Savage Kiss - Chapter 33

Xu Qingyi returned to the yacht, setting aside a portion of her funds as a fixed deposit after leaving some liquidity.

Logging into her banking app, she saw that her savings were about to break the 200,000 mark.

Once again, she seriously considered buying a used car.

She had previously seen some listed for just a few thousand on secondhand car platforms. Her requirements weren’t high, just something to replace her legs on the road would suffice.

She had already pulled up Shen Yanzhou’s number when Mi Lian messaged her, urging her to join another gaming session.

Xu Qingyi had no choice but to accompany her first. Typing in-game, she asked: [Are you sure you’re a college student?]

It seemed like Mi Lian was online every day, no studying, no exams, nothing at all?

Back when Xu Qingyi was in school, she had buried herself in books. When choosing her major after the college entrance exams, she had only one thought.

She wanted to make money, to go into business.

So, naturally, she chose economics: narrow-minded and straightforward. The math and statistics in her coursework made it feel like she was reliving her final year of high school.

Mi Lian sent a giggling, bashful emoji: [I am indeed big, you found out? 「blushing.jpg」]

Xu Qingyi scoffed: [Oh, you little steamed bun.]

The young miss Mi Lian was so offended she immediately muted herself and refused to speak to her.

After the game, however, Mi Lian showered her with in-game skins.

Xu Qingyi messaged her on WeChat: [Did you strike it rich?]

She was being unusually generous.

Mi Lian sent a sunglasses emoji: [This young lady is in a good mood, just enjoy it!]

Xu Qingyi laughed: [Did you bag the hottie?]

Mi Lian: [Not that fast, but I found out his surname is Shen!]

Oh. Xu Qingyi sent a “doggy congratulations” sticker: [When you succeed, let me know so I can send a gift on your tab.]

The principle was simple: the wool comes from the sheep’s back.

[Absolutely! I’ll even share him with you!]

…

On Saturday, Shi Qing arrived punctually at her place at nine in the morning.

Xu Qingyi had never told Shi Qing where she lived, and she certainly wasn’t planning to let him know she was staying on someone else’s yacht. So, she had him wait at the breakfast shop as usual.

After eating, the two headed to the swimming pool.

Unexpectedly, the two female students showed up as well.

Shi Qing gave her a resentful look, like the Tang Monk. “Our little boat of friendship is leaking, huh?”

Xu Qingyi sighed. “I swear, I didn’t tell them to come for lessons today.”

Bai Li and Shen Sijin, already changed, walked over arm in arm, smiling brightly. “Hello, Coach Xu!”

Xu Qingyi smiled, glancing subtly at Shi Qing.

Bai Li waved at Shi Qing in the water. “Shi Qing!”

Shi Qing: Can’t hear, can’t hear.

He pretended to focus intently on his doggy paddle.

Xu Qingyi quickly realized that Bai Li had probably learned to swim before but hadn’t practiced in a while and was just brushing up.

With Bai Li taking over Xu Qingyi’s role on Shi Qing’s side, Xu Qingyi focused solely on teaching Shen Sijin.

Since it was still early, the pool wasn’t crowded. When a few workers entered carrying ladders and toolboxes, Xu Qingyi immediately spotted Shen Yanzhou among them.

Whether he hadn’t noticed her or was deliberately avoiding her, he walked straight past with his team, heading deeper inside.

His side gigs were just as varied as hers, he did a bit of everything.

Soon, more people began trickling into the pool.

A few more workers in uniforms entered, also heading inside.

Xu Qingyi had Shen Sijin practice the arm movements she’d just taught her in the water.

Then, without thinking, she turned her head just in time to lock eyes with Shen Yanzhou.

He was walking out from the inner area, heading straight toward her, accompanied by another man.

Xu Qingyi’s heart stirred slightly, and she turned her face away again.

The man who had come with Shen Yanzhou clapped his hands. “Apologies to all our members. I’m the person in charge here. There’s been an issue with the water tanks and pipelines in the facility today. The water can’t be used, and the entire process from the tanks to disinfection and drainage needs to be redone. We’re closing for the day.”

“Really sorry about this! We’ll compensate all members with two extra days of swimming time.”

Shi Qing couldn’t have been happier. She emerged from the water and dashed off to change, not staying a second longer.

“Miss?” The manager bent slightly and politely addressed Xu Qingyi. “Could you do us a favor?”

Xu Qingyi turned around, her gaze quickly skimming over Shen Yanzhou. “What is it?”

Then she followed the manager and Shen Yanzhou inside.

When they reached the women’s changing room, the manager pointed to the innermost cubicle. “We need to take a photo of the wiring issue in that spot, but all our maintenance workers are men, too bulky to fit in there.”

A small favor.

Xu Qingyi took the manager’s phone and walked over, but Shen Yanzhou followed closely behind.

Once inside the cubicle, she couldn’t help but whisper to him, “Why are you following me?”

Shen Yanzhou gave a businesslike nod. “I’m overseeing the inspection.”

So, when Xu Qingyi leaned halfway in to take the photo, Shen Yanzhou stood behind her, one hand bracing the lid above.

Xu Qingyi regretted it almost the moment she bent down.

In her swimsuit, she felt hypersensitive to Shen Yanzhou’s presence behind her, any touch, or even the lack of it, sent shivers through her.

Her wrists went numb, and she quickly withdrew. Better to step back now than risk dropping the phone in her flustered state.

“Um, sorry, I can’t really reach it.”

She spotted Shen Sijin, who had followed them in. “Shen Sijin, could you help? You’re slimmer than me.”

The manager naturally had no objections.

Shen Yanzhou stood there, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly as he watched Xu Qingyi distance herself from him.

She was a paradox.

Often, she seemed to crave clinging to him, yet this wasn’t the first time she’d resisted his closeness or touch.

After Shen Sijin finished taking the photos, she kept glancing at Shen Yanzhou.

Just then, the manager addressed him as “Boss Shen.”

Shen Sijin’s face lit up with delight. “You’re also surnamed Shen? What a coincidence, me too!”

She eagerly extended her hand for a handshake.

Shen Yanzhou raised his gloved hand, signaling it wasn’t convenient.

The manager stepped in with a smile, shaking Shen Sijin’s hand instead. “Thank you so much, miss! I’m treating Boss Shen and the crew to dinner later, why don’t you join us?”

Shen Sijin agreed readily, then turned back to Shen Yanzhou. “Could I add you on WeChat?”

Shen Yanzhou lowered his gaze as he removed his gloves, his expression indifferent. “Didn’t bring my phone.”

Before Shen Sijin could say more, Shen Yanzhou’s eyes flicked to Xu Qingyi, and he told the manager, “I’ll head out first.”

The manager nodded politely. “Sure, sure! see you at dinner!”

They still had contract renewal details to discuss over the meal.

Xu Qingyi changed out of her swimsuit. When she stepped out, Shen Sijin was waiting by the door. “Teacher Xu!”

“What’s up?”

“Bai Li has a club event tonight, and I’m a bit nervous about dining alone with a group of male workers. Would you… come with me?”

Xu Qingyi smiled. “Then just don’t go.”