Chapter 53
Wen Yan really had no experience coaxing people.
In fact, soothing someone didn’t always require especially clever tactics.
A sincere explanation, along with a few concrete examples, was enough to make her feelings clear.
Besides, Jin Zijin was a sharp, perceptive adult.
She understood the weight behind this confession, and she knew how to receive it properly.
Jin Zijin’s eyes were full of smiling light, like spring water thawing ice; faint ripples shimmered within them.
She lifted a hand and lightly hooked her fingertips into the curve of Wen Yan’s dress at her chest. With a little pull, she drew her closer, then tipped her face up to look at her.
“So you like me this much?” she asked, her voice soft and drawn out, like melting honey; yet her eyes were bright, carrying a kind of hook that seemed to catch at the heart.
Caught by that gaze, Wen Yan nodded honestly. “Mm. I like you this much.”
Jin Zijin immediately gave a satisfied hum, chin lifting with a trace of proud indulgence. “Fine. Since you’re being so sincere, I’ll be generous and not stay mad.”
She let go of Wen Yan’s fingers and instead brushed the side of her face, her fingertips warm. “Now it’s my turn to take your makeup off.”
It was a clear sign to let the matter drop.
Wen Yan’s shoulders relaxed, and she readily agreed. “Okay.”
Jin Zijin did the same, beginning to remove Wen Yan’s makeup.
Her fingertips, slick with cleansing oil, moved slowly in circles across Wen Yan’s face; her gaze lingered as if she were wiping away something precious that had finally been found again.
After both of them had washed away the day’s fatigue and settled into the oversized massage tub, the warm water wrapped around them, soothing every taut nerve.
Jin Zijin had gone limp with comfort, like a fully satisfied cat, nearly sliding under the surface.
Wen Yan pulled her back up, wrapped her in a large soft bath towel, carried her out of the bathroom, and patiently blew dry her seaweed-thick long hair.
The hair dryer’s hum stopped; the room fell quiet again.
Barefoot, Jin Zijin sat on the edge of the bed, her robe loose enough to reveal a stretch of pale, smooth calf.
With her toes, she absentmindedly hooked the hem of Wen Yan’s sleep pants; her eyes were moist, openly inviting.
Wen Yan stood before her, looking down carefully, studying that lovely face only inches away.
The light cast a small shadow beneath Jin Zijin’s long lashes; the tip of her nose was still faintly pink from the bath.
After looking for a while, Wen Yan curved her lips and leaned in to kiss her.
But Jin Zijin suddenly lifted a hand and pressed her palm lightly against Wen Yan’s mouth.
“No kissing,” she said, smiling, but her eyes glittered with mischief.
Wen Yan raised a brow, asking silently, Are you still angry?
“Nope.” Jin Zijin shook her head, entirely justified. “I just don’t feel like letting you kiss me.”
Wen Yan gave a helpless little laugh, indulgent and fond.
She caught the wrist of the hand pressed to her lips, gently pulled it away, then kissed her without further warning; soft, but firm.
Their bodies seemed made for each other.
Just the brush of their lips, the faintest friction, was enough to ignite the hidden fire beneath the surface.
Jin Zijin quickly went dazed, her arms looping around Wen Yan’s neck as she deepened the kiss on her own.
Wen Yan half-kneeling, leaned over her; the ties of the bathrobe loosened with the movement.
Unable to help herself, she reached out to steady her, her tongue tangling more deeply with hers.
But Jin Zijin suddenly turned her head away, avoiding the kiss while reaching up to push lightly at Wen Yan’s shoulder.
“W-wait a moment.” She was breathing hard, the corners of her eyes flushed with a captivating red.
Wen Yan stopped. Her own breathing was a little unsteady as she looked at her, gaze darkening. “What is it?”
Jin Zijin swallowed and glanced toward the large bay window on the other side of the room.
Outside was the heavy dark of night; inside was a hazy warmth.
She lifted a hand and pointed, her voice slightly hoarse with coaxing. “Over there… let’s try it.”
Wen Yan paused, following her gaze, a little surprised. “Now? On the bay window?”
“Mm.” Jin Zijin hooked her arms around Wen Yan’s neck and pulled her close again, her warm breath brushing her ear. “I want to switch places. Is that not allowed?”
She paused, then looked directly at Wen Yan, her eyes bright enough to be startling, carrying a childlike insistence and a searching test. “Didn’t you say you liked me? Then… let’s try everything, okay?”
Wen Yan looked into her eyes; the light there softened her heart and warmed her chest.
She nodded without hesitation, her voice hoarse but clear. “Of course.”
She wrapped Jin Zijin carefully in the blanket and carried her in her arms toward the bay window.
This part of the room had been designed entirely to Jin Zijin’s taste, wide like a couch, lined with soft wool cushions and pillows; it was her usual place for reading, drinking coffee, and even handling work.
Now Wen Yan set her down gently in the middle of that familiar space.
Jin Zijin sank into the soft cushions.
Wen Yan turned and moved the books and teacups that were always arranged on the small table beside the bay window one by one, then carried a low stool to the floor, clearing enough space.
Jin Zijin couldn’t help laughing, her tone teasing. “That eager?”
Wen Yan turned back; the light traced the clean lines of her profile.
She looked at Jin Zijin, her gaze focused and burning, and admitted frankly, “Mm. I’ve always been eager.”
She returned to the bay window.
Jin Zijin immediately reached up to hook her arms around her neck and pull her down, kissing her.
The kiss was fast and urgent, carrying restless hunger.
Wen Yan responded while patiently stripping her out of the blanket and bathrobe.
The slightly cool air touched her skin, making her shiver, only to be covered quickly by hotter body heat.
She learned from Jin Zijin’s example the night before, her fingertips tentative and tender as they slid over her.
Jin Zijin had always been astonishingly sensitive, inside and out.
Even such a touch made her go weak all over, as if her bones had been taken out, and she melted fully into Wen Yan’s arms, soft gasps escaping her throat.
The bay window really was a good place.
It sat a little higher than the bed; Wen Yan, standing and slightly bent over, could exert force with ease.
One arm held Jin Zijin firmly around the waist, pinning her in front of her; the other hand kept her tightly in place.
She teased.
She ground.
She rubbed.
Jin Zijin couldn’t take it, soft cries spilling out as she struggled like a fish out of water. “N-no… enough…”
Wen Yan leaned in, offering her bare shoulder to her lips; her voice was low and rough, coaxing yet impossible to refuse. “If you can’t take it, bite me.”
Like someone grabbing a lifeline, Jin Zijin opened her mouth and bit down.
Tooth marks sank into flesh, clear and bluntly painful.
The muscles in Wen Yan’s shoulder tightened from the bite; Jin Zijin’s struggle only grew fiercer.
Her toes curled unconsciously in the bedding beneath them; she kicked and shoved, wrinkling the smooth fabric in layer after layer.
She pressed her burning chest tightly against Wen Yan, searching for deeper comfort and support.
The instant she crossed some threshold, her body snapped rigid, then went completely weak, collapsing into Wen Yan’s sweaty embrace.
She let go, resting on Wen Yan’s shoulder and gasping hard for a long while before she could steady herself.
The first thing she did when her senses returned was hurry to lift her head and pull at Wen Yan’s collar to inspect her “battle results.”
A clear tooth mark, tinged with red, stood out on the pale shoulder.
“Did I bite you too hard?” she asked, her fingertips lightly touching the mark, her tone full of worry and belated fear.
Wen Yan shook her head and kissed the damp hair at her temple. “It’s fine. It doesn’t matter.”
She paused, still breathing a little unevenly. “Wait for me.”
She got up, walked to the bedside cabinet, opened a drawer, and took out an unopened box.
The rustle of the wrapper being torn open sounded especially clear in the quiet room.
Lazily leaning against the bay window cushions, Jin Zijin curled a finger at her. “Come here.”
Wen Yan went back.
Jin Zijin took the item from her hand, opened it, and put it on.
The fit was much better this time, though still a little tight.
She took Wen Yan’s hand and said softly, “Come in.”
Trembling, she wrapped her arms around Wen Yan’s head.
Her hot face buried in the other’s neck, she breathed hard and exhaled scorching air beside her ear. “Hmph…”
“Faster…”
“Harder…”
F*ck me!
It was the first time such a direct order had come from her mouth; it burned Wen Yan’s ears numb.
Wen Yan’s mind went blank with a buzz, and she lost all reason.
————————
The two of them made a complete mess of things half the night.
When Jin Zijin was overwhelmed by desire, no one knew how many fine tooth marks and kiss marks she left all over Wen Yan.
The next morning, Wen Yan woke up out of habit.
The moment she moved, she felt a faint sting in her shoulder, collarbone, and even her chest.
Looking down, her body really was dotted everywhere, as though it had been stamped with countless little seals.
No one knew whether this woman liked it too much, or whether she was taking revenge in a roundabout way.
Wen Yan shook her head, half amused and half helpless.
Fine; let her be.
She got up and went to the bathroom, where the reflection in the mirror made her pause slightly.
Besides the marks on her body, on the side of her neck there was a glaringly obvious hickey, blatantly announcing its presence.
The color was fresh, the placement too obvious; if she wore an off-shoulder or low-neck dress today, it would probably be hard to hide.
What should she wear?
Should she use concealer?
Wen Yan frowned at the mirror and thought for a moment before deciding to leave the trouble for now.
Forget it; she’d do her morning exercise first.
She changed into workout clothes, went downstairs, and practiced a full set of boxing forms. Only after her body had broken into a light sweat and her thoughts felt clear did she return to the room.
When she pushed the door open, Jin Zijin was already awake.
Leaning against the headboard, she was speaking in a low voice on the phone; her tone was the same calm, decisive one she used when handling business, instructing her assistant on a few matters.
Morning light filtered through the gauze curtains, softly outlining the graceful lines of her profile.
Seeing Wen Yan come in, she quickly said a brief “That’s all for now,” hung up, and casually tossed the phone aside.
Then she spread her arms toward Wen Yan; the cold, stern expression on her face vanished in an instant, replaced by complete dependence and softness. Her voice even turned sticky. “Hug me.”
The little worry Wen Yan had had about her clothes immediately disappeared at the sight.
She smiled, helpless and indulgent, then walked over, bent down, and lifted her up in one motion before carrying her steadily toward the bathroom.
They took a simple shower.
Warm water washed over their bodies and woke them up completely.
Jin Zijin leaned against Wen Yan, but her hands were anything but honest, wandering over her as she muttered, “One, two, three, four…”
She was seriously counting the “battle results” she’d left behind last night.
“Mm… twenty-eight.”
Finally, she nodded in satisfaction and pressed a finger against one especially obvious mark, then looked up at Wen Yan.
Her eyes were bright, like a child who had just completed some great masterpiece. “All mine.”
Wen Yan was amused by her childish behavior. She turned off the shower and picked up a towel to wrap her up, her voice full of helpless fondness. “You like leaving marks on me that much?”
Jin Zijin wrapped her arms around Wen Yan’s waist with complete confidence and lifted her face. “This is territorial marking! You’re my wife, got it?”
“Everyone has to know you’re mine.”
Wen Yan: “……”
Looking at her like this, Wen Yan’s heart softened into a puddle.
Out in public, Jin Zijin was decisive and relentless, all thunder and lightning; but in private, especially in front of her, she often revealed this sort of innocent childishness.
Wen Yan cupped her face, her thumb brushing lightly over her smooth cheek, and smiled as she asked softly, “Does anyone know our President Jin is this childish in private?”
Jin Zijin immediately widened her eyes, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “How am I childish? I’m very mature, okay? Who sees me and doesn’t say I’m decisive and efficient?”
“Okay, okay, you’re mature. Our President Jin is the most mature.”
Wen Yan nodded obediently, though the smile in her eyes only deepened.
After washing up, the two of them began choosing their clothes for today’s banquet.
The hickeys on Wen Yan were a problem.
Jin Zijin touched her chin, her gaze moving between the exquisite dresses and crisp suits hanging in the closet.
Though she very much wanted to see Wen Yan in a long dress, those marks could only be seen by her.
“Wear a suit,” Jin Zijin finally decided, taking one outfit from the closet. “This one looks good.”
It was a black peak-lapel suit Liang Auntie had previously tailored for Wen Yan, made of excellent fabric and cut with sharp precision.
Wen Yan had no objection. “Okay.”
She changed into it; the white shirt was buttoned all the way to the top, just enough to hide the mark on the side of her neck.
Her long hair was tied low into a ponytail, making her look clean, straight-backed, and cool, with a restrained strength beneath the surface.
Jin Zijin looked her over from head to toe, her eyes growing brighter and brighter.
Mm. Although she couldn’t see Wen Yan’s beautiful back and collarbones, this Wen Yan looked like a young athlete brimming with life.
A different kind of charm; she liked it just as much.
“It looks very good.” She stepped forward and straightened Wen Yan’s already neat collar, sincerely praising her.
Wen Yan smiled. “As long as you don’t think it looks strange.”
————————
The banquet was held in the grand ballroom of the estate’s main building.
By the time the two of them arrived arm in arm, it was already noon, and the hall was full of bright silk, polished hair, and a dense moving crowd.
As a famous ethnic dance artist, Madam Zhang Lijun’s social circle mostly consisted of people from the arts and entertainment world.
Wen Yan’s gaze swept across the room; she recognized quite a few faces that often appeared on television or in finance magazines.
Famous hosts, accomplished actors, artists, collectors… the atmosphere was completely different from yesterday’s family banquet; it was more public, and more lavish.
As soon as they appeared, they drew a great deal of attention.
Quite a few people came over warmly to greet Jin Zijin.
“President Jin, long time no see!”
“Zijin, you look great today!”
“This must be Dr. Wen, right? Just as impressive as rumored!”
Greetings rose one after another.
Affectionate, eager; every face wore an impeccable smile.
Yet behind those smiles, the looks cast at Wen Yan held undisguised scrutiny, curiosity, and appraisal.
Unconsciously, Wen Yan straightened her back; her chin lowered slightly as she tried to meet the assessing gazes from Jin Zijin’s world with the calmest, most composed demeanor possible.
She could feel Jin Zijin’s arm tightening around hers a little, sending silent support.
Soon, she spotted her mother, Wang Manyu.
Madam Wang had already arrived; she was moving through the crowd with her cousin Wang Yuchen and Yuchen’s fiancé, Zhong Peng’an, exchanging pleasantries.
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried well enough for the people around her to hear: “…Yes, President Jin is my daughter-in-law. Our Wen Yan and Zijin have a very good relationship.”
“Yuchen works in financial investment; she has a good eye, and several projects have had very decent returns…”
“This is Xiao Zhong, Zhong Peng’an; he works in the Culture and Tourism Bureau. Young and promising. The county’s film-town plus poverty-alleviation project has a lot of good ideas…”
When she saw Jin Zijin appear, Wang Manyu’s eyes lit up. She hurried over with the others, beaming. “Zijin, you’re finally here! Come, come, let me introduce you.”
She pulled over the young woman beside her. “This is your cousin, Wang Yuchen; you met her last time at home.”
Then she pointed to the man beside her, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and an eager smile. “And this is your future cousin-in-law, Zhong Peng’an. Xiao Zhong, this is Zijin.”
Zhong Peng’an immediately stepped forward and extended his hand toward Jin Zijin, lowering himself completely. “Zijin, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure, really a pleasure.”
Jin Zijin’s gaze lingered on his face for only a moment; she didn’t take his hand, merely gave the slightest nod and said flatly, “Likewise.”
Zhong Peng’an’s hand froze in midair; a flash of awkwardness crossed his face, but he quickly covered it and instead extended his hand toward Wen Yan, smiling again. “Wen Yan, hello, hello. I often hear Aunt mention you.”
Wen Yan gave his hand a light, perfunctory shake and nodded. “Hello.”
Wang Manyu seemed not to notice the subtle tension, or perhaps didn’t care.
She enthusiastically took hold of Jin Zijin’s arm and began talking at length about Zhong Peng’an’s film-town-plus-poverty-alleviation project.
Her words were full of promotion, clearly hoping Jin Zijin would provide resources.
Jin Zijin didn’t leave immediately.
She maintained a basic listening posture, even cooperating by saying, “Sure, Mom, tell me the details.”
Wang Manyu’s smile deepened, as though she had seen the first glimmer of hope, and she spoke with even more enthusiasm.
Wen Yan listened from the side, feeling only irritation and helplessness.
She knew her mother’s thoughts all too well; this kind of introduction and pitch at such an occasion made her feel as if needles were pricking her all over.
She very much wanted to take Jin Zijin away, but seeing that Jin Zijin could endure it and play along patiently, she felt both conflicted and guilty.
Jin Zijin really was giving her all the face she could.
Just then, a clear voice called from the entrance to the banquet hall: “Zijin!”
It sounded like a lifeline.
Wen Yan immediately turned toward it and saw Ye Jianlan walking over with graceful steps.
Today she wore a well-tailored light gray suit skirt; her long hair was pinned up, and her temperament was both capable and gentle.
At her side was another woman who was completely different.
The woman had a head of large, wavy hair styled with great flair; she wore a brightly colored bohemian long dress with vivid patterns, a short suede jacket over it, and several necklaces of different lengths in an ethnic style around her neck.
She walked with easy carelessness, her expression bright and spirited, carrying the unrestrained air of an artist.
Compared with the exquisitely dressed crowd around them, she stood out sharply.
Wen Yan had never seen her before.
“Zijin,” Wen Yan said at once in a low voice, “Sister Jianlan is here, and she brought a friend.”
At that, a barely noticeable flicker of light seemed to flash in Jin Zijin’s eyes; then she gave Wang Manyu a polite yet apologetic smile. “Mom, excuse me for a moment. My friends are here.”
Without further delay, she tightened her arm around Wen Yan and walked quickly toward Ye Jianlan.
Soon, the four of them met at the doorway.
“Jianlan-jie.” Wen Yan greeted her first, then let her gaze politely settle on the unfamiliar woman. “This is…”
“Oh, this is…” Ye Jianlan began with a smile, about to introduce her.
But the woman beside her stepped forward on her own and extended a hand to Wen Yan.
Her fingers were long and slender, her nails neatly trimmed and unpainted, and on her wrist she wore a silver bracelet of an antique design.
“My surname is Chi; Chi Chunxin.”
Chi Chunxin smiled broadly, her gaze landing on Wen Yan’s face with undisguised admiration and curiosity. “You’re Wen Yan, right? I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Wen Yan quickly took her hand. “Hello, Miss Chi.”
The moment their fingertips touched, Chi Chunxin gave a soft “Eh?”
She immediately let go of Wen Yan’s hand, then lightly pressed her thumb, as if by accident, against the knuckle on the back of it, smiling. “Dr. Wen’s hand… the bones are distinct, the grip is solid. Definitely the hand of someone who works a scalpel well.”
“And this build looks good too. You’ve trained, haven’t you?”
Her tone was natural, her eyes clear; there was no trace of flirtation, more like pure appreciation for an object or a work of art.
Wen Yan nodded.
Chi Chunxin smiled, then turned to Jin Zijin, lifting one elegant brow. “Jin Zijin, you’ve got it good.”
“You’re eating pretty well, huh; no wonder you got married without saying a word.”
“Tsk. Such a flower… and such a delicate one at that… ending up in your hands is really a shame.”
She clicked her tongue, her teasing completely unrestrained.
Jin Zijin instantly flared. Turning to Ye Jianlan, she said irritably, “Why did you bring her here?”
Chi Chunxin immediately cut in, lifting her chin. “Get it straight; Teacher Zhang sent me the invitation. I’m not here with Old Ye.”
She even took out her phone from her embroidered cloth bag, lit the screen, and flashed the electronic invitation QR code.
While she waved it around, she stuck her tongue out at Jin Zijin in a childish gesture.
Ye Jianlan stood nearby with a smile, watching the two of them bicker, her eyes full of amusement.
Jin Zijin was so exasperated she laughed, then looked Chi Chunxin up and down in that multicolored outfit and said in disgust, “You’ve got hands and feet, and you’re here begging for food? Have you no shame? And who let you in at the door? I’m going to dock their pay.”
Chi Chunxin shot back immediately, curling her lip. “Hah. And who was it that climbed a tree to raid a bird’s nest as a kid, got her skirt caught on the branches, couldn’t get down, and cried and swore she’d never wear a dress again?”
“And now?”
“Long dress to the floor, dressed like some gentle lady; such a fake act. I can’t even be bothered to expose you!”
Jin Zijin’s ears flushed red at once; she gritted her teeth. “Chi Chunxin!”
Chi Chunxin folded her arms, calm as could be. “What!”
Wen Yan stood there, stunned.
She had never seen Jin Zijin with emotions this vivid and unguarded.
Even facing her parents, Jin Zijin was usually restrained and polite.
Only with Grandma and with her did she reveal softness.
But right now, with Chi Chunxin, Jin Zijin was trading blows, exposing each other’s old embarrassments; the atmosphere was sharp and tense, yet oddly full of a familiarity others couldn’t enter.
Such a strange feeling.
Wen Yan only felt her pulse speed up again, her chest tight.
Jin Zijin seemed choked by her, glaring at her. “You talk too much!”
Chi Chunxin shrugged and turned to Wen Yan, her expression instantly shifting into a blend of sympathy and curiosity. She spoke rapidly: “Look at her, so sharp-tongued, and such a bad temper.”
“Dr. Wen, you’re really something!”
She gave Wen Yan a thumbs-up, her eyes full of admiration. “You dare to marry her; that takes courage! Respect, respect!”
She rattled on for a while, then asked, “Hey, does she have something on you? Need legal aid? I know a few decent lawyers…”
Wen Yan hadn’t expected the topic to be thrown at her so suddenly. Faced with Chi Chunxin’s machine-gun teasing and those bright, curious eyes, she was momentarily at a loss. “Uh…”
She instinctively looked at Jin Zijin, who was pressing her lips together, seeming annoyed, though there was no real anger in her eyes.
Wen Yan steadied herself and answered seriously, with even a hint of defense in her tone: “Her mouth… isn’t sharp at all.”
“Look, I’m fine, aren’t I?”
The moment the words fell, there was a brief silence.
Ye Jianlan raised her brows in surprise, then warm laughter rippled through her eyes.
Chi Chunxin clearly froze for a moment, then burst out laughing, the sound crisp and bright.
She turned to Jin Zijin, her eyes full of mischief and amusement, and drawled, “Ohhh—so you’re pretty bold, huh!”
“All right, Jin Zijin… so that’s your type.”
Jin Zijin’s face flushed visibly red at once.
Flustered and annoyed, she snapped, “Shut up!”
Looking at Jin Zijin’s rare expression of shyness, then at Chi Chunxin laughing so heartily, and Ye Jianlan in the middle, helplessly shaking her head with a smile, Wen Yan suddenly felt an extremely subtle emotion rise in her chest.
She seemed… to have never truly understood Jin Zijin.
Before meeting her, what kind of people had Jin Zijin known, and how had she gotten along with her friends?
This lively, sharp-tongued, childish, easily embarrassed, bickering Jin Zijin felt familiar to her, yet also unbearably unfamiliar.
Her chest felt stuffed.
She felt a kind of suffocating discomfort.
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I believe everyone has felt this way: once the heat of the moment fades and we start truly learning about each other’s pasts, we always end up insanely jealous of the parts we didn’t get to take part in.
Because this kind of painful negative emotion comes from wanting to possess each other deeply, to invade each other deeply.
It is an extreme kind of mental invasion; sharper than spatial invasion, more unsettling too.
And it can cause tremendous harm.
It may leave both sides torn open in flesh and blood, until they confirm that their bodies and souls have truly become one. [Panda head]