Chapter 32
Ji Ting glanced at him and handed over everything except the bouquet of roses.
Tan Yucheng took the other things from her, opened the rear door, placed them inside, and closed the door.
Ji Ting fastened her seatbelt as he got into the car and started the engine.
Before long, the large and sturdy SUV drove out of the cultural district and merged into the dense traffic.
Along the faster South Avenue, lights were still brightly lit everywhere, including the tail lights, amidst a neon-lit scene. Ji Ting had been a bit tired these past few days, so she was less talkative when fatigued.
She turned her head to glance at the man beside her.
Tan Yucheng wasn’t wearing a suit jacket, just a black shirt with the collar slightly open and sleeves unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of a watch on his wrist. He turned his head and glanced at her. “What are you looking at?”
He liked asking this question.
Ji Ting shook her head. “Can’t I look at you?”
A slight smile played on Tan Yucheng’s lips. “Sure, feel free to look.”
Ji Ting’s lips also curved into a gentle smile, warm and soft. Her shirt collar was also partially unbuttoned, and her bun had long since come loose, with a few strands of hair floating around her collar.
Tan Yucheng’s eyes deepened in the dim light.
He withdrew his gaze, focusing on the road ahead, his eyes passing over several late-night snack shops. He asked, “Are you hungry?”
Ji Ting also noticed those late-night shops. Her gaze swept lightly past them. “Not hungry. How about you?”
“Depends on you,” he replied.
That meant if she was hungry, he’d eat with her; if not, he wouldn’t. Ji Ting indeed didn’t feel like eating. She had drunk too much coffee in the evening, and Xiao Wan even stuffed some cake in her at the end.
Tan Yucheng didn’t ask her further questions. He turned the steering wheel, and the black SUV sped through the traffic, heading towards his apartment located in the New Ge Building. This apartment had a short property tenure but a decent size, situated high up in the sky.
It was known as the “Romantic Apartment.”
Previously, when he acquired the property, Ji Ting had visited once. The high-altitude view was excellent, overlooking the central area of Li City and conveniently close to the cultural district.
Upon arriving at the garage, Ji Ting got out of the car holding the roses. Tan Yucheng carried the gifts from the backseat, reached out, and then held her hand. Ji Ting was taken aback, raising her eyes to look at him.
Their palms touched, warmth transmitting through his palm.
Ji Ting’s heart pounded, but she didn’t say anything, didn’t ask anything, and entered the elevator with him.
His apartment’s lock was facial recognition-based. As soon as they approached, there were two beeps, and the door opened. The entire home was equipped with smart devices. The floor-to-ceiling windows slid open automatically, casting gentle and comfortable light onto the long beige sofa facing the windows. The air conditioning was set on a light-colored carpet, and the fireplace was lit. The kitchen not far away had its lights on too.
Upon entering the house, Tan Yucheng placed her gifts on the sofa and asked, “Would you like some water?”
Ji Ting felt the warmth lingering in her palm after he let go. She curled her fingers and nodded, “Yes, please.”
Tan Yucheng unbuttoned his sleeve and walked towards the kitchen. Ji Ting sighed, changed into slippers, placed the roses on the corner of the sofa, and her heart was still beating faster, as if she was on a date, which made her less relaxed than usual. The soft carpet attracted her, and she sat cross-legged to divert her attention.
She began to unpack the gifts.
Among them, Yu Xi gave the most, totaling six shopping bags. The brands were easily recognizable from the bags, indicating that Yu Xi likely shopped at TaiKoo Hui in Guangzhou during her last visit there.
Tan Yucheng unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up, then poured a glass of warm water and walked over to the sofa. Sitting down, he handed her the glass and observed as she unwrapped the gifts. He took a straw and placed it in the glass before offering it to her.
Ji Ting looked up and saw the straw. She leaned forward and took a sip.
Tan Yucheng glanced at her casually, his voice nonchalant as he glanced at the gifts. “Who are these from?”
Ji Ting took another sip of water to moisten her throat before replying, “They’re from Yu Xi.”
“She sent quite a few,” he remarked, raising an eyebrow and resting his hand on his thigh, still holding the glass, his gaze fixed on her as she continued to unwrap them. Yu Xi had not only bought the gifts but had them beautifully packaged in boxes with pretty bows tied on top. Ji Ting’s delicate and fair fingertips gently untied the bows, opened the boxes, and inside was a whole series of lipsticks.
There were six in total.
All in popular shades. Ji Ting’s favorite among them was the matte bright red. She took it out and applied a bit to the back of her hand under the soft light, admiring its vivid and attractive color.
Ji Ting thought for a moment, dabbed her fingertip in the lipstick, and then applied it to her lips, spreading it evenly. She looked up at Tan Yucheng and asked, “How does it look?”
Tan Yucheng held the water glass, his posture relaxed and confident, legs stretched apart. He observed her with crimson lips, sitting on the carpet, her neck and collar soft and her skirt taut from her movements as she sat sideways, her long legs pressed together. The light green work uniform now accentuated her fair complexion.
Tan Yucheng focused for a few seconds, then remarked, “Looks good.”
Ji Ting smiled, about to say something when Tan Yucheng gently held her chin, lowered his head, and kissed her lips. Ji Ting paused for a second, closed her eyes, and leaned back to kiss him. Tan Yucheng casually pushed the water glass aside onto the carpet, causing some warm water to soak a patch of the carpet and trickle down to Ji Ting’s knee, dampening the corner of her skirt.
Behind them, the floor-to-ceiling window reflected her snow-white shoulders, the loose-fitting blouse hanging off.
Leaning against the sofa, Tan Yucheng used one hand to hold her waist, kissing her lips before moving to her neck. Ji Ting wrapped her arms around his neck, her body trembling lightly, holding him tightly.
Her bun hairstyle was starting to loosen, strands of hair falling down.
Her knees pressed against the carpet.
The skirt slid up slightly.
She lowered her head and kissed him, then he embraced her by the waist, lifting her up. Her cheeks flushed as she leaned against his shoulder, her voice muffled against his neck.
He held her by the neck, kissing her lips to silence those sounds.
Her fingertips touched his Adam’s apple as their breaths intertwined. She looked up at him and softly asked, “Will you remember me?”
Tan Yucheng opened his eyes, gripping her waist tightly, and asked, “What?”
Sweat trickled down his neck.
Ji Ting shook her head without answering. Tan Yucheng gazed at her for a few moments, then pressed her waist, and after a few moments, pressed her down onto the sofa, covering her and passionately kissing her red lips.
Their breaths mingled by her ear.
The night was deep, the floor-to-ceiling windows remained open, casting faint shadows. These windows, visible only from the inside, were a romantic presence in this lofty space.
Lipstick stains, tea cups, and a fallen remote control for the air conditioner were scattered around.
The tall man stood up, lifting Ji Ting from the sofa and carrying her into the only bedroom’s bathroom. This bathroom had a bathtub, much more comfortable than Ji Ting’s own at home. Ji Ting willingly approached him, and Tan Yucheng looked at her, embracing her by the waist and kissing her as warm water enveloped them both.
Her affection stirred him, a mixture of surprise and enjoyment.
It was late at night.
But she wasn’t sleepy. She asked him softly, “Can we have some wine?”
Tan Yucheng glanced up, watching water droplets fall on her eyebrows and eyes. He replied, “Sure.”
A few seconds later, he got up, causing some steam to follow him, and casually picked up a black bathrobe to put on. Ji Ting leaned against the edge, watching him leave, then closed her eyes to rest for a while.
After a moment, she got up too. There was another black bathrobe hanging outside, in a men’s size. She was tall, but the bathrobe was much larger than her. She tied the belt and walked out.
Tan Yucheng opened the wine in the open kitchen, with dim lighting. Ji Ting walked over and stood there watching him.
Tan Yucheng glanced at her sideways. “Tired?”
Ji Ting shook her head.
Her long legs indeed trembled slightly.
Tan Yucheng noticed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He didn’t bother to expose her attempt to appear strong. He quickly uncorked the wine bottle, grabbed two glasses, and walked to the sofa, placing the glasses and wine on the coffee table.
Ji Ting came up beside him but didn’t sit on the sofa. Instead, she remained seated on the soft and spacious carpet she liked. At home, she always preferred the softness of carpets.
Tan Yucheng poured the wine and handed her a glass.
Ji Ting took the goblet, and took a sip. It was red wine, but on the sweeter side.
Tan Yucheng also drank, and the two looked at each other. Her neckline was slightly open, showing no defenses, giving a sense of allure in the dim light.
Ji Ting sipped her wine, looking at him.
She whispered, “Do you remember Shu Xiao?”
Tan Yucheng paused, holding the wine glass, locking eyes with her, raising an eyebrow, but didn’t answer immediately.
Ji Ting, however, seemed not to need his response. Leaning against his knee, she said, “Sometimes memories return to high school days—carefree days under the big fan, flying exam papers, favorite songs, beloved singers, endless homework, thick textbooks, and drawers filled with draft papers.”
Tan Yucheng leaned against the chair back, listening to her, his eyes on her face. His voice was low and lazy, “Do you not remember your university days?”
Ji Ting looked up, meeting his gaze. “I remember, just not as vividly.”
Tan Yucheng didn’t respond.
He took a sip of wine, then set the glass down on the armrest, traces of her recent bite marks still visible on his collar. He lowered his gaze, the posture between them making him appear somewhat aloof and wild.
Ji Ting looked at him, pondered for a moment, then inquired in the same pose, “Have you ever felt unwillingness? Towards something or someone.”
Tan Yucheng looked at her, his expression unclear, but his tone casual, “Yes, I have.”
Ji Ting’s fingertips paused.
They locked eyes, but she didn’t ask whether it was towards a thing or a person. She seemed to anticipate the answer while also being uncertain.
After a moment of thought, Ji Ting straightened up, pushing herself off the sofa.
Tan Yucheng watched her movements, unsure of what she intended to do. However, Ji Ting suddenly kneeled on the sofa, sitting on his lap. Caught off guard, Tan Yucheng placed the wine glass on the sofa table.
Ji Ting hugged his neck and said, “Kiss me.”
Leaning against the chair back, Tan Yucheng lightly supported her waist with one hand, teasingly asking, “What if I don’t?”
Ji Ting tightened her grip around his neck and leaned down to kiss him herself. Tan Yucheng’s lips curled slightly as he kissed her back passionately, their tongues exchanging the taste of wine, slightly sweet. The kiss grew intense, and Ji Ting’s bathrobe slid off one shoulder. Tan Yucheng tilted his head to kiss her neck, deepening the red mark already there. Ji Ting’s neck and body felt hot.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw their reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window.
She casually grabbed her phone, clicked, capturing the moment of him kissing her.
And her bathrobe slipped off, fluttering down.
—
Early the next morning.
After the festivities, in the lingering warmth of the dimly lit room, Ji Ting was embraced by the man, while a soft blanket draped over them. Ji Ting stirred, and Tan Yucheng held her waist, nuzzling into her neck, deeply asleep.
Ji Ting woke up.
In the dimness, she gazed at his features. They had finished the bottle of wine later on; though sweet, it had a kick, making their intimacy after getting drunk feel even more intense. Of course, he surely wasn’t drunk, whispering in her ear as she drifted in and out of consciousness, finally pleading for mercy in his arms.
Now the room was dim.
The curtains were tightly closed, with only a faint light coming from the bathroom. Ji Ting nestled into his embrace, wanting to sleep a little longer, but her stomach growled.
Her face flushed slightly.
She murmured softly, “I’m hungry.”
Tan Yucheng was still half asleep, slightly groggy. Upon hearing her words, he lazily replied, “What do you want to eat?”
Ji Ting thought for a moment.
“Is there a rice noodle roll place downstairs?”
“Yeah, there’s one.”
“Let’s have that?”
“Mm.”
The two were talking in the darkness. After he responded with a grunt, he quieted down again, seemingly drifting back to sleep. But a few seconds later, he lightly nuzzled her neck before slowly getting up. Ji Ting was still a bit sleepy herself. She turned her head to look at him; he was bare above the waist, wearing loose black trousers that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He grabbed a black shirt from a hanger and put it on before running his hand through his hair and heading to the bathroom.
With him gone from her side, Ji Ting felt a bit chilly. She pulled the blanket higher, rolled over, and felt a bit drowsy.
Tan Yucheng finished washing up and came out of the bathroom feeling much more awake. He glanced at the woman still sleeping on the bed, then pushed open the door and went downstairs to buy rice noodle rolls for her.
Ten minutes later…
The rice noodle rolls were bought, and Tan Yucheng placed them on the open island counter. He pushed open the bedroom door and stood there, watching her.
Originally, he intended not to wake her if she was still asleep.
But Ji Ting was awakened by the light when he opened the door. She opened her eyes and met his gaze in the darkness. Her sleeping posture was soft and she was uncovered, with her long legs pressing against the blanket. This scene was incredibly soft and inviting.
Tan Yucheng teased with a playful tone, “If you don’t get up soon, we might just go back to sleep.”
His tone carried a hint of innuendo.
If she didn’t get up, they would go back to sleep together…
Ji Ting understood his implication, blushing as she hugged his pillow. She didn’t dwell on it further; she had caused trouble last night and things had indeed gotten out of control. Pulling the blanket around herself, she sat up and said, “I’ll go out in a moment. Please close the door.”
Tan Yucheng didn’t move, leaning against the door.
Ji Ting blushed even more, facing off with him for a few seconds before grabbing the blanket and getting out of bed. She walked over, pressed the door shut with a bang, and locked it.
Tan Yucheng took a step back, chuckling softly.
Hearing his laughter, Ji Ting gritted her teeth and turned into the bathroom.
The bathroom was quite messy from last night, with water marks everywhere. There were toothpaste, toothbrushes, and face towels on the washstand. The toothpaste and toothbrushes were darker in color, slightly lighter than his. The face towel was just opened. There were no skincare products like Xiao Yi would prepare in Tianyu. Ji Ting finished washing up, wiped her face clean. Despite staying up late last night and feeling tired these days, her skin looked fair and rosy at this moment.
She put on her bathrobe and walked out. Tan Yucheng was at the kitchen island drinking water. When he saw her come out, he turned to open the microwave, took out the warmed-up rice noodle rolls, and placed them on the kitchen island. The chopsticks were already set out.
Ji Ting sat down on a chair and asked him, “What about you? Have you eaten?”
“I have,” Tan Yucheng said, setting down his cup and pushing a bowl of soup towards Ji Ting.
Ji Ting lifted the lid, revealing black chicken soup inside. However, this soup wasn’t from the downstairs rice noodle roll shop; it came from the neighboring restaurant known for its stewed dishes. In other words, he had also gone to get soup. Ji Ting took a sip and immediately felt warmth spreading through her body. She picked up the chopsticks and began eating the rice noodle rolls.
Tan Yucheng had already finished his meal; his plates were in the dishwasher. He sipped warm water and watched her eat.
During the day, this apartment looks completely different from at night. Sunshine pours in, brightening the entire living room. From afar, the views of Zhuoyue are visible, and the signs of the cultural district can be seen at a glance. During the day, the neighborhood has a quietness after the festivities, yet it stands out independently. This area is a transformation of some old factory areas, with tall buildings nearby. His apartment is located higher up, giving a feeling of overlooking the whole area.
After breakfast,
Tan Yucheng put the plates, chopsticks, and soup bowls into the dishwasher.
Ji Ting got up and walked over to the sofa where the automatic floor sweeper was already running on the carpet, vacuuming up the moisture left behind. Several gift bags were scattered around, while the bouquet of roses remained fresh and vibrant. Ji Ting picked up the bouquet of roses and turned to ask him, “Is there a vase?”
Tan Yucheng washed his hands and dried them. “Yes.”
He opened a cabinet and took out a dark-colored vase, placing it on the kitchen island. True to his style, everything he had was indeed in dark colors. Ji Ting walked over, unwrapped the flowers, and placed the beautiful roses into the vase. She didn’t have any formal flower arranging skills, so she arranged them somewhat haphazardly. Tan Yucheng leaned against the kitchen island, watching her arrange them with lowered eyes, the sunlight almost falling upon them.
At that moment,
There was a feeling of peaceful contentment as if time had stood still.