Copycat - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

◎Kiss, Coming Out◎

Outside the bathroom, there were two large floor-to-ceiling windows. From the high floor, the city’s bustling traffic was visible. The silvery moonlight streamed in through the windows, illuminating the girl’s delicate profile and her dark eyes as she spoke.

“I know.” The corners of Zhou Ziyan’s eyes felt a little sore. She silently buried her head in Wen Jiao’s warm embrace, and her tears dampened the silk fabric of the woman’s shirt.

“Why are you crying again?” Wen Jiao’s tone was a little helpless. She gently stroked the girl’s back, soothing her like a child, and said patiently, “You’ve really gone from one extreme to the other.”

The fluffy head nuzzled her chest dependently. Zhou Ziyan muffled, “From now on, I’m your girlfriend. You have to protect me, forever, for life. This is what you promised. You’re not allowed to go back on your word.”

“If you break your promise, I’ll…” Her voice trailed off. She wanted to say something harsh, but the words wouldn’t come out. She realized that at her core, she was weak and hesitant. Even if Wen Jiao really went back on her word, she wouldn’t have the heart to inflict any more pain on the person who had come into her life as a warm, god-like figure.

“…curse you by drawing circles.”

“Okay, okay, okay.” Wen Jiao chuckled softly and playfully flicked her nose. “You only act tough around me. Am I really so untrustworthy in your eyes, Zhou Ziyan? What misunderstandings do you have about me?”

Before she could finish her sentence, a faint scent of mint invaded her mouth, lightly licking her cool lips. Wen Jiao was stunned for a moment, her eyes darkening. The girl, who was half a head shorter than her, looked up, tears clinging to her trembling eyelashes like tiny stars in the night sky, and kissed her awkwardly but with great effort. Wen Jiao wrapped her arms around Zhou Ziyan’s lower back, pulling her into her embrace. She placed one hand on the back of Zhou Ziyan’s head and applied a little pressure, forcing her to stand on her tiptoes to reach Wen Jiao’s lips. Zhou Ziyan let out a muffled groan, her eyes hazy, as she stood on her tiptoes to reach those cool lips.

The moment she touched that cool spot, a passionate kiss, like a mountain roar and a sea surge, washed over her. A soft tongue pried open her teeth, and a powerful possessiveness tightly intertwined with her own tongue, rubbing against it, as if to rob her of all her breath, leaving her to rely on Wen Jiao’s hands for support. The almost suffocating entanglement brought a few tears to the corners of Zhou Ziyan’s eyes. She pushed on Wen Jiao’s shoulders, finally getting a little room to breathe from the lingering kiss. Her legs trembling, she panted with effort, taking in the oxygen from the small space in Wen Jiao’s arms.

During this process, the phone on the bedside table rang again and again, and Zhou Ziyan’s eyes darkened slightly. Wen Jiao looked at her with restraint, her eyes filled with desire, as if asking if she wanted to continue. She grabbed Wen Jiao’s hand and pulled her to the bed, using her finger to press the red decline button, hanging up the call from her family, which was in reality a cage.

Her calves touched the cool bed frame on the floor. Zhou Ziyan wrapped her arms around Wen Jiao’s neck and pulled her onto the soft bed, her legs wrapped around Wen Jiao’s slender and strong waist. Those cool hands had been protecting her back. When she licked Wen Jiao’s ear tip, Wen Jiao quickly unhooked her bra and pressed her down. The ambiguous atmosphere gradually raised the temperature in the room. With her last bit of strength, Zhou Ziyan unbuttoned the last button of Wen Jiao’s shirt. The fair waist was finally exposed to her eyes. She let out a satisfied chuckle. Wen Jiao’s movements seemed to pause for a moment, followed by an even more intense response. The bathroom faucet was running, the sound of rushing water covering the rhythmic splashing sound in the bedroom.

The last flight from Province B to A-City took off from the airport in the early morning. A first-class passenger was absent.

…

Morning.

The warm sunlight shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the presidential suite. A pile of messy clothes was scattered by the bed, along with a torn black lace nightgown. Zhou Ziyan opened her eyes. What came into view was her lover’s peaceful sleeping face. Her fair skin, high nose bridge, thin and beautiful lips, and long, thick eyelashes. A huge sense of satisfaction filled her empty heart. Zhou Ziyan chuckled secretly. She reached out and poked the woman’s cheek with her fingertip. It was cool and soft. The corners of her lips unconsciously curved into a small arc. In her heart, she was as content as a bear who had stolen honey.

She and Wen Jiao were able to be together thanks to that group of robbers. She should really thank them. Unintentionally planting a willow, yet it grew into a shade. Zhou Ziyan hummed happily in bed. The sleeping eyelashes trembled slightly, and she quickly covered her mouth, immediately falling silent. Wen Jiao rubbed her eyes and sat up. Her voice, having just woken up, was a little hoarse. “What are you laughing about? You’re so happy this early in the morning?”

“Your phone seems to be ringing.”

The phone on the bedside table rang. Zhou Ziyan picked up the phone. It was still a call from Zhou Na. This time, she didn’t hesitate to blacklist the number. A moment later, she gave her lover a brilliant smile and leaned forward to kiss her somewhat dry lips. “It’s not an important person, darling. Should we go for breakfast?”

…

The hotel restaurant on the first floor.

“Miss Wen, long time no see.”

When they entered, the lobby manager greeted them politely. Wen Jiao gave him a cold glance and quickly walked into the private dining room for VIP guests. The manager looked a little embarrassed. Zhou Ziyan gave him a slight nod apologetically and didn’t linger, following Wen Jiao into the private dining room. The room was large, with only three or four guests scattered in the corners. They chose a spot by the window where they could get a good view of the snow.

“What do you want to eat?” Wen Jiao asked her, holding the menu. Zhou Ziyan picked up the menu and was slightly stunned when she saw the name of the hotel, ‘Ban’erwen De Hotel.’ She looked up at Wen Jiao. After being given a bottle of knockout drops by the robbers that day, she was groggy and couldn’t move, but she was vaguely conscious. She had heard the robbers discussing how to escape in the cabin. The Ban’erwen De Hotel was mentioned.

“The girl who escaped seems to be from K County.”

“How do you know?”

“My aunt lives in K County and mentioned the top scorer of the college entrance exam three years ago.”

“It couldn’t be her, could it? I remember the Ban’erwen De Hotel is her family’s.”

“Then we’re screwed. The Ban’erwen De Hotel is a property of the Ren Group.”

“Stop talking nonsense and get in the car.”

“Wen Jiao…”

Zhou Ziyan’s voice was a little hesitant as she stared at Wen Jiao’s face, unsure if she should ask about her family. Wen Jiao used a spoon to scoop a bowl of hot pumpkin porridge for her. “Just ask what you want to ask.”

“Is this your family’s business?” Zhou Ziyan asked, voicing her confusion. Since checking in, she had vaguely felt the staff’s special care for them—the waiters’ eagerness, the lobby manager’s fawning, and the various spaces that were unconditionally opened to them. Even a rich person from A-City would find it difficult to enjoy such privileges at the Ban’erwen De Hotel.

“Mhm.” Wen Jiao said in a low voice. “This is a hotel owned by my father.”

Zhou Ziyan was a little shocked. They had lived together for three years. Wen Jiao only wore the most common brands, never carried a bag that cost more than a thousand dollars, and the slightly valuable jewelry she had was all gifts from friends on her birthday. She also worked part-time during every holiday, almost racing against time to balance her studies and making money. She had guessed that Wen Jiao might not have a good family background and had even carefully protected her self-esteem by hiding all sorts of luxury goods and auction items in their dorm room. She never expected that Wen Jiao would be from the Ren family…

“My parents are divorced.” Wen Jiao scooped a spoonful of pumpkin porridge. The faint sweetness moisturized her bitter mouth. “The court’s judgment has been made. I have severed my parental relationship with both of them.”

Zhou Ziyan was stunned. Wen Jiao was watching her reaction. She watched as Zhou Ziyan’s gaze gradually deepened, hiding complex emotions that were hard to distinguish.

“Disappointed?” “My last name is Wen. The Ren Group’s assets have nothing to do with me. As for Wen Yilian, you’ve seen her living conditions. If you’re with me for that, you can leave now.” The white porcelain spoon clacked against the side of the bowl, making a very clear sound in the quiet VIP room.

“Let’s just pretend nothing ever happened between us.”

Zhou Ziyan’s throat tightened. “I never thought that. I’m not with you for that!” She had seen Wen Yilian’s living environment—an ordinary residential building, living in a small house of less than 70 square meters. She just found it hard to imagine… that someone as strong as Wen Jiao would willingly be confined with her mother in a small, snow-covered county for over ten years.

…

Outside the door.

“Together?!”

A deep male voice came from outside the private room. A middle-aged man in a suit and tie pushed open the door, frowning as he walked in. “What do you mean, together?”

Zhou Ziyan recognized him at a glance as Wen Jiao’s father, the owner of the Ban’erwen De Hotel and the chairman of the Ren Group with an 80% stake, Ren Jinggen. The father and daughter’s eyebrows were remarkably similar. They both had an intimidating aura that made people feel afraid when they weren’t smiling, but Wen Jiao’s eyes were more like Wen Yilian’s—cold and calm. The two of them stood in confrontation, like two ferocious beasts ready to pounce, neither giving way.

“Hello, Uncle.” Zhou Ziyan was so scared that she stood up.

“Hello.” Ren Jinggen squeezed out a friendly smile at her, then immediately changed his expression and frowned at his daughter sitting across from him. “What did you two just say about being together?”

Wen Jiao lowered her eyes and remained silent. Under the seemingly peaceful atmosphere, a turbulent undercurrent was surging. Zhou Ziyan awkwardly explained, “Uncle, we were just kidding. We’re not…”

“Zhou Ziyan.” A calm female voice stopped her lie.

Zhou Ziyan looked up and met Wen Jiao’s pitch-black eyes. She pursed her lips and fell silent.

“It’s just as you heard.” Wen Jiao stood up, straightened the wrinkles on her clothes, walked to Zhou Ziyan’s side, and took her hand, which was trembling from nervousness. “We’re together.”

Zhou Ziyan carefully looked up and was horrified to see that the legendary CEO Ren, who was said to be very influential in Province B, was smiling. His smile was very… creepy.

“Go back upstairs and pack your things first.” Wen Jiao let go of her hand, blocking Ren Jinggen’s gaze toward her, her tone calm.

Zhou Ziyan paused and shook her head at Wen Jiao.

Wen Jiao patted her back. “If you’re scared, go back. You don’t need to be tough when I’m here.”