PSMD – Chapter 27

This reason wasn’t something Shen Ningruo just came up with; it was the result of long and careful consideration.

Yao Yao suggested she directly ask Qiu Yang if she was willing, but Shen Ningruo felt that suggestion definitely wouldn’t work.

If she were to ask, the answer would surely be a refusal.

She couldn’t claim to know Qiu Yang well; after all, they had only known each other for a short time, and their interactions were mostly limited to being in bed.

But she could guess with her toes that Qiu Yang definitely wouldn’t want to have too much contact with her after returning to Yuncheng, and this was especially evident in their reunion today.

But what could she do?

Shen Ningruo wanted to be like a lotus root thread, continuing to be connected to Qiu Yang.

Although Shen Ningruo still hadn’t figured out what it meant for her, a straight woman, to have sexual urges towards Qiu Yang, this didn’t stop her from wanting more contact with Qiu Yang.

Some things are better left unthought if you can’t figure them out. Life is only so long, and leaving some questions unanswered is also a wonderful experience.

She had lived for almost 28 years, and finally having such a feeling, she wanted to selfishly hold onto it. Moreover, it was beneficial to Qiu Yang, and she was willing to be this “tool person.”

Then she didn’t want to miss out even more; she just wanted to be firmly tied to Qiu Yang.

Before meeting Qiu Yang, Shen Ningruo had genuinely wondered if she was truly “sexually cold,” as Yao Yao had previously said.

Now the answer was obvious—

If she was sexually cold, then no one in the world was.

So, from the current situation, if she wanted to continue having contact with Qiu Yang, she needed to find a new approach.

Therefore, the reason she just stated was perfect, especially since, in her understanding, Qiu Yang really didn’t want to owe her anything.

Then she definitely wouldn’t want to owe this kind of debt either.

These past two days, Shen Ningruo had also read a lot of comments online about tops and bottoms, and found that regardless of whether it was the gay or lesbian community, tops seemed to be a relatively scarce resource.

Even better.

She had slept with Qiu Yang so many times before, and now she was asking Qiu Yang to sleep with her back…

This request wasn’t excessive at all, was it?

Qiu Yang clearly hadn’t reacted yet. Shen Ningruo raised an eyebrow: “I think you should know better than me how scarce ‘1’ is in this world now. Everyone wants to be a lying ‘0’.”

“Then think back yourself, didn’t I lie down less than you?”

Qiu Yang blinked, pursing her lips without saying a word.

She didn’t know how to answer.

The content she needed to process had changed from the moment this meeting began, like the sky suddenly turning from clear to a heavy downpour.

She needed to calm down.

Things shouldn’t have gone this way. She thought if Shen Ningruo directly told her she wanted to continue, she would righteously refuse.

But now…

Shen Ningruo ignored her reaction and continued to express her idea, attempting to persuade her in one go: “Then isn’t it reasonable for me to come to you for compensation? If you don’t sleep with me back, doesn’t that mean you owe a debt?”

“Others owe money, you owe sleep. Debts must be repaid, it’s only right and proper.”

Qiu Yang’s thoughts became a little chaotic. She didn’t want to look at Shen Ningruo anymore, turning her head to the side to look at the streetscape outside the window. The streetlights cast a shadow under her eyelashes.

Shen Ningruo wasn’t in a hurry. She looked at Qiu Yang’s beautiful jawline again, then restarted the car, her lips curving slightly. She said seriously, “I’ll give you some time.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Qiu Yang’s voice: “I can give you money.”

Qiu Yang didn’t turn her head when she said this. She just lowered the car window a little more. Her voice wasn’t loud or soft, but it was a little urgent.

As soon as the wind found an opening, it rushed straight into the car, very enthusiastically, making Qiu Yang even more sober.

Shen Ningruo refused: “I don’t lack money.”

She paused: “And I don’t think I’m in the business of charging for sleeping. You’re clearer about this than I am today, right?”

Yes.

Clearer than clear.

Shen Ningruo was the famous Director of Qiyao Company.

Not some “miss.”

The sedan drove smoothly on the road, but Qiu Yang’s mood was like being on a roller coaster.

Many scenes of sleeping with Shen Ningruo flashed through her mind. She was really trying to recall, and in the end, she found—

She really did lie down more than Shen Ningruo.

Qiu Yang really wanted to hang a banner for herself that said, “Don’t have a fling on a trip, or you’ll crash.”

Ultimately, this kind of situation wasn’t that common, was it?

Who would have thought they’d meet their fling again?

And who would have thought the fling would come knocking, saying they hadn’t been slept with enough and felt shortchanged?

When they first had sex, it was consensual, and they promised not to regret it. So Qiu Yang had silently assumed they would never contact each other again after returning to Yuncheng.

The current situation caught her off guard.

It turned out it was just her unilateral assumption.

She had no sex life for three years with Tao Sixian, and now, she knew Shen Ningruo for a week and did it for a week.

She thought it was over, but now she had to continue a few more times.

But Qiu Yang also knew Shen Ningruo was right; ‘1’s were indeed relatively scarce in the community now.

Qiu Yang herself had a deep appreciation for this after being slept with by Shen Ningruo.

It was indeed much more comfortable lying down.

So it was reasonable for Shen Ningruo to feel shortchanged.

The car had been driving for as long as the atmosphere inside had been silent.

The roads weren’t congested now. Shen Ningruo had lived in Yuncheng for so many years and was practically a walking map. She didn’t use navigation, turned another corner, and after passing two more streets, she would reach Qiu Yang’s residential area.

Qiu Yang’s brows hadn’t relaxed. At the last traffic light, Shen Ningruo’s fingertips lightly tapped the steering wheel.

She had no intention of disturbing Qiu Yang, but if they reached the entrance of the residential area and Qiu Yang still didn’t give an answer, she would definitely have to speak up.

Other cars around were honking, and bicycle bells passed by.

It was almost ten o’clock now, and there were far fewer pedestrians.

The orange light fell on Qiu Yang’s right arm. She lowered her eyes, staring at this spot, and then raised the car window.

She couldn’t catch a cold from the wind.

Five seconds later, the green light turned on, and the cars in front started moving.

Shen Ningruo held the steering wheel, drove straight ahead, turned another corner, and reached the temporary parking section in front of Qiu Yang’s residential area.

After the car stopped steadily, Qiu Yang gripped her seatbelt before breaking the silence: “Not tonight.”

“Okay.” Shen Ningruo had no objection; she understood, because it definitely required time to accept.

Qiu Yang tilted her head again, looking directly at Shen Ningruo, who had turned to face her: “Not tomorrow either. I have to work during the day.”

“So, only on the weekend then?” A faint smile hung on Shen Ningruo’s lips. She was already trying hard to control her expression.

Qiu Yang: “Mm.”

“Okay.” Shen Ningruo didn’t disagree. Looking at Qiu Yang’s appearance, she felt a sense of satisfaction that she couldn’t describe with words.

Qiu Yang’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and she continued to explain: “And it can only be at a hotel.”

She gripped her seatbelt again. The scent of lemon in the car entered her nostrils. She took a light breath and said in a very formal tone: “I have a cat at home. It’s not good for the cat to see.”

Shen Ningruo couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Qiu Yang frowned: “Is there a problem?”

Shen Ningruo’s voice rose at the end, more cheerful than the piano music at Xinhao Hotel. She asked Qiu Yang in return: “What’s wrong? Are you afraid that when we’re naked, there will be a cat watching from the side?”

Qiu Yang: “…”

As soon as she thought of Pingzi’s big face, a picture immediately formed in Qiu Yang’s mind.

That wasn’t what she was thinking; the cat was, of course, an excuse.

For Qiu Yang, her living place was very private. Unless they were friends or family, Qiu Yang wouldn’t invite someone in.

Their current relationship with Shen Ningruo was clearly nothing. Oh, no, that’s not right. Now they were bed partners who were about to be entangled for a while longer.

But in fact, they only knew a little more information about each other than strangers.

She didn’t want Shen Ningruo to intrude into her private territory; she had to guard it strictly.

Even though her physical private territory had been possessed by Shen Ningruo a week ago.

But that was in the past.

Qiu Yang didn’t answer Shen Ningruo’s question, just emphasized again: “It can only be at a hotel.”

“I don’t mind going to my place.” Shen Ningruo tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking lazy again. She just stared at Qiu Yang, as if her gaze was fixed on her.

Qiu Yang’s features were exquisite, and her temperament was gentle. Her heart must have been in turmoil right now, but on the surface, she still looked very soft.

Shen Ningruo discovered she had a strange quirk, which was that she really liked seeing Qiu Yang slightly lose control.

Especially in bed, the unrestrained sounds were very pleasant and beautiful to her ears.

Shen Ningruo’s lips curved, and the smile in her eyes slowly deepened.

“…Still have to go to a hotel.” Qiu Yang stated for the third time. She wasn’t used to strangers entering her home, nor did she want to go to the home of someone she wasn’t familiar with.

Seeing her like this, Shen Ningruo didn’t insist anymore, and her attitude softened considerably, her voice unconsciously carrying a hint of indulgence: “Okay.”

“Then I’ll book the hotel.”

Qiu Yang didn’t hear the indulgence, just said “Mm,” and was about to unbuckle her seatbelt: “I’m getting off.”

But Shen Ningruo grabbed her slender wrist, leaning towards her a little more, pretending to be confused: “How do we contact each other?”

Qiu Yang struggled slightly with her wrist, but Shen Ningruo had no intention of letting go. Her beautiful eyes seemed even brighter because she was close.

“My phone number is 138…” Qiu Yang stopped struggling and recited a string of numbers. She deliberately spoke slowly, afraid Shen Ningruo wouldn’t catch it.

However, it was clear that Shen Ningruo had no intention of remembering it by heart. She took out her phone and brought up the dial pad: “Call me.”

Qiu Yang was completely out of patience. She quickly entered her number.

Soon, her own phone rang in her shoulder bag.

Shen Ningruo nodded with satisfaction, then hung up.

Qiu Yang lowered her gaze to the spot still held by Shen Ningruo: “Can you let go now?”

“Sorry.” Shen Ningruo put on an innocent expression, “Afraid you’ll default on the debt.”

“After all, staking out your company entrance doesn’t quite fit my style.”

Qiu Yang, however, felt that this was exactly something Shen Ningruo could do.

When Shen Ningruo finally released her hand, she didn’t hesitate, pulled open the car door, and got out. The moment her feet touched the ground, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But after only two steps, Shen Ningruo’s voice sounded from behind: “Xiao Yang.”

Qiu Yang hesitated for two seconds, then turned around. There was a distance of over a meter between them. She saw Shen Ningruo leaning out of the passenger window. The light shone on her face, revealing a somewhat smug expression.

Shen Ningruo held up her phone: “I’ll contact you.”

Qiu Yang thought she knew, but on the surface, she still responded with a dutiful “Mm,” as an answer.

There was some distance from the parking spot to the residential area entrance. Qiu Yang didn’t hear the car start, so she didn’t look back.

She couldn’t quite understand why Shen Ningruo’s behavior was so different.

If Shen Ningruo was so cold during the meeting, she could understand it, because it was work, and you had to maintain a proper attitude.

But at the dinner party in the evening, Shen Ningruo was still like that, until she was in front of Qiu Yang, when she seemed to reveal her true colors.

They were completely two different people.

Shen Ningruo watched Qiu Yang’s retreating back. Only after she entered the residential area and was no longer visible did she withdraw her gaze.

She returned to the driver’s seat, raised an eyebrow as she stared at the string of numbers she had just dialed on her phone, then saved it in her contacts.

The note was the name she often used, “Xiao Yang.”

Xiao Yang, Xiao Yang, the wolf is coming. This phrase inexplicably popped into her mind.

Her lips slowly curved up again. She tilted her head and glanced towards the residential area entrance before starting the car again, ready to go home.

Actually, Qiu Yang could have just refused her request, but Qiu Yang didn’t.

This kind of Qiu Yang made her feel like she was really easy to bully.

However, Shen Ningruo could guarantee that she was different from Qiu Yang’s trash ex; her bullying was entirely out of good intentions.

While the trash ex’s bullying was meant to bury Qiu Yang underground.

Shen Ningruo was in a good mood and even put on some music in the car.

But halfway through, while waiting at a traffic light, Yao Yao called.

Shen Ningruo put on her Bluetooth headset.

“Ruoruo, how did it go?” Yao Yao was genuinely concerned about Shen Ningruo’s situation this time. She had been childhood friends with Shen Ningruo for so many years, and this was the first time she had seen Shen Ningruo show such intense interest in a girl.

What was it? Did that girl have such great magic?

She was still thinking about her even after returning.

Yao Yao knew where the problem lay in Shen Ningruo’s unsuccessful relationships, but solving it wasn’t easy.

She still remembered how angry she was when she found out Shen Ningruo’s first love had cheated, and the key was that the other person didn’t think he had done anything wrong at all.

In reality, if he had just waited until after high school graduation, he would have passed Shen Ningruo’s test, but that son of a bitch had no shame and even cursed Shen Ningruo.

As the big sister of No. 1 Middle School, Yao Yao immediately couldn’t stand it. The next day, she dragged the guy like a chicken and took him to apologize to Shen Ningruo.

During that time, something big had happened in the Shen family, and Shen Ningruo seemed strong and resilient, unaffected. Instead of comforting Shen Ningruo, this guy turned around and kissed and got intimate with other girls in the alley.

Yao Yao felt angry every time she thought about it.

It was just ridiculous.

“She agreed,” Shen Ningruo said concisely.

Yao Yao let out a “Wow”: “Congratulations.”

Shen Ningruo didn’t continue. She changed the subject from herself: “What about your little hottie? Didn’t you say you were going on a date with him tonight?”

“He went to take a shower.”

“I’m driving. Go get ready.”

“Okay.”

“Let me see if these young people nowadays are any good.”

Shen Ningruo pursed her lips hearing the words “young people.” Actually, she occasionally felt that Qiu Yang was also young.

She was almost three years older than Qiu Yang.

Some say three years is a generation gap, so there was just one generation gap between her and Qiu Yang.

Since turning 26, Shen Ningruo had become a little sensitive about age. She didn’t want to be, but she couldn’t help feeling a little anxious.

Especially with her father constantly urging her.

Shen Ningruo’s good mood instantly dissipated, replaced by annoyance: “Yao Yao.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Do you think my dad will be furious if he finds out I broke up with Guo Ming’an now?”

Yao Yao pondered for two seconds: “I think it’s possible.”

Shen Ningruo exhaled: “Then let’s not let him know for now.” She paused, turned the steering wheel, and then added, “Let’s just let things happen naturally.”

“Alright.”

“He’s out. I’m going to be busy.”

“Ruoruo, don’t overthink it.”

Shen Ningruo: “Mm.”

After driving for another ten minutes, she entered the parking lot.

Shen Ningruo was completely consumed by fatigue. Attending this dinner party today because of Qiu Yang had indeed been somewhat draining.

After returning to her room, Shen Ningruo’s mind was a little messy, and she felt a bit lost.

She didn’t know what the aftermath would be if she continued to be entangled with Qiu Yang.

But thinking about these things before it had even truly begun seemed a bit too early.

However, she had told Qiu Yang it was about repaying a debt, and that debt would eventually be repaid. What then?

Shen Ningruo frowned. She stared at the rattle drum she had brought back from Xicheng on the coffee table, hesitated for a moment, then picked it up.

She shook it twice. The dull sound of the toy remained, and the smiling little bear on it still looked simple and honest.

Shen Ningruo’s lips were pressed together. After a long while, she put it back down, got up, and went to get a bath towel to shower.

Qiu Yang didn’t sleep well again that night. She had actually fallen asleep early, but woke up intermittently several times.

She had several complicated dreams.

One moment it was an erotic dream about Shen Ningruo, the next it was a nightmare about Tao Sixian.

Qiu Yang felt tormented. The moment her alarm clock rang, she felt relieved and didn’t hesitate to throw off the covers and get up.

Many people suffer from “Wednesday Syndrome,” feeling the most depressed on this day, with pressure as heavy as Mount Everest, making it hard to breathe.

Therefore, the unusually energetic Qiu Yang seemed a bit out of place in the crowd.

She hadn’t slept well, but today she unexpectedly felt that not sleeping was a relief, so her face was brighter than others.

When she reached the 17th floor, it was still six minutes before nine o’clock.

Qiu Yang wasn’t as anxious as yesterday. She first walked to the front desk and gave Gu Lan the bread she had bought on the way.

“Remember to eat breakfast,” Qiu Yang reminded her.

Gu Lan didn’t stand on ceremony at all: “Thank you, Qiu Jie.”

Qiu Yang waved her hand, clocked in, and sat down at her workstation.

When it was time, she went to the conference room for the morning meeting.

Qiu Yang had no other thoughts now; she just wanted to make money properly. She not only had to support herself but also a cat.

Before, Tao Sixian had actually often used her money. Qiu Yang didn’t mind, but now she only felt that she had truly lost her mind back then.

Tao Sixian lived at her place, why didn’t she pay rent?

Within two seconds, Qiu Yang thought of the reason—opening a hotel room with her fiancé also cost money.

She gave a self-mocking smile and tried hard to shift her attention.

Her phone was placed to the side, covered. Qiu Yang’s computer was logged into WeChat, so she received messages there and didn’t need to look at her phone.

It was almost noon when Qu Yan walked over and tapped the corner of her desk: “Yangyang, come to my office for a moment.”

Qiu Yang got up without hesitation and followed Qu Yan into her office.

They sat facing each other, with only a white office desk between them.

Qu Yan explained her purpose: “Did you add Manager Ke on WeChat last night?”

“Yes,” Qiu Yang nodded, although she didn’t know why Qu Yan was asking her this.

Qu Yan smiled: “Manager Ke is only one year older than you, right? She’s also very capable. She’s quite well-known at Qiyao.”

Qiu Yang sat upright: “Mm.”

“Then… Director Shen?” Qu Yan asked tentatively.

Upon hearing this, Qiu Yang swallowed, then shook her head: “No.”

She hadn’t added her on WeChat, but had added her to her phone contacts.

Qiu Yang’s note for Shen Ningruo wasn’t conspicuous; she had written “Creditor.”

The creditor had even come knocking. The more Qiu Yang thought about it, the more she didn’t know how to feel. Her mood became complicated again.

Today was Wednesday, and the weekend would arrive soon.

Qu Yan’s expression changed subtly, then she said earnestly: “Yangyang, get in touch with more people, expand your social circle, and you’ll find that being heartbroken isn’t that important.”

“Yes.”

After staying for another two minutes, Qiu Yang left Qu Yan’s office. It was also just time for the lunch break.

Gu Lan sent her a WeChat message, asking her to have lunch together. Qiu Yang agreed.

She lifted her feet and followed the flow of people outside, meeting up with Gu Lan at the front desk.

The company didn’t have a cafeteria, but the building next door had a food court on one floor, and a large number of people were flocking there now.

However, Gu Lan was sweet-talker and had already become friendly with the restaurant owners. Today, she had also asked an owner to save them a spot early.

Qiu Yang, Gu Lan, and another colleague came over together. When they arrived, there was still a long line here.

It was bustling with noise, and the surroundings were noisy.

Qiu Yang had just sat down and hadn’t even taken her phone out of her bag when it rang abruptly.

She pursed her lips, a bad feeling rising in her heart, and her eyelid twitched.

Gu Lan picked up her chopsticks: “Qiu Jie, your phone is ringing.”

“Mm.” Qiu Yang smiled, took out her phone, and looked closely.

Sure enough, it was the creditor calling.

Qiu Yang tried her best to maintain a calm expression. She gave the two people opposite her a smile: “I’ll go take a call first.”

“Go ahead, go ahead.” Gu Lan started shoveling rice.

It was a bit noisy in this area. Qiu Yang walked about ten steps towards the escalator area before feeling a little better.

The creditor’s second call had already come through.

Qiu Yang frowned slightly, unsure why Shen Ningruo was calling, but she held a faint hope—

What if Shen Ningruo didn’t want her to repay the debt anymore?

So she cleared her throat, swiped to answer, put the phone to her ear, and softly said “Hello?” “Is something wrong?”

“Xiao Yang,” Shen Ningruo called her name, “Don’t you want to repay the debt sooner?”

Qiu Yang immediately understood the message Shen Ningruo was conveying: “I have to work during the day.”

“I haven’t even said anything yet.”

Qiu Yang looked at the people coming and going in the mall, her eyelashes trembling: “Then what do you want to say?”

“Can you come sleep with me tonight?”

“Ending it sooner won’t affect your work.”

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