Fell in Love with the Crazy Young Lady - Chapter 21.2

Hua Man’s breathing grew slightly erratic. She struggled to steady it, maintaining her reclined position as she looked at Yang Zhao.

 

 

The hem of her clothes was released, but before Hua Man could even sigh in relief, a finger pressed against her waist.

 

 

Like a serpent, it slithered upward along the buttons, slipping through the valley between hills before finally coming to rest at her collarbone.

 

 

It was torment—lingering in that in-between space, unsettling her mind.

 

 

And just to make it worse, Yang Zhao had to ask, “Why is your breathing so fast? Are you nervous?”

 

 

Her gaze lingered on Hua Man’s chest, a smirk playing on her lips. Sensing her deliberate teasing, Hua Man turned her head away again, refusing to engage.

 

 

Her helplessness—being forced to let someone do as they pleased—only amused Yang Zhao further. At a time like this, it would be a shame not to take advantage.

 

 

With a flick of her finger, she undid the top button of Hua Man’s shirt, then leaned in.

 

 

Her tongue traced lightly over the collarbone.

 

 

Feeling the rapid rise and fall beneath her lips, Yang Zhao’s eyes darkened, glinting with the thrill of exploring uncharted territory.

 

 

Hua Man’s neck was slender, her collarbones delicate and graceful, tempting Yang Zhao to trace their contours with slow, deliberate strokes.

 

 

It was like painting—she sketched her way across, her touch not entirely gentle, soon leaving behind a vivid mark.

 

 

What had started as mere teasing had unexpectedly become an addiction. Inhaling Hua Man’s scent, she lost herself in the role of an artist, imprinting her own masterpiece onto the blank canvas.

 

 

Finally, she paused just above the rise and fall of Hua Man’s chest.

 

 

Apart from her own heavier-than-usual breaths, she could hear Hua Man’s ragged breathing.

 

 

Hua Man was tense.

 

 

Pressed so closely against her, Yang Zhao could feel the stiffness in Hua Man’s body.

 

 

When she glanced up and saw Hua Man’s expression—calm on the surface despite the tension beneath—she found herself momentarily distracted.

 

 

Unbidden, the thought of taming wild beasts came to mind.

 

 

At the age of ten, she had already owned her own taming arena, having subdued many ferocious creatures.

 

 

But after conquering the most savage of them, she gradually lost interest, abandoning the practice altogether.

 

 

Yet now, looking at Hua Man, that old fascination stirred once more.

 

 

Simply taking what she wanted would be too dull. No, she should tame Hua Man—make her willing, even eager, to offer herself up.

 

 

The methods of taming were simple: exploiting instinct, conditioning through repetition, or a combination of both.

 

 

But regardless of the approach, trust was the foundation.

 

 

With that in mind, she lifted a hand to Hua Man’s chin, applying just enough pressure to force her to meet her gaze.

 

 

Resentment flickered in Hua Man’s eyes—clearly, she wasn’t happy about being pinned beneath her.

 

 

Yang Zhao didn’t care about her reluctance, but it did stoke her interest in this new game of taming.

 

 

So she curved her lips into a smile and wrapped her arms around Hua Man instead. “Sleep,” she murmured.

 

 

Burying her face in the crook of Hua Man’s neck, breathing in her scent, Yang Zhao’s breaths gradually evened out as drowsiness reclaimed her.

 

 

The room fell into complete silence.

 

 

Hua Man remained rigid, feeling the warm exhales against her neck grow steadier. Tentatively, she shifted—only for Yang Zhao to tighten her hold in response. Though she didn’t let go, her face slipped slightly from its hiding place, now exposed.

 

 

Eyes shut, features serene.

 

 

She looked every bit the picture of peaceful slumber.

 

 

At last, Hua Man allowed herself to relax.

 

 

Though she had mentally prepared herself to become Yang Zhao’s lover, when it came down to it, she realized she hadn’t prepared nearly enough.

 

 

 

Fortunately, Yang Zhao didn’t press further.

 

 

It was hard to believe, but Yang Zhao had genuinely just taken her to catch up on sleep.

 

 

The only uncertainty was what Yang Zhao would do upon waking.

 

 

The thought of her unknown future gave Hua Man a dull headache, but she decided to take things one step at a time—there was no turning back now.

 

 

–

 

Yang Zhao slept for a long time, eventually waking up from hunger.

 

 

The moment she opened her eyes, she met Hua Man’s alert gaze. Yang Zhao didn’t look away. Instead, she reached out and pinched Hua Man’s cheek, not letting go. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

 

 

Hua Man’s brows furrowed slightly. “You didn’t tell me to.”

 

 

Hearing this, Yang Zhao frowned in displeasure, tightening her grip until Hua Man’s face contorted under her fingers. Finding the sight oddly endearing, she leaned in and playfully nipped at the soft flesh of Hua Man’s cheek.

 

 

Hua Man froze.

 

 

She could feel the damp, scorching heat against her skin, so intense it felt like her entire face was burning.

 

 

Yang Zhao’s bite wasn’t hard—more like a predator toying with its prey, licking and marking it with her scent rather than devouring it outright.

 

 

Hua Man would have preferred an outright outburst from Yang Zhao rather than this bewildering behavior that left her flustered.

 

 

Luckily, Yang Zhao didn’t torment her for too long. After a brief moment of teasing, she finally released her.

 

 

While Yang Zhao changed clothes, Hua Man glanced at the mirror in the room.

 

 

The side of her face that had been bitten was flushed red, with faint teeth marks standing out starkly against her skin.

 

 

Was she supposed to go out like this?

 

 

The thought made Hua Man’s frown deepen.

 

 

Meanwhile, the culprit showed no remorse. When met with Hua Man’s accusatory stare, Yang Zhao only looked puzzled. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

 

 

Then, spinning in place with her skirt flaring, she asked, “Does it not look good?”

 

 

Today, she had chosen an especially vibrant red dress—bold and eye-catching, the striking color accentuating her snow-white complexion. Yet she carried it effortlessly.

 

 

Hua Man averted her gaze. “No.”

 

 

“‘No’ isn’t an answer,” Yang Zhao pressed, stepping closer. “Does it look good?”

 

 

She disliked how Hua Man avoided her eyes. Reaching out, she gripped Hua Man’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. With deliberate patience, she repeated, “Does it look good?”

 

 

Hua Man pressed her lips together. “…It does.”

 

 

Satisfied, Yang Zhao finally let go, pleased with the answer.

 

 

Noticing the faint fingerprints already reappearing on Hua Man’s chin, Yang Zhao’s gaze darkened, excitement flickering in her eyes.

 

 

She loved it.

 

 

She loved leaving marks on Hua Man—so much that it sent a thrill through her, making her tremble with barely restrained delight.

 

 

Clenching her fists, she forced herself to rein in the emotion.

 

 

“Let’s go.”

 

 

She walked ahead.

 

 

–

 

This time, Yang Zhao took them to a Chinese restaurant.

 

 

The decor was elegantly traditional, with private dining rooms styled after ancient scholar’s chambers. Their seat by the window offered a scenic view, but neither of them paid much attention to the surroundings.

 

 

Though hungry, Yang Zhao had a small appetite and was picky with her food. After just a few bites, she set her chopsticks down with disinterest.

 

 

Looking up and seeing Hua Man had also stopped eating, she arched a brow. “Keep eating.”

 

 

Resting her chin on one hand, she watched Hua Man with fascination.

 

 

Even the way Hua Man ate was captivating—there was an inexplicable grace to her movements that Yang Zhao found utterly charming.

 

 

A sudden impulse struck her.

 

 

She stretched out her foot and lightly nudged Hua Man’s calf under the table.

 

 

 

Hua Man paused mid-bite and looked up at her. Yang Zhao blinked innocently: “What’s wrong?”

 

 

After a moment of silence, Hua Man shook her head: “Nothing.”

 

 

She continued eating.

 

 

Yang Zhao curved her lips and stealthily extended her foot again.

 

 

But this time, the moment she reached out, her foot was swiftly trapped between Hua Man’s legs. It was as if Hua Man had been waiting for her—her strong thighs clamped Yang Zhao’s foot firmly against her calf, rendering it immobile.

 

 

Their eyes met.

 

 

Yang Zhao burst into laughter and praised: “Manman, you’re really good at clamping.”

 

 

No sooner had she spoken than she felt Hua Man immediately release her, her expression shifting dramatically.

 

 

Yang Zhao was surprised but quickly caught on, looking at her with an amused smirk: “I meant your legs are really good at clamping. What were you thinking about?”

 

 

“I wasn’t thinking anything.”

 

 

Hua Man struggled to keep a straight face.

 

 

At this, Yang Zhao chuckled: “Then it was just me overthinking.”

 

 

With that, she picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, and leaned forward to offer it to Hua Man’s lips, smiling brightly: “I apologize.”

 

 

Hua Man lowered her gaze, staring at the meat right in front of her mouth for a few seconds before finally leaning in to take a bite.

 

 

“Good girl.”

 

 

Seeing this, Yang Zhao smiled and withdrew her chopsticks.

 

 

But feeding Hua Man seemed to bring her satisfaction too. Watching Hua Man eat what she offered filled her with inexplicable delight.

 

 

She picked up another dish and held it to Hua Man’s lips again.

 

 

“I can feed myself,” Hua Man frowned.

 

 

Yang Zhao’s expression remained unchanged, but her hand pushed forward insistently, pressing the food against Hua Man’s lips. She curved her lips: “Be good.”

 

 

Hua Man: “…”

 

 

Only when Hua Man obediently opened her mouth and ate did Yang Zhao finally relent.

 

 

However, Hua Man’s initial refusal dampened Yang Zhao’s enthusiasm for feeding her further. She set down her chopsticks and idly turned her attention back to Hua Man.

 

 

But Hua Man put down her bowl and chopsticks too.

 

 

“I’m full.”

 

 

“Full?”

 

 

Yang Zhao glanced at her bowl—she’d only eaten half a serving. While Yang Zhao herself was used to eating small portions frequently, Hua Man was different. How could such a small amount be enough?

 

 

“Yeah.” Hua Man nodded.

 

 

Yang Zhao’s brows furrowed slightly, but her mood was still decent. She conceded: “Fine, I won’t tease you anymore. Eat.”

 

 

But Hua Man insisted: “I’m full.”

 

 

Yang Zhao’s eyes darkened.

 

 

After silently staring at Hua Man for a few seconds, she gave a faint smile: “Alright.”

 

 

A freshly caged beast was like this—wild and untamed.

 

 

No matter. If she could tame beasts, she could certainly train Hua Man too.

 

 

–

 

City C was famous for its rugged terrain. Aside from the Stone Forest Scenic Area, there were plenty of other interesting attractions.

 

 

In the past, whenever Yang Zhao traveled, Yu Shan had always handled the arrangements. Having grown up together, Yu Shan understood her best—every itinerary she planned left Yang Zhao satisfied.

 

 

This time, without bringing Yu Shan along, Yang Zhao entrusted the task of planning to Hua Man.

 

 

“Me?” Hua Man hesitated. “I’m not familiar with this sort of thing. I might not do it well.”

 

 

“That’s fine.” Yang Zhao placed a tablet in her hands. “First time’s unfamiliar, second time’s familiar. From now on, you’ll be handling these things. You’ll get used to it.”

 

 

Hua Man fell silent.

 

 

If she was to take charge from now on, that meant replacing Yu Shan’s role. Once they returned, Yu Shan would surely hold a grudge against her.

 

 

And also…

 

 

Her gaze lingered on Yang Zhao.

 

 

 

Why would she have to be responsible for arranging her schedule from now on? Is this what a lover should do? Then what about Yu Shan? What role does Yu Shan, who has always arranged everything for Yang Zhao, play?

 

 

Is she also a lover?

 

 

“What are you thinking about?” Seeing Hua Man lost in thought, Yang Zhao grew curious.

 

 

“About the itinerary.”

 

 

Hua Man snapped back to reality and lowered her head to open her tablet. All the information about tourist spots and restaurants in City C was already listed. She just needed to plan a detailed schedule.

 

 

The young lady’s preferences were hard to guess. After agonizing for a while, Hua Man cautiously selected a few places that seemed more suitable for women.

 

 

“Amusement park?” Yang Zhao shot Hua Man a disdainful look. “That’s for kids.”

 

 

“Little Panda Manor… What’s so special about them? Why should I go see them in person? Boring.”

 

 

Scrolling further down, she found nothing she liked. Unable to hold back, she glared at Hua Man again. “I think you didn’t even try!”

 

 

Otherwise, why would she only pick places Yang Zhao disliked?

 

 

She decisively deleted all the arrangements and took matters into her own hands. “I heard the cliffside ladder and rapids at Skyreach Gorge are famous. Let’s go check them out.”

 

 

“Skyreach Gorge is too dangerous.”

 

 

Hua Man had just reviewed the information about Skyreach Gorge. That ladder, in particular, was built on a sheer cliff hundreds of meters high, swaying precariously—its safety measures were far from reassuring.

 

 

Not only was the ladder terrifying, but the cliff climbing and high-wire walks were even more perilous. It was the first place she had ruled out.

 

 

“What’s the big deal?” Yang Zhao chuckled lightly. “I’ve skydived and bungee jumped from high altitudes before. This is nothing.”

 

 

As she spoke, she tapped the screen and suddenly exclaimed in delight, “They even have bungee jumping here?”

 

 

In a few quick strokes, she finalized the itinerary and handed the tablet back to Hua Man. “Arrange it as I said. We’re going to Skyreach Gorge.”

 

 

Sensing Yang Zhao’s enthusiasm, Hua Man had no choice but to comply.

 

 

She had never participated in such dangerous activities before and couldn’t understand why anyone would find them thrilling.

 

 

Risking one’s life for excitement? To her, it was nothing short of reckless.

 

 

Yet here was the young lady, determined to take risks—and dragging her along.

 

 

Standing at the entrance to the ladder, gazing at the mist-shrouded cliff, Hua Man took another deep breath and steadied her voice. “Are you really sure about this?”

 

 

“Of course.” Yang Zhao didn’t hesitate, her eyes brimming with anticipation. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to Hua Man. “Are you scared?”

 

 

Hua Man froze.

 

 

Though she wanted to stubbornly deny it, under Yang Zhao’s piercing gaze, she found herself speechless.

 

 

She was indeed afraid.

 

 

The next moment, her cold hand was enveloped in warmth.

 

 

“Don’t be afraid.”

 

 

Surprisingly, Yang Zhao didn’t mock her for her fear. Instead, she offered a rare, gentle reassurance.

 

 

Though just two simple words, they had a remarkably calming effect. Feeling slightly more composed, Hua Man subtly lowered her gaze.

 

 

Yang Zhao stepped forward first. The moment her foot touched the ladder, the entire structure seemed to sway. Even knowing there was a safety harness, Hua Man’s heart still lurched uncontrollably.

 

 

The narrow ladder stretched endlessly, disappearing into the clouds as if reaching the heavens.

 

 

Yang Zhao turned and extended her hand to Hua Man. “Come here.”

 

 

 

Though surrounded by misty clouds that gave an ethereal fairyland appearance, Yang Zhaoque stood silhouetted against the light like some bewitching spirit.

 

 

“Manman?”

 

 

Seeing Hua Man remain unresponsive for a long while, Yang Zhaoque asked in surprise, “Actually scared?”

 

 

The next moment, Hua Man gripped the steel cables on both sides and stepped onto the cloud ladder.

 

 

Yang Zhaoque let out an ambiguous chuckle, showing no irritation as she casually withdrew her outstretched hand.

 

 

Taming beasts—if they showed no wildness at all, it would be rather dull.

 

 

She continued climbing upward.

 

 

This cliffside cloud ladder was indeed thrilling. With each step, the ladder swayed precariously as if trying to fling its climber off.

 

 

She tilted her head slightly to glance behind her.

 

 

Hua Man’s face was deathly pale, her hands clutching the steel cables in a white-knuckled grip. She remained frozen in place, the ladder’s swaying making it seem like she might plummet any second.

 

 

How pitiful.

 

 

Yang Zhaoque sighed faintly.

 

 

Hua Man, who had already signed a contract with her, was no different from a fierce beast locked in her menagerie—there was no need to rush things now.

 

 

“Go back down,” she said with another sigh.

 

 

When Hua Man simply stared blankly, Yang Zhaoque moved closer and pinched Hua Man’s ice-cold cheek without hesitation. “Wait for me below,” she commanded.