Chapter 42: I love you

As night fell, fine rain drizzled from the sky.

Lin Yiwei stepped out of the convenience store, and a chilly wind hit her face, instantly cooling her warm body.

She saw Chu Ang waiting under the eaves.

He was wearing a green baseball jersey, his figure appearing more upright and sturdy, with broad shoulders that gave a sense of security.

Before Lin Yiwei could speak, Chu Ang scratched his head, wearing a shy expression, and explained, “The convenience store isn’t far from the school. I thought taking a taxi wouldn’t be cost-effective, and there are no buses. The rain isn’t too heavy, but walking back would definitely soak your clothes. If you don’t have an umbrella, I happened to bring one.”

He held a round-topped black umbrella in his hand. Sometimes Lin Yiwei felt he talked a lot, probably because he liked to explain, explain motives, explain reasons…

If it were Xie Bo, he wouldn’t say a word and would rudely pull her under the umbrella, even if she had one. Xie Bo was a crazier dog than Chi Xicheng, while Chu Ang was a normal guy who followed the rules.

He opened the black umbrella and said to Lin Yiwei, “Let’s walk together.”

“Okay,” Lin Yiwei walked over, letting him hold the umbrella for her as they walked into the rain.

The umbrella ribs were sturdy and robust, much like his physique, giving a sense of reliability. The fine raindrops fell on the umbrella fabric, making a crisp sound as if the heavens had graciously allowed the rain to fall heavier upon his arrival.

Chu Ang held the umbrella but didn’t dare to touch her, keeping a fist’s distance away. In fact, Lin Yiwei wouldn’t mind if he hugged her or held her hand, but Chu Ang didn’t dare to offend easily, carefully maintaining a safe and stable relationship with her.

At the school gate, a black car suddenly drove by, splashing a large spray of water. Lin Yiwei exclaimed in surprise, and Chu Ang quickly pulled her behind him, shielding her from the splash.

“Are you soaked?” she asked anxiously.

“It’s okay. We often get drenched in rain during training.”

“Thank you, Chu Ang.”

“It’s nothing.”

Lin Yiwei looked up and saw the familiar black SUV entering the school gate and disappearing at the end of the camphor tree avenue.

Damn…

Chu Ang escorted Lin Yiwei to the dormitory entrance, where there was a dense crowd. Chu Ang’s superior looks and physique naturally attracted attention, and many girls glanced at him.

But he only had eyes for the girl he was trying to protect under the umbrella, waving to her, “We’re here. Rest early, don’t stay up late tonight.”

“Okay, you too. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Their interaction was ordinary, with no sparks flying. After Lin Yiwei watched Chu Ang leave, she prepared to turn back to the dormitory but saw the black SUV parked at the dormitory entrance, with a man’s superior long legs extending outside the car.

Xie Bo didn’t bother with an umbrella, not minding getting wet from a few steps of rain. He leisurely crossed the steps of the dormitory building and arrived under the eaves.

In his hands, he held a large bunch of blooming Diana roses.

Apricot-colored rose petals, dreamy and elegant. Lin Yiwei’s heart raced uncontrollably as she watched him approach.

His lips were slightly pursed, his facial contours sharp, exuding a cold and decisive demeanor, with hidden machinations in his dark eyes. Lin Yiwei looked at him guardedly until…

He passed by her.

She caught a whiff of the elegant fragrance of the Diana roses.

“Xie Bo! You’re here!”

Lin Yiwei turned back and saw Chi Xiyu, dressed in a gray chiffon dress that could freeze someone in the winter night, standing at the door waving to him, smiling sweetly.

“Xixi.” Xie Bo gently called her, “Why are you dressed so lightly? Be careful not to catch a cold.”

“It’s okay, I’m not cold.”

Xie Bo handed the bouquet of Diana roses to Chi Xiyu, who was pleasantly surprised and took the large, blooming white roses.

“You called me down, I thought something happened.”

“Why, can’t I call you unless something happens?”

“No! That’s not it.”

Chi Xiyu’s cheeks turned red, and even her eyes reddened a bit. The sudden happiness made her head spin, “I’m very happy, just very happy.”

“If you’re happy, then I feel it’s worth it.”

“Oh, by the way, Xie Bo, I’ve explained everything to my dad about my brother’s matter. It was he who started it first, that time in the ancient town wasn’t your fault at all. My brother went crazy and bit someone, my dad knows what kind of person he is, he said as long as it’s explained clearly, it won’t affect the relationship between our families. He even invited you to come to our house next week…”

She explained incoherently until the man’s fingertips gently touched her lips.

Chi Xiyu trembled all over.

“Shh,” Xie Bo silenced her, slowly approaching her plump and sweet face, his peach blossom eyes gazing straight at her, “I came to find you, not for these things… don’t mention your brother anymore.”

Chi Xiyu’s cheeks turned as red as tomatoes, and countless little deer bumped around chaotically in her heart.

She almost couldn’t bear to look directly at the handsome man in front of her.

“Passing by the flower shop, I saw this one suited you.”

He stroked the vibrant petals of the Diana roses with his fingertips, while also taking out a Hermès handbag, “This bag, I had it reserved for you early in the morning.”

A bouquet of flowers, a limited edition luxury handbag, the least thoughtful gift, though tacky, was enough to make a lovesick girl feel like she’s on cloud nine, smiling brightly.

Especially since Xie Bo openly gave her gifts under the dormitory building, in front of so many people, accurately hitting her vanity.

She felt so happy, reaching out to lightly hug Xie Bo.

This was probably the first physical contact between the two in over ten years of knowing each other.

Lin Yiwei didn’t stand among the crowd to watch the excitement; she turned and went upstairs.

Xie Bo held Chi Xiyu’s back with one hand, his gaze following Lin Yiwei’s figure until she disappeared around the corner of the corridor.

…

“The language of white roses is, ‘Only I am worthy to be your match.'”

In the dormitory, Chi Xiyu was talking non-stop to her group of sisters, “These are the flowers for my first love.”

Xu Qianxi glanced at the silent Lin Yiwei and smiled, “Exactly, you and Xie Bo grew up together since childhood. Even if there was Ye Anning before, strictly speaking, Xixi is his official girlfriend and fiancée. Everyone else should stand aside.”

“Don’t compare me to Ye Anning.” Chi Xiyu’s expression faded, “What qualifications does she have?”

During this time, her tolerance for Xu Qianxi had become lower and lower.

She turned back and took Lin Yiwei’s hand, eager to share her joy with her, “Next weekend, my dad wants to invite Xie Bo to our house, also to officially reconcile our two families. I thought, why not have a masquerade ball at home? I’ll invite many friends from our circle to come and play. Weiwei, you should come too.”

Lin Yiwei was delighted, but she managed her expression well, showing a worried look, “But… your brother…”

“Don’t worry, that annoying brother of mine is still lying in the hospital! What happened before won’t happen again, you can rest assured to come and play.”

“Yeah, okay!”

“By the way, I also invited Chu Ang, hehe, let him be your escort, he will definitely outshine all the boys I invited! Of course, except for Xie Bo.”

“Sure.” Lin Yiwei agreed generously.

In those days, Xie Bo and Chi Xiyu were openly affectionate at school, showing off their love.

Obviously, they were only one official announcement away from being confirmed as a couple.

Lin Yiwei let Xie Bo choose between her and Chi Xiyu; Xie Bo chose Chi Xiyu.

There was no doubt, and no suspense.

Lin Yiwei wasn’t surprised at all.

Between interests and her, Xie Bo would definitely choose the former, even if there was a momentary impulse, it would pass in an instant.

If that’s the case, she could confidently go on a date with Chu Ang.

Over the phone, Chu Ang told Lin Yiwei that he intended to decline the masquerade ball; he didn’t like attending these parties in the circles of young masters and misses. He only knew a few people from the DS Racing Club, and they were mostly.

Just because he liked this sport and he was a long-time friend of Xie Bo’s. But Chi Xiyu told Chu Ang that Lin Yiwei would also be there, so he agreed.

Every day, he looked forward to seeing her again. He started learning how to speak sweet nothings.

On Wednesday afternoon, there was no class scheduled for the Feige Art Institute’s faculty meeting, so Chu Ang asked Lin Yiwei to go to a cosplay costume shop called “Dimensional Cat” off-campus to pick out costumes for the masquerade ball.

Neither of them had a specific character in mind, so they wandered around for a long time. As they passed a row of colorful double-layered racks, they saw Chi Xiyu and Xie Bo there.

Chi Xiyu was trying on a mint green traditional Chinese-style dress in front of the mirror, saying, “Do I look good in Hanfu?”

Xie Bo sat quietly on the sofa, his black sweater outlining his well-proportioned figure, leaning lazily.

He calmly watched her, then his gaze passed Chi Xiyu, through the mirror, and settled on Lin Yiwei — “You look good in anything.”

“Hmph! You’re just being perfunctory!” Chi Xiyu pouted coquettishly, “I asked you to help me choose, and you said everything looks good.”

“Because it’s the truth.” Xie Bo’s peach blossom eyes were slightly raised, but there was no warmth in them, “If I randomly picked one for you, that would be perfunctory. Your style is so versatile that I’m dazzled.”

Lin Yiwei looked at Chi Xiyu, seeing the faint blush on her cheeks, knowing how much she disliked Xie Bo’s insincerity.

Chi Xiyu was a girl who wanted everything, from small to big, and Xie Bo understood all her needs, so every answer could perfectly satisfy her, making her happy.

“No, no, Xie Bo, you have to help me pick out an outfit today.”

“Just one set? How about picking three sets, change every hour.” Xie Bo said casually, “This set of traditional Chinese style, the earlier Lingna Belle anthropomorphic outfit is also good, and another set of ice and snow queen… the masquerade ball lasts for three hours, won’t get bored.”

“Great idea! Then I don’t have to worry!”

With that, Chi Xiyu went to the front desk alone, told the little lady at the front desk her needs, how to customize, tailor, and some small details, etc.

Xie Bo’s gaze returned to Lin Yiwei.

She lingered at the shelf, picking out colorful costumes. Perhaps because the heating in the store was too high, her fair skin seemed to have a hint of honey color, giving people a sense of vitality.

Just like when she hugged him tightly and convulsed, she was also so vibrant.

She and Chu Ang were picking out clothes. Chu Ang didn’t understand or excel in these cosplay characters, so he asked Lin Yiwei to help him choose a suitable one.

Lin Yiwei looked at his tall and strong figure and smiled, “With your physique, dressing up as a werewolf would be perfect.”

Originally just joking, Chu Ang took it seriously and picked out a set of fluffy gray werewolf clothes, “Listen to you, this set.”

“Really this set?”

“Yeah, if you say I’m suitable, then I must be suitable.” Lin Yiwei lifted the clothes in his hand and rubbed the rough fur, “Won’t it be stuffy?”

“It’s okay, it’s just for fun.” Chu Ang put the wolf fur coat into the shopping cart, then focused on helping Lin Yiwei choose her appearance, “You pick, we’ll go to checkout together.”

“I haven’t decided what to wear yet.” Chu Ang saw a red cloak and picked it up, “How about Little Red Riding Hood?”

Lin Yiwei smiled and said, “You play the werewolf, and I’ll play Little Red Riding Hood. I’ll have to hide from you. Don’t eat me.” She teased Chu Ang casually, and the boy’s cheeks flushed, “So…so we’ll have a CP feeling when we’re together.”

Lin Yiwei looked at the thick fleece red cloak, this store didn’t allow renting, only buying, this cloak was simple and daily, it wouldn’t be weird to wear it normally.

“I think it’s fine.”

“There’s also inner wear inside, try it on.” Chu Ang handed the clothes to Lin Yiwei and asked her to try them on in the fitting room.

Lin Yiwei took the opportunity to explore Chi Xiyu’s house for the second time, the mysterious basement…

She had to make sure that the clothes, shoes, and skirts she chose were easy to move in. She walked into the fitting room with the bright red cloak, but before she could close the door, someone pushed it open and locked it from behind.

Lin Yiwei looked up and met Xie Bo’s deep black eyes, he smiled with a hint of malice.

“So, you’ve made an appointment with him.”

Lin Yiwei frowned, trying to push him out by opening the door, but Xie Bo didn’t stop her, letting her push him away.

However, the next moment, Lin Yiwei instinctively pulled him back and locked the door again. Outside the door, there were intermittent laughter and conversation. Someone came in to change clothes.

“What do you want?” She lowered her voice, grabbed the collar of the man’s clothes, and pushed him lightly.

“I just want to ask you, haven’t seen you in a few days.” Xie Bo leaned against the wooden wall of the fitting room, pulled the girl over, leaned over her ear, and said in a breathy voice, “Are you dating my friend?”

“You’re dating my friend too.” Lin Yiwei whispered back, neither giving in.

Afraid of being heard by the next door, they whispered softly, the hot breath lingered, outlining an intimate and ambiguous atmosphere.

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t touch her.”

Xie Bo didn’t want to explain that it was his father’s request, but he explained the important things he thought were necessary and also apologized.

Lin Yiwei felt he was like a fool.

“Nonsense, who cares,” she looked at him contemptuously, “I have a new partner now.”

“The previous request is not invalidated.” His strong hand held her chin, his eyes burning, “Separate from him, you know I can’t stand this.”

“Xie Bo, you’re being ridiculous, you chose Chi Xiyu.”

Laughter could be heard outside, Lin Yiwei had to lower her voice again and again, almost whispering in his ear, “Is it too much to ask me not to date other boys?”

“Give me some time, I’ll handle this.”

“I don’t want to wait.”

Lin Yiwei wouldn’t wait either, even if she could, Lin Xie couldn’t wait.

She wanted Xie Bo to stand by her side completely, otherwise… she didn’t want anything.

“Yiyi, are you forcing me?”

“Kind of.”

“You haven’t even told me what you want.”

“You first promise me, choose me over Chi Xiyu, then I can tell you.”

“No.”

Xie Bo was not a risk-taker; he hated venture capital the most.

“You see, we’re deadlocked again, aren’t we?”

Xie Bo smelled the faint and familiar scent in her hair, closed his eyes, moved his fingertips down, gently pulled down the zipper of her coat, his rough fingertips caressing her smooth skin:

“Let me help you change clothes, red looks great on you.”

Lin Yiwei felt a tingling sensation spreading through her skin… he knew her sensitivity like the back of his hand.

“No, Xie Bo, no…” she breathed rapidly, her voice trembling and unstable.

The man’s lips curled up, with a wicked smile, “Then don’t let go of me.”

“You jerk!”

He took off her coat, sweater, undershirt… and dressed her in a red dress with a little red hood, every tie around her waist was skillfully and tightly wrapped by his beautiful and agile fingertips, forcing her to straighten up…

Rough touches and fierce kisses… and many other things.

Until Lin Yiwei’s cheeks blushed the powdery color he liked, he finally let her go.

“You can consider when to be honest with me,” he embraced her from behind lovingly, “during this time, don’t let him touch you.”

“Xie Bo, you can’t control me.”

“It’s okay, whichever finger he uses to touch you…” Xie Bo kissed her ear, gently threatening, “I’ll chop off that finger.”

“…”

He turned her over, kissed her face, completely treating her as his possession, longing, desiring…

“I love you, Yiyi.”

“Love my foot, you trash.”

He didn’t get angry but smiled, biting her lower lip, “Save your curses for when I want you next time.”

After that, he ruthlessly pushed her out of the dressing room.

As soon as she went out, Lin Yiwei bumped into Chi Xiyu head-on, “Weiwei, this little red riding hood outfit looks nice on you, huh? Why is your face so red?”

“The heater, it’s a bit hot.”

“Indeed, this dress of yours is difficult to change with so many ribbons. You should’ve asked me for help.”

“I’ve already put it on.”

“By the way, have you seen Xie Bo? I can’t find him.”

“No, have you seen Chu Ang?”

“He’s waiting for you outside! Hurry up and show him the super cute little red hood.”

Lin Yiwei walked out, and Chu Ang looked at her with some admiration in his eyes, waving to her.

She smiled as she walked to the mirror and turned around.

“Red really suits you.” Chu Ang controlled his heartbeat as they stood together in front of the mirror, taking out his phone to take a picture.

Even without the wolf headgear, his sturdy figure matched with the wolf fur coat, exuding an undeniable wildness. Standing next to the charming and lovely little red hood, they were like Beauty and the Beast in real life.

If he wore the wolf headgear, it would be even more alike.

Unfortunately, rough and wild men seemed to lack sexual attraction to her.

Seeing Chu Ang’s current appearance, Lin Yiwei became even more certain of this.

They picked out their clothes and went to pay. The cashier informed them, “It’s a total of two thousand five hundred yuan, Mr. Xie has already paid for both of your bills.”

Lin Yiwei turned around and saw Xie Bo walking out of the dressing room, raising his hand and elegantly gesturing with his index and middle fingers.

Chu Ang turned his head, just as Lin Yiwei put on the scarf, covering the obvious irregular kiss marks on her neck.