Chapter 45: An Obvious Secret Crush

Xu Jianwei timed her arrival perfectly. By the time she drove over, Lin Yuran had just finished class.

“Where are we going to buy clothes?”

Lin Yuran waved the discount card in her hand. “Beichen Star Mall.”

Xu Jianwei blinked. Beichen Star? That place was full of international luxury brands, everything wildly expensive. It didn’t fit Lin Yuran’s spending habits at all.

Curious, she took the card from Lin Yuran’s hand for a look. “Oh my god!”

“Where did you get this?”

Lin Yuran answered honestly. “It’s from Chi Ye’s company, Mid-Autumn Festival benefit. Some scratch-card game.”

Xu Jianwei nearly choked. “Zero percent discount? No purchase limit? And you believe it’s just a game?”

Lin Yuran blinked, starting to sense something was off. “The employees all got one. Most were seventy or eighty percent off.”

“Right, so everyone else got seventy or eighty, but you happened to draw zero?” Xu Jianwei arched an eyebrow.

“…”

Lin Yuran bit her lip in silence.

Xu Jianwei thought for a moment. “Wait, wasn’t Mid-Autumn Festival right after school started? That was when I gave you some of my old clothes. Chi Ye found out you’ve been wearing my hand-me-downs, didn’t he?”

“Ah?” Lin Yuran’s lips pressed tighter.

“Ah, see?” Xu Jianwei sighed dramatically. “Chi Ye really has it bad for you.”

Then, with a teasing grin, she added, “Girl, I’ve met plenty of men in my life, but never one as decent as Chi Ye. If I were you, I’d have jumped him by now.”

Lin Yuran’s face turned bright red. “Weiwei!” she hissed in protest.

Xu Jianwei burst into laughter. “Fine, fine, I won’t say it. You two are all about that ‘pure love’ thing.”

Lin Yuran stared down at the discount card in her hand. She hadn’t even used it once since getting it. For one, she barely had time to shop; and two, a zero-percent, no-limit card. It was practically free shopping. She felt awkward about using it. And since Xu Jianwei’s donated clothes were more than enough, she never had the urge to buy new ones.

If it weren’t for wanting to impress someone, she wouldn’t have touched the card today.

Now realizing this card was probably Chi Ye’s doing, she suddenly didn’t want to use it anymore. “Weiwei, maybe we can go somewhere else instead. I don’t want to use this card. Let’s find a cheaper place.”

Xu Jianwei disagreed immediately. “Why not? It’s Chi Ye’s way of showing you he cares. For you, he gave the whole company discount cards. That’s some serious effort. If you don’t use it, you’re wasting his good intentions.”

“…” Lin Yuran hesitated. “Still feels inappropriate.”

“What’s inappropriate about it?” Xu Jianwei ignored her protest, already keying the mall into the GPS. “You’re wearing it for him, right? Then it’s only fair he foots the bill.”

She shot her a knowing look. “Ranran, you’re way too self-reliant. That’s fine in life, but in a relationship? You’ve got to learn to be soft sometimes, let him feel like you need him. That’ll make him love you more.”

Lin Yuran looked dazed, half-understanding, half-confused, and nodded weakly.

Dragged around Beichen Star Mall for hours, she tried on one dress after another under Xu Jianwei’s direction, all elegant, feminine pieces. Lin Yuran had a slender yet curvy figure, perfect proportions, a natural clothes hanger. Everything she tried on looked stunning.

Xu Jianwei acted like a domineering CEO from a drama, waving the zero-discount card with flair. “We’ll take them all,” she told the sales clerk proudly.

Lin Yuran quickly stopped her. “That’s too much! Just a few pieces. Don’t overdo it.”

Seeing she couldn’t win that argument, Xu Jianwei sighed and settled for a few of Lin Yuran’s favorites before checking out.

Before knowing the truth about the card, Lin Yuran had honestly thought she just got lucky. She’d even planned to buy Xu Jianwei something as thanks for years of hand-me-downs. But now, she couldn’t bring herself to be that generous.

Feeling guilty, Lin Yuran asked softly, “Weiwei, is there anything you like? I’ll get you one.”

Xu Jianwei had wanted to, but seeing Lin Yuran reluctant to even take more for herself, she waved it off. “No need. You know me, my wardrobe could last a year without repeats.”

That was what she said. But in her heart, Xu Jianwei was already plotting. The card had no expiration date anyway. Once Lin Yuran finally clued in and became Mrs. Chi, a bona fide rich wife, then she’d ask for the card herself.

Unable to treat Xu Jianwei, Lin Yuran felt bad and splurged on a hotpot dinner afterward, an extravagant gesture for her wallet.

Xu Jianwei was content; she knew that was about all her friend could afford.

As they chatted over the bubbling pot, Xu Jianwei reminded her again, “Ranran, when you’re with a man, don’t act too strong. Try being a little sweet, it’ll speed things up.”

“How do you even ‘act sweet’?”

Xu Jianwei batted her lashes and mimicked a coy tone. “Chi Ye~ I don’t know how to do this~”

Lin Yuran’s skin crawled. “Ugh! That’s so not me.”

Xu Jianwei groaned. “Fine, fine, you’re great at everything. No help for you!”

After dinner, she dropped Lin Yuran off. Just before she got out, she suddenly asked, “So, you’re chasing Chi Ye. Has he shown any reaction?”

Lin Yuran sighed. “What reaction could there be? I just started, and honestly, I didn’t think I’d be this cowardly. I haven’t even confessed directly.”

Xu Jianwei groaned. “You two are exhausting. It’s one sentence, so why make it so complicated?”

Lin Yuran smiled faintly. “Actually, I don’t think those few words matter that much. We’re already pretty sweet like this.”

“Sweet, my ass,” Xu Jianwei scoffed. “Girl, no offense, but what you’re doing is kind of shady. Flirting without confessing? That’s like keeping him on standby.”

Lin Yuran: “…”

Back home, it wasn’t too late. As usual, Lin Yuran painted deep into the night.

At ten, Chi Ye sent a WeChat message: 【I’ll be there at nine sharp tomorrow.】

Lin Yuran blinked in surprise.

He’d never told her a time before. He’d just… always been there waiting when she came out. Why suddenly give a specific time tonight?

Lin Yuran replied with an ‘OK’ sticker, then typed: 【Chi Ye, what breakfast in the cafeteria do you think is good?】

【None of it.】 came his curt reply.

She didn’t really believe him, but couldn’t press further. 【Alright then!】

【It’s late. Go to bed early.】

Lin Yuran looked at the time and sent a “Good night” emoji.

He replied simply: 【Good night.】

Lin Yuran wasn’t the type to follow orders. For a night owl like her, ten-thirty was early. Normally, she’d keep drawing, but staring at his ‘Good night,’ she found herself crawling into bed and falling asleep.

That night, she slept better than she had in ages.

— — — 

Because she’d gone to bed early, she woke up naturally without an alarm.

After drawing for two hours, Lin Yuran went to make breakfast. At first, she planned to just boil two eggs, but then she thought of bringing some for Chi Ye and got motivated. She fried four eggs, shaping his two into hearts using the mold that came with her pan.

Lin Yuran wasn’t much of a cook, so she made soy milk again, same as yesterday.

After eating and getting ready, she sat at her vanity, carefully did her makeup, curled her hair, and put on her favorite outfit from yesterday’s haul. This time, with a set pickup time, she didn’t have to freeze outside waiting early like before.

At 8:45 sharp, Lin Yuran went downstairs. When she stepped out of the building, even the security guard, Xiao Liu, froze in place. Lin Yuran smiled at his dazed look.

Today, she was wearing what Xu Jianwei had dubbed the ‘Man-Slaying Outfit.’

A black, off-shoulder knit bodycon dress that ended just below her hips. Black stockings, high boots, and a white wool coat draped open. The minimalist black-and-white palette, paired with her tousled silver curls and flawless makeup, gave her a soft yet dangerous allure.

Xiao Liu gawked. “You look ready to commit crimes with that face.”

Lin Yuran laughed lightly and didn’t respond, hurrying across the street to buy steamed buns. When she came back to wait by the gate, a sleek Rolls-Royce pulled up beside her, another car she’d never seen before.

Chi Ye stepped out from the driver’s seat and strode toward her.

After two steps, he stopped abruptly. Lin Yuran saw his pupils flicker. He must have only seen her back through the window before, and now that he saw her full look, it had clearly caught him off guard.

Lin Yuran smiled faintly and walked toward him. Her coat hung open, the winter wind lifting the hem behind her. Her long, stockinged legs flashed beneath the white wool, silent temptation with every step.

Chi Ye stood frozen, staring blankly.

Lin Yuran couldn’t help laughing.

When she reached him, she twirled lightly. “Chi Ye, does my new outfit look good?”

But her high-heeled boots slipped slightly on the half-melted snow, and she stumbled straight into his arms.

Chi Ye caught her swiftly, holding her steady.

Her cheek pressed against his chest, and she could hear his heartbeat, strong and fast. For a moment, she thought it was her own, but as his arm tightened around her waist and that heartbeat quickened even more, she realized it was his.

Hearing the heartbeat of someone who liked you… was strangely romantic.

She forgot to pull away.

Then came his low, husky murmur above her head: “Lin Nuotao, what are you up to, throwing yourself into my arms first thing in the morning?”

Lin Yuran’s face burned. She jerked back, stammering, “I-I slipped, that’s all.”

And immediately regretted it. What a wasted opportunity! She could’ve just said, I wanted to fall for you on purpose.

Lin Yuran bit her tongue, then her lip, silently scolding herself for her useless reflexes.

Chi Ye looked at her for a few seconds, amusement glinting in his eyes. “Doesn’t matter. You took advantage of me, so you’ll have to make it up to me.”

“Huh? How?” Lin Yuran was startled. “You can even compensate for something like that?”

His grin deepened, wicked and playful. “Depends on your sincerity.”

“…What, you want me to hug you back or something?” she muttered under her breath.

“Oh? You said it.” His grin widened as he stepped closer, arms opening as if to pull her in again.

He’s serious?!

Panicked, she glanced around at the passersby. Just as she turned back, he flicked her forehead lightly. She blinked up at him, rubbing the spot.

He chuckled. “Too many people. I’ll put it on your tab.”

On her tab?!

Lin Yuran frowned slightly in disbelief.

Chi Ye leaned down, his breath brushing her ear. “What’s wrong? One hug isn’t enough, you really want me to hold you again?”

Her whole body burned. She didn’t need a mirror to know her face was red as fire.

He said nothing more, just gazed at her quietly. His eyes softened with a familiar emotion, just like that first time he saw her, when she’d lifted her sleepy, flushed face from her desk.

The only sound between them was the mingling of warm breaths turning to white mist in the cold air.

Feeling his gaze too intensely, Lin Yuran blurted, “So? Is the outfit nice or not?”

“It’s nice,” he said, lips curling. Then, reaching out, he began buttoning her coat, one button at a time.

Lin Yuran frowned, stepping back. “Chi Ye, it looks better unbuttoned!”

Chi Ye ignored her, fastening the last two. “I’ve seen it already. It’s nice. Now button up, it’s cold.”

There was something possessive in his tone. Lin Yuran smiled faintly. “Actually, it’s not that cold. You don’t know, girls have these thermal tights that look bare-legged.”

“Mm. As long as you’re warm,” Chi Ye said casually. “But really, the coat looks better closed.”

Lin Yuran almost rolled her eyes. Yeah, right. But she held it in. Without giving her another chance to argue, he opened the passenger door. “Get in.”

Lin Yuran laughed under her breath, too amused to protest further, and climbed in.

Chi Ye circled around to the driver’s side, got in, and started the car.

Lin Yuran pointed to the canvas bag on the armrest. “Here. Breakfast for you.”

He peeked inside. On top was a clear container holding two heart-shaped fried eggs.

His lips lifted helplessly. “Lin Nuotao, you hugged me this morning, made me breakfast, even gave me heart-shaped eggs. Aren’t you afraid I’ll get the wrong idea?”

Lin Yuran bit her lip, then quietly said, “Think whatever you want.” She paused. “I’m not afraid of you thinking too much.”

Chi Ye’s smile deepened. “And if I do think too much, will you take responsibility?”

Lin Yuran nodded firmly. “I will.”

Chi Ye leaned back, eyes bright with laughter. “Alright then. Don’t go back on your word later.”

Lin Yuran nodded again, just as seriously.