Online Romance with an Iceberg Professor Backfired - Chapter 30.1

Chapter 30.1: Encouragement

At the lakeside in the park, Ji Pei and Jiang Xianhan sat on a long bench under a street lamp, shoulder to shoulder, heads leaning together. Ji Pei was editing her Moments post, choosing the photo with the best angle, but somehow felt like something was missing.

Returning home past ten o’clock, Ji Pei went into the bathroom to shower, taking off the red bean bracelet on her wrist. The boss had said that the xiangsi bean couldn’t touch water, or it would soften, fade, rot, or sprout.

While Ji Pei was showering in the bathroom, Jiang Xianhan picked up the red bean bracelet with her name on it from the bedside table, a smile playing on her lips.

When Ji Pei came out of the shower, she offered to help Jiang Xianhan undress and shower, although it was strictly just wiping her body with warm water. She sat on a chair, taking off her outer clothes, and her bra and underwear, too. Ji Pei ran a half-bath of hot water, took a towel, dampened it, wrung it out, and began to wipe Jiang Xianhan’s back. Jiang Xianhan’s back skin was devoid of any moles, smooth as silk. Ji Pei’s fingers gently rested on her shoulder, wiping her with the soft towel stroke by stroke. She even briefly entertained the thought of rubbing the skin raw, as her skin was simply too fair. An evil thought flashed through her mind. Ji Pei suddenly felt that leaving some marks on the pure white flawless skin would be even more maddening.

However, she only thought about it. Having hurt Jiang Xianhan today, she dared not do anything now.

On the big bed, Ji Pei sat between Jiang Xianhan’s legs, letting her legs wrap around her waist. Her left hand grasped Jiang Xianhan’s right hand. Both of their skins were ivory white with a rich texture, especially the two identical red bean bracelets, which added a hint of sensuality to their hands. With a light press, Jiang Xianhan’s wrist obediently rested on the sheet. Ji Pei gently adjusted the red bean on her wrist, her long fingers intertwining with the other woman’s. With their fingers laced together, the two red strings appeared even more conspicuous and dazzling.

Ji Pei finally found a suitable angle, took out her phone to snap a photo, and before she could even speak, Jiang Xianhan bit her lip. The two embraced and fooled around for half an hour.

When Ji Pei sat up from the bed, her bathrobe slipped from her shoulder, bunching up around her abdomen. She slipped out of the bathrobe under the covers, clutching her chest to cover up her embarrassment. In the end, she couldn’t resist the temptation of Jiang Xianhan’s sweet words and changing into her pajamas in front of her.

Jiang Xianhan propped her head up with one hand, watching Ji Pei’s firm, powerful waist and her two long, snowy-white legs with great interest. Ji Pei’s legs were truly beautiful, with well-proportioned bones and not a trace of excess fat. The scapulae on her back looked ready to take flight, and her perky, rounded buttocks were more exquisite than a Roman sculpture. When Nüwa created humans, Ji Pei must have been sculpted by her personally.

The more Jiang Xianhan looked, the more satisfied she was. She lightly squeezed her legs under the quilt. Feeling a slight sting, she took a deep breath, realizing her timing was truly off.

Ji Pei finished changing her clothes and turned around, only to be met by Jiang Xianhan’s fiery, wolf-like gaze.

“…”

Jiang Xianhan noticed Ji Pei’s surprise, smiled, and patted the space next to her. “Time to sleep. I won’t bother you tonight.”

Before sleeping, Ji Pei posted the photo of their laced fingers on Moments. It was just a simple picture, with no descriptive words.

The next day, her Moments exploded. Ji Pei woke up to her alarm clock and saw she had received many private messages on WeChat. Tapping it open, she saw messages from all her relatives, and even Liu Yanfen, who usually didn’t reply to her for a month, was shocked.

Comrade Yanfen: “Daughter, are you dating?”

Comrade Yanfen: “Is it a man, a woman, or neither? ”

Comrade Yanfen: “Which one of these two hands is yours?”

Comrade Yanfen: “What does she/he look like?”

Comrade Yanfen: “Voice message”

Ji Pei rubbed her eyes. She had never imagined that her Moments and message list would be so spectacular one day. She first replied to Liu Yanfen.

Ji Pei: “Yes, a woman, the left hand, beautiful.”

Ji Pei replied and put down her phone, rubbed her eyes, and sat up. Jiang Xianhan was also awake. She rolled over and skillfully pinned Ji Pei beneath her.

“Good morning.”

Ji Pei kissed Jiang Xianhan on the chin, then got up to wash up. Ji Pei had changed both their toothbrushes and cups to a couple’s set. The ceramic cups were personally designed by Ji Pei and custom-made by Hermès. One was pink and the other yellow, featuring drawings of two cats. On the back was a drawing of Dahuang sticking out its tongue. None of the three little ones could be left out. The mother wouldn’t favor one over the others.

After eating a sandwich for breakfast, Ji Pei went to the walk-in closet to change clothes. Jiang Xianhan stood quietly behind her, watching.

“Do you have to be there by eleven this morning?”

Ji Pei opened a closet door, revealing her autumn and winter outerwear: wool coats in various colors. Noticing Jiang Xianhan was interested in one of them, she took it out and held it up to Jiang Xianhan’s body, smiling. “Darling, try this black coat. You look so good in black.”

Ji Pei then took out a white one. Jiang Xianhan asked, “Are these two the same?”

“Yes. I couldn’t decide on the color, so I bought both and wear them interchangeably.” Ji Pei smiled and leaned in, draping the black coat over Jiang Xianhan. “You wear this one. With your glasses, you have so much style. You’re reserved yet sexy, truly a dream lover.”

Jiang Xianhan pinched Ji Pei’s cheek and gently bit her philtrum. “Your dream lover.”

Couple’s tooth mugs were in use, couple’s bracelets were worn, and even the clothes and shoes were couple’s items. Jiang Xianhan glanced at her phone case. Just one thing missing.

Before leaving, Jiang Xianhan tidied the collar of Ji Pei’s white coat, all the while giving her instructions. “When you go out, be sure to come home before 9:30 p.m. or I’ll worry.”

Ji Pei stroked Jiang Xianhan’s hand. “Okay, I know. Don’t lift heavy things at school, and don’t eat anything cold.”

Ye Wenzhu had come to pick up Ji Pei to go together. She leaned against the new car, covering her face and turning her head away, completely unable to watch the intimate farewell scene. So sappy! Why is dating so sappy! Isn’t this just setting up a single dog like me for a slaughter! Late last night, she was watching tear-jerking romance videos when Ji Pei’s official announcement Moments popped up. It infuriated her so much she flipped over like a carp and tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.

Ye Wenzhu then secretly glanced at the red bean bracelets on their wrists. She stroked her car and kissed the car key. “I only have you, my little Wenzhu.”

Seeing Ji Pei whine, reluctant to let her go, Jiang Xianhan gently pinched Ji Pei’s nose. “Mhm, I remember. Don’t eat or drink anything randomly outside. Don’t drink any water that’s left unattended. Take care of yourself.”

Ji Pei rested both hands on Jiang Xianhan’s shoulders and nodded. After a while, she sheepishly added, “Darling, could you come pick me up tonight?”

“It’s just that there will be quite a few people at the reunion today. I posted on Moments yesterday, and many classmates are asking who you are.” Ji Pei held Jiang Xianhan’s wrist, shaking it playfully. Her voice sounded soft and sweet.

Jiang Xianhan immediately understood Ji Pei’s meaning, and the smile in her eyes deepened. “Alright. Call me when the reunion is over, and I’ll come pick you up.”

Inside the car, Ye Wenzhu rubbed the goosebumps on her arms, still processing the scene she had just witnessed. These two hateful women actually kissed for a full three minutes in front of me! Ye Wenzhu had timed them when they started kissing. No more, no less, exactly three minutes.

Ye Wenzhu questioned, “I’m just saying, are you two just in love like that?”

Ji Pei opened WeChat to pester Jiang Xianhan. She found two cute couple profile pictures and held them up to Ye Wenzhu. “Yes. Can you help me see if these two couple profile pictures look good?”

Ye Wenzhu looked straight ahead. “They don’t look good!”

Ji Pei’s current profile picture was a picture of Xuemianniang at home. She found a photo she had taken of Meiqiu, cropped it to a suitable size, and sent it to Jiang Xianhan.

Ji Pei: “Change it quickly! It’s a couple profile picture with mine.”

After sending the message, Ji Pei realized with a delayed awareness that her saved name for Jiang Xianhan was still “Demon Jiang.”

“…” Blushing, she quietly changed the name to “Wifey.”

Wifey: “Changed.”

Wifey: “Be careful.”

Ji Pei’s heart was overflowing with pink bubbles. She wanted to passionately kiss Jiang Xianhan through the phone screen.

Ye Wenzhu turned her head, looking at her love-struck, utterly pathetic state, and took a sharp breath. She had once imagined that the dating Ji Pei would be a rational person, unswayed by emotions. But who was this crazy, attention-seeking, hopelessly love-struck person in the passenger seat?

Ye Wenzhu took a deep breath. “Pei Pei, I’m telling you, people shouldn’t be so consumed by love.”

Ji Pei happily raised her left hand, staring at the bright red bean on her wrist. “What? How did you know my wife and I are wearing couple’s bracelets today?”

Close to eleven o’clock, the two drove to the pre-booked restaurant. Checking the room number sent in the group chat, Ye Wenzhu and Ji Pei found it around the corner.

A waiter opened the door. Ji Pei walked in calmly, shoulder to shoulder with Ye Wenzhu. In the center seat, a tall, slender figure slowly stood up. It was Xie Zhen. She was wearing a black coat, her long hair draped down. Her bright red lips and upturned, seductive eyes were accompanied by an uncontrollable smile.

“Ji Pei, we… we’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

Ye Wenzhu couldn’t help but roll her eyes, thinking, Who is this feigned sincerity for? Ji Pei felt her eye roll, gently patted Ye Wenzhu’s right hand, and signaled her to hold back for now.

Ran Feifei sat across from Ji Pei. After Ji Pei sat down, she quietly pushed her limited edition Hermès bag, which she must have bought somewhere, toward the center of the table. Ji Pei had intended to travel light. She only brought her phone with her, not even carrying a bag. The other students were already seated. Ji Pei looked at some familiar faces, momentarily forgetting their names.

A girl named Lin Yueqin smiled and said, “I was scrolling through Moments last night. Guess what I saw?”

Another girl chimed in, “Ji Pei made an official announcement on Moments. Those who aren’t her friends wouldn’t know.”

Xie Zhen’s lips slightly parted. She slowly brought the red wine glass in front of her to her mouth, her gaze fixed on Ji Pei diagonally across from her. Ji Pei smiled and nodded. “Mhm.”

Xie Zhen put down the red wine glass, and her hand resting on her lap gradually clenched into a fist. “Then why didn’t you bring your partner today? We all want to meet them!”

Ji Pei still smiled faintly. “She has to work and couldn’t come. Besides, isn’t this our class reunion?”

Dishes slowly began to arrive. Ji Pei had a good appetite, but she constantly felt a subtle, lingering gaze fixed on her. It was eerily similar to the greedy gaze that used to peep at her through the bed curtain in the dark of night when they were in school. Unfortunately, Ji Pei was no longer the frightened girl she was back then. She met Xie Zhen’s scrutinizing gaze directly and smiled slightly at her.

Xie Zhen’s throat tightened. She averted her gaze and lowered her head to start eating. There were still genuine students at the reunion. The others were laughing and chatting. Ji Pei was eating a fried lotus root sandwich when she heard Ran Feifei start gushing about her boyfriend.

“My boyfriend is in the oil business. His family is super rich. This bag was a gift from him. This model costs over two million!”

The others exclaimed, “That amazing? In the oil business? What’s his name?”

Ran Feifei said a name, but Ji Pei pursed her lips, almost bursting into laughter. From the start, Ran Feifei had been paying attention to Ji Pei’s every move. “What are you laughing at?”

Ji Pei picked up a piece of charcoal-grilled beef short ribs diagonally across from her, a smile blossoming on her lips. “I received a crocodile skin handbag, just like the one in your hand, from my mom for my birthday before. There are only about fifteen of them worldwide. Judging by that, the one my family has must be fake.”

“Also, the oil tycoon named Liu you just mentioned? He married young and has two children. His entire family immigrated to Switzerland eight years ago, and he’s now in the stock market business.”

Ran Feifei’s face grew paler and paler. “H-How do you know? Do you have any proof?”

Ji Pei slowly ate a piece of beef, swallowed it, and took a sip of tomato juice. “He’s my uncle.” Ji Pei pulled out a tissue to wipe her mouth, a hint of mockery in her eyes. “Since when did my uncle have a confidante like you? Should I call my aunt now to ask about it?”

The moment the words fell, all the chatter among the seated people came to an abrupt halt. Ran Feifei’s face went from white to red. She lowered her head and remained silent. After an unknown amount of time, Xie Zhen’s voice sounded. “Since everyone has eaten enough, let’s arrange the remaining activities for the afternoon.”

Out of the private room, Ye Wenzhu hooked her arm through Ji Pei’s, leaning close to her ear, her face splitting into a grin. “It had to be you! Do you know how much fun I had watching that show just now!”

Ji Pei put a finger to her lips. “Keep your voice down.”

Ji Pei wasn’t very interested in the afternoon’s activities. She sat on the park lawn, messaging Jiang Xianhan.

Ji Pei: “Not fun. I wish I hadn’t come.”

Jiang Xianhan quickly replied.

Wifey: “Should I come pick you up?”

Ji Pei: “Later. Wen Zhu and I have been watching the fun for a while. It’s quite interesting.”

Wifey: “Mhm, I’ll pick you up later.”

Ji Pei sent a kissing emoji, a blissful smile radiating from her lips. A dark shadow fell over her. Ji Pei immediately stopped smiling when she clearly saw who it was. Ji Pei showed no expression, looking down at her phone, seemingly unwilling to interact with her.

“Are you texting your girlfriend?” Xie Zhen sat next to her, her alluring eyes full of remorse and self-reproach. She subtly moved closer to Ji Pei, but was met with silent rejection.

“It was my fault back then. I did something wrong. It’s been so long, but I still feel uneasy inside and wanted to find a suitable opportunity to apologize to you.” Xie Zhen’s smile was a bit forced and sorrowful. “But you blocked and deleted me, so I could only use this method in the group to find you. I’m sorry for bothering you.”

Ji Pei said calmly, “It seems you know you’re bothering me.”

“But I can’t let go of you. I just want to see if you’re doing well, if you’re happy. Seeing you from afar is enough for me.”

“I would be happier if you stayed away from me.” Ji Pei put down her phone, not looking up at Xie Zhen. Her voice was light and slow. “Before I saw your true colors, we were indeed the best of friends.”

“Ji Pei, it’s been five years. I’ve thought about you every moment of these five years.” Xie Zhen’s gaze swept over Ji Pei’s lips and nose, her eyes filled with deep affection. “We ate, fetched water, and attended classes together, inseparable. I’ve corrected and repented for the mistakes I made. Four years have passed. Can we still be friends now?”

Ji Pei gave a tight smile. “Do you genuinely just want to be friends with me?”

“Ji Pei, I…”

Ji Pei lifted her gaze, slowly uttering a few words. “Xie Zhen, you’re disgusting.”

Xie Zhen’s breathing hitched. After a long pause, she stood up and apologized. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”

After dinner, Xie Zhen suggested going to karaoke for two hours to conclude the day’s reunion. Seeing several people enthusiastically agree, Ji Pei smiled and said, “I’m sorry, everyone, but it’s getting too late, so I won’t go.”

The other classmates started clamoring and jeering. “Why not go? We haven’t seen each other in so long. Don’t be such a spoilsport!”

“It’s not 3:30 a.m. yet. What’s so late about this?”

Ji Pei pointed to her wrist watch, smiling as she explained, “It’s almost nine o’clock. My girlfriend told me I have to be home before 9:30.”

The moment the words fell, the smile on Xie Zhen’s face gradually froze. She twitched her mouth, trying to make her expression look natural.

“A henpecked man! Wait, woman!”

“I never would have thought, Ji Pei!”

“I really want to know what kind of divine being managed to conquer a goddess like you!”

Amidst the chorus of teasing, a black Rolls-Royce slowly drove up in the distance. Ji Pei hadn’t seen the license plate before, but her heart still fluttered until the car stopped in front of her. The people in the main and passenger seats of the Rolls-Royce got out. The rear car door opened, and Jiang Xianhan’s profound profile was etched into Ji Pei’s eyes.

When the woman got out of the car, all the chattering conversations stopped. Their eyes were glued to the cold, severe woman walking toward Ji Pei. Xie Zhen stood behind the group, and the moment she saw Jiang Xianhan, she subtly took a step back. Her two hands were clenched into fists and hidden in her sleeves. She was so nervous she couldn’t breathe.

Jiang Xianhan lightly glanced at her through the crowd. “…”

“A… Auntie…” The look carried a chill that seemed to be ingrained in her genes. Xie Zhen’s voice trembled uncontrollably as she quickly lowered her head and breathed rapidly.

No… Why would it be Jiang Xianhan?

She caused her mother to become a vegetable and stole her most beloved treasure. She stole Ji Pei… How could it be Jiang Xianhan?

Jiang Xianhan was like a dominant lion king in the jungle, proactively marking and patrolling her territory, eager to leave her scent on Ji Pei. She calmly surveyed Ji Pei’s classmates, then withdrew her gaze.

“You’re here.” Ji Pei’s voice was soft, a sweetness Xie Zhen had never heard before. She stood at the back of the crowd, watching the two’s affectionate display, her smile a little distorted.

Jiang Xianhan took Ji Pei’s hand. Sensing a slight chill, she held both of her hands, gently breathed warm air onto them, and cupped them in her palms to warm them. “Did you have fun today?”