WG - 62

“……”

Chi Zhiyu thought she had misheard. “What did you say was useful?”

Xie Ye slightly propped himself up, no longer pressing down on her, and raised an eyebrow. “Sleeping.”

“…” Chi Zhiyu tried not to overthink it. After a brief silence, she nodded, patted the empty space beside her, and said, “Then you sleep. I’ll leave.”

After saying that, she pushed him away and sat up. Xie Ye went along with the motion, lying down beside her, but he reached out and pulled her back into his arms.

Chi Zhiyu lost her balance and fell back beside him, being pulled into his embrace.

She blinked, looking up at his face. “What are you doing?”

Xie Ye hugged her as he closed his eyes and lazily said, “Let’s sleep together.”

Chi Zhiyu’s face instantly flushed red. She pushed him. “Who’s sleeping with you? Let go!”

Chi Zhiyu wasn’t unfamiliar with staying overnight at Xie Ye’s house. Sometimes, when Bai Li wasn’t home, she would stay after eating dinner and getting tired. Jian Yazhi even kept some clothes for her in the neighboring room.

But those were all things from before high school, and she always slept alone—never with him.

“Oh.” Xie Ye still had his eyes closed and teasingly asked, “You don’t want to sleep with me?”

The question carried a double meaning.

Rarely flustered, Chi Zhiyu blurted out, “Which kind of sleep?”

“…”

Seeing him immediately open his eyes, Chi Zhiyu realized what she had just said. She quickly cleared her throat and stammered, “Not what you’re thinking. I mean, you’re still too young. Don’t think about sleeping together.”

“…”

Xie Ye’s eyelid twitched as he restrained himself and asked, “What do you mean I’m too young?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu decided to remain silent.

Xie Ye stared at her. “Hmm?”

“Explain this to me,” Xie Ye pulled her closer, his tone slowing down. “What do you mean I’m too young?”

Chi Zhiyu gradually leaned against his body, paused, her face turning red, and hurriedly pressed against his shoulder to explain, “Age. I meant age.”

Xie Ye let go of her.

“I didn’t mean it like that. You misunderstood my earlier words,” Chi Zhiyu licked her lips, starting to blame herself. “You were the one who mentioned sleeping first.”

“When I said sleep, I meant sleeping,” Xie Ye pinched her cheek. “Your mind is too dirty.”

“I didn’t think anything,” Chi Zhiyu softly retorted. “You said sleeping helps when you’re unwell.”

“…”

Xie Ye didn’t know why they were discussing this topic. After holding back, he decided to drop it and directly said, “Chi Zhiyu, it’s ten o’clock.”

The statement came suddenly. Chi Zhiyu was startled. “So?”

Xie Ye didn’t respond or continue bantering. He simply got up, picked her up, and walked out.

Feeling her body lift off the ground, Chi Zhiyu was startled and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. “Where are we going?”

Xie Ye opened the door to the neighboring room, bent down, and placed her on the bed. “To sleep.”

He didn’t choose to send her back.

Instead, he changed rooms.

Giving her a space where she could relax and feel at ease.

Chi Zhiyu sat on the bed, momentarily stunned. After understanding his intention, she chuckled. “Hmm? Didn’t you say we’d sleep together?”

“Who said I’d sleep with you?” Xie Ye pinched her cheek. “Sleep by yourself.”

Chi Zhiyu blinked, deliberately teasing him. “Didn’t you say earlier that you felt unwell and that sleeping would help, so you wanted me to sleep with you?”

“I did say that.” Xie Ye looked at her cockily. “But you have too many ideas. I’m afraid you’ll take advantage of me.”

Chi Zhiyu responded with an “Oh” and began negotiating. “But aren’t you feeling unwell? Then I’ll just hold you while we sleep. I promise not to take advantage of you.”

“…”

“Chi Zhiyu.” Xie Ye felt his temples throb, his tongue pressing against his molars. “Do you really think I can sleep while holding you?”

“Huh?” Chi Zhiyu looked innocently at him. “I didn’t do anything. Why can’t you sleep?”

Xie Ye stared at her, wanting to get angry but unable to scold her. Ultimately, he gave up and reluctantly pulled her into his arms with one hand, pinching her cheek with a slightly harsh tone. “You’re quite something.”

She dared to ask such questions knowingly.

Chi Zhiyu couldn’t help but laugh. She stopped teasing him and pushed him to get up. “Alright, alright. I’ll sleep by myself. You can go back.”

“Mm.” Xie Ye ruffled her hair and indifferently said, “Go to sleep properly.”

Her hair was tousled, but the comforting intention was strong.

Chi Zhiyu paused.

Xie Ye looked at her, his fingertips gently stroking her face. He lifted her chin and leaned in close.

The next moment.

Chi Zhiyu felt a warm kiss land on her forehead.

It was his lips.

Accompanied by Xie Ye’s soft, low murmur.

“Don’t think about all those messy things. I’m here.”

So sleep peacefully.

Don’t worry about anything.

I’m with you.

________________________________________

After finishing his words, Xie Ye kissed the corner of her lips again, then released her, got up, and closed the door behind him as he left.

After realizing what happened, Chi Zhiyu quickly freshened up in the bathroom and lay down on the bed. A wave of exhaustion hit her.

She sighed deeply, finding it difficult to fall asleep.

Chi Zhiyu turned over, lying on her side, looking at the balcony tightly covered by the curtains. Her gaze was unfocused, as if she were lost in thought.

The room was pitch black and silent.

Completely unlike the deathly silence at home, where anxiety subtly lingered. Several times a month, she would anxiously fear Bai Li waking up suddenly in the middle of the night and having a manic episode.

Then she and Aunt Wang would struggle through the rest of the night.

But tonight.

Chi Zhiyu raised her hand to touch her forehead, smiled faintly, and closed her eyes with slight relief, burying her head into the covers.

A familiar sandalwood scent mixed with the warmth of the sun enveloped her.

...

The soothing words seemed to have had an effect.

Chi Zhiyu didn’t remember when she fell asleep, but she slept soundly.

However, in the middle of the night, she clearly remembered the dream she had.

In the dream, Chi Yan’s cold expression overlapped with Bai Li’s irrational breakdown state.

Suddenly, Xie Ye appeared. He and Chi Yan were confronting each other, neither giving in.

Just as Chi Zhiyu wanted to find Xie Ye, the scene abruptly shifted. She saw herself transformed into someone like Chi Yan, wearing a mask, using every tool available to become the top dancer Bai Li desired most.

Her face bore a natural smile, but her eyes were filled with cold indifference.

And there was no Xie Ye beside her.

No one at all.

Only her.

Falling into an abyss.

Chi Zhiyu instantly opened her eyes, instinctively sitting up and looking toward the door, listening for Bai Li’s screams.

The unfamiliar decor made her brain lag a beat before she remembered she was at Xie Ye’s house, not in her own room.

Her tense body relaxed, and she closed her eyes, taking a long time to calm down.

Thinking about the dream, Chi Zhiyu felt somewhat distracted. After a pause, she lifted the blanket, got out of bed, and quietly opened the door to walk outside barefoot.

Xie Ye’s room was next door, the door tightly closed.

Chi Zhiyu hesitated, driven by an underlying desire and unease to find him.

But she didn’t know what time it was.

She couldn’t disturb his sleep.

He had just finished a competition and drank alcohol; he must be very tired.

Pausing, Chi Zhiyu swallowed, licked her dry lips, and turned to go downstairs to the kitchen for water.

Suddenly, faint sounds came from the stairs, noticeable in the quiet darkness.

Xie Ye was walking upstairs with a glass of water in hand. Seeing Chi Zhiyu’s figure beside the stairs, he didn’t seem surprised. His expression showed drowsiness. Noticing her bare feet, he walked over, touched her slightly cold face, and frowned. “How long have you been awake?”

Chi Zhiyu’s mind was still hazy, initially thinking it was an illusion.

But feeling his warm fingertips on her cheek, she suddenly woke up, staring blankly at him. “Why are you here?”

Her voice was hoarse from just waking up.

Xie Ye didn’t answer. He casually handed her the glass of water. “Want some?”

Chi Zhiyu slowly nodded, took a sip to moisten her lips, and returned the mostly full glass to him.

Xie Ye took it without drinking and casually held her hand. “Which room are we going back to?”

Chi Zhiyu’s mind was slow. Following her earlier desire to find him, she slowly said, “Yours.”

Xie Ye raised an eyebrow. “Really trying to take advantage of me?”

Chi Zhiyu shook her head, speaking slowly. “I just wanted to see you.”

Afraid the dream would come true.

You’re not here.

Xie Ye looked at her expression, reaching out to hold her hand. “Had a nightmare?”

Still not fully awake, Chi Zhiyu murmured, “Mm. I dreamed that when I grew up, you weren’t there.”

Xie Ye chuckled. “So you wanted to check if I was here?”

Chi Zhiyu: “Mm, but I was afraid you were asleep.”

“Pretty considerate.” Xie Ye looked at her sleepy expression. “It’s worth my wait.”

“…”

Perhaps seeing him reassured her, and being questioned by him made her drowsy again. Chi Zhiyu’s eyelids drooped, and she didn’t hear his words, following him dazedly to the neighboring room.

The lights were off inside, only the computer screen on the desk by the wall was lit, casting a faint glow in the dimness.

“Are you not sleeping?” Chi Zhiyu saw this and slowly asked.

“Going to sleep now.” Xie Ye went to turn off the computer, then, fighting sleepiness, settled her on the bed. Just as he was about to release her hand and move to the nearby sofa—

Chi Zhiyu held onto his hand, drowsily asking, “Where are you going?”

“To sleep.”

“The bed isn’t here?”

“I’m not sleeping with you.”

Chi Zhiyu’s awareness was slow. Remembering his earlier words, she responded with an “Oh.” “I won’t take advantage of you... you can rest assured.”

“…”

Seeing her persistence, Xie Ye didn’t want to wake her. He simply lay down on the empty side beside her, separated by the blanket, helping her tuck in the covers. With a commanding tone, he said, “Sleep. I’m exhausted.”

Chi Zhiyu still held onto his hand. Hearing this, with sleepiness dragging her voice, she lazily asked, “Before… why didn’t you sleep…”

Xie Ye yawned lazily, his tone casual. “I was afraid a certain little crybaby would wake up in the middle of the night and hide to cry.”

“Mm… then,” Chi Zhiyu’s eyelids were already closed, unconsciously asking, “Did she cry?”

Xie Ye looked at her sleeping face, gently touching the corner of her eye, which seemed to have tear streaks left in her dream.

After a long while.

He softly murmured, “No.”

She’s very strong.

...

The atmosphere in the room was quiet, and the person on the bed fell back asleep.

Chi Zhiyu’s breathing slowed. In her subconscious, she felt comfortable with someone beside her. The familiar sandalwood scent was reassuring and naturally drew her to lean on them.

Her body unconsciously moved closer, her hands tightly embracing.

But that person kept retreating, as if unwilling to let her get too close. The breath on her ear was somewhat hot, and his body temperature gradually rose, becoming scorching.

Xie Ye looked down at the girl in his arms, her graceful figure unconsciously leaning against him.

“…”

Xie Ye’s eyes darkened slightly, inhaling deeply. “You’re deliberately torturing me.”

No one responded.

The girl slept peacefully, her breathing steady as she leaned against his chest, her hand lightly encircling his waist.

Xie Ye couldn’t sleep even if he wanted to. Expressionless, he pulled her a bit further away, grabbed the blanket beside him, and wrapped her up.

________________________________________

A dreamless night.

But Chi Zhiyu felt as if she were bound by something. Her limbs were stiff and immobile.

At first, Chi Zhiyu could endure it, but later, it seemed the air conditioning in the room had been turned off, and someone opened and closed the door, letting the cool air escape. It gradually became warmer.

She wanted to free her hands, but couldn’t move.

Chi Zhiyu furrowed her brows, opening her eyes in irritation. She stared at the white wall opposite her, not reacting much, until she felt the restraint on her body. Looking down, she saw the blanket tightly wrapped around her limbs and entire body.

“…”

Her gaze shifted lower, and she also saw the arm locked around her waist.

Chi Zhiyu naturally remembered last night’s events. But now, her morning grumpiness and rising temper overshadowed any sense of shame.

Her sleeping posture was usually good. It was impossible for her to wrap herself up like a cocoon. The culprit could only be the person sleeping beside her.

Chi Zhiyu freed her hands from the blanket, struggling to turn her body to face the person behind her.

Xie Ye was clearly still asleep, his breathing steady and calm, eyes closed, thick lashes lightly resting, concealing the barely visible light mole at the corner of his eye. But at such close range, it was crystal clear.

Seemingly sensing movement from the person in his arms, whether annoyed by being disturbed or otherwise, he slightly frowned, tightened his arm, and pulled her back into his embrace.

Chi Zhiyu’s nose instantly bumped against his collarbone. Holding back her irritation, she looked up at him, wanting to wake him up with a scolding, but considering how late he had gone to bed last night, she knew he definitely hadn’t slept enough.

After suppressing herself for a while, she ultimately compromised. But she still didn’t understand why he had wrapped her up like a cocoon, preventing her from sleeping comfortably.

Chi Zhiyu was still a bit upset and silently tightened his blanket around him.

At this moment, Xie Ye happened to open his eyes. Noticing her movements, he glanced at her, possibly too lazy to care, closed his eyes again, and lowered his chin to nuzzle her hair.

“…”

Chi Zhiyu pushed his head away and looked up to question him. “Why did you wrap me up like a cocoon?”

Xie Ye’s eyelids lazily drooped, his expression sleepy, his voice slightly deep and hoarse. “Tell me, what did you want to do last night?”

“?” Chi Zhiyu furrowed her brow. “Last night, I was just sleeping, wasn’t I?”

“Oh.” Xie Ye casually remarked, “You think so simply of yourself.”

“…”

“What else could I have done besides sleeping?” Chi Zhiyu had no memory of it, and she believed she had no strange habits, always sleeping soundly.

Xie Ye rested against her head, his tone languid. “Think about it yourself.”

This statement seemed to imply something.

Chi Zhiyu looked at his jawline and neck, blinking. Suddenly, she recalled a possibility.

Could it be?

She really tried to take advantage of him...?

As soon as this thought arose, Xie Ye seemed to be a worm in her stomach, suddenly humming, “You wanted to take advantage of me last night.”

“…”

“Even attempted.” Xie Ye lowered his gaze to her face, his eyes dark. The hand on her waist moved up, his fingertips lightly touching the corner of her lips, slowly uttering four words, “Made a move on me.”

“What?”

“Me,” Chi Zhiyu found it somewhat surreal, paused, and followed his words, “How did I make a move on you?”

“Oh.” Xie Ye said idly, “Today, I’ll give you face.”

“?”

“I won’t say.”

“…”

“But,” Xie Ye skillfully wrapped her in the blanket, his tone playful. “I resisted to the death. You didn’t succeed.”

“…”

“You’re lying to me.” Chi Zhiyu didn’t believe him. “Why don’t I remember anything?”

Xie Ye’s lips curved slightly, smugly shifting the blame. “You don’t want to remember, and you’re blaming me?”

Chi Zhiyu almost choked, already thinking this person was talking nonsense. She ignored him, wondering what time it was now.

Realizing this, Chi Zhiyu suddenly thought of something. She unwrapped herself from the blanket, sat up, and casually picked up his phone from the bedside table.

Upon seeing the screen.

8:45.

Chi Zhiyu’s scalp tingled. She had sleepily come here last night, forgetting to remind Xie Ye to set an alarm to wake her early so she could return to the neighboring room to continue sleeping.

But now, that situation was impossible.

Considering Jian Yazhi’s usual routine, she should have woken up by now. Chi Zhiyu wondered if she had opened the neighboring room.

All her things were there. If Jian Yazhi saw them but didn’t see her…

“…”

Xie Ye watched her expression, seemingly able to guess what she was thinking. He suddenly lowered his gaze, chuckling softly to himself. Chi Zhiyu paid no attention to what he was laughing about, hurriedly got out of bed, and prepared to leave. Just as she was about to walk out, Xie Ye also got up, pulling her back, his tone leisurely, “What’s worrying you? Put your shoes on.”

Hearing this, Chi Zhiyu looked down at the slippers by the bed, pausing. She remembered that she hadn’t worn shoes when she came over, right?

Her mind was somewhat confused.

Coincidentally, at this moment, there was a knock on the door. Chi Zhiyu’s body stiffened instantly, and she quickly looked up to see Xie Ye leisurely walk over, turn the handle, and open the door.

Jian Yazhi stood outside, glancing at him. “Where’s Xiaozhi?”

Xie Ye’s tone was lazy. “Just woke up.”

Jian Yazhi squinted. “Then why are you still here?”

“Oh.”

Xie Ye was completely nonchalant. “I was keeping her company while she slept.”