Chapter 58

“How could it not be her? You don’t need to make excuses for her.”

Gu Tingyu sneered, “She’s already dead now. What’s the point of saying all this?”

“Gu Tingyu!”

Luo Jiangyue called out his name sharply, her teary eyes glistening.

“You don’t need to call my name. Gu Qingrong has already passed away. I’ll take responsibility for your retirement. I’ll transfer money to you every month. If you ever run short, just call me.”

Gu Tingyu never had much to say to his mother. She had always favored Gu Qingrong and had little care for him as her son. There was always an invisible barrier between them, one neither of them could cross.

“Your wings have hardened, and I can no longer control you. If my Qingrong were still here, how could she bear to see me suffer…”

Luo Jiangyue started crying again, a mix of grievance and resentment. Gu Tingyu remained silent. He had experienced this scenario too many times and had long since gotten used to enduring it quietly. She would stop crying soon enough anyway.

Sure enough, when she noticed Gu Tingyu wasn’t responding, Luo Jiangyue stopped her sobbing and said viciously, “Transfer five hundred thousand to me. I don’t have enough to spend. I don’t even have a decent set of jewelry. How am I supposed to socialize with the other wealthy ladies?”

Gu Tingyu, exhausted, covered his forehead. “I got it. I’ll transfer it now. I’m hanging up.”

After transferring the money to Luo Jiangyue, Gu Tingyu tossed his phone onto the table and collapsed onto the sofa.

His conversations with Luo Jiangyue always followed the same pattern: I won’t allow it… I forbid it… Transfer money to me…

It was truly exhausting.

But at least this way, they only talked about money and not about motherly affection. It saved him from feeling conflicted.

Not long after dinner, Hu Zhiyuan called. Shen Jiashu and Shen Lihuan, father and daughter, brought a lawyer with them to the Imperial Capital Hotel as agreed.

When the equity transfer agreement was signed, Hu Zhiyuan felt like his heart was bleeding.

“Uncle Hu is a straightforward man. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

Shen Lihuan smiled meaningfully.

Hu Zhiyuan’s face stiffened. His thumb and index finger rubbed together repeatedly—a habit of his when he was furious.

Once all the documents were signed, Hu Zhiyuan left with his lawyer and assistant, his back looking particularly dejected.

“Dad, let’s go home too. Changqing is waiting for me.”

Shen Lihuan turned to Shen Jiashu. He raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, then patted his daughter’s shoulder. “You two… should exercise restraint.”

What the hell?

Shen Lihuan choked on air. “Dad, what are you talking about? We’re not even adults yet!”

Shen Jiashu maintained a completely serious expression, as if he had never said anything at all, and walked out of the private room first. Shen Lihuan had no choice but to follow him, exasperated.

When she got home, Shen Lihuan recounted the conversation to You Changqing, who instantly turned red. She buried her face in the soft pillow and groaned, “Ahh, this is so embarrassing!”

“It’s not embarrassing at all. This just means our parents support us being together.”

Shen Lihuan sat on the bed and spoke gently.

“This is all your fault!”

You Changqing grabbed a pillow and threw it at her, but her movements were so soft that it was obvious she hadn’t really wanted to hurt her.

“My fault, my fault.”

Shen Lihuan caught the “throwing-herself-into-my-arms” beauty and held her close. “Be gentle when you hit me. Don’t hurt your hand, or I’ll feel bad.”

You Changqing propped herself up and pinched her smooth cheeks. “All you do is sweet-talk me.”

Shen Lihuan stayed still, letting her do as she pleased, her eyes filled with tenderness. You Changqing was captivated by that gaze. She stopped pinching and cupped Shen Lihuan’s face instead, slowly leaning in. Finally, her soft, warm lips pressed against hers.

Shen Lihuan wrapped one arm around her slender waist and placed the other behind her head, deepening the kiss.

After a few attempts, You Changqing finally learned how to breathe while kissing, so this time, the kiss was long and lingering. As they kissed, she closed her eyes, her lashes trembling like a butterfly poised to take flight.

When Shen Lihuan pulled away, she used her fingertip to wipe the glistening thread from the corner of You Changqing’s lips. You Changqing had completely melted in her embrace, like a pool of spring water.

“How does it feel? Do you like it?”

Shen Lihuan tried to calm the heat surging within her and asked in a hoarse voice. You Changqing nodded honestly. “I like it.”

Shen Lihuan chuckled softly. “It’s still early. Let’s finish our homework first, then watch something together.”

“…Alright.”

You Changqing was a little disappointed that Lihuan had stopped there. She had already prepared herself mentally.

Shen Lihuan dotingly tapped the tip of her nose. “We have to practice restraint.”

You Changqing puffed up her cheeks. I don’t need restraint. I just want to keep kissing you—kissing you until the end of time, until I’m gasping for breath.

I want to do this and that with you. How could just one kiss satisfy my growing hunger?

As Shen Lihuan moved to get up, You Changqing grabbed the sleeve of her clothes. Shen Lihuan turned back. “What’s wrong?”

“Don’t you want to… you know… with me?”

You Changqing’s voice trailed off, her eyes turning red. “In the novels, when emotions run high, they can’t help but want to be intimate. Why don’t you feel that way?”

“Or… do you not love me enough? Is that why you aren’t interested in me?”

A flicker of deep red flashed in Shen Lihuan’s eyes. Not interested?

If it weren’t for the fact that we’re still too young, I wouldn’t have to hold back so much.

And yet, she keeps teasing me. Does she really think my self-control is that good?

Shen Lihuan pulled her into a tight embrace and pressed her lips to her slender neck, sucking hard until red marks bloomed on her fair skin. You Changqing could finally feel the heat of her passion.

When Shen Lihuan finally let go, You Changqing immediately pulled the blanket over herself, leaving only a pair of eyes—moist and glistening—peeking out at her.

“Will you still say such foolish things?”

Shen Lihuan ruffled her hair. Dazed, You Changqing shook her head, then burrowed under the blanket, her face as red as a ripe tomato.

Ahhhh! So embarrassing!

Lihuan’s lips and tongue were so hot, her breathing was so seductive, I felt like I was going to catch fire.

You Changqing bit her finger and giggled to herself.

Shen Lihuan looked at the bulging shape under the blanket, shook her head, and got out of bed. She took out her weekend homework and placed it on the desk, turning on the small wall lamp in the process. The room was instantly illuminated.

There was also a refrigerator in Shen Lihuan’s room. She opened it, took out two bottles of juice, but after thinking for a moment, put them back and instead took out a jar of fruit wine. She also grabbed two dragon fruits, peeled them, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

After arranging the fruit wine and fruit pieces at the very front of the desk—just within arm’s reach—Shen Lihuan turned to the bed and called out, “Changqing, get up. Let’s do our homework.”

You Changqing’s eyes darted around before she cautiously peeked out. “I have no strength left. I want you to carry me.”

“Alright, I’ll carry my princess out of bed.”

After wiping her hands with a wet wipe, Shen Lihuan walked to the bed. You Changqing sat up, stretched out her hands, and Shen Lihuan carried her down. You Changqing wrapped her arms around Shen Lihuan’s neck and swung her legs playfully. “Lihuan, do you think I’m heavy?”

“Not at all. If anything, I think you’re too light.”

You Changqing was 167 cm tall, yet her weight hadn’t even reached 100 pounds. Though her figure was perfect, Shen Lihuan still felt she was too light.

“They say if a girl weighs under 100 pounds, she’s either flat-chested or short. Lihuan, what do you think of my figure? Are you satisfied?”

As she spoke, You Changqing even struck a sexy pose. Shen Lihuan chuckled helplessly. “Do you still not know whether I’m satisfied or not?”

“Ahem, how would I know if you don’t say it?” You Changqing softened her voice. “Lihuan, just tell me.”

“I’m satisfied. No matter which part of you, I’m completely satisfied.”

Shen Lihuan spoke as she placed You Changqing in a chair. “Alright, let’s start our homework. If we finish it tonight, we can go visit Yang Tianlin tomorrow.”

“Sounds good! Let’s buy him some food and necessities. Last time, I saw that his clothes were already worn out and faded.”

At the mention of this, You Changqing nodded rapidly like a pecking chick.

“Okay, we’ll do as you say.”

Shen Lihuan smiled indulgently.

The two of them worked on their homework together, discussing things they didn’t understand, and quickly finished everything.

After putting away their books and assignments, Shen Lihuan packed them into her bag. You Changqing stretched and forked a piece of dragon fruit into her mouth.

“Mmm, this dragon fruit is really sweet. Lihuan, have a piece too.”

Good things should be shared. You Changqing waved Shen Lihuan over, and Shen Lihuan, after placing the backpacks aside, leaned in and opened her mouth. “Ah.”

“Is it sweet?” You Changqing tilted her head and smiled as she asked.

“Not as sweet as you.” Shen Lihuan replied without hesitation.

You Changqing pouted and blew her a kiss. “Here’s a flying kiss as a reward for your sweet words.”

Shen Lihuan bent down and took a playful bite. “A flying kiss isn’t as real as a proper one.”

She never missed a chance to take advantage.

You Changqing covered her lips, which had been bitten. “Are you a dog or something?”

She loved biting her lips so much.

“How did you know? I was born in the Year of the Dog.”

Shen Lihuan loosened her hair, casually running her fingers through it, and looked at her sideways with a smile.

She rarely wore makeup, only applying a thin layer of moisturizer before heading out. Yet, her fair and delicate skin could rival that of a baby. Her features were exquisite, her gaze carrying both charm and confidence. Combined with her naturally imposing aura, she had You Changqing completely mesmerized.

“I just know. Don’t forget, we’re the same age.”

You Changqing pouted at her in mock grievance. Shen Lihuan chuckled. “I must have been confused for a moment.”

“You just don’t take me seriously. Otherwise, how could you forget something so important?”

You Changqing wrinkled her nose, and Shen Lihuan scooped her up in one motion. “That was my mistake. From now on, I’ll remember this important thing for sure.”

After setting You Changqing down on the sofa, Shen Lihuan turned to bring over the fruit wine and dragon fruit. But before she could leave, You Changqing flipped over and pinned her down on the sofa. “You’re not going anywhere. Tell me, do you remember my birthday?”

“Of course I do. December 10th. You’re almost four months younger than me.”

Shen Lihuan gazed at the girl straddling her, her eyes darkening.

“Hmph, at least you have some conscience left.”

You Changqing mumbled and then leaned down to gently bite Shen Lihuan’s cheek. “That’s your punishment for forgetting.”

Shen Lihuan ran her tongue over the spot where she was bitten—it didn’t hurt, but it tickled. You Changqing raised her chin proudly and looked at her. “Now let’s see if you dare to forget such an important thing again.”

That mischievous look was so damn alluring. Shen Lihuan grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her senseless until she was gasping for breath.

Taking advantage of the moment when You Changqing was catching her breath, Shen Lihuan finally managed to bring the fruit wine and dragon fruit to the table in front of the sofa.

Watching Shen Lihuan pour the wine, You Changqing reminisced. “Our first kiss was given away after we got drunk.”

“Mhmm.” Shen Lihuan handed her a glass. “A little drink to set the mood. Let’s have a couple of glasses to relax.”

“Cheers!”

You Changqing raised her glass, and Shen Lihuan clinked hers against it. “Cheers!”

Taking a sip, You Changqing said, “This time it’s just fruit wine. I definitely won’t get drunk.”

“Even if you do, it’s fine. I’m here.”

Shen Lihuan leaned against the sofa and turned on the TV. “Drinking while watching a show isn’t a bad way to spend the night.”

“Anything is fine. I’m not really into TV.”

“Alright, then let’s watch a funny variety show.”

Shen Lihuan switched the channel, raised the volume slightly, and placed the remote back on the table.

With the TV playing in the background, the two of them sipped their wine and chatted. The fruit wine had a low alcohol content, so You Changqing’s face was only slightly flushed—she wasn’t as drunk as last time.

Shen Lihuan glanced at the time on the TV screen. “It’s nine o’clock now. Let’s take a shower first. By ten, we should be heading to bed.”

You Changqing set down her glass, thought for a moment, and then looked up. “Are we showering together?”