After Flirting with the God-Tier Beautiful Tycoon - Chapter 45

It was ten minutes later when Papa and Mama Shen finally emerged from the kitchen.

Almost instantly, Shen Xiaojiang and Chen Yi reverted to a composed sitting posture, separated by the distance of a single throw pillow.

Shen Lanxin placed a fruit platter on the coffee table in front of Chen Yi and smiled. “Xiaojiang, it’s your classmate’s first time in Haishi. Aren’t you going to take her out for a stroll?”

Shen Xiaojiang picked up a Shine Muscat grape and popped it into her mouth. “Eh?”

She couldn’t exactly tell her mother that the two of them just wanted to go back to the bedroom to do things adults do.

Chen Yi followed suit and ate a grape, her expression calm and unruffled. No matter how you looked at her, she didn’t seem like she had any intention of helping Xiaojiang out of this.

Fine, great.

Adopting the mindset of “if you won’t say it, I won’t either,” Shen Xiaojiang gave a grunt of agreement. She looked at her mother, then back at the grapes.

Nudging Chen Yi’s arm, she finally managed to squeeze out: “Let’s go then. I’ll take you to see our beautiful Haishi.”

Chen Yi was dying of laughter inside.

Two experts were clashing, both harboring their own little schemes.

Chen Yi pursed her lips into a smile, nodding as if parrying a move. “Sure, let’s go.”

“Heh,” Shen Xiaojiang nodded back. “Come and provoke the dog then!”

“Dog it is.” Chen Yi turned around, her tossed hair brushing against Shen Xiaojiang’s face.

Shen Lanxin had no idea what the two girls were talking about. By the time she snapped out of it, they were already at the foyer changing shoes.

She chased after them with the fruit platter. “Wait, let me get a food bag for you. Take the grapes with you.”

Shen Xiaojiang smiled at her mother, then turned to give Chen Yi a mischievous look. “What’s so good about grapes? I’m taking her to eat something much better.”

“Is that so?” Chen Yi tilted her head, her smile stunningly beautiful. “I’ll be looking forward to it, then.”

Shen Lanxin stood frozen, stuffed a grape into her own mouth, and muttered to herself, “They aren’t going out to get into a fight, are they?”

“How could that be?” Papa Shen suddenly appeared. “Those two girls get along wonderfully.”

Downstairs in the storage room, Shen Xiaojiang proudly rolled out a small pink electric scooter. “Look, I’m a vehicle owner too.”

Chen Yi’s eyes flickered. Her half-smiling expression was adorable, a total departure from her previous poise.

Holding the hem of her qipao, she sat sideways on the back seat. She tapped the leather cushion of the front seat and raised an eyebrow at Shen Xiaojiang. “I’m in your hands, Master Shen.”

Shen Xiaojiang clenched her jaw, her heart erupting with joy. On her face, this translated into a silly, goofy grin.

“Um, my car operates on a pre-pay system,” she said.

Chen Yi didn’t understand. “What does that mean?”

Shen Xiaojiang guiltily rubbed the bridge of her nose and coughed twice. “It means you have to pay to unlock the ride.”

Chen Yi saw through Shen Xiaojiang’s trick immediately. But truth be told, she quite liked this routine. She had wanted to do this back on the sofa.

She scanned the surroundings to make sure no one was watching. Then, cupping Shen Xiaojiang’s face with both hands, she pressed her lips against the other girl’s.

A few seconds later, Chen Yi pulled back and whispered, “Click. Unlocked.”

Shen Xiaojiang nodded, deliberately acting tough. “Mhm! That’s more like it.”

“You really are… enough.” Chen Yi crossed her arms, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. “Actually, you’re more than enough.”

Shen Xiaojiang slid the key into the ignition and straddled the seat. “This is just the beginning. It’s never enough!”

Since they didn’t have helmets, they first went to the electric scooter shop at the neighborhood entrance.

“Good evening, Boss.”

“Oh! Old Shen’s daughter is back!”

The owner knew Shen Xiaojiang’s parents. Seeing her, he dropped his cleaning rag and walked over.

“Back for the Dragon Boat Festival?” he asked.

Shen Xiaojiang giggled. “Yeah, I brought a classmate back to play. We’re here to buy helmets.”

The owner glanced at the scooter outside, then at Chen Yi standing beside Shen Xiaojiang.

“Who’s wearing them?”

“Both of us.”

The owner led them to the helmet section, gave an enthusiastic introduction, and went back to his business.

“Is there one you like?” Shen Xiaojiang turned to the person beside her.

At the sound of her voice, Chen Yi looked at Shen Xiaojiang. “Anything is fine. Why don’t you pick one for me?”

The shop lights were very bright. Chen Yi’s eyelashes cast distinct, individual shadows on her face.

“Okay,” Shen Xiaojiang studied them for a while and chose a dusty rose one. “How about this?”

The style was simple, the color wasn’t too saturated, and it looked quite nice.

Chen Yi blinked, feigning a bit of pride. “Am I really that much of a ‘girly girl’?”

Shen Xiaojiang pondered for a few seconds. Then, her eyes narrowed into a playful smile. “You are. To me, you’re a little girl.”

Chen Yi’s gaze wavered for a moment. She took the helmet from Shen Xiaojiang’s hand and said nonchalantly, “I am not a little girl.”

Shen Xiaojiang’s eyes curved into crescents. She leaned over and rested her chin on Chen Yi’s shoulder. Without saying a word, she mischievously blew warm air onto Chen Yi’s ear.

The other woman shrugged her shoulder slightly and frowned, but she wasn’t angry.

“But I can’t wear a qipao of this color every day,” Chen Yi said, turning the helmet over in her hands, inspecting it closely. Her tone was actually quite cheerful.

Shen Xiaojiang reached up and pinched Chen Yi’s earlobe. “It’s worth it.”

Chen Yi glanced at her out of the corner of her eye.

Shen Xiaojiang suddenly wrapped her arms around Chen Yi’s waist, closing her eyes and nuzzling the hair at the back of her head. “Just kidding, Auntie. You look good in anything.”

Chen Yi’s expression softened as she let out an imperceptible smile.

The next second, she took the helmet and flipped it onto Shen Xiaojiang’s head. “If you like it, just take it.”

“Auntie, you’re the best.”

With that, Shen Xiaojiang nuzzled her hair again, her nose lightly brushing the skin of Chen Yi’s nape.

Although she loved the “puppy-like” affection, Chen Yi still reminded her, “We’re in public. Be careful.”

Shen Xiaojiang tilted her head to look into her eyes. “What’s wrong with being in public? Is there a rule against cuddling with a beauty?”

Chen Yi glanced at her, her expression looking incredibly flustered.

“It’s hot,” she whispered.

Only then did Shen Xiaojiang release her. “Now, you pick one for me.”

Chen Yi nodded, lost in thought as she faced the wall of helmets. Soon, she pointed to the shelf. “Try these two.”

“Sure thing.”

One was grey, one was blue.

Actually, Chen Yi wasn’t sure how to choose either. She wasn’t certain if Shen Xiaojiang would like what she picked. So, she added: “Since your shirt today is grey blue, and they don’t have that exact color here…”

“So, how is it?” Shen Xiaojiang put on the grey one, her bright eyes sparkling.

Perhaps because the lights were so strong, Shen Xiaojiang seemed to be glowing.

Chen Yi nodded. “It works.”

Shen Xiaojiang swapped it for the other one. “And this one?”

Chen Yi nodded again. “That works too.”

Shen Xiaojiang pouted. “The ultimate choice between two.”

Chen Yi’s gaze shifted between the two helmets. She was usually such a decisive person, yet now she was struggling with indecision.

“Which one do you prefer?” She passed the pressure back to Shen Xiaojiang.

“Me…” Shen Xiaojiang reached out her hands and smiled with narrowed eyes. “I prefer the one you like.”

Chen Yi’s heart sank slightly. She said somewhat shyly, “I can’t seem to choose, but you have a lot of grey clothes, so let’s go with the one that matches your usual colors.”

“Grey?”

“Mhm.”

“OK.”

They finally finished their selection. At the checkout, Shen Xiaojiang quickly pulled out her phone to scan the owner’s QR code. “This one’s on me.”

Chen Yi didn’t try to argue. She carefully held the dusty rose helmet in her arms, her eyes shining.

Shen Xiaojiang looked at Chen Yi, unsure of what she was thinking. Chen Yi was always hard to read.

After paying, they returned to the little scooter.

“Want me to help you put it on?” Shen Xiaojiang asked warmly.

Chen Yi had been looking down at the helmet, but now she turned her face toward her, offering up her “treasure.” “Sure.”

Shen Xiaojiang placed her own helmet on the seat and took Chen Yi’s. She tucked the hair behind Chen Yi’s ear and gently lowered the helmet. “How is it? Too tight?”

Chen Yi had been spacing out, but hearing the question, she focused her gaze, tracing Shen Xiaojiang’s gentle features. “It’s fine.”

While the other girl wasn’t looking, Chen Yi’s hands moved up to pinch Shen Xiaojiang’s hem, imagining the firm waist tucked beneath the fabric.

Shen Xiaojiang noticed her gaze. “What are you looking at?” She clicked the buckle shut and lightly patted the top of the helmet.

Chen Yi let go of the hem and looked into the distance. “Nothing.”

Shen Xiaojiang turned to grab her own helmet. Taking advantage of the moment, Chen Yi looked back and said softly, “My turn to help you?”

Shen Xiaojiang’s body stiffened for a second before she turned back with a smile. “I couldn’t ask for more.”

Chen Yi shook her head. “Shen Xiaojiang, has your tongue always been this sweet?”

“Of course…” Not knowing if it was a hallucination, Shen Xiaojiang saw a flash of sharpness in Chen Yi’s eyes and immediately changed her tune. “Not at all.”

Chen Yi mimicked the way Xiaojiang had fastened the buckle. She looked down at Xiaojiang’s chin and neck, her voice as sultry as water. “Oh? Really?”

“Really,” Shen Xiaojiang suddenly leaned in, their faces dangerously close. “I’m only sweet for you.”

“I only want to be sweet for you.”

Chen Yi’s heart warmed. She swallowed hard against her dry throat and turned to sit back on the scooter. She swung her crossed legs, her eyes darting away. “Let’s go, my sweet girl.”

As evening fell, the neon lights stretched out like tongues of fire across the city.

The scooter wove through the lights of a thousand homes, the warm wind lifting their hair but refusing to mess it up. Chen Yi hugged Shen Xiaojiang’s waist, her cheek pressed against her back, feeling her warmth.

It felt good.

Shen Xiaojiang stopped at a red light, squeezed Chen Yi’s wrist, and turned her head. “Traffic is heavy in Haishi at this hour. I’m going to speed up in a bit, so hold on tight.”

It was Chen Yi’s first time hearing someone speak through a helmet. The muffled sound was magical. Shen Xiaojiang’s voice sounded just as good, even through the padding.

Chen Yi didn’t speak; she responded with action.

Shen Xiaojiang felt the grip around her waist tighten and smiled faintly. “The caravan is setting off!”

With that, she twisted her wrist and revved the handle. This scooter was a graduation gift from her father. This little vehicle was carrying someone else for the first time carrying Chen Yi for the first time.

It felt completely different.

Shen Xiaojiang couldn’t help but laugh like an idiot into the wind.

The little scooter wound through street after street, passing both familiar and unfamiliar roads. It was already past 8:00 PM, too late for tourist attractions. Combined with the fatigue of travel, Shen Xiaojiang planned to take Chen Yi to a place more suited for strolling and relaxing.

“Auntie, how about I take you to the ‘Artist’s Sanctuary’?” Shen Xiaojiang shouted over her shoulder.

Chen Yi coughed. To make herself heard, she also shouted back, “Where is that?”

Shen Xiaojiang yelled, “My secret realm!”

Secret realm?

Chen Yi paused for a moment, the corners of her mouth curling up into a very peaceful smile. “Okay,” she said.

Ten minutes later, the scooter turned into a small path. Dim yellow streetlights were hidden among lush banyan trees. The dappled light filtering through the leaves illuminated the night.

At the end of the path, the light dimmed, and a massive iron gate appeared.

“We’re here.” Without the hustle and bustle of traffic, the air suddenly became quiet.

Chen Yi peeked out from behind Shen Xiaojiang, brushing her hair out of her eyes. Her gaze flickered slightly.

Shen Xiaojiang slowed down and drove straight to the entrance. The place was in disrepair, and few cars ever parked there. Only their little pink scooter stood before the grand entrance.

Shen Xiaojiang locked the bike, turned around, and scooped Chen Yi off the seat.

A bit dazed, Chen Yi rested her hands on Shen Xiaojiang’s shoulders and said softly, “What are you doing? I can get down myself.”

Shen Xiaojiang narrowed her eyes. “I was just thinking…”

Seeing her pause, the now-standing Chen Yi asked hurriedly, “Thinking what?”

Shen Xiaojiang let go of her and leaned close to her face. “Thinking about holding you.”

The breeze picked up, the shadows of the trees swayed, and the moonlight seemed gentler than ever.

Chen Yi felt entranced. The dream Shen Xiaojiang was building for her was like a net, slowly tightening. She feared she might never be able to fly out of it again.

She feared she would never be able to leave Shen Xiaojiang.

The feeling was so sweet, so beautiful dangerous yet enchanting.

Suddenly, she pinched Shen Xiaojiang’s arm not very hard. Shen Xiaojiang let go.

Chen Yi smoothed out the hem of her qipao and followed Shen Xiaojiang to the iron gate. The gate was high, its gilded decorations and exquisite patterns whispering of a former glory.

But now, due to years of neglect, the gates had become mottled with rust.

Two grimy gate lamps flickered intermittently a sight that was more than a little eerie.

Chen Yi subconsciously leaned closer to Shen Xiaojiang. “What is this place?”

Shen Xiaojiang’s shoulders dropped slightly, a trace of melancholy flickering in her eyes.

“This place is called the ‘Artist’s Sanctuary.’ It’s full of buildings with strange shapes. I used to come here all the time as a kid and stay the whole day. My mom would look everywhere for me, terrified I’d fall into the river and drown,” Shen Xiaojiang said lightheartedly, making it sound like a pleasant memory.

“Why? You can’t swim?” Chen Yi tilted her head.

Shen Xiaojiang smiled. “I could never learn when I was little, but after high school, it just came naturally.”

“Oh,” Chen Yi nodded. “I… can’t.”

Chen Yi didn’t quite dare to swim; perhaps she had a fear of deep water, she told herself.

“I can teach you.” Shen Xiaojiang gave a thumbs up. “I’m actually quite a pro.”

“Ah?” Chen Yi didn’t really want to learn. She couldn’t imagine a situation where she would need to swim. But a few seconds later, she obediently replied, “Okay.”

On the other side, in front of the theater stage at the Nancheng Mansion, Old Man Bai toyed with the polished walnuts in his hand while staring coldly at the girl on the stage.

“Master Bai,” an assistant stood beside him, looking refined and scholarly.