Chapter 66: Pt.1

"Well?! Why didn't you answer the phone?!"

When Xu Chuanchuan felt a pair of cold hands tightly clamping down on her shoulders and heard Murong Shi shouting at her for the second time, she snapped out of her daze and subconsciously wet her lips. Then, she said, "I… I was writing just now."

"You couldn't answer the phone because of that? We all thought something happened to you!"

"..." Xu Chuanchuan felt her head buzzing after being yelled at for the third time. Then, she glanced at her phone that she had tossed onto the bed and said, "My phone's charging. The noise outside was also too loud for me to focus, so I put on my earphones… I'm sorry, I really didn't hear it ringing."

What should I do? She looks like she wants to eat me alive, Xu Chuanchuan thought to herself worriedly.

Just as Murong Shi was about to continue speaking, three more people rushed in through the balcony.

"You all…" Xu Chuanchuan was dumbfounded.

Xu Xiangxiang was the first to speak, asking, "Sis, are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

Setting her arms akimbo, Xu Xiangxiang glared at her elder sister and shouted, "Why weren't you answering your phone if you were alright?! You even locked the door from the inside! Didn't you hear us knocking all this time?!"

"I'm sorry, I really didn't hear it…" Xu Chuanchuan said with an innocent face.

Then, Little Yan said while panting, "It's good that you're alright. We all thought something happened to you inside. You really gave us a scare."

Never did Xu Chuanchuan think that her focus in writing would result in such a situation. Yet, when she looked at the four people who had charged into the room in their disheveled attire, she couldn't help but be at a loss on what to do. Apart from apologizing, she didn't know what else she should say.

Meanwhile, Fang Qin patted Murong Shi on the shoulder and said, "See? I told you that you were just scaring yourself. Well, it's good that nothing happened. We'll head back and change our clothes for now."

Xu Chuanchuan personally helped Fang Qin and the others open the door. Before leaving, Xu Xiangxiang couldn't help but chide her elder sister again, saying, "Look at this door. We nearly kicked it down, yet you said you didn't hear anything?!?!"

"I…" Xu Chuanchuan honestly didn't know how to explain herself. She had played her music too loudly. She had also fully immersed her mind into her work.

"We were worried sick!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Xu Chuanchuan repeated. Then, after seeing off Xu Xiangxiang and the others, she closed the door and returned to Murong Shi's side at the fastest speed. "I didn't do it on purpose. You, too, know that I don't normally get distracted when writing."

The hostility on Murong Shi's face gradually faded. However, her complexion still didn't look too good. After letting out a long sigh, Murong Shi said, "It was my fault for making a mountain out of a molehill. When I saw that the door was locked from the inside, and you weren't answering the phone, I thought..."

"Thought what?"

They were currently staying in a foreign environment that housed both men and women. Although Jiang Shaohua owned this place, nobody could guarantee that the safety measurements in place were flawless.

Ten minutes ago, Murong Shi and Fang Qin were still leisurely watching the concert on the beach together with the two younger girls. However, seaside weather was constantly changing and unpredictable, and rain suddenly started pouring down from the sky without reserve. As a result, the concert was abruptly halted, and the four of them became drenched.

Originally, they intended to return to their respective rooms after arriving back at the villa. However, when Murong Shi tried opening the door to her room, she was met with an unexpected failure. To make matters worse, when she subsequently called Xu Chuanchuan several times, not once did her calls get answered. In such a situation, how could Murong Shi not panic?

Afterward, Murong Shi quickly called the others over to help bang on the door. Unfortunately, even after they had nearly broken down the door, there was still no movement coming from inside the room.

In just a few short minutes, Murong Shi had thought up multiple scary scenes and possible scenarios such as murder, r*pe, and various other accidents…

Coincidentally, one of the neighboring female streamers happened to come back to get a change of clothes. Seeing this, Murong Shi quickly followed that person into her room and used the shared balcony to return to her own room, only to come across Xu Chuanchuan stretching inside.

Logically, Murong Shi should be happy that Xu Chuanchuan was safe and sound. However, when Murong Shi thought about how a group of people had been so worried for Xu Chuanchuan for several minutes, the anxiety and frustration built up within her caused her to lose her temper.

This was the first time Murong Shi had gotten so angry, and even she couldn't help but be surprised by herself. Fortunately, Xu Chuanchuan was safe and sound.

After wiping the rainwater off of her face, Murong Shi tiredly said, "Remember to have your phone by your side in the future."

"I know, I know," Xu Chuanchuan said, fear lingering in her heart. Then, when she looked at Murong Shi's miserable appearance, she said, "Quickly take a shower. I'll bring you a change of clothes."

…

An hour later…

Murong Shi opened the bathroom door and walked into the living room.

Meanwhile, Xu Chuanchuan stood respectfully outside the bathroom, a hairdryer in her hand. When she saw Murong Shi coming out of the bathroom, she said, "Are you done? Here, let me dry your hair for you!"

"Don't you need to write?"

"That can wait," Xu Chuanchuan said as she pulled Murong Shi to the sofa.

Murong Shi had long and dense hair, so it took a lot of effort to dry it. Even after working ceaselessly for ten minutes, Xu Chuanchuan only managed to dry half of it. While she was shaking her tired wrists, she suddenly heard Murong Shi saying, "Just leave it at that."

Xu Chuanchuan obediently put the hairdryer away and mimicked Murong Shi's previous actions, gently combing Murong Shi's hair with her fingers. Then, she helped tidy Murong Shi's collar and mindfully asked, "Do you want me to pour you a cup of hot water?"

Holding down Xu Chuanchuan's hand, Murong Shi put on a partial smile and asked, "Why did you become so considerate all of a sudden?"

"Was I not considerate before?"

"So-so. You barely pass as a girlfriend."

The next moment, Xu Chuanchuan grabbed onto one of Murong Shi's arms and tentatively said, "You look very scary when you're angry."

Murong Shi stiffened momentarily. Then, she caressed Xu Chuanchuan's head and said, "I'm sorry. I got a little too anxious."

"I thought you were going to hit me back then."

"...I'm not that violent."

"But when I realized that you only behaved that way because you were worried about me, I became happy again." Half-kneeling on the sofa, Xu Chuanchuan was positioned a head higher than Murong Shi. Then, she said with a grin, "So you like me that much."

Raising an eyebrow, Murong Shi asked, "So, you feel delighted at seeing my miserable appearance?"

"No, no, I feel moved."

"That's not something you should express with words alone."

Kissing from this angle could not be any more perfect. Xu Chuanchuan had also never tried kissing from this angle, so she couldn't help but be curious. So, without hesitation, she held onto Murong Shi's face and lowered her head.

Unfortunately, before their lips made contact, the sound of knocking came from the door.

Releasing Murong Shi's face, Xu Chuanchuan straightened her body and raised her voice, "Who is it?"

"It's time for a feast. Are you two coming?" Fang Qin's voice came through the door.

Xu Chuanchuan briefly exchanged glances with Murong Shi before she replied, "We're going!"

There was no way a glutton would let go of an opportunity to have a feast.

Because of the concert's abrupt cancellation, Jiang Shaohua had invited the chefs of a five-star hotel to come to cook up a feast to assuage the live streamers and guests.

However, Xu Xiangxiang didn't place her focus on the meal. Instead, she busily dragged Little Yan around the dining hall and socialized with the other streamers present.

Seeing this, Fang Qin said, "Seems like Xiangxiang likes being a streamer."

Xu Chuanchuan did not comment on this matter. Instead, her whole focus was on eating as she said, "I'm starving. I'm thinking of eating some noodles. What about you?"

Smiling, Murong Shi said, "Dummy, everyone else is picking the expensive stuff, so why are you eating noodles? They're serving sea cucumber soup over there; let's try that first."

Sticking out her tongue, Xu Chuanchuan said, "I look like a country bumpkin beside you."

"Let's go."

When Fang Qin turned around and saw that everyone had left her, she complained, "Hey, hey, hey. Are all of you ditching me?"

In response, Xu Chuanchuan beamed an awkward smile at Fang Qin.

Beautiful women liked drinking soup, so there were a lot of people crowded around the soup area. Murong Shi kept holding Xu Chuanchuan's hand, so it was quite difficult for them to squeeze through the crowd. When Xu Chuanchuan tried to struggle free from Murong Shi's hold, Murong Shi refused to let go. Then, Murong Shi quietly said, "I worry that you'll get lured away by a little vixen if I let go of you."

"Nonsense!" Xu Chuanchuan cried out at the injustice.

Then, Murong Shi said in a lukewarm tone, "You even drooled when you watched our neighbors dancing last night."

Xu Chuanchuan grew ashamed and embarrassed upon hearing Murong Shi's words. Inwardly, though, she felt pleased about this situation. While Murong Shi was indeed scary when she was angry, she looked adorable when she was jealous.

After drinking some soup and eating some seafood, Murong Shi threw in the towel. In contrast, Xu Chuanchuan ate another portion of the main course before she satiated her appetite.

There was going to be a lottery held later during the night, and it was mentioned that the prizes were generous. However, neither Xu Chuanchuan nor Murong Shi planned to stay for the event.

Firstly, both of them disliked lively atmospheres. Secondly, Murong Shi looked too outstanding, and people constantly mistook her as one of the attending live streamers. Occasionally, someone would even walk up to her and ask, "Are you a newcomer? Are you a dancer or a singer? Why haven't I seen you before?"

In response, Murong Shi would always curtly reply with a "no."

When women saw other women of the same age who looked prettier than themselves, they would either look at the other party in admiration or envy. When standing together with Murong Shi, Xu Chuanchuan could feel numerous gazes stabbing holes into her body.

Apart from women, many men would also come and harass Murong Shi. Though, they spoke with even less reserve as they said, "What's your broadcasting ID? Wanna exchange WeChat contact? I'll send you a lot of gifts."

In regards to these approaches, Murong Shi outright ignored them. Then, after having had enough of this situation, she left the dining hall together with Xu Chuanchuan.

Probably because of her sexual orientation, Murong Shi was a little averse toward men. After getting harassed multiple times, her complexion had darkened significantly.

After Xu Chuanchuan closed the door behind her, she pointed at the computer in the room and jokingly said, "If you were to become a streamer, you could probably receive a lot of donations even without talent for anything."

Narrowing her eyes, Murong Shi asked, "You want me to sell my appearance?"

"Uh… I was complimenting your beauty," Xu Chuanchuan said, awkwardly rubbing her nose. Then, she hurriedly added, "Actually, I've been feeling very depressed about something. You look so beautiful, so why would you take a liking to me?"

In response, Murong Shi pinched Xu Chuanchuan's cheeks and said, "Although I rarely praise you, you don't look half bad, either. You fit my tastes very well."

A slight blush appeared on Xu Chuanchuan's face when she heard the praise. Then, she mumbled, "Initially…I thought you weren't serious about me. Our relationship developed so quickly, and you were always so eager to take things one step further. It made me feel like…"

"Hm?"

In an even softer voice, Xu Chuanchuan said, "Like you were looking for a friend with benefits."

"..." Murong Shi's lips twitched slightly, a complicated expression appearing on her face. Then, after looking at Xu Chuanchuan for a long time, she suddenly smiled and said, "Since when did you become such a narcissist?"

"Huh?"

"If I was only looking for a sex friend, why would I look for you of all people?" Murong Shi said. Then, she brazenly scrutinized Xu Chuanchuan's body and continued, "You have no breasts, no buttocks, and no waist. For what would I aim for you?"

"..." Xu Chuanchuan's face turned as red as a tomato.

Although what you say is true, is there a need to launch such a personal attack?!

The more Xu Chuanchuan thought about it, the more disgruntled she became. Then, she tightened her T-shirt with both hands, lifted her head, puffed up her chest, and said, "Aren't these breasts? I have them as well!"

"That's because of your underwear," Murong Shi mercilessly said. Then, with a mischievous smile, she continued, "You'll look no different than a washboard once you take off your underwear."

"..." Once again, Xu Chuanchuan realized that not once had she ever won an argument against Murong Shi.

…

The rain continued pouring towards the evening, so the concert could not resume. However, the rain did let up a little, and the pitter-patter sounds it generated served as an excellent sleeping aid.

Murong Shi washed up once more before going to bed. Once she was done, it was Xu Chuanchuan's turn to shower.

Xu Chuanchuan took her time showering tonight. She earnestly scrubbed every nook and cranny with her hands and towel.

After feeling satisfied with her work, Xu Chuanchuan dried her body and put on thin pajamas. When she left the bathroom, the noise she made attracted Murong Shi's attention.

When Murong Shi moved her gaze from her phone to Xu Chuanchuan, her eyes lit up with surprise. "You actually brought this one here?"

The pajamas Xu Chuanchuan currently wore was the same one Murong Shi had previously teased her for being too transparent. Xu Chuanchuan didn't think she would be sharing a room with Murong Shi when they came on this trip, so she had never dared to put this set of pajamas on.

With both her hands covering her chest, Xu Chuanchuan tentatively walked over to Murong Shi. When she arrived by the bed, she slowly loosened her hands and straightened her body. Then, she said, "I'm not wearing any underwear right now. See? I'm not a washboard."

Murong Shi put her phone aside, her gaze impulsively moving toward Xu Chuanchuan's chest. The next moment, her eyes slightly darkened as she asked, "Are you aware of how much you look like you're seducing me right now?"

The prerequisite to seduce someone was to have something desirable. However, be it her figure or face, Xu Chuanchuan held no advantages in front of Murong Shi. Simply put, Xu Chuanchuan had nothing. The only thing she had was probably courage.

After taking a moment to calm her nerves, Xu Chuanchuan took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and took the initiative to embrace Murong Shi.

Murong Shi wasn't expecting such a development. But, before Xu Chuanchuan could do anything further, Murong Shi stopped the shorter woman and asked, "What are you doing?"

Xu Chuanchuan opened her eyes and wrapped her arms around Murong Shi's neck. Then, she said in embarrassment, "I'm seducing you. Didn't you want to do it with me?"

Murong Shi's breath froze.

During Murong Shi's brief moment of inattentiveness, Xu Chuanchuan stood on her toes and clumsily kissed the other party.

Murong Shi held down the hands that tried to remove her shirt. At this point, her breathing had grown slightly erratic, and she could no longer hide the desire in her eyes. However, she still teasingly said, "What's with the sudden change of mind? Or are you trying to repay me for lending you money?"

Xu Chuanchuan was about to lose her courage after getting interrupted for a second time. Then, biting her lip in annoyance, she said, "Why are you so talkative today?"

Murong Shi: "..."

There was no sensational dialogue or ritual. Everything just happened naturally.

Xu Chuanchuan rarely took the initiative in their relationship, and this was the boldest action she had ever taken. When she found herself stuck in the depths of love, she decided to give her whole heart out to her lover.

TL Notes: