Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 12

As the soft glow of weekend lights spilled into Han Zaijing’s cozy apartment, a tranquil warmth settled in. She had taken the entire afternoon to clean and prepare—fluffing the pillows, straightening the bookshelves, and even arranging a few fresh flowers in a vase by the window.

She had queued up several classic films, set out snacks, and adjusted the lighting to a romantic dim. Everything was ready for a special evening with her girlfriend, Ni Jia.

Ni Jia, a boarding student at her university, had told her best friend she was going out on a date. That friend, wise and loyal, understood without needing further explanation and promised to cover for her. This weekend was theirs alone.

Zaijing stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down her blouse with careful hands. She wanted tonight to be perfect. With a spritz of delicate perfume on her wrists and a final check in the mirror, she stepped out, heart fluttering with anticipation, to pick up Ni Jia.

Their evening began with a candlelit dinner at a quiet western restaurant, soft music weaving through the air between flickering flames. They held hands across the table, exchanging tender glances and quiet laughter. At one point, as Zaijing whispered a joke, Ni Jia’s melodic laugh drew the attention of a couple seated nearby.

The woman, particularly, seemed unable to take her eyes off Ni Jia, glancing her way with barely concealed interest.

Zaijing noticed the lingering gaze and, with a mischievous grin, turned to Ni Jia and playfully ruffled her hair. “Sweetheart, I smell jealousy in the air. Is that vinegar I detect?”

Ni Jia pouted and crossed her arms. “Hmph. You’re so annoying. I won’t talk to you for twenty-four hours starting now. I hate you!”

Zaijing chuckled and leaned in, gently taking Ni Jia’s hand. “Sure, you will,” she said softly. “You love me too much to stay mad.”

Ni Jia blinked, her bravado faltering. She knew it was true—her affection for Zaijing ran deep, too deep to feign anger for long. Still, the vulnerability in her chest made her uneasy. Would Zaijing always hold her this close?

Noticing the sudden quiet in her girlfriend’s eyes, Zaijing’s teasing smile softened into concern. “Did I say something wrong?” she asked gently. “Tell me if I upset you. I’m sorry.”

Ni Jia pinched Zaijing’s cheek, not hard, but enough to break the mood. “You troublemaker,” she muttered. “Go mess with someone else and let me go.”

Zaijing only smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She gazed at Ni Jia so intently that her girlfriend looked away, a blush rising to her cheeks.

By the time they returned home, it was well past nine. The two laughed and played as they walked in the door. Zaijing moved around the living room with quiet efficiency, setting up the projector, turning down the lights, adjusting the sound system, and placing bowls of popcorn and candy on the coffee table. She wanted it to be a night to remember.

As the movie began, Zaijing and Ni Jia settled into the couch, nestled against one another. Their fingers brushed, hesitated, and finally laced together. The plot pulled them in, but their occasional giggles and whispered commentary became its own private soundtrack.

When the film’s dashing male lead appeared on screen and Ni Jia swooned, Zaijing covered her girlfriend’s eyes and grinned. “Hey, no drooling over other people.”

Ni Jia burst into laughter and nudged her. They ended up playfully bickering over the story’s twists and turns, until Zaijing conceded with a dramatic sigh and fed Ni Jia a piece of chocolate to make peace. Hours passed unnoticed, and when the credits finally rolled, they were still wrapped in each other’s warmth.

“That was such a good movie,” Ni Jia said, her eyes still bright.

Zaijing nodded and gently pulled her closer. “Any movie is good when I watch it with you.”

Ni Jia’s smile in response was soft, almost shy.

Later, Zaijing suggested Ni Jia take a shower first. When she emerged, hair damp and pajamas loose around her frame, Zaijing was waiting. She took the towel from Ni Jia’s hands and began to gently dry her hair. Each motion was tender and patient, and it made Ni Jia’s heart stir.

“You’re too good to me,” she murmured.

Zaijing chuckled and led her to the couch, handing her a steaming mug of hot cocoa. “Here, something to warm you up.”

As Ni Jia drank, she leaned into Zaijing’s side, savoring both the cocoa and the closeness. Soon after, Zaijing excused herself to shower. Inside, the faint scent of Ni Jia’s shampoo lingered in the air, wrapping around her like an invisible embrace. Her heart beat faster, though she couldn’t say why. After her shower, she hesitated at the cabinet, then quietly slipped two couple-themed condoms into her pocket.

Drying her hair, Zaijing emerged, eyes darting away shyly, cheeks tinged pink. She tried to act normal as she walked over to Ni Jia, but guilt clung to her steps.

Ni Jia, half-asleep on the couch, stirred and offered to help dry Zaijing’s hair. Her fingers ran through Zaijing’s short strands, slow and soothing. Zaijing smiled like a fool, and Ni Jia, catching her expression, rolled her eyes affectionately. Still, her own heart felt just as full.

As the night grew quieter, Ni Jia curled up on Zaijing’s lap. She shifted, then paused—something was poking at her neck from Zaijing’s pocket. Curious, she reached in.
She pulled out the small foil packages and stared. “What’s this?” she asked with feigned innocence, raising a brow.

Zaijing turned crimson. Completely exposed, she fumbled for words. Her mind raced—how could she explain? The moment she’d planned for all evening had now exploded in her face.

Ni Jia smirked. “So… prepared, aren’t we?”

Unable to handle the teasing, Zaijing scooped Ni Jia into her arms in a panic. “Since you’re so curious, let me teach you what it’s for!”

“Wait—Zaijing! Put me down! We didn’t agree on this!” Ni Jia squealed, wrapping her arms around Zaijing’s neck.

Zaijing leaned close, voice husky with emotion. “But I want you.”

Ni Jia flushed scarlet. “You—you rogue!”

Zaijing whispered near her ear, “Only for you.”

With that, she carried her to the bedroom. Curtains drawn, lights dimmed, and lips pressed against lips in a kiss that spoke of longing and love. Each touch was both gentle and burning with passion, igniting sparks between them.

Wrapped in each other’s arms, their boundaries dissolved. The night whispered with secrets only the two of them would ever know, and by morning, everything had changed—quietly, tenderly, beautifully.