Sweet as Honey and Sugar - Chapter 21:
There was no moon that night. The sky hung heavy and dark, but by midnight,
the clouds began to thin, revealing a bright crescent sharp, pure, and cold.
Moonlight spilled through the glass window, softening the gloom of the room.
Neither of them had fallen asleep.
He Qingrou lay with her back turned to Lin Nai. Her arm had gone numb under her body,
aching with a dull, familiar pain. She shifted slightly, rolling onto her back,
the sheets whispering under her.
In the silver light, Lin Nai’s gaze lingered on the tiny mole on Qingrou’s earlobe.
It was barely there faint in color, small enough to miss unless you were looking for it.
The first time she had seen it, curiosity got the better of her.
She’d leaned in and brushed it lightly with her lips.
That single, fleeting touch had set off a tide of heat neither of them could control.
From then on, Lin Nai knew this was Qingrou’s softest, most vulnerable place.
Touch it, and everything poise, restraint, shame would melt away like water.
Now that Qingrou had turned, the mole was hidden again.
Lin Nai’s eyes darkened. She leaned closer, hovering above her but careful not to press down,
her voice low and careless by Qingrou’s ear.
Can’t sleep?
The warmth of her breath touched Qingrou’s earlobe, light and teasing.
It itched faintly, and the nearness made it worse each word brushed against her skin,
as if Lin Nai might bite down at any moment.
Behave yourself, Qingrou murmured, voice barely above a whisper.
She gave Lin Nai a gentle push, shrinking her neck back into the pillow.
What are you thinking about? Lin Nai asked.
Nothing.
Qingrou turned her face toward the window. They were staying in a small loft with a courtyard,
enclosed by high brick walls. A tall, green tree grew just outside her window,
its branches thick and wild, almost touching the glass.
She stared at them absently. Just a little longer, she thought, and the branches would break
through. The tree was strong, growing fast it would only be a matter of time,
as long as no one came to trim it back.
If you can’t sleep, talk to me.
I’m sleeping.
Her lashes fluttered as she half-closed her eyes.
She slid deeper under the blanket until only her head was visible.
Don’t bother me.
Lin Nai gave a quiet laugh. Just moments ago, Qingrou had been restless,
turning over again and again. Lin Nai bent down, arms sliding around her waist,
lips close enough for a whisper that wasn’t meant for words.
Her tone was slow, unhurried intimate enough to make Qingrou’s skin burn.
Qingrou turned away, refusing to answer.
Hmm? Lin Nai’s voice roughened, her body pressing closer,
every motion deliberate, heavy with suggestion.
Go to sleep. We have to get up early tomorrow.
She tried to sound steady, but her voice betrayed her.
She gave another little push.
Lin Nai caught her hand before she could pull away, kissed her knuckles softly,
then lay down beside her, hand slipping under the blanket.
Sleep.
Then let go of me.
Qingrou tugged at her hand, but Lin Nai’s grip stayed firm.
Lin Nai didn’t respond. She simply closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.
When the alarm went off in the morning, Qingrou woke instantly.
The bed beside her was empty, the air cool where Lin Nai had been.
On the nightstand lay a folded outfit and a note. She picked it up two bold strokes of ink,
Gone.
Qingrou chuckled, tossing it back onto the table. It’s not like they wouldn’t see each other again.
Why leave a note for that?
After lying there a few minutes, her mind cleared.
She got up, her legs no longer sore but still a bit weak.
She gave her calves a few light taps, then tidied the room before washing up and changing clothes.
Just as she finished, Chi Jiayi knocked on the door.
You slept so early last night. I knocked forever no answer.
Chi held two breakfast boxes, handing one over.
I was exhausted, slept like a rock, Qingrou said, turning her back so naturally
you’d never guess the truth. Her heart gave a sudden flutter as she remembered the note.
She started chatting to distract Chi Jiayi while subtly moving toward the nightstand.
Something up?
Nothing really. I was just bored and couldn’t sleep, thought I’d come chat.
Chi smiled, handing over the breakfast. Freshly bought took forever to queue.
Thanks.
Qingrou bent slightly, slipping the note into her palm unseen, then took the food.
You not working today?
Not really. Just filling in wherever they need me. Yesterday I ran errands for the manager,
but today he said he’d call if something came up. Doesn’t look like it will.
I might go watch the races later.
You busy?
A bit. I have to check the exhibition site. You could come if you want.
Sure.
As Chi glanced around, her eyes caught on a matte black fountain pen on the nightstand.
She didn’t recognize the brand, but the design screamed expensive.
Nice pen. A birthday gift?
Qingrou’s birthday was July 3rd, so Chi assumed someone had given it early.
Qingrou froze for half a second, then nodded smoothly.
Yeah….
A college friend sent it arrived at the office yesterday, so I brought it here.
Chi nodded, curious. Mind if I take a look?
Go ahead.
Qingrou tore open her sandwich wrapper and took a bite.
The pen was jet black, unmarked. Chi uncapped it, inspecting it from all sides.
No logo, nothing. What brand is this?
No idea.
Already filled with ink. Maybe the label’s on the ink bottle?
Qingrou hesitated. Ink bottle? There was none. She quickly deflected.
No clue where I put it last night. Probably somewhere messy.
Anyway, it’s late let’s get going.
No rush.
Chi sat down, glancing toward the window. The sun’s barely up.
The place will be empty anyway.
Her eyes drifted back to Qingrou’s outfit. Today’s clothes looked… different.
Elegant, yes, but not her usual style more conservative, almost formal.
New clothes?
And the shoes too clearly designer, maybe the new Gucci line she’d seen recently.
Bought them before I came, Qingrou said lightly.
Someone’s rich now, Chi teased. That set costs at least twenty grand.
How big was your last bonus? You’ve gotta take me out next time you’re rolling in it.
Sixty-eight thousand, Qingrou admitted. I owe you a dinner anyway.
Once the car show’s over, I’ll treat you.
Deal. Call me anytime, I’ll come running. Oh, and you know Yang Shuncheng got reassigned back
to the workshop? Saw him at Line 2 yesterday, arguing with Master Jiang about something.
Qingrou frowned. Barely a week, and he’s already back. His reinstatement wouldn’t take long, then.
Chi clicked her tongue. Must be nice having connections. If it were us, we’d be exiled for life.
He treats it like a field trip.
Be careful, she added. He might try to mess with you again.
I know.
Don’t just keep quiet if he pulls something. You’ve got friends in higher places now
the deputy manager, Director Zhang, Director Lin. Use your head.
Don’t keep everything bottled up.
I’ll handle it.
Good. Just get through this year, and you’ll be fine. Promotion’s bound to make things easier.
Chi studied her face, then raised a brow.
You look different today.
She leaned closer, squinting. Your complexion’s better than usual.
And then she caught the faint trace of perfume on Qingrou
different from her usual scent, softer, warmer.
Ah. No wonder you didn’t answer the door last night.