Chapter 39: Burning Anger

A Refreshed Morning

Morning arrived, and Yu Li looked radiant. Gone was her sleepy demeanor. Last night’s “meal” clearly worked better than milk. Meanwhile, Ai Xinglan was the opposite. Dark circles shadowed her eyes. She glared at Yu Li with resentment. Last night’s ambush had kept her awake.

A Teasing Provocation

“Xiao Ai, what’s wrong? Didn’t sleep well?” Yu Li’s lips curved slightly, her smile playful. She leaned closer, feigning concern. As if she wasn’t the cause. “Tch… you’ve got some nerve asking.” Ai Xinglan shot her a look of blame.

A Playful Accusation

“Huh? Is it my fault?” Yu Li covered her mouth, acting surprised. Then, as if realizing something, she said: “Xiao Ai… were you thinking of me all night?” “What? No way! Who cares about you, idiot?” “I just… had work to finish!” Ai Xinglan scrambled to deflect.

A Striking Transformation

Ai Xinglan started to say more but stopped. She noticed something different. “Xiao Ai finally noticed?” Yu Li chuckled, pinching her skirt’s hem. She twirled lightly before Ai Xinglan. Then she bowed slightly, asking: “Does it look good? Feng helped pick it~” Normally, Yu Li lounged in pajamas at home. Unless Ai Xinglan insisted, she avoided other clothes. Her wardrobe was mostly neutral, aside from her uniform. But today, she wore a blue-and-white off-shoulder dress. Her hair was intricately braided, her makeup light. She looked nothing like her usual carefree self.

A Stunning Effect

Yu Li smiled like a charming girl next door. Ai Xinglan was stunned. This was a side of Yu Li she’d never seen. “If it captivates Xiao Ai, it’s perfect~” Yu Li touched her lips lightly, smiling. “Off I go~” She waved at Ai Xinglan and headed out.

A Stirring Jealousy

Yu Li’s voice snapped Ai Xinglan out of her daze. Watching the dressed-up girl leave, she felt conflicted. Was she… dressing up for someone else? She said it was just shopping. So why wear that? “Even if I date someone else this weekend…” Yu Li’s whisper from last night echoed. Could she stay calm? No, she couldn’t. “You’re supposed to stay by my side forever…” Ai Xinglan surged forward, grabbing Yu Li’s hand. She pinned her against the wall, her expression serious. No trace of her usual shyness remained.

A Tense Confrontation

“Xiao Ai?” Yu Li was startled by Ai Xinglan’s sudden move. She called out, surprised. Ai Xinglan never acted like this. Her seriousness was new, intense. “You said it wasn’t a date!” Normally, Ai Xinglan wouldn’t ask so directly. Was it sleep deprivation or Yu Li’s words? Her outfit and taunt had pushed her too far.

A Predictable Reaction

Yu Li felt Ai Xinglan’s intensity. For a moment, she was stunned. Then her lips curved into a knowing smile. “Xiao Ai… jealous?” “But…” “Didn’t you say it’s none of your business?” Yu Li’s teasing grin held anticipation. She awaited Ai Xinglan’s reaction. What new flavor would she taste this time? But Ai Xinglan didn’t falter like before. Her eyes burned with an unreadable emotion. She stared silently, waiting for an explanation.

A Prolonged Standoff

“Xiao Ai?” Yu Li called again, puzzled by the silence. Ai Xinglan just kept staring. “How long will Xiao Ai hold me like this?” “…Until you explain.” “What if I say… it is a date?” Despite being pinned, Yu Li looked amused. She kept provoking Ai Xinglan. As Feng said, Yu Li knew Ai Xinglan wouldn’t act. So she grew bolder.

An Unexpected Escalation

Ai Xinglan’s gaze darkened. She grabbed Yu Li’s hand, pulling her from the wall. She pushed her onto the sofa, leaning over her. “Xiao Ai… what’s this about?” Yu Li felt no danger, still playful. “Don’t mess up my new dress~” Ai Xinglan’s mind was foggy. Yu Li’s smile reminded her of Feng’s words. “Exceed her expectations, go beyond her limits.” Ai Xinglan pinned Yu Li’s hands above her head. She held them with one hand, preventing resistance.

A Shocking Move

“Xiao Ai?” Yu Li called, but Ai Xinglan ignored her. Her free hand grazed Yu Li’s waist. Through the dress, she felt her skin. Her hand moved slowly upward. “Wait, Xiao Ai!” Yu Li’s voice carried panic. Ai Xinglan stayed silent, her hand unrelenting. It reached a soft spot. “Ugh… Xiao Ai, stop!” Yu Li pleaded, flustered.

A Taste of Panic

Yu Li struggled weakly, her face flushed. Her eyes shimmered with misty panic. Her body trembled, shocked and overwhelmed. As Feng said, acting beyond Yu Li’s expectations worked. But Ai Xinglan felt no pity. Seeing Yu Li’s exposed skin fueled her anger. Dressing up like this for someone else… So casual with me… Her grip tightened, lips parting. She leaned down, biting Yu Li’s collarbone hard.

A Desperate Plea

“No, don’t… Xiao Ai!” Ai Xinglan’s grip was firm. Yu Li couldn’t break free. She could only beg. “Xiao Ai, stop… I was wrong…” “Please, spare me… it hurts…” Her pleas were futile. Ai Xinglan’s anger made her bite harder.

A Forced Confession

“I get it… I’ll confess!” “It’s not a date! She’s a girl!” “She has someone she likes!” Ai Xinglan stopped, releasing Yu Li’s hands. She sat up, staring at her. “Xiao Ai… your hand…” Ai Xinglan’s other hand lingered there.

An Unconscious Reaction

Something misfired in Ai Xinglan’s mind. Instead of pulling away, she squeezed again.