After Becoming Roommates with My Flirty Ex-Girlfriend - Chapter 22

Yu Xia believed she had delivered the question in the most neutral tone possible—no resentment, no accusation, just a simple statement of fact: that she had waited anxiously for less than half an hour after finishing her shower, pacing restlessly.

Zheng Yun held her close, explaining softly, “Just as I was about to shower, Xiao Qi messaged me saying they were planning to make a big dish that would take a while. She asked me to come down and start cooking first. I quickly rinsed off, changed clothes, and came down.”

Yu Xia responded with a muffled acknowledgment.

In the kitchen, Xiao Qi and Xiao Jiu had chased away all the helpers. The kitchen was too crowded and hot with so many people. The two were debating whether to braise the ribs or make them sweet and sour, asking the others outside for their opinions. The answers came in a chorus of conflicting voices, each with a different preference.

Xiao Jiu called through the door, “Ask the couple inside what they want to eat!”

Xiao Qi clicked her tongue playfully, “Who knows what they’re up to? If you want to be the bad guy, you go ask.”

“Did you wait long?” Zheng Yun sighed softly, then apologized, “I’m sorry. I should have told you.”

Yu Xia shook her head, the ends of her fine hair brushing against Zheng Yun’s neck, tickling her slightly. Zheng Yun instinctively drew back.

“You weren’t wrong,” Yu Xia said.

Zheng Yun hadn’t left without reason; she had even gone downstairs to cook Yu Xia’s favorite dishes. How could Yu Xia blame her for her own emotional turmoil?

“If I made you unhappy, it’s my fault,” Zheng Yun said solemnly.

The sunlight painted the perfect, flawless curve of Zheng Yun’s profile against the laundry room’s white wall. Her affectionate peach-blossom eyes held the same earnestness as when she had confessed her feelings. She gently pulled Yu Xia out of her embrace, cradled her fingers, and tilted her head slightly upward. Her pink lips parted and closed, and strands of short hair escaped from her hairpin, adding to her allure as she sincerely reflected on her mistakes.

“I should have sent you a message before leaving,” Zheng Yun said, her fingers interlaced with Yu Xia’s. “I didn’t think it through.”

Yu Xia almost couldn’t meet her gaze.

No one is born with an unconditional obligation to cater to another’s emotions. Besides, Yu Xia’s unhappiness stemmed not solely from Zheng Yun’s actions, but more from her own indecisive heart.

“I… I was wrong too,” Yu Xia said.

Perhaps from the very first second after stepping out of the shower, she should have proactively texted Zheng Yun to ask about her plans, instead of sulking helplessly for half an hour.

“How could you be wrong?” Zheng Yun pinched Yu Xia’s cheek, her peach-blossom eyes crinkling slightly. The sunlight gilded Yu Xia with a golden glow, making her look as gentle as a goddess saving the world.

“You just missed me too much,” Zheng Yun concluded.

Yu Xia’s thin lips parted and closed, but she said nothing.

The conclusion was perfectly accurate.

Xiao Qi and Xiao Jiu had already decided on sweet and sour pork ribs for dinner, arguing that it was too hot for soup—drinking it would make them feel like they were on fire. The two clattered around the kitchen, the sounds of pots, pans, and splattering oil creating a lively atmosphere like a village feast.

Zheng Yun beckoned Yu Xia over, signaling that she wanted to whisper something. Yu Xia leaned in, and Zheng Yun cupped her face and kissed her gently. Their lips brushed lightly, warm and soft.

A fleeting kiss, like a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface. Before the ripples could spread, the dragonfly fluttered its wings and drifted away.

“Me? I’m so glad you need me,” Zheng Yun said, rewarding her with another kiss on her earlobe. “Next time, just tell me directly that you miss me.”

Having finished, she turned to return to the kitchen to continue practicing her cooking.

Yu Xia grabbed her wrist.

Summer was blue skies, white clouds, lush green trees, the incessant chirping of cicadas, young people letting go of their bicycle handlebars to coast down hills, the sweltering wind, the swaying arc of a girl’s white gauze dress, and the faint sheen of sweat behind her ear.

It was the possessiveness stirring in Yu Xia’s mind.

Outside the door lay the mundane world of daily life, while beyond the window stretched the vibrant abundance of high summer. Hidden in the empty room, Yu Xia pressed herself tightly against Zheng Yun. She felt like a martial artist who had lost control of her qi, desperately needing an antidote to clear her blocked meridians. And the perfect remedy was within reach.

The kissing scenes from the CEO romance novels she had skimmed before coming downstairs suddenly flooded her mind. Following the source of Zheng Yun’s breath, Yu Xia leaned in for a kiss. Zheng Yun’s soft lips parted effortlessly, drawing out a few muffled moans. Yu Xia took control of Zheng Yun’s breathing, swallowing every soft gasp from her throat. The wrist she held trembled slightly in her palm.

Zheng Yun leaned half her body against Yu Xia, barely managing to stay upright by relying on Yu Xia’s hand supporting her waist. Only when Zheng Yun struggled for breath did Yu Xia finally release her.

Zheng Yun rested her head on Yu Xia’s shoulder, gasping for air. Her words came in ragged bursts, taking a long time to form a complete sentence.

“Xiaxia, you’ve really improved.”

Zheng Yun, already fair-skinned, now had a delicate flush on her cheeks and earlobes from the exertion. The corners of her eyes were red-rimmed, and tears still glistened on her lashes from the earlier intensity, causing half of her carefully pinned hair to cascade down her back. Her full lips, bruised and swollen, were both pitiful and alluring.

Yu Xia, on the other hand, showed no visible changes. Her thin lips barely swelled, and her cool complexion remained pale. Fine strands of hair framed her forehead, catching the light. Her features were delicate, her thick lashes shielding her eyes from the sun, her pupils as dark as a winter night.

Even the telltale flush on her earlobes was hidden beneath her long hair.

Completely unscathed, Yu Xia only served to highlight Zheng Yun’s disheveled allure.

Yu Xia stood obediently by Zheng Yun’s side, answering her questions truthfully. The rational restraint that had snapped earlier, leaving her incapable of thought, had now returned, bringing with it a newfound composure and awareness of their inappropriate location.

Zheng Yun checked her lips in the phone camera again. They were only slightly swollen and red; unless someone looked closely, the change wouldn’t be noticeable. Reassured, she relaxed.

“Xiaxia.”

Yu Xia waited quietly for her judgment, knowing she had gone too far.

“I’m sorry…” she began, wanting to apologize.

“Don’t blame yourself,” Zheng Yun said, pinching Yu Xia’s cheek until it flushed slightly pink before releasing her. “I never said I didn’t like it, did I?”

“The laundry room isn’t appropriate,” Yu Xia admitted quickly. “I shouldn’t have…”

“Wherever you’re comfortable is fine with me,” Zheng Yun sighed softly. “Don’t worry so much about upsetting me. I’ll always be more tolerant with you.”

For a moment, Yu Xia wished she could go back in time, just to hug Zheng Yun. She had always been good at doing the right thing at the right time, never going too far.

“But,” Zheng Yun’s tone shifted, “why should I be the only one looking messy?”

“You’re not ugly,” Yu Xia racked her brains for a compliment. “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

“I don’t care,” Zheng Yun said, unusually playful. “Let me have a couple of bites too.”

Yu Xia naturally had no objections. She was willing to try anything that would make Zheng Yun happy, especially something so trivial. She leaned closer, tilting her head slightly to make it easier for Zheng Yun.

Zheng Yun pulled down Yu Xia’s collar, revealing the half of her collarbone hidden beneath the rounded neckline. The delicate, sharp shape of the bone looked like a masterpiece meticulously sculpted by the goddess Nüwa for display. Zheng Yun lowered her head and gently bit the tip of Yu Xia’s collarbone. The pale skin trembled slightly, leaving a faint tooth mark.

“This is your punishment,” Zheng Yun murmured, her fingertip tracing the tooth mark. She felt the thin layer of trembling skin beneath her touch, as if sensing the surging power of the bl00d vessels beneath.

“Punishment for what?” Yu Xia asked, puzzled.

“For wanting me but not saying it outright,” Zheng Yun replied, releasing Yu Xia’s collar. The fabric fell back into place, concealing the faint mark. She straightened up, satisfied, the red at the corners of her eyes fading as her pupils sparkled. “If you like me, say it. If you miss me, say it. I love hearing those sweet words from you.”

Yu Xia fell silent for a moment before saying, “Then… could you bite harder?”

“Why?” Zheng Yun had never heard such a nonsensical request.

“Because…”

Yu Xia mustered all her courage. Every ounce of courage she had lacked in her first half of life, every word left unsaid, coalesced into this single sentence. The words formed in her mind, circled her tongue several times, and finally squeezed out.

“Because… I miss you so much,” Yu Xia finally said, her face flushing crimson. She didn’t dare meet Zheng Yun’s eyes. “I feel like this punishment isn’t enough.”

Zheng Yun chuckled.

If it weren’t so hot and the location so inappropriate, she would have loved to hold Yu Xia and kiss her fiercely for two hours straight.

“Dinner’s almost ready,” Zheng Yun said, shaking Yu Xia’s hand. “Let’s save the heavier stuff for later.”

After a two-minute break, Yu Xia and Zheng Yun finally returned to the kitchen, which was much cooler than the laundry room.

Xiao Qi and Xiao Jiu had each pulled up a stool to chat and watch the cooking. When they saw the two women enter, Xiao Qi glanced up and teased, “Hiding from us to eat chili peppers? You wouldn’t even share your precious peppers?”

Xiao Jiu chimed in, “You could have eaten them here. We wouldn’t mind. At least there’s air conditioning.”

Yu Xia had always struggled in such social situations. Zheng Yun, unfazed, hummed softly, “You two would be a disaster if you were left alone. You’d be like movie commentators, talking more than the ten-minute scene even lasts.”

Xiao Jiu burst into laughter, slapping her thigh so hard she winced. Xiao Qi shot her a sideways glance.

“I’ve put your dishes by the stove to keep them warm,” Xiao Qi said, stretching and yawning sleepily. “We’ll probably eat in about half an hour. Do you want to eat now or wait for everyone else?”

“Let’s eat now,” Zheng Yun decided for Yu Xia. “We still have some of that rare chili left, and I’m craving it.”

Xiao Qi rolled her eyes, gesturing to the white porcelain bowls on the marble counter. “Your dishes are right here. Eat up quickly and go devour that chili—we wouldn’t want to delay the great star’s filming schedule.”

Xiao Jiu laughed until her stomach hurt, tugging at Yu Xia’s wrist and wiping away tears. “Great star, I never knew you were such a chili fiend!”

Yu Xia’s face remained cold and aloof, like a diva rolling her eyes at the airport. “You’re not bad yourself,” she retorted coolly.

Yu Xia wasn’t particularly hungry, having eaten breakfast not long ago. But after a moment’s thought, she realized she’d need to replenish her energy if they were going to exercise later. As she helped Zheng Yun carry the dishes, someone approached, mistaking it for mealtime and offering to help.

Zheng Yun gently shook her head, declining with a smile. “This is just a candlelit lunch for me and my girlfriend. Your meal will be served later.”

The person scratched their nose and said, “Alright,” turning to leave. But then they paused, remembering something, and turned back. “Enjoy your meal!”

“Thank you, we will,” Zheng Yun replied, accepting the well wishes.

The meal was served half an hour later than planned, and the dishes had wilted slightly, no longer looking as fresh as when they first came out of the kitchen.

At Yu Xia’s home, they had a dedicated cook—Auntie—who was an excellent chef, skilled in plating, proficient in several culinary styles, and even adept at making desserts. Ke Qian had to raise Auntie’s salary every two years to keep her. Auntie remembered what each family member liked to eat, including Yu Xia’s preferences, but the dishes Yu Xia enjoyed rarely made it to the main meals.

The darkest joke was that if Yu Nian were hospitalized, Yu Xia would finally get to eat some of her favorite dishes. This home had become a place where only one of them could express their emotions at a time.

Yu Xia could tell that Zheng Yun wasn’t very familiar with cooking. Some dishes were too salty, yet she ate each one with earnest attention, giving equal consideration to every dish.

This was the first time since she could remember that someone had meticulously remembered all her favorite foods and personally prepared a meal just for her. At this table, no one would criticize her eating habits; there was only someone gazing at her with adoring eyes as she ate.

“Is it good?” Zheng Yun asked, her chopsticks untouched, her eyes crinkling with a smile as she watched Yu Xia.

“It’s delicious,” Yu Xia replied without exaggeration. “It’s the best meal I’ve ever had in my life.”

“Don’t exaggerate so much,” Zheng Yun chuckled, picking up her chopsticks to join Yu Xia. “Is this dish too salty?”

“It’s fine. Everything is delicious,” Yu Xia insisted, unwilling to say anything negative.

The meal passed in cheerful harmony. After finishing, Yu Xia washed the dishes herself. When she returned, Zheng Yun was still sitting at the table, head bowed over her phone, her expression unusually cold and distant—a side of Zheng Yun Yu Xia had never seen before.

Zheng Yun didn’t even notice Yu Xia approaching. Instinct told Yu Xia that Zheng Yun was in a moment when she didn’t want anyone to pry into her thoughts. Keeping a respectful distance, Yu Xia called out softly, “Zheng Yun.”

Zheng Yun snapped out of her reverie. The screen went dark, and when she looked up again, Yu Xia was still smiling warmly.

“Let’s go, girlfriend,” Yu Xia said, taking Zheng Yun’s hand.

The commotion downstairs no longer concerned them.

Perhaps because of the busy morning, Zheng Yun felt tired. Remembering the earlier incident, she grabbed a nightgown and towel and went to Yu Xia’s room to shower. When Yu Xia emerged from her own shower, Zheng Yun was already sound asleep, curled up under the covers.

Yu Xia lowered her gaze, gently touching her slightly bloated stomach, feeling a pang of disappointment.

She drew the curtains, adjusted the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature, tucked Zheng Yun in, and sat quietly by the bed, watching Zheng Yun’s sleeping face. Usually, Zheng Yun slept peacefully, but today her brow was furrowed.

Yu Xia reached out and gently smoothed the crease between Zheng Yun’s eyebrows with her fingertip before sliding into bed beside her.

Lying there, she didn’t close her eyes.

She thought about many things: Zheng Yun’s kindness, her words about expressing love and longing promptly, and every dish Zheng Yun had lovingly prepared for her. Finally, she remembered the faint bite mark on her body. She sat up gently and went to the bathroom mirror to examine it.

The mark was too shallow; Zheng Yun hadn’t wanted to bite hard. It had already faded almost completely, barely discernible as a slight indentation when Yu Xia ran her fingertip over it.

Next time, she wanted Zheng Yun to leave a deeper mark on her body. She even considered getting a tattoo of a bite mark.

When Yu Xia woke up, it was nearly dusk. The once-blazing sunlight filtered through the curtain slits, casting a silhouette across her face. Zheng Yun lay beside her, propped up on one arm, watching her slowly awaken.

Still groggy from sleep, Yu Xia rubbed her eyes, her eyelids fluttering shut as she drifted back toward slumber. But a dark shadow pressed down, filling her senses with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. As her awareness sharpened, she recognized the familiar voice whispering in her ear.

“Xiaxia,” Zheng Yun murmured, her clear voice tinged with fatigue and huskiness, adding a touch of sensuality. Leaning close, she coaxed, “What do you want to eat?”