Senior, Stop Pretending to be an Alpha - Chapter 32

Xie Bufei’s eyes widened slightly as she stared at Yu Qiao.

The program on the television was still playing; the dancers were joyfully singing and dancing amidst a swirl of background music, but she no longer had the capacity to pay attention. The words “sleep together” were looping relentlessly in her ears.

Yu Qiao asked again, “Do you mind, Senior?”

Xie Bufei shook her head vigorously. “No… I don’t mind at all.”

How could I possibly mind such a good thing?!

She was beyond happy…

Yu Qiao nodded, her voice clear. “Then go take a shower first.”

She walked into the bedroom and brought out a set of pajamas and trousers for Xie Bufei, along with a pair of disposable underwear.

The bathroom was narrow; even standing there alone felt somewhat cramped. Yu Qiao hung a fresh towel on the back of the door and turned to look at her. “The water heater is a bit old, so it might take a moment for the hot water to come through. If you need anything, just call me; I’ll be right outside.”

Xie Bufei gave a low “mm” in response. Looking into Yu Qiao’s clean, honest gaze, she suddenly felt… a bit wretched.

How can my head be so full of strange thoughts?!

After Yu Qiao left, Xie Bufei closed the door and stood in a daze for a moment before turning on the water heater.

As the white steam began to rise, Xie Bufei tilted her head back and let out a long breath, letting the hot water pour over her body, washing away the fatigue and pain of the day.

After a while, she opened her eyes and wiped a hand across the misted mirror, seeing her reflection. Her waist was slender, her legs long, her lips red, and her teeth white. Her thick, curled eyelashes and wet strands of dark hair clung to her cheeks. Her eyes held a shimmering, vivid allure.

A faint scent of lily of the valley permeated the enclosed space, flowing secretly and restlessly, as if trying to seep through the closed door.

Outside, Yu Qiao sat cross-legged on the sofa. A pale pink peach turned between her fingertips; it was tender and soft. She sliced it in half with a knife, revealing the snow-white flesh inside.

She caught a faint, familiar fragrance drifting toward her, so subtle it felt like an illusion.

Twenty minutes later, Xie Bufei emerged from the bathroom.

Yu Qiao’s pajamas were quite ordinary—short sleeves and long pants—but on Xie Bufei, they took on a different charm. Her forearms, as white as lotus roots, peeked out from the sleeves. Her pant legs were rolled up, revealing slender ankles and rounded toes tinged with a faint pink.

Wrapped in the damp warmth of the bathroom, she sat down beside Yu Qiao.

“I’m done,” Xie Bufei said, leaning against her arm. The skin where they touched felt warm.

Yu Qiao handed her the peeled peach, picked up the hairdryer next to her, and stood up. “I’ll help you dry your hair.”

“Okay.” Xie Bufei’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. She turned her back to Yu Qiao, her nape appearing thin and elegant.

Yu Qiao’s gaze settled on her. “Senior, are you still wearing your suppressant patch?”

Xie Bufei froze and instinctively pulled her neck in. “Mm.”

The peach was in the bowl, sliced into slender crescent shapes. It was crisp and sweet, but Xie Bufei chewed absently. The warm air blowing over her head made her feel drowsy, and she couldn’t help but yawn.

Yu Qiao’s slender fingers ran through the fluffy black hair. “If you’re tired, go to sleep first.”

Xie Bufei shook her head. “I’m… okay.” Even as she spoke, the warm air on her cheeks made her eyes close involuntarily, her head nodding down like a little chick pecking at grain.

Once her hair was dry, Yu Qiao turned off the dryer.

As if suddenly jolted awake, Xie Bufei snapped her eyes open and turned to look at Yu Qiao. Her eyes were round as she stared intently at her, a flickering light deep in her pupils, like a waking kitten full of attachment.

Yu Qiao couldn’t resist ruffling the fluffy head of hair. Her voice was gentle. “What is it?”

“I thought I was dreaming,” Xie Bufei said softly. “It’s so good that you’re still here.”

She reached out both arms and gently hugged Yu Qiao, her cheek rubbing back and forth against Yu Qiao’s stomach.

Her stomach felt ticklish; Yu Qiao felt a stir in her heart, as if it had been lightly scratched by a tiny paw.

She lowered her head, and her nose caught that faint floral scent again. She couldn’t help but wonder, “Senior, do you put on perfume even after a shower?”

“Mm…” Xie Bufei slowly let go of her and lowered her head. “It’s… a habit.”

Feeling guilty, she urged Yu Qiao, “Hurry up and go shower.”

Yu Qiao didn’t pay it much mind and took her pajamas into the bathroom. She didn’t wash her hair today and was used to quick “combat showers,” so she was back out in less than ten minutes.

Seeing two people sitting in the living room, Yu Qiao was slightly taken aback. “Mom.”

Gu Cuilan looked up at her with a gentle smile. “Qiaoqiao, why didn’t you tell me you had a friend staying over?”

Xie Bufei sat beside her, one hand cradling Curry on her lap. Her back was straight, her expression composed—the very image of a model student.

“Auntie, it was my fault for dropping in so suddenly today. She hasn’t had a chance to tell you yet; don’t blame her.”

Gu Cuilan turned to look at her, her face—so similar to Yu Qiao’s—wearing a smile. The woman appeared frail and delicate, her complexion somewhat pale, and her voice was soft and slow. “It’s rare for Qiaoqiao to invite a friend home. The place is small; if there’s anything you’re not used to, just let Qiaoqiao or me know.”

Xie Bufei said sincerely, “Auntie, I think it’s very nice here.”

Gu Cuilan smiled. “That’s good, that’s good…”

“Mom, have you eaten?” Yu Qiao walked over to them.

“I have, I have…” Gu Cuilan sighed, a hint of fatigue lingering in her delicate features. “I’m sorry, Qiaoqiao. There was so much to do at the shop today; I was run off my feet and couldn’t come back to see you sooner.”

“It’s okay.” Yu Qiao poured her a glass of warm water. “If you’re tired, you should go rest early.”

“Alright,” Gu Cuilan said warmly. “You two should rest early as well. Don’t stay up too late.”

Watching the woman walk into her bedroom and close the door, Xie Bufei’s tensed nerves finally relaxed. She exhaled, “Auntie coming back just now gave me a start.”

Yu Qiao sat beside her and smiled softly. “My mom is quite easygoing.”

Xie Bufei gave an “mm,” her beautiful eyes blinking. “Auntie seems like a very kind and gentle person.” She added, “Just like Qiaoqiao.”

Yu Qiao lowered her eyes and said in a low voice, “My mother and I aren’t alike.”

“Weren’t you tired just now, Senior?” She stroked Curry, who was lying on Xie Bufei’s lap, pinching the cat’s pointed ears. “Want to sleep now?”

Xie Bufei gave an embarrassed laugh. “I was startled awake…”

Yu Qiao smiled. “Come to my room.”

Turning off the living room lights, the two entered the bedroom. Yu Qiao turned on the small desk lamp, its orange glow filling the tiny space with warmth. The bed was clean, with only one pillow and neatly folded bedding; it looked just large enough for two people.

Xie Bufei sat on the edge of the bed, her feet swinging unconsciously. Her sea-tangle black hair reached her waist, her eyes were bright, and her cheeks were dyed a faint orange-red by the soft light. She was strikingly beautiful.

Yu Qiao sat down beside her, only to be suddenly grabbed by the waist. Caught off guard, she fell backward, and both of them tumbled onto the bed.

“Senior?”

Xie Bufei looked at her, the light in her dark eyes making them look like pale amber. They seemed watery.

“Qiaoqiao…” She leaned closer, sinking into the embrace that smelled of forest and wood, clinging tightly. “Hold me.”

She’s become even more clingy, Yu Qiao thought silently as she reached out to hold Xie Bufei’s waist.

Xie Bufei’s voice sounded in her ear, lazy and soft. “I was so sad today, but also so happy.”

“Don’t be sad,” Yu Qiao patted her back.

Xie Bufei was quiet for a moment. “Sometimes I feel like I’m just like Curry.”

“Even though I lived in that house first, I was pushed out by the newcomers,” she said softly. “Even though it was my home, I live there like a stranger, like I’m living under someone else’s roof.”

Yu Qiao brushed the stray hairs from Xie Bufei’s face and said gently, “You’re not a stranger. Curry is here now; he has a home.”

Xie Bufei looked up at her and smiled. “I have a home, too.” She leaned in and whispered, “Qiaoqiao, thank you.”

They leaned against each other in silence until, after a long while, Yu Qiao spoke lowly, “I should be the one thanking you.”

“Thank you for speaking up for me today, Senior.”

Xie Bufei didn’t answer. Yu Qiao pulled back slightly and saw the girl in her arms had closed her eyes. Her breathing was steady; she seemed to have fallen asleep.

At such close range, Yu Qiao’s gaze involuntarily traced the features of Xie Bufei’s face. Without makeup, she looked even more pure. Her nose was elegantly bridge, and her pale red lips were beautifully shaped, unconsciously pouting a little. One of her hands was hooked possessively around Yu Qiao’s waist.

She looked even more obedient in her sleep.

As Yu Qiao watched her sleeping face, she gradually heard a thump-thump sound in her ears. Searching for the source, she suddenly realized it was the sound of her own heart.

It was pounding violently—very fast. Yu Qiao reached out to cover her chest, feeling momentarily lost and flustered. The sensation was unfamiliar, novel, and unexpectedly surprising…

She instinctively tried to pull back, but the sleeping girl suddenly snapped her eyes open, her gaze hazy with sleep. “Where are you going?”

She rolled back into Yu Qiao’s arms, leaning against her chest, and said softly, “Take me with you.”

With her heart racing, Yu Qiao looked at her for a moment and sighed. “I’m not going anywhere.” She said, “Don’t sleep yet; you haven’t brushed your teeth.”

Xie Bufei gave an “oh,” then suddenly felt her body leave the bed. Yu Qiao had reached out and picked her up in her arms.

Xie Bufei was instantly wide awake. “Qiaoqiao?!”

Yu Qiao carried her into the bathroom, set her down gently, and took a new toothbrush and rinse cup from the cabinet.

Xie Bufei’s cheeks flushed. “You!”

Why the sudden… princess carry?!

Yu Qiao squeezed out the toothpaste and handed it to her thoughtfully. “Brush.”

Her mouth filled with the refreshing taste of mint, and Xie Bufei brushed her teeth slowly, her mind elsewhere. Yu Qiao finished first but didn’t rush her, leaning against the wall and waiting.

Xie Bufei spat out the foam, rinsed her mouth, and put the cup back. Yu Qiao asked, “Finished?”

Xie Bufei gave a soft “mm.” The moment she finished speaking, she was picked up once again and carried into the bedroom, where she was carefully laid back on the bed.

The girl’s face was beet-red, and her legs felt weak. She looked at Yu Qiao, caught off guard. “You didn’t have to carry me.”

Yu Qiao pulled the blanket over her and tucked in the corners. “Didn’t you say you wanted me to take you with me?”

She took off her glasses and leaned against the headboard, her handsome features curving into a faint smile. “Senior, you’re so light.”

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