Chapter 32

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Before Qiao Ziman could react, she was shoved forcefully into the room, and the door was slammed shut behind her.

In an instant, their eyes met.

Chi Yin’s gaze slowly traveled down, inch by inch, until it finally settled on Qiao Ziman’s hand.

Qiao Ziman: “…”

Mom. My dear mother. You’ve really set me up this time.

Qiao Ziman stood there, unable to move forward or backward, frozen in place. The awkwardness in the cramped bedroom spread quickly, filling every corner and climbing to its peak.

This time, there might really be no way out.

But somehow, in the midst of it all, a strange sense of calm washed over Qiao Ziman. When you’re already neck-deep in trouble, what’s a little more? Might as well keep some dignity.

Deciding to go all in, Qiao Ziman twirled the small pink box in her hand, glancing at Chi Yin out of the corner of her eye. “We’re all adults here. No need to be so dramatic, right?”

Chi Yin shifted her gaze away from the pink box. “So?”

“So, I came to sleep with you.”

Chi Yin was clearly stunned by Qiao Ziman’s blunt words. Her usually composed face rapidly shifted—from confusion, to disbelief, to inner struggle, and finally, a hint of panic.

Qiao Ziman: “…”

“You… you go ahead and sleep first. I’ll take a shower.” With that, Chi Yin quickly threw off the blanket, jumped out of bed barefoot, and hurriedly made her way to the bathroom.

Qiao Ziman: “???”

Great. The word “sleep” was misunderstood again. But… it seemed to have an unexpected effect. The little “innocent flower” panicked!

For once, Qiao Ziman wasn’t the only one running away awkwardly. Her pride strangely swelled at that moment. She was absolutely delighted.

Qiao Ziman dove onto the soft bed, filled with Chi Yin’s scent, and rolled around for a bit. After a moment, she sat up slowly, glancing thoughtfully toward the bathroom. She wondered if Chi Yin was in such a panic because she felt the same way. Yeah, that must be it. What could a pure, innocent little flower like her possibly know? And here I was, all nervous.

Feeling reassured, Qiao Ziman finally relaxed. She lay back, bouncing a bit on the soft mattress out of habit. “Finally, I can get a good night’s sleep.” As the sound of running water continued from the bathroom, she yawned deeply. “Chi Yin, why are you still in there? I’m getting sleepy.”

Suddenly, there was a loud clatter of bottles and jars falling to the floor. Qiao Ziman snapped to attention. “Chi Yin, are you okay?”

“I’m… I’m fine.”

Qiao Ziman thought, The little flower panicked again.

Qiao Ziman stifled a laugh as she waited. The sound of running water in the bathroom continued for nearly thirty minutes before Chi Yin finally emerged, looking as composed as ever.

Qiao Ziman lifted the blanket and patted the space beside her. “Come on over.”

Chi Yin hesitated for a moment, casting a complicated glance at her before finally lying down next to her. A gust of cool, damp air swept in, sending a chill through Qiao Ziman. Startled, she asked, “Why are you so cold? Are you sick?”

Chi Yin paused, then replied softly, “No.”

“Oh,” Qiao Ziman said, inching closer to her. “If you’re cold, just lean against me while you sleep. Goodnight.”

As she took a deep breath, savoring the scent of Chi Yin so close to her, Qiao Ziman’s eyelids began to droop, refusing to stay open. As Qiao Ziman began to drift into sleep, she struggled to open her eyes one last time. She tucked the blanket around Chi Yin before finally relaxing and succumbing to deep slumber.

Chi Yin glanced over gently, her gaze soft as she looked at the person beside her. Qiao Ziman slept soundly, her long, raven-like eyelashes fluttering slightly, and her full, glossy lips parted gently with each breath.

Chi Yin swallowed hard, finding it difficult to tear her eyes away. After a moment, she noticed the particularly eye-catching pink box on the nightstand. Her gaze darkened as she looked back at Qiao Ziman, letting out a soft sigh. Looks like I’m going to need another cold shower. What to do?

The next day, Qiao Ziman was jolted awake by the blinding sunlight streaming into the room. She blinked in confusion, slowly remembering where she was. Turning to her side, she noticed the space beside her was empty, and she couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Where did Chi Yin go so early in the morning? Just then, the aroma of delicious food wafted in from the living room through the crack under the door. Qiao Ziman couldn’t help but sniff the air. So fragrant.

Her stomach let out a loud growl, and the enticing smell drew her out of bed. But as soon as her feet touched the floor, she stumbled slightly. Ouch. It seemed she had slept too comfortably, and all the accumulated fatigue in her body was suddenly released, leaving her feeling a bit weak.

She supported herself with her hands on her hips and slowly made her way toward the door. When she opened it, she was greeted by a warm and harmonious scene. Chi Yin and her mom were busy in the kitchen, both wearing aprons and chatting occasionally, their faces lighting up with happy smiles.

“Yin Yin, it’s almost noon! Is Xiao Qiao still sleeping? Should we go wake her?”

“Let her sleep a bit longer, Auntie. She’s been really tired lately.”

“You really know how to care for her.”

“Next time, during the holidays, come back with Xiao Qiao. Auntie will make you delicious food,” Chi Yin’s mom said.

“Got it, thank you, Auntie.”

“Don’t be so polite. We’re all family.”

Qiao Ziman felt a bit dazed, warmth gradually rising in her eyes. Mixed with genuine happiness and anticipation, she also felt concern and guilt about their relationship.

Chi Yin turned upon hearing the noise and smiled. “You’re awake? Did you sleep well?”

Qiao Ziman tilted her head slightly, pushing the warmth away from her eyes. “It was okay.”

“The food will be ready soon. You can head to the dining table first.”

Qiao Ziman nodded and moved toward the table, supporting herself with her hands on her hips. Seeing this, Chi Yin wiped her hands and quickly stepped forward to assist her. “Is your back still hurting?”

He Cuizhen glanced back and clicked her tongue disapprovingly. “Young people need to exercise more.”

Qiao Ziman: “…” My mom has a wild imagination.

“Drink some nourishing soup later; it’ll do you good,” her mom continued.

Qiao Ziman: “…”

What does she mean by “nourishing”? What does she think I need? He Cuizhen had a knowing expression. “Hey, Chi Yin, why don’t you get her a softer cushion to put under her back? That might help her feel more comfortable.”

Qiao Ziman: “!!”

What cushion? Does my mom really think I’m that weak? She shot a resentful glare at Chi Yin. How come she doesn’t stand up for me? I haven’t done anything at all!

Oh well. The little flower probably didn’t understand her mom’s underlying meaning.

Chi Yin, looking a bit nervous, rushed to the bedroom to grab a cushion, carefully placing it under Qiao Ziman’s back. Turning to He Cuizhen, she said, “Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll make sure she exercises.”

He Cuizhen’s gaze softened as she looked at Chi Yin, and she praised her, “What a good girl. Unlike Xiao Qiao, who just knows how to go against me every day!”

What a heartwarming scene of mother-daughter love, Qiao Ziman thought angrily, feeling like she was the one who had been picked up from somewhere. Grinding her teeth, she yanked the cushion out from behind her and shoved it forcefully against Chi Yin’s back. “I’m strong enough! You don’t need to worry about me!”

Frustrated, she ended up drinking three bowls of nourishing soup in one go.

Since there wasn’t much going on at work that day, both of them had taken the day off. After a meal and a short rest, they decided to step out around three or four o’clock when the sun wasn’t as harsh.

Qiao Ziman first took her mom to a nearby landmark to take some photos. Well, to be precise, it was Chi Yin and her mom taking the photos while she handled the camera. After that, at Chi Yin’s suggestion, they went shopping at the mall. Again, to be accurate, it was Chi Yin and her mom shopping, while she carried their bags.

Chi Yin helped He Cuizhen pick out a few fitting summer outfits from a luxury store. Then, they visited a famous qipao shop upstairs, where Chi Yin insisted on having a pricey qipao custom-made for her mom. Throughout the whole experience, she insisted on paying, and Qiao Ziman couldn’t stop her at all.

Unbelievable. Chi Yin really knows how to hit the nail on the head when it comes to my mom’s preferences. Now, it’s me who has become the one my mom is starting to dislike.

What am I going to do about this?