Pillowside Passion - Chapter 26

26:

Du Qingting stood frozen, her face burning with awkwardness.

You Jin gripped the steering wheel, lips pursed tightly, the corner of her mouth twitching upward as her fingers tapped the wheel twice.

The sound startled Du Qingting.

She didn’t dare get in the car. You Jin pushed open the passenger door, her presence intimidating with or without glasses.

Du Qingting couldn’t imagine sitting next to her, but… the Doberman in the back seat was glaring at her fiercely.

You Jin looked at her.

The message was clear: pick one.

Gritting her teeth, Du Qingting circled to the back and sat with the Doberman. You Jin’s lips curved, and she turned, pressing a finger to her lips, winking at the dog to calm it. The Doberman’s open mouth closed.

Even with a muzzle, it looked ferocious, almost majestic.

The Doberman slowly turned, its piercing eyes locked on her, unblinking and intense.

Du Qingting felt like a criminal under its gaze, pressing herself against the door to distance herself from the beast. The Doberman’s paw shot out, pinning her clothes, and barked once toward the front, like it was snitching.

Du Qingting: “?”

Where could she escape? Jump out the window?

Can’t it just be a good dog?

The entire ride, the Doberman stared her down. Du Qingting endured, suddenly recalling how she’d been jealous of this dog, vying with it over who had more of “sister’s” affection.

Absolutely ridiculous.

You Jin’s car pulled up to the same restaurant as before. Seeing the flickering lights and romantic terrace, memories flooded back. Du Qingting didn’t get out, avoiding looking, and took a deep breath. “Can we go somewhere else?”

“Sure.” You Jin turned the wheel, driving on. At a red light, she switched destinations to a Chinese restaurant.

When they parked, someone opened the car door.

As Du Qingting got out, she yanked her clothes from the Doberman’s paw. You Jin came around to leash the dog.

“Need me to take the Doberman?” the valet asked.

You Jin glanced at Du Qingting, who kept her distance from the dog. The Doberman stood tall and proud. You Jin said, “Take it for a spa.”

“Any dietary restrictions?” the valet asked.

“None,” You Jin said, handing over the leash.
“Don’t let it overeat.”

“Got it.” The valet took the leash, leading the Doberman away. It kept turning back to glare at Du Qingting with a deep, meaningful look.

Du Qingting gritted her teeth. That damn Doberman.

Living better than a human.

It had been seven or eight years since she bought the dog. She vaguely remembered getting it as a birthday gift for You Jin, hoping she’d focus her energy elsewhere and stop controlling her so strictly.

Why a Doberman? She couldn’t recall. She just remembered it being silly and dopey. Who knew it’d turn into this fierce creature years later?

Another server led them upstairs. You Jin walked ahead, while Du Qingting trailed slowly, dragging her feet.

In the elevator, the two waited for her alone, making her even more awkward.

In the private room, as Du Qingting pulled out a chair, she suddenly recalled that night she’d planned her “cool” vibe—exuding confidence, fearless against authority. She’d imagined pulling out the chair, sitting casually, leaning back, playing with her phone, and saying nonchalantly, “We’re not a good match. I’m too wild.”

You Jin ordered, flipping through the menu and selecting her dishes. Du Qingting skipped the restaurant’s specialty. You Jin said, “I hear their beef is good. Want to try?”

Du Qingting declined, avoiding You Jin’s face, staring out the window instead. You Jin’s reflection appeared on the glass, strikingly beautiful. She kept staring until the server brought the food, then turned back.

Looking at You Jin’s glasses perched on her nose, You Jin met her gaze. Her damp fingers tapped her nose bridge. “Want me to take them off?”

“No need,” Du Qingting shot back.

You Jin smiled.

Unable to hold back, Du Qingting leaned forward slightly. “Did you… purposely wear glasses?” To keep me from recognizing you?

She didn’t say the last part, but You Jin seemed to hear her thoughts.

You Jin said, “I’m genuinely nearsighted. It started in senior year of high school, but it didn’t affect daily life. In college, I only wore glasses in class. After years of heavy computer use at work, my vision’s over 300 degrees. I carry glasses for work and going out.”

“But I didn’t notice you were nearsighted in college,” Du Qingting said, clearly recalling You Jin’s sharp, big eyes catching her every little move.

“Contact lenses.”

Seeing Du Qingting’s disbelief, You Jin added, “Back then, I didn’t wear glasses because I was afraid you wouldn’t recognize me.”

She paused, then said, “But at the bar and airport last time, even without glasses, you didn’t recognize me.”

That stung.

Du Qingting’s heart ached, words stuck in her throat.

You Jin said, “My turn?”

Du Qingting pursed her lips and nodded.

“What do you think of me now?” You Jin asked, gazing at her earnestly, her eyes bright behind the lenses. “You don’t hate me, right?”

Looking at that face, Du Qingting could only recall sweet memories. Despite the awkwardness, she spoke honestly—who could hate a beauty? She shook her head mechanically.

You Jin said, “So, shall we keep dating?”

Her phone lay on the table. “You downloaded that recording. You asked me to record it as proof, right? It counts.”

Du Qingting was speechless, silent for a long time.

She wanted to travel back and slap herself.

“So, you listened to it?” You Jin said. “If not, you can listen now.”

“No, no!” Du Qingting gritted her teeth. “I heard it.”

“How many times?” You Jin asked.

How many times?

She’d only managed ten seconds before wanting to jump off a building.

You Jin said, “As expected, not even once. After leaving the hotel, I recorded an extra line just for you.”

Du Qingting stayed silent, too embarrassed to admit she’d listened right away. She ate with her head down, shoving food in, only realizing later she’d already eaten that evening.

You Jin ate slowly, sipping a special grape juice.

Du Qingting looked up. “Did you know I was Du Qingting from the start?”

You Jin’s eyes flickered, as if saying, I’m not blind.

“Then why… why didn’t you call me out?” Du Qingting stared, wanting to say, Were you messing with me? I really don’t want to live now.

You Jin leaned forward slightly. “You and Gu Rui were badmouthing me at the bar, mocking me with that ‘Oh, 400 points’ thing. What was I supposed to say? Walk over and go, ‘Yo, 400 and 300 points, what are you two up to?’” Her tone carried a playful lilt, stretching out the “400 points” with a teasing drawl.

Done. Du Qingting wanted to die of embarrassment again.

Her heart went numb, unable to imagine if You Jin had confronted her then—she’d have been digging a hole in the bar floor. Not that she was faring much better now. She wasn’t thinking of Gu Rui’s 400 points but her own boast of 600. Her toes curled again, fingers clenching repeatedly.

So, back in the room, when You Jin grabbed the tank, it wasn’t a mistake—she’d heard Du Qingting badmouth her and lie about her score, probably wanting to throttle her. Surviving that was pure luck.

This was killing her.

You Jin, curious, asked seriously, “What were you thinking, claiming 680 points?”

“You misheard. I didn’t say 680, I said…” Du Qingting met You Jin’s gaze. You Jin looked puzzled. “I said around 600, not 680.”

You Jin asked, “Is there a difference?”

“…No.”

“So… what were you thinking?”

What else? Out in the world, you give yourself face.

Du Qingting grabbed the glass of wine on the table, chugging it. “I was drunk, my mouth slipped, and I just went with it.”

She still couldn’t understand how things escalated like that. “That’s not the point. The point is… why didn’t you say anything later?”

You Jin said, “I rejected you. I said the spot by my pillow was for a girlfriend, to keep distance. But you kept barking.”

Du Qingting’s face couldn’t take it. Other diners were nearby, her dog act was private business.

“I thought you were serious, so…”

“I was serious,” You Jin said, sighing and staring at her. “You slept by my pillow. Take responsibility.”

Du Qingting didn’t speak, she felt she couldn’t afford it.

You Jin continued, “You’re so wild, love to play—perfect, so do I. Our tastes match, we’re a perfect fit. You don’t want to break up, so let’s keep dating.”

“How about it?”

Du Qingting bit her lip hard. After this ordeal, her passion faded, leaving only panic. She whispered, “Give me a moment. I’m too awkward right now… I can’t.”

You Jin lowered her voice. “I taught you everything. What’s not working?”

“It’s not that part,” Du Qingting said. “It’s just…”

You Jin said, “As long as that part works, we can love. You’re great at kissing, good at everything.”

Du Qingting pursed her lips tightly. The words were familiar, she was a pro now.

“Or is it because I’m You Jin, so you don’t dare date?” You Jin’s tone cooled. “That would make me so sad.”

“No, it’s not about dating or not,” Du Qingting said, head aching. “It’s not impossible, just too awkward. I’m drained.”

She said miserably, “Like… no desire.”

“…Oh.” You Jin nodded. “So that’s it. I thought you didn’t like excitement and wanted the celibate route.”

“Give me time, okay?” Du Qingting said honestly. “You can see I’m too awkward. Let me process.”

You Jin sipped her juice, watching her. “If I give you time, will you run?” She stared into her eyes, smiling gently.

Du Qingting could now sense the threatening edge in that gentle look, like a soft-spoken viper.

“You weren’t… this gentle before,” she said. Nor this terrifying. Back then, You Jin’s emotions were all on her face, always fierce and intimidating. That was a big reason she didn’t recognize her.

“Back then, I was in my early twenties, not good at hiding emotions,” You Jin said. “Now I’m 28, been working for years.”

True, 28 years old.

You Jin looked at her. “So, will you run?”

Du Qingting had already contacted a landlord, and today she’d been caught red-handed, her dignity in tatters.

She mumbled, “Probably not.”

“Abroad?” You Jin asked.

“…Not going,” Du Qingting said through gritted teeth–

You Jin’s gaze was skeptical. “Truth or lie?”

“Truth,” Du Qingting said, lips tight. “I’m 25. My word counts.”

“Three days, right?”

Du Qingting regretted not saying four.

You Jin leaned closer. “I’ll give you seven days, since we dated for seven. Fair, right?” She spoke softly, offering maximum leniency.

Seven days later, Du Qingting couldn’t even fathom it.

You Jin had really changed, too generous.

She was starting to accept that You Jin was that woman.

“But…” You Jin stood slightly, leaning closer, her fingers slipping through Du Qingting’s choker. With a gentle tug, Du Qingting lurched forward, hands bracing the table.

You Jin said, “If you lie to me, I’ll be mad.”

Du Qingting’s breath hitched, the choker tightening.

She swallowed, feeling that same fear from childhood, that commanding presence making her scalp tingle.

You Jin gently stroked her cheek. “These seven days, no running where I can’t find you, no fleeing abroad. We meet once a day, no hiding. Be a mature puppy, got it?”

Du Qingting didn’t speak. You Jin said, “Answer.”

“Woof.”

Damn it.

The honeymoon phase was too ingrained, she’d reacted on instinct. Du Qingting couldn’t lift her head.

Thankfully, it amused You Jin, who sat back, pleased. “Done eating? Let’s walk, to digest.”

“Mm.”

The Doberman, post-spa and well-fed, strutted with even more vigor, majestic wherever it went. You Jin walked it with a high head-turn rate. On the way back, it glared at Du Qingting with extra intensity.

You Jin trained that dog well.

They drove back.

You Jin dropped her at her gate. Du Qingting bolted inside.

“Wait,” You Jin called, stepping out, holding something.

Du Qingting turned. You Jin said, “Don’t want your phone?”

Her phone was with You Jin, but the screen was shattered, unusable. She planned to buy a new one and smash the old one.

You Jin held her old phone in one hand, a new phone box in the other. “I got your phone fixed, screen replaced. If you don’t want the old one, here’s a new one.”

Du Qingting only took her old phone. You Jin said, “That phone case is nice.”

Du Qingting flipped it over—damn, it was the custom couple’s case she’d made with their photo, put on for the Qixi festival to make You Jin back off. Now…

She quickly grabbed the new phone too.

You Jin lazily watched her. “Where’s mine?”

Du Qingting didn’t answer.

You Jin said, “Fine, one more thing you didn’t give me.”

Du Qingting racked her brain, what?

You Jin tapped her cheek. “Goodnight kiss.”

Du Qingting didn’t dare kiss her, clutching the phone. “I’ll give you the case tomorrow.” She ran off, then froze—what was she saying, giving her the case?

She realized having the phone was worse than not. Back in her room, she powered it on, and messages flooded in. Gu Rui and her flaky shaping friends asked how she spent the Qixi festival, if she met You Jin, and if they needed help finding that woman, suggesting she send a photo.

Evelyn from abroad called multiple times and sent emails asking if she’d sorted things out, offering to fly back to help.

Du Qingting’s head hurt. How could she tell them her seven-day girlfriend was her arranged marriage partner, You Jin?

She’d fled an engagement only to land in her fiancée’s arms.

And they’d slept together, she couldn’t forget, and then she…

Heh.

I wanted to die again.

At night, clutching her phone, she wanted to cry but couldn’t. Flipping it over, she saw the custom case again.

The photo’s colors were dark, their figures blurry, the heavier the mood, the blurrier, the more intimate it felt… The other case was still in her cabinet.

She grabbed the tablet, opened the chat history, and replayed the recording.

The playful, flirty audio made her flush hot, toes cramping, especially the kissing sounds, those gasps.

You Jin pushed her, overwhelmed, saying, “Enough.”

She’d persisted, “Not enough, sister… have mercy on an energetic puppy.”

Energetic puppy, she couldn’t bear her past nonsense. She paced the room, sweating lightly. Wasn’t she just a hot, lively puppy?

She showered to cool off, placing the phone on a rack, washing her hair, then rinsing with cold water. The sounds made her restless—she’d lied about being “done.” Her gasps sparked impulsive urges. The recording hadn’t seemed long then; now it felt like a century.

When it ended, only seconds remained.

She listened intently.

It was the night You Jin left the hotel without a word. Half-asleep, Du Qingting clung to her waist, refusing to let go as You Jin tried to leave, calling out.

“You Jin.”

“It’s me,” You Jin said.

“You Jin, Sister You Jin, hug me.”

“I’m hugging.”

“Kiss me.”

Sparse sounds followed, probably a forehead kiss. You Jin said, “I’m leaving. Morning, noon, and goodnight kisses are on hold.”

She hummed.

“I like you.”

More kisses.

Du Qingting pressed a wet towel to her face, flipped the phone, and saw a new message.

You Jin: [Puppy.]

Wanting to dig a hole, she grabbed a pillow, rolled on the bed, and fell off, grimacing in pain. Sitting on the floor, she scrolled through chats, growing more awkward. She’d once replied to You Jin: [So confident?]

You Jin: [A little.]

Du Qingting: [Who gave you that?]

You Jin: [You.]

Du Qingting: [I’m not that tacky.]

Now: I’m so tacky.

Toes curled, she dug at the floor, curling up by the bed.

You Jin’s message came—a cool sunglasses-wearing bean emoji, smug and showy.

Then another sunglasses emoji.

Finally, a bean smiling at her, glasses off.

Du Qingting couldn’t handle her glasses-off look—her head spun. Send, send, send!

Eyes closed, she sent a flying kiss.

You Jin: [Not good enough.]

Du Qingting deleted it, relieved.

You Jin: [Want a voiced one, the mua kind.]

She’d rather die. If only she’d kissed her cheek when You Jin was spouting nonsense earlier. She was losing it, unsure why she was going along with You Jin.

She wanted to chuck the phone.

Soon, a voice message arrived. She hesitated, staring, then couldn’t resist clicking.

You Jin: [Kiss, mua~]

Face burning, Du Qingting cursed herself.

Du Qingting, you’re pathetic!

The next morning, she got up to eat. Her mom was enthusiastically directing the maid to clean. Coming downstairs, her mom greeted warmly, “Morning, baby! Sleep well?”

After two sleepless nights, she’d slept deeply. Du Qingting pressed an arm to her forehead, not answering.

Chen Huiru knew she’d dined with You Jin, sensing progress. “You and You Jin got back together, right?”

Du Qingting suspected her mom knew something, frowning. “Back together? We…” She paused, gauging her mom’s expression.

Chen Huiru blinked. “You had a crush back then, didn’t you?”

A crush at 25?

Chen Huiru said, “I’m not clueless. When you came of age, I found several sets of mature women’s lingerie in your room—definitely not your style.”

Du Qingting blurted, “Those were You Jin’s!”

Chen Huiru’s voice rose. “Why’d you collect You Jin’s lingerie?! That’s a problem!”

Why did she sound excited?

Du Qingting didn’t want to relive past embarrassments.

Suppressing her temper, she went downstairs, dodging her mom to avoid misunderstandings. “You guys had her tutor me. We ate and lived together. Sometimes the maid puts her clothes in my closet. When friends came over, rummaging through my room, I got embarrassed and hid her stuff deep inside.”

Chen Huiru said, “Oh, I thought you had a crush, got dumped, and fled abroad.”

Du Qingting stared at her mom, thinking her sister was right—if she liked someone else, with no chance for You Jin, her mom would be the villainous mother-in-law from a novel.

As she thought this, her mom took a call, instantly all smiles, voice sugary. “Honey~ miss me? I miss you so much…”

It was normal—her mom had always been her dad’s little darling, for years. Du Qingting was used to it, but that tone, that expression—she looked closer.

Her mom cooed, “I miss you, my heart aches, I’m going crazy. Do you miss me? Come back soon.”

That was Du Qingting half a month ago.

She bolted upstairs, then sprinted outside, circling the villa.

Having promised to meet daily.

You Jin texted: “Come pick me up.”

Du Qingting replied: “Don’t bring your dog.” Then she asked: “Is your mom home?”

You Jin responded: “Trying to sneak into my room?”

Du Qingting didn’t want to run into her mother; it was too awkward.

Du Qingting: [Is she there?]

You Jin: [No.]

[But come early, she’ll be home later.]

Du Qingting waited until very late to leave, mainly to avoid her mother finding out and to dodge Liu Sumei.

She jogged over, tiptoeing to peek inside, and noticed a bald patch of grass by the You family’s gate where she’d squatted to slip photos. She wondered if she should bring a patch of grass from home to secretly fill it in.

Otherwise, every glimpse would dredge up those memories.

Those memories were pure torture.

From a distance, she spotted the Doberman charging toward the gate, pawing at it, ready to bark, its expression gleeful as if saying, I’ve caught you.

Now the dog didn’t bark at her, but whenever she was home or went downstairs, it immediately alerted You Jin.

Du Qingting deeply regretted giving You Jin such a living alarm system. She ducked, crouching under a tree.

You Jin stepped out, closing the door behind her. She wore simple casual pajamas—a loose white cotton short-sleeved shirt and shorts, her long, pale legs striking. Approaching Du Qingting, she asked, “How’re you holding up today? Recovered yet?”

Du Qingting stood. “A little…”

“So you’re good?” You Jin asked.

“No,” Du Qingting clarified. “My heart can’t take it. Understand, sister… s-sister…” The word “sister” slipped out from habit, how could she use it now?

You Jin let out an “oh” and stepped closer. “How much can’t you take?” Before Du Qingting could dodge, You Jin leaned in and kissed her over her heart. “Better now?”

Du Qingting’s heart pounded wildly, ready to burst. She stumbled back, her back pressing against the tree trunk.

You Jin’s fingers gently pinched her jaw. “Can your mouth handle it?” she asked, tilting Du Qingting’s chin up. “Did you wash your face?”

Du Qingting blurted, “Yes.”

You Jin chuckled, calling her a good girl, and gave her jaw a soft bite.

Du Qingting’s face flushed crimson. She felt like she was losing it. Heat surged from the corners of her eyes down to her jaw, pooling into a single burning point.

You Jin held her jaw with two fingers. “Can your mouth take it?” she said. “This spot feels the most mischievous, hurtful even.” She added, “Did you come this late on purpose?”

Du Qingting’s nose felt clogged, she could barely breathe. She didn’t dare move, afraid to linger at You Jin’s gate. Struggling to catch her breath, she said, “Tomorrow, I’ll come early. I promise.”

You Jin released her fingers, letting her go. “Where’s my phone case?”

Du Qingting fumbled in her pocket, pulling out the case. Handing it over felt awkward, but not giving it made her inexplicably nervous.

Under her gaze, You Jin slipped the case onto her phone.

Du Qingting quickly stepped back. “I’m heading home. It’s late, time to sleep.” Then, feeling off, she added, “Or maybe we could walk a bit.”

But bad luck strikes hard—misfortune sticks like cold water in your teeth.

A car approached, its headlights catching them both, as if exposing forbidden young lovers. It was the You family’s car, with Liu Sumei in the back seat, dressed in an elegant white dress adorned with blue flowers, her demeanor cool and poised. Du Qingting instinctively prepared to bolt.

As Liu Sumei’s car passed, she glanced at Du Qingting. “So now you blush and try to run when you see me? No more slipping photos into my house or threatening me?”

Du Qingting stammered, “No, Auntie, it’s a misunderstanding. I’m blushing because…” She trailed off, flustered—not anger or anxiety, just pure embarrassment. She regretted opening her mouth. What was there to explain? She couldn’t face Liu Sumei.

“What, feeling happy now?” Liu Sumei’s tone dripped with sarcasm, her irritation clear.

Du Qingting lowered her head, silent, praying she’d leave.

Liu Sumei glanced at You Jin, who bit her lip, gazing at the starry summer sky before taking Du Qingting’s hand.

Du Qingting’s short hair was a mess, her hands restless, head bowed low.

Liu Sumei’s voice was calm but firm. “Come over tomorrow. We’ll have a proper talk.”

Du Qingting’s heart raced. She mumbled, “Talk again?”

“What, you want to rush into marriage?” Liu Sumei stopped, her tone sharp. “Young people shouldn’t be so impatient. Everything has a process.”

“Threatening me shows some guts,” she added.

You Jin interjected, “Mom, go home. I’ll talk to her.”

Du Qingting felt like crying, her toes digging into the ground.

Liu Sumei, fed up after days of frustration, didn’t want to see her. She rolled up the window, and the car moved forward. Then, spotting something in the headlights, she lowered it again. “Oh, and tomorrow, bring tools to fix the lawn you ruined.”

Du Qingting wanted to protest, Auntie, I can explain.

The words stuck in her throat. She turned away, closing her eyes.

“Okay,” she said.

Next time, see if you dare come late.

First, fix future mother-in-law’s lawn!