WG - 82

“…”

Chi Zhiyu stared at this post for three seconds, watching the comments, retweets, and likes skyrocket.

She looked up at Xie Ye, who appeared completely calm and collected. Noticing her gaze, he raised an eyebrow slightly and handed the phone back to her.

His attitude was arrogant, utterly self-assured.

Chi Zhiyu glanced at the words again and blinked at him, “You liked me when you were ten?”

“What?” Xie Ye glanced at her, “Is that not allowed?”

“…” Chi Zhiyu looked at him for a few seconds, then sincerely said, “Hmm, you were quite—”

She spat out two words, “Mature for your age.”

“…”

Xie Ye didn’t seem to find anything odd about this and shamelessly admitted, “I really was.”

“…” Unable to resist, Chi Zhiyu used his own words against him: “Can’t you say something reasonable?”

At ten years old, there wasn’t a trace of affection between them. It was either him scolding her or her hitting him. Their daily interactions consisted of nothing but bickering.

Chi Zhiyu shot him a look, “When you were little, you mocked me all the time, making me angry or intentionally picking fights with me. Where did this ‘liking’ come from?”

“Oh.” Xie Ye smirked slightly, “Haven’t you heard? ‘Beating is a sign of affection, cursing is a sign of love.’”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu almost choked but still asked skeptically, “Did you really like me back then?”

Hearing the doubt in her tone, Xie Ye glanced at her, “Are you questioning me?”

Chi Zhiyu blinked, “Weren’t we just in fourth grade back then?”

“What’s wrong with fourth grade?” Xie Ye asked, “Who are you looking down on?”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t know why his focus points were always so strange. She chuckled, “How could you have known you liked me when you were so young?”

This time, Xie Ye gave a normal response, “I didn’t know.”

“Hmm?” Chi Zhiyu raised an eyebrow.

Xie Ye smirked slightly, “What does a little brat know?”

Chi Zhiyu asked, “Then when did you realize you liked me?”

“Oh.” Xie Ye looked at her, his tone cocky as he replied, “Sorry, that’s confidential.”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu really wanted to hit him. She reached out and pinched his cheek, threatening, “Tell me or not!”

Xie Ye leaned back, and Chi Zhiyu immediately followed, half-crawling into his arms. She pinched his arrogant face and complained, “I really hated how you were back then. You always had a sour face, acting so stuck-up, and constantly made me mad. None of the other boys were like you.”

When she mentioned this, Xie Ye seemed to recall something and let out a soft snort. Suddenly, he reached out and pinched her cheek, as if in retaliation.

“?”

Chi Zhiyu covered her cheek with her hand, looking confused, “Why did you pinch me?”

Xie Ye held her waist and scolded her, “What did you do back then?”

“What did I do?”

“You always followed others around,” Xie Ye continued to pinch her cheek, his tone clearly displeased, “You even thought about going home with someone to become a child bride.”

“…?”

Chi Zhiyu was stunned, “When did I…”

Before she finished, she paused, suddenly recalling an embarrassing incident from fifth grade.

Xie Ye was younger back then, and his attitude towards her was like that of an immature boy trying to assert his presence, so he kept teasing and bullying her.

And she was just a little girl. Compared to Xie Ye, she naturally preferred boys who were gentler with her. So, she often played with a boy from the neighboring class and even thought about walking home with him after school.

Once, they were seen by some elderly neighbors in a small alleyway, jokingly asking if she was going to be Xie Ye’s child bride or that boy’s.

Chi Zhiyu had no idea what a child bride meant and thought it referred to being friends.

So, she firmly replied, “I don’t want Xie Ye.”

…

Remembering this, Chi Zhiyu coughed lightly and explained, “I didn’t know what a child bride meant back then.”

Xie Ye glanced at her, “Now you do.”

“If I knew,” Chi Zhiyu pondered aloud, speaking logically, “I’d choose that boy.”

“…”

The atmosphere around them fell silent for two seconds.

Chi Zhiyu sensed something was off and looked up.

Xie Ye’s lips tightened into a straight line, as if he hadn’t heard her clearly. He stared at her for two seconds, emotionlessly asking, “Who did you say you chose?”

Chi Zhiyu instantly choked.

“So, you’re with me now, but you’re still thinking about being someone else’s—” Xie Ye paused, smirking instead of getting angry, emphasizing the three words, “Child bride?”

“…”

“No, don’t misunderstand.” Chi Zhiyu hurriedly explained, “I’m saying if it were back then, I’d choose that boy, not now.”

Xie Ye stared at her, silent.

It was as if he was waiting to see what explanation she could come up with to make him listen.

Chi Zhiyu pressed on, “Besides, I’ve forgotten what that boy even looks like now. How could I be anyone’s?”

Xie Ye repressed the curve of his lips and didn’t respond.

“Really, I’m not lying to you.” Chi Zhiyu looked at his expression and couldn’t help but smile faintly, whispering softly, “But think about how you treated me back then. Why did you always bully me?”

Seeing her blaming him now,

Xie Ye sneered coldly, his voice equally cocky, “Because I wanted to. Got a problem with that?”

Chi Zhiyu could pretty much guess what he was thinking back then, but seeing that he refused to say it, she couldn’t help but laugh. She raised her finger and gently touched the corner of his tightly pursed lips, “You were so childish.”

Xie Ye ignored her.

Chi Zhiyu leaned closer, staring at his face, and continued to press him, “So, did you put that poetry collection in my room after realizing you liked me?”

Xie Ye didn’t respond to this. Instead, he leaned back, clearly wanting to keep her away, his tone somewhat annoyed, “Stay away from me.”

Chi Zhiyu suppressed her laughter and deliberately moved closer, “No.”

“…”

Xie Ye’s back was already against the headboard, unable to retreat any further.

Chi Zhiyu gained the upper hand, leaning fully into him. Finally, unable to hold back, she laughed and nestled into his arms, “Xie Ye, you were so cute when you were little.”

“…”

Upon hearing this word, Xie Ye instantly furrowed his brow, “What did you say?”

Chi Zhiyu lifted her head and kissed his lips, repeating with a smile, “Cute.”

Xie Ye’s expression remained blank, “Cute? Hardly.”

Chi Zhiyu was amused by his tone again and obediently nodded, “Yes, yes, you’re the cool big-shot type.”

This attitude was completely dismissive.

Xie Ye stared at her smiling face, feeling as though his authority was being ignored.

Her boldness was growing.

Thinking this, Xie Ye directly raised his hand to her waist, forcefully biting her lips. Muffled words followed.

“Thinking of being someone else’s child bride, huh? Always been so fickle since you were little.”

“You don’t remember those who were good to you, only remembering other men.”

As if venting, Xie Ye bit her lower lip, prying it open with his tongue and instantly entwining it with hers. He swept through every corner before deliberately licking her palate.

Chi Zhiyu’s body instantly trembled, instinctively trying to pull back.

Xie Ye noticed and firmly held her waist, preventing her escape. He lightly licked the corner of her lips before pulling back, forehead resting against hers, his tone carefree, “Thinking of running away now?”

Chi Zhiyu’s breathing was uneven, and she weakly leaned into his embrace, glaring at him, “It’s because you licked—”

Chi Zhiyu couldn’t finish, stopping herself.

Xie Ye smiled, his tone teasing, “Licked what? Go ahead, say it.”

Chi Zhiyu’s ears turned red, and she tried to push him away.

The next moment, Xie Ye cupped her face with his palm and leaned down to kiss her again, applying more force than before, delving deeper.

He nibbled on her lips one by one, his actions ambiguous and seductive.

Unconsciously, Chi Zhiyu tilted her head closer, becoming somewhat unable to resist.

Xie Ye’s kisses gradually grew hotter, moving from her lips to the corners of her mouth, then to her cheek, and finally biting her earlobe.

Chi Zhiyu felt his breath, warm against her skin, as fragmented kisses rained down along with his panting.

Not long after, his sexy, low, hoarse voice fell by her ear, “Where did you say you gained weight?”

Chi Zhiyu panted, looking at him, her mind a bit blank, “What?”

Xie Ye stared at her glistening, rosy lips, his eyes dark with desire. He gently bit her lower lip, “Didn’t you say you gained weight?”

Chi Zhiyu inexplicably felt her mouth go dry. She softly hummed, hooking her arm around his neck, leaning into him, already sensing his intentions.

Xie Ye’s kisses landed on her earlobe again, trailing down her neck. He bit down, leaving a rose-colored mark.

“Want to work it off?”

Chi Zhiyu clutched his clothes tighter, feeling him pressing her waist against himself. His palms and fingertips traced ambiguous circles over her, his voice direct and enticing, filled with desire.

“Let your boyfriend take you for a ride.”

...

Early the next morning.

Chi Zhiyu only remembered being tormented by Xie Ye for a long time. After falling into a deep sleep, she didn’t know how long it had been before he woke her up again.

Xie Ye picked her up and pinched her nose, “Are we leaving or not?”

“Hmm…” Chi Zhiyu leaned on his shoulder, her consciousness not fully awake. Seeing her like this, Xie Ye simply leaned down and kissed her lips, waking her up.

Chi Zhiyu became annoyed and immediately pushed his face away, “You’re so annoying.”

Xie Ye took her clothes and casually helped her put them on, “Hurry up, the plane won’t wait for you.”

Hearing this, Chi Zhiyu jolted awake, “What time is it?”

“Four.”

“Four?!” Chi Zhiyu was stunned, “Isn’t that delayed?”

Their noon flight was already three hours late.

“I changed it to six in the afternoon.” Xie Ye helped her put on her coat, “If I waited for you to wake up, could we even leave?”

Chi Zhiyu hadn’t fully processed this yet and let him dress her, “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“Do you have any conscience?” Xie Ye pulled her up and walked towards the bathroom, “How many times did I call you, and how many times did you curse at me?”

Chi Zhiyu froze, “I cursed at you?”

“Still pretending to forget?” Xie Ye handed her the toothbrush with toothpaste squeezed on it, “Brush your teeth.”

Chi Zhiyu took it and unconsciously followed his instructions, brushing her teeth obediently.

Xie Ye stood beside her, casually gathering her hair to keep it from falling.

After a quick wash, Chi Zhiyu also cleared her mind. She grabbed a towel to dry her face and looked at him, narrowing her eyes, “You’re lying, right? How could I possibly curse at you?”

Xie Ye leisurely leaned against the wall, watching her and raising an eyebrow, “How could you not?”

“What did I curse at you for?” Chi Zhiyu had no recollection.

“Oh.” Xie Ye slowly opened his mouth, “Cursing me for not letting you sleep.”

“?”

Chi Zhiyu blinked, “That’s it?”

Xie Ye calmly stated, “Of course not.”

Chi Zhiyu asked, “Then what else did I curse you for?”

“You also cursed me,” Xie Ye glanced at the hickey partially hidden by her collar, his tone profound, “for hurting you.”

“…”

This comment seemed to remind her of something. Instantly, images from last night flashed in Chi Zhiyu’s mind. Before she could think further,

Her ears instantly heated up. She quickly dropped the towel to interrupt her thoughts, avoiding eye contact and turning to walk away.

Xie Ye followed behind her, leisurely saying, “Running away? Cursed me and won’t admit it, huh?”

Chi Zhiyu choked, turning her head to look at him, “Xie Ye.”

Xie Ye nodded, “Speak.”

Chi Zhiyu pretended to be composed and earnestly asked, “Last night, wasn’t it you who hurt me?”

“…”

Unexpectedly caught off guard by her response, Xie Ye’s eyebrows twitched.

Chi Zhiyu, seeing his expression, suddenly felt a sense of satisfaction. Glancing at him, she succinctly issued a command, “Let’s go. The plane won’t wait for you.”

“…” Watching her arrogant demeanor, Xie Ye lowered his chin and suddenly smiled, “Alright, let’s go.”

Not just today.

In the future, as long as you come to greet me,

I will always follow.

After returning from Berlin, Chi Zhiyu’s life didn’t change much. She continued rehearsing and performing at the theater.

Xie Ye returned to YG to handle his paperwork and basically had nothing left to do. Every day, he dutifully attended classes at Ruoda University and came to pick Chi Zhiyu up from the theater after class.

After a few times, the dancers at the theater mostly recognized him, some even being his fans.

Sometimes, when Chi Zhiyu finished changing after rehearsal, she would see Xie Ye sitting at her designated makeup spot, casually signing autographs for people.

“…”

Chi Zhiyu watched this scene, raising an eyebrow. The little fan was a new dancer who quickly greeted Chi Zhiyu upon seeing her.

Chi Zhiyu smiled and nodded slightly. After Xie Ye finished signing the autograph, the fan didn’t disturb them further and quickly left.

Sitting in the chair, Xie Ye looked up to meet Chi Zhiyu’s gaze and lightly raised an eyebrow, “What?”

“Are you holding a fan meeting here?” Chi Zhiyu sat beside him, curious.

Xie Ye handed her a thermos, casually saying, “Fan service.”

Chi Zhiyu clicked her tongue, took it, and sipped to moisten her throat.

Xie Ye glanced at the time, “What do you want to eat tonight?”

“Hmm.” Chi Zhiyu thought for a moment, “I’m on a diet, can’t eat much. You decide.”

Xie Ye glanced at her, “Diet?”

Chi Zhiyu nodded, closing the thermos and handing it back to him, “I’ll be on stage in a few days.”

“Alright.” Xie Ye reached out to take the thermos, simultaneously encircling her hand. His fingertips hooked onto her fingers, shamelessly saying, “Then we’ll do it longer tonight.”

“…”

Chi Zhiyu immediately pulled her hand back, “Are you crazy?”

“It’s not about dieting,” Xie Ye said nonchalantly, “I’ll help you.”

Chi Zhiyu scolded him, “Who asked for your help? I’ll lose weight on my own.”

“Chi Zhiyu, let me tell you something first.” Xie Ye leaned back, looking down at her with a rather cold tone, “If you dare lose a single pound, you’ll see.”

Chi Zhiyu’s weight had always been on the excessively thin side, and she frequently experienced symptoms of hypoglycemia and fainting spells. Xie Ye had seriously discussed this issue with her.

But she herself didn’t think there was anything wrong. Having been forced by Bai Li to control her weight since childhood, she had grown accustomed to dieting.

This mindset had subtly ingrained itself, impossible to change.

Hearing his words, Chi Zhiyu sighed helplessly and nodded, “Alright, I won’t diet.”

Xie Ye didn’t say much more and directly took her to eat.

Chi Zhiyu got into the car and, looking at him, suddenly thought of something, “You’re unemployed now. Do you still have money?”

“…”

Xie Ye paused while helping her fasten her seatbelt, warning her, “Chi Zhiyu, you’ve been getting bolder lately.”

Chi Zhiyu blinked, “What did I do?”

Seeing her innocent yet deliberate expression, Xie Ye was irritated but couldn’t scold her. He reached out and pinched her cheek, “Remember this clearly: I call this retirement. It has nothing to do with unemployment.”

“Oh, retirement.” Chi Zhiyu teased him, drawling, “Isn’t that still being jobless?”

“…”