My Mysterious Darling Wife (GL) - Chapter 8

Zhang Yuning wasn’t used to sharing a bed with anyone, let alone with a woman as dangerous as Chi Nian. She was utterly captivating, mysterious, and alluring. While Chi Nian wouldn’t pursue s3x before love, Zhang Yuning believed it was necessary to take precautions. After all, she was the Third Miss’s agent, staying here with a purpose. They could maintain a superficial relationship, but getting too close was out of the question.

This sofa is quite comfortable, Zhang Yuning said, trying to deflect. I don’t like sleeping in beds anyway. I’ll be fine here.

The sofa’s too soft—it’s bad for your back.

My back is perfectly fine. It doesn’t matter. Zhang Yuning had actually injured her back before, and her family always used hard beds. Sleeping on a soft sofa would indeed be uncomfortable, but this was merely a pretext.

Chi Nian ignored her protests. After a pause, she said, I want you to be my constant companion, like a shadow. Right now, you’re outside while I’m inside. Do you really think this room is absolutely safe?

What could possibly be unsafe about this room?

I’m afraid of the dark. Chi Nian’s admission sounded like a vulnerability, making it hard to imagine this composed and self-assured woman suddenly confessing to fear.

The nightlight in the room might suggest a fear of the dark, but whether the reason held water or not, Zhang Yuning had no intention of sharing a bed.

What are you afraid of? Chi Nian asked again, as if trying to provoke her.

Afraid?

It’s a two-meter bed. Do you think I’m going to eat you?

Zhang Yuning smiled. Miss Chi, there’s no need to say that. I’m afraid sleeping with you might disturb your rest.

I’m not worried. Come inside, Chi Nian said, reaching out to take her hand. Zhang Yuning reacted swiftly, pulling her hand away and leaving Chi Nian grasping at air. The air seemed to freeze. For a fleeting moment, Zhang Yuning thought she saw a flicker of sadness in Chi Nian’s eyes.

Zhang Yuning wanted no further physical contact, absolutely none. She dodged Chi Nian’s approach and stood up from the side. Then we’ll each sleep on one side. Don’t worry, I sleep flat on my back and won’t move around. At this point, she had no choice but to face the situation calmly. Refusing her boss too vehemently would only make her look overly deliberate.

Fine, Chi Nian said, saying nothing more as she walked into the room. Zhang Yuning rubbed her sleepy eyes and followed her inside.

The room’s dim light seemed as fragile as a breath, as precarious as her relationship with Chi Nian. They had known each other for only two days, understood nothing about each other, and everything had begun with that inexplicable roll in the sheets.

The turmoil in her heart stemmed entirely from Chi Nian’s bizarre reactions and enigmatic nature. Sleeping together was just that—sleeping. Nothing more.

Chi Nian moved to the inner side of the bed, finally allowing Zhang Yuning to get a clear look at her nightgown. It was even more revealing than her previous dress, with an almost completely bare back. Delicate straps draped from her shoulders to her waist, gently lifting the hem. The curve of her lower back formed a perfect arc, while the shape of her shoulder blades resembled butterfly wings, perfectly embodying the term butterfly bones. The hem barely covered her underwear even a slight bend would reveal glimpses of lace edges, sparking endless fantasies.

Perhaps it was her striking beauty, or perhaps the innate nobility of her bearing, but Chi Nian’s slender frame only enhanced her stunning figure. As she sat down, the cleavage visible beneath the V-neck shifted from pale to a subtle golden hue under the dim night light, blurring even her features into a soft, hazy glow.

I wake up at seven every morning, Chi Nian said, lying down with her back to Zhang Yuning. I need a latte and a slice of whole-wheat bread for breakfast. Make sure it’s ready.

Chi Nian’s handbag remained where she’d left it, and she lay on her side, still preferring to keep her arm outside the covers, perhaps to protect that bag full of secrets.

Zhang Yuning woke up at seven to make breakfast, chuckling to herself. She never usually woke up before nine, but she figured her sleep schedule would be all over the place for the next three months anyway. As long as there was some semblance of order amidst the chaos, it would be fine.

She was tired. With only one blanket and Chi Nian beside her, lying down would inevitably bring back memories of their intimate moments. Fortunately, the bed was large enough, and Chi Nian was sleeping close to the edge. Zhang Yuning pushed aside those distracting thoughts, lay flat on her back, and closed her eyes.

The exhaustion was overwhelming. After pulling an all-nighter, Zhang Yuning desperately needed to catch up on sleep, and she drifted off quickly.

What she didn’t expect was for Chi Nian to enter her dream.

In the dream, Zhang Yuning saw Chi Nian standing by a window, gazing at her. As they stared at each other in silence, she inexplicably moved forward, embraced Chi Nian, and kissed her deeply. There was no further plot, no memorable dialogue—only the memory of Chi Nian’s gentle response, the warmth of her tongue seeping into Zhang Yuning’s heart.

The dream was intoxicating. At least, the Zhang Yuning in the dream felt deeply attached to Chi Nian, a sensation so profound it defied description.

Perhaps from overworking herself, Zhang Yuning slept deeply. She usually woke up several times during the night, but this time she slept straight through until dawn, completely forgetting Chi Nian’s instructions. After all, she hadn’t set an alarm, and her body clock was nonexistent.

When Zhang Yuning opened her eyes, her first thought was confusion about where she was. Still groggy from the night, her brain only snapped into focus when she noticed the unfamiliar surroundings, triggering a flood of memories, including the vivid recollection of that almost-erotic dream.

This time, it really almost became a spring dream.

She glanced at her phone on the bedside table and was shocked to see it was already nine o’clock!

The dimly lit room, with its curtains drawn, was illuminated only by the nightlight. Chi Nian’s figure was long gone from the bedside. Waking up, the entire encounter and everything that had happened felt like a dream.

What was I supposed to do at seven? Zhang Yuning vaguely remembered something, but not clearly—just the fact that there was something she was supposed to do. She got out of bed, opened the door, and stepped into the brightly lit living room. As she searched for Chi Nian, she walked into the kitchen and noticed milk and eggs on the table. Only then did she remember Chi Nian’s instructions to prepare breakfast.

Am I going to get scolded? Zhang Yuning sighed helplessly and walked to the office area. As expected, Chi Nian was there, sitting on the office sofa and flipping through some documents. She had changed into a shoulder-baring, dark blue dress. So engrossed in her work, she didn’t notice Zhang Yuning enter.

Um, I forgot to set my alarm and overslept. I’m so sorry.

Chi Nian looked up, her eyes crinkling with amusement as she held the folder. Her slightly tousled hair cascaded naturally over her shoulders, the long strands loosely pinned back on either side. When she lowered her gaze, her bangs didn’t obscure her eyes, and the tips of her hair framed her collarbones, leaving them partially visible.

Smoothing her skirt, she stood up with a radiant smile. It’s fine. Go brush your teeth, have breakfast, and change. We’ll leave in an hour.

Whether it was the woman enhancing the dress or the dress enhancing the woman, Chi Nian’s dark blue gown today only amplified her allure. The dark teal fabric featured a subtle floral pattern across the chest, lending it an air of sophistication rather than vulgarity. The single shoulder strap, crossing over the strapless bodice, naturally lifted the dress. She wore star-and-moon earrings, the star studding her earlobe and the moon grazing her cheek. Her makeup accentuated her refined features, and the dress’s form-fitting silhouette emphasized her sensuality without being overtly provocative.

What man could resist a woman like this? Who could look at her without being captivated?

Zhang Yuning was grateful for her cold-hearted nature, yet even she found it difficult not to admire Chi Nian’s beauty. Surprisingly, Chi Nian showed no anger at Zhang Yuning oversleeping she had even prepared breakfast, her composure unnervingly steady.

Mm, oh, okay, Zhang Yuning murmured, averting her gaze. Then she remembered where would she change? Before she could ask, Chi Nian said, One of the wardrobes is yours. Pick out whatever you want to wear.

Zhang Yuning’s lips moved slightly, but she remained silent, nodding. Her information search wasn’t yet complete. What was Chi Nian planning to do outside? Exposing herself like this made it easy to be recognized. Dressed so flamboyantly, Miss Chi’s scandalous news would soon be plastered across every headline again.

After quickly washing up and finishing breakfast, Zhang Yuning went to the dressing room. The massive wardrobe left her wondering where she might find clothes that fit her. As she opened each section, she discovered row upon row of Chi Nian’s dresses, high heels, and designer bags—almost no duplicates, all limited-edition custom pieces she had never seen before. The collection was truly dazzling.

Opening the third cabinet revealed a completely different style professional workwear, casual outfits for easy movement, and loose-fitting sportswear, all in her size. It was clear they had been prepared in advance.

Did Chi Nian possess some unknown ability? How else could she have prepared clothes that matched Zhang Yuning’s style so perfectly? The pajamas and other items weren’t just a coincidence, then. But how could Chi Nian have predicted Zhang Yuning’s nighttime visit to the Chi Family mansion? This was the most baffling part.

Since Chi Nian was dressed so conspicuously, Zhang Yuning needed to project a bodyguard-like image to match Miss Chi’s beauty and elegance. She chose a high-collared white shirt, layered with a casual gray blazer—formal enough without being too restrictive. For bottoms, she selected black cropped pants that tapered at the ankles, paired with ankle boots.

Zhang Yuning typically favored sporty attire, prioritizing comfort. Knowing she might face unpredictable situations outside, she pulled her hair into a high ponytail and strode out with brisk efficiency.

Chi Nian was waiting by the door, already dressed for their outing. When Zhang Yuning emerged, Chi Nian’s eyes flickered for a moment, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, barely concealed.

What are you laughing at? Do I look that bad? Zhang Yuning wondered if her fashion sense was really that off.

No, you look very capable… very bodyguard-like.

Very bodyguard-like—that was the perfect description. Zhang Yuning raised an eyebrow and walked to the door to open it for Chi Nian. From the moment they left the apartment, they had to be extremely vigilant, as Miss Chi was still officially considered missing.

As they stepped into the elevator, Zhang Yuning reached to press the button for the first floor, but Chi Nian said, Go to the second basement level.

Driving out?

Mm-hmm.

Unable to discern Chi Nian’s intentions, Zhang Yuning didn’t press further. What the boss said, went—that was a bodyguard’s duty. The building was tall, and Zhang Yuning worried someone might enter the elevator mid-journey, so she stepped slightly in front of Chi Nian.

No one will get on this elevator.

Really?

Mm-hmm. As long as we’re going to the second basement level, it won’t stop on any other floor.

Alright. Zhang Yuning shifted slightly, preparing to widen the distance between them. Chi Nian’s fragrance was always intoxicating, a dangerous allure that surrounded her like the perilous aura of a femme fatale.

The elevator was spacious, and Zhang Yuning and Chi Nian stood diagonally across from each other.

Chi Nian stood with her arms crossed, one hand clutching her bag, her posture ramrod straight. Her black stilettos, with their delicate five-centimeter heels and straps that tapered to sharp points, perfectly complemented her long skirt, their fashionable design elevating her look. The heels nearly evened out her height with Zhang Yuning’s, and she stood tall and poised, radiating an exceptional aura.

Her outfits were always on the cutting edge of fashion, so dazzlingly glamorous they seemed otherworldly, eclipsing everything and everyone around her.

Why are you standing so far away? And with your back to me? Chi Nian asked, glancing at Zhang Yuning.

Zhang Yuning turned slightly, taking a small step to the side without a word. Chi Nian chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping the elevator. As they descended to the twelfth floor, the elevator suddenly lurched to a halt, then plunged downward before stopping again.

Xiao Zhang! Chi Nian’s rare moment of panic showed. Zhang Yuning stepped forward, placing her arm protectively in front of Chi Nian. Don’t panic, she said calmly. It’s just a minor malfunction.

Chi Nian wrapped her arms around Zhang Yuning’s arm, clinging tightly as if afraid the other woman would vanish if she let go.

Zhang Yuning gazed at her, suddenly recalling the dream of their deep kiss from the night before. An unfamiliar emotion surged through her, like a flame threatening to ignite. She fought fiercely to suppress it, finally extinguishing it completely.