Pillowside Passion - Chapter 18

18:

Du Qingting drank with utmost seriousness, first pretending she didn’t know how, then glancing at You Jin with a questioning look—am I kissing right? Should I drink like this? Teach me.

When You Jin’s gaze fell on her, Du Qingting pressed her lips hard, her tongue curling, drawing every drop of the champagne into her mouth without leaving a trace.

These past few days, she’d gotten really good at kissing.

The bottle, a third full, swayed unsteadily.

You Jin took a couple of sips before passing it all to Du Qingting, feeding her mouthful by mouthful.

Several times, the liquid slid over Du Qingting’s nose, nearly choking her.

In this intoxicating whirlwind of romance, Du Qingting was swept away, her fingers gripping You Jin’s knees tightly. When they weren’t kissing, her mouth kept whispering to her.

“Sister, do you like it?”

“Am I kissing well?”

She deliberately held back, teasing her. “Sleep with me tonight.”

You Jin tugged her hair, locking eyes with her, then leaned down to bump foreheads. Her voice landed softly in Du Qingting’s ear.

She wanted to say: Call me You Jin.

Du Qingting drank every drop, sticking out her tongue to show her. “Sister, am I good?”

You Jin’s hand couldn’t even hold the half-empty champagne bottle steady.

This time, You Jin didn’t say she was good.

Instead, she pressed her leg against Du Qingting’s shoulder, making her kneel on the floor.

Even when teasing her “sister”, she had to kneel before her.

Last night’s moonlight was intoxicating, and so was she.

Du Qingting remembered climbing onto the couch, kissing her for ages, and finally falling asleep holding You Jin.

Her hand fumbled toward the couch’s corner, finding only the cushion. Eyes still closed, she hugged the pillow, inhaling the lingering scent, savoring it faintly.

You Jin was beautiful—whether sitting upright or leaning back, it was as if God poured every ounce of visual artistry into her, even making her stubborn streak breathtakingly stunning.

A seductive, enchanting creature, yet she reserved a trace of sincere innocence for her partner.

Du Qingting wanted to claim that place.

She wanted to make her cry.

Pausing, Du Qingting’s eyes snapped open, startled by her sudden possessive urge. She sighed, muttering to herself, “God, I’m turning into more of a dog every day.”

The mix of alcohol and other things left her face sticky. She went to the bathroom to shower, thinking about yesterday, her fingers tapping the wall.

Warm water cascaded over her, soap lathering her skin.

So smooth, like her.

Du Qingting cleaned herself up, rubbing her still-red knees, lips curling into a smile. Alcohol was something else—sweet, addictive, and she already wanted more.

Dressed, she went to tidy the couch. The floor was spotless except for her own clothes, yesterday’s spilled glass was washed and now sat on the counter. Must’ve been her cleaning up.

Du Qingting felt a mix of joy and helplessness. She changed and went next door to find You Jin, trying to recall when she’d left.

After she fell asleep?

Or at dawn?

At the door, she realized she forgot her keycard and knocked. It wasn’t You Jin who answered.

Xu Yang, holding files, nodded and opened the door for her. “Please, come in.”

Du Qingting forced a smile, feeling uneasy. Her girlfriend’s room, shouldn’t she be the first one in this morning? “Hi,” she said, then added less warmly, “Working this early?”

Xu Yang stepped aside, letting her in then quickly left. Du Qingting stared after her, confused. “Why is she running? In a rush?”

You Jin, flipping through documents, replied from inside, “Busy with contracts.”

“Oh.”

Du Qingting hurried into the room, then froze at the sight of her girlfriend. Yesterday, she’d kissed her senseless, but now You Jin was in formal attire—crisp, serious. White shirt, black tie with a metal pin, ruby and silver chain. Purely untouchable.

Du Qingting didn’t dare think about yesterday.

She was a little scared of You Jin. After all, she’d relentlessly teased her.

When You Jin wanted to kiss her, she’d refused, pinning You Jin’s hands and kissing her hard instead, saying, “Cry, and I’ll let you go.”

Du Qingting was quite pleased with herself. She walked over, glancing at what You Jin was doing—just reviewing files. “Your tie pin’s crooked.”

You Jin tilted her head. “Hm?”

Du Qingting pointed at the tie. “Crooked.”

You Jin didn’t look at it. “Mind fixing it for me?”

“Sure.”

You Jin swiveled her chair to face her.

Du Qingting leaned in, fingers hooking the tie. They were so close, her mind looped one thought: Who the hell designed suits, ties, and pins? Why do they look so untouchable on her? Especially with those silver-rimmed glasses. Up close, their eyes met, and Du Qingting felt off-kilter.

You Jin asked, “Know how to fix it?”

Snapping back, Du Qingting tugged the tie, unsure where to start. She met You Jin’s gaze, her eyes darting away, then catching her own reflection in You Jin’s glasses.

Breath close, unsteady.

She didn’t want to be read.

“First time tying one.”

“Take your time,” You Jin said.

Du Qingting used to hate prim women and rarely drew women in suits.

Her hands were clumsy, mangling the pristine black tie, tying it over and over.

The tie ended up wrinkled.

Embarrassed to suggest a new one, she managed a decent knot, studying the pin with her forehead nearly bumping You Jin’s nose.

You Jin instructed, “Clip it to the shirt collar.”

“Then thread the other part under the tie.”

Du Qingting fumbled through, thinking her shoddy work ruined You Jin’s look. But somehow, it made her look even more… tantalizing.

You Jin said, “Thanks, girlfriend. I’ll go back to my meeting.”

Another meeting?

Du Qingting mumbled an okay, propping her chin, stealing glances. You Jin’s eyes flicked to her. “What?”

“Go ahead,” Du Qingting said.

The wrinkled tie and crooked pin made it look like an untouchable woman had been thoroughly disheveled before a serious meeting.

Du Qingting kept staring, her waist aching. She pulled a chair over. “Can I kiss you during your meeting?”

A kiss mid-meeting, leaving her breathless—that would be lethal.

Her fingers tapped the table twice.

You Jin glanced at her, and Du Qingting realized how absurd she sounded. Flushing, she stood to cool off elsewhere.

You Jin put on Bluetooth earbuds and resumed her virtual meeting.

Su Qinxi messaged: [Done? Impressive, livestreaming your tie-fixing during a meeting.]

You Jin: [Isn’t it fun?]

Su Qinxi: [You’re unreal. Number one in the world.]

You Jin: [Not bad.]

Moments later, You Jin typed, glancing up. Du Qingting had placed a brewed tea by her hand and was now wandering by the floor-to-ceiling window.

You Jin: [See my tea?]

Su Qinxi: [Boss You, focus on your meeting.]

Du Qingting didn’t disturb her, standing by the window, watching the view. When tired, she dragged a tatami mat over to observe You Jin.

The room was quiet. You Jin used terms Du Qingting didn’t understand. She spoke little, but the issues were headaches—her expression cooled after a couple of sentences.

Half an hour later, You Jin removed her earbuds and looked at Du Qingting, who’d quietly placed hot milk and a sandwich by her hand.

Du Qingting winked, signaling her to eat breakfast and not go hungry.

You Jin, eating the food brought to her, realized her stomach was indeed uneasy. When she was nearly done, Du Qingting brought a plate of fruit, feeding her some.

The meeting lasted two hours. By the end, Du Qingting was more exhausted, stretching her shoulders overhead. “Still hungry?”

You Jin grabbed a paper bag from the coffee table, pulling out a large box and sliding it across the counter. Du Qingting touched the choker on her neck. “Time for a new one?”

It wasn’t a choker, it was a high-end camera.

“For me?” Du Qingting asked.

You Jin nodded. “Xu Yang brought it this morning. You didn’t like the cameraman’s work yesterday, right? Play with this.”

Du Qingting checked the brand—expensive, top-tier.

“Cool, I’ll mess with it for a couple days.” She asked, “So Xu Yang came to drop off the camera?”

“What else?”

Du Qingting bit her lip.

An indescribable joy surged. Holding the camera, she said, “Thanks, girlfriend.” Her hand rested on You Jin’s shoulder. “Tired? Want a massage?”

“No need.” You Jin closed her laptop, standing to change. “Let’s go whale watching today. Figure out the camera.”

“Don’t move.” Du Qingting’s hand stayed on her shoulder, fiddling with the camera. She adjusted it quickly, stepped back, crouched slightly, and snapped a few shots of You Jin.

Tch.

Her girlfriend was stunning.

Before You Jin entered the bedroom, Du Qingting called her. You Jin turned, and Du Qingting rapidly-fired more photos.

You Jin returned quickly, still in the same outfit, adjusting her tie. Du Qingting looked puzzled. You Jin held up a new choker—black, with a chain clasp in the center.

“Come put it on.” You Jin tapped her finger.

Du Qingting walked over, tilting her head up. You Jin fastened it gently, her fingertips brushing Du Qingting’s neck. Du Qingting swallowed hard.

It felt like married life.

Her wife is tying her tie.

No, she was tying her wife’s tie.

Looking at You Jin, one glance from her made it clear. She was like a pet owner walking a dog, putting a collar and muzzle on her puppy.

But she wasn’t quite a dog.

What owner presses their fingers to their dog’s lips, slowly pulls away, and gives a lingering kiss?

After enough morning cuddling, before the day heated up, they boarded a boat to chase whales. It was a chartered trip—whether they saw whales was pure luck. They cruised around and saw nothing.

Still, they caught plenty of fish, so it wasn’t a total loss.

Du Qingting hired the same cameraman, wanting to capture every moment of her girlfriend. She couldn’t always watch You Jin, and they couldn’t always be in the same frame—she didn’t want to miss a single captivating shot.

They returned to the beach. The temperature was 29°C—not too hot, but the UV was intense. The beach and water were packed—people digging in the sand, swimming, or struggling to find a spot to sit.

Du Qingting ran around with a bucket, scouting for a spot. Finding an empty one, she waved You Jin over.

You Jin sat on a lounge chair. Du Qingting rummaged through her bag, pulling out sunscreen. “Lie down, I’ll apply it.”

“We’re going in the water soon,” You Jin said.

“I’ll reapply later.”

You Jin raised an eyebrow.

“The sun’s brutal. Every minute you’re out here, my heart aches,” Du Qingting sweet-talked.

She was rough around the edges, hitting the gym for her abs but rarely bothering with makeup or fussing over her looks.

You Jin shifted under the umbrella’s shade, peeling off her sun-protective shirt to reveal a black one-piece swimsuit—backless, cinched at the waist. “Come on.”

Du Qingting sat on her chair, gazing at You Jin’s exposed skin. She poured sunscreen into her palm, starting at You Jin’s neck, rubbing gently. When she pressed harder, You Jin’s eyes flickered open.

Her skin was delicate, sensitive to pain. Under You Jin’s gaze, Du Qingting’s fingers slid to her shoulders. She leaned in, blowing softly on her skin.

“How’s that?” Du Qingting asked.

You Jin said, “Sit on me while you do it.”

“Hm?”

Du Qingting paused, rubbing down to her collarbone. You Jin’s face, especially her eyes, was breathtaking—every expression a mix of cool allure and seduction.

God’s forbidden apple, dangling on a branch, tempting her. Staring at You Jin’s profile, Du Qingting wanted to bite. She knelt on the chair, then sat on You Jin’s legs, feeling something was off. Nearby couples applying sunscreen had one lying down, she and You Jin were face-to-face.

You Jin said, “Not enough pressure. Sit a bit lower.”

“Am I squishing your stomach?” Du Qingting shifted down.

You Jin tilted her head, looking. “A bit higher.”

Du Qingting settled on her thighs, her gaze lifting, slowly realizing what You Jin meant. You Jin’s legs closed, her waist-to-hip line taut and defined.

“Come on,” You Jin urged.

Du Qingting took a deep breath, scooting forward. This time, You Jin didn’t rush her, instead watching her face, catching every expression.

“Why so quiet?” You Jin asked.

Du Qingting snapped back. “Thinking how to make it better. Make you feel good.”

A new world had opened, and her words had no filter.

You Jin said, “You’re rubbing and kneading me—think I don’t feel anything?”

Du Qingting’s palms turned up, unsure whether to keep going or stop.

You Jin whispered in her ear, “Honestly… the moment you touch me, I feel good.”

Eyes closed, chest rising, she said, “Keep going. Rub me well.”

“I…” Du Qingting’s fingers tightened, continuing. Sometimes she forgot the sunscreen, not wanting others to see. Propping her hands on the chair, she leaned in, covering her.

When You Jin opened her eyes, Du Qingting wanted to kiss her.

“Addicted?” You Jin teased.

Du Qingting hummed in agreement.

“No need for my legs,” You Jin said, sitting up. In her ear, she whispered, “You didn’t exactly bite gently last night. Walking’s a bit uncomfortable today, nearly tore me apart.”

Du Qingting’s grip tightened, almost bruising You Jin’s arm. No wonder she wore a one-piece today.

You Jin had said it on purpose, savoring her reaction. In a voice only they could hear, she added, “Last night like that… it was the first time anyone’s treated me that way.”

Du Qingting caught the key word, her fingers resting on You Jin’s arm. She didn’t pinch her, instead pinching her own leg.

You Jin smiled. “You think just anyone can do whatever they want with me?”

“Only you.”

Only you.

Those words carried so much.

Only you—unique, indulgent. It meant she hadn’t been that intimate with anyone else. Maybe Du Qingting was her first in that way. If they got even closer…

Before, You Jin had teased, Your first kiss, your first love…

The word “first” suddenly held so much charm.

Du Qingting bit her lip hard.

She couldn’t take it, leaning her forehead against You Jin’s, surrendering softly. “Sis, don’t tease me like this. I’m young, I have no self-control.”

You Jin laughed.

Leaning back, she poked Du Qingting’s chin. “Alright, I’ll stop.”

Though teased to her limit, Du Qingting forgave her instantly, leaning in for a gentle touch.

What could she do?

This woman was tailor-made for her.

You Jin flipped over to let her apply sunscreen to her back. Du Qingting sat on her for a while, coating her thoroughly. The softness under her palms was overwhelming. On a crowded beach, she felt a bit awkward, rubbing her own arms and tugging her wolf-tail hair. “I’m gonna go play ball.”

You Jin nodded. Du Qingting leaned down for a lingering kiss, licking You Jin’s lip bead before pulling away. “Wait for me, be good.”

“Okay.”

She chatted briefly with some players, secured a spot, ran to buy You Jin an iced fruit tea to cool off, then joined the game to burn off her excess energy.

Du Qingting loved sports, always active. In school, she was a jumper—long-distance running, hurdles, tennis—always bouncing around since childhood.

In junior high, You Jin had visited her school for business. Du Qingting was skateboarding with friends, landing a jump right in front of You Jin, spinning around her before grabbing her board and flashing a grin. “Senior? Looking for someone? I can call them.”

You Jin gave her a sidelong glance and walked off.

As she disappeared, Du Qingting shouted, “You Jin, is that you? Only you can glare at me like that!”

“Damn, you stunned me again.”

Back then, she could vaguely recognize her. Now…

Du Qingting leaped, slamming the ball in a perfect spike, turning to high-five her teammate. She leaned on her knees, grinning at You Jin from afar.

You Jin told the cameraman, “Go film her.”

He returned shortly, scratching his head. “Miss Du said she needs to focus while playing and can’t look at you. She told me to film you well, she’ll watch tonight.”

You Jin’s lips curved slightly.

A sea breeze cooled the air. You Jin, dressed lightly and striking, sat alone. Men approached, first asking for directions, then getting to the point—whether she was alone, if they could get to know her.

You Jin said, “Watching my girlfriend play.”

If they persisted, her face turned cold.

“Oh, alright.”

Several came eagerly, left awkwardly.

Du Qingting played harder, feeling You Jin’s focused gaze—expectant, admiring, proud. She almost wanted to go pro.

Sweating, she tied her wolf-tail back, playing smoother as a crowd gathered. She stood out on the beach.

Her grades in school were mediocre, but she was always a standout, never short of attention or friends.

Her opponents got crushed. Her teammate, a pretty woman, picked up her sandy backpack, holding her phone out with clear interest. “Add me? Let’s play again sometime.”

Du Qingting was outgoing, usually open to new friends. She patted her leg, realizing she didn’t have her phone. Glancing at You Jin, who watched from afar, her smile faded, her look heavy with meaning.

Du Qingting waved it off. “Maybe later. I had fun today. Let’s play again if we cross paths.” She jogged back to You Jin, out of breath, sitting on the lounge chair. “Didn’t add them.”

She grinned at You Jin, cheeks flushed from the sun.

You Jin said, “Come closer.”

Du Qingting crouched in front of her. You Jin flicked her forehead and tucked her hair back. “Not bad.”

Du Qingting’s smile widened, heart soaring. She was jealous, right?

Later, hungry, they held hands and wandered the night market. After playing, Du Qingting was buzzing, sticking close to You Jin, radiating heat.

The island wasn’t huge, but well-invested, every spot meticulously planned. The night market sold local specialties—shell crafts, coconut trinkets.

Crowded, Du Qingting guarded You Jin’s waist.

She bought a big coconut for You Jin to hold, then queued for snacks. They ate as they walked. Local costume rentals were available for photos.

Girls rented outfits for a few hours. Du Qingting considered asking You Jin, but seeing people changing in and out, she knew You Jin—who’d change after sweating—wouldn’t go for it.

Red lanterns hung along the street, local music playing. Holding You Jin’s hand, they stood out like outsiders among the costumed crowd, but they enjoyed the uniqueness.

Living this long, drawing so many comics, Du Qingting genuinely thought: Dating is so damn sweet.

At a balloon-shooting stall, You Jin eyed a giant-eared dog plushie as the grand prize.

Du Qingting caught her drift, paid, and took the toy gun. Squinting, she hit every target, winning the dog.

“Want it?” she asked.

You Jin nodded.

Under the lights, Du Qingting held the plushie to her face, deciding it didn’t resemble her. Teasing, she said, “I’ll give it to you, but…”

You Jin kissed her cheek. The stall owner gaped, chuckling.

Du Qingting’s grip tightened on the dog, blushing. “Make do with it. I’ll get you a better one later.”

The dog was 1.2 meters, huge. You Jin held it with one arm, her other hand holding Du Qingting’s.

They shopped along the way. If You Jin lingered on something, Du Qingting bought it without hesitation, all for her.

Leaving the bustling market, You Jin hugged the dog, fingers toying with its ears.

Du Qingting wanted to ask, “Do you like dogs that much?”

Then she remembered You Jin had a Doberman named “Little Butterfly.”

Frowning, Du Qingting inexplicably felt jealous of a dog she’d never met.

She opened her mouth to probe about the Doberman.

You Jin cut in, “Tomorrow, we leave the island?”

“What?” Du Qingting’s eyes widened. “Why so sudden?”

Not exactly sudden—the island was small, and they’d hit most spots.

Still, Du Qingting dragged her feet. “Let’s see if we missed anything. It’d be a shame to leave. We haven’t seen whales yet, and we should check our lock for issues.”

You Jin didn’t explain further. Du Qingting, suspecting work reasons, added, “Alright, we’ll leave tomorrow.”

On the way back, they saw the glowing sea again, crowded with revelers.

“Blue, like fireworks,” Du Qingting said randomly.

“Want fireworks? I’ll set some off for you.”

“Where?” Du Qingting thought she was flirting. “In my head?”

You Jin smiled, saying nothing.

Du Qingting thought…

Her head did see fireworks yesterday.
How long had they been here? How many days of this honeymoon?

She couldn’t help staring at You Jin.
What came after leaving? The end?

That night, her heart was heavy, she didn’t snuggle up to You Jin. You Jin, hugging the dog, returned to her room, reminding her to set a 5 a.m. alarm for an early start.

Exhausted, Du Qingting flopped on her bed, staring at the alarm. Why the rush?

She was tired but wondered if her “sis” next door was lonely, missing her body, feeling restless. Should she go over?

Or was this the end?

She wanted to kiss her.

The more she thought, the angrier she got. Was that giant dog sleeping beside her? Her legs draped over it?

Du Qingting was baffled. She’d fought so hard with no progress, yet the dog climbed the ranks overnight.

Why could the dog do it, but not her?

Frustrated, she tried to calm herself, only getting angrier. She shouldn’t waste this night.
In her dream, she was back at her high school graduation, still recovering from a bad cold.
Kyoto was pouring rain.

She overheard the housekeeper on the phone with You Jin—her university was flooded, and she was stuck at a milk tea shop with friends. No one could pick her up, so she’d stay at a hotel.

Du Qingting, lying in bed, was thrilled. Yes, she’s not coming back. I can run wild for days.
But then she saw a news alert: heavy rain in You Jin’s area.

She grabbed her motorcycle and sped to get her.
The rain was heavy, the streets dark except for fire trucks. She shone her flashlight on You Jin, sitting in a powerless milk tea shop, holding a broken umbrella dipped in water, the flood reaching her calves.

She’d said she was with friends, but she was alone, sitting upright, clinging to dignity.

Du Qingting thought You Jin was kind of dumb for the first time, shouting, “You Jin, let’s go home!”

She gave You Jin her raincoat, driving her home. You Jin, on her bike for the first time, was probably scared, gripping her waist so hard it hurt. Their mansion was uphill, and with the wind, You Jin pressed close, saying something Du Qingting couldn’t hear.

At home, she asked, “What’d you say?”
You Jin said, “Riding a motorcycle’s dangerous. Don’t do it again.”

Du Qingting couldn’t believe it, staring wide-eyed, touching her feverish face. I went to get you in a cold, and you say this? Trying to stop my bike?
She snapped, “You Jin, you’re heartless. God, leave me alone!”

Her cold worsened, and she stayed in bed for days, avoiding You Jin’s old-fashioned ways.
Now, the dream warped.

Still pouring rain, she rode with You Jin holding her waist, barely able to steer. You Jin whispered, “Let’s get married.”

Du Qingting floored it, terrified. You Jin, like a siren, kept repeating, “You have to marry me, Du Qingting. You can’t escape.”

“No, no, I can’t, I’m not worthy! Let me go!”
About to crash into a tree, she jolted awake, rushing to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face.

Damn, nightmare.

Daytime thoughts, nighttime dreams.

Why not dream of marrying someone else? Why You Jin? God, be fair.

Calming down, she tried to recall what You Jin had said that rainy day, but she’d been too focused on riding to hear.

At 5 a.m., dawn barely breaking, Du Qingting headed next door. Light streamed from the balcony—You Jin’s room. On her balcony, she saw You Jin watching the sea.

The sun, cradled by the sea, rose slowly, almost sensually, yet gentle.

Following You Jin’s gaze, Du Qingting understood.

A sunrise over the sea.

On their first day, You Jin had said the hotel was comfortable, with softer UV rays and a view of the sunrise.

Warm light fell on her hair.

Noticing her, You Jin asked if it was beautiful.
Du Qingting stared, thinking a sunrise was a nice finale. Sighing softly, she said honestly, “Sis, the sunrise’s got nothing on you.”

She raised her camera, snapping a shot.

Click.

You Jin posed against the rising sun.
Du Qingting lowered the camera, leaning on the railing. The distance between their rooms felt vast. This woman was her runaway-bride adventure.
So sweet, so sweet it scared her to think of it ending.

She couldn’t imagine life seven days from now.
Back home, it’d be miserable.

Thinking of that dream, she felt worse.
You Jin tapped the railing. “Come over.”

Du Qingting didn’t move, looking at her. “Why don’t you come here?”

You Jin gazed calmly, then turned back to her room, leaving the balcony door half-open. Du Qingting craned her neck to peek inside. Hearing her own door open, she turned to see You Jin stepping over, sunlight spilling onto the balcony.

They stood together, watching the full sunrise.
You Jin asked, “Why the sudden bad mood?”
“Not bad…” Du Qingting didn’t want to admit it, glancing at the sunrise. “You wouldn’t get it.”
“How would I know if you don’t tell me?” You Jin asked.

Du Qingting couldn’t exactly say, Darling, seven days from now, will we still be this sweet? Wanna marry me?

Hard to say out loud.

“Nothing, just… some regrets.”

After the sunrise, still early, they had breakfast and joined the crowd at a photo hotspot. Du Qingting snapped plenty with her camera.

The trip felt unfinished. She felt guilty toward You Jin, who was an experienced diver and played at a higher level, yet patiently wandered with her. It felt like a big sister humoring a little kid, You Jin might have regrets.

They left the island late. Du Qingting dragged her around, strolling the beach. You Jin indulged her without complaining. Feeling bad, Du Qingting propped You Jin’s legs on her knees, gently massaging them.

By 8 p.m., fully dark, they packed to leave.

Du Qingting stuffed her clothes in, camera around her neck, grabbing her bag to find You Jin. You Jin had more stuff, several suitcases of clothes.
She even packed the giant dog in a suitcase, carefully arranging it.

Leaning on the door, Du Qingting glanced at You Jin’s bed. “It’s just a cheap thing, not even worth your suitcase. Just toss it in.”

You Jin finished. “It’s a love gift from you. A keepsake.”

Du Qingting had bought tons of souvenirs, mostly for You Jin. Looking closer, she saw You Jin had carefully packed every random trinket she’d bought, wrapped in foam.

God, so seductive.

They checked out. Du Qingting leaned on the counter, looking outside. “Any hidden activities on the island?”

The receptionist, chatty, said, “If you take the sightseeing ferry back, there’s a drag show. The ‘drag queens’ are just hired local beauties, but it’s a hidden gem.”

“Nah.”

Peak season made ferry tickets impossible. You Jin chartered a boat again.

They loaded two suitcases of stuff—Du Qingting’s trinkets, You Jin’s camera, choker, and skincare products.

They packed the car’s trunk. Du Qingting sat in the passenger seat, You Jin driving. Du Qingting checked her phone.

Counting days: they arrived on the 15th, delayed two days by a typhoon, and confirmed their relationship that night.

She opened July 17th, noting: Honeymoon anniversary.

Counting from the 17th, it ended on the 23rd.

From the 18th, the 24th.

Halfway done, no matter how she counted.

Looking at her “big sister,” did she have a date in mind?

She’d proposed the seven days.

The car stopped at the dock. You Jin glanced at her. “We’re here.”

She unbuckled her seatbelt, seeing Du Qingting still. “What’s wrong?”

Staring out the window, Du Qingting said, “Just reminiscing.”

“Reluctant to leave?” You Jin asked.

Du Qingting countered, asking if she had regrets. You Jin’s hand brushed the steering wheel. “It’s fine. There’s next time. Memories are better with anticipation. As for deep diving, I’d rather you learn, and we go together. That way, the next trip won’t be boring.”

Next time, next trip.

“We’ll hang out again?” Du Qingting confirmed.
You Jin smiled. “Why wouldn’t we have a future?”

She said, “We will.”

Du Qingting clicked her tongue, unbuckling her seatbelt and stepping out. You Jin handed the keys to the ferry staff to load the car.

This time, Du Qingting was lively, wearing a cap and scanning the scenery. The yacht had binoculars. On the deck, she watched seagulls take flight, passing the binoculars to You Jin. When You Jin didn’t see anything, Du Qingting wondered why—they were just there.

You Jin didn’t point out her “marking the boat” mistake.

Suddenly, a bang lit up the night sky.

“Damn.”

Du Qingting stared at the sky, then at You Jin, blurting out a curse. You Jin closed the book she’d barely read.

“Actual fireworks?” she asked.

“Like it?” You Jin said. “For you.”

Fireworks rose from the island, blooming in the dark sky, vibrant clusters competing to shine.

Colors exploded, indescribably beautiful.
As they fell and rose, butterfly-shaped fireworks sparkled on the shore, illuminating the coast and reflecting in the waves.

The kicker? As their boat paused, a stunning dragonfly pattern appeared in the colorful display, standing out.

Surprised, Du Qingting frowned. “Did I mention dragonflies?”

You Jin nodded. “When we arrived, you saw Little Butterfly and said your nickname was Little Dragonfly.”

Du Qingting blinked. Did I?

But soon, more fireworks dazzled her.

The sudden display stirred the island, tourists cheering amid the booming explosions.

She could almost hear screams.

“Fireworks, special event?”

“Some rich woman set them off for her girlfriend.”

“Marriage vibes!”

No exaggeration, Du Qingting thought this was prime single-knee proposal territory.
The yacht circled the coast. Du Qingting recorded, her lens drifting to You Jin.

As the fireworks wound down, a bridge’s light show began, dazzling the sea. Their boat slowly left the island.

Du Qingting reclined on a lounge chair, phone raised. As the final fireworks fell, she kissed You Jin’s cheek, snapping photos.

Showing her, she said, “Kinda dark, can’t see much.”

“It’s fine. The blurry vibe’s the best,” You Jin said.
Encouraged, Du Qingting took more, kissing You Jin again. She wanted to ask why You Jin didn’t shoot, but You Jin kissed her cheek.
You Jin asked, “Still regretful?”

“Not anymore.”

Du Qingting cupped her face, kissing her passionately. Her fingers tugged You Jin’s shirt from her waistband, gripping her waist. As the sea breeze blew, her tongue slipped into You Jin’s lips, diving deeper until the yacht docked.

Panting against You Jin’s neck, Du Qingting didn’t know what to do—or maybe she did. She wanted this woman. Hooking You Jin’s lips, unable to stop, she asked, “Are you comforting me? Coaxing me? Will this end?”

A nearby ship’s lights shone brightly, their faces clear. You Jin wrapped her arms around Du Qingting’s neck, pressing her into the chair.

Du Qingting hadn’t noticed how many times she’d asked. You Jin, unfazed, leaned over her, gaze lowering. “You haven’t let me kiss you fully yet. How could it end?”

Their kissing nearly spiraled out of control until the ship’s lights dimmed.

Du Qingting packed You Jin’s laptop, holding a bag in one hand and You Jin’s hand in the other.
With many tourists, they walked slowly. Du Qingting whispered, asking where they’d stay tonight.

The yacht docked.

Su Qinxi, knowing they were back, waited at a dockside bar. She didn’t expect to wait until 10:30 p.m. Fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged, and less reserved than You Jin, Su Qinxi was a warm, gentle older-sister type, You Jin’s high school friend.

She spotted them disembarking, Du Qingting carrying You Jin’s bag, chatting closely.
Su Qinxi almost called You Jin’s name, but You Jin glanced at her first. She swallowed the name, waving from afar.

Their Cayenne followed. After one island trip, they were a couple. Su Qinxi found it surreal, unsure whether to laugh or feel something else.

Deciding to laugh, she walked over to help with their luggage, ready to tease You Jin. Du Qingting loaded the trunk, noticed her, and waved enthusiastically. “Hey, Xu Yang.”

Su Qinxi’s smile froze, her lips twitching.

Du Qingting touched her choker, slightly bragging.
“Thanks for bringing the camera.”

Su Qinxi: “Uh.”

You Jin said, “It’s a bit dark.”

Su Qinxi thought, too dark. Incredulous, she looked at them. I look nothing like Xu Yang.

You Jin glanced at her hair.

With the afternoon wind and sun, Su Qinxi had tied her hair up, resembling Xu Yang’s style.
What a CEO and her face-blind little wife.

“What’s up?” Du Qingting noticed “Xu Yang” always seemed awkward around her. A strange thought hit, does she like…

“Nothing.” Su Qinxi eyed their suitcases. “Where’d the fish come from?”

“Caught them this morning,” Du Qingting said.
They brought all the fish back, too good to sell.

“Had dinner? Wanna grab late-night eats? We’ll cover prep fees.”

“Sure.”

They had plenty of fish, enough for days, needing a shop to store them. Su Qinxi helped. When You Jin moved to lift, Du Qingting nudged her away with her shoulder. “Don’t.”

Su Qinxi looked at her fishy hands.

Heh.

Everything went into the trunk, the car sent to the hotel. Fresh off the boat, they were a bit dizzy and walked back.

Unable to resist, Su Qinxi pulled You Jin aside while Du Qingting closed the trunk. “Others have wolf dogs, lap dogs, guide dogs. Yours is… a blind dog.”

You Jin gave her a look. “Don’t say that.”

“Not happy about it?”

“Who likes hearing their girlfriend badmouthed?”
You Jin retorted, glancing protectively at Du Qingting.

Su Qinxi, friends for years, was still adjusting to You Jin’s lovestruck vibe. “Really together?”

“What else?”

“What happens when you’re back?”

You Jin didn’t answer. Du Qingting approached, carrying You Jin’s bag, a black one slung across her chest, curiously squeezing between them.

“What are you talking about?”

Su Qinxi said, “She said her girlfriend’s adorable.” Just a bit blind.

Du Qingting grabbed You Jin’s hand, nearly kissing her, whispering, “Yeah? What’s adorable?”
Su Qinxi pretended to be deaf, wondering if Du Qingting’s eyes were okay. Xu Yang? Do I look remotely like her?

She recalled You Jin mentioning Du Qingting had face blindness, struggling to recognize faces.

Su Qinxi texted Xu Yang: [Tomorrow, You Jin and her girlfriend are hosting dinner. Join us?]

Let’s see how Du Qingting recognizes her.

They ate at a bustling dockside restaurant, paying for prep and gifting a fish. The owner went all out, serving a seafood feast.

Afterwards, Su Qinxi drove them to the hotel. She owned a sea-view condo nearby and didn’t stay at hotels. She dropped them off and left.

They had two rooms.

But Du Qingting didn’t go to hers. You Jin, as usual, headed to the bathroom after returning. Du Qingting followed, wrapping her arms around You Jin’s waist at the door. “Shower together? Don’t split up, okay?”

You Jin leaned into her.

Du Qingting, emotional, pleaded, “Coax me more. I thought you’d ditch me after today. You’re so sweet—I really, really like you, sister.”