Online Love, Based on the Real Object - Chapter 22

“What are you doing, Qi Ning?”

Chu Yunjing’s voice came from above.

Qi Ning looked up to see Chu Yunjing leaning over the terrace railing, peering down at her. She quickly flipped her phone face-down on the leisure chair. “You’re awake already?”

Qi Ning swiftly sent Yun Yu a message saying she was busy and would chat later before hurrying upstairs. Her conversation with Yun Yu today had been quite pleasant, and she wanted to prolong that joy, she’d save the remaining topics for their next chat.

Upon reaching the top floor, she saw Chu Yunjing sitting on a leisure chair on the terrace, phone placed on the table, one hand propping up her chin as she zoned out.

Qi Ning bounded over in a few quick steps. “He Hao asked if you want to join them for barbecue tonight.”

“No.” Chu Yunjing snapped out of her daze. “My presence would make them uncomfortable. No need to ruin the mood.”

Qi Ning understood Chu Yunjing’s reasoning perfectly. It was like during company team-building events colleagues would be happily chatting until the big boss appeared, at which point everyone would stiffen up, afraid of saying the wrong thing. Sharing a meal was even worse. No matter how popular the boss might be, the atmosphere was always different when they were present versus absent.

“But you should at least chat with the new hires a bit. Let them know that Boss Chu isn’t just some fairy who survives on morning dew.”

Hearing this description, Chu Yunjing gave a helpless half-smile and glanced at her. “They care more about how much salary I can give them than whether I drink morning dew.”

“…” The blunt truth from Fairy Chu left her speechless.

By evening, those who had gone out to play had returned one after another. The grill was lit with charcoal, and dozens of people gathered in the courtyard, making it feel somewhat crowded.

Though Chu Yunjing had no intention of joining them for the meal, as the boss, she couldn’t skip the opening remarks. The table was laden with chilled beer and several bottles of wine. Holding a glass, Chu Yunjing addressed the group.

“The online sales performance for 618 was excellent. Everyone has worked hard.”

She paused, and her next words froze the smiles on everyone’s faces. Just as they were starting to feel happy, it felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped on them.

“There are only two months left until the Double Eleven shopping festival. Let’s keep pushing forward.”

He Hao grimaced. “Boss Chu, why ruin such a great atmosphere with such buzzkill talk?”

Chu Yunjing took a sip of wine, her lips curling into a faint, almost imperceptible smile—just enough to avoid looking like a dictator. She scanned the crowd and added, “If we hit the Double Eleven sales target, everyone’s year-end bonus will be doubled.”

She had always disdained empty, grandiose speeches. Her straightforward promise immediately lit up the faces of everyone present, joy spreading instantly.

“!!!!!”

“Boss Chu is amazing! Goddess!!”

Chu Yunjing still wasn’t fond of noisy settings. Taking advantage of the busy atmosphere, she quietly slipped upstairs.

Qi Ning was still bustling around the grill. “Add some chili to the chicken wings—yes, yes, just like that, and sprinkle some sesame seeds too.”

The fruits bought earlier in the day had been prepped and placed on the table. Xu Lu took a separate plate and brought some upstairs for Chu Yunjing.

The rooftop terrace was lit, and Chu Yunjing sat on a chair, gazing at the starry night sky—there were quite a few stars tonight. The sizzling sounds of barbecue and the chatter from below filled the air with a lively, bustling energy, making her feel less alone.

“President Chu, have some fruit.” Xu Lu brought over a fruit platter with neatly arranged pieces.

Chu Yunjing glanced at it. One section of the platter held a few scattered lychees. She instructed, “Set aside some extra lychees for Qi Ning.”

Xu Lu paused briefly before replying, “Oh, Miss Qi said earlier that she only wanted these few and told me not to save any more.”

After Xu Lu left, Chu Yunjing took out her phone. The screen still displayed her chat with an online friend.

She stared at the last message for a while. She found this stranger quite interesting, but she wasn’t sure if she had said something wrong. The other person had excused themselves by saying they were busy, and there had been no reply since.

Probably just an adult’s polite way of ending a conversation. Chu Yunjing didn’t dwell on it too much—anonymous chats often fizzled out like this.

Footsteps sounded from inside the house. Chu Yunjing turned to see Qi Ning walking in with a tray, several bottles of beer clearly visible even from a distance.

“It’s so hot downstairs,” Qi Ning said as soon as she entered. After lingering near the grill for so long, she felt like she carried the smell of barbecue with her.

The tray also held skewers, all made with Chu Yunjing’s favorite ingredients. She set the tray on the table and pulled up a chair beside Chu Yunjing.

“Try the grilled chicken cartilage I made—it’s super tasty!” Qi Ning picked up a skewer and held it to Chu Yunjing’s lips, clearly fishing for praise.

Chu Yunjing obliged by taking a bite but commented, “A bit too salty.”

“Really?” Qi Ning frowned and took a bite herself. “…I think I added salt twice.”

“…” Chu Yunjing gave her a look, her thoughts conveyed wordlessly through her eyes.

Qi Ning knew exactly what she meant and snapped, “Hey, is it really okay to complain while eating my food?!”

Chu Yunjing didn’t respond. Instead, she speared a piece of seedless watermelon and fed it to Qi Ning. Only after Qi Ning took a bite did she say leisurely, “Now that you’ve eaten my watermelon, I can complain.”

“…You’re such a clever little devil.”

After eating and drinking her fill, Qi Ning let out an unladylike little burp before resting her head on Chu Yunjing’s shoulder to stargaze together.

Somehow, her thoughts drifted to Yun Yu.

Under the same night sky, did she ever look up at the stars too?

The fireworks downstairs gradually faded, and the revelry moved from the courtyard indoors some played mahjong, others board games. Outside, quiet returned, filled only with the chirping of crickets in the grass and the scent of dew in the air.

Qi Ning had only meant to rest her head on Chu Yunjing’s shoulder for a short while, but before she knew it, she had dozed off.

Feeling her shoulder go numb, Chu Yunjing nudged her awake. “Go sleep in your room. Go take a shower.”

“Oh…” Qi Ning rubbed her eyes, stood up from the chair, and stumbled drowsily inside. She rummaged through her bag for her nightgown before heading to the bathroom.

Chu Yunjing watched until she disappeared into the bathroom before shaking her head helplessly. This girl was always so careless.

By the time Chu Yunjing finished her shower, Qi Ning was already in bed, half-asleep, her legs tangled in the sheets in the most unrestrained manner possible.

“Come to bed.” Hearing the voice, Qi Ning opened her eyes to see Chu Yunjing standing by the bed with arms crossed, watching her. After speaking, she patted the mattress.

“I’d love to sleep,” Chu Yunjing said with a hint of exasperation on her face, “if there were any space left for me.”

Good grief. A six-foot bed could easily fit three people without feeling cramped. But Qi Ning was clearly no ordinary sleeper—she lay diagonally, occupying over half the mattress and leaving only the edges.

Instead of adjusting her position, Qi Ning’s first reaction was to prop herself up on one elbow, her other hand sliding sensuously up her bent leg in a move so seductive it could rival a sultry movie star.

“You naughty thing, I’ve been waiting for you so long~!” she cooed.

Chu Yunjing’s lips twitched as she deadpanned, “And what act is this supposed to be?”

“Haven’t you seen XXX? The heroine seduces the hero just like this!”

“Nope,” Chu Yunjing shook her head. “But you’re nailing the vibe.”

Qi Ning brightened.

Chu Yunjing quickly added, “Like a brothel madam from ancient times.”

“Chu Yunjing!” Qi Ning sprang up from the bed like a bristling little beast, “I’ll beat you to death, ahhhh!”

With that, she launched herself at Chu Yunjing, who instinctively caught her—only making it easier for Qi Ning to wrap her legs around Chu Yunjing’s waist and pinch her cheeks mercilessly. “Asking for a beating, aren’t you? Huh?”

Chu Yunjing supported her thighs, wincing at the painful tugging. “Let go.”

“No!”

Glancing at the thick padded floor, Chu Yunjing warned, “Then I’ll drop you.”

“You wouldn’t dare! I—” Before Qi Ning could finish, Chu Yunjing loosened her grip slightly, causing her to reflexively arch backward with a yelp and cling tighter to Chu Yunjing’s neck.

It was just a feint—Chu Yunjing immediately secured her hold again, smirking at Qi Ning’s startled expression. “You’re so childish!” Qi Ning glared, still shaken.

“Look who’s talking.” Chu Yunjing glanced down at their tangled bodies. Qi Ning clung to her like a koala, and during the struggle, one strap of her nightgown had slipped, exposing most of her chest.

Following her gaze, Qi Ning saw the wardrobe malfunction—but instead of covering up, she proudly thrust her chest forward and declared, “See how big they are?”

“…” Chu Yunjing studied the revealed skin, pale and smooth under the fluorescent light like soft mochi, before slowly remarking, “Big breasts, no—”

“Shut up!” Qi Ning clapped a hand over her mouth, realizing compliments were hopeless.

Chu Yunjing lightly nipped her finger, making her withdraw. “Enough fooling around. Sleep.”

As she moved to set Qi Ning down, the latter batted her lashes and purred, “Darling, the night is young~” blowing her a kiss for good measure.

“…” Chu Yunjing glanced at her and let go, dropping her onto the soft mattress. “You’re so annoying.”

“Hahaha…” After teasing her, Qi Ning laughed a couple of times, adjusted her shoulder straps, and rolled over to make space. She stretched out both arms in a gesture asking for a hug. “Come on, let’s go to sleep.”

As soon as Chu Yunjing lay down, Qi Ning immediately clung to her, wrapping both arms around her. “Ah, it’s so much more comfortable sleeping with someone to hold.”

Chu Yunjing replied half-heartedly, “Get yourself a boyfriend, then you can have someone to hold every night.”

“Like hell I will,” Qi Ning muttered. “The next time I get into a relationship, it’ll be when I find true love.”

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