CITM - 24

The pounding on the door finally ceased, though the murmurs outside continued unabated. The confined space, coupled with the sudden and overwhelming intensity of Bai Wenfu’s actions, left Ye Yun’s heart feeling as though it had been brutally crushed—her emotions spiraling out of control.

She raised her hand to press weakly against his chest, her strength depleted, her breath stolen. Finally, he released her.

Outside, one of the men voiced his confusion. “This doesn’t make sense. The door wasn’t locked—could someone inside be holding it shut?”

Ye Yun trembled at the remark. Bai Wenfu, observing her frightened expression, allowed a faint smirk to play across his lips. Despite their precarious situation, he remained unnervingly composed.

A storm raged within Ye Yun’s chest. She glimpsed the untamed defiance buried deep in his soul—a strength she had never encountered before. He was utterly unbound by convention, disdainful of societal norms, and seemingly fearless in the face of anything that might intimidate others.

He enveloped her completely, like a fierce predator shielding its vulnerable prey. The minor commotion outside had reduced her to trembling helplessness. She was frail, too accustomed to adhering rigidly to rules. They were polar opposites, yet perhaps that very contrast fueled his desire to provoke her, to consume her piece by piece, claiming her entirely for himself.

Ye Yun’s flushed cheeks glistened with moisture, her eyes brimming with tears. Her body sagged limply against him, perspiration clinging to her skin, rendering her an image of fragile allure that seemed almost liquid in its beauty.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he cupped her face, brushing his lips gently over hers. Each tender caress sent shivers coursing through her, the kisses soft yet electrifying, teasing her senses until they blurred into dizzying submission.

The intoxicating tenderness tempted abandonment, and when he once again claimed her mouth, this time it was not the ferocity of a tempest but the deliberate, consuming heat of raw desire—a slow erosion of her rationality.

Gradually, the voices outside faded from Ye Yun’s awareness. Her thoughts were consumed by him, her vision blurring as if pulled under a tide of sensation.

When the people outside began discussing dismantling the door, Bai Wenfu reluctantly snapped back to reality. He lifted Ye Yun and placed her in a shadowy corner, out of sight.

Exhausted, she wavered on her feet. He cast her a glance before opening the door.

At least five or six people stood outside, having prepared to fetch tools to break down the door. When it suddenly swung open, they all recoiled in surprise, staring at Bai Wenfu in stunned silence.

An awkward stillness settled over the group. Someone craned their neck to peer inside, only to be blocked by Bai Wenfu’s broad shoulders.

Clearing his throat casually, he said coolly, “The water’s out. Go downstairs to fetch some.”

One man questioned hesitantly, “If the water’s out, why were you in there so long?”

Bai Wenfu shot him a cold glare. “What’s it to you?”

The man stiffened, unable to retort further. Gradually, the crowd dispersed, heading downstairs.

Once everyone had left, Bai Wenfu stepped aside, addressing a crimson-faced Ye Yun. “They’re gone.”

Ye Yun picked up the basin of vegetables, avoiding Bai Wenfu’s gaze entirely, and hurriedly returned home.

Her mind was a chaotic whirlwind, her steps unsteady. It wasn’t until she stepped inside and glanced at the unwashed leaves in the basin that she regained some semblance of focus. Turning around abruptly, she nearly collided with Bai Wenfu.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

Her voice quivered with shyness. “Mom told me to wash the vegetables, but I haven’t finished yet.”

Taking the basin from her hands, he replied simply, “I’ll do it.”

By the time the women returned with water, Bai Wenfu emerged from the laundry room carrying freshly washed greens.

Seeing the wet basin, they exclaimed in surprise, “Didn’t you say the water was out?”

With effortless composure, he responded, “It came back on.”

With that, he strode past them, leaving the women exchanging bewildered glances.

Ordinarily, Ye Yun would sit across from Bai Wenfu during meals. Today, however, before she could take her seat, he pulled her stool next to his. Glancing at him briefly, she silently moved to sit beside him.

As they ate, Tong Mingfang prattled endlessly about trivial matters involving relatives. Bai Wenfu interjected occasionally, while Ye Yun remained silent.

Each time she reached for food, her gaze involuntarily drifted toward his lips. His usual sharp, well-defined mouth now appeared softer in her memory—enticing and disarming. She hadn’t realized until today just how captivating those lips could be, stirring sensations she couldn’t suppress.

Amidst Tong Mingfang’s chatter, Bai Wenfu caught Ye Yun’s fleeting glances more than once. Each time, she flushed deeply, like a startled deer caught mid-meal.

Typically, Ye Yun was the slowest eater in the household, while Bai Wenfu finished first. Today, however, he lingered leisurely, allowing Tong Mingfang to finish ahead of him and retreat to her room to retrieve unused elastic bands.

Setting down his bowl, Bai Wenfu’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Why do you keep staring at me?”

Before Ye Yun could respond, Tong Mingfang reappeared, searching for scissors. Ye Yun fell silent once more.

After retrieving the scissors and returning to her room, Bai Wenfu extended his arm to rest on the edge of Ye Yun’s chair. Sensing his movement, she looked up at him. Seizing the opportunity, he tugged both her and the chair closer.

Separated only by the corner of the table, an unspoken intimacy simmered under the warm yellow bulb. Ye Yun gripped the edge of the table tightly, her knuckles white. He lowered his gaze to her strained fingers, his rough palm covering hers. Tong Mingfang moved about the room, and Ye Yun’s heartbeat quickened in tandem.

Chun Di called out to Tong Mingfang from outside, prompting her to respond and announce she’d be right there.

Ye Yun instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but Bai Wenfu tightened his grip, drawing her hand beneath the table. As Tong Mingfang passed by, Ye Yun held her breath, her tension palpable. Bai Wenfu leaned down, gently prying open her clenched fist and tracing the delicate lines of her palm. The electric sensation shot straight to her heart.

In the past, he had seen Wen Bin hold her hand everywhere they went. Now, with her small hand resting in his, he fully appreciated its smooth, supple texture—a sensation that made him reluctant to let go. His thumb grazed the calluses left by her needlework, eliciting shivers that coursed through her body. Listening to the conversation between Tong Mingfang and Chun Di outside, Ye Yun struggled to regulate her breathing, afraid even to exhale too loudly.

When Tong Mingfang reentered the room, Ye Yun swiftly withdrew her hand and picked up her bowl. Bai Wenfu clicked his tongue softly, turning to Tong Mingfang. “You’ve finished eating. Why don’t you rest instead of bustling around?”

Tong Mingfang replied in bewilderment, “I was just talking to Chun Di for a moment. What’s it to you?”

Bai Wenfu narrowed his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Ye Yun’s heart was a battlefield, torn between emotion and morality. Each day, the struggle raged within her, neither side gaining a decisive victory.

At times, she would succumb to her feelings, only to recoil moments later, berating herself for indulging in such folly.

She knew she should consult her family before making any decisions. Yet, when they crossed paths at home that evening—Tong Mingfang conveniently absent, tending to the laundry room—Bai Wenfu pulled her into his arms. His scorching warmth enveloped her, and try as she might, she couldn’t push him away or escape. Once again, she found herself ensnared, willingly teetering on the edge of forbidden temptation despite knowing full well the dangers lurking there.

After dinner, Ye Yun tossed and turned on her bed, unable to settle.

Not long after, Bai Wenfu called out from the adjacent room, “Can’t sleep?”

She clutched the thin blanket and murmured softly, “Mm.”

“Let’s take a walk. I’ll wait for you outside.”

Ye Yun sat up, wrestling with her thoughts. Bai Wenfu leaned against the corridor wall, lighting a cigarette. He didn’t rush her, allowing her to wrestle with her internal conflict until she finally emerged from the door. Only then did he extinguish the cigarette, a faint smile curving his lips as he reached for her hand.

Her voice trembled with unease. “We haven’t even left yet. Not now…”

Bai Wenfu chuckled lazily, his tone carefree. “What’s there to fear? You think people will stop speculating just because we’re walking together? They already assume the worst.”

Ye Yun stayed close to him, her figure hidden in his shadow. She muttered under her breath, “What relationship?”

“What kind of relationship?” Bai Wenfu’s fingers tightened around hers, pulling her closer.

Meanwhile, Li Yan returned from the restroom and bumped into Lei Zi’s wife, who had just finished putting her child to bed. With an air of mystery, Li Yan whispered, “You won’t believe what I saw.”

“What’s got you so worked up?” Lei Zi’s wife asked, picking up a rag.

“I just saw Elder Brother Wen Bin leaving with Sister-in-law Ye Yun—hand in hand.”

Lei Zi and Wen Bin had grown up together as brothers, and Ye Yun had once helped care for Lei Zi’s child during difficult times. Naturally, Lei Zi’s wife defended the Bai household, showing no patience for Li Yan’s gossip.

“Did you even see clearly before spreading nonsense? If something were going on, do you really think they’d let you catch them? Do you think Elder Brother Wen Bin is stupid?”

With a flick of her wrist, Lei Zi’s wife splashed dirty water onto the corridor floor, nearly drenching Li Yan, and chased her away.

________________________________________

Bai Wenfu led Ye Yun along Erwei Alley, where the evening crowd was sparse. The towering paulownia trees buzzed with cicadas, their chorus filling the cool night air.

Through the long alleyway, Ye Yun noticed a group of people gathered ahead. She turned to Bai Wenfu and asked, “What are they doing?”

“They’re playing billiards. Want to join?”

“I don’t know how,” Ye Yun admitted hesitantly.

“It doesn’t matter. Just play for fun.”

As they approached, Ye Yun realized there were hardly any women present. Most of the men were shirtless, and a few children ran about nearby.

She hesitated, pulling back slightly. “It’s all men here…”

“So what? If men can play, so can women.”

He claimed a table, and the small shopkeeper recognized Bai Wenfu but hadn’t seen Ye Yun before. Casting a curious glance at her, he asked, “Fu Ge, is this your girlfriend?”

Taking the cue stick without denial, Bai Wenfu smirked. “Call her Sister-in-Law.”

The shopkeeper handed another cue stick to Ye Yun, adding politely, “No wonder Fu Ge has high standards—he either doesn’t choose, or he chooses someone stunningly beautiful.”

Turning to Ye Yun, he greeted her warmly, “Hello, Sister-in-Law.”

Ye Yun tugged at Bai Wenfu’s sleeve, whispering anxiously, “People around here will talk if they see us like this. What if word gets out?”

“If it does, I’ll take responsibility.”

Ye Yun mimicked Bai Wenfu’s actions, applying chalk to her cue tip. As he taught her the rules, she managed to grasp most of them, though hitting the balls proved challenging. While others finished multiple games and left, she struggled just to make contact with the cue ball.

Seeing her frustration, Bai Wenfu set aside his cue and moved behind her, guiding her hands and leaning her forward. Together, they cleared the table one shot at a time.

His skill was undeniable, effortlessly navigating tricky angles with precision. His broad chest pressed against her back, each stroke confident and clean. Though he guided her hand, Ye Yun still felt a surge of satisfaction as the balls sank into the pockets.

Unbothered by appearances, Bai Wenfu remained open and relaxed. Ye Yun, however, felt deeply self-conscious, unused to such public displays of affection. She feared being seen by acquaintances yet couldn’t suppress the thrill coursing through her—a sensation akin to… illicit romance.

Once the game ended, Bai Wenfu released her and straightened up. Turning back with a smile, Ye Yun held her cue stick aloft. His palm landed gently atop her head, ruffling her hair. “Not bad. You deserve a reward.”

The shopkeeper watched in astonishment. Having known Bai Wenfu for years, he was well aware of his reserved nature. Never had he witnessed him dote on a woman like this.

________________________________________

On their way back, they retraced the long, dimly lit alley. Houses lay quiet and dark, the narrow path devoid of light. Alone, Ye Yun would never dare traverse it at night—but with Bai Wenfu’s hand firmly clasped around hers, fear receded.

Midway through the alley, his steps slowed. Sensing his pause, Ye Yun asked, “What’s wrong?”

Pulling her closer, he bent down, his gaze piercing and intense. “What if I don’t want to let you go back?”

That strange, melting sensation coursed through Ye Yun once more. Her eyes shimmered invitingly as he lifted her off the ground, pressing her against the wall. His kiss lingered, muscles taut with restrained passion. Holding her tightly, he exuded an almost primal possessiveness, overwhelming her senses and seeping into her very bones.

Her reservations, her adherence to ethics and propriety—all crumbled beneath Bai Wenfu’s relentless pursuit. Her consciousness spiraled downward, drawn inexorably into the depths of his allure.

Suddenly, the creak of an iron gate echoed sharply through the alley. Startled, Ye Yun buried her face in Bai Wenfu’s chest.

Bai Wenfu tightened his embrace, shielding her within his arms. An elderly woman shuffled past, coughing intermittently. “Young people these days… truly…”

Embarrassed beyond measure, Ye Yun curled into a ball, wishing she could disappear entirely into Bai Wenfu’s embrace.