Luo Yaling realized she had slept in his arms longer than she expected. Opening her eyes, she saw the azure sky and warm sunlight. Surprised, she noted how late it had become.
She turned her head to an unbelievable sight: Wang Nie had maintained the same position all night, still gently holding her. They had known each other for only a few hours—why was he still like this with her? As she considered him, she felt awkward trying to get up.
However, when Luo Yaling moved, the smile on Wang Nie’s face stiffened.
“Wait, Ling Ling, don’t move. I’m all stiff and numb,” he said helplessly.
Luo Yaling froze, realizing he was right—being in the same position for so long could cause stiffness. She secretly admired him but pondered how close they were.
Luo Yaling felt Wang Nie’s breath and body temperature so close that she found it hard to move. Her face heated up, and her heartbeat quickened.
“Can… can I move now?” she asked awkwardly, aware that her face would soon turn tomato-red.
“Then move slowly,” Wang Nie replied gently.
“Oh? Okay, I’ll move slowly.” Luo Yaling began to pull away but was interrupted when Wang Nie said, “Ling Ling, my face has been blown by the night wind all night. Can you warm it up with your hands?”
Luo Yaling’s heartbeat raced. Was he asking for compensation for his discomfort?
“Ling Ling, is it too difficult for you?” he asked, looking disappointed.
“No, compared to me sleeping on you all night, it’s not difficult.” Taking a deep breath, she placed her trembling hand on his face and asked, “Is… is this okay?”
“It would be better if you pressed closer,” he replied, enjoying the simple contact.
Wang Nie looked at the person on him and smiled helplessly.
Luo Yaling swallowed, then pressed her hands on his handsome face. Although reluctant, she complied, treating it like playing with a doll.
So comfortable! Wang Nie couldn’t help but push his luck. “Actually… my lips are even colder.”
“What?” Luo Yaling felt her heart race at Wang Nie’s words, her face heating up.
“How about a friendly kiss?” he asked expectantly.
“No.” Luo Yaling refused outright. That was her first kiss! She couldn’t waste it so easily.
“Then helping me warm up with your hands wouldn’t be too much, right?” He pursued the expected answer but wouldn’t let her off easily.
“That’s not okay either.” Luo Yaling stood firm. This was too intimate, whether with lips or hands. She couldn’t do it. Though he was quite nice and respectful while she was sleeping, his shamelessness was overwhelming.
Wang Nie felt sad but said, “Ling Ling, do you know how many chances I had to get close to you while you were sleeping? But because we are friends, I didn’t cross the line.”
However, can’t I do so for being so well-behaved?”
Wang Nie felt regret, not understanding how he had missed his opportunities.
Seeing her sleeping face, he couldn’t entertain any improper thoughts; her defenselessness filled him with joy.
“You… stop teasing me, you’re making me uncomfortable. Can I have my hand back?” She had no romantic experience and felt at a disadvantage. To avoid being taken advantage of, she spoke plainly.
“Okay! Then help me rub my hands to get the blood flowing,” Wang Nie said, stopping his teasing.
This request was acceptable, and Luo Yaling reluctantly nodded, moving her hands to Wang Nie’s stiff hands.
As she rubbed and blew on his hands, they soon became flexible, but then Wang Nie intertwined their fingers.
Luo Yaling looked up in shock.
Wang Nie, smiling, focused on their interlocked hands. He thought about the next step—a passionate kiss…
Luo Yaling forcefully pulled her hand back.
This shattered Wang Nie’s imagination. He furrowed his brow, realizing he had to proceed more cautiously.
Chapter Forty-Nine: Boyfriend?
Not good, not good at all.” Luo Yaling mourned her lost first kiss, feeling unsettled.
“Didn’t Lingling just enjoy it?” Wang Nie smiled.
“No way.” She hadn’t felt anything. Although his technique was excellent, another guy’s face had appeared in her mind, confusing her.
“Alright, let me send you back, Lingling!” Wang Nie said, ending the inquiry.
“Mm.” Luo Yaling nodded mechanically.
Upon returning home, she found Wu Ma anxiously waiting.
“Xiao Ya, you’re finally back. How did you dress yourself like this? Never mind that; maybe you have your reasons. Look at the chicken soup I prepared for you. How are your injuries?” Wu Ma asked.
“Is Lingling injured?” Wang Nie asked urgently.
“Who is this gentleman?” Wu Ma noticed the man beside Luo Yaling.
“Wu Ma, let me introduce…”
“Boyfriend.” Wang Nie interrupted.
Luo Yaling was shocked. When had he become her boyfriend? She was oblivious.
Wu Ma looked sharply at Wang Nie, who seemed to intentionally avoid her gaze, raising her suspicions.
“Xiao Ya, is he really your boyfriend?” Wu Ma questioned, recalling how quickly Xiao Ya had been taken away. She wondered why Wang Nie was avoiding her gaze and struggled to remember where she had seen him before.
“Of course, and we’ve already done that,” Wang Nie replied ambiguously while holding Luo Yaling.
“Wu Ma, don’t… misunderstand,” Luo Yaling said anxiously, waving her hands and glaring at Wang Nie, signaling him to stop. However, Wang Nie pointed to his lips, implying he wasn’t making things up. Luo Yaling felt a surge of anger.
He referred to “that thing,” not this one! This was bound to be misunderstood, she thought frustratedly.
“Young people’s matters, Wu Ma understands. Xiao Ya, no need to explain further. Shall we go inside?” Wu Ma said, interpreting their interaction as confirmation of a relationship.
“You can go back. Call me when you have something,” Luo Yaling instructed Wang Nie.
“Wait, Lingling, give me your phone. I need to add my number,” he responded.
“Here,” Luo Yaling handed over her phone.
“Now you can call me anytime,” Wang Nie added his number and returned the phone.
Luo Yaling entered his name into her phone and put it in her bag.
“I’m available 24/7 for you!” Wang Nie said ambiguously as he left.
What a nuisance, even leaving without letting her go, Luo Yaling thought coyly.
“Xiao Ya? He’s gone,” Wu Ma nudged the dazed Luo Yaling.
“Ah! Sorry, Wu Ma, for making you watch that,” Luo Yaling replied embarrassedly.
“It’s fine. Young people, I understand. I’ve been through this too,” Wu Ma laughed.
“Come in, Wu Ma. Sorry for making you wait outside,” Luo Yaling said.
“No problem. How are your injuries?” Wu Ma asked.
“Don’t worry about my injuries, they’re almost healed,” Luo Yaling replied with a forced smile.
Although her injuries had worsened, she didn’t want Wu Ma to worry, so she lied.
Chapter Fifty: Flower
“Xiao Ya, here’s the chicken soup I prepared. Drink it while it’s hot,” Wu Ma said as she brought over the soup.
“Okay…” Luo Yaling didn’t want to refuse Wu Ma’s kindness, and she was hungry anyway.
“Xiao Ya, come visit me more often, and I’ll cook for you every day.”
“No need,” Luo Yaling thought. She didn’t want to meet that guy every day.
“But sometimes Xiao Ya isn’t around. And I don’t know when you’ll return…”
“Wu Ma said anxiously.
“Then I’ll give Wu Ma a key so she can come in anytime. She won’t have to wait outside.” Luo Yaling handed the key to Wu Ma. Since the little guy hadn’t taken it and wouldn’t use it, she figured it was better to give it to Wu Ma. That little guy probably wouldn’t return; he should have gone home by now.
“This…” Wu Ma hesitated.
“Just take it, Wu Ma.” Luo Yaling placed the key in her palm.
“Are you sure you trust me not to take your things?” Wu Ma wondered.
“Hehe! Wu Ma, you’re joking. These things aren’t worth much, and I believe you won’t do that.” Luo Yaling smiled cheerfully.
“Fine, I’ll accept it then.” Wu Ma tapped Luo Yaling’s head affectionately.
