38. Be your plaything.

The café played Cantonese songs, the voices were low, soothing, and gentle. The coastline extended into the distance, with seagulls gliding over the sea, circling and flying low over the waves.

However, Qin Zhaoyi had no time to appreciate these beautiful scenes. She closed her eyes, slowly turned her face, burying it in the nape of Luo Yue’s neck.

A faint fragrance wafted, spreading from her breath, accompanying the flow of blood through her limbs.

She wished time could freeze at this moment.

She wished to stay like this forever.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t even think about why Luo Yue appeared here; it was almost instinctive to hold her tightly.

Even if it might be an endless abyss, she leaped into it without hesitation.

In an instant, Qin Zhaoyi seemed to come alive.

The abstract feeling was hard to describe to others. If she had to articulate it, it might be like opening the refrigerator and taking out a cold watermelon or having a sip of ice-cold cola on a hot summer day. It might also be the sudden appearance of a warm milk tea on her hands during a cold winter day. Or perhaps, it could be the encounter with all the unexpected beauties.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t care about anything; she immersed herself in this embrace, filling the heart that had been empty and windy for the past few days.

After a long while, Luo Yue gently pushed her shoulder and whispered, “Are you falling asleep?”

Qin Zhaoyi only came to her senses then, took a deep breath, and exhaled the warm air onto the skin of Luo Yue’s neck. She pulled Luo Yue over by force, and their bodies pressed even closer together.

Qin Zhaoyi slowly released her grip, took a step back, and replied, “No.”

The cold tone softened a lot at this moment, and if one listened carefully, there was a trace of an indescribable lingering tone.

It was somewhat like a teary voice that wasn’t really crying, a bit like acting spoiled.

But Miss Qin’s expression remained cold.

The hug just now was too intense. Qin Zhaoyi’s whole body relaxed, and she stood in a loose and limp posture.

Luo Yue lowered her head to look at her. “Why are you still crying?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“No.” Qin Zhaoyi took a step back, cleared her throat to disguise the unnaturalness in her voice, and changed the subject, “Have you finished your work over there?”

“No,” Luo Yue walked straight to the bar, raised her hand to greet Yan Ci, and ordered, “A glass of milk.”

Qin Zhaoyi stood in place, watching her figure.

Seems to have lost weight.

Probably didn’t eat properly.

Should she go with her…

Just as Qin Zhaoyi’s thoughts were scattered, Luo Yue snapped her fingers in front of her, bringing her thoughts back. “What are you daydreaming about?”

Qin Zhaoyi lowered her eyes, sat at the table, closed her laptop, and spoke in a low voice, “How much longer do you need to stay?”

“Three to five days,” Luo Yue replied.

The two only met briefly and exchanged a few words, seemingly resolving the unpleasantness from before.

The atmosphere returned to how it was before Luo Yue left, but it felt more delicate than before.

Qin Zhaoyi asked further, “Three days or five days?”

“Not sure,” Luo Yue shrugged, “Either back on Wednesday or Sunday.”

“Do you have other plans?” Qin Zhaoyi guessed.

Luo Yue hesitated slightly, “Maybe.”

But she didn’t say what it was. Qin Zhaoyi saw her unspoken intention and took a more indirect approach, “Still in Jia Yi?”

Luo Yue nodded, “Yes.”

Qin Zhaoyi asked, “I happen to have something to do in Jia Yi. I can give you a ride.”

Luo Yue paused for a moment. Right at that moment, Yan Ci brought the milk over, and the collision between the cup and the tabletop added a touch of tension to the awkward atmosphere.

Qin Zhaoyi stared at Luo Yue, hoping to get permission from her.

Unexpectedly, Luo Yue shook her head and refused, “You’re busy with your own matters.”

In other words, no need.

Qin Zhaoyi felt frustrated, furrowed her brows, and said, “Then why did you come back?”

Just because she hadn’t contacted her for a few days?

Qin Zhaoyi wasn’t narcissitic to this extent; she always feels that her attraction to Luo Yue is greater. She is the one haunted by dreams, the one losing sleep, the one treading on thin ice.

Luo Yue always seems to be the one pulling the strings, and the phrase “navigate with ease” is tailor-made for her.

“Take a look,” Luo Yue said, looking out the window, smiling gently. “Just casually.”

She didn’t say what to look at, but it hinted that her return wasn’t specifically for Qin Zhaoyi.

Feeling somewhat disappointed, Qin Zhaoyi didn’t mention it.

It seemed that there weren’t many shared topics between them, especially in this unfamiliar space. Even though Yan Ci was quietly grinding coffee beans, the lingering aroma of coffee in the air couldn’t make people ignore her presence.

Moreover, the two had experienced a few days of “cold war.”

Unconsciously, Qin Zhaoyi finished the glass of milk and packed her laptop. During these actions, she would sneak glances at Luo Yue, checking if she had any intention of leaving together.

However, Luo Yue remained quietly appreciating the scenery outside the window. She didn’t even glance at Qin Zhaoyi, let alone notice her small movements.

Qin Zhaoyi frowned suddenly, realizing that these little actions were too artificial, unlike herself. Feeling a bit angry, she unknowingly made more noise while packing.

When she was immersed in her own world, Luo Yue turned her head to look at her.

Princess Qin had never experienced the grievance of being ignored by others, and she was probably used to being the center of attention wherever she went.

Luo Yue had been secretly observing her since a while ago, and all those thoughts of “come and apologize to me” were written all over her face.

Luo Yue deliberately ignored and paid no attention.

Sure enough, the princess felt wronged and got angry.

But that expression was still quite cute.

Perhaps if Cheng Shijing saw this scene and knew her thoughts, he would think that Luo Yue was crazy.

But Luo Yue really felt this way. Princess Qin’s cold face making these small expressions seemed especially cute.

Luo Yue observed quietly. At the moment when Qin Zhaoyi looked up at her, Luo Yue turned her face away and continued looking outside the window.

Impatient, Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t wait and asked, “Are you leaving or not?”

Only then did Luo Yue slowly turn her head, looking up at Qin Zhaoyi, who had already stood up. It was apparent that the princess was trying hard to endure her own bad temper. Luo Yue provocatively said, “You’ve been sitting for so long, and I just arrived a while ago.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi thought that after not seeing each other for a few days, she would want to talk to her.

Both of them would walk back together, and along the way, they would completely “break the ice.”

But it turned out the other party had no such intention.

Qin Zhaoyi gritted her teeth inwardly. “Then how much longer are you planning to sit?”

“Yan Ci,” Luo Yue turned her head and called out, “How many hours has Miss Qin been here today?”

Yan Ci lifted her head from the coffee beans, her voice gentle and unhurried. “About five hours.”

Getting the answer, Luo Yue propped her chin and looked at Qin Zhaoyi. “Are you working?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

If she was working, she might not be so annoyed now!

It was just because her mind had been filled with Luo Yue these days, so she was not in the mood to work. What could have been finished in three days had only just begun, and she hated this change but was also immersed in the joy it brought.

So she felt even more annoyed.

Luo Yue happened to step on Qin Zhaoyi’s sore spot. Hence, Miss Qin, with a sour face, said, “No.”

Luo Yue tutted. “Then what have you been doing for so long?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…mumbling…”

Qin Zhaoyi muttered unclearly, saying something like “miss you,” but no one could hear it clearly.

“What?” Luo Yue asked again.

Qin Zhaoyi propped her hands on the table, pursed her lips, seemingly exhausting the little patience she had left. “Come closer.”

Luo Yue first subconsciously stepped back, then stood up and imitated her posture, as if they were in a confrontation.

Being close, you could see even the smallest flaws on the other person’s face.

The sunlight refracted through the huge glass, revealing the dark circles under Qin Zhaoyi’s eyes more clearly on her pale skin.

Luo Yue leaned forward a bit, asking again, “What did you say?”

Qin Zhaoyi swallowed saliva and said, “Come a bit closer.”

Luo Yue frowned slightly but still complied, leaning forward.

Suddenly, Qin Zhaoyi got close to her ear, with a clear and cold tone, saying the most provocative words, “I’ve been thinking about you.”

After saying that, she grabbed her bag and hurriedly walked out. She walked so fast that she accidentally bumped her waist into the corner of the table.

It sounded quite painful, but Qin Zhaoyi didn’t have time to care. She left the coffee shop in a hurry, leaving Luo Yue alone standing there with the lingering warmth of her breath on her ear.

She’s quite skilled.

Luo Yue’s lips slowly curved upwards, suppressing her laughter for a while but ultimately couldn’t hold it in and burst into laughter.

Yan Ci timely spoke up, lightly teasing, “Did you forget that I’m also here?”

Luo Yue turned her face sideways, “Huh?”

Then she asked, “Isn’t she cute?”

Yan Ci: “…”

Yan Ci put the coffee beans aside and glanced outside, saying, “If I also find her cute, will you feel threatened?”

Luo Yue paused slightly, semi-jokingly said, “Isn’t it coming back to look at it?”

Yan Ci shrugged, “She seems to lack a les-dar.”
*lesbian radar

She couldn’t tell that Yan Ci also liked girls.

But Luo Yue had known Yan Ci’s orientation for a long time, even deducing it through a very mystical “gaydar.”

“You don’t like this one.” Luo Yue asserted.

Yan Ci, however, asked with a smile, “Are you sure?”

Yan Ci’s gaze towards her was gentle and sincere.

Sincere to the point that Luo Yue felt a moment of uncertainty. After a while, Yan Ci loosened her smile and said, “Look how nervous you are.”

Luo Yue couldn’t help but relax the breath she had been holding.

Yan Ci raised her chin towards the window, “I have no intention of falling in love. Besides, she’s still waiting for you.”

Luo Yue: “…”

It turned out Yan Ci was just playing with her.

After leaving the coffee shop, Qin Zhaoyi walked along the coastline, much slower than usual, and deliberately so.

However, the people left in the coffee shop were having a pleasant conversation with Yan Ci, and that laughter was a bit annoying.

Qin Zhaoyi’s heart inexplicably felt a bit sour and blocked.

These indescribable emotions made her suddenly feel a bit lost, as if it were jealousy or possessiveness.

She almost wanted to pull Luo Yue over and ask, what exactly did she mean?

Do you like it or not? Or even, do you want to pull someone into an intimate space, press tightly against them, and embed yourself into their body when hugging…

Very complicated.

This is a territory that Qin Zhaoyi has never ventured into.

Even though she has never ventured into it, she knows that these emotions are not normal.

The teachings and admonitions she has received all along remind her not to be too excessive, suppressing the emotions that are breaking through from within.

But the more she suppresses, the more intense it becomes.

Thoughts in her mind sprout like mushrooms after the rain, and the numerous books she has read in the past have now evolved into real-life imaginative templates.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a hand patted her shoulder, and a crisp voice sounded, “Hey, what are you thinking about?”

It pulled her from the abyss of imagination into the real world.

Qin Zhaoyi turned around and saw the gently smiling Luo Yue. She shook her head slowly and stiffly, “Nothing.”

“Oh.” Luo Yue walked forward, shoulder to shoulder with her, then brushed past her. The gentle voice had no attacking power but inadvertently teased, “I thought you were thinking about me.”

Qin Zhaoyi looked at her retreating figure and murmured, “I was thinking about you.”

Thinking about why you can’t belong to me.

Belong only to me.

These somewhat sinister thoughts, Qin Zhaoyi did not voice them out, quietly walking home with Luo Yue.

On the way, when she casually looked back for a few seconds, Luo Yue asked what she saw.

Squinting her eyes to look into the distance, there was someone by the seaside setting up an easel to paint. The figure seemed familiar, but for a moment, she couldn’t remember where she had seen it.

Luo Yue also mentioned that she seemed to have never seen the girl before, but during this season, people often came to Moon Island for inspiration, so it was not unusual.

On the way back, Luo Yue encountered many people, all of whom greeted her with a smile in the local dialect. Qin Zhaoyi could only vaguely understand some of it.

However, the gazes of those people towards her were not very friendly. They would smile and talk to Luo Yue and then, when passing by her, change their expression to one of disdain.

Qin Zhaoyi frowned, her face getting gloomier as they walked.

Until they reached home, passing by the little red building, Qin Zhaoyi continued to walk forward.

Luo Yue, however, stopped her, teasing and taunting, “What’s wrong? Want to come home with me?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”
Qin Zhaoyi pursed her lips, feeling a bit awkward as she asked, “Is it not allowed?”

Luo Yue shook her head, “Not allowed.”

Such a direct rejection was delivered with such a tactful tone, leaving one unsure of how to respond.

Qin Zhaoyi was stunned for a few seconds.

Luo Yue also noticed her abnormal emotions. Originally, she wanted to tease her playfully. However, seeing her nerves tense up, she didn’t dare to do anything more extreme. She reached out and poked her shoulder, pushing her back a bit, and said in a negotiating tone, “You go back first.”

“Hmm?” Qin Zhaoyi grunted discontentedly.

Luo Yue whispered, “My house is messy. I’ll go back and get something and then find you.”

“What are you getting?” Qin Zhaoyi asked.

Luo Yue: “A book.”

After Luo Yue finished speaking, Qin Zhaoyi turned and walked away.

It was like a sulking child.

Because at that moment, Qin Zhaoyi realized that Luo Yue’s early return was really not solely because of her. Putting herself in Luo Yue’s shoes, she would probably have come back specifically to find her.

But Luo Yue wasn’t like that.

This kind of unequal emotion made Qin Zhaoyi feel a bit lost.

The sourness in her heart surged uncontrollably, and she could only avoid Luo Yue’s gaze for now.

Because Luo Yue hadn’t done anything wrong.

Not liking someone is never a mistake; it’s just that she was too greedy.

After returning home, Qin Zhaoyi slumped on the sofa, leaving the computer casually aside.

Before long, the doorbell rang.

Qin Zhaoyi, dragging her somewhat heavy body, went to open the door, and there was Luo Yue in different clothes standing at the door.

Qin Zhaoyi stepped aside to let her in, maintaining a consistently indifferent expression.

After entering, Luo Yue didn’t walk further into the room. Instead, she stood in place, seemingly waiting for Qin Zhaoyi.

Qin Zhaoyi closed the door, turned around, and there was only a short distance between her and Luo Yue.

Luo Yue licked her lips lightly, and Qin Zhaoyi unconsciously swallowed.

“Are you angry?” Luo Yue asked.

Qin Zhaoyi’s body unintentionally pressed against the door, her gaze drifting, “No.”

She didn’t have the qualification to be angry.

She was just feeling stifled, a heavy feeling in her chest, making her want to cry, but there was no reasonable way to shed tears.

Really, she had never experienced this kind of grievance from childhood to adulthood.

“Then you…” Luo Yue approached step by step, almost pressing Qin Zhaoyi against the door.

Qin Zhaoyi held her breath, but she could feel Luo Yue’s continuous breaths, and the warmth dispersed on her exposed skin, quickly causing a layer of fine goosebumps.

They were almost the same height, but with Qin Zhaoyi pressed against the door, her body slightly curled, she seemed half a head shorter than Luo Yue.

Luo Yue reached out and pinched her chin, a gentleness mixed with a hint of determination, almost forcing Qin Zhaoyi to lift her head.

Qin Zhaoyi stared at Luo Yue without turning her gaze away.

Her eyes reddened in an instant.

Luo Yue immediately loosened her grip a bit, helplessly smiling, “Little princess, why are you feeling wronged again?”

Leaning close to Qin Zhaoyi, it sounded like teasing and comforting.

Qin Zhaoyi turned her face away, ignoring her.

Luo Yue’s fingertips stroked her chin, and she pressed down a bit, causing Qin Zhaoyi immediate discomfort, “What are you doing?”

Her words were still unclear, but the pain could be felt.

Yet, in this moment, she surprisingly enjoyed this pain.

The sensation of this pain was subtle, as if it established a connection between her and Luo Yue.

It made her aware of Luo Yue’s presence, and her body even inexplicably arched.

Luo Yue leaned in closer, lowered her voice, “Little princess, why are you mad at me?”

The slightly embarrassing term came out of Luo Yue’s mouth, but it didn’t feel embarrassing at all. Instead, it sent a shiver down one’s spine.

Qin Zhaoyi muttered, “Don’t call me that way.”

“But aren’t you?” Luo Yue said.

Qin Zhaoyi scoffed lightly, “What kind of princess am I?”

Luo Yue raised an eyebrow, “Hmm?”

“Have you ever seen a princess who comes and goes at someone’s beck and call?” Qin Zhaoyi glared at her, not finding anything inappropriate in Luo Yue’s current behavior.

It was a far cry from the usual Luo Yue displayed in front of others.

The usual Luo Yue was a gentle moonlight, but the current Luo Yue carried a hint of wildness.

In this hidden, dim space, she could be swallowed up at any time.

“Really?” Luo Yue said, “I’ve always been obedient to you.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi chuckled, “Do you believe what you just said?”

Luo Yue’s knee suddenly pressed against her leg, “Believe it.”

Qin Zhaoyi felt that at this moment, their posture reflected their positions in this relationship.

She always found herself in a lower position, with Luo Yue towering above, controlling everything.

Qin Zhaoyi sneered, “I think I’m more like…”

Luo Yue patiently waited.

“Your dog,” Qin Zhaoyi said, grinding her teeth.

This description surprised Luo Yue for a moment, then she burst into laughter, laughing until she directly leaned on Qin Zhaoyi’s shoulder, her whole body trembling.

Qin Zhaoyi closed her eyes. Since she had already spoken it out, there was no harm in adding a finishing touch.

She reached out and pinched Luo Yue’s waist.

Originally, she wanted to hug her, but at the moment of reaching out, she was angry again. Angry at herself for lacking restraint, and angry at Luo Yue for not taking it seriously.

There was too much to be angry about, she couldn’t even put it into words, but she vented her emotions like a spoiled child.

After Luo Yue had enough laughter, she raised her head. When she spoke, she breathed out all her warmth onto Qin Zhaoyi’s ear, “Why do you think that way?”

Her mouth moved, brushing against Qin Zhaoyi’s earlobe, as if she might bite it the next second.

Qin Zhaoyi hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, “What you’re showing me is…”

Before she could finish her sentence, something moist landed on her earlobe, bringing a warm sensation.

Qin Zhaoyi’s words suddenly got stuck in her throat.

But Luo Yue mischievously blew air in her ear, speaking in a low voice. Qin Zhaoyi could hear every word clearly.

“Continue,” Luo Yue lightly bit her earlobe again, “Princess.”

The atmosphere became so enchanting that Qin Zhaoyi couldn’t find the words to respond.

Luo Yue’s voice seemed to be enticing, as if she was casting some kind of spell.

Qin Zhaoyi’s hand, which was holding Luo Yue’s waist, started to act restlessly, slipping under her clothes along the hem. But in the next moment, Luo Yue restrained her hand, pulling it out from under her clothes.

Qin Zhaoyi’s heart suddenly swelled, as if Luo Yue, who had approached her face, muffledly said, “Look.”

“All your actions tell me the same thing,” Qin Zhaoyi said. “You just treat me as a plaything, a dispensable pastime in your life. Whenever you feel like playing, you come find me, and when you’re done playing, you just leave.”

Luo Yue’s expression froze for a moment, then she put away all the playfulness, becoming serious.

The atmosphere became even more silent.

After a long time, Qin Zhaoyi spoke with a nasal tone, “If you like, you like it. If you don’t, you don’t. Why string me along all this time? Am I your pet?”

There was a momentary pause after her words, making Luo Yue’s breath seem to stop.

Qin Zhaoyi’s tone became more conciliatory, “If you become my girlfriend, then I can be your plaything too, it’s not impossible.”