When it was over, Jiang Yi wrapped herself in the blanket, burying her face inside, too ashamed to look at Jiang Sixian after what she’d just done.
Jiang Sixian lay beside her for a while to catch her breath before turning to look at Jiang Yi. Seeing Jiang Yi cocooned like a silkworm, Jiang Sixian poked her gently and called softly, “Jiang Yi…”
Still embarrassed, Jiang Yi answered muffled from under the blanket, “What… are you still uncomfortable?”
This attitude after intimacy made Jiang Sixian feel somewhat hurt. She turned to lie beside Jiang Yi, completely bare as she looked at the “silkworm cocoon,” hesitantly asking, “You… don’t like this, do you?”
“If you don’t like it, next time I’ll…”
Jiang Yi immediately poked her head out, her face flushed red as she looked at Jiang Sixian: “Do I look like I don’t like it?”
Seeing her face, Jiang Sixian immediately felt reassured. She reached up to stroke Jiang Yi’s cheek, smiling softly: “I just thought you’re not good at refusing people.”
Not wanting to be misunderstood, Jiang Yi could no longer afford to be shy. She moved closer to Jiang Sixian, pulling the air-conditioned blanket over them both, carefully embracing Jiang Sixian under the covers: “That’s not it… you… how do you know how to do everything? And aren’t you embarrassed at all?”
Jiang Sixian nestled against her chest, their bodies touching, and shook her head: “Mm… no… because I like you too much, I’ve always wanted to do things like this.”
She placed her hand on Jiang Yi’s waist, looking up at her with a smile: “Just like now, I’ve imagined it… many, many times…”
Jiang Yi’s eyes widened, her voice rising: “Jiang Sixian, you’ve been fantasizing about me!”
Jiang Sixian nodded, admitting frankly: “Yes, exactly.”
Faced with such shamelessness, Jiang Yi found all words stuck in her throat. Jiang Sixian carefully leaned closer, resting her head against Jiang Yi’s chest and asking, “Do you hate it?”
Jiang Yi held her waist, her thoughts wandering. Jiang Sixian nuzzled against her chest and repeated, “Do you hate me like this? Do you dislike me?”
Jiang Yi answered softly, “I don’t hate it.” When you like someone, it’s natural to have physical desires. After all, Jiang Yi considered herself an ordinary person, far from reaching Plato’s spiritual realm.
She bent down to place a kiss on Jiang Sixian’s forehead: “I… sometimes think like that too…”
Now she understood why the Jiang Sixian in the book had been so insatiable with the substitute lover. Because… it was too lonely. If she really died, leaving Jiang Sixian alone in this world, she would surely feel terribly lonely.
Seeking physical comfort because of loneliness—that was perfectly normal.
Thinking this, Jiang Yi felt both love and pity. She even thought that if she really did leave, it wouldn’t be so hard to accept Jiang Sixian finding someone else to heal her broken heart.
Then Jiang Yi’s mind flashed with images of Jiang Sixian and the substitute lover doing this and that in bed, and she immediately became furious again.
Forget it, better not think about it—she’d just sour herself to death.
Jiang Yi coughed lightly, sliding down to face Jiang Sixian and asking softly, “Are you hungry?”
Jiang Sixian was actually both hungry and sleepy, but the joy of having her feelings reciprocated kept her excited. Hearing this, Jiang Sixian immediately felt hungry. She nodded, saying, “A little.”
Jiang Yi said, “Then wait a bit, I’ll bring the food over. Let’s eat something before sleeping, okay?”
“Okay.”
Jiang Yi pulled on her pajamas, got out of bed, and brought over the food from the small coffee table.
Jiang Sixian sat up wrapped in the blanket, her gaze never leaving Jiang Yi.
Jiang Yi, bare below the waist, felt embarrassed under her stare and quickly said, “Do you want to put some clothes on?”
But Jiang Sixian’s underwear and pajamas were dirty. She glanced hesitantly at the clothes she’d thrown at the foot of the bed: “Seems… not really wearable.”
Jiang Yi obviously noticed this too. She gathered their clothes into a bundle and tossed them onto the sofa, then went to the wardrobe to take out a nightgown and threw it onto the bed: “Wear mine then.”
“Put it on, then eat.”
Jiang Sixian smiled, taking the clothes and slipping them on. Jiang Yi watched as her nightgown slid down Jiang Sixian’s fair, slender body, her heart itching unbearably.
To make matters worse, after putting on the clothes, Jiang Sixian grabbed the front of the nightgown, sniffed lightly, and sighed, “So fragrant, it’s full of your scent.”
Jiang Yi was done for.
Because Jiang Sixian was just too adorable!
Is this how all young people are—once they get a taste, they can’t stop?
Suppressing the screams in her heart, Jiang Yi couldn’t help but walk to the bedside and bend down to hug Jiang Sixian. She pulled the girl entirely into her arms, kneeling on the bed as she buried her face in Jiang Sixian’s neck, inhaling her hair and the pheromones that kept escaping, murmuring admiringly, “You’re so fragrant too…”
“Especially, especially fragrant…”
Jiang Yi’s lips landed on her neck, then she gently pulled open the nightgown, following the curve from shoulder to elbow, finally reaching the palm where she placed a reverent kiss.
Kneeling before Jiang Sixian, holding her hand as she looked up with deep affection in her eyes: “I like you so much, Jiang Sixian…”
For emotional creatures, sweet words and gentle comfort far surpass any rough, primitive actions.
Jiang Sixian trembled under such a gaze, staring dazedly at Jiang Yi, her eyes moist: “Jiang Yi…”
Jiang Yi responded, “Hmm?”
Jiang Sixian leaned closer, looking into her eyes as she asked seriously, “Are we still eating?”
Jiang Yi froze.
Jiang Sixian suddenly bent down to place a kiss on her cheek—like a melting snowflake, gone in an instant.
She knelt up, pulling Jiang Yi’s hand to press against her own chest, saying softly, “Listen, if you don’t eat, the beast in my heart will eat you up instead.”
Looking at the girl’s earnest expression, feeling the frantic heartbeat under her palm, Jiang Yi felt as if she’d been infected too, her heart pounding wildly.
She thought Jiang Sixian was just too cute—so cute she’d willingly die on the spot.
If she ever died, it would definitely be from Jiang Sixian’s cuteness!
Jiang Yi couldn’t help but laugh. She pulled Jiang Sixian into her arms, kissing her hair as she said with a smile, “Let’s eat first.”
“After eating, you can let the beast in your heart out to eat me up.”
Jiang Sixian’s eyes curved into smiles as she nodded against Jiang Yi’s shoulder.
Having reached an agreement, Jiang Yi brought the food to bed, breaking bread to share with Jiang Sixian.
As she ate, Jiang Yi kept stealing glances at Jiang Sixian. She ate delicately, small bite by small bite, like a chipmunk—adorable beyond words.
Worried she might choke, Jiang Yi poured a cup of yogurt and fed it to her. After Jiang Sixian drank half, Jiang Yi took the cup and finished it herself.
After drinking, Jiang Yi noticed Jiang Sixian staring intently at her and asked puzzledly, “What’s wrong?”
Jiang Sixian pointed at the corner of Jiang Yi’s mouth, smiling: “Here, there’s some yogurt.”
Jiang Yi instinctively raised her hand to wipe it, but Jiang Sixian quickly stopped her: “Wait, let me help.”
She held Jiang Yi’s hand, leaning forward to lick the corner of her mouth.
Jiang Yi was stunned. Looking at Jiang Sixian who acted as if nothing happened, she stammered, “Y-you… how could you do that?”
Jiang Sixian looked puzzled: “What, can’t I?”
But she’d seen this kind of situation handled this way on some online forums—she thought it was correct.
Jiang Yi immediately became flustered: “It’s not that… it’s just… so embarrassing.”
Jiang Sixian found her adorable: “Jiang Yi, you blush so easily.”
Jiang Yi said awkwardly, “Yeah, I’m thin-skinned, not bold like you.”
Jiang Sixian pursed her lips in a smile, snuggling close to whisper, “Actually, just now I felt a little embarrassed too.”
Now it was Jiang Yi’s turn to be surprised: “Huh? Why?” Rare indeed—she thought Jiang Sixian feared nothing and never felt awkward!
Jiang Sixian leaned against her shoulder, whispering, “Because I thought the color and consistency looked like your… that…”
“Which?”
Jiang Sixian paused: “Just… fluids.”
Jiang Yi immediately understood, her face burning red: “No way! Not at all!” Ah, really, she’d never be able to look at yogurt the same way again!
After the young lovers finished eating sweetly together, Jiang Yi cleaned up and hugged Jiang Sixian as they collapsed onto the bed, entering a long-awaited sleep.
Jiang Sixian lay in secure arms, facing Jiang Yi and watching her for a long time before finally snuggling against her chest to sleep.
After such turmoil and fright, having such a harvest could be considered an unexpected joy in life.
Holding Jiang Yi’s hand as she closed her eyes, Jiang Sixian suddenly remembered how Jiang Yi had led her running last night and secretly resolved: No matter what happens in the future, she would never let go of this hand holding hers.
Not long after the two fell asleep, Jiang Qionghua hurriedly returned home.
Having not slept all night, she anxiously searched for Ning Wenying the moment she entered. Ning Wenying came downstairs, rubbing her temples tiredly, and immediately relaxed when she saw the travel-worn Jiang Qionghua.
Leaning against the railing, she smiled at Jiang Qionghua: “You’re back.”
Jiang Qionghua immediately stepped forward to hug her, her voice choked: “Yes, I’m back. You’ve worked hard, Sister Wenying.”
Her eyes red, she asked concernedly, “How are the children? Are they alright?”
Ning Wenying leaned against her shoulder, speaking softly: “They’re both back, resting in their rooms. Don’t disturb them yet. Xiao Yi has some minor injuries, the doctor already treated them…”
“Neither child has any serious problems…”
Jiang Qionghua helped her upstairs as Ning Wenying leaned against her shoulder, quietly explaining everything: “The kidnappers were caught. I told the police to come later for statements so the children can rest more…”
“I’ve mostly investigated the kidnapping—it was the Songshan branch. Our people are taking the police to get evidence now.”
“Before long, we can arrest that person…”
After speaking, Ning Wenying turned to Jiang Qionghua: “You haven’t slept either—stay with me. As for the children…”
“They’re asleep. When they wake up, I’ll go see them with you, okay?”
Jiang Qionghua was always obedient. Knowing the children were safe, she relaxed. She nodded, saying “Mm,” but still couldn’t stop worrying about Jiang Yi. She told Ning Wenying, “But I still want to check on Xiao Yi. I… need to see for myself how badly she’s hurt.”
Ning Wenying reached out to grab her wrist, saying somewhat firmly, “I think it’s better if you don’t go now.”
Earlier, she’d seen Jiang Sixian take things over and followed. But she found the first-floor door locked, and standing at the entrance, she could faintly hear noises from the window, making her leave awkwardly.
Jiang Qionghua was puzzled: “I’ll just go see her, I won’t wake her. I can only relax after seeing her.”
Ning Wenying sighed, rubbing her temples: “She locked the first-floor door, saying she wanted to sleep soundly. If you’re worried, I’ll go with you.”
Whatever—Jiang Qionghua would find out sooner or later anyway. If she couldn’t stop her, she could only blame the kids for being careless.
Jiang Qionghua was happy but still concerned about Ning Wenying’s condition. Wanting to send her to the bedroom first, she said, “It’s fine, I can go alone. Sister Wenying, you rest first.”
Ning Wenying felt she had to go. Holding Jiang Qionghua’s hand, she said, “It’s fine, I’m worried about Xiao Yi too. Let’s go—if you’re going, I’ll go with you.”
Torn between daughter and lover, Jiang Qionghua hesitated before finally nodding, saying, “Okay.”
When they reached the first-floor door, Jiang Qionghua indeed found it locked. Fortunately, it could be unlocked from outside. After opening the door, Jiang Qionghua led Ning Wenying upstairs.
Ning Wenying followed, thinking she’d probably have to cover Jiang Qionghua’s eyes and mouth soon.
As they ascended, the stronger the scent of pheromones became.
Jiang Qionghua turned to Ning Wenying, eyes wide with surprise: “This is…”
Ning Wenying calmly said, “What do you think it is?”
But Jiang Qionghua still refused to believe. Reaching Jiang Yi’s door, she took a deep breath of the overwhelmingly unpleasant pheromones and placed her hand on the doorknob.
Yet as she was about to turn it, she hesitated again. Turning to Ning Wenying, she said, on the verge of breaking down, “Sister Wenying, you open it for me.”
Ning Wenying smiled, reaching to pull her away: “Forget it, let’s go downstairs.”
“Do you really need to see it with your own eyes to believe what you already know?”
However slow Jiang Qionghua was, she understood Ning Wenying’s implication. Stumbling after her downstairs, she said in shock, “Sister Wenying, you knew?”
Ning Wenying nodded, explaining: “Only found out today. When Xianxian came over this morning…”
“I heard… them fooling around…”
Jiang Qionghua was stunned. Following Ning Wenying, she said indignantly, “How could I not have thought of this! How could I not… how could this happen… these two kids… I…”
Unfilial?
That didn’t seem right.
Morally corrupt?
That didn’t fit either!
Frustrated, Jiang Qionghua grumbled behind Ning Wenying in a hushed tone, through clenched teeth: “Sister Wenying, why didn’t you stop them! Just letting them… letting them!”
Ah, Jiang Qionghua was going crazy.
Ning Wenying dragged her out of the cottage, saying nonchalantly, “What’s wrong? They’ve graduated high school, they’re eighteen—it’s normal to date at that age. Isn’t it good to find someone?”
Jiang Qionghua thought that wasn’t the point at all. After closing the cottage door, she followed Ning Wenying, grumbling: “Dating is fine! But the problem is, how can it be the two of them? Don’t you see any issues?”
Ning Wenying knew she’d say this and replied helplessly, “Why can’t it be them? Jiang Qionghua, do you have some problem with my daughter?”
She shook off Jiang Qionghua’s hand, walking straight inside: “Seems you have quite the opinion of my daughter. Maybe we shouldn’t discuss this now.”
Jiang Qionghua quickly followed, grabbing her hand to explain anxiously: “No… I think Xianxian is wonderful… she’s a good girl…”
Ning Wenying was somewhat angry: “She’s a good girl, but Xiao Yi isn’t? Jiang Qionghua, you’re too harsh on your own daughter.”
Knowing she’d angered her, Jiang Qionghua calmed down: “I’m not, of course Xiao Yi is wonderful too. I just think…”
Ning Wenying turned to look at her, asking coolly, “If they’re both good, why can’t they date?”
“They’re not violating morals or laws—why do you object so strongly?”
Faced with her lover’s questioning, Jiang Qionghua immediately lost her nerve. Hanging her head, she said somewhat pitifully, “I just… I just think…”
“Jiang Yi didn’t even tell me she has a girlfriend!”
“She’s so unreasonable—does she think I’d be angry just because it’s Xianxian?”
The more she thought, the more indignant she became: “After all those times I played games with her, she doesn’t love me at all!”
Ning Wenying burst out laughing, knowing she was just making excuses to hide her real thoughts. Sighing, she hugged Jiang Qionghua, leaning against her shoulder: “Qionghua, listen…”
“Whoever Xianxian chooses, I won’t interfere, as long as she’s happy.”
Holding Jiang Qionghua’s waist, she said softly, “Similarly, whoever I choose won’t be affected by Xianxian. No matter the reason, since I chose you, I won’t leave you.”
“I won’t… give up on you.”
Jiang Qionghua relaxed, hugging Ning Wenying as she leaned against her shoulder, murmuring, “Mm.”
Ning Wenying smiled, releasing Jiang Qionghua to pat her cheek: “At your age, still acting like a child who loves sweet talk.”
Chiding gently, she looked at Jiang Qionghua tenderly: “I’m tired. Carry me back.”
After all that ordeal, her already fragile mental state was now shattered. Her head throbbed faintly, on the verge of fainting.
Jiang Qionghua immediately picked her up bridal style, carrying her upstairs: “My fault, Sister Wenying. Rest well today—I’ll handle everything else.”
Ning Wenying hummed in agreement, looking up at Jiang Qionghua’s face as she asked with a smile, “Do you know what I love most about you?”
“What?”
Ning Wenying blinked, smiling: “I love how you always tell me, ‘I’ll handle it.'”
“So responsible, so reassuring…”
And every time, you delivered.
Jiang Qionghua laughed, carrying Ning Wenying back to their room as she whispered, “Because Sister Wenying is the same kind of person.”
“Sister Wenying, you’re such a good role model.”
Ning Wenying scoffed lightly: “Always with the sweet talk.”
Yawning lazily against Jiang Qionghua’s chest, she said, “About Xiao Yi and Xianxian dating—if they don’t bring it up, pretend you don’t know. No need to scare them.”
Jiang Qionghua complained: “Why would they be scared? It’s not like I’d do anything… I…”
Ning Wenying glanced up at her, and Jiang Qionghua immediately changed her tune: “Fine, but it’s just puppy love anyway. Who knows who they’ll like in the future.”
Young people—puppy love isn’t strange. Life is long—it’s normal to go through several loves. Those who like only one person from start to finish, falling for the same person over and over, are rare.
Jiang Qionghua decided—not exposing them was fine, avoiding awkwardness if they broke up later.
But Ning Wenying had a different view. She looked at Jiang Qionghua, saying lightly, “Not necessarily. Xianxian… is very persistent.”
Jiang Qionghua agreed, but added somewhat defiantly: “Hmph, of course—look whose child Xiao Yi is.”
Seeing her smug expression, Ning Wenying looked up at her, unable to help smiling.
Jiang Qionghua looked down at Ning Wenying’s half-smiling gaze and couldn’t help smiling too.
Carrying Ning Wenying back to their room, she sighed: “I’ve reached the age where I dare compare with you.”
Closing the door behind them, she mused: “Ah, time. Alright, Sister Wenying, sleep first. We’ll talk about the rest later.”
When the time truly came for the children to decide to spend their lives together, they could discuss these things then—no hurry.
Ning Wenying hooked her arms around Jiang Qionghua’s neck as they collapsed onto the bed together. Closing her eyes, she said, “Okay.”
No one could predict life’s twists. For now, cherish what’s before you—take one step at a time and let nature take its course.
