Secretly Seducing the Third Female Lead Behind the System’s Back - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Fireworks

Jiang Yisheng took a step forward, and the cool fragrance on Bai Chu’s body immediately wafted into her nose. She had wanted to say something, but when she looked up and met Bai Chu’s gaze, her mind went completely blank.

She actually saw a trace of searching in Bai Chu’s eyes.

Jiang Yisheng’s heart stirred.

“Do you believe me?”

Her expression was serious, brows slightly furrowed, but her tone was soft, the tail end of her sentence like a tiny feather brushing gently across Bai Chu’s heart.

The two of them locked eyes amidst the clamor of kitchen smoke and sizzling oil—not the romantic atmosphere of the rose-lit evening before, only the sound of the exhaust fan—but Bai Chu strangely felt a sense of peace.

After a moment, Bai Chu looked away first and continued plating the ribs. “Let’s eat.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Yisheng nodded and also averted her gaze.

She knew Bai Chu didn’t truly believe her, but as long as Bai Chu was willing to ask, she was willing to explain—over and over again.

She brought the prepared chicken wings to the table, then scooped rice into bowls.

When Bai Chu placed the ribs on the table and looked over the dishes, she paused in surprise.

There were two plates of smashed cucumbers on the table.

“Couldn’t fit it all on one plate?”

“Nope. One has garlic, the other doesn’t.” Jiang Yisheng set the rice down and placed chopsticks for the both of them.

Bai Chu paused briefly, then untied her apron. “You didn’t need to go through the trouble. I could’ve just eaten something else.”

“It’s no trouble. If you don’t like it, just don’t add it,” Jiang Yisheng replied matter-of-factly.

Bai Chu sat down and picked up a chicken wing, placing it into Jiang Yisheng’s bowl. “It’s not that I can’t eat it—it’s just that I never got used to it growing up. When I eat alone, I avoid it if I can.”

Jiang Yisheng suddenly remembered: when Bai Chu was a child in the He family, her preferences were probably never considered.

“Bai Chu-jie,” Jiang Yisheng called.

“Mm?”

“Not just smashed cucumbers—any dish can be made without scallions or ginger.”

Bai Chu smiled. “Some dishes need those to bring out the flavor.”

“Then I’ll just make two versions.”

“That’s too much trouble. Let’s eat.” Bai Chu placed a rib into Jiang Yisheng’s bowl. “Try it and see how it tastes.”

She was trying to change the subject.

“I don’t think it’s trouble at all,” Jiang Yisheng insisted.

Bai Chu picked up a piece of garlic-free cucumber, chewed slowly, and turned to Jiang Yisheng. “Not bad.”

Jiang Yisheng immediately narrowed her eyes with pride. “Of course! I haven’t even shown my true skills yet.”

She had been too busy chatting earlier. Now she picked up a chicken wing from her bowl and took a bite.

“Mmm~~~”

She deliberately dragged out the sound.

“So delicious!” Jiang Yisheng bit into the wing and leaned her head toward Bai Chu. “But you can barely tie with me at best.”

Bai Chu looked down at her childish expression, lips curving up slightly, and gave her another piece.

“Ah!” Jiang Yisheng suddenly exclaimed.

Startled, Bai Chu quickly turned to her. “What’s wrong?”

“I forgot to take a picture!” Jiang Yisheng quickly put down her chopsticks and reached for her phone.

She stood and raised the phone high to snap photos of the table.

Bai Chu set down her chopsticks and waited.

Suddenly, Jiang Yisheng moved Bai Chu’s bowl slightly toward her. “It’s in the shot.”

A few seconds later, she withdrew the phone. “All done.”

She plopped back into her chair and resumed eating contentedly.

Now, besides the clinking of dishes, Bai Chu’s ears were filled with Jiang Yisheng’s animated storytelling.

Suddenly, the day felt very different from usual.

Watching Jiang Yisheng, Bai Chu absentmindedly ate much more than normal.

After the meal, Jiang Yisheng got up to do the dishes.

“There’s a dishwasher. Just put them in,” Bai Chu said.

“Got it.”

After returning from the kitchen, Jiang Yisheng collapsed onto the sofa. As soon as she finished eating, sleepiness crept in and her eyelids grew heavy.

“Have some fruit.” Bai Chu brought out a plate of strawberries and sat beside her.

Jiang Yisheng opened her eyes, picked up a strawberry with her lips, and closed them again.

She was very sleepy.

Bai Chu looked down at her slightly parted lips, the moisture on the strawberry clinging to her mouth, glistening pink and tender.

Then, the strawberry disappeared into her mouth with a flick of the tongue.

Bai Chu snapped back to herself, quickly looking away and picking up a strawberry for herself.

“If you’re tired, go nap in the guest room,” Bai Chu said softly.

“Then what will you do?” Jiang Yisheng leaned her head against the sofa, eyes barely open.

“I’ll go over some documents.” Even though it was the holidays, Bai Chu had just signed an important contract and needed to review the details.

“I’ll keep you company,” Jiang Yisheng said.

“No ne—” Before Bai Chu could finish, Jiang Yisheng’s eyes had already closed again, her breathing even.

Bai Chu swallowed the rest of her sentence. She reached for a nearby blanket and gently covered Jiang Yisheng, then opened her tablet to start reading.

Sunlight poured into the room, warming their feet.

Bai Chu glanced down at their slippers—one yellow, one pink. Jiang Yisheng’s yellow slippers were paired with red festive socks, looking very cute.

Feeling warmth across her own feet, Bai Chu suddenly wondered if wearing single slippers would make Jiang Yisheng’s feet cold.

Even with the heater on, feet tend to get cold easily.

There were no fleece slippers at home. She made a mental note to buy two pairs next time.

She grabbed another small blanket and placed it over their feet.

A few seconds later, her gaze returned to the tablet.

The sunlight slowly shifted, turning into a soft golden hue.

Suddenly, Bai Chu felt a weight on her shoulder, followed by a warm breath and body heat.

She froze, fingers halting mid-scroll on the tablet…

Gradually, the golden-orange light dimmed. Only a faint glow remained in the room.

Jiang Yisheng slowly opened her eyes and saw the blanket over her.

She started to sit up—then realized she was leaning against Bai Chu.

Instead of moving away, she leaned back into her.

Looking up slightly, she saw Bai Chu sitting perfectly straight with her eyes closed.

The sound of her steady, gentle breathing was soothing, and Jiang Yisheng couldn’t help but smile.

Surrounded by Bai Chu’s scent, she took the chance to sniff deeply.

It wasn’t perfume—it was lighter, subtler, and much more pleasant. Jiang Yisheng loved it.

Afraid that Bai Chu might get cold, she gently shifted half of her own blanket to cover Bai Chu.

Smiling, she closed her eyes again. Sharing one blanket made her heart race.

Feeling the warmth radiating from Bai Chu, Jiang Yisheng quietly reached for her hand under the blanket.

Her fingertips gently traced her palm before slipping in between her fingers.

Fingers intertwined—lightly, cautiously.

Having succeeded in her tiny scheme, Jiang Yisheng leaned against Bai Chu’s shoulder again, secretly grinning.

“Jiang Yisheng.” A calm voice suddenly rang out.

Startled, Jiang Yisheng’s eyes flew open. But their hands were still clasped—she didn’t want to let go, so she shut her eyes and pretended to sleep.

But her uneven breathing had already betrayed her.

Bai Chu opened her eyes, clear and alert.

She turned her head slightly, her chin brushing Jiang Yisheng’s hair. “It’s getting dark. Time to go home.”

Only then did Jiang Yisheng “wake up,” slowly opening her eyes and stretching. While doing so, she deliberately tightened her grip under the blanket.

Their fingers held tightly—no gap between them.

A contented sigh welled up from her heart.

Still pretending to be half-asleep, she nestled back into Bai Chu, forehead resting on her shoulder, savoring her warmth.

Bai Chu didn’t push her away and let her linger.

After a while, Jiang Yisheng felt it was time and slowly sat up—but didn’t let go of her hand.

“It’s already dark!” Jiang Yisheng exclaimed in mock surprise.

“Mm. Wake up a bit, I’ll walk you home.” Bai Chu started to pull her hand away to stand up.

Jiang Yisheng gripped it tightly, not letting her go.

Suddenly, fireworks exploded outside the window.

Thanks to the angle of the floor-to-ceiling window, the entire display was in full view with no obstruction.

“Wow, so pretty!” Jiang Yisheng now not only held her hand but clung to her arm, marveling in awe.

Bai Chu relaxed and stayed beside her, watching together.

Jiang Yisheng’s eyes sparkled with the reflection of the fireworks. She often turned to glance at Bai Chu, sharing her excitement.

Just last night, Bai Chu thought fireworks were a waste. But seeing Jiang Yisheng so happy, she finally understood their meaning.

Even if they’re fleeting, bringing joy to someone—that’s what makes them matter.

Just as Jiang Yisheng eagerly awaited the next one, no more fireworks appeared.

“All done?” she mumbled, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

“Come on, I’ll take you home.” Bai Chu gave their clasped hands a gentle squeeze before letting go, then grabbed Jiang Yisheng’s coat.

Jiang Yisheng stood up obediently, lazily putting on her jacket.

Her coat was long, and she had to bend over to zip it. She fiddled with it for a while, but it wouldn’t zip up.

After Bai Chu finished dressing, she saw Jiang Yisheng still struggling. She walked over and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“It won’t zip,” Jiang Yisheng said, bent over, bundled up in her puffy coat, looking adorably round.

Bai Chu crouched down and took the zipper. It wouldn’t budge either.

She examined it closely—it had caught on the fabric.

Jiang Yisheng watched her squat down and help with the zipper, her heart swelling. That feeling of being in love overflowed.

Bai Chu looked serious, brows subtly furrowed.

“All done.” Her brows relaxed as she zipped it all the way up and stood.

At that moment, Jiang Yisheng suddenly flung herself into her arms.

Bai Chu froze, arms suspended midair.

“Bai Chu-jie, why are you so nice…” Jiang Yisheng murmured, hugging her tightly and burying her face into her shoulder.

She was half a head shorter than Bai Chu, leaning fully into her, her head naturally nuzzling into the crook of Bai Chu’s neck.