Chapter 39: Try Another One
A noise came from the living room, and Lin Xiaoxiao quickly tucked away the photo and bank card before stepping out.
It was Zhou Yang, rummaging in the fridge for a drink. Seeing her, he waved a cola. “Want one?”
She shook her head. “No, you have it.”
He nodded, about to head to his room, but paused at her hesitant expression. “What’s up? You look like you’ve got something on your mind.”
Her lips parted, and after a moment, she asked, “Zhou Yang, if your dad got a girlfriend, would you mind?”
He blinked, then shrugged. “That’s his business. I can’t control it.”
“But I’d rather he not bring her home. I’m not calling some random woman ‘stepmom.’”
Lin Xiaoxiao froze, pursing her lips without responding.
Zhou Yang frowned. “Why ask that out of nowhere?”
She jolted, waving it off. “No reason, just curious.”
He squinted, suspicious, but shrugged. “It’s unlikely anyway. Mom’s been gone years, and he hasn’t dated.”
“Oh, and your hair’s getting long. Not cutting it?”
Her heart tightened. “Does it look bad?”
He shook his head, awkward. “Not bad, just… makes you look more girly.”
He’d almost said “prettier,” but swapped it for “girly.” Knowing she liked guys, he felt a need to keep his distance. With that face, it’d be too easy to get confused…
He coughed. “Don’t call me for dinner. I’m napping.”
With that, he shut his bedroom door.
Lin Xiaoxiao sighed, her heart growing heavier.
Later, while cooking dinner, Zhou Ting returned.
Catching sight of him, guilt flashed in her eyes. She avoided greeting him, hiding in the kitchen.
Zhou Ting watched the busy “little woman,” his gaze softening. He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her and murmuring, “Smells good.”
Thinking he meant the food, she replied softly, “It’s almost done. Wait a bit.”
He chuckled, turning her to face him and kissing her under her startled gaze.
“Mmph…” Caught off guard, she braced herself against the counter to avoid being overwhelmed.
Soon, he pulled back, breathing heavily. “Getting bold, huh? Playing tricks on me?”
Her body trembled, but she feigned ignorance, turning her flushed face away. “I-I don’t know what you mean…”
He smirked, whispering in her ear, “I got you a little gift. Come to my room tonight.”
Her heart sank, knowing she was in for it. She mumbled a shy acknowledgment.
Satisfied, he patted her rear, her compliance making him think he’d overthought things. “Keep cooking. I’m hungry.”
He headed to his room to change.
At dinner, watching Zhou Ting eat elegantly, Lin Xiaoxiao’s mind replayed the day—Xin Wan’s words, Zhou Yang’s comments…
She made a decision.
After washing the dishes, she knocked on the study door.
Zhou Ting, handling company matters, waved her in.
Taking a deep breath, she approached, ready to speak, but his glance stopped her.
He was in a video meeting. She shut her mouth obediently.
But Zhou Ting’s mischievous streak surfaced. Switching the video feed, he beckoned her over.
Hesitant, she approached, only to be pulled under the desk.
“Don’t make a sound, or they’ll hear,” he whispered, switching the feed back.
Trapped under the desk, she couldn’t stand or stay crouched comfortably.
His hand rested on her head, his intent clear—he wanted her to “help” him.
It was mortifying. She’d been forced to do this before, but doing it again was still humiliating.
She looked at him pleadingly, hoping for mercy.
But her begging gaze only fueled his desire. His firm look left no room for refusal.
Fuming but resigned, she complied to end the ordeal quickly…
When the meeting ended, he pulled her up. Her legs were numb, and she collapsed into his arms.
He teased without restraint, “Impressive, little one. Not a drop wasted.”
She glared, covering her mouth, eyes red and pitiful.
His desire flared. Scooping her up, he carried her to his bedroom.
After making her brush her teeth, she emerged from the bathroom to find him by the bed, surrounded by an array of lipsticks in different shades.
She froze, hearing him say, “Like them?”
A bad feeling hit her, and she shook her head.
Too late. He pulled her into his arms, his magnetic voice low. “Since you dared leave a lip print on my collar, tonight you’ll leave plenty…”
He grabbed a high-end lipstick, ready to apply it to her tender lips.
“No, don’t! I don’t want to…” she protested.
Her weak struggles were quickly subdued. The vibrant lipstick transformed her youthful look into something sultry and captivating.
He chuckled, kissing her deeply, then made her leave a mark on his neck.
After, he licked his lips, raising an eyebrow. “Not bad. Let’s try another shade. Plenty to go through.”
Tears welled up. If she’d known this was the “punishment,” she’d never have done that task…