WHCTIL - 57

Qin Tang sat on the bed and asked: “Do you have any spare sheets?” 

The night before last, the two had been entangled all night. Yesterday afternoon, they hadn’t had time to tidy up before heading to the hotel. Sitting on the bed now, Qin Tang could still smell the lingering scent… 

Jiang Chuan opened the cabinet and took out a set of dark plaid four-piece bedding. He nodded toward the side. “Go sit over there. I’ll handle it.” 

Qin Tang climbed off the bed. “I’ll help.” 

Together, they quickly changed the sheets and pillowcases. 

Qin Tang sat on the bed, and Jiang Chuan pulled her over. 

Qin Tang twisted her body slightly. “Wait a moment.” She crawled to the edge of the bed, reaching for the medicine on the table. “Let me apply the medicine first.” 

To Jiang Chuan, these minor injuries were nothing. He often got bumps and bruises from moving things or traveling to mountainous areas—they would heal naturally in a few days. But since Qin Tang insisted, he let her do it, relaxing against the headboard. 

Qin Tang sat cross-legged beside him, her fair face close as she poured the medicine onto his chest, gently rubbing and massaging. Her expression was serious. “Does it hurt?” 

Jiang Chuan chuckled. “No.” 

Silently, Qin Tang finished applying the medicine. Her left hand was now full of the medicinal scent. Jiang Chuan squeezed her hand lightly. “Go wash it?” 

Qin Tang nodded. “Alright.” 

The two went out together. The courtyard was still lively, and everyone’s eyes swept over them simultaneously. 

Qin Tang glanced down, her expression calm. The car accident earlier had frightened her so much that being with Jiang Chuan didn’t feel like something to hide or be concerned about. What was there to worry about or conceal? 

Jiang Chuan was even more composed, holding her hand all the way. 

Qin Tang’s right hand was still inconvenient, so she extended her left hand under the faucet to rinse it. Jiang Chuan applied some hand soap and helped her scrub. Her hands were small, delicate, and soft, easily cupped entirely by his palm. After rinsing off the foam, Jiang Chuan dried her hand with the hem of his T-shirt. 

Qin Tang froze. “What are you doing? It would dry on its own in a couple of days.” 

Jiang Chuan: “The shirt is clean, and your hands are clean too. No harm done.” 

Qin Tang pinched her fingertips lightly, saying nothing, and looked up at him. 

“What’s wrong?” 

She shook her head. “Nothing.” 

It had been a long time since a man had taken such meticulous and intimate care of her. 

Downstairs, there was a burst of commotion. Xiaocheng and Aqi had started arguing again—they were always at odds, bickering daily. Lü An shouted: “Keep arguing! Whoever loses will clean up afterward.” 

The two immediately quieted down. 

They must be wrapping things up soon. 

Jiang Chuan noticed her subdued demeanor and asked: “Tired?” 

Qin Tang said: “A little.” 

“Let’s go to sleep then.” 

“Mm.” 

--- 

In the courtyard, Lü An saw that everyone had eaten their fill. Lu Sha had been generous, leaving plenty of food uneaten. He said: “Pack up the leftovers and put them in the fridge. If you want to grill again tomorrow night, continue; otherwise, give them to Aunt Gui to cook.” 

Xiaocheng’s eyes darted toward the second floor. Jiang Chuan and Qin Tang had just closed the door. Lowering his voice, he asked: “When did Brother Jiang and Sister Qin Tang start? They’re already sharing a room so quickly—Brother Jiang moves fast!” 

Aqi and Xiaobai glared at him for his loose lips. 

Lü An kicked him. “Mind your own business and put out the fire.” 

Lu Sha glanced upstairs, smiling faintly. “I’m going to rest first. Thanks for cleaning up.” 

Lü An said: “It’s only proper. How could we let the host clean up?” 

Lu Sha said nothing and turned to leave. 

At the door, she glanced at the tightly shut door next door, her eyes icy cold. 

--- 

The old house had poor soundproofing, and with Xiaocheng and the others making noise, Qin Tang could hear their chatter from inside the room. 

Jiang Chuan turned off the lights and lay down. She turned to hug his waist, looking up at him and whispering in his ear: “Does this mean I’m not leaving for now?” 

Jiang Chuan held her, lowering his head. “You can stay. Cao Sheng will send someone to accompany you back.” 

Their eyes met, and Jiang Chuan said: “Right now, the issue with the An Yi Foundation has arisen. This is the biggest slip-up Jiang Kun has made in years. This lead is very important to us.”

Qin Tang gave a soft hum in response. 

Jiang Chuan fell silent for a few seconds, then whispered into her ear: “Were you scared tonight?” 

In the dim light, Qin Tang’s eyes were clear and shimmering with emotion. She didn’t say anything, but Jiang Chuan tightened his grip on her, pressing his tall, solid body against hers. Their bodies were flush together. 

He lowered his head and gently kissed her eyelids, his hot breath fanning across her face. 

Qin Tang closed her eyes and clung tightly to his neck, allowing him to deepen the kiss. 

Their body heat intertwined in this tight embrace, and under his kisses, Qin Tang grew softer and more pliant. 

The fear she had felt earlier was now replaced by a profound sense of calm. 

This feeling—this unique blend of excitement, desire, trust, and peace—only he could give her. 

“Jiang Chuan.” 

Her voice was soft, like a cat lightly scratching at his heart. 

Jiang Chuan kissed her earlobe and paused. “Mm?” 

Qin Tang said: “I’ll wait for you… and you wait for me too…” 

“Alright,” he murmured softly in response. 

... 

A flurry of delicate kisses followed, their breaths mingling. Jiang Chuan rolled over, covering her body inch by inch. Qin Tang trembled slightly in his arms, burying her face in his chest. In a small voice, she pleaded: “No… let’s just sleep.” 

Jiang Chuan looked at her. “Tired?” 

Qin Tang nodded lightly. “Mm. You need to rest too. You haven’t rested since I came.” 

Jiang Chuan chuckled softly. “Are you worried about my stamina?” 

Qin Tang lowered her gaze. “No… it’s me who can’t.” 

Since being with her, Jiang Chuan had little self-control left. His body’s instinctual urges were only natural. 

Jiang Chuan caressed her waist, sliding his hand upward to cup one breast, gently kneading it. His rough thumb grazed the tender peak. “Really can’t?” 

Qin Tang squirmed slightly and shrank back. “Really can’t…” 

Jiang Chuan rolled back to his side. “Alright, I won’t touch you anymore.” 

He pulled her into his arms. 

“How long will they take to clean up?” 

“Probably soon. Is it noisy?” 

“Not really…” Her voice trailed off, drowsy and faint. 

Downstairs, Lü An called out: “Alright, everyone, go back to your rooms and sleep.” 

As the night deepened, the small Yi Station gradually returned to silence, not a sound to be heard. 

Jiang Chuan looked down at the woman in his arms. She had already fallen asleep, her breathing shallow and peaceful. Her sleeping face was serene as she curled up against him, her fair cheek resting on his chest, making her appear even paler, delicate, and fragile. 

Jiang Chuan took her right hand and gently kissed it. 

... 

The next morning, Jiang Chuan called Cao Sheng: “I’ll take Qin Tang back to Beijing.” 

Cao Sheng was silent for a moment. “Didn’t I say I’d send someone to accompany her?” 

“I’m not comfortable with that,” Jiang Chuan said. 

“I’ll have Cao Yan take her.” 

“I’ll take her myself.” 

Neither backed down. Cao Sheng frowned. “Fine, I’ll personally escort her. Is that acceptable?” 

Jiang Chuan paused for a moment, then agreed. “There are leads regarding the An Yi Foundation. Be careful.” 

“Mm. Is Lu Sha still there with you?” 

“She’s returning to Beijing today,” Jiang Chuan said. “Check which flight she’s on.” 

Cao Sheng: “Are you sure Lu Sha’s return is related to the An Yi Foundation?” 

Jiang Chuan: “Not certain, just a guess. Jiang Kun can’t show his face right now. As an auctioneer, Lu Sha has wide connections. It makes sense for her to step forward—it wouldn’t raise suspicion. We’ve been approaching this the wrong way. Perhaps targeting her is the fastest route.” 

Indeed, who would suspect a woman of having such boldness and capability? 

After discussing further, they ended the call. 

When Qin Tang woke up, Jiang Chuan was no longer in the room. 

She rubbed her hair, got up, and walked to the window to pull back the curtains. Jiang Chuan was standing under the big tree, smoking. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up at her. 

He gave a faint smile, flicked the ash off his cigarette, and walked toward the staircase. 

Qin Tang closed the curtains and turned back. Last night, Lü An had placed her luggage in Jiang Chuan’s room. She rummaged through it and pulled out a set of clothes. 

Jiang Chuan pushed the door open and stood at the entrance, watching her. “Hungry?” 

Qin Tang: “Mm.” 

She turned her back to him, preparing to change. 

When she turned around, she realized he was staring at her. Her face flushed, and she softly protested: “Don’t look.” 

Jiang Chuan: “What’s there to hide? Is there any part of your body I haven’t seen or kissed?” 

Qin Tang glared at him, but his gaze didn’t waver. 

Ignoring him, she quickly slipped off her dress and put on her bra. Her injured right hand made it difficult to fasten the buttons. She tried several times but failed. 

Jiang Chuan’s eyes darkened as he stared at her smooth, pale back, her slender waist, her rounded hips, and her long, straight legs. The navy-blue bra straps hung loosely on her shoulders. He took a final drag of his cigarette, threw it away, and walked over, placing his hand over hers. “Let me help.” 

Qin Tang stiffened slightly. “Mm.”