Chapter 69: A Starlit Confession and a Tender Night

The night sky was clear as spring water, evening clouds long dissipated. A few sparse stars twinkled, winking faintly.

“…”

In her haze, Jiang Cha felt a warm touch in her palm, struggling to open her eyes but failing. Only a faint fragrance lingered at her nose…

Cough… cough…

“Wah!”

Luo Su jolted from the floor—she’d dozed off! Panicking, she turned to Jiang Cha. “D-do you need water?”

“Okay…”

Jiang Cha said weakly.

Luo Su nodded, gently lifting her head, then noticed… her tail was still in Jiang Cha’s grip!

“…”

Pouting, she tucked a cushion under Jiang Cha’s head, huffing as she grabbed the cup. Her tail flicked vengefully—choke on it!

“Wah!”

Stumbling against the wall, tears welled—such a jerk! Even if she teased first, no need to tug like that! She was here to help!

So mean!

Tomorrow, she’d swap all Jiang Cha’s snacks for durian candies! Still fuming, she snatched the cup back. “No water for you!”

“…”

Jiang Cha slowly opened her eyes—red, tear-streaked.

“!!!”

Luo Su froze, tail stiffening. She’d been crying? Softly, she slid the cup back. “Still want it?”

“Thanks…”

Jiang Cha’s usually sweet voice was sandpaper-rough, unclear if from booze or tears. Sinking into the sofa, “You… go back…”

“???”

Luo Su blinked, stunned, standing rooted. Jiang Cha repeated herself.

“Ugh…!”

Tail bristling, Luo Su fumed—helping and getting kicked out! “Fine, I’m leaving!” Stomping to the door, she slammed it.

Ten seconds later…

Her peeking head met Jiang Cha’s lifted gaze.

“…”

Blushing, so embarrassing! Turning, she eyed the door, then trudged back. “No way! What if you get sick?”

Jiang Cha: “!!!”

In her drunken haze, she stared at the succubus—wings glowing softly under the light, like an angel descended.

“Ugh…”

Waiting, no reply, Luo Su mumbled, “T-then I’m staying.”

“…”

Unsure, she didn’t know what troubled Jiang Cha. Sitting lightly beside her, she sneaked glances.

Jiang Cha looked fragile, like delicate glass, her bold eyes misty. Mesmerized, Luo Su reached out—

“Ugh…”

Fingers brushed through her hair, temperature normal, but her breathing uneven.

Jiang Cha closed her eyes.

“Hmph.”

Nodding, satisfied, “Right, what can’t a good sleep fix!” If… you ignored her tail, still tightly gripped.

“Haa—”

Sliding to the floor, wings fluttering, Luo Su yawned. “I’ll nap too.”

Exams all day wore her out.

“Stay with me, okay?”

Jiang Cha’s soft plea startled her awake. Head high, she boasted, “Of course, I’m not sleepy at all!”

“…”

Jiang Cha blinked silently—she’d been awake since the sofa, fully aware of Luo Su’s fussing.

“Ugh…”

“Why’re you quiet again?”

Poking Jiang Cha’s finger nervously, the tail-tug wasn’t that bad now, but the sudden silence was weirder.

“Phew…”

After a long pause, Jiang Cha spoke. “My dad was dirt-poor young, nobody respected him…” Luo Su blinked, glancing at the spacious apartment, tail wagging in awe. “Uncle’s amazing!”

“…”

Jiang Cha sighed. “So, my sister and I were raised by Grandma…” Luo Su held her breath, tail curling. “She… passed?”

“Mhm.”

Jiang Cha sank deeper into the sofa, seeking safety. “But she didn’t like us.” “…” Luo Su froze, scooting closer, listening.

“One day, Grandma kicked us out.” Jiang Cha’s eyes dimmed, fogged. “Sis went left, I was sent right.”

“…”

Luo Su stayed quiet, letting her continue. “Scared, I snuck back.”

“Then,”

“I saw Aunt call Dad. He rushed back from the next town, hearing where we went.”

“No hesitation…”

Tears hit the sofa. “He went left. I knew… Sis was younger… but I was still so sad.”

“…”

Luo Su, head down, gently rubbed Jiang Cha’s head. Now she understood part of why Jiang Cha stayed out, so upset, but couldn’t console her.

Jiang Cha’s sobs eased.

Some burdens lighten when shared. Dad was good to them later, but old grievances lingered like splinters, stinging when touched.

“Wanna go to your room?”

Head down, unsure, Luo Su could only suggest a comfier spot to rest.

“Mhm.”

Post-cry, Jiang Cha was oddly compliant. Luo Su struggled to carry her, wings trembling from drained magic. Her reserves were nearly gone.

“Good night…”

Closing the light gently, Luo Su said.

“Don’t go…”

Jiang Cha’s voice, still teary, “Stay tonight, okay?” “…” How could Luo Su refuse? She’s a tough guy, duty-bound to comfort crying girls!

“Ugh…”

Blushing, hugging her pillow, she mumbled, “C-can you not grab my wings?”

“…”

Silent again, Luo Su sighed, face in pillow—fine, I’m a tough guy… one night, I’ll manage!

Wah!

Shivering, she thought pitifully, “I won’t… turn into a juicer, right…”