Chapter 56.1

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

A fine mist of rain draped over the garden, its gentle patter tapping against the flower trees. Droplets fell, one after another, soft and persistent, covering the world in a delicate embrace.

As the flowers bloomed, they trembled slightly, releasing their sweet fragrance. Everything around them felt damp, sticky, as if soaked in the lingering moisture. Chi Yin’s eyes remained open. The ceiling above blurred, its patterns twisting into indistinct shapes.

Restraints—

Loosened.

Her body, drained of strength, sank heavily into the mattress.

Qiao Ziman crawled back to her side and pulled her into a warm embrace, her lips pressing gentle kisses against the flushed corners of Chi Yin’s eyes. The woman in her arms shivered involuntarily.

“Yin Yin.”

The voice cut through layers of haze, reaching deep into Chi Yin’s consciousness. Slowly, her scattered thoughts gathered. She lifted her head, just a beat slower than usual, her beautiful eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Mm?”

Qiao Ziman shifted, grabbing the glass of water from the nightstand and bringing it to Chi Yin’s lips, helping her drink. As Chi Yin’s breath gradually steadied, Qiao Ziman suddenly hopped out of bed. She dashed over to the drawer, rummaging for a notebook. 

Climbing back onto the bed, she flipped it open and, with a pen in hand, began writing earnestly. From time to time, she paused, deep in thought.

Chi Yin quietly observed for five minutes before finally giving in to curiosity. “What are you writing?”

Qiao Ziman put down the pen and answered with utmost seriousness, “A post-event reflection.”

Chi Yin: “???”

She had heard of book reports. 

But… what the hell was a post-event reflection?

Qiao Ziman explained further, “It’s a post-event record, just like meeting minutes. More reflection, more analysis—identify weaknesses, build on strengths, and aim for an even better performance next time.”

Was this really necessary?

Qiao Ziman then looked up, eyes filled with anticipation. “Yin Yin, how was my performance just now? Have my kissing skills improved?”

Chi Yin: “…”

“Yin Yin, do you think my pressure was just right?”

“Yin Yin, was the positioning accurate?”

“Yin Yin, where did it feel best?”

“Yin Yin—”

Chi Yin swiftly cut her off. “Enough.”

Discussing this so openly—didn’t she realize how embarrassing it was?

The tips of Chi Yin’s ears burned as she turned her head slightly, giving a reserved but undeniable acknowledgment. “You’re terrifyingly strong now.”

Qiao Ziman burst into laughter. Of course, she knew better than to get too cocky—after all, the higher one soared, the harder the fall. She had learned that lesson well. Pressing down her amusement, she feigned modesty. “Well… I guess I did okay.”

After all, she still hadn’t mastered the final step. But one day—one day—she would turn the tables!

Fueled by determination, Qiao Ziman scribbled furiously in her notebook.

Chi Yin sighed, turned over, and snatched the pen from her hand. “Enough. Go rinse your mouth and get some rest.”

Qiao Ziman lifted her gaze, and her eyes suddenly froze. On Chi Yin’s slender, pale wrist, a few deep red marks stood out starkly against her skin. A flicker of distress flashed through Qiao Ziman’s eyes. She reached out and gently took Chi Yin’s hand, rubbing the marks with her fingers before bringing them to her lips, blowing on them softly.

“Does it hurt? This was my first time tying it, so I wasn’t very experienced.” Her tone carried a hint of regret. “Next time, I’ll be gentler.”

Chi Yin: “…”

Qiao Ziman picked up the discarded ribbon from the bed, her eyes lighting up slightly as she held it out. “How about… you tie it back on?”

Why does it feel like Qiao Qiao is actually looking forward to this?

Qiao Ziman suddenly leaned in close, sniffing lightly before feigning casual curiosity. “Why do I still smell alcohol on you?”

Chi Yin: “???”

“Do you want to drink a little more?”

A suspicion slowly surfaced in Chi Yin’s mind. She propped herself up, lightly tapping her temple with her fingers, her eyes locking onto Qiao Ziman without a single blink. A moment later, the corners of her lips curled. “Actually, I don’t need alcohol to be quite… formidable.”

Caught red-handed in her thoughts, Qiao Ziman’s face heated up instantly. She abruptly raised her voice. “Did I ask you that?!”

“Oh, I see.” Chi Yin turned her back, suppressing a laugh.

Qiao Ziman, seeing her remain indifferent, panicked and quickly grabbed her hand. “Well… I just think we should both improve together. It wouldn’t be fair if only I got better, right?”

Chi Yin turned to her, eyes filled with innocent confusion. “What do you mean?”

Oh, still pretending? Keep acting then!

“You little black-hearted flower!” Qiao Ziman ground her molars in frustration before blurting out, “I want to have sex with you! There, happy now?”

Chi Yin flipped their hands, tightening her grip before pulling Qiao Ziman straight into her arms. She coaxed softly, “Alright, alright. Whatever my girlfriend wants.”

Annoyed, Qiao Ziman turned her head away, giving her a light kick. “You didn’t bring the toys, did you?”

Chi Yin stiffened for a moment before admitting, “The safe hasn’t been moved over yet.”

Qiao Ziman frowned, clearly dissatisfied. “How could you not bring something so important? Fine, what about the finger condoms?”

Chi Yin: “…They’re in there too.”

“Then what now?” Qiao Ziman, frustrated, gave her another small kick. 

“Should we just… not do it tonight?”

Qiao Ziman shot her a glare. “No way!”

“…I’ll go buy some,” Chi Yin said, starting to stand up, only to have Qiao Ziman grab her wrist.

“Buy what? The nearest 24-hour store is at least a half-hour drive away.”

A sudden flash of inspiration struck Qiao Ziman. Out of nowhere, the image of her unreliable mother popped into her mind. Maybe… just maybe…

She crooked a finger, her expression full of mystery. “Come here.”

Chi Yin leaned in, and Qiao Ziman whispered, “Go downstairs and ask my mom for a box.”

“W-what?” Chi Yin’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

“You want me to ask your mom for a box?” she repeated, as if saying it out loud would make it any less absurd.

Qiao Ziman waved her hand, shooing her toward the door. “Hurry up, hurry up! I’m already naked in bed waiting for you.”

But Chi Yin remained frozen in place. She still couldn’t wrap her head around it. “Why does your mom even have that?”

“Oh, come on. The last box I gave you? She’s the one who gave it to me. Where do you think I got it from?”

“…I don’t want to go.” The sheer embarrassment made Chi Yin shrink back. “Why don’t you go?”

Not a chance. He Cuizhen was the nosiest woman alive. Eavesdropping was practically her hobby.

Instead of answering, Qiao Ziman let her bathrobe slip completely open, revealing smooth curves and delicate lines. She stretched out one leg in a slow, tantalizing motion, her voice taking on a sultry lilt.

“My love, won’t you go for me?” She coaxed sweetly. “If you do, I’ll let you do whatever you want to me later.”

Chi Yin stared at the breathtaking sight before her. Her gaze darkened, throat moving as she swallowed hard. Then, without another word, she took a long stride toward the door and turned to head downstairs.