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Jian Xi didn’t stop blow-drying her hair, the sound of the hot air mingling with the persistent ringing of her phone.
She didn’t pick up.
Tao Xinglai called out, “Sis, there’s only one strawberry left. I saved it for you.”
Jian Xi unplugged the hairdryer, stuffed it into the cabinet, and walked out. “A whole bag of strawberries down to just one? Next time, don’t bother coming over—just keep them for yourself. The outcome will be the same anyway.”
“How is it that I feel like you’re mocking me?” Tao Xinglai protested. “These days, even going out of your way doesn’t get you praise. Brother-in-law, this is all on you. Women need to be managed properly.”
Jian Xi burst out laughing. “If I thank you for the strawberries, will you stop talking?”
Tao Xinglai held up the last strawberry, bringing it close to Jian Xi’s mouth. She leaned forward and took a bite directly from his hand.
“Mm, pretty sweet.”
“Of course it’s sweet—it was personally delivered by a rising star late at night,” Tao Xinglai boasted, unable to resist praising himself. Turning to He Ran, he said, “Ignore her. Let’s continue our man-to-man talk.”
Jian Xi moved behind He Ran, casually resting her hand on his shoulder. He grabbed it, playing with the joints of her fingers.
Feeling ticklish, Jian Xi tried to pull her hand back when the phone rang again.
Lu Pingnan was calling repeatedly, persistently.
He Ran, sitting on the couch, tilted his head to watch Jian Xi walk into the bedroom.
In the living room, Tao Xinglai kept pestering He Ran with chatter, rambling on endlessly.
The phone finally stopped ringing, and Lu Pingnan sent a WeChat message.
[Xi, why didn’t you answer? Are you busy?]
Standing by the window, Jian Xi replied: [What do you want?]
[I just got back from a business trip in Hangzhou. I brought you a gift.]
[Thank you, but no need.]
[I’ll drive over to give it to you.]
[Sorry, I’m already asleep.]
Lu Pingnan sent several more messages, none of which were particularly important. Jian Xi turned off the screen, pulled out two blankets, and walked back into the living room.
“Sis, why are there two blankets? One is enough to keep me warm. Leave some flesh for your bed.” Tao Xinglai joked endlessly. “Don’t be shy. After all, I’m 23 years old. Men and women—that’s just how things go. I understand.”
“Enough with you.” Jian Xi threw the blanket at him. “You two figure out the sofa. Don’t move around too much tonight, or I’ll have to pick you up off the floor tomorrow morning.”
Tao Xinglai asked He Ran, “Are you really going to squeeze onto the sofa with me?”
He Ran nodded and smiled. “Yes, squeeze.”
“Oh my god.” Tao Xinglai exaggerated his tone. “Sis, how pitiful you are. He won’t even warm your bed for you.”
Jian Xi tapped his head. “Will you ever stop talking?”
He Ran found their sibling banter hilarious, leaning back on the sofa and enjoying the show.
After her bath, Jian Xi changed into a silk pajama set. With the room’s heating on, a patch of her fair skin peeked out, making He Ran’s throat dry.
But with Tao Xinglai present—her future brother-in-law—he figured it was best to maintain an air of respectability for the first night.
At 10:30 PM, Jian Xi went to bed in her bedroom. A lotus-shaped nightlight illuminated the living room, filled with the scent of ocean-scented essential oil.
The L-shaped sofa had Tao Xinglai sprawled on the longer section, tossing and turning like he was performing martial arts.
“Brother-in-law He, spending our first night together like this is kind of embarrassing.” Tao Xinglai loved to chat.
He Ran rested one hand behind his head, pretending to sleep. “Both you and your sister gave me your first nights. Shouldn’t I be the embarrassed one?”
Good grief. Tao Xinglai blushed and fell silent.
He Ran chuckled softly. “I’m teasing you. Why don’t you and your sister share the same surname?”
“I take after my mom; she takes after dad.” Tao Xinglai explained, “I’ve always noticed that my family favors girls over boys. It breaks my heart.”
He Ran was curious. “Usually, boys take their father’s surname.”
“Let me tell you a secret,” Tao Xinglai lowered his voice, speaking seriously. “My maternal grandfather strongly opposed my parents’ marriage. My dad was dirt poor, and my mom was an only child. After I was born, my dad let me take my mom’s surname, and my grandfather finally calmed down. Ah, these love stories of middle-aged people—they can break your heart.”
He Ran had been listening intently but couldn’t help laughing at Tao Xinglai’s dramatic conclusion. What a character.
“Alright, go to sleep. Don’t roll off the sofa.” He Ran instructed him. “Don’t worry, I don’t snore.”
Tao Xinglai fell asleep almost instantly, smacking his lips in his dreams.
He Ran got up, tucked Tao Xinglai’s blanket around him, covering his pale legs.
The light in Jian Xi’s bedroom was still on, a thin sliver of light seeping through the door crack. He Ran stood at the doorway, his hormones stirring restlessly.
Just as his desire was building, the lock clicked open. The door slowly creaked wider, and soft light spilled into He Ran’s eyes.
Jian Xi’s hand reached out—a delicate, white arm with the sleeves of her mint-green pajamas rolled up twice.
Her fingers hooked around He Ran’s, pulling him into the bedroom.
“You want me to sleep with you?” As soon as He Ran stepped in, he pushed Jian Xi against the door, sliding his hand under her shirt. His fingertips rubbed roughly against her sensitive spots.
Jian Xi arched back, letting out a moan.
He Ran was thoroughly satisfied with the sound. His lips brushed her forehead, kissing her as he whispered, “Addicted to me, huh? Hmm?”
Jian Xi’s rapid breathing was the best answer.
He Ran’s hand moved lower, skillfully teasing her until she was slick with arousal.
“Damn, this is getting good.”
He increased his pace, watching Jian Xi melt like smoke and water beneath him.
Emotion fueled desire, and desire fueled emotion. I like you, so I want to share pleasure with you. Later, Jian Xi was lifted halfway into the air, pressed tightly against him, feeling him penetrate deeply.
She clutched He Ran’s shoulders, leaving shell-like nail marks as she whimpered uncontrollably.
“Say it again—I didn’t hear you clearly.” He Ran was drenched in sweat, utterly euphoric.
Jian Xi was on the verge of collapse. “Stop… just for a moment, I…” Her voice trailed off faintly. “…need to use the bathroom.”
He Ran felt his body tighten further, his excitement growing like a wound-up spring. He leaned down, enveloping her earlobe with his tongue. “You don’t need to pee—you’re about to climax.”
With that, he carried Jian Xi, moving rhythmically toward the bed. In those ten short steps, Jian Xi felt like she was dying.
No matter how much she begged, crying out weakly, He Ran could make her come alive and die again with just one position.
“Damn, stop squeezing me!”
“Mmm, I can’t help it.”
“Call me ‘Husband.’”
Jian Xi held her ground, gritting her teeth and refusing to utter a sound.
Frustrated, He Ran couldn’t hold back anymore. With one hand, he lifted her waist and flipped her onto her stomach.
Jian Xi was losing her mind. Not only was he moving, but his hands were also exploring the crevice of her buttocks.
“You’re shameless.” Jian Xi cried out, as He Ran repeatedly drove her to new heights.
At 2 AM, He Ran finally emerged from Jian Xi’s bedroom, fully satisfied, and returned to the sofa.
Tao Xinglai had kicked off his blanket again, his pale legs exposed to the cold air. Just as He Ran was about to cover him, the aspiring actor mumbled in his sleep, “I dreamed my sister was crying in the room, completely devastated.”
He Ran looked at Tao Xinglai’s closed eyes, assuming it was just dream talk.
“It’s fine. She probably caught a cold. I’ll give her some throat lozenges in the morning.”
Tao Xinglai muttered a few more words, rolled over, and started grinding his teeth.
________________________________________
The next day, Jian Xi nearly arrived late to work—all because of He Ran’s shamelessness.
There were already six or seven patients waiting at the outpatient clinic. Jian Xi spent the entire morning sitting in the leather chair, her bottom sore.
Last night, when He Ran climaxed, he had slapped her buttocks repeatedly. That morning, while showering, she noticed red handprints on her skin in the mirror.
Good grief, did this man have some special kinks?
Jian Xi’s thoughts drifted far away, but the busy workday left little room for distraction.
It was nearly 7 PM by the time she finished seeing all her patients.
He Ran had something to do that evening and had said he wouldn’t come to pick her up. Jian Xi changed her clothes, clocked out, and left work.
As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, someone called out, “Xi!”
Lu Pingnan ran over from his Cayenne, dressed sharply in a stylish knight-style coat.
Jian Xi froze. “What are you doing here?”
Lu Pingnan smiled charmingly, handing her a gift box. “I said I’d bring you a gift. I bought it in Hangzhou. See if you like it.”
Unable to resist his persistence, Jian Xi reluctantly accepted and opened the box. Inside was a gold and jade bracelet.
Jian Xi closed the lid and handed it back. “It’s too expensive. I can’t accept it.”
“It’s for you. No matter how expensive, it’s worth it.” Lu Pingnan pushed it back toward her and even tried to hold her hand. “Your hands are so cold.”
Jian Xi quickly pulled her hand away, startled. The movement caused the bracelet to fall to the ground.
The atmosphere turned awkward instantly.
Lu Pingnan picked it up, brushing it off casually. “It’s fine. If you don’t like it, I’ll buy you something else.”
Jian Xi interrupted him, her voice soft. “Senior Brother.”
The moment that title left her lips, both of them fell silent.
Back in their sophomore year, Jian Xi had chased after him sweetly and innocently. All the feelings of a young girl were wrapped up in those two words.
To be honest, Lu Pingnan felt victory within reach.
After all these years, she had called him “Senior Brother” again.
Suppressing his joy, he responded gently, “Hmm?”
Jian Xi looked up, her voice calm. “I won’t accept any gifts from you. When I was younger, I caused you a lot of trouble with my one-sided feelings. I’m sorry.”
Lu Pingnan’s heart sank. Sensing trouble, he quickly declared, “Actually, I’ve always liked you, Xi. Although I realized it late, I’m sincere.”
Jian Xi’s gaze remained steady. “Senior Brother, I have a boyfriend now. I like him very much, and I’m happy. I wish you luck in finding the right person.”
The wind blew cold gusts between them.
Lu Pingnan couldn’t believe it. His mind raced, and he raised his voice. “Is it that thug who fights?”
Jian Xi didn’t respond, but her silence confirmed it.
“You can’t be serious.” Lu Pingnan sneered. “That guy’s trash—always fighting and causing trouble. Debt collection is illegal, you know!”
Jian Xi stared at him directly. “He’s not trash.”
“Are you out of your mind? A grown man refusing to find proper work, wasting his life in society. Do you think I can’t call the police and get him arrested?”
Lu Pingnan was furious, unwilling to accept defeat. “Don’t be fooled by his appearance. Men like him frequent prostitutes and catch diseases without even realizing it.”
Jian Xi’s eyes shot up, locking onto Lu Pingnan.
Cold, hard, resentful—and tinged with a hint of tragic disappointment.
Without another word, she turned and silently walked away.
“Xi, Xi, listen to me! Jian Xi!”
Lu Pingnan’s shouts were futile. Her figure disappeared resolutely into the distance.
“Damn it!” Lu Pingnan, enraged, stormed back to his car and slammed his fist against it.
Frustrated, he raked his hands through his hair. The promising future he had envisioned slipping away—it was unbearable!
Jian Yanqing came from humble beginnings but rose to prominence through talent and virtue. After five years in office, his achievements were outstanding, and his political career was stable. If he wanted, municipal headquarters would not be the end of his journey.
Marrying into such a family meant lifelong prosperity.
Lu Pingnan was livid. After calming down slightly, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
The call connected.
Lu Pingnan spoke in a friendly tone, “Aunt Tao.”
________________________________________
Jian Xi drove onto the main road, rolling down the windows to let the wind calm her racing thoughts.
College, graduation, work—these ten years without He Ran. Even as her feelings for Lu Pingnan faded over time, she still harbored fond memories of him.
But just now, Lu Pingnan had used the sharpest words to shatter the last thread of illusion in her heart.
The frustration of misjudging someone weighed heavily on Jian Xi’s mind.
Passing by the Municipal Government Building, Jian Xi pulled over and called Jian Yanqing. “Dad, have you eaten yet?”
Jian Yanqing: “Yes, I have.”
Jian Xi responded with a subdued “Oh,” her spirits low.
After a moment, Jian Yanqing said, “Come upstairs. I saw your car.”
Jian Xi entered the office to find Jian Yanqing reviewing documents. “Here already? I had the secretary order some takeout for you. Eat something. Later, I’ll take you out for tea.”
On the small table sat a stainless steel lunchbox, still warm.
Jian Xi opened the lid to find stir-fried carrots and meat. She said, “You don’t need to accompany me. Every time, you just watch me eat—it’s boring.”
Jian Yanqing paused his paperwork and looked up. “Something bothering you at work?”
A seasoned veteran’s insight was sharp indeed. Jian Xi, seen through, simply murmured, “Yeah, it’s nothing.”
After a while, she looked up and asked, “Dad, what kind of man do you admire?”
Jian Yanqing picked up his pen and resumed signing papers, speaking casually. “As long as he treats you well, that’s enough.”
“What if he’s poor, with no money?”
“Things depend on one’s efforts.” Jian Yanqing’s voice carried weight. “A man’s shoulders are more valuable than wealth. I have one requirement: loyalty and responsibility to my daughter come first.”
Jian Xi felt warmth swelling in her heart. Mentally matching the description to He Ran, she thought he fit perfectly.
Jian Yanqing was busy with work, and Jian Xi didn’t disturb him further. Preparing to leave, she paused at the door.
“Xi.” Before she could exit, Jian Yanqing suddenly called her name.
Her hand on the doorknob, Jian Xi turned. “Hmm?”
“Set a time. Bring him over to meet the family.” Across the wide desk, Jian Yanqing looked at her.
Jian Xi was momentarily stunned, her thoughts laid bare.
She nodded. “Dad, I will.”
“Drive safely. Go home.” Jian Yanqing’s voice was gentle, giving her a slight nod.
After being spiritually uplifted by the elder statesman, Jian Xi’s mood brightened considerably.
Just as she was about to start the car, she received a text from He Ran.
[Coming over?]
Jian Xi smiled and replied: [What do you have to offer? Let me see if it’s worth the trip.]
The screen lit up almost immediately.
He Ran: [A man who wants to drive you wild.]
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