My Heart Beats - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

The days of being passionately in love flew by quickly. In the blink of an eye, Xueman and Yinchi had been together for over half a month. Their way of getting along was simple: they each kept busy with their own work, and whoever had time would cook. Occasionally, Xueman would wait for Yinchi to finish work downstairs at her office building, and they would go grocery shopping together. In their free time, they would cuddle at home, listen to music, write songs, and watch movies, often getting pinned down on the sofa or the bed by that Jerk. However, Yinchi didn’t like to shop for clothes, which Xueman found rather boring. As soon as they went to the mall, she’d complain it was either too hot or too crowded. So, Xueman usually had to do this alone or call other friends.

The post-production for the new album was completely finished. One day, Henry called Xueman to the photo studio to shoot a few more posters. As soon as she entered the studio, Henry pulled her to sit down: “The stylist picked out a few new outfits for you. I think they look great. Come and try them on.” Xueman looked at him suspiciously: “That doesn’t sound like your job.” “What does it matter? Everything about you is my business.” Xueman took the clothes and went into the fitting room. After putting them on, she felt totally awkward in front of the mirror. What the heck… off-the-shoulder? Shoulder-baring? Low-cut? Crop top? Do I really have to take pictures like this?

She walked out of the fitting room, and Henry stared at her for a full minute. Finally, he walked up and put his arm around her shoulder, saying, “You are so beautiful.” Looking at his misty-eyed gaze, Xueman instinctively took a step back. “Can we start shooting?” “Yes. We’ll start right away.”

Xueman changed into several outfits throughout the morning’s photoshoot. They were either shoulder-baring, backless, deep-V, or hotpants. Although it was winter, and she was wearing very little, the studio lights felt hot on her face, and beads of sweat quickly formed. After the shoot, Henry walked up to her, diligently offering her a bottle of water, and personally wiping the sweat from her face. The photography colleagues nearby started whispering. “Hey, hey, are they together?” “I knew it all along. Henry has never been this attentive to a woman.” Hearing this, Xueman immediately took the napkin from his hand. “I’ll do it myself.” She said, turning her head away. Henry, however, looked very happy. “Let’s have lunch together. I’ll go shopping with you this afternoon to buy some clothes.” At the mention of shopping, Xueman was a little tempted. Thinking it had been a while since she went to the mall, she nodded and agreed. That Jerk’s closet was empty; she’d buy her a few new items today.

After an elaborate lunch, Henry drove Xueman to the Shopping Mall. As soon as she entered the mall, she immediately pulled him into the men’s clothing section. What should I buy for her? A shirt? Ugh, that girl wears shirts every day; it’s so boring. A tie? No, that’s too masculine; she’s a girl after all. Henry watched Xueman intently picking out men’s clothing items, thinking she was choosing a gift for him, and was overjoyed. After an hour, Xueman still picked out three medium-sized shirts for Yinchi: white, pink, and sky blue. Ugh, who could blame her? That girl looks so alluring in men’s shirts; she’d succumbed to that unique kind of sexiness several times. Before leaving, her eyes fell on a new wallet. She usually just shoved her banknotes bare into the back pocket of her jeans. Hmm, I’ll buy her a wallet then. Xueman specifically chose one that could hold a photo and kissed the photo slot. Ha, this will be me from now on.

For the next three hours, Xueman went on a shopping spree in the women’s clothing section. She bought clothes, pants, skirts, and shoes. Before entering the lingerie store, she said to Henry, “Wait for me here. Or do you want to come in with me?” Henry, with his hands full of paper bags, peeked inside and his face turned red: “I think I’ll stay out here.” Xueman smiled, turning to enter the lingerie store.

That Jerk even lied to me, saying the pajamas came free with the heating installation. Who would believe that? And she doesn’t buy good-looking ones. She really doesn’t understand a girl’s heart. Xueman thought angrily while picking through the hangers. Eventually, she chose a purple bra and a sheer purple lace negligee. Thinking about the Jerk’s expression tonight, Xueman couldn’t help but giggle to herself.

When she was about to check out, Henry said, “Let me pay.” “No need.” Xueman rummaged through her bag for her wallet. “I already paid for the men’s clothing. Consider these women’s clothes a gift from me to you.” What do you mean, because I bought men’s clothing, you have to buy me women’s clothing? Xueman looked at him in surprise. She suddenly saw the digital clock behind him jump to 17:45. “We’re running late!” Without another thought, she pulled Henry toward the parking lot.

“Where are we going?” Henry said while driving. “I need to go to the supermarket to buy groceries and go home to cook.” “Let’s eat out. We can have Japanese food tonight.” “No need. I’m tired today, and I want to rest early.” After a whirlwind sweep through the supermarket, Xueman hurriedly jumped back into the car. “Take me home.”

It was 18:50 when they arrived downstairs at her building. “Let me help you take those up,” Henry said, seeing Xueman holding five bags in one hand and six in the other. “No need. You’ve had a long day too. I’ll take the elevator upstairs quickly.” Before entering the apartment building, she looked back at Henry. “Thank you for the gift.” Henry waved at her but looked confused. Were the shirts and wallet not for me?

The elevator reached the tenth floor. As Xueman stepped out, she saw Yinchi opening her door. “Jerk!” she called out to her. Yinchi turned her head, only to see Xueman dumping all 11 bags on the floor. After a short run, she jumped forcefully onto Yinchi. “Aiya, Crazy Person. Gently.” Yinchi held her thighs to keep her from falling. Xueman clung to Yinchi’s waist in a koala-like hug, wrapping her arms tightly around Yinchi’s neck. “I missed you so much.” Saying that, she planted a passionate kiss on Yinchi’s lips. “Mmm… Baby… I missed you too.”

After a sweet exchange, Xueman jumped down. Yinchi helped her carry the 11 bags, opened the door, and entered the house. “You bought so much today?” “Mhm. Some I bought myself, and some Henry gave me.” Henry? That person again. Yinchi asked while changing clothes, “You had a photoshoot today?” “Yeah. Shot all morning, and went shopping in the afternoon.” Xueman also changed her clothes and took the grocery bags to the kitchen. “You must be hungry. I’ll cook.” Yinchi walked into the kitchen, embracing Xueman from behind, wrapping her arms around her waist. “What are you going to make?” “Steamed sea bass, stir-fried shrimp with mushrooms, and green vegetables, okay?” “Why is everything non-spicy?” Xueman turned her hand to touch Yinchi’s face: “Your stomach isn’t good, you shouldn’t eat spicy food. Isn’t it nice that I’m eating what you like with you?” “Yes. Thank you.” Yinchi buried her head in her neck, kissing her gently. Xueman patted her head. “Alright, alright. Go keep yourself busy. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

Yinchi went to the living room and curled up on the sofa to play the guitar. Her gaze was constantly drawn to Xueman’s busy figure. What was this feeling? Happiness? Of course. But why was there a sense of unease and panic in her heart? She didn’t dwell on it, strumming the strings, continuing to write her song, “You have a seemingly simple, transparent heart…”.

After a while, she felt a little thirsty and went to the kitchen to see Xueman. “Not ready yet? Let me help.” “Almost ready. You should go out.” “Oh, then I’ll grab a bottle of water.” As she opened the fridge, it was bursting with food, and a package of crab sticks even fell out. Yinchi picked up the item and put it back, suddenly feeling a sense of oppression. This wasn’t the life she was used to. “Couldn’t find anything? Here’s juice. You drink this first.” Xueman handed her a carton of orange juice. Yinchi took it, said nothing, and returned to the living room, sitting on the sofa in a daze.

“Come eat.” Xueman had already set the table, and three fragrant dishes were placed on the coffee table. Yinchi sat down beside her, looking at the full table of love-filled food, and suddenly felt a little awkward. Still, she was happy. “It’s so delicious.” The taste was actually quite ordinary. “Really?” “Of course.” Xueman smiled and continued, “I’m going to buy you a dining table. Isn’t it uncomfortable eating curled up like this all the time?” Yinchi didn’t say anything.

When they were almost done eating, Xueman pulled something out of her bag and slapped it onto the coffee table. “Take it.” “What is this?” “My house key.” Xueman extended her hand to Yinchi. “Where’s yours?” Yinchi was stunned, slowly chewing her last bite of rice. “Mine… I only have one key to my place.” Xueman didn’t think much of it and continued, “Then hurry up and get a copy made for me. I’ll come over every day to tidy up your house and fill your fridge to the brim, okay?” Yinchi panicked, forcing out one word from her mouth: “Okay.”

After dinner, Yinchi took a shower. The two were cuddling in the living room. Xueman handed her a few photos: “Hey, these are the ones we shot today. Aren’t they pretty?” Yinchi looked at them: off-the-shoulder, backless, deep-V, exposed thighs… “Wearing so little? Henry’s idea?” “Yes.” Xueman nodded as if it were obvious. When Yinchi heard this, she flared up. “How could he do that? You’re not allowed to take pictures like this again!” She stood up, walked to the balcony, and turned her back to Xueman.

Yinchi knew her emotions were too unstable tonight. Xueman quietly hugged her from behind. “What’s wrong?” Yinchi was still in a huff and took a few steps forward. Xueman secretly smiled; she knew she would get this reaction by showing her the photos. She walked in front of Yinchi and threw herself into her arms. “Are you jealous?” “No, I’m not.” “Yes, you are.” Yes, I am jealous, and I’m very annoyed with him. Yinchi bit her lip, remaining silent.

“Alright. It’s cold outside, come inside.” Xueman pulled her hand. Yinchi still looked unhappy. “Look, this is what I bought for you. A gift.” She handed the brand-new shirts and wallet to Yinchi. Yinchi glanced at them, holding them to her chest, still moody.

This person! I bought her gifts out of kindness, and she can’t even say thank you. “Look, these are the new clothes and skirt I bought. Do they look good?” Yinchi glanced at them, not saying a word. “What about this? These shoes are a limited edition, you know.” Yinchi sat back on the sofa, crossing her legs, and said perfunctorily, “They look good.”

Hmph! I really need to give this Jerk a taste of her own medicine. Thinking this, Xueman slowly pulled up her top and took off her shirt. “This is new too.” The purple bra clung tightly to her fair chest, outlining deep, perfect curves. Yinchi blinked, a rush of heat in her head. Seeing no reaction, Xueman pouted: “Fine, if you don’t like it.” Just as she was about to put her shirt back on, Yinchi rushed forward and scooped her up. “Who said they don’t look good? I need a closer look.”

Saying that, she carried her toward the bedroom. Xueman struggled in her arms: “Jerk! You pervert, put me down!” Before her words could finish, her lips were fiercely blocked by Yinchi’s.