YJDNY - 28

Xiang Ge let out a soft whimper, her whole body cold and trembling. Held tightly in his arms, she didn’t dare to move, as if even breathing had become lighter.

The man’s scent was crisp and clean, his warmth soft and comforting. Perhaps because he had just come from the hospital, there was a faint smell of disinfectant.

Xiang Ge nuzzled her nose against him, then raised her hand, fingers stretching out to clutch and twist at the fabric of his clothes. Slowly, she began to calm down.

How could she not be afraid?

She simply didn’t allow herself to feel such emotions.

Instinctively, Xiang Ge burrowed deeper into his embrace. Her voice was hoarse, muffled. “Xing Xing.”

Zhou Hangyan hummed softly in response.

He didn’t ask who that man was, nor did he inquire about what had happened.

Xiang Ge lowered her gaze, shifting slightly within his arms before tilting her head up to look at him.

Her eyes were tinged with redness; her lips, bitten too hard earlier, were now slightly swollen. She hesitated, looking at him as if wanting to say something.

But he asked her nothing.

He only told her not to be afraid.

No one had ever said such words to her before.

Xiang Ge’s nose prickled with emotion. It was as though a wronged child had suddenly found comfort, shelter, someone she could freely confide in and rely on without restraint.

There was someone—someone who could see through her facade, recognize her vulnerability, and always appear when she needed him most. He would offer his embrace and tell her, Don’t be afraid. I’m here.

Just those few simple words made her feel as though a warm current flowed through her heart, gently filling it with warmth that seemed endless.

“Xing Xing,” she murmured again, her voice low.

She felt his arm tighten around her just a little more.

“Aren’t you going to ask me any questions?” she whispered.

Zhou Hangyan twirled a strand of her long hair between his fingers, his voice quiet and shallow. “Do you want me to ask?”

Xiang Ge didn’t respond.

After a long moment, she finally said, “Ask.”

Her voice was firm, resolute, as though she’d made some kind of decision.

Zhou Hangyan chuckled.

Leaning his head to the side, he thought carefully for a moment before speaking slowly, calling her name. “Xiang Ge.”

Her eyelashes fluttered.

“Are you hungry?”

Huh?

She froze, staring up at him blankly, their gazes meeting.

His dark eyes bore into hers, carrying a faint smile. Seeing her somewhat dazed expression, he repeated himself. “It’s past six. Are you hungry?”

She hadn’t expected him to ask that question.

Coming back to her senses, she replied, “Yes.”

Zhou Hangyan nodded, releasing her and turning toward the door.

Xiang Ge quickly grabbed the edge of his shirt.

He turned back to face her.

She bit her lip, her voice tinged with unease. “Where are you going?”

A flicker of worry and panic flashed in his deep black eyes.

For the first time, she exposed her vulnerability and carefulness so completely in front of him.

Zhou Hangyan’s throat tightened.

He wanted to hold her again.

To embrace her once more.

To pull her entirely into his body—to hug her, kiss her, comfort her, spoil her, do anything for her.

Instead, he stood still, patiently explaining. “I bought some things, but you locked them outside.”

“Oh!” Xiang Ge exclaimed, her ears flushing red as she released her grip.

Zhou Hangyan opened the door, bending down to retrieve a bag from outside. After closing the door, he walked to the kitchen.

Xiang Ge adjusted her expression and followed him over, peeking curiously into the bag. Inside were vegetables, a pack of chicken wings, and a box of beef.

She blinked in surprise. “You originally planned to have me cook for you?”

Zhou Hangyan was busy putting the items away in the fridge. Without saying a word, he glanced at her, his meaning clear in his gaze.

Xiang Ge pouted, trying to defend herself. “I really can cook now.”

With a faint smile, Zhou Hangyan placed the beef in the freezer and responded lightly, “Mm, alright.”

“…”

What did he mean by ‘alright’?

Unsatisfied, Xiang Ge pressed on. “I can even make seaweed rice rolls.”

“…Even though they might look a bit ugly.”

“But it’s progress!”

She muttered under her breath while watching his back. After storing everything, Zhou Hangyan closed the fridge door and turned to face her. “It’s a bit late to start cooking now. Let’s eat out tonight. What do you want?”

Xiang Ge thought for a moment. “Fries, large portion, and fried chicken.”

Zhou Hangyan nodded, glancing at her bare arms and legs peeking out from her dress. Walking into the living room, he casually grabbed a jacket from the sofa and handed it to her. “It’s cold at night. Put this on.”

Xiang Ge wanted to complain that wearing a jacket over her dress wouldn’t look good. But after thinking about it, she kept quiet and obediently took it, draping it over her shoulders.

When she checked herself in the mirror, she looked bloated and utterly unattractive. As a model, Xiang Ge valued style over warmth. Being cold was tolerable, but looking bad? Absolutely unacceptable.

Without hesitation, she slipped off the jacket, quietly placing it back on the sofa. She even tucked it behind a cushion to hide it.

From the entrance, Zhou Hangyan, still facing away, spoke coolly. “Put it on. Where are you hiding it?”

“…”

Xiang Ge froze mid-action.

Could his eyes rotate 360 degrees or something?

In the end, she reluctantly put the jacket back on and headed downstairs, hoping that fried chicken, cola, and fries would provide some consolation.

________________________________________

Thirty minutes later, Xiang Ge sat in a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant, feeling a bit bewildered.

She blinked, looking across at the man opposite her. “I thought we were going to eat fried chicken.”

Zhou Hangyan flipped through the menu, not lifting his head. “I don’t eat fried food.”

Xiang Ge slumped in disappointment. “Oh, right. You’re allergic.”

Unable to suppress a smile, Zhou Hangyan looked up and praised her. “My clever junior.”

Frowning slightly, Xiang Ge tilted her head and studied him. “Dr. Zhou, don’t you think your life as an old man is boring and meaningless?”

Still flipping through the menu, Zhou Hangyan replied calmly. “Not at all.”

“Young people don’t avoid fried foods like that—it’s something old folks do.” She teased him.

He shrugged dismissively. “Can’t help it. I’m allergic.”

Though the start wasn’t perfect, fortunately, the tea restaurant Zhou Hangyan chose served delicious dishes. Though portions were small, the food was exquisitely prepared. He even ordered her a honey strawberry thick toast. When Xiang Ge returned from the restroom, her eyes lit up at the sight of it.

However, this thick toast looked slightly different from what she usually ate. After inspecting it for a while, she realized—there was no ice cream on top. Instead, a rich, smooth layer of chocolate sauce had been poured over it.

Xiang Ge was shocked. How could thick toast not have ice cream?

She immediately called over the waiter—a young man with a fair complexion. After stuttering for a moment, he explained that they had specified no ice cream when ordering.

Xiang Ge turned to look at the person sitting across from her.

Zhou Hangyan remained composed and serious. “I’m also allergic to ice cream.”

“…”

You’re amazing. Truly great.

Xiang Ge gritted her teeth in frustration.

By the time they finished eating, it was nearly eight o’clock. Xiang Ge sat sluggishly in her chair, poking at the half-eaten custard bun on her plate.

Zhou Hangyan sat across from her, asking, “Are you full?”

“No,” she answered quickly.

He lifted his eyelids, his dark eyes profound.

Xiang Ge avoided his gaze, holding a fork absentmindedly.

After dinner, it was time to go home.

But she didn’t want to go home.

Not one bit.

Not at all.

Thinking about Xiang Lin showing up at her doorstep today sent shivers down her spine, making her skin crawl. He wouldn’t give up so easily—he’d definitely come back for her.

And tonight, Zhou Hangyan wouldn’t be there.

Xiang Ge sighed deeply, feeling increasingly self-pitying.

Placing the fork back on the plate, she finally looked up. “I’m full. Let’s go.”

Zhou Hangyan observed her silently before nodding.

At eight in the evening, nightlife was just beginning. Outside, the streets were brightly lit, shops glowing warmly, and massive LED displays in front of malls cast colorful lights.

They stepped out of the restaurant and got into the car. Xiang Ge leaned her arm against the car frame, gazing out the window. Through the glass, she could see the blurry reflection of her own face.

Behind her, Zhou Hangyan’s profile was faintly mirrored—his lips perfectly shaped, his nose high and straight, the lines of his face strikingly handsome.

Suddenly, Zhou Hangyan turned his head toward the car window.

Startled, Xiang Ge quickly pretended to look elsewhere nonchalantly.

When they arrived at her building, Xiang Ge unbuckled her seatbelt, opened the door, and stepped out. Zhou Hangyan had already exited the driver’s seat.

They entered the elevator together, arriving at her floor.

Xiang Ge unlocked the door slowly, turned on the entryway light, and stepped inside, turning to face him.

Zhou Hangyan stood leaning casually against the doorframe, one hand in his pocket, watching her.

Xiang Ge pondered what to say.

Should she be formal today?

Senior Zhou, thank you for your trouble today.

Thank you for taking me home.

Goodnight.

But that felt too stiff, too dull, completely unlike her usual self.

She tilted her head, about to speak, when Zhou Hangyan beat her to it.

“What are you spacing out for?”

Xiang Ge blinked, letting out a surprised “Ah?”

Zhou Hangyan instructed, “Go get your things.”

What things?

Still confused, Xiang Ge tilted her head, her dark, sparkling eyes wide with bewilderment.

Adorable.

Zhou Hangyan’s lips curved into a faint smile as he listed items slowly. “Toiletries, skincare products, pajamas, a change of clothes. No need to bring a toothbrush—I have new ones at home.”

Xiang Ge froze.

Under the dim yellow light of the entryway, his long lashes cast delicate shadows. In a calm tone, he asked, “Aren’t you scared?”

Even as they stood outside Zhou Hangyan’s apartment, Xiang Ge still hadn’t fully processed what was happening.

Had she really just ended up at his place?

How exactly did this happen?

How had she ended up here?

Zhou Hangyan’s home was several times larger than hers—a three-bedroom apartment. One room was set up as a study, and another was empty.

Zhou Hangyan placed the bag containing her belongings on the bed and turned to face her.

Before she could express her gratitude, he suddenly bent down, picked up the bag again, and walked out.

Completely unsure of his intentions, Xiang Ge obediently followed.

Zhou Hangyan entered another bedroom—clearly his own, judging by the lived-in warmth compared to the previous room.

He placed the bag on the carpet beside the bed and turned to her. “I’ll help you change the bed sheets and pillowcases later.”

Xiang Ge stared, dumbfounded.

Her teeth ground together nervously. Clearing her throat, her ears reddening, she stammered, “Senior Zhou… isn’t this inappropriate?”

Zhou Hangyan watched her with amusement. “Why is it inappropriate?”

Xiang Ge hesitated. “It feels a bit rushed… We’re not even…”

Not even dating! How could they possibly share a room?

They were both adults, after all. What if something happened?!

Unable to continue, Xiang Ge lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes.

For a long while, Zhou Hangyan remained silent, watching the blush spread gradually across her ears. Finally, he spoke slowly. “That other room doesn’t have a bathroom. It’ll be more convenient for you to sleep here.”

“…”

Oh.

He watched her conflicted expression, her eyes tightly shut, and chuckled softly. Picking up where she left off earlier, he teased, “We’re not even what?”

“…”

“Hmm? Not what?”

“…”

In the end, Xiang Ge couldn’t bring herself to take the homeowner’s room and settled for the guest room instead.

Though she had done something similar eight years ago.

She rummaged through her belongings, pulling out her pajamas, makeup remover, and toiletries. Holding them, she left the room to head to the bathroom, planning to take a shower.

Then she understood why Zhou Hangyan had said this room was more convenient.

Because the bathroom in his living room… didn’t have a shower.

No shower, no faucet—only a toilet and a marble sink, mocking her naivety.

Helpless, Xiang Ge emerged, squatting by the bathroom door, staring at the master bedroom door and biting her fingertip anxiously.

To shower or not to shower—that was the question.

Lost in thought, the closed door suddenly opened from within.

Zhou Hangyan stepped out in his pajamas, his gaze lowered.

Xiang Ge’s fingertip was still in her mouth as she tilted her head up to look at him.

His black hair was damp, water droplets falling, a towel draped carelessly over his head as he rubbed it dry.

“Come in and shower,” he said.