Chapter 49: 049

Chapter 49

Feng Yue dropped out of school. No one knew if she went back to high school to retake the college entrance exam or if she had other plans. No one cared either. Without the hype, the online romance between Fu Ming Shi and Zhen Bao quickly cooled down. Both protagonists faded from view, and Feng Yue, a minor supporting character, barely caused a ripple. After negotiations between Feng Yue's parents and University A, the school's online forums also blocked discussion of the Feng Yue incident. All related posts vanished.

Qian LeLe swiveled her chair and looked at Zhen Bao airing clothes on the balcony. She gossiped with Jia Xiao Yu, "What do you think - did Fu pull strings to expose Feng Yue?"

"She deserved it!" Jia Xiao Yu spit out a jujube pit in disgust. "She bullied innocent Zhen Bao on campus and tried to seduce Fu, but that didn't work out. We can ignore her petty schemes. But she leaked info about Zhen Bao to paparazzi and falsely claimed Zhen Bao was Fu's mistress. That's pure malice, not just cunning. Remember how badly netizens slandered Zhen Bao before Fu clarified things? Ten times worse than how they dragged Feng Yue! I saw through her; Feng Yue has a black heart. If we don't teach her a lesson, she'll just harm someone else later."

Qian LeLe nodded along sagely.

Fan Xuan sighed, "Fu is so skilled at manipulating public opinion. He must have wanted to punish Feng Yue for bullying Zhen Bao. Without even revealing Feng Yue's name or photo, just a vague rumor, people guessed the perpetrator was Feng Yue... Sure, Feng Yue is cunning, but whoever first leaked her photo is no saint either. I don't like online violence. This is a fair outcome - Feng Yue learned her lesson, the issue died down, and she can still resume a normal life if she keeps a low profile. Escalating things further would have harmed Zhen Bao too."

With Feng Yue's misdeeds scrubbed from the internet so swiftly, Fu Ming Shi likely orchestrated it behind the scenes.

"What are you all talking about?" Zhen Bao slid open the glass door after hanging the laundry and asked the three roommates gathered together.

Qian LeLe snickered, "We're guessing if Fu can identify which underwear on the balcony is yours when he comes to visit."

She had the dirtiest mind in the dorm. Zhen Bao automatically filtered out the inappropriate content and went to put away the laundry basin.

After a classmate transferred schools, some awkwardness still lingered whenever Zhen Bao appeared. People naturally sympathize with the weak, so when Feng Yue bullied Zhen Bao, onlookers unanimously criticized Feng Yue's cruelty. But after Feng Yue was forced to drop out, some felt Zhen Bao had gone too far. Though Zhen Bao did nothing, Feng Yue's downfall was over her after all.

With a clear conscience, Zhen Bao ignored the looks and gossip, living her life in peace.

When summer finals rolled around again, Zhen Bao's life fully returned to normal. No one in class discussed Feng Yue anymore. Fu Ming Shi visiting campus and seeing Zhen Bao no longer attracted much attention. Only when the couple went out were occasional photos leaked, but Zhen Bao could now ignore such trivial gossip.

Zhen Bao had worked part-time at University A's animal hospital for over half a year. Though she only worked two hours a day, Zhen Bao still helped out with what she could on weekends. Gradually, many staff recognized her as the freshman with an amazing rapport with animals.

Initially, Zhen Bao just cleaned up after the pets boarded at the hospital. As she learned more and got to know people, she even picked up some professional skills ahead of upperclassmen's internships. So before summer vacation, Zhen Bao unexpectedly obtained a two-month long-term part-time job.

Zhen Bao was thrilled, but guessed Fu Ming Shi wouldn't like hearing it. To avoid spoiling his mood, she deliberately only mentioned it during their after-dinner campus stroll.

Fu Ming Shi laughed briefly - more of a scoff than a real laugh.

Zhen Bao lowered her head and sipped her fruit juice.

After walking a dozen steps, Fu Ming Shi turned and blocked her path, asking lightly, "What's the monthly salary?"

Clutching her fruit juice, Zhen Bao replied, "2,000, with weekends off."

Working July and August would pay her tuition and housing fees for the year. Adding her usual part-time income, Zhen Bao was confident she could self-fund through college. If she won scholarships as planned, she could even repay Fu Ming Shi for the tuition and meal plan he covered her first year and graduate with modest savings.

Zhen Bao didn't mind accepting Fu Ming Shi's lavish gifts, but she wanted to earn her own college funding - the two felt fundamentally different. Boyfriends giving girlfriends presents was normal; relying on him for tuition and living expenses felt like being a mistress.

Zhen Bao just wanted to date Fu Ming Shi, not be dependent on him or anyone else.

Streetlamp light spilled over, illuminating the familiar determination and stubbornness on that sweet, beautiful face.

Fu Ming Shi surrendered, though with some regret. He hugged her and asked, "You're not going home anymore?"

He didn't oppose her summer part-time job. Pleasantly surprised, Zhen Bao smiled up at him, "Our department has early exams, so we get off early. I calculated - I'll have a week before starting the part-time job. Do you have time?" After over a year away, Zhen Bao was homesick, even if no one waited for her there.

Fu Ming Shi relaxed, kissing her forehead. "I'll make arrangements. Focus on your exams."

Zhen Bao nodded.

Fu Ming Shi was busy with work, so he could only spare three full days with Zhen Bao in total.

Zhen Bao didn't mind one bit, excitedly boarding the plane with him.

At 10 AM, the plane landed in C City. Fu Ming Shi's assistant had prepared a car for them ahead of time.

Fu Ming Shi drove, first taking Zhen Bao shopping to buy supplies, since the old family home must need restocking after over a year, especially food. They bought so much that the trunk and backseat were packed full, including new appliances like outlets and induction burners.

The long drive to Zhen Bao's home stretched into the countryside. By the time they neared her village, it was 3 PM already.

Neighbor Granny Guo lived alone and beamed upon seeing Zhen Bao and Fu Ming Shi, lively and sharp-minded as she chatted with Zhen Bao. "How many days are you home this time?"

Zhen Bao had missed Granny Guo too and happily caught up with the elder.

With narrow village roads, the car couldn't pass. Fu Ming Shi let Zhen Bao visit with the granny while he ferried their haul to the Zhen house. It took three trips to move everything into the yard. The winter here was warmer than the capital, but summer was muggy. Seeing Fu Ming Shi's shirt soaked with sweat, Zhen Bao temporarily bid farewell to Granny Guo to help Fu Ming Shi unpack.

Granny Guo leaned in her doorway, relishing the chance to watch the young ones work.

Unoccupied for a year, the rooms were covered in dust. Zhen Bao suggested leaving the new purchases in the yard while they first cleaned the rooms. The first floor needed the kitchen and living room cleaned. The second floor had four bedrooms total - Zhen Bao pointed to hers and her dad's beside it, "Just these two need cleaning. Ignore the rest."

Drenched in sweat, Zhen Bao bent to unlock the door. Fu Ming Shi suddenly hugged her from behind, lips against her crown, voice low and hoarse. "Why just two rooms?"

Zhen Bao's hand jerked and she missed inserting the key, face instantly flushing.

Fu Ming Shi kissed down from her crown, her reddening ear, her neck. She was sweaty too, tasting a bit salty, but he loved it. "One room?"

His hoarse inquiry was more tempting than anything. Zhen Bao's heart quivered, still remembering their intimate encounter months ago.

Fu Ming Shi smiled, "I'll haul water."

At the mention of water, Zhen Bao recalled something. While sunlight remained, she dug out the hot water bag she had packed away when leaving last year and handed it to Fu Ming Shi. Then she pretended not to notice his meaningful gaze and continued cleaning the bedroom - beating the mattresses, airing beddings, sweeping away cobwebs, wiping the desk...

With the bedroom tidy, Zhen Bao went downstairs to help Fu Ming Shi clean the kitchen.

Exhausted after finishing everything as darkness fell, though the heat lingered, Fu Ming Shi's handsome face was smudged with dust and flushed. Zhen Bao was even more disheveled, with hair plastered to her face and sweat-soaked white shirt clinging to her body, rising and falling with each breath. Fu Ming Shi couldn't help stealing glances, still remembering their intimate encounter months ago.

"Eat first or shower first?" Zhen Bao sat on a chair, wiping sweat and asking.

"Let's eat first. We'll probably sweat again after," Fu Ming Shi passed her a bottle of mineral water and told Zhen Bao to sit while he cooked. Too tired for anything elaborate, they were just having noodles with four eggs for dinner.

"One egg is enough for me," Zhen Bao called out to his turned back.

Fu Ming Shi nodded, having guessed she wouldn't eat much.

“You’re going to eat three?” Seeing him crack four eggs, Zhen Bao was surprised and asked.

Fu Ming Shi looked back, his gaze strange: “I can’t eat three?” Did she begrudge him so much that she was unwilling to let him eat even one egg?

Zhen Bao didn’t even dare sit down now.

Fu Ming Shi stared at her, inexplicably worried: “This bed... can it bear the two of us?”

Zhen Bao’s face burned as she shyly turned away.

Fu Ming Shi thought she wanted to run off, so he immediately put the laptop down, as if she took a single step and he would pounce over to grab her.

She didn’t move, so Fu Ming Shi forced himself to stay calm and urged hoarsely, “Get on.”

Zhen Bao turned off the light first.

Fu Ming Shi put the laptop back on his lap.

Zhen Bao tried her best to move lightly, but each shift made the bed creak. She finally managed to sidle up to Fu Ming Shi’s side, her forehead beaded with sweat. Fu Ming Shi started the video and opened his right arm. Zhen Bao stiffly leaned against him, feeling that he was even hotter than her despite the thin cloth separating them.

Zhen Bao didn’t move a muscle.

Fu Ming Shi squeezed her shoulder and seemed nonchalant, but his other hand kept clenching and unclenching into a fist.

The movie was nearly two hours long. When it finished, it was just past 9 PM.

Later, Fu Ming Shi’s arm moved. Zhen Bao pretended not to notice and still leaned against his shoulder. Somewhat eagerly, she said, “It’s only 9. Let’s watch the second part too.” This animated series had three parts. Last time when their relationship went public, Fu Ming Shi had also accompanied her to watch all three movies continuously.

But Fu Ming Shi didn’t fall for it this time. Lowering his head, he kissed her crown and said, “I’m tired.”

With no excuse left to stall, Zhen Bao obediently moved away. Taking advantage of Fu Ming Shi going to put away the laptop, she pulled up the quilt and lay inside facing away from him.

“Thirsty?” Fu Ming Shi came back with a bottle of water.

Zhen Bao really was thirsty. Awkwardly sitting up properly again, she gulped down several mouthfuls. After drinking her fill, she lay back down.

Fu Ming Shi put the water on the floor beside the bed and then sat on the bed himself. He wasn’t as careful as Zhen Bao and didn’t mind the creaking. The floor fan was aimed at Fu Ming Shi’s side, blowing and making a swiveling sound.

The whirring sound of the electric fan filled the room as Fu Ming Shi turned to look at Zhen Bao beside him in bed. "Isn't it too hot to be using a blanket in this weather?" he asked, touching the blanket covering her.

Zhen Bao shook her head. Even if she was hot, she wouldn't tell him.

Fu Ming Shi felt her forehead - it was damp with sweat. Thoughtfully, he pulled back her blanket. Zhen Bao didn't stop him, her eyes remaining tightly shut.

Fu Ming Shi felt very hot himself, the electric fan providing little relief. He took off his T-shirt, then turned his fiancée over, leaning down like a mountain over her, supporting himself with his arms. Lowering his head, he kissed her brow. Her long eyelashes fluttered as her breathing grew heavier.

"Did you ever imagine our first time would be here?" Fu Ming Shi murmured, his lips hovering over hers. A bead of sweat slid down his handsome face, gathering at his chin before dripping onto her.

Zhen Bao's mouth felt dry again and she nervously licked her lips.

Taking this as a signal, Fu Ming Shi's gaze darkened intensely as he fiercely pressed his lips to hers.

The newly purchased electric fan whirred noisily on as the rickety wooden bed creaked loudly with their movements, each sound grating.

"Slow down," Zhen Bao pleaded, unable to bear the noises. Her hands clutched tightly at his shoulders as she began to sob.

Fu Ming Shi obliged and slowed his pace.

But it was futile - the wooden boards still creaked, just not as urgently now.

Zhen Bao felt mortified and covered her face with her hands.

"No one can hear us," Fu Ming Shi insisted, deliberately making loud creaking sounds as he pried her hands away from her face.

"What if Auntie Guo hears?" Zhen Bao cried anxiously, resisting him weakly.

"Her hearing isn't that good," Fu Ming Shi doubted.

"But what if?" Zhen Bao whimpered softly.

Left with no choice, Fu Ming Shi carried her and shifted them both sideways on the bed, hoping to reduce the swaying and creaking.

It helped, somewhat, but Zhen Bao was still uneasy. Fu Ming Shi paid it no further mind, each time more intense than the last.

At that heated moment, who cared about an old lady?

...

In the span of barely fifteen minutes, it felt to Zhen Bao like an eternity had passed. She was more preoccupied with the creaking bed than the discomfort in her body.

When Fu Ming Shi tried to turn on the light afterwards, she stopped him.

"Does it hurt?" Fu Ming Shi held her and asked, covering her forehead and cheeks in light kisses.

Zhen Bao shook her head. It wasn't as agonizing as she'd imagined, at least.

But Fu Ming Shi remembered her pitiful cries of pain, so anguished that he'd nearly stopped halfway.

"Feng Bao..." he murmured her name tenderly.

Zhen Bao's eyelashes fluttered.

"Did you like it?" Fu Ming Shi kissed her cheek blissfully.

Zhen Bao turned her face away, refusing to answer such a question.

"I liked it a lot," Fu Ming Shi turned her face towards him, unable to stop kissing her. "I liked it so much, I want to go again."

Zhen Bao's eyes widened in shock.

Fu Ming Shi just laughed. He smothered her in passionate kisses, but decided to sleep for now.

Zhen Bao stayed alert for a while, but soon fatigue overcame her and she fell into deep slumber. As she slept, she felt a weight on her and Fu Ming Shi's hurried breathing against her ear, his fiery kisses raining down her face and neck. Drowsy as she was, Zhen Bao tried to resist, but he was relentless, determinedly showering her with kisses. The more he kissed, the more awake Zhen Bao became, until she was fully aware of Fu Ming Shi fumbling for something hidden under his pillow.

Three minutes later, the rickety wooden bed in the rustic little cottage room began creaking loudly once more...