Chapter 45: Soy Sauce
Zhou Ting chuckled, leaning close to her ear. “It’s not hard…”
Lin Xiaoxiao’s ears tingled under his teasing, and despite his encouraging look, she hesitated before giving in…
Soon, catching his dissatisfied glance, she pouted. “I’m done. Go find another woman.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Who else would I find but you?”
She huffed, thinking of the perfume she’d smelled that day. “How would I know? You’re not short on women…”
Hearing the sourness in her tone, Zhou Ting found it adorable.
He lifted her soft chin, their eyes meeting, his voice magnetic. “Little one, are you jealous?”
Her heart skipped, but she denied it. “N-no way!”
He laughed softly, leaning to kiss her rosy lips.
To his surprise, she dodged, her face red, muttering, “Dirty…”
Realizing her meaning, he didn’t give her another chance to refuse, kissing her deeply.
“Mmph…” Overwhelmed by his presence, her rationality wavered.
After a long moment, he looked at the dazed, alluring girl and said softly, “Who said I have other women?”
Still dizzy, she felt a pang of grievance. “You had another woman’s perfume on you. Doesn’t that mean something?”
He paused, then laughed, understanding. Pinning her shoulders, he patiently explained.
After a while, she finally believed he had no other women.
Ruffling her hair, he teased, “Happy now, little vinegar jar?”
She huffed, turning away, too shy to meet his gaze. Feeling cowardly, she glared back at him.
He felt a bit wronged but was about to speak when he gasped—her sudden boldness caught him off guard…
*
When it was over, Lin Xiaoxiao tucked her hair behind her ear and resumed housework.
Aside from her lingering flush and the odd kitchen scent, no one would know what happened.
Zhou Ting leaned against the doorway, watching her graceful figure, increasingly charmed by her wifely aura.
His intense gaze made her uneasy, but helpless, she focused on her rag.
Noticing the empty soy sauce bottle, she muttered, “Used up already? Guess I’ll buy more tomorrow.”
His voice sounded close. “Let’s go now. Together.”
She blinked, glancing outside. “Now? It’s late…”
He brushed it off with a casual “It’s fine” and pulled her out the door.
Under a starry sky, the night was enchanting.
In the neighborhood, she walked ahead, him trailing leisurely.
Noticing, she slowed to match his pace.
He raised an eyebrow. “What’s up?”
She hummed, teasing, “Didn’t you look like a creepy uncle stalking me? I was worried you’d get arrested.”
He was speechless. “You ever see a stalker this handsome?”
She rolled her eyes, casually taking his hand. “Hurry up. How long does it take to buy soy sauce?”
He glanced at their joined hands, his lips curving as he tightened his grip. “You seem in a good mood.”
Her expression froze. “No way, you’re seeing things.”
He didn’t call her out, instead wrapping an arm around her slender waist.
She trembled but didn’t resist much. Thinking of Xin Wan, she worried, “Zhou Ting, will Xin Wan tell Zhou Yang about us?”
He pondered for a moment. “Knowing her, she probably would.”
Her face fell with worry. “What do we do?”
He offered a few comforting words but no solutions.
Truthfully, he had his own motives. Lin Xiaoxiao refused to present as a woman in public, likely to hide their relationship from Zhou Yang.
If Xin Wan forced everything into the open, it might not be a bad thing.
She was clearly a beauty—living as a man forever wasn’t sustainable.
They bought soy sauce, strolled around, and returned home.
For days, Lin Xiaoxiao lived in fear, dreading Xin Wan exposing her secret to Zhou Yang.
She racked her brain for solutions but came up empty.
Would she really have to confess?
Imagining Zhou Yang’s reaction to her and his dad, she knew he’d never accept it.
Who could?
Surprisingly, days passed without incident, leaving her relieved yet puzzled.
Still, she decided to probe Zhou Yang, maybe prepare him.
The next day at noon, she found him at school with his girlfriend, Wang Shanshan.
Seeing Lin Xiaoxiao, Wang Shanshan looked awkward.
Lin Xiaoxiao spoke first. “Can I borrow your boyfriend for a few minutes? Just need to talk.”
Wang Shanshan muttered, displeased, “You’re not gonna spill my embarrassing stories, are you?”
Lin Xiaoxiao sighed. “I’m not that bored.”
Wang Shanshan hesitated, glancing at Zhou Yang. “Fine, but make it quick.”
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