Pillowside Passion - Chapter 5

5:

Everyone at the table was chatting, ordering seafood barbecue and duck snacks.

No one asked for names, and You Jin had reminded them not to call her “President You.” No one dared use her full name either. Under the table, Du Qingting crossed her legs while her sneaker tip grazed You Jin’s leg again, her younger-sister acting far from being obedient.

You Jin tugged lightly at her skirt hem, legs resting calmly together. When Du Qingting’s touch landed, You Jin’s eyes, behind her glasses, lifted to meet hers.

Yes, it was a bit thrilling.

Su Qinxi frowned slightly. “How’d you two meet?”

Du Qingting glanced at her. “Me and her? On the plane, same flight… Pretty coincidental, huh?”

The Xianghai colleague chimed in, “Same hotel too?”

“Yup.” Du Qingting nodded.

Su Qinxi, holding her beer said, “That’s quite the coincidence.”

She added, “So, you’re here… for a vacation?”

Du Qingting replied, “Running from a marriage. And hanging out with her.”

Su Qinxi felt like she’d forgotten how to understand Chinese.

Du Qingting turned to You Jin. “Are you free tomorrow? Can I ask you out?”

You Jin didn’t answer. Su Qinxi still found it odd, staring at Du Qingting, tempted to wave a hand in front of her face.

Did she really not recognize her, or just blind?

Su Qinxi mulled it over. Du Qingting genuinely seemed clueless about You Jin. She started doubting herself. “Am I the blind one, mistaking her for someone else?”

She’d never heard of Du Qingting needing cornea surgery or some amnesia trope coming to life. Could a trip abroad really make her forget You Jin so dramatically?

Su Qinxi asked, “Your arranged match… you grew up together. Is she your only childhood friend, or there are others?”

“She’s not exactly a childhood friend. She went to a gifted program in sixth grade. I played with other kids longer. It wasn’t until my college entrance exam that she tutored me, and we only spent a month or two together.”

Confirmed.

Hopelessly. It was definitely Du Qingting.

Xu Yang, unaware of who the “arranged match” was, asked curiously, “What does she look like? How old is she? Why’s it gotta be you?”

Du Qingting said, “Looks-wise, she’s alright. A beauty.”

She glanced at You Jin. “Compared to her, she’s way off. Probably a bit older too.”

Yuan Han’s expression grew complicated, cutting to the chase. “Does she like you or something? Why else would she keep targeting you? Isn’t that messed up?”

That stumped Du Qingting. She fiddled with her can, thinking hard before answering. “Maybe she’s got a little crush on me…” She said it hesitantly, feeling guilty, convinced You Jin had no feelings for her. The thought was so terrifying she’d wake up from nightmares. She quickly backtracked. “Nah, I don’t think she likes me. Probably just old and bad-tempered, and I… I’m just durable.”

Yuan Han stifled a laugh, holding back his emotions. “Sounds like she’s got issues, mental problems or something…” He trailed off, feeling a chill that You Jin’s eyes were glaring at him, terrifying.

Su Qinxi choked, grabbing a napkin to wipe her lips.

Du Qingting looked at her. “You okay?”

Su Qinxi couldn’t laugh or cry. In that moment, she recalled every sad thing in her life, her face grave. “Yeah, your life’s been rough.”

She raised her drink. “Let’s toast.”

Du Qingting didn’t get why she’d said that but clinked her bottle with You Jin’s. You Jin’s red lips sipped the beer, glossy and alluring. Du Qingting sincerely complimented her beauty.

Xu Yang noticed her outfit. “Your clothes look familiar, like I’ve seen them somewhere.”

Du Qingting’s lips curved, her eyes flicking to You Jin.

Su Qinxi quickly hushed her with the look ‘Don’t keep going, or President You will kill someone. Forget the Xianghai project; you’ll be dead first.’

“Han, don’t drink. You’re driving. Stay sharp.”

Xu Yang popped open a can. “Speaking of mental cases, I get you. I’m kinda tall, right? I’ve got a twin sister, and some idiot guy with issues kept chasing me. I told the teacher, who called both me and my sister in. The guy couldn’t even tell who he was after. Later, in college, that creep followed me there. You gotta steer clear of psychos.”

Du Qingting nodded. “Got it.”

Su Qinxi leaned back on the couch, rubbing her temples. Watching the three get carried away, she slid a bottle to Xu Yang.

Sis, this is all I can do for you.

Fate’s up to the heavens, and the project’s up to You Jin.

You Jin…

You Jin sat still, legs crossed, her gaze on Du Qingting sharp yet enticing. From Su Qinxi’s angle, Du Qingting’s days seemed numbered, but You Jin’s eyes held a hint of amusement.

She was practically setting Du Qingting ablaze with desire.

When Du Qingting found out… wasn’t this a kind of revenge?

The tablecloth stayed untouched.

Su Qinxi pretended to adjust her shirt, lifting a corner of the cloth. Her eyes caught three legs under the table.

Du Qingting’s black-trousered leg had slipped under You Jin’s dark green skirt.

Hard to judge.

She stayed silent, dwelling on sad thoughts.

“When she hit you, you didn’t fight back?”

“I did. I swore I’d stop being so durable. Whenever she showed up, I’d cry. Alone with her, I’d cry.”

“You’re hilarious.”

Su Qinxi couldn’t hold back, looking at Du Qingting with pity. Kid, if it’s this bad, see a doctor. Modern medicine’s advanced, face blindness and regular blindness are serious.

Her emotions mixed, she blurted, “So, what’d you score on the exam? You two fell out over that? Don’t think too badly of her, people change.”

“Six…”

Cough. You Jin made a sound, winking at Du Qingting. Du Qingting pursed her lips, her leg brushing a sensitive spot, still moving. The 600-something score stayed unspoken.

“How about we call it a night?” Su Qinxi stood, helping You Jin up, wanting a word. “You… I’ll take the big boss. She’s drunk.”

Du Qingting got up, reaching for You Jin. “I’ve got her. We’re at the same hotel.”

Su Qinxi glanced at her, then to You Jin who didn’t follow her. Getting the hint, she said, “Alright, you take her. We’ll head back.”

Du Qingting nodded. You Jin leaned into her, and as Du Qingting held her waist, she felt her curves instantly. “You’re the big boss?”

Su Qinxi gave You Jin one last look. Facing the others’ questions, she nodded. “It’s fine. Han, get the car. Xu Yang and I will wait up front.”

Yuan Han, the designated driver, grabbed the keys and left.

The two walked out of the music hall. Su Qinxi glanced back, uneasy. They were really close.

Xu Yang whispered, “Is she and President You really just new acquaintances? They seem so familiar.”

“Shh.”

“In a way, they’re too familiar,” Su Qinxi said, patting her shoulder heavily. Unable to resist, she whispered, “Yang, guess who Xiao Du was talking about today?”

“Who’s Xiao Du?” Xu Yang was confused.

“…President You’s childhood friend.”

“That’s all the hint you get.”

At the elevator, Xu Yang’s eyes widened, mind blown. “What? No way. Holy, she was cursing President You to her face? The one she’s running from is President You?”

Xu Yang asked, baffled, “Why didn’t President You call her out? I didn’t dare say her name, I called her ‘sister.’ That’s fine, right?”

“Du Qingting didn’t just call her sister, she called her big sister. Beating or not, it’s coming. Maybe it’s that ‘hit is love, curse is affection’ thing. Love so deep it’s a kick to the heart.”

Two minutes later, Xu Yang recalled her own words, wailing, “Oh no, stop me—I’m jumping into Xianghai. I’m done. What kind of idiot am I?”

A few chocolate-skinned locals passed by, consoling her. “Hey, don’t give up. Life’s tough, but you’ll get through it.”

///

Du Qingting held the soft, warm figure in her arms. You Jin’s eyes were half-closed, resting lightly on her shoulder. At the elevator, Du Qingting caught their reflection in the door. She tilted slightly, reaching for You Jin’s glasses. As her fingers brushed them, You Jin stirred with her hand gently covering Du Qingting’s.

Du Qingting’s fingers rested on her cheek, sliding downward. You Jin squinted her cheek pressing into her palm.

“Trying to do something naughty?”

Her voice was languid, her half-awake eyes gazing hazily. Du Qingting’s heart jolted, as if caught doing something scandalous, when all she’d meant was to fix You Jin’s crooked glasses.

“I wanted to see what big sister looks like without glasses.”

“What did you call me?”

“Big sister.”

“Big sister…” You Jin murmured, “If I take them off, you’ll know what I look like. When this ends… recognizing me later would be awkward.”

“No way,” Du Qingting said. “I forget fast.”

“Hm?” You Jin raised a brow.

Du Qingting rarely admitted her face blindness. “Your look now… I’ll never forget it. Ever.”

You Jin tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Then just remember me with glasses.”

Her finger tapped Du Qingting’s nose.

“Don’t cross the line.”

Cross the line.

Du Qingting wanted to kiss her. That wouldn’t cross the line?

“We’re not already over the line?” she asked, voice low.

The elevator arrived, and someone stepped out. They didn’t get on. You Jin sidestepped the question. “Was that invitation to hang out real or fake?”

“Real.”

“But… aren’t we a nighttime thing?”

Du Qingting’s heart thumped. Why was it racing? Wasn’t she drawing a boundary?

She should’ve felt disappointed, but why was she excited?

Du Qingting said, “We do everything at night, but pretend we don’t know each other by day, right?”

The elevator returned. You Jin stepped in with her gait unsteady. Du Qingting followed and You Jin stood behind her, head lowered, leaning close.

They stood near, a couple beside them murmuring—or maybe not.

She gave her nights, teased her but it wasn’t enough.

What about the days?

The elevator doors opened and closed, people coming and going.

At the 20th floor going inside her room, Du Qingting pressed closer, taking the lead. You Jin let her take charge, her hand resting on You Jin’s chest—so captivating all night.

“Expensive dress?”

You Jin said, “Nights are all yours.”

Du Qingting gripped the dress, fingers crumpling it, barely holding back.

“Palm mark gone?”

You Jin replied, “Not sure. Check for yourself?”

Du Qingting’s fingers inched up. You Jin’s hand pressed over hers. “I’m going to shower, okay?”

Du Qingting nodded. “Sure.”

You Jin’s fingers circled her chest, tugging her collar lightly. “You’re so good, like an innocent little puppy.”

Du Qingting’s face warmed at the praise.

“I’m not that innocent.”

She glanced at You Jin’s perfect figure. “Maybe not a puppy, but…”

“Hm?”

Du Qingting didn’t vibe with being a puppy. She reached for her glasses. “A wolf.”

You Jin didn’t resist, letting her touch the frames. “Are you nearsighted?”

“Hm?”

You Jin leaned in, as if to kiss her but then stopped just short, always leaving her wanting. “A bit nearsighted. Wearing them makes you clearer.”

“Contacts exist,” Du Qingting said, recalling Jiang Mingyue. “Ever worn them?”

“I started wearing these at the bar when I saw you. Not sure why, but I always want to wear them around you.” You Jin frowned, puzzled. Du Qingting, who’d picked up plenty of crude slang abroad, couldn’t help muttering, “Kinky.”

You Jin pressed a finger to her lips, signaling no dirty words, but her light-colored eyes betrayed her.

She liked it.

This woman clearly loved dirty talk.

So open-minded.

You Jin withdrew her hand, heading to the bathroom. Undressing, she revealed soft, pale curves, tossing her clothes outside—black undergarments landing on the dark green dress.

The door clicked shut.

Du Qingting’s heart itched, her breathing heated. She popped a Ceylon mint candy in her mouth.

Marriage could never be this free.

She hadn’t even dated, and now she was supposed to marry You Jin? She could already picture their married life.

Like, if she felt lonely at night, craving something spicy, whispering in You Jin’s ear, “Wife, you’re so hot and so wild, I wanna do it.”

The result? You Jin would kick her to the door, sneer coldly, and snap, “Du Qingting, say that again and I’ll sew your mouth shut. Shameless.”

The only wild, kinky thing in their marriage would be You Jin pointing at her nose: Kneel on the washboard.

Du Qingting shuddered, recalling that night You Jin pinned her to the bed, slapping her and kicking her face.

After that, she didn’t dare date, let alone think about s3x.

She crunched the mint candy, her tongue tingling. The sound of water came from the bathroom. She stared at the frosted glass’s cold light.

Her hand slid back, pressing the bar counter.

What unspeakable kinks did this woman have?

She’d never hit anyone… Maybe she’d cry and beg to be treated a certain way.

Du Qingting realized she liked teasing older sisters—especially the commanding, mature type who’d beg to be handled.

She couldn’t think further.

Her hand accidentally knocked a box off the table.

Thud. It hit the floor.

Bending to pick it up, she saw a dog tag with a silver leash. At first, she didn’t think much, but holding the collar to her neck… it seemed her size.

There was a chew toy, a black muzzle.

A black ball nearly rolled under the sofa.

As a comic artist, Du Qingting had seen plenty of normal and not-so-normal works. Glancing at the items, she’d drawn similar things herself. Instantly, her head spun.

This big sister… is into that?