Falling After Marriage - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Skin Melting into Warm Honey

The sea breeze, carrying the sweet coconut scent of sunscreen, created a sticky, warm mist on Lin Jin’s back and shoulders.

Cheng Sangluo’s ear bone tingled when she touched the skin still warm from the sun and heard the whispered gasp escape the throat of the person beneath her.

She squeezed more lotion onto her hand, putting on a show of being busy—rubbing her hands and pretending to be relaxed.

Perhaps due to bending over for too long, she felt a dull ache and simply sat down beside her: “What is there to be afraid of from someone as defenseless as you?”

“Then why were you afraid, even stuttering, when you saw me untie the string?” Lin Jin teased, deliberately poking at her embarrassment.

“……” Cheng Sangluo couldn’t be bothered to respond; she just wanted to finish this service quickly.

Lin Jin suddenly grabbed her hand and pressed it onto the small of her back, teasing: “I haven’t put any here yet.”

The sunscreen, where their skin met, melted into warm honey, seeping into the pores, creating a thrilling intimacy.

“What’s your hurry!” Cheng Sangluo panicked, secretly hating herself for thinking today’s money would be easy to earn.

Her rough fingers, like weathered rock layers, ground heavily into the soft curve of the waist in a messy, chaotic retaliation.

“No one has ever complimented your hands, have they?” Lin Jin asked in a soft, sweet voice. Her breathing was uneven, and she even bit her lip to calm the rising desire.

“No.” Cheng Sangluo didn’t want to look at the slender waist she could span with her hands; she just wanted to finish quickly.

Once she finally applied the sunscreen to the upper half of the body, she sighed in relief.

Despite the strong sea breeze, the woman was sweating profusely. Her face and the base of her neck were flushed red, as if she had drunk a bottle of fake wine.

Lin Jin turned over, tilting her head to admire her handiwork, smiling at why the puppy was shy when they hadn’t even hugged.

She lifted one foot and naturally rested it on Cheng Sangluo’s leg, instructing: “You have to put sunscreen on the legs too.”

Cheng Sangluo looked down. That elegant, pale foot, like a painting, had crushed her dignity, and now constantly disturbed her dreams.

At this moment, the nightmare-like foot entered reality. It didn’t provoke her shame or anger, but rather stirred a hint of concern.

“What’s wrong? Do you like my feet very much?” Lin Jin rested her head on one hand, attempting to hook Cheng Sangluo’s chin with her pointed toe.

She was very skilled at this kind of provocation—the kind that trampled on dignity to satisfy a sense of elite power.

Cheng Sangluo leaned back, avoiding the touch, neither angry nor responsive.

She took the opportunity to grasp the slender ankle, found the sprained spot, and rubbed it, asking softly: “Does it still hurt?”

This deeply caring action was unexpected by Lin Jin.

She had already prepared a script for the puppy’s inevitable outburst, so this sudden sincerity left her completely flustered.

Cheng Sangluo regretted it instantly. Why show kindness to a woman with malicious methods? Did she deserve it?

But her continuously massaging fingers did not stop.

She wondered when she had started softening. Was it because she saw that ugly scar, creating a strange sense of empathy?

Lin Jin bent her knee, feigning a look of pain: “Hiss—ow—”

“Can your acting be any worse? You weren’t wearing flats when you arrived today.” Cheng Sangluo laughed in exasperation. What was there to empathize with this feigning lunatic? She decisively tossed the ankle aside.

Lin Jin was ruthlessly exposed by the puppy, so she stopped pretending: “Oh~ So you pay attention to me that closely~”

As soon as Cheng Sangluo was cornered, she started squeezing sunscreen, almost emptying the tube.

She figured silence was the best defense, maintaining a straight face and continuing with the task at hand.

“Not admitting it doesn’t change the fact, does it?” Lin Jin grabbed Cheng Sangluo’s hand, spreading it open to examine it closely.

She had always been curious about what her palm looked like. When she saw it clearly, her smile faded slightly.

Cheng Sangluo’s fingers were distinct and long, but not beautiful. The calloused palm was so rough that the lines were barely visible, which explained the noticeable coarseness.

Cheng Sangluo pulled her arm back, coldly: “Does it look good?”

Lin Jin pouted: “No.”

“Of course, it can’t compare to yours, which has never done a day’s work.”

Lin Jin insisted, cupping Cheng Sangluo’s hand again, and lightly rubbed it against her face: “It may be ugly, but the texture is very comfortable. It gives a strange sense of security.”

This time, Cheng Sangluo hesitated.

The slippery, soft face was like pudding, soft and springy, making her hand feel even more rough in comparison.

Lin Jin closed her eyes peacefully: “You were in the military, weren’t you? Only hands that drill frequently look like this.”

“Mm.” Cheng Sangluo nodded, seemingly reluctant to discuss her past.

“What branch?”

“Marine Reconnaissance Special Forces.”

“No wonder you could easily subdue me that day, even though the medication hadn’t worn off.” Lin Jin recalled the scene of being pinned down on the sofa and teased: “Since you’re so formidable, how did you still fall into my trap?”

“Even if I wasn’t Special Forces, dealing with you is simple. That day was an accident. I let my guard down.” Cheng Sangluo finally withdrew her hand, naturally placing it behind her back.

Her curled fingers subtly rubbed against each other, as if savoring the delicate texture and warmth.

“You are a talent. Working odd jobs is a waste. Interested in becoming my bodyguard?”

“No.”

“Ah, you are too stubborn.” Lin Jin knew she would be rejected, so she didn’t push it, instead changing the subject: “Are you hungry? I’ll take you to eat something.”

“No need.”

Rejected again, Lin Jin finally raised her voice: “I’d call you a woman of few words, but you curse me with such eloquence. It’s good to refuse, but you should also learn to be respectful.”

Cheng Sangluo raised an eyebrow as if she had heard a joke: “Hmph, ‘learn to be respectful.’ Are you capable of that?”

Sure enough, the two were arguing again.

Lin Jin stood up in a huff and walked straight up the stairs.

Cheng Sangluo shrugged indifferently: “Who cares about indulging you? Hmph.”

The two yachts sailed for over an hour, finally docking in an area of private azure waters.

The clamorous sounds of joy and laughter were piercing. Some people leaped into the sea, while others chased and played with water guns.

Bai Mu stood on the deck, shouting across the distance: “Sangluo, come here quickly!”

Cheng Sangluo glanced furtively left and right, ensuring Lin Jin was not in sight, and quickly crossed the gangplank between the yachts.

She hurried to Bai Mu’s side, whispering: “Who is the person you like?”

As soon as her crush was mentioned, Bai Mu instantly became nervous and excited, babbling: “She’s wearing a beautiful white tulle dress today. Don’t you think it perfectly matches my white shirt? Is this considered couple wear?”

Cheng Sangluo gave her a look of disbelief and poured cold water on her excitement: “Aside from gender and clothing color, what other connections can you find between you two?”

“Oh, you’re so annoying!” Bai Mu pinched her arm and turned to walk towards the second-floor lounge.

In the lounge’s circular sofa area.

Gu Shinian was holding an aged bottle of wine, occasionally chatting with a few women her age.

Lin Jin, uninterested in the boring topics, closed her eyes to rest, lazily swirling the stemmed glass in her hand.

The woman two seats away sat elegantly. The light hitting her white tulle dress didn’t shine as brightly as her pale skin.

The woman wasn’t participating in the conversation but was listening intently. When she smiled gently, her naturally affectionate eyes were full of romantic softness.

Gu Shinian held up the red wine, offering: “Shu Wan, would you like a glass?”

“No, thank you. I had too much to drink yesterday at a dinner, and I’m feeling a bit seasick today.” Shu Wan gently refused, rubbing her temples to alleviate the discomfort.

Lin Jin half-opened her eyes and glanced at her, speaking noncommittally: “What kind of dinner requires Director Shu to personally attend? It seems your subordinates are not competent.”

“Director Lin is better at managing people, I hear you’ve recently invested in several major projects.” Shu Wan played with the crystal glass. Her words were polite, and her cool tone suggested a sense of peaceful detachment.

Lin Jin was about to reply, but her attention was drawn to two suspicious figures by the door. She took a sip of wine and ended the conversation.

Shu Wan followed her gaze, smiling and waving: “Come join us.”

Seeing the person she liked actively inviting them, Bai Mu gripped Cheng Sangluo’s arm tightly: “What do I do, what do I do? She’s saying hello to us.”

Cheng Sangluo scanned the area. Her gaze first fell on Lin Jin before she noticed the woman beside her.

Meeting Shu Wan’s eyes, she nodded politely.

Although she didn’t want to join the superior crowd’s chat, she still pulled Bai Mu towards the sofa.

Lin Jin rested her wine glass on her knee and patted the empty seat beside her: “Cheng Sangluo, come here.”

All eyes immediately focused on Cheng Sangluo.

It was well-known that Director Lin loved to bring a companion when she went out. People wondered why she was alone today, but it seemed she had already found a target.

Cheng Sangluo forced herself to approach, determined to demand another meal from Bai Mu as compensation for today’s sacrifice.

Bai Mu also sat down beside Shu Wan, her hands resting on her knees, looking as obedient as a child, her face beet red.

Lin Jin had originally planned to tease the puppy in public and make her serve her well, as it was a paid service, after all.

But she reconsidered. Given the occasion, it was better to be gentle.

She looked at the fruit plate on the table, wanting to ask the puppy if she wanted some, but before she could speak, the other person had already brought the plate over.

Cheng Sangluo placed a small silver fork in her hand and pursed her lips: “Here.”

When Lin Jin picked up the fork, she naturally curled her little finger.

She selected the most visually appealing piece of watermelon and held it up to the puppy’s mouth: “You’re clumsy, you misunderstood my intention, but since your service is so thoughtful, you should be rewarded.”

Cheng Sangluo felt suffocated, as all the surrounding eyes were fixed on her, wondering what was so entertaining to watch.

Her throat bobbed, and she couldn’t open her mouth for a long time.

If she refused, it would deeply embarrass Lin Jin; if she didn’t refuse, she couldn’t get past her own mental barrier.

“My hand is getting tired~” Lin Jin complained teasingly, then simply shoved the watermelon into the puppy’s mouth and asked with a smile: “Is it sweet?”

“Mm…” Cheng Sangluo nodded mechanically, trying to figure out how to escape this cursed situation.

Ji Nanxing leaned in the corner of the sofa. She also disliked this kind of social event and immediately sensed Cheng Sangluo’s discomfort. She patted her leg and stood up: “Does anyone want to go outside for some fresh air? It’s so lively out there, it’s boring just staying here.”

“Yes, let’s go look around outside.” Cheng Sangluo seized the opportunity. As she was about to get up, she found Lin Jin grabbing her finger.

Lin Jin turned her head, her eyes dark: “You don’t want to stay with me?”

Cheng Sangluo evaded: “I haven’t seen Miss Gu’s yacht yet. I want to look around.”

“In that case, I’ll accompany you for a walk.” Ji Nanxing spoke up promptly. Her righteous and imposing aura was hard for others to dismiss, and it was somewhat similar to Cheng Sangluo’s.

Lin Jin glared at her darkly, then leaned down and whispered into the puppy’s ear: “Wait for me on the aft deck in a quarter of an hour. Fifteen minutes is enough time for you to walk around a few times.”

Cheng Sangluo didn’t respond to the forceful demand. She stood up and followed Ji Nanxing downstairs.

Neither of them was interested in touring the yacht. They headed straight to the deck for fresh air.

It was empty there, providing a peaceful break.

The two tall, upright figures leaned against the railing, becoming the most striking scenery themselves.

The one who broke the silence was Ji Nanxing.

She asked directly: “Have we met somewhere before?”

At this question, Cheng Sangluo’s eyes instantly turned cold. Her carefully suppressed aura gradually sharpened, finally revealing her true expression.

She leaned into Ji Nanxing’s ear with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, whispering something softly.

Ji Nanxing, who rarely showed emotion on her face, gradually looked embarrassed, her lips moving as she replied.

The sea wind howled, interlacing with the continuous sound of waves, drowning their fragmented conversation into the depths of the sea.

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