Chapter 21.2

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As the minutes ticked by, Qiao Ziman went from sitting to standing, then pacing back and forth, and finally standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, eagerly staring out. But as time dragged on, the dishes grew cold. By the time the clock’s hands pointed to midnight, Chi Yin still hadn’t returned.

The sound of the electronic door lock beeping as the password was entered finally echoed through the living room.

Chi Yin pushed open the door and was greeted by the sight before her: the dim lighting in the living room cast shadows, and Qiao Ziman was curled up in one corner of the couch, wrapped in a blanket, looking unusually downcast. Chi Yin was about to ask what was wrong when her eyes caught sight of the meticulously prepared dishes on the dining table, along with strawberries and a bottle of red wine.

For a brief moment, Chi Yin was taken aback, her eyes flickering with an emotion she couldn’t quite place—was it surprise or perhaps awe? She quickly stepped toward Qiao Ziman, crouched down in front of her, and said gently, “Why didn’t you tell me? I’m sorry for making you wait so long.”

Qiao Ziman dazedly glanced over at the dining table, her voice soft, “It’s nothing… The food’s cold now. I’ll go clean it up.”

Chi Yin could hear the disappointment in her voice. She stepped forward and took Qiao Ziman’s hand. Qiao Ziman winced slightly, “Ow…”

“What happened?” Chi Yin quickly examined her hand, flipping it over, and spotted a small cut about a centimeter long on her fingertip.

Chi Yin frowned, her eyes filled with concern. “You cut yourself?”

The fingers of Qiao Ziman’s other hand curled in slightly as she softly replied, “Mm.”

Chi Yin gently placed Qiao Ziman’s hand down, stood up, and walked over to the TV cabinet to search for the first aid kit. As she did, she didn’t forget to issue a command to Qiao Ziman, who was attempting to stand up, “Sit still.”

Qiao Ziman: “…”

Chi Yin found some cotton swabs and iodine from the kit and carefully wiped Qiao Ziman’s cut. “Does it hurt?” she asked softly, lowering her head slightly. Then, with a small smile, she parted her lips and gently blew on the cut. “Blow on it, and it won’t hurt.”

Qiao Ziman’s heart felt soft and warm, and she couldn’t take her eyes off the dark hair at the crown of Chi Yin’s head. A genuine smile spread across her face. “Chi Yin, are you trying to soothe a child?”

Chi Yin chuckled softly as she applied a bandage to the cut. “I learned it from you.”

Qiao Ziman: “…”

After treating Qiao Ziman’s wound, Chi Yin went into the kitchen, reheated the food, and then sat down at the table to take a bite. As she ate, she occasionally offered compliments, “This is good—definitely an improvement.”

Qiao Ziman thought to herself, Of course, I put a lot of effort into it. Her mood lightened as a small wave of happiness rippled through her.

“You’re not going to eat with me? There’s so much food; how am I supposed to finish it all?” Chi Yin teased.

Right on cue, Qiao Ziman’s stomach let out a grumble. She tried to play it cool, “Alright, I suppose I’ll keep you company then.”

Chi Yin hid a laugh, amused by Qiao Ziman’s playful pride.

Qiao Ziman sat down at the dining table and accepted the soup that Chi Yin handed her. Trying to sound casual, she asked, “Why did you get home so late today? Were you on a date?”

Chi Yin picked up a piece of bamboo shoot with the communal chopsticks and placed it in Qiao Ziman’s bowl, reminding her, “Eat more.” Then she explained, “No, I was discussing a project with a business partner. We got so engrossed in the conversation that I lost track of time.” She had also forgotten that someone was waiting for her at home.

“Sorry about that.”

Qiao Ziman waved her hand, indicating it wasn’t a big deal. Her curiosity piqued, she asked, “A business partner? Are you planning on starting a side venture?”

“The government is planning to develop the land on East Street by the commercial plaza. We’re considering investing in one or two restaurants or maybe a cinema.”

“Wow,” Qiao Ziman’s eyes sparkled, not holding back on her praise, “You’re amazing.”

She thought to herself that Chi Yin truly was the modern woman who could both look stunning and support a household. Qiao Ziman then asked, “Can I ask you something a bit bold?”

“Go ahead,” Chi Yin replied.

“You must be pretty wealthy, right?”

Chi Yin slowly took a spoonful of soup, then nodded without any hint of humility.

“So, I guess you must have a lot of admirers, right?” Qiao Ziman wondered. If that’s the case, maybe I can overlook my own actions, she thought.

Chi Yin glanced at Qiao Ziman with a deep, unreadable look.

Qiao Ziman: “???”

“Quite a few,” Chi Yin responded.

Qiao Ziman hesitated before asking, “Then why don’t you find a boyfriend?”

Again, Chi Yin gave her a long, meaningful look. Qiao Ziman’s heart started to race. What does that look mean? Could she have misunderstood things again?

“Um, what I mean is… how about I introduce someone to you?” she asked, trying to steer the conversation away.

Chi Yin put down her chopsticks, looked at Qiao Ziman with a knowing smile, and said, “Introduce yourself? I wouldn’t be opposed to that.”

Qiao Ziman, flustered, slammed her chopsticks down, scrambled to her feet, and blurted, “That’s not what I meant! I wasn’t testing you!”

Chi Yin’s smile suddenly faded, and after a moment of silence, she simply said, “I know.”

Is she upset again? Qiao Ziman wondered, starting to panic. Wait… could it be…?

“Chi Yin, do you… like girls?” she asked hesitantly.

Chi Yin gave her yet another deep, thoughtful look, as if she wanted to say something but held back.

Silence. The kind of heavy silence that filled the room like the mist over a calm river at night. After what felt like an eternity, Chi Yin quietly spoke, “I don’t like anyone.”

Qiao Ziman let out a huge sigh of relief, “What a coincidence, same here. I only like money.”

“So, when you asked me earlier if I was rich, what exactly did you mean by that?”

Qiao Ziman: “!!!”

She hurried to explain, “I was just asking offhand!” This is all Ji Yun’s fault for putting crazy ideas in my head!

Chi Yin shot her a glance, one that practically had the words “I don’t believe you!” written all over it.

Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be? Qiao Ziman thought defiantly. Gesturing dramatically, she began explaining, “I’ve thought carefully about all the things that have confused you lately. The first time we slept together and I kissed you—it was because I had a dream! In the dream, I was eating cotton candy, so it wasn’t some drunken mistake. I’m not into women physically. The second time I threw myself into your arms, it was because Qiao Xiaohua the cat scared me.”

“Really, truly! If you don’t believe me, I’ll prove it!” Qiao Ziman grabbed the bottle of red wine from the table and downed three glasses in quick succession. Then, pointing directly at Chi Yin, she declared, “Give me a chance! Let me sleep with you tonight!”

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