WG - 47

The tip of her nose was lightly touched.

With a familiar sensation and his husky voice, it landed on her heart.

Chi Zhiyu recalled all the times she had fled from the suffocating environment behind her.

In moments of loneliness and helplessness.

He always welcomed her in the most ordinary way.

Just like that streetlamp lighting up this dark, long road, capturing her gaze and steps.

Dazzling and beautiful.

At this moment, Chi Zhiyu remembered the time she learned he was going to join the club.

For the first time, she realized he didn’t belong to her.

Xie Ye would leave too.

He had no obligation to stay by her side.

But she had grown accustomed to having him in every single moment.

Chi Zhiyu had been afraid back then.

She didn’t want to leave him, and the thought of parting filled her mind with dread.

With trepidation, she tested the distance between them. Could she visit him if she wanted?

Even if it was under the guise of childhood friends.

But it seemed he hadn’t intended to distance himself from her either.

“I won’t leave.”

That’s what Xie Ye had promised back then.

All the subsequent tests and events pushed her emotions further.

This boy—

Could he belong to her?

Chi Zhiyu had pondered this question.

Her life had never known any beauty, so could she pull such a dazzling boy into this muddy swamp?

Chi Zhiyu didn’t dare.

But this boy—he said he was willing to come to her side.

He had always been there, for a very long time.

In a daze, Chi Zhiyu looked at Xie Ye before her. The emotions buried deep within her heart seemed shattered by him. Her nose suddenly tingled, and her eyes grew slightly moist.

Seeing her silence,

Xie Ye leaned down to look at her, raising his hand to gently brush her reddened outer eye corner. His tone remained the same. “What’s this? Are you about to cry because you’re moved?”

Her emotions interrupted, Chi Zhiyu paused. Realizing her earlier reaction, she felt a strange sense of embarrassment.

She didn’t speak, lowering her gaze. She closed the poetry collection resting in her palm and handed it to him.

Xie Ye noticed her movement and froze. “What are you doing?”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t respond but took his hand, opened it, placed the poetry collection in his palm, and raised her head. “Hold this properly.”

Xie Ye kept his posture, lowered his gaze to her, and pressed his lips together slightly. His voice was somewhat dry. “What do you mean?”

“It means I—”

Those three words, Chi Zhiyu couldn’t say. After a pause, enduring the burning of her ear tips and the pounding of her heart, she raised her eyes, her tone earnest and slow. “Want to be with you.”

As her words fell.

Xie Ye’s expression froze.

The air grew quiet.

Having finally voiced what had been weighing on her, Chi Zhiyu felt a mix of nervousness and inexplicable shyness. To avoid awkwardness, she quickly added, “And also want—”

Xie Ye: “Hmm?”

Chi Zhiyu looked at his face, her mind blanking as she blurted out, “To take advantage of you.”

“…”

Hearing this, Xie Ye stared at her, the corners of his lips silently curving upward as if he couldn’t hold back an amused chuckle. “You’re quite greedy, aren’t you?”

Realizing what she had just said, Chi Zhiyu’s face flushed red, and she hurriedly explained, “No, I didn’t mean it like that. Don’t overthink it.”

Xie Ye smirked. “What am I thinking? Isn’t this what you want?”

Chi Zhiyu felt her face burning intensely. She immediately grabbed the poetry collection from his palm to cover her cheeks, turned her head away from him, and didn’t want to speak anymore.

But Xie Ye deliberately teased her, suppressing a smile as he asked, “Do you want me to dig a hole for you?”

So you can hide inside.

Hearing his underlying meaning, Chi Zhiyu, feeling both embarrassed and angry, shouted, “Xie Ye!”

Being called by his full name, Xie Ye slightly reined in his smile and drawled teasingly, “Why are you shouting my name?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu’s mind was sluggish. Just as she was about to ask what else she should call him besides Xie Ye,

Xie Ye leaned closer, dragging out his tone. “Now you should call me ‘boyfriend.’ Understand?”

His tone rose slightly, his obsidian eyes gleaming as he uttered another word: “Girlfriend.”

With that, silence fell.

“…”

Chi Zhiyu’s expression froze, meeting his gaze directly. Suddenly realizing her current identity, her brain inexplicably stuttered, unsure of what to say. Her words came out jumbled: “You, me.”

Perhaps finding her reaction amusing, Xie Ye suppressed a laugh, dragging the corners of his lips upward, and hummed. “We’re together now.”

You, me.

Chi Zhiyu was momentarily stunned. Looking up at him, she clearly saw his lips curve slightly upward, his handsome brows relaxed, exuding unmistakable joy.

He was happy too.

Noticing her gaze, Xie Ye didn’t suppress his smile, openly letting her see it. Still, he asked, “What are you looking at?”

Upon hearing this, a surge of determination rose in Chi Zhiyu. She licked her lips, pointed at him, and bluntly said, “I’m looking at my boyfriend.”

“…”

Xie Ye seemed momentarily stunned.

After saying this, Chi Zhiyu’s ears heated up uncontrollably. She quickly turned her head toward the door. “I’m hungry. Let’s eat first.”

Without waiting for Xie Ye’s response, she quickly walked inside.

Facing away from him, Chi Zhiyu took a few steps, unable to suppress the involuntary upward curve of her lips.

It was uncontrollable joy.

That evening, Bai Li stayed at the theater and didn’t return.

Chi Zhiyu had informed Xie Ye in advance, so they could enjoy a peaceful meal at the Xie residence.

Jian Yazhi had prepared some dishes Chi Zhiyu liked. As usual, it was a simple birthday celebration.

But this year, Chi Zhiyu was happier than ever before—twice as joyful.

Even Jian Yazhi noticed.

“What’s going on? Did something good happen today?” Jian Yazhi sat at the dining table, placing a few dishes in her bowl, curious.

Chi Zhiyu sat beside her, momentarily stunned. “Ah, why do you say that?”

Jian Yazhi smiled. “You seem so happy. I thought something good must have happened.”

Hearing this, Chi Zhiyu choked slightly and coughed.

“What’s wrong?” Jian Yazhi quickly poured her a glass of water. “Did you choke?”

Chi Zhiyu quickly accepted it, taking a small sip, and nodded at her. “Thank you, Aunt Jian.”

Jian Yazhi chuckled softly. “Why are you being so polite today?”

She turned her head to look at Xie Ye across the table, slightly puzzled. “Did you bully Xiaozhi?”

Xie Ye raised an eyebrow, calmly responding with an “Oh,” and glanced at Chi Zhiyu. “Did I bully you?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu looked at his expression, blinking and nodding. “Yes, Aunt Jian. He just said I was fat.”

Xie Ye: “….”

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Jian Yazhi immediately frowned and began lecturing him.

Chi Zhiyu sat aside, eating while listening. Looking up at Xie Ye’s cold expression, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

And Xie Ye, hearing her, straightened up, narrowing his eyes to look at her.

When their gazes met, Chi Zhiyu wasn’t afraid at all. Instead, she raised an eyebrow provocatively.

“…”

Seeing her smug little expression, Xie Ye knew she was getting back at him for teasing her earlier about digging a hole. He felt both helpless and amused.

What could he do?

Just endure it.

Jian Yazhi’s lecture lasted quite a while.

Chi Zhiyu listened quietly. Suddenly wanting to drink some soup, she picked up her bowl, but before she could reach for it, Xie Ye, who obviously wasn’t looking this way, had already taken the ladle, scooped some soup for her, and placed it in front of her.

Chi Zhiyu was momentarily stunned.

Jian Yazhi noticed this and remembered that today’s guest of honor was Chi Zhiyu. She stopped talking about him and concluded, “Alright, next time don’t say such things, okay?”

Xie Ye hummed in acknowledgment, casually putting down his chopsticks and standing up. “You continue. I’ll go upstairs.”

Chi Zhiyu knew he probably had training, so she casually nodded.

Jian Yazhi watched him leave the table, frowning slightly.

Noticing this, Chi Zhiyu suddenly remembered that Xie Ye hadn’t told Jian Yazhi about becoming a professional player. She pursed her lips, wondering if she should mention it.

Jian Yazhi spoke first. “Xie Ye is going to become a professional gamer, Xiaoyu. Do you know?”

Chi Zhiyu paused, nodding. “I do.”

Jian Yazhi wasn’t surprised, smiling faintly. “This kid.”

Chi Zhiyu thought she was blaming Xie Ye for not telling her first, so she quickly explained, “Aunt Jian, please don’t misunderstand. Xie Ye was afraid you—”

“Don’t worry, I’m not upset that he didn’t tell me.” Jian Yazhi sighed. “He’s always had his own ideas since he was young. But this matter…”

“Do you think it’s not good for him to pursue this?” Chi Zhiyu asked softly.

Jian Yazhi shook her head. “Of course not. I don’t think it’s bad. It’s just that his grandfather has always wanted him to return. If he acts without consulting them, they won’t approve.”

Chi Zhiyu knew Xie Ye’s family background wasn’t ordinary. From the time he moved here, she knew he was just accompanying Jian Yazhi during her recovery and studying temporarily. Eventually, he would return.

But she had never asked Xie Ye about it, just as he had never asked about Bai Li and Chi Yan.

Hearing this, Chi Zhiyu knew it was Xie Ye’s family matter. She shouldn’t comment, but after some thought, she still spoke. “I think Xie Ye making this decision means he has his own plans. He’s not someone who acts impulsively, so don’t worry too much. Trust that he can handle it.”

Jian Yazhi smiled. “Today is your birthday. Why are you comforting me instead?”

Chi Zhiyu waved her hand dismissively. “It’s not a big deal. You don’t need to make a fuss over me.”

“How is it not a big deal?” Jian Yazhi patted her head gently, her voice soft. “It’s the day you were born. We celebrate your arrival in this world, your healthy growth until now.”

Chi Zhiyu paused upon hearing this, tugging her lips into a smile. “Yes, I’ve grown up healthily.”

Jian Yazhi looked at her expression and didn’t bring it up again. She reached out, placing meat in her bowl. “Come, eat more. Don’t listen to Xie Ye. Auntie thinks you’re too thin. You need to gain some weight.”

Chi Zhiyu thought about Xie Ye’s falsely accused expression earlier and curved her lips slightly. Coming back to reality, she looked at the pile of food in her bowl and felt a bit helpless. “Aunt Jian, I’d love to eat more, but I’m already full. I can’t eat anymore.”

Jian Yazhi didn’t force her. “Alright, then rest for a bit or go find Xie Ye to play. Remember to come down later for cake.”

“Okay.” Chi Zhiyu nodded, standing up and heading upstairs. When she reached Xie Ye’s room, she saw the door wide open, as if he had anticipated her arrival and left it open to welcome her.

Finding this amusing, Chi Zhiyu stepped inside and casually closed the door behind her.

Xie Ye sat at his computer desk, not wearing headphones. Hearing her footsteps upstairs, he turned his head to watch her enter.

Meeting his gaze, Chi Zhiyu felt inexplicably nervous for some reason.

Perhaps it was the layer of paper between them that had been torn away, or perhaps it was the sudden shift in their relationship after confirming it. She still felt somewhat uncomfortable with the abrupt change in identity and didn’t know how to react.

Chi Zhiyu pretended to be calm and walked up to him. Xie Ye looked at her. “Finished eating?”

Chi Zhiyu nodded. Xie Ye furrowed his brow. “Already? In such a short time?”

“If I’m full, how can I eat more?” Chi Zhiyu frowned. “I can’t force myself to eat.”

After saying this, she glanced at the computer screen, blinking. “What’s this?”

Xie Ye glanced sideways. “Software to practice hand speed.”

Chi Zhiyu nodded. “Does everyone have to practice this?”

“I guess so.”

“…”

What did he mean by “I guess so”?

Xie Ye didn’t explain further, casually pulling over a chair nearby and drawling lazily, “Can’t you find a seat yourself?”

Seeing him pull the chair over, Chi Zhiyu naturally sat beside him and glanced at the screen. “How do you practice this?”

Xie Ye tilted the computer screen slightly, grabbing the mouse and placing it in front of her. “Wanna try?”

Chi Zhiyu was indeed quite curious and nodded, expecting him to teach her. But after waiting for a moment, he showed no reaction.

Chi Zhiyu turned her head to see him sitting in the chair like he had no bones, lazily staring at the screen, completely disregarding her. She blinked and finally spoke up, asking him, “How do you play this?”

Xie Ye raised an eyebrow. “You want me to teach you?”

“Otherwise?” Chi Zhiyu found it strange. “I don’t know how to play.”

Xie Ye hummed, straightening up. With one hand, he half-enveloped her body, guiding her hand to move the mouse.

His body suddenly leaned closer, causing Chi Zhiyu to stiffen.

Xie Ye seemed unfazed, explaining indifferently while looking at the screen.

However, Chi Zhiyu wasn’t listening. Her attention was entirely captured by his movements.

His palm rested on the back of her hand, his fingertips lightly brushing her skin. She was practically enveloped in his embrace, leaning lightly against his chest. Though his actions seemed perfectly normal, they were incredibly intimate.

Chi Zhiyu raised her eyes, looking at his profile. Her gaze drifted downward to his lips, which were speaking, forming words sparingly with a casual tug at the corners.

“Chi Zhiyu.”

Chi Zhiyu’s eyes focused on the shape of his mouth, syncing with his voice. She was momentarily stunned before quickly reacting.

Xie Ye turned his head, his tone leisurely asking, “Got it?”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t fully process it, lagging slightly. “Hmm?”

Xie Ye tapped her fingers with his fingertips. “Got this?”

“Maybe I got it.” Chi Zhiyu looked at his face, close enough to feel dizzy. Unconsciously, she licked her lips.

Xie Ye withdrew his hand, leaning back into the chair, and tilted his chin. “Then give it a try.”

His embrace retreated, giving her more space to move.

Chi Zhiyu subtly hummed in acknowledgment, turning her head to look at the screen. Seeing the gun icon, she suddenly felt lost.

How do you play this?

She hadn’t listened at all.

Chi Zhiyu silently stared at the screen for five seconds, intending to turn her head and ask him to teach her again.

But before she could fully turn her head, Xie Ye’s profile suddenly appeared in her field of vision.

She didn’t know when he had straightened up. Chi Zhiyu was momentarily stunned, not having time to react.

Like previous accidents.

The scene repeated once more.

But this time, as she turned her head, she immediately sensed something different.

Because this time, her lips brushed against his.

And then lightly grazed past.

Chi Zhiyu’s eyes widened slightly.

Xie Ye sat beside her, unmoving, gazing down at her with a meaningful glance over her lips, seemingly unsurprised. Two seconds later, he licked the corner of his lips, his tone slightly teasing. “Is this what you meant by taking advantage of me?”

“…”

“It was a bit off.”