Chapter 3 – A Crazy Night

As a guest, Wen Jialuo perfectly answered the three questions. By the time they left the bar, excitement was high, and it was already past midnight.

The classmate hosting this time, still in high spirits, raised an arm and called out, “Let’s go grab some late-night snacks!”

Wen Jialuo was swept along with the crowd, while Xu Shiqi gradually fell behind.

It was a crazy night, but the madness she felt was different from everyone else’s.

How many times had it been? Was it the second or third time Wen Jialuo had said something like that? From behind, Xu Shiqi could only see that person more and more clearly.

The disappointed tone of the girl from the café lingered in her ears, making her unable to believe that she still hadn’t given up and was now so close, almost within reach.

Now they were off to eat late-night snacks, and then what? Back to the old house. Her grandfather had returned, and tomorrow she would pack her clothes to go home. Although the girl had always insisted and emphasized this, Xu Shiqi felt that once she left tomorrow, she would truly have no ties to the girl anymore. The thought of it made her heart ache uncontrollably.

The city had crumbled, and after the dust settled, there were no more defensive walls. She could see nothing, hear nothing, only feel her heart beating like a drum. The desire, as greedy as fish in a drought-stricken land, threatened to burst from her chest, scattering across the heavens and earth.

Every one of Wen Jialuo’s earlier responses was still hot in her ears, nearly melting away all her senses. She hadn’t really expected much; even a distance of two fingers would have been enough. But now greed had suddenly surged, unstoppable.

The people ahead moved unusually slowly, reminiscent of their teenage years, playfully chasing each other along the roadside.

What could she do? What could she do? But how should she do it?

Xu Shiqi continued to struggle, yet suddenly saw the girl slow her pace and instinctively look back for her, as if sensing her urgent yearning. There was a moment of hesitation in her steps. But Xu Shiqi, with her tumultuous thoughts, remained composed as she had for so many years. The girl gazed deeply at her but received no response; she had no choice but to grit her teeth, turn around, and catch up with the group ahead.

Seeing Wen Jialuo about to run far away, a huge fear gripped Xu Shiqi’s heart. She hurriedly rushed forward until she stood shoulder to shoulder with the girl, hesitatingly and timidly extending her fingertip to gently touch the girl’s fingertip.

In the next instant, she was caught by surprise.

Both of them halted their steps and stood there.

It had come to the point where she could hardly bear to imagine the girl’s departure; how could she like her so much? Xu Shiqi fell into the depths of the girl’s eyes and could no longer struggle.

Someone turned back and, seeing the two of them standing there hand in hand and speechless, called out, “Seventeen, Wen, what’s going on? Hurry up!”

Xu Shiqi still couldn’t shift her gaze, tightly locking onto Wen Jialuo, afraid that she would run away.

The girl slowly turned her head and smiled, replying, “She’s having a hard time walking, so I’m helping her.”

If possible, Xu Shiqi believed Wen Jialuo would want to buy a bottle of super glue to never let go of her again.

They moved forward, their fingertips almost touching for just a split second, faster than any fleeting thought, breaking down all defenses. In fact, she was already at her wit’s end.

The girl’s hand was firmly holding hers. They didn’t wait for the late-night snacks and found an excuse to leave halfway there. Wen Jialuo first dragged Xu Shiqi a short distance before noticing that the person beside her seemed overwhelmed by the reality of the situation, almost unable to walk properly.

Just like that, they exchanged distant greetings, ignoring everyone’s calls. Wen Jialuo pulled Xu Shiqi back to look for her car.

Once inside, their hands, which had just separated, intertwined again. Wen Jialuo’s eyes sparkled with uncontainable joy. In fact, she was prepared for a long and difficult battle because no one understood this woman’s psychology better than she did. She hadn’t expected the girl to dismantle her defenses so quickly and stand beside her.

Being cared for and thought about by someone could be noticed; she just thought she’d have to wait for all these feelings to accumulate, high enough to surpass any concerns. Yet she had underestimated her position in this woman’s heart. It was such a wonderful feeling that it filled her with invincible courage.

“Have you decided to love me?”

Xu Shiqi, filled with heartache, nodded through tears. They had never spoken much about liking each other, yet here she was directly asking for a chance at love. She felt she had endured so much torment, never considering the despair of the girl standing beside her. Thankfully, she had caught hold of this hand in time; even if it meant only a difficult path ahead, with this person beside her, what was there she couldn’t brave?

There was no turning back now, and she didn’t want to turn back either.

On the way back to the old house, Wen Jialuo couldn’t help but reach out her right hand toward the hand that was neatly resting on Xu Shiqi’s knee several times. Each time, just before contact, she would suddenly retract it and breathe deeply.

This fervent action, more eager than words, made Xu Shiqi feel a bit nervous, her face gradually heating up. When she noticed the movement of that hand again, she hurriedly said, “Drive safely.”

Wen Jialuo’s hand paused in mid-air for a moment but then swiftly came over to clasp hers, then let go with satisfaction, refocusing on driving.

Xu Shiqi felt her face getting even redder. Such a slight gesture, carrying just a hint of ambiguity, sent shivers down her spine, making her feel as though she was on the edge of paradise. When she saw Wen Jialuo’s lips curl up, she couldn’t be annoyed; instead, she found herself smiling in return.

Just like that, this simple exchange was filled with overflowing joy. The sweet atmosphere overshadowed everything, and opening Pandora’s box seemed to release only the wondrous love.

Upon arriving at the old house, everything was silent. After parking the car, Wen Jialuo and Xu Shiqi walked slowly.

They had been hurried earlier, but now they moved in perfect sync, slowing down.

The path leading to the main building was lined with lights, illuminating their shadows as they walked hand in hand. As they passed over the cobblestone path, Xu Shiqi became increasingly cautious; it was too beautiful at this moment, and she didn’t want to ruin it by twisting her ankle.

Clearly, Wen Jialuo had memorized her love for high heels, and her hands instinctively supported her. Still, Xu Shiqi couldn’t help but quietly ask why she wasn’t wearing the shoes she had given her.

Xu Shiqi kept her eyes on the ground like she was searching for gold, smiling as she replied, “I don’t want to part with them.”

Wen Jialuo tightened her grip on Xu Shiqi’s hand and raised her head to ask, “Why didn’t you personally give me the shoes?”

Wen Jialuo paused for a moment, seemingly reluctant to answer, but unable to resist the woman’s gaze, she replied somewhat dejectedly, “I was afraid you’d throw them away like a hot potato… that would be even more unbearable.”

Xu Shiqi was taken aback, and her heart ached again. She tightened her grip on the girl’s hand, “What you gave me… I wouldn’t throw it away.”

“Really?” Wen Jialuo turned her head, her eyes sparkling. She suddenly stopped, reaching into her bag and pulling out a velvet box, “This is for you.”

“What is it?” Xu Shiqi brought it closer to open, only to realize it looked familiar. Wasn’t this something they had bought together at the mall last time?

“I’ll put it on you when we get back,” Wen Jialuo said, pulling her hand again, “You can’t take it off.”

Xu Shiqi clutched the box tightly and placed it in her pocket. She smiled gently, “Okay.”

After that, they fell silent, quietly slipping upstairs, and Xu Shiqi even took off her shoes. Though her feet felt cold, she didn’t mind at all.

Sure enough, everyone in the house had already gone to bed. As they passed Xu Shiqi’s room, Wen Jialuo paused for a moment, whispered, “Wait for me,” and then moved on.

Xu Shiqi stood stiffly in front of the door, watching as she entered the room, her mind somewhat blank. Her lips felt a bit dry, and she licked them lightly, only to realize, as if struck by lightning, that her actions carried a hint of flirtation. Instantly, she felt her scalp tingle.

Shaking her head vigorously, Xu Shiqi entered the room. She had just showered yesterday, but now her whole body felt hot and restless, eager for relief. She grabbed some clothes and opened the door just a crack when she heard movement from the adjacent door. She froze in place, and then heard faint footsteps fading away.

After taking a few deep breaths, Xu Shiqi tried to calm her racing heart, forcing herself to wait quietly.

At this moment, time felt painfully long, and when footsteps stopped in front of the door, Xu Shiqi felt it was too short—so short that she barely had time to think about what expression she should wear when opening the door.

But the door was pushed open, and it was clear that Wen Jialuo had seen the light seeping through the crack.

Xu Shiqi held the door with her foot, looking at the girl with half-wet hair, still glistening with moisture. Her voice was barely above a whisper: “No, we’ll be found out.”

“My air conditioner broke yesterday,” Wen Jialuo replied with a smile.

Xu Shiqi was surprised; did this mean everyone knew she had spent the night in her room? She forced herself to calm down. If she didn’t know the reason, having two girls sleep together wouldn’t seem strange, would it?

The hallway was cold without a breeze, but stepping forward felt as warm as spring. Yet Wen Jialuo stood there quietly and straight, no longer pushing the door, just watching her, waiting.

When she finally opened the door, Xu Shiqi had a complex expression.

“It’s okay, take your time,” Wen Jialuo said as she entered, lightly nudging her. “Go on, don’t catch a chill.”

As she faced the mirror and took off her clothes, Xu Shiqi examined her body, her slender waist, and she wouldn’t feel inferior at all. Around her neck, she wore a necklace—a gift from her parents on her twentieth birthday—made of platinum, with a pendant featuring a white pearl set in dark seaweed.

The gift had been her choice; as she had said before, only in the dark shell of a clam could a pearl be polished to perfection. And to her parents, she was that precious pearl.

After staring at the pearl in the mirror for a long time, she didn’t take it off but twisted the faucet to start her shower.

When she returned to the room, Wen Jialuo was already kneeling on the bed, a velvet box opened in front of her.

“Come here,” Wen Jialuo beckoned.

Xu Shiqi turned, locked the door, and then walked over.

The two knelt facing each other, and Wen Jialuo motioned for Xu Shiqi to lean forward. Xu Shiqi really did lean in.

The pearl swayed into view, contrasting against her pale skin, and for her, it was always the alluring scent of a woman, like a forbidden place.

Wen Jialuo held her breath for a moment; perhaps the sight of the pearl dazzled her eyes, leaving her momentarily unable to think. The glimpse of spring before her was like the tempting aroma of the apple in the Garden of Eden. She looked up at the woman, freshly bathed, unable to resist reaching out to caress her neck, stroking slowly.

Xu Shiqi lowered her gaze and softly said, “This necklace was given to me by my parents.”

The romantic feeling dissipated, leaving a hint of bitterness in Wen Jialuo’s eyes.

“Can you help me take it off?” Xu Shiqi tilted her head slightly, her profile in the light so delicate it could drown someone. “Then put on… what you gave me…”

The hand on her neck suddenly went still; the person in front of her also fell silent. Xu Shiqi had mustered enough courage to say this, but now she felt a bit flustered. Thoughts raced through her mind that perhaps the girl was about to change her mind. Although she didn’t know why, she sensed that Wen Jialuo might not want to give her that gift anymore. In a state of mild panic, suddenly a strong force surged forward, and she found herself toppled onto the bed, nearly seeing stars.

“Xu Shiqi, I love you,” Wen Jialuo declared, leaning over her, her lips brushing against her ear, kissing lightly, saying, “I love you.”

Xu Shiqi lay back, watching the chandelier on the ceiling glimmer with crystalline light. She reached out to hold the girl on top of her, tears flowing from the corners of her eyes.

That kiss traced up, absorbing every tear she shed. Wen Jialuo propped herself up, then pulled Xu Shiqi into a sitting position.

With utmost seriousness, she took off the pearl necklace from Xu Shiqi’s neck and replaced it with a jade Buddha hand tied with a red string.

“I’ve heard this brings wealth, but you can think of it as my hand, always with you,” Wen Jialuo said, leaning close again, kissing the skin adorned by the jade Buddha hand, then straightening up to find the lips that she had once tasted but had been unknown to the owner.

The sweet yet sorrowful kiss made Xu Shiqi close her eyes, trembling slightly, surrendering her muddled thoughts. Those thin lips brought a heat she could hardly imagine, a teasing that was both unfamiliar and exhilarating, cooler than summer.

Mixed together, it formed the most beautiful flavor in the world.