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Psst! We're moving!
Chu Ning patted the back of his head. Leaning against the cool wall, she let out a soft sound, and Ying Jing realized, adjusting her waist and loosening his grip.
“How did you get here?” Chu Ning glanced at the time, asking while subtly slipping out from under his arm.
“By high-speed train, the 8:30 one.” Ying Jing’s gaze lingered on her figure.
The passion cooled, but there was still a hint of awkwardness at this moment.
Chu Ning was wearing a black camisole nightgown. It was summer, and being alone at home, she prioritized comfort. She hadn’t expected Ying Jing to show up like this. Her slender waist moved with the short skirt, revealing two even, delicate legs, barefoot, swaying gently.
Ah! Dizzying!
Chu Ning went into the bedroom and came out wearing a loose white T-shirt.
“Don’t do this again next time, alright?” She pulled her hair out from the collar, simply tying it into a ponytail, then asked Ying Jing, “Have you eaten?”
“No, I was rushing to catch the train.”
Chu Ning lowered her hand, glanced at the kitchen, and said, “There’s nothing at home. Let’s take you out to eat.”
Ying Jing glanced at her clothes, “Change.”
Chu Ning looked down, “Why?”
“It’s too short.” He awkwardly turned his head, whispering.
Chu Ning: “...”
But she still complied, changing into an ankle-length dress, and they both went out. She took him to a noodle shop she often frequented. In summer nights, the business was good; beer and cold dishes were laid out on stalls. The owner, Zhou Xiaoqiang, recognized Chu Ning, adding more noodles without extra charge, cheerfully giving each of them a marinated egg.
Ying Jing was hungry, finding everything delicious.
“Slow down,” Chu Ning handed him a bottle of ice-cold cola. Ying Jing didn’t even look at it, “I don’t drink cola.”
“A change of heart? You used to like it?”
“Didn’t you say that cola kills sperm?”
Chu Ning was startled, not quite sensitive. The focus wasn’t on the last two words. She laughed uncontrollably, “It was a joke; there’s no scientific basis for it.”
“I don’t care. If you said it, it’s the basis.” His chopsticks paused mid-air as he looked at her, frowning, “How do you eat eggs?”
“Hmm?” Chu Ning bit a piece, saying, “Oh, I’ve never eaten the yolk since I was little.” Then she flicked her chopsticks, and the golden yolk slid out whole.
Ying Jing reached with his chopsticks, directly transferring it from her bowl to his mouth.
“Don’t waste it.”
Chu Ning yelled, “I’ve already bitten it. Aren’t you disgusted?”
Ying Jing responded straightforwardly, glancing at her, “Then when we kissed earlier, weren’t you licking my tongue? Why weren’t you disgusted then?”
Chu Ning abruptly stood up, reaching across the table to cover his mouth, “That’s too much.”
Ying Jing quickly leaned back with his chair, keeping just out of reach.
He smirked mischievously, leaning slightly forward and capturing her index finger in his mouth.
Chu Ning shivered violently, sitting back down in alarm.
Ying Jing acted as if nothing happened, continuing to devour his noodles with gusto.
Chu Ning gazed at him, her expression troubled.
What kind of species was he, having such peculiar tastes?
Not letting the silence drag on too long, Chu Ning calmly regained control of the situation, asking, “Did you get your driver’s license?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Alright, eat up. Afterward, I’ll take you to practice driving.”
Ying Jing raised his head, disbelief filling his eyes, “Practice what driving?”
“You drive on the road, and I’ll sit beside you, keeping an eye on things.”
Chu Ning kept her word.
Half an hour later, Ying Jing drove her white BMW out of the garage.
“Just practice on this road, okay?” Ying Jing controlled the steering wheel, still fairly steady.
Switching between high and low beams, signaling turns in advance, controlling speed while overtaking—all done methodically. After watching him for a few minutes, Chu Ning felt reassured, saying, “Change lanes, turn right, get on the elevated highway.”
On the elevated highway, traffic flowed incessantly, occasionally backed up.
Having just gotten his license, Ying Jing felt apprehensive, “Let’s not... Just practice casually.”
“You’ll eventually have to drive in crowded areas. Don’t avoid it; take it slow. Always remember to brake, stay calm, and practice makes perfect.” Chu Ning was serious about handling matters.
With those words, Ying Jing felt more at ease, lightly pressing the accelerator and smoothly getting onto the elevated highway.
He was bold yet meticulous, an engineering student with a natural advantage in mechanical control. After a couple of rounds, Chu Ning stopped worrying, picking up her phone to check reports. She casually mentioned, “What are your plans after school starts?”
Ying Jing realized she was referring to the project.
“Our technical process is already very familiar. Next, refinement, corrections, and improvements.”
“Timeline?”
“About two months.”
“Too slow.” Chu Ning was direct, “Speed up. After November, companies tend not to add new procurement plans, especially for technology-related items. They’re busy with accounting, finalizing annual business orders, chasing payments, and preparing annual reports. Delay further, and it’ll be after the New Year.”
Her tone was all business, which was normal, but in this context, it somewhat spoiled the mood.
Ying Jing was still basking in the honeymoon phase of their reunion. Hearing this, he became a bit displeased.
“This can’t be rushed. There are so many code nodes to repeatedly evaluate, and it’s not machine operation—it requires thinking.”
“Heh, you still want to take it slow?”
“That can’t be rushed either.”
How could it be taken slowly?
The initial cost investment had already been substantial. Over these past several months, from winter to summer, from nothing to gradual progress—frankly speaking, all of this was intangible. Not only from her perspective but also from the company’s standpoint, this investment cycle had already been quite long.
Speak frankly; one couldn’t rely solely on sentiment and emotion for investment—they had to make money.
But this thought, though circling in Chu Ning’s mind, remained unspoken to Ying Jing.
She sighed softly, understanding his personality better now. When there was resistance, pushing further would be counterproductive—it needed to be handled gently. Honestly, overcoming hardness with softness wasn’t her usual style, but...
Since it was him, fine, she’d indulge him.
Silence enveloped the car once more.
In such a short time, there was a subtle sense of competition again.
Ying Jing glanced at her a few times through the rearview mirror, internally regretting.
Why did he have to open his mouth? See, he upset her again.
The car descended the elevated bridge, needing to merge into the right-turn lane at the upcoming traffic light. With many vehicles merging, he wavered nervously, steering like a snake. Chu Ning swiftly extended her hand, steadying the steering wheel, softly advising, “Stay calm, hold steady, stick to your lane, and inch forward slowly.”
Suddenly, Ying Jing placed his palm over her hand, gripping it tightly.
Chu Ning was slightly startled, realizing this person was full of clever tricks.
Ying Jing single-handedly controlled the wheel, smoothly merging into the right-turn lane to wait for the green light.
Their interlocked hands slid from the wheel, settling firmly on his thigh.
The thin linen fabric couldn’t block body heat.
Ying Jing turned his head to look at her. Inside the car was dim, outside bright, backlighting him, his eyes sprinkled with fragments of stars.
“I understand. I’ll speed up the progress,” he earnestly said.
That look—like a child admitting fault—made Chu Ning smile, squeezing his fingers, “It’s okay, proceed at your pace. Just focus on doing it; I’ll handle any major challenges.”
Ying Jing pursed his lips, wanting to ask if she considered herself a tomboy, but fearing to ruin the atmosphere, he swallowed the sympathetic words back.
Chu Ning suddenly said, “Let’s go out tomorrow?”
Ying Jing tilted his head, “Hmm?”
“You haven’t rested much this summer. First the competitions, then learning to drive. Let’s go out and have some fun.” Chu Ning smiled, her long, narrow eyes adding allure.
Ying Jing succinctly replied, “A date?”
This term carried a strong sense of ritual.
Chu Ning was momentarily stunned, a shy joy bubbling up from within, yet pretending to remain composed, turning her head to look out the window, vaguely responding, “Mm-hmm.”
Neither looked at the other.
But that single “Mm-hmm” was enough to reflect two smiling faces on the windshield.
They both looked beautiful!
Naturally, Ying Jing spent the night at Chu Ning’s place.
Though it wasn’t his first time staying overnight here, it was different before—their pure client-contractor relationship. Now, the nature had changed, making the air feel strange. Ying Jing showered, standing under the spray lost in thought for a while, alternating between excitement, worry, and concern about his performance… Ugh, forget it, nothing has happened yet!
The water splashed over him, Ying Jing left hand braced against the wall, right hand lathering soap all over. After a while, he found the scent delightful, scooping some up to sniff—it was unmistakably his girlfriend’s scent.
All these intricate thoughts, unknown to the leading lady outside.
Chu Ning wasn’t particularly preoccupied with such thoughts. She went about her business as usual. Ying Jing had arrived with a backpack, dropped on the sofa, and before showering, he had opened it to take out clothes. Miscellaneous small items were scattered on the sofa.
Mosquito repellent, tissues, xylitol, high-speed train ticket from Xingcheng to Beijing…
Chu Ning packed them back one by one. She picked up a bottle with English packaging, examining it for a while—men’s cologne! Quite flashy.
Chu Ning raised her eyebrows, spraying it twice into the air and fanning it with her hand.
No mistake, it was her boyfriend’s scent.
The most enchanting aspect of a relationship isn’t in dramatic separations or deep anguish, but in noticing small details that accumulate over time, tickling your heart.
Feeling pleased, she packed everything away, zipping up the upright backpack, glancing at the side pocket that was still open. She spotted a black business card tucked inside.
Elegant, gold-embossed calligraphy, two characters: Tang Yao.
The card content was simple, just a name and a string of phone numbers—a personal mobile number.
Chu Ning’s hand froze mid-air.
Clearly, it was conveniently stuffed into this pocket, meaning what?
It meant that Ying Jing and the card’s owner had definitely been in contact recently.
Chu Ning’s expression was unreadable, quietly contemplating, finally zipping it up and silently placing the bag back on the sofa.
After finishing his shower, Ying Jing saw Chu Ning bending over, her back to him, laying out blankets on the sofa.
She had changed into loungewear again—still that loose white T-shirt. The outline of her shoulder blades was faintly visible, and her left ankle wore a delicate anklet with a tiny bell that jingled as she moved.
Vivid life, dynamic and serene.
Hearing the noise, she didn’t turn her head, “Finished? I’m setting up a cushion for you. Don’t set the air conditioner too low; be careful not to catch a cold.”
Ying Jing’s hair was still dripping, but he neglected to dry it, embracing her from behind.
His hands slipped past her sides, then tightened around her.
A drop of water fell on her neck, and Chu Ning exclaimed, “Cold.” She slightly turned her head, softly asking, “Why didn’t you dry your hair?”
“Cold?” Ying Jing asked.
Perhaps due to the proximity, his voice naturally sounded filtered, low and deep.
Chu Ning hummed softly.
Then her neck warmed as his delicate kisses rained down. His tongue darted out like a puppy licking her, not forgetting to speak, “Let me lick you warm.”
One wasn’t enough, nor was the second or third. Warmth indeed, Chu Ning was almost ticklish, laughing and dodging, suddenly exerting her strength, flipping him onto the sofa. Ying Jing yelped from the impact, “Did you eat spinach tonight?”
Chu Ning lifted her foot, kicking his calf, laughing, “Blame yourself for being weak!”
Ying Jing’s brows flew up, “Who’s weak!”
His loud voice made it seem like they were serious. Chu Ning clasped her hands together, soothing her tone, “Sorry, sorry, my mistake.”
Ying Jing’s expression softened slightly, explaining defensively, “I’m very healthy, never catching a cold throughout the year, unfamiliar with IV drips.”
Chu Ning chuckled, her palm caressing his face, her eyes filled with affection, “Alright, I know. Be good. Get up early tomorrow; sleep early tonight?”
Ying Jing’s expression was serious, “Am I sleeping alone?”
Chu Ning, feeling flustered, lightly kicked his foot again, warning, “Behave!”
Ying Jing sprawled on the sofa, legs spread wide, grinning smugly.
That night, separated by a door between the living room and the bedroom,
The two enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
________________________________________
The next morning, daylight broke fully. Chu Ning woke up early but didn’t come out for a while.
She tied her hair into a bun for convenience, casually sticking a pen through it, loosely holding her hair in place, unable to fall off. Her beautiful face bathed in morning light, fresh and lovely. But at this moment, she frowned, opening the wardrobe and staring blankly.
Date.
Dating...
What to wear on a date?
This one?
She pulled out a red dress, slightly puffy, quite magnificent.
Ugh, not walking the red carpet. Discard it.
How about this one?
A white sundress, the color was decent, but the strapless design—tsk, what was she thinking.
Chu Ning tossed it aside, the dress flying onto the bed.
Women love beauty and shopping; clothes are never enough, and she was no exception. The wardrobe was custom-made, an entire wall converted into cabinets, categorized into work attire, casual wear, and formal dresses for occasions.
Yet with so many clothes, she now regretted buying too few.
Picking and choosing, how was there not a single suitable outfit?
After much deliberation, she decided on a navy-blue dress. The dress had a silk-like fabric, smooth and quite feminine. The tag was still attached; she had bought it during a business trip to France in the first half of the year.
Standing in front of the mirror, turning left and right three times, Chu Ning felt uneasy again.
Would it appear too mature?
Ah! An epiphany!
All the fuss and concerns this morning boiled down to these two words—maturity.
Ying Jing was a vibrant young man, handsome and clear-cut. As for herself, Chu Ning silently counted on her fingers... exactly three years, seven months, and ten days older. Rounded up, that’s four years.
What does four years mean?
Usually unnoticed, in a few years it would become apparent. When he was 26, she’d be 30. When he was 36, she’d be 40.
This calculation sent a chill down Chu Ning’s spine. Hurriedly, she took off the dress, stuffing it back into the wardrobe. Her bare body, white and soft, clad only in a black bra and panties, revealed boundless springtime.
Chu Ning made up her mind, switching to a pale pink T-shirt and denim skirt she rarely wore outdoors, paired with white sneakers. She let her hair down, tilting her head playfully in the mirror, tying it into a pretty princess hairstyle.
It couldn’t be said to be a complete transformation.
But adopting a style she wasn’t accustomed to made her appear refreshingly new.
The beauty in the mirror had exquisite features, gentle and composed, her eyes exuding a touch of mature charm.
Outstanding aura, unforgettable at first sight.
She was reasonably satisfied, applying light makeup and touching up her lipstick, then walked out, opening the door.
She collided face-to-face with Ying Jing, who was coming out of the kitchen drinking water.
At first glance, both were momentarily stunned.
Chu Ning focused, blinking her lashes, blurting out, “You, why are you dressed like this?”
Ying Jing echoed simultaneously, “You...?”
The phrase “dressed like this” was swallowed, his eyes lighting up, involuntarily praising, “Beautifully dead.”
Chu Ning’s heart felt as if it were filled with honey, smiling and asking, “Why would beautiful be dead? Killed by whom?”
Ying Jing pursed his lips, taking her hand, softly coaxing near her ear, “I was killed by you. From the moment I fell in love with you, I was already dead.”
With that, a warm kiss marked her cheek.
Chu Ning scrutinized him from head to toe—dark blue polo shirt, cotton-linen casual trousers, the hem tucked into his waist, adorned with an LV snake-patterned belt.
Classic sophisticated businessman vibe!
Chu Ning was amused yet helpless; this wasn’t his usual style.
Ying Jing silently turned his head, “Don’t laugh at me.”
Chu Ning teased, “Why the style change?”
Ying Jing eagerly turned his head back, countering, “Didn’t you change styles too? Why, oh why?”
Chu Ning calmly smiled, hooking her arms around his neck, whispering near his ear, “For the same reason you did.”
A firework soared in Ying Jing’s heart, silver willow branches, splendid and dazzling.
That day, the two were like ordinary couples in the world, watching movies, playing video games, strolling, eating buffet meals.
From restrained hand-holding to boldly embracing waists, to freely kissing.
A bottle of water, shared by two people. One ice cream, nibbled by both. Chocolate residue on the corners of their mouths, no need for tissues—Ying Jing bent down, shaking Chu Ning’s finger, and a woman’s delicate kiss landed.
Her tongue was gentle; in a few seconds, the chocolate was gone.
As night fell, the remaining glow of the city transformed into neon lights, endless and lively once more.
After dinner, the two sat in the car, listening to radio songs, rolling down the windows, enjoying the dry night breeze.
Hands tightly clasped, no words needed, nor necessary.
Ying Jing squeezed her fingers.
“Hmm?” Chu Ning turned her head, their eyes meeting, knowing what to do.
She rolled up the window, like a gradually narrowing frame, closing completely. The intimate scenery inside the car was enchanting.
Chu Ning hooked her arm around Ying Jing’s neck, pulling him down, offering her lips.
Lips intertwined, affectionate and tender.
Kissing passionately, Ying Jing couldn’t bear it anymore. Taking advantage of his long arms, he pressed a button—the driver’s seat reclined backward, gradually flattening.
Simultaneously, he crossed from the passenger seat, straddling her, pressing her flat to kiss passionately.
His hands wandered, sliding up her dress—goodness, how could a woman be so soft?
At the last second, Chu Ning regained her senses, grabbing his hand.
Ying Jing snapped back to reality, remembering they were in the car—an inappropriate setting.
Flustered, the atmosphere plummeted.
Both returned to their seats, straightening up, returning to their original positions. Ying Jing felt hot inside, so when crossing back from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat, his movements were clumsy, accidentally kicking Chu Ning’s arm.
A gray shoeprint perfectly captured their current mood.
Misbehaving, hearts pounding.
When their breathing calmed, Chu Ning cleared her throat awkwardly, breaking the silence, taking a box from the storage compartment and handing it to him.
“For me?” Ying Jing’s voice was a bit hoarse.
“Mm-hmm.”
Opening it, a light gray men’s watch.
Ying Jing was too delighted to notice the brand at first.
…… Probably a five-figure price tag.
Chu Ning calmly asked, “Do you like it?”
Ying Jing suppressed the fleeting mix of emotions, jokingly asking, “Is this compensation for earlier?”
Chu Ning laughed, her eyes curving as she looked at him, “So you’re quite expensive.”
Ying Jing raised an eyebrow, “Yes, that expensive.”
The atmosphere in the car warmed up again, affection reignited.
Chu Ning extended her index finger, gently tapping his forehead, her tone unconsciously doting, “Understood. I’ll buy you even if it means going bankrupt.”
The two exchanged smiles.
They arrived home at ten-thirty.
Chu Ning was tired from playing, heading to shower first.
When the sound of running water from the bathroom began, Ying Jing opened his phone, logging into the Pufa mobile banking app, entering his password.
Account Name: Ying Jing
Card Number: 6220xxx
Balance: 68,000 RMB
Ying Jing exited, then logged into the Construction Bank app.
Balance: 7,600 RMB
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he pressed the calculator for a while, finally furrowing his brows deeply, looking at the watch on the table, then at the hazy light in the bathroom, and finally at his modest savings.
His girlfriend was too wealthy…
The pressure was immense…
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