Chapter 31.2

This question stumped Song Wei again. In the end, the two of them went online and watched several short videos on how to win over a crush.

After watching, they came up with a conclusion: start with subtle, ambiguous signals, then go for a direct approach.

Zhu Qingfei raised another concern. “But we’re just colleagues right now. If I start being ambiguous right away, won’t I risk getting fired?”

“…” Song Wei, only half-confident, suggested, “Well, considering he’s just come out of a breakup and metaphorically has a ‘grassland^[1]“grassland” is a metaphor for infidelity, implying someone has been cheated on in a relationship. The phrase “头顶青青草原” (“a lush grassland on one’s … Continue reading’ growing on his head, why not take advantage of the situation? Show some warmth, care for him—it’s a classic approach.”

“But I think he’s already over the breakup.”

“…” Song Wei speculated, “Maybe he’s just putting on a cheerful front, but deep down, he’s still crying. At a time like this, your concern could warm his heart and light up his life—you could become a ray of sunshine for him.”

“Ew… does it have to be that dramatic?” Zhu Qingfei teased.

Song Wei gave her a side-eye, then stood up. “Figure it out yourself.”

“Hey, don’t leave!” Zhu Qingfei called after her.

“Goodbye.”

Song Wei returned to her room, the videos they had watched replaying vividly in her mind.

How to flirt with a crush…

It seemed her relationship with Chen Jubai was too serious. They didn’t usually engage in playful banter or flirtation.

But just thinking about those coy and playful phrases made Song Wei shudder—she simply couldn’t say them.

After sending him a message, she went to take a shower.

Having walked through the snack street earlier, her hair and clothes were imbued with the smell of barbecues and street food. Song Wei took her time washing up, spending about half an hour in the bathroom.

When she opened the bathroom door, she was startled to find Chen Jubai standing inside.

“You…”

She wanted to ask how he got in, but before the words could leave her mouth, he picked her up and set her on the sink. One hand gripped her waist, pulling her closer, while the other cupped her face as he kissed her deeply.

“It’s cold…” she murmured. The marble sink was cold to the touch, with droplets of water still lingering on its surface. Her thighs quivered from the chill. Sensing this, he quickly grabbed a dry towel and placed it underneath her.

Song Wei laughed. “Wouldn’t it be better on the bed?”

“No.”

“…”

“I wouldn’t be able to control myself.”

It was the last day of her period. Both of them knew nothing more would happen, yet Song Wei silently cursed the timing of her cycle.

He added, almost accusingly, “And you’re wearing so little.”

Song Wei chuckled. “What’s so little? It’s just pajamas. I’ve always dressed like this.”

She caught a faint taste in his kiss and asked, “Did you drink?”

“A little.”

Song Wei frowned. “What were you doing upstairs for so long? And why were you drinking?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he gazed at her for a few seconds before letting his eyes drift downward.

Following his gaze, Song Wei froze. Her face flushed crimson—although her pajamas were the same as usual, she wasn’t wearing anything underneath after her shower.

Chen Jubai had always been a gentleman. Even during their kisses, his hands never wandered.

Biting her lip, Song Wei wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again, her voice muffled between kisses. “Stop looking…”

He said nothing but pulled away slightly, brushing his thumb against her lips. “What are you wearing on your lips?”

“Lip tint.”

“Did you just put it on?”

“…It’s for moisturizing before bed…” she mumbled, her explanation feeble.

The next second, he sealed her lips again, as if tasting the flavor left on them. The dim light in the room highlighted her trembling eyelashes, casting delicate shadows.

His grip on her waist tightened as his breathing grew uneven. Their kisses seemed to become more natural, their tongues intertwining as if instinctively, their movements seamless.

Song Wei felt herself losing control. Her face burned as she pushed him lightly. “Are you done yet…?”

“Almost.”

Chen Jubai wasn’t the pampered type; his years of coding had left a thin layer of calluses on his fingers. When he held her, the slight roughness combined with his warmth created a curious sensation.

The ninth floor wasn’t too high. Outside the window, the sound of traffic filled the air, but the night breeze couldn’t penetrate the room. The temperature inside climbed steadily.

Beads of sweat formed on Song Wei’s forehead. Her skin felt sticky, her palms feverishly warm.

He wasn’t perfect either. When she let out a muffled groan, she protested weakly, “Don’t do that…”

“Hmm?”

“It hurts.”

Chen Jubai immediately loosened his grip and looked at her apologetically. “Sorry.”

Song Wei buried her face in his chest, her ears burning. She muttered, “Are you done yet?”

“Done.”

He brushed her hair gently, his breathing gradually calming.

As the heat in the room subsided, he suddenly remarked, “It’s not quite how it looks.”

“…” Song Wei was mortified, her face almost combusting. She had no intention of discussing this further with him. Pushing him away, she jumped down from the sink.

Chen Jubai turned to watch her retreating figure. Then he glanced down at his palm, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly.

The sensation and appearance truly didn’t align with his expectations.

When he entered the bedroom, she was curled up under the blanket. He lifted it and lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms.

Song Wei, still facing away from him, caught the scent of his body wash. “Didn’t you shower upstairs?”

“I did.”

“Then why shower again?”

Two seconds passed before an unsavory thought crossed her mind. Realizing where this might be heading, she quickly stopped him, “Don’t say it!”

Chen Jubai chuckled softly, saying no more. His arms wrapped around her slim waist, drawing her closer.

Still facing away, Song Wei spoke hesitantly, “I’ve been thinking about today. Should we consider the possible implications if Dong Ruicheng spreads rumors? Could it affect us negatively?”

“Honestly, I think it’s fine even if we go public. We haven’t done anything wrong. Everything we’ve done is above board and perfectly legal, right?”

Song Wei continued to ramble for a bit, but when she didn’t get a response, she turned halfway to face him. “Are you even listening?”

Chen Jubai’s brows furrowed slightly, his gaze distant.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked.

He looked up at her and asked earnestly, “There are two apartments near the office. Which one should we move into?”