To Sink Into You - Chapter 38

Xia Lin wrapped an ice pack in a towel and carefully applied it to the bruises on Wen Qingcheng’s back, her voice thick with a stuffy nose. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I didn’t want you to cry,” Wen Qingcheng mumbled, lying face down on the bed, her long, wavy hair spread across the pillow. She winced in pain, but refused to show it.

“Even if you hide your pain, I’ll still cry,” Xia Lin said, kneeling beside the bed, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears. Like a loyal puppy guarding its owner, she kissed Wen Qingcheng’s cheek and said guiltily, “Sister, it’s all my fault.”

“Don’t be silly,” Wen Qingcheng said, flicking Xia Lin’s forehead. “What does this have to do with you?”

Xia Lin choked back a sob. “I’m sorry.”

“If you keep this up, I’ll get angry,” Wen Qingcheng said, sitting up and playfully pinching Xia Lin’s cheek. Then, a thought struck her. “Is your High Fever Period coming soon?”

“Mm-hmm,” Xia Lin replied, tilting her head back and obediently letting Wen Qingcheng tease her.

Wen Qingcheng’s fingertips traced Xia Lin’s soft lips, rubbing them suggestively. “Then I—”

“No,” Xia Lin said, biting Wen Qingcheng’s fingertip in refusal. “You’re injured. You can’t exert yourself.”

Wen Qingcheng’s eyes darkened. “Do we have any Inhibitors left?”

“Yes,” Xia Lin frowned. “Lie back down quickly. The ice is melting all over the bed.”

Wen Qingcheng followed Xia Lin’s instructions, resting her head on her arm, her expression utterly dejected. “We finally have time off together, and it happens to coincide with my High Fever Period. And we can’t even indulge? That’s just cruel.”

Xia Lin sighed helplessly. “I don’t want to risk further harm to my girlfriend’s body because of this.”

Wen Qingcheng entwined her fingers with Xia Lin’s, her eyes gleaming seductively. “Then show me what you’d do,” she purred.

Xia Lin’s cheeks flushed crimson as she muttered, “Naughty sister.”

Wen Qingcheng deliberately dragged out her tone. “Please, Linlin Baby~?”

“Stop teasing,” Xia Lin said, covering Wen Qingcheng’s mouth. “Get some rest.”

Wen Qingcheng chuckled, “Alright.”

After washing up, Xia Lin lay on her side, her arm draped lightly across Wen Qingcheng’s waist. “Does your back still hurt?”

“A little,” Wen Qingcheng pouted. “A kiss would make it feel better.”

Xia Lin’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she leaned in to kiss her, only pulling back when their breaths grew ragged. “How about now?”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” Wen Qingcheng said, burrowing into Xia Lin’s embrace. “Don’t worry, let’s sleep.”

A misty sheen glazed Xia Lin’s eyes, her cheeks gradually warming. She whispered, “Sister.”

“Hmm?” Wen Qingcheng lazily opened her eyes. “What is it, darling?”

Xia Lin’s thick lashes fluttered as she murmured softly, “I’ll show you what I’d do.”

Wen Qingcheng froze for a moment, then a slow smile spread across her lips. She wrapped her arms around Xia Lin’s waist, her voice low and seductive. “Our Linlin’s High Fever Period has arrived.”

Four days later, Xia Lin’s High Fever Period had ended, and Wen Qingcheng’s injuries had improved. The two ventured out for the first time in ages, heading to the Mingwei Group Building to discuss the contract with Ming Qian.

Qing Zeyya led them to the CEO’s office. “Please come in.”

“Thank you,” Wen Qingcheng said, taking Xia Lin’s hand and walking to the desk. She greeted Ming Qian with a smile, “Sister Ming Qian, it’s been a while.”

“It has been a while, Qingcheng,” Ming Qian replied with a warm smile. “Please sit down.”

Wen Qingcheng pulled Xia Lin into a seat and asked, “Is Yuxi not here?”

“She’s at a photoshoot,” Ming Qian said, pushing two copies of the contract across the desk. “Take a look. If everything seems satisfactory, you can prepare to terminate your contract with your current company.”

Xia Lin flipped open the contract, her expression focused as she read carefully.

To be honest, Mingwei Media’s contract was far superior to Shancheng Entertainment’s exploitative terms. Every clause was fair, even leaning in favor of the artists—it was almost too good to be true.

Wen Qingcheng naturally trusted Ming Qian and gave the documents a cursory glance. “No problem. It’s settled then.”

Xia Lin closed the folder, pursing her lips. “I’m fine with it too.”

“Great,” Ming Qian nodded, smiling. “Have you had lunch yet? Would you like to join me?”

Xia Lin quickly replied, “No, President Ming. Qingcheng and I still have some things to take care of.”

Wen Qingcheng tilted her head, giving Xia Lin a puzzled look. Since when did we have things to take care of?

Ming Qian didn’t press the issue. “Alright, then. Let’s meet again another day. Here’s my business card. Once you’ve terminated your contracts with your current company, come find me and we’ll sign the official agreement.”

“Okay.”

Leaving the Mingwei Group building, Wen Qingcheng stretched lazily and asked Xia Lin, “What things do we have to take care of?”

“Nothing really,” Xia Lin pouted. “President Ming and I aren’t close. It would be awkward to eat with him.”

Wen Qingcheng sensed her friend’s petty jealousy and burst out laughing, teasing, “Our Linlin, the main ingredient in lemon tea is lemons, you know.”

Xia Lin playfully slapped her arm, huffing, “You meanie!”

Wen Qingcheng laughed even harder, ruffling Xia Lin’s hair. “Don’t be silly. Sister Ming Qian and I are completely innocent. She’s been living abroad for years, and we’ve barely seen each other since our engagement. There’s no real connection between us.”

Xia Lin’s anger immediately dissipated. She looped her arm through Wen Qingcheng’s and asked curiously, “Does Xixi really like President Ming?”

“Yes, that girl has been secretly crushing on Sister Ming Qian for years,” Wen Qingcheng sighed. “Liking Sister Ming Qian is a tough job. She may seem gentle and mild-mannered on the surface, but she’s actually quite aloof inside. Pursuing her must be incredibly difficult.”

Xia Lin studied her thoughtfully. “You seem to know her very well.”

Wen Qingcheng flicked Xia Lin’s forehead. “We practically grew up together, after all. We understand each other pretty well.”

“What about Xixi?”

“Of course. But her family moved out of the Old Mansion years ago. Their new home is quite far from the Imperial Capital, so she only returned to Central City to rent an apartment for university. Recently, her parents moved back too. I wonder why they keep moving around like that.”

Xia Lin nodded thoughtfully. “I see.”

Just before Lunar New Year’s Eve, Xia Lin and Wen Qingcheng finally resolved their issues with their former companies, paid the breach-of-contract fees, and officially joined Mingwei Media.

That evening, the four of them shared a meal together.

With everything back on track and a bright future ahead, Wen Qingcheng declared confidently, “Sister Ming Qian, don’t worry! I’ll definitely earn back the breach of contract fee within a year!”

Ming Qian smiled warmly. “I look forward to it.”

Wen Yuxi scoffed. “Keep dreaming. What can you even accomplish in a year?”

Wen Qingcheng chuckled. “Just wait and see.”

Xia Lin remained silent, sipping her drink with her cheeks puffed out like an adorable little hamster.

Wen Yuxi picked up a piece of fish, accidentally dropping it onto the table. “Ah!” she exclaimed. “Sister, could you pass me a napkin?”

Ming Qian handed her a napkin. “Did you spill any on your clothes?”

“No,” Wen Yuxi replied with an embarrassed smile. “My hand slipped.”

Ming Qian smiled back. “It’s okay. Just be careful not to burn yourself.”

Xia Lin watched their interaction, mentally scoffing. Ming Qian isn’t cold at all! She’s practically drowning them in affection.

They look like they’re mutually in love.

It’s so confusing!