Chapter 22.2

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A shadow fell before her eyes, and Qiao Ziman slowly raised her head. After rubbing her eyes, she finally made out the figure standing in front of her.

“It’s almost 3 a.m., and you’re still watching Boonie Bears. Aren’t you going to sleep?”

Qiao Ziman stared at the person in front of her and said each word deliberately, “I want to sleep with you, to prove myself.”

Chi Yin asked, “Is proving yourself that important?”

Qiao Ziman nodded emphatically, “Very important!”

Chi Yin asked again, “What if I never open the door?”

Qiao Ziman, using her muddled brain, thought hard for a long time before answering, “Then I’ll wait. I don’t want you to misunderstand… you’re very important to me.”

Chi Yin’s eyes flickered, but the light in them quickly dimmed with Qiao Ziman’s next sentence.

“You’re as important to me as Ji Yun, a close friend.”

Chi Yin felt a whirlwind of emotions, but when she saw the red lines crisscrossing Qiao Ziman’s weary eyes, those complex feelings shifted into a deep sense of guilt and remorse.

In a low voice, Chi Yin said, “I understand now. I believe you.”

Qiao Ziman: “???”

Chi Yin lifted her gaze, smiling helplessly yet gently. “We’re good friends,” she said softly, “if you’re willing.”

“Can we sleep now?” Without waiting for an answer, Chi Yin took the wine bottle from Qiao Ziman’s hands, wrapped one arm around her legs and the other around her neck, and carried her into the room.

She dimmed the lights in Qiao Ziman’s room to the lowest setting and tucked her in under the blanket. Throughout it all, Qiao Ziman was unusually compliant.

It seemed she was really drunk.

Chi Yin gently brushed a strand of hair off her forehead and tucked it behind her ear, whispering, “Goodnight,” before turning to leave.

Behind her, there was a rustling sound, followed by the padding of footsteps.

Chi Yin: “???” Weren’t drunk people supposed to be obedient?

Qiao Ziman staggered to a stop, pointed her finger at Chi Yin, and with surprising determination declared, “I want to sleep with you.”

Chi Yin: “…”

Qiao Ziman pushed past her and clumsily tumbled onto Chi Yin’s soft bed.

Chi Yin sighed, massaging her temples, but ultimately let her stay. It seemed that sleep would be hard to come by tonight.

At the door, Qiao Xiaohua, the cat, watched her owner enter Chi Yin’s room and let out a cautious meow.

“Meow.”

Half-lidded and groggy, Qiao Ziman mumbled, “What’s wrong with Qiao Xiaohua? Why does she always meow when she sees you?”

“It was just that one time I took her bed and scared her a bit. Is that really necessary?” Chi Yin felt a little guilty but shrugged it off. “Maybe she’s just afraid you’ll actually take her to get spayed.”

“Let’s not talk about that.” Chi Yin reached into the nightstand and pulled out a beautifully wrapped small box. “I brought you a gift from abroad. I forgot to give it to you yesterday.”

Qiao Ziman slowly sat up on the bed, blinking with curiosity. “What did you get me?”

Chi Yin walked over, opened the box, and inside was a finely crafted necklace.

The platinum chain had a pendant in the shape of stars embracing the moon, with a pink diamond at the center. Under the soft white light, the diamond sparkled delicately, exuding an air of luxury.

The more you looked at it, the more it smelled like money.

Qiao Ziman was momentarily dizzy, and in her typical clumsy yet surprising fashion, blurted out, “If I gave this to my mom, she’d sell me off in a minute.”

Chi Yin: “…” So, I gave this to the wrong person, huh?

Qiao Ziman asked, “How much did this cost? Why are you giving me something so expensive?”

Chi Yin thought for a moment before coming up with a suitable excuse. “Aren’t you my friend?”

Qiao Ziman pushed the gift box back to her with one hand, her expression serious. “I can’t accept this. I can’t afford to return the favor.”

Chi Yin frowned and pretended to be upset. “So, this is how you plan to be friends with me?”

Qiao Ziman: “…”

“Do I need you to repay me? I’m always generous with my friends. If you’re sincere about being my friend, just take it happily. Otherwise, I’ll pretend you didn’t say anything tonight.”

Qiao Ziman: “…”

She felt like she had somehow been led into a trap but couldn’t figure out where exactly. Her head was still spinning.

“How many friends do you have?” Qiao Ziman asked tentatively. “Are you this generous with all of them?”

Chi Yin’s lips curved into a smug smile, and she held up one finger. “I’m not the type who likes making friends. You’re the only one.”

Meanwhile, her friend Yu Shuyan, who was staying up late grading papers, sneezed several times and then wrapped herself tighter in her little blanket.

Chi Yin continued to explain, “Actually, this necklace isn’t that expensive. I designed it myself, and the materials are from my personal collection, so I didn’t have to buy anything special. It only cost me a little in labor fees.” She gestured with her thumb and forefinger, showing just a tiny bit.

Qiao Ziman was still in a daze as Chi Yin took the necklace and placed it around her neck. Gently lifting her silky hair and wrapping it around her slender neck, the beautiful necklace now rested perfectly in the hollow of Qiao Ziman’s collarbone. Chi Yin admired the view, unable to hide her amazement. If paired with a formal gown, she would undoubtedly be the center of attention.

“Can I sleep now?” Qiao Ziman asked. The matter of the necklace could wait until tomorrow; she didn’t have the brainpower to process it right now.

“Yes, goodnight.”

As her eyelids grew heavy and she drifted into sleep, Qiao Ziman suddenly yanked away the pillow that Chi Yin had placed between them and snuggled right up next to her. Chi Yin watched as the pillow flew through the air in a perfect arc, leaving her with only one thought: “…”

Morning came. Qiao Ziman woke up before the alarm went off. She carefully observed the person lying just inches away. Pajamas—neat. Exposed skin—no kiss marks.

Suddenly excited, she sat up and vigorously shook Chi Yin awake. “Look, look, look! I drank last night too, and I slept just fine. I’m clearly not interested in women’s bodies, and I definitely don’t get reckless when drunk. Right? Right? Right?!”

Barely awake, Chi Yin groggily nodded her head, still half-asleep.

Then, Qiao Ziman leaned in closer. With a soft “smack,” Qiao Ziman’s warm lips landed on Chi Yin’s cheek.

“Long live friendship!” she declared.

Chi Yin’s eyes slowly widened as a suspicious blush crept across her cheeks.

Author’s Note:
Chi Yin: So this is the perk of being friends, huh?

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