying.”

Luo Yue was taken aback. Teasing her, she asked, “Are you too beautiful, so the children forget to cry?”

Qin Zhaoyi was surprised. “You’re good at teasing me.”

Luo Yue replied, “I didn’t mean for you to become a teacher, just making conversation.”

But Qin Zhaoyi was still skeptical. “Why?”

“You don’t know how long you’ll stay,” Luo Yue said calmly. “It’s not good for students to change teachers frequently.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“Why do you always think I’m leaving?” Qin Zhaoyi asked.

“Isn’t it?” Luo Yue said calmly. “Except for the locals, most people who come to Moon Island are tourists.”

In other words, they are all passing through.

“What about Yan Ci?” Qin Zhaoyi said. “She’s also from outside, isn’t she?”

Luo Yue shook her head. “I don’t know. Everyone is different.”

“So why don’t you trust me?” Qin Zhaoyi said. “I can stay on Moon Island for a long time.”

Not wanting to strain their recently eased relationship, Luo Yue laughed and changed the subject, “Okay, I hope you stay longer.”

Qin Zhaoyi even speculated that the midterm transfer of Teacher Qi might be related to her.

Seeing Luo Yue taking on the role of both class teacher and English and math teacher, Qin Zhaoyi felt guilty for increasing her workload. “If I had known, I would have spoken more tactfully.”

Luo Yue just laughed. “It doesn’t matter.”

During their conversation, Qin Zhaoyi learned that someone had recently donated two hundred thousand to the elementary school to improve students’ lives and had also donated many books.

Luo Yue sighed, realizing that Moon Island Elementary School had always relied on social donations to survive, and Qin Zhaoyi immediately thought of Zhou Xi.

Since their disagreement, she and Zhou Xi hadn’t spoken again, but Zhou Xi had still handled everything she had previously mentioned properly.

Qin Zhaoyi suddenly felt uneasy, and after some hesitation, she sent a message to Zhou Xi that evening.

She carefully considered the message multiple times before sending it, changing the content three times.

[QX: Xi Jie, where have you been playing recently?]

The tone was so unfamiliar that it didn’t sound like something Qin Zhaoyi would say.

After sending the message, Qin Zhaoyi showed it to Zhong Ling, asking if her attitude was okay.

Zhong Ling was shocked. [You’re like a domesticated dog now.]

Zhong Ling: [If you ever talk to me like this again, I’ll go worship at your ancestors’ graves the next day.]

Qin Zhaoyi: […Get lost.]

Zhong Ling quickly left, but then returned. [What do you think about me getting back together with my ex?]

Qin Zhaoyi: [A good horse doesn’t turn back to eat old grass.]

Zhong Ling: […I’m a human being.]

Qin Zhaoyi: [Pigs can eat it, you can.]

Zhong Ling: […]

Qin Zhaoyi never expected that she was only selectively domesticated. In front of Zhong Ling, she was still the fierce tiger.

Zhong Ling had just casually asked, but after not getting an answer, she said, “Forget it.”

However, Qin Zhaoyi sincerely thought about it and replied after a long time, [If you really can’t let go, then go find her again. What if she also can’t forget you like you do?]

This humane remark made Zhong Ling feel relieved, and she suddenly sat up in bed in the middle of the night, feeling emotional, “Yi Jie, I’ve known you for so many years, and you finally said something humane.”

Qin Zhaoyi: […]

Qin Zhaoyi endured and endured again, thinking about hiding the matter of Zhong Yu from her, and finally resisted the urge to block her.

Meanwhile, Zhou Xi also replied to Qin Zhaoyi’s message later: [Not playing, looking for a job.]

Qin Zhaoyi: [Not planning to continue?]

Zhou Xi: [Have you written the letter?]

Qin Zhaoyi: […Is it because I’m paying you too little?]

Zhou Xi replied earnestly with a voice message: “The studio is currently stagnant. You’re right, you are the core of the studio. Without your continuous output, the studio cannot produce derivatives. I’ve been working with you almost continuously since graduation, and I’ve been overstepping my bounds by managing too much. So I’m thinking of looking for another company. When you want to reoperate the studio and return to the public eye, you can find me again as before. If there’s still a chance, we can work together again. But no matter what, our relationship will not change.”

Zhou Xi’s words were sincere, and Qin Zhaoyi respected her decision.

“Okay,” Qin Zhaoyi said. “I’ll transfer some money to your account. Don’t refuse.”

This was the payment Zhou Xi deserved for her many years of dedication.

It was also a dignified farewell between adults.

Even though Zhou Xi was preparing to resign, she still handled the studio’s affairs meticulously, even the handover was exceptionally detailed.

Qin Zhaoyi told Zhong Ling about this, and Zhong Ling disappeared without replying.

I suppose she’s busy on set again.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t have any other way to change her mood, so she just kept it to herself.

For her, Zhou Xi was more like a guide, leading her out of that unfamiliar path, never deceiving her, and bringing her to a state where she could stand on her own.

The sudden resignation would definitely be sad.

But Qin Zhaoyi also knew that parting was one of life’s most important lessons.

While Luo Yue noticed her low mood, she didn’t offer any comfort. Instead, she asked her, “It’s Jing Ge’s birthday on Saturday. We’re going camping at Wangchun Bay. Do you want to come?”

Qin Zhaoyi asked, “Who else is going?”

“Shiyu, Yanci, and maybe your little sister,” Luo Yue said. “The scenery there is beautiful, and we go there every year at this time.”

“In previous years, was Yan Ci there too?” Qin Zhaoyi asked.

Luo Yue nodded. “There aren’t many young people left on the island, so we all gather together.”

Qin Zhaoyi agreed to go.

On Saturday, the sky was overcast, and it looked like it was going to rain heavily, not exactly ideal camping weather.

But everyone still met up at Yan Ci’s café as planned.

There were six people in total, with Cheng Shijing and Yan Ci driving.

Cheng Shijing’s car was loaded with camping gear, so Qin Zhaoyi naturally sat in Yan Ci’s car. When she got in, Zhong Yu was already sitting obediently in the passenger seat.

Luo Yue was the last to arrive, and as soon as she got close, Cheng Shiyu called out to her, “Luo Yue, get in the car.”

Qin Zhaoyi also leaned out of the car window and called, “Luo Yue.”

Cheng Shijing was afraid of putting Luo Yue in a difficult spot, so he said very politely, “The car is full, you go in Yan Ci’s car.”

Cheng Shiyu looked back at the empty backseat and said, “Where’s it full? Is your head full? “

Cheng Shijing raised his hand to tap her forehead, but ended up being hit on the arm instead. “What are you doing? Who are you fooling around with?”

Cheng Shijing: “…Have you been watching too much TV?”

Cheng Shiyu chuckled and fastened her seatbelt. “Mind your own business.”

Cheng Shijing couldn’t be bothered to deal with her, and Yan Ci had already walked over to Yan Ci’s car, with Qin Zhaoyi having opened the door for her.

It would take three hours to get to Wangchun Bay, and with so many people, it didn’t feel boring at all.

Even though none of them were particularly talkative, they found topics to chat about, keeping the atmosphere lively.

When they arrived at Wangchun Bay in the afternoon, they were surprised to find that while it was gloomy on Moon Island, it was clear and sunny here, with warm sunlight streaming down. A small stream flowed gently like a satin ribbon, and the dense trees rustled in the wind.

They had brought lunch from home.

Zhong Yu spread out the tablecloth, and Yan Ci and Cheng Shijing set out the food. They all sat around the stream and began to eat.

Luo Yue was late because she had prepared sushi and rice balls, and the exquisite lunchbox immediately caught everyone’s attention. Before Qin Zhaoyi could even reach for one, another piece of sushi appeared in her bowl.

While Luo Yue was handing out sushi, she casually chatted with Yan Ci.

After lunch, they began to set up their tents.

The Cheng siblings were very efficient, especially Cheng Shiyu, who had graduated from the police academy with all A’s.

But Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t help feeling that she looked familiar.

Zhong Yu also came over and said, “I think so too.”

Qin Zhaoyi wondered, “Why is that?”

Zhong Yu said mysteriously, “Think about it.”

She spoke as if she already knew the answer.

Qin Zhaoyi frowned. “Have you figured it out?”

Zhong Yu rested her chin on her hand. “Don’t you think her photo has appeared in your sight before?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Damn.

This world is too small.

Qin Zhaoyi looked at Cheng Shiyu, momentarily distracted.

When she didn’t know that she was Zhong Ling’s ex-girlfriend, she didn’t judge her with critical eyes. But when she found out that she was indeed Zhong Ling’s ex-girlfriend, Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t help but start to judge.

Looks-wise, she was okay.

Personality-wise, she was also okay.

But she didn’t seem like the kind of person who could torment Zhong Ling to the point of despair, right?

After learning this news, Qin Zhaoyi was a bit absent-minded all afternoon. After lighting the bonfire in the evening, everyone gathered around to play poker. She still couldn’t help but glance at Cheng Shiyu.

Cheng Shiyu was always vigilant and straightforward. “Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?”

Only then did Qin Zhaoyi retract her gaze. “You’re mistaken.”

Cheng Shiyu: “…”

After playing poker, Cheng Shijing was in charge of grilling for everyone. Since they were sleeping in the tents at night, there was no need to worry about drunk driving. Cheng Shijing’s group even brought some alcohol with them.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t drink much, and her alcohol tolerance was average. But because it was Cheng Shijing’s birthday, coupled with the barbecue, she had a little.

After a few rounds of drinks, Cheng Shiyu brought out some equipment and teased Luo Yue, “Jie, how about singing a song?”

Luo Yue shook her head. “Let your brother sing.”

“It’s Ge’s birthday today, so you should sing for him,” Cheng Shiyu said. “You used to sing every year.”

Unable to refuse, Luo Yue sang an English song.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t listen to many songs and hadn’t heard this one before.

Then Cheng Shiyu chose a Cantonese duet, “The Love of a Lifetime.”

This song Qin Zhaoyi had heard before and was quite familiar with.

By the bonfire, the male-female duet was quite a sight to behold.

Despite Qin Zhaoyi not being very knowledgeable about music, she could still sense that the two voices blended well together, a kind of tacit understanding that had been nurtured over a long period of time.

With these thoughts in mind, Qin Zhaoyi felt a bit stifled and unconsciously drank a bit too much.

By the time she came to her senses, she had already had several drinks and her head was spinning a bit.

Cheng Shiyu was still clamoring for a duet, wanting to hear Cheng Shijing and Luo Yue sing a love song together.

Qin Zhaoyi knew it was Cheng Shijing’s birthday today, and there was nothing inappropriate between them, but she still felt uncomfortable. She sighed lightly, unwilling to stay here and feel unwell, and got up with a slight sway. “I’m feeling a bit dizzy, I’ll go to sleep first.”

There were only two tents set up.

Because there was only one male, Cheng Shijing, he was considerate enough to bring a sleeping bag.

Cheng Shiyu was a restless sleeper, so she slept with Luo Yue at night.

Yan Ci and Zhong Yu slept together, as for Qin Zhaoyi, she could sleep wherever.

Qin Zhaoyi casually entered one of the tents, far from the bonfire.

Seeing her unsteady steps, Yan Ci asked with concern, “Do you need me to accompany you back?”

Qin Zhaoyi waved her hand. “No need.”

As everyone watched her enter the tent, Zhong Yu spoke softly, “It seems like Qin Zhaoyi has had a bit too much to drink and doesn’t look comfortable.”

“Then go and keep her company,” Cheng Shiyu commanded casually. “You two are quite close, right? You go and look after her.”

Zhong Yu glanced at Luo Yue. “I’m not very good at taking care of people.”

Luo Yue put down the microphone. “I’ll go check on her and come back in a bit.”

Watching Luo Yue’s brisk departure, Cheng Shiyu muttered softly, “Is Luo Yue so close to her now?”

Cheng Shijing replied, “Just focus on your own business.”

When Luo Yue returned to the tent, Qin Zhaoyi was curled up, her brow furrowed tightly, and she didn’t seem to be sleeping soundly.

“Do you want some water?” Luo Yue nudged her.

Qin Zhaoyi blinked, opening her eyes groggily. “Luo Yue?”

Luo Yue hummed in response. “Not too bad, not completely wasted.”

Luo Yue touched her forehead, which was hot, and her face was flushed. “Why did you drink so much?”

She didn’t ask at first, but once she did, Qin Zhaoyi felt uncomfortable. She leaned over, feeling wronged, and whispered softly, “I’m not happy that you sang a love song with him.”

After drinking too much, her voice softened, and her cold tone spoke freely of her grievances, making others feel soft-hearted as well.

As soon as Luo Yue reached out, Qin Zhaoyi snuggled into her arms.

Qin Zhaoyi rubbed against her like a little puppy in her arms, saying, “I’m not feeling well.”

Luo Yue gently comforted her, “What can make you feel better?”

Qin Zhaoyi rubbed against her chest, and Luo Yue reached out to her neck, but ended up being grabbed and pulled down.

Qin Zhaoyi whispered in her ear, “I think… I’m a bit wet.”

Luo Yue: “…”

Indeed, she had drunk too much.

Qin Zhaoyi half-closed her eyes, like a cat in heat, feeling embarrassed but knowing she had to speak up, “I saw you just now… hugged you and then felt a bit…”

She tightened her legs, restless.

Luo Yue’s nerves had been on edge since she snuggled into her arms. Now, hearing her speak in that soft tone, desire surged within her, like a wild horse galloping across the grasslands.

Luo Yue placed her hand on Qin Zhaoyi’s abdomen, feeling the cold touch against her burning skin. Qin Zhaoyi was stimulated, her scalp tingling, rubbing against her like a cat in her arms, her body curling tighter.

Reason had left at this moment, only following the most instinctual desires of the body.

Luo Yue’s hand rested on her pants, inviting her to join in the devil’s pact.

She hoarsely asked, “Princess, do you want me to help you relieve some tension?”