Chapter 37: Compensation

A Sudden Visit

Ai Xinglan was frazzled.
Yu Li never dropped by her room at night.
Today’s sudden visit caught her off guard.
Yu Li’s curious glances made Ai Xinglan nervous.
She feared Yu Li might see something private.
The visit was too abrupt to tidy up.

A Teasing Disappointment

“Hmm… nothing interesting here. Such a shame~”
Yu Li plopped onto a chair, sounding disappointed.
Ai Xinglan relaxed, seeing Yu Li found nothing.
She glared at Yu Li, regaining her composure.
“What are you doing here?!” she demanded.

A Playful Excuse

“Just wanted to see Xiao Ai. Not allowed?”
Yu Li chuckled lightly.
“What?! I don’t believe that nonsense!”
“Ugh…”
Yu Li clutched her chest, feigning heartbreak.
She looked at Ai Xinglan with pitiful eyes.
“It hurts… Xiao Ai doesn’t trust me…”
“My fragile maiden heart is shattered…”
“No… I…”
Ai Xinglan wanted to comfort her.
But Yu Li’s expression shifted suddenly.
Her eyes betrayed amusement, revealing the act.

A Bold Provocation

“Yu! Li!”
Ai Xinglan realized she’d been played again.
Yu Li’s smug expression fueled her frustration.
She wanted to teach Yu Li a lesson.
“Xiao Ai looks mad~”
Yu Li’s tone held no panic.
She gazed at Ai Xinglan confidently.

A Shift in Control

“I think you’re… ugh!”
Before Ai Xinglan could finish, Yu Li acted.
She pulled Ai Xinglan onto the chair.
Yu Li straddled her swiftly.
The single chair forced them close together.
Yu Li grinned, whispering in Ai Xinglan’s ear.
“How will angry Xiao Ai punish me?”
Ai Xinglan’s ears turned red.
Yu Li teased further, her breath warm.
“Lying there softly won’t do anything, Xiao Ai~”
“Y-you… don’t get too cocky…”
Ai Xinglan muttered, her face flushed.
She turned away, shielding herself from Yu Li.

A Queen’s Taunt

“Your expression isn’t convincing, Xiao Ai~”
Yu Li’s lips curved into a smile.
She sat up, gazing down at Ai Xinglan.
Her eyes sparkled with delight, like a queen.
“Does Xiao Ai like me taking charge?”
Ai Xinglan couldn’t hold back.
She grabbed Yu Li’s wrists and pulled hard.

A Power Reversal

“Eek!”
Yu Li yelped, falling into Ai Xinglan’s arms.
Their positions were similar, but control shifted.
Ai Xinglan gripped Yu Li’s wrists tightly.
She suppressed her embarrassment, glaring fiercely.
Her eyes dared Yu Li to act smug again.
Yu Li trembled briefly at Ai Xinglan’s assertiveness.
But her cocky grin returned quickly.
“That’s fine~ Xiao Ai…”
“Whether you lead or I do, I’m okay…”
Yu Li’s gaze softened, tender and warm.

A Tense Standoff

They froze, eyes locked in an ambiguous pose.
Neither would look away, as if it meant defeat.
Ai Xinglan made no further moves.
Yu Li spoke softly, breaking the silence.
“Xiao Ai, not doing anything?”
“I’m here to make it up to you.”

A Sincere Confession

“Make it up…?”
“I have things I must do.”
“I can’t stay by your side daily.”
Yu Li’s expression turned somber.
She explained quietly to Ai Xinglan.
“Doesn’t Xiao Ai want to do something now?”
Ai Xinglan was surprised but relieved.
Yu Li’s odd behavior today made sense.
She wasn’t usually this bold.

A Slip Revealed

“Hmph… that’s why you’re acting weird?”
“I won’t act on selfish desires.”
Ai Xinglan huffed, maintaining her pride.
She didn’t notice her slip of words.
“Selfish desires? Xiao Ai wants me~”
“What?! I didn’t say that!”
Ai Xinglan panicked, trying to explain.
Yu Li ignored her, flashing a teasing smile.

Uncovering Hidden Feelings

“Stop laughing!”
Ai Xinglan grew flustered.
It felt like Yu Li exposed her secrets.
“Xiao Ai…”
Yu Li called her name softly, ignoring her panic.
“Ugh… what now…”
Ai Xinglan’s face burned, but she calmed down.

A Provocative Challenge

“If I date someone else this weekend…”
“Can you stay calm and do nothing?”
“What?!”
Ai Xinglan exclaimed, gripping Yu Li’s wrists tighter.
Yu Li smiled, seeing her stunned face.
This was the emotion she wanted.

A Taste of Emotion

Yu Li leaned toward Ai Xinglan’s nose.
Her lips parted, biting the air dramatically.
A tart, sweet taste spread in her mouth.
It was like orange candy—Ai Xinglan’s emotions.
“Thanks for the treat, Xiao Ai… delicious~”
Yu Li’s tone was satisfied and praising.
Ai Xinglan was utterly confused.
“As expected… it’s gotta be Xiao Ai.”
“…?”

A Swift Escape

Yu Li broke free from Ai Xinglan’s grasp.
She skipped lightly to the door.
“Just shopping with a classmate, Xiao Ai~”
“No need to be jealous anymore~”
Yu Li turned back, smiling playfully.
“What?! Idiot Yu Li! Who’s jealous?”
“Who cares about your business?!”
Ai Xinglan’s chest felt heavy earlier.
Now, realizing Yu Li’s tease, she felt better.

A Final Tease

“Is that so? Good then~”