Chapter Sixty-Three: The Kiss
A moment ago, Xin Gan had dozed off for a short while. Seizing the opportunity while she slept, Cheng Jiu called Xin Gan’s mother to let her know that Xin Gan was with him.
Xin Gan’s mother subtly inquired why her daughter was still out so late and hadn’t returned home yet. Xin Gan was her only daughter; even though she was engaged to Cheng Jiu, spending the night out unsettled her. If word got out, it might tarnish her reputation.
Cheng Jiu understood her concerns and assured her that he would send Xin Gan home soon. So now, he was deliberately misleading Xin Gan.
The moment he mentioned staying at his place for the night, she flatly refused without hesitation. “No.”
Cheng Jiu hadn’t finished explaining. He was leaving the next day, and Xin Gan’s mother trusted his character, only reminding him, “Xin Xin doesn’t feel completely secure in your relationship yet; don’t rush anything. I trust you’ll look after her and behave properly.”
They were adults—Xin Gan’s mother didn’t need to be explicit. Cheng Jiu understood and promised not to overstep before marriage, always putting Xin Gan first.
With that, Xin Gan’s mother let it go.
Cheng Jiu chuckled. “Are you afraid of me, or your parents scolding you for not going home?”
“It’s inconvenient to go to your place,” Xin Gan replied.
Cheng Jiu flexed his arm, feeling a bit numb—the adrenaline had faded, and his elbow throbbed. Xin Gan looked better than before, though she was still carsick. Cheng Jiu glanced at his phone; it was getting late. He’d probably have to postpone his flight.
...
Meanwhile, the He family was hardly peaceful.
He Cheng had suffered some superficial injuries—not serious, but enough to make him look a mess, with a nosebleed streaming down his shirt.
He Chuan drove him home. On the way, He Cheng was still defiant, refusing to tend to his bleeding nose, letting it soak his clothes.
He Chuan sneered, speaking slowly, “You’re quite something—trying to kidnap someone right in front of Cheng Jiu. Do you even know who he is? Keep this up and you’re going to ruin yourself.”
As He Cheng’s senses gradually returned, he snorted disdainfully at He Chuan’s words but had no strength to retort. His mouth was swollen from Cheng Jiu’s punch—he really packed a punch, leaving He Cheng dazed.
Back at the He residence, He Wei and Mrs. He had been waiting in the living room for ages. Hearing the car engine, He Wei was the first to come out. When he saw He Cheng getting out of He Chuan’s car, he snorted coldly. “Get in the study.”
He Chuan got out too, expressionless as he watched He Cheng head inside.
Mrs. He, seeing the bruises and blood on He Cheng’s face and clothes, hurried over. “Son, where are you hurt? Why are you bleeding so much? Are you feeling unwell?”
He Chuan lit a cigarette. “Just a nosebleed—won’t kill him.”
“And your mouth? Who hit you? What happened?” Mrs. He pressed.
He Cheng impatiently brushed her aside. “Stop bothering me. Go away.”
“Son, don’t be like this. I’m only worried about you, you’re bleeding so much—”
“Oh, enough with the fake concern,” He Cheng snapped, coldly pushing her away before heading upstairs.
He Chuan slouched on the sofa, smoking, unwilling to intervene further. He’d already reported to their father; now it was up to him to discipline He Cheng. As the eldest brother, he’d done all he could.
After He Cheng went upstairs, Mrs. He anxiously turned to He Chuan. “What on earth happened to him? Why is he like this? He Chuan, say something.”
“He tried to kidnap Cheng Jiu’s fiancée—almost caused a serious accident.”
Mrs. He was stunned. “Cheng Jiu’s fiancée? You mean Xin Gan?”
He Chuan nodded, his face dark.
“Aren’t he and Xin Gan friends? Why would he kidnap her? Did something get misunderstood?”
“Misunderstood? What’s there to misunderstand? He shamelessly pestered Xin Gan, and even after learning about her engagement to Cheng Jiu, he still harassed her. I’ve warned him before—he’s just stubborn. Mom, if you keep shielding him, something disastrous will happen sooner or later. Let Dad handle it.”
Mrs. He refused to believe it. Even if He Cheng had really kidnapped Xin Gan, she’d still side with her own son. Steeling herself, she said, “There must be something wrong with Xin Gan too, or why else would my son be entangled with her? I thought she was a good girl, but she’s just trouble.”
He Chuan frowned. “So you’re blaming Xin Gan now?”
“He Chuan, He Cheng is your brother. How can you take an outsider’s side? Why won’t you help him?”
“What do you want me to do—help him kidnap someone? If not for my friendship with Cheng Jiu, your precious son would be in jail by now.”
Mrs. He’s heart skipped a beat. “It can’t be that serious, can it?”
Just as He Chuan was about to answer, his phone rang again—it was Cheng Hui. Mrs. He asked, “Who’s calling so late?”
He Chuan turned off the screen. “You’d better go check on He Cheng.” With that, he stepped aside to answer the call.
Only after he was alone in the courtyard did He Chuan return the call.
“Why didn’t you answer earlier? Where’s my brother? Can he talk now?”
“Why are you still up so late? Shouldn’t you be asleep?”
“I snuck out. I don’t want to sleep. I want my brother.”
“He’s with your future sister-in-law. Don’t go interrupt their time.”
“This late? Really?”
“What do you think?”
Cheng Hui was skeptical. “I’ll believe you for now. By the way, are you free to come out? I snuck out, can’t find a cab, and it’s scary and dark everywhere.”
“What on earth did you sneak out for?” He Chuan nearly choked on his cigarette, coughing. “Where are you? Don’t run around, it’s late—you’re not afraid of danger?”
Cheng Hui giggled. “See, you’re coming to get me, aren’t you?”
He Chuan stopped in his tracks, headache mounting. He always ended up with trouble; this girl knew he’d never leave her alone.
“Send me your location. I’ll come pick you up.”
“Okay! You’re the best, He Chuan!”
...
Cheng Jiu’s phone was on silent. Focused on Xin Gan, he hadn’t noticed the dozens of missed calls from Cheng Hui.
By now, Xin Gan had recovered, her lips regaining color.
“Cheng Jiu, I’m not going to your place,” she said firmly, frowning, a hint of wariness in her eyes.
Cheng Jiu smirked, casual. “Xin Gan, we already slept together.”
Xin Gan: “...”
“It hasn’t been that long—have you forgotten?”
She was speechless, clearing her throat. “Nothing happened that night.” The way he spoke made it sound as if something truly had occurred when they shared a bed.
But in truth, nothing had happened.
Still, it had been an accident; she hadn’t expected to end up sharing a bed with him in those circumstances.
Cheng Jiu laughed. “Did I say anything happened?”
“...” Xin Gan was speechless again. Whatever she said felt wrong. She muttered, “Don’t tease me.”
Seeing her serious expression, Cheng Jiu stopped joking and said in earnest, “We’re almost at my place. If I took you home now, it’d be another hour’s drive each way. I haven’t slept all day, Xin Xin.”
Her resolve softened. Though she knew she might be stepping into the lion’s den, fraught with danger, she agreed to go with him.
Cheng Jiu actually owned an apartment downtown, bought years ago with his own savings, back when prices were reasonable. It was a two-bedroom flat, kept immaculate by a housekeeper his mother had arranged.
Xin Gan realized only upon arrival that they weren’t going to his family home, but to a separate residence. Curious, she asked, “You don’t live in Yongcheng, so why have someone clean this place?”
“My mother’s habit. Even if no one’s here, she insists on keeping it spotless.”
He drew back the curtains, gazing out at the city. “Could you check the closet for White Flower Oil?”
“Which closet?”
“The one behind you.”
Xin Gan opened the drawer, found the bottle, checked the date, and handed it to him.
Cheng Jiu switched on the main light, exposing his reddened elbow.
“How did you hurt your arm?” she asked.
“Broke a window earlier.”
“You smashed it with your bare hands?” she blurted.
He ignored her surprise, opened the bottle, and applied the oil.
Xin Gan lingered, uneasy.
After finishing, Cheng Jiu put the bottle on the coffee table, stretched his arm, and noticed her lost in thought, a faint smile appearing at his lips.
“There are two bedrooms. No need to worry about sharing a bed.”
At that, Xin Gan’s ears turned red. She suddenly reached out and tugged his sleeve. He turned, asking, “What is it?”
“Thank you,” she said again.
“No need to thank me,” he replied mildly. He disliked such formality between them.
He poured her a glass of water. “What happened tonight is partly my fault. If I’d insisted you not get in He Cheng’s car, you wouldn’t have been frightened.”
Unused to his politeness—he’d always been blunt or even harsh—Xin Gan lowered her eyes, feeling the need to clarify things.
“Cheng Jiu, did you hear something?” she asked tentatively.
“From whom?” he replied.
“About me and He Cheng.”
“I heard some things, but nothing certain.” He’d asked He Chuan about it, but his intuition told him there was nothing between Xin Gan and He Cheng. If there had been, her attitude tonight would have been different. She wanted nothing to do with He Cheng.
In other words, it was all one-sided on He Cheng’s part.
Xin Gan licked her lips. “There’s nothing between us. And you didn’t have to risk yourself tonight. If something had happened, I—”
Hearing her deny any relationship with He Cheng, Cheng Jiu was pleased. “So you were worried about me?”
She bit her lip, avoiding his gaze.
“Or were you worried about He Cheng?” he teased.
“No.”
“Then what?”
Clutching her water glass, Xin Gan couldn’t calm her nerves. “Don’t push me,” she said, her voice trembling.
Cheng Jiu took the glass from her, set it aside, and gently drew her into his arms, his hand softly patting her back. “I’m not pushing you. Didn’t you say you didn’t want to get married yet? I haven’t pressed you, have I?”
“Is it so hard to admit you care about me?”
Xin Gan stiffened in his embrace, neither resisting nor yielding. Her heart pounded, the scent of tobacco on his body oddly comforting.
He lowered his voice—deep and husky—close to her ear, as if murmuring love words, though he wasn’t.
She didn’t push him away, and that alone made Cheng Jiu happy. He hugged her tighter, saying nothing more.
After a while, when he still hadn’t let go, she finally whispered, “My neck’s sore.”
Cheng Jiu stifled a laugh and released her. “Then move around. I wasn’t holding you that tightly, was I?”
He couldn’t resist teasing.
Xin Gan blushed furiously.
Cheng Jiu, emboldened, ruffled her hair and pinched her earlobe—soft and fair, addictive to the touch. “All right, it’s late. Go to bed. This room is yours—the bedding’s clean. If you need anything, just call me. I’m next door.”
Back in her room, Xin Gan heaved a sigh, locked the door, hugged her knees on the bed, and pressed her burning face into them, fingers brushing her hot earlobes.
Cheng Jiu showered, changed, and lay in bed, unable to sleep, especially after holding her. Now he just wanted to keep her close.
Especially knowing she was right next door.
He got up and went to the bathroom, turning on the shower—
...
Xin Gan also wanted to shower; after the night’s fright, she was drenched in cold sweat and couldn’t sleep otherwise. The room had its own bathroom. She went in to wash her face, but found no towels. Shaking her hands dry, she suddenly heard a knock.
Cheng Jiu stood outside, holding a new towel and toothbrush set. “All brand new—hope they’ll do for now.”
“Thank you.” Xin Gan accepted them, glancing up. His hair was wet, a bathrobe loosely tied, chest exposed—she quickly averted her gaze, thanked him, and closed the door.
Cheng Jiu grinned at the door, looking like a fool.
But it was nearly two in the morning—very late indeed.
...
The next morning, Xin Gan woke at six, her biological clock matching his. She checked the mirror—dark circles under her eyes, evidence of a poor night’s rest.
She washed up and emerged to find Cheng Jiu already awake, standing by the window on the phone. Hearing her, he hung up and turned. “Awake? Come have breakfast.”
On the table were congee, fried dough sticks, and shumai—plenty of food.
Xin Gan obediently sat down. “You bought these?”
“Mm.”
“You’re up early.”
He poured her a glass of soy milk. “Not really. Didn’t sleep well last night?”
Her face flushed; she lowered her head. “It was fine.”
“Allergic again? Why are you blushing?”
He leaned in, and she dared not look at him, lowering her eyes further. “I’m not blushing—you must be mistaken.”
“Really?” he chuckled.
“By the way, aren’t you leaving today? What time’s your flight?”
“I postponed it.”
“Postponed?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
Xin Gan assumed it was her fault. “Sorry. Are there still flights today?”
“Xin Gan, look at me.”
Suddenly, he pressed down on her shoulders from behind, swiveling her chair so he could crouch and meet her eyes. He held her chin, making her look at him. “Why are you avoiding me? Am I that scary?”
Her heart skipped. After a pause, she said, “No...”
“Then what? You’ve been dodging me since earlier.”
She dropped her head again.
He brushed the hair from her forehead, traced her lips, caressed her cheek, and pinched her earlobe, his touch gentle and tender.
Her ears flushed, her cheeks even redder—a tingling sensation, as if electrified.
He leaned in and kissed her forehead—light and warm, fleeting. He smiled. “Evening flight.”
Xin Gan bit her lip and nodded.
Cheng Jiu touched her earlobe again. “No piercings?”
“No, I’m afraid of pain.”
“Hmm.”
His rough fingertips made her ear itch and sting, tormenting her gently. She pushed his arm away. “Stop...”
“Stop taking liberties, you mean?” he finished for her.
Xin Gan nodded, eyes bright with unshed tears. “I have to go home.”
“Finish your congee. I’ll drive you back later.”
“I can go by myself.”
“No.” He was firm. “I was the one who called you out last night. There’s no way I’d let you go home alone.”
Her voice softened. “All right—but don’t tell my parents about last night.”
“Of course not.”
But still, she hadn’t cleared things up about He Cheng.
No matter—there was time. She was willing to yield now, and that was enough; the rest could wait.
He had patience. So long as her heart was his, nothing else mattered.
Of course, he wanted more than just her heart—he wanted all of her.
As for He Cheng, the matter wouldn’t be resolved so easily. Cheng Jiu had shown mercy last night for He Chuan’s sake. Luckily, Xin Gan was unharmed. Had anything happened, He Cheng’s life would not have been enough to pay for it.