The Subtle Seduction of My Ex-Girlfriend’s Aunt - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Tang Ran, Are You Willing to Give It a Try?

Tang Ran’s body stiffened.

A “real” marriage was supposed to involve mutual love, right? What did she feel toward Song Zhixu…?

Song Zhixu gently held her hand, gazing at her with eyes overflowing with a tenderness that couldn’t be dissolved.

“Tang Ran, are you willing to give it a try?”

Pop!

It felt as if a carbonated bubble had burst its cap, instantly filling Tang Ran’s entire heart. It left her feeling a bit lightheaded. She wanted to nod immediately, but the words that came out were: “Just a try, right?”

Tang Ran’s reaction was within Song Zhixu’s expectations, but experiencing her hesitation again still caused a trace of almost imperceptible disappointment in Song Zhixu’s heart.

“Yes.” Song Zhixu looked into her eyes and gave a solemn nod. As long as the result was good, it was enough.

Tang Ran bit her lip. “Then… let’s give it a try.”

The moment the words left her mouth, a wave of heat climbed up Tang Ran’s face. My God, what just happened? Song Zhixu didn’t just confess; she practically proposed. And she had agreed! She actually agreed!

!!!

Tang Ran felt like fleeing again. She stole a glance at the floor-to-ceiling window. Thick raindrops were battering the glass, creating a curtain of water so dense she couldn’t even see the garden outside. Going out now would definitely leave her looking like a drowned rat.

“The rain is quite heavy.” Song Zhixu’s voice came from above. She had stood up and was also looking at the storm. “It looks like it won’t stop anytime soon.”

Song Zhixu turned back to look at Tang Ran, the tenderness in her eyes shifting into a relaxed smile. Her expression seemed the same as usual, but Tang Ran could clearly sense her joy.

Suddenly, Tang Ran relaxed too. She looked around the living room and then toward the foyer. “Isn’t there an umbrella in the villa?” From her position, she could only see the coat rack.

Song Zhixu also glanced at the foyer. “Turtle Island gets a lot of rain. Not having umbrellas would affect the guest experience; that definitely needs improvement.”

Hearing this, Tang Ran remembered that Song Zhixu was the big boss of the resort.

“I’ll call the front desk to send an umbrella over,” Song Zhixu said, moving toward the landline.

“No, don’t,” Tang Ran quickly stopped her. “It’s so late; let’s not bother the staff.”

The big boss calling for an umbrella in the middle of the night was enough to fuel endless rumors. This living room had panoramic windows; if a staff member came to deliver it, they’d see her on the sofa at a glance. Tang Ran could already imagine the work group chats exploding. She wasn’t afraid of gossip, but she was worried about the news reaching Song Wuqi before she was ready.

“It’s nearly midnight.” Song Zhixu looked at the wall clock. “Why don’t you stay here for the night?”

“Okay,” Tang Ran nodded in agreement. With no sign of the rain letting up, this was the only logical arrangement.

Tang Ran stood up and walked toward the room on the left. But after only one step, she went blank. This villa had the same layout as the one across the street, yet it was very different. While the other had two bedrooms, this one was a study-plus-bedroom configuration.

Tang Ran: “…”

Are my eyes made of glass marbles? How did she not notice the massive desk sitting right there earlier?

She was caught between a rock and a hard place. She had agreed to stay because she thought there were two rooms. Who would have thought this villa only had one bed?

One bedroom meant one large bed. Staying here meant… sharing a bed with Song Zhixu? No, wait. There should be more than one pillow. No, no, no—that wasn’t the point.

If this place only had one bedroom, Tang Ran might not have known, but surely Song Zhixu did? How did Song Zhixu have the nerve to ask her to stay? Confessing one moment and asking her to sleep over the next… wasn’t this moving a bit too fast? Tang Ran highly suspected Song Zhixu had ulterior motives.

She bit her lip and turned to look at Song Zhixu. At that moment, Song Zhixu’s phone rang.

“Mm.”

“I remember.”

“I’ll be online in ten minutes sharp.”

A few simple sentences told Tang Ran that Song Zhixu had pre-scheduled work to do. Tang Ran’s face flushed with shame for her own “petty” thoughts. Song Zhixu’s invitation might have truly been just because of the rain.

“I understand. Go get ready,” Song Zhixu said, hanging up and walking to Tang Ran’s side. “I have a meeting. If you’re tired, go to sleep first.”

Her words sounded strangely like a couple who had been married for years. Tang Ran’s face wasn’t just hot; her heart felt scorched. She glanced at the rain outside, which showed no signs of weakening. She gave up struggling. Anyway, she had agreed to give it a try. Sharing a bed was bound to happen eventually.

We’re both adults, what’s there to fear? Tang Ran comforted herself. Even if she’s doing it on purpose, it’s not certain who’s the one losing out.

With a change in perspective, the world suddenly seemed much brighter. She twisted her fingers behind her back, looked up, and smiled with feigned calm. “Okay.”

A smile touched the corners of Song Zhixu’s eyes. She naturally took Tang Ran’s hand and led her to the bedroom. Although Tang Ran had prepared herself mentally, she still felt a bit uneasy when their palms met. She could clearly feel the temperature of Song Zhixu’s palm.

“Which side do you like to sleep on?” Song Zhixu asked.

The question made Tang Ran even more embarrassed, but she hid it, pretending to be casual. “Either is fine.”

“Then I’ll sleep on the outside.” Song Zhixu pulled back the covers and removed the extra decorative pillows.

Tang Ran didn’t hesitate anymore and climbed into bed. It was late, and she let out a yawn the moment she hit the mattress. Song Zhixu dimmed the lights. “Should I close the curtains?” She knew Tang Ran was afraid of the dark.

Tang Ran replied, “Don’t close them all the way.” If she were alone, she’d leave them open, but she had to be careful here in case a staff member saw her.

“Sleep. I’ll be in the study; call me if you need anything.” Song Zhixu adjusted the curtains and placed a glass of warm water on the nightstand.

“Close the bedroom door when you come back,” Tang Ran said, pulling up the covers. Song Zhixu was so thoughtful that Tang Ran felt her face heating up again.

“Okay.” Song Zhixu nodded. After leaving the room, she considerately turned off the main lights in the living room but left the study door slightly ajar.

Tang Ran turned off the lamp. The doors weren’t directly opposite each other, but from the bed, she could see half the desk and Song Zhixu’s occasional movements. Song Zhixu was wearing silver-framed glasses, which added a touch of sharpness to her gentle features. Her tone during the meeting was also firmer than usual.

Looking at this version of Song Zhixu, Tang Ran felt like she was dreaming. An hour ago, she couldn’t have imagined this scenario in a million years. She thought she’d be too restless to sleep, but before long, she was drifting off to the land of dreams.

The sky was clear blue, the sea sparkled, and the golden beach was decorated into a white sea of flowers. Distant mountain bells rang slowly, white pigeons soared overhead, and the joyful laughter of children filled the beach. “The brides may now kiss each other.” Fingertips were gently held. Tang Ran slowly looked up, gazing into the other’s gentle eyes. The distance closed, breaths mingled, and her heart beat so fast it felt like it would burst from her chest. Plump lips drew closer. Tang Ran held her breath and slowly closed her eyes…

A slight feeling of suffocation broke the beautiful dream. Tang Ran snapped her eyes open.

The room was dim, with only a sliver of light peeking through the curtain gap. She felt uncomfortable. She didn’t like the dark and usually slept with open curtains. She frowned, her senses slowly returning.

A warm current of air brushed past her forehead. Her nose was filled with the elegant scent of white tea. In front of her was a soft, white expanse rising and falling slightly. Memory rushed back, and the dream she just had became incredibly vivid. Seeing the face from the dream so close to her, Tang Ran’s face spiraled out of control again.

The sun rose over the horizon, casting a golden glow. Birds chirped in the trees. A tabby cat, annoyed by the noise, stretched and jumped off the wall to sit on a stone step. It licked its pink paw and groomed its face, its ears twitching as it watched a distant gate.

A sneaky figure slowly emerged from behind a gate. After looking left and right, the figure dashed across the road and into the gate opposite. The cat tilted its head.

Tang Ran ran into her courtyard. Seeing Miao Tiantian’s room had its thick curtains drawn, she let out a massive sigh of relief. Tiantian must still be sleeping; she didn’t realize I was gone.

Tang Ran lightened her steps, entered through the sliding door she’d left unlocked, and returned to her room. Once her heart settled, she flopped onto her bed, rolled around to contain her excitement, and rubbed her burning face. Her fingers caught the silk shawl she was still wearing.

Tang Ran froze. Oops. It had been a bit chilly in the morning, so she’d draped the shawl over her shoulders when she left Song Zhixu’s bed. She debated how to return it, but then decided Song Zhixu probably didn’t lack for one shawl, so she kept it with a clear conscience.

After all that, Tang Ran couldn’t go back to sleep. After washing up, she heard footsteps in the living room. She checked her phone: 6:16 AM. Why was Tiantian up so early? Thinking she might be hungover and unwell, Tang Ran went to check.

She pushed open her door. Across the hall, Miao Tiantian was also gripping her doorknob.

“Why are you up so early?”

“Are you hungover and feeling sick?”

The best friends spoke at the same time. Their expressions flickered, then quickly returned to normal.

“The birds were too loud.”

“Hungover and miserable.”

They spoke in sync again. The air stagnated for a moment. Both felt the other was acting strange, but neither had the energy to pry.

Tang Ran cleared her throat and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “Should I call the front desk for some food? Maybe some porridge would help.”

“Ah… yeah, you call,” Miao Tiantian tugged at her collar, shivered, and shrank her neck. “It’s cold this morning; I’m going to change.” She zipped back into her room.

Looking at the closed door, Tang Ran had a strange thought. Miao Tiantian didn’t look like she was coming out of her room; she looked like she was trying to get in. Tang Ran looked at the main villa door. Was that door open when I came back?

Half an hour later, breakfast arrived. Miao Tiantian emerged with exquisite makeup, as energetic as ever. Tang Ran studied her, wanting to ask…

“Sister, do I look explosive today?” Miao Tiantian slung an arm around her, winked, and moved to kiss Tang Ran’s cheek.

Tang Ran immediately stuffed a bun into those flaming red lips. “Don’t ruin my makeup!”

Realizing Miao Tiantian was deliberately being distracting, Tang Ran narrowed her eyes. “How did you sleep last night?” Tang Ran suspected Miao Tiantian had been out all night too, but she had no proof.

Miao Tiantian swallowed the bun and sat down. “Great, actually.”

Tang Ran looked at her suspiciously. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Miao Tiantian took a sip of porridge, trying to change the subject. “The new season finals are tomorrow. Help me team up to climb the leaderboards; I want the Diamond Treasure Chest set.”

“How many rounds a day?” Tang Ran asked. “At least ten.”

“You want that gear that badly?” Tang Ran smiled. “Yeah! Help me out.”

“I can help,” Tang Ran said, giving her another bun. “But first, tell me what’s going on between you and Murong Yi?”

Miao Tiantian’s hand paused as she dipped her bun in vinegar. She slumped her shoulders. “You noticed?”

“Mm-hm,” Tang Ran tilted her head.

“She wants to chase me. I didn’t agree,” Miao Tiantian summarized in one sentence.

“That simple?” Tang Ran didn’t believe it. “That simple,” Miao Tiantian insisted.

Actually, quite a lot had happened between her and Murong Yi lately. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to tell Tang Ran; it was just that her own mind was a mess, and she didn’t want Tang Ran to worry.

“Fine.” Seeing she didn’t want to talk, Tang Ran didn’t push.

After breakfast, Tang Ran received a call from General Manager Yu. The Taivo bidding was next week, and Tang Group’s bid documents were already finished. Someone had snuck into the marketing department on Friday night when no one was around. They had even cut the power to disable the cameras. However, Manager Yu had installed hidden, independent cameras and recorded everything.

Before leaving on Friday, she had loudly told her secretary that the finance department took the corporate seal to the bank and would return Monday morning to seal the bids. The person had taken the bait.

“Is everything still going according to plan?” Manager Yu confirmed.

“Yes,” Tang Ran replied. She had set this trap for Sun Jiaojiao and wouldn’t change it now. If the people at Shengtang liked stealing clients so much, she’d give them this “treasure” called Taivo.

The weather was much cooler after last night’s rain. Activities shifted from the indoor park to the seaside. Xia Xin’er finally got to wear her new swimsuit. Seeing her and Tang Ran in similar styles, Miao Tiantian jokingly complained about the “new love” replacing the “old love.”

“Ta-da!” Xia Xin’er, like a magician, pulled another bag of swimsuits from her large tote and lined them up on the sand mat. “I bought every style from that brand. Sister Tiantian, pick whichever you like!”

Miao Tiantian’s expression froze. She had forgotten that Tang Ran’s “new love” was a shopaholic with infinite funds.

“I think this one is good. Wear this, Tiantian,” Tang Ran said with a mischievous grin, waving the skimpiest outfit in front of her.

“No, no, no,” Miao Tiantian clutched her oversized T-shirt and backed away, telling a lie. “My ‘relative’ hasn’t left yet; I’m afraid of the cold.”

She had brought a swimsuit, but something had happened last night. If she changed, the marks on her chest wouldn’t be hidden, and her excuse to Tang Ran would be ruined.

“Come on, let me personally help you change. I need to dote on my ‘old love’ properly.” Tang Ran didn’t believe her and moved to strip her shirt.

“Sweetie, I was wrong!” Miao Tiantian tried to run. Tang Ran didn’t give her a chance and grabbed her.

“I’m sorry! I’m really sorry!” Miao Tiantian clutched her collar and begged for mercy. “Please let me go, I’ll never do it again.”

“Too late,” Tang Ran snorted and started tickling her.

“Help!” Miao Tiantian pleaded. “Sweetie, baby, Ran-ran baby, honey, I’m sorry! I won’t be jealous of your new love anymore!” She reached to hug Tang Ran’s neck to sit herself up.

“Wow, young people are certainly uninhibited.”

A familiar teasing voice came from above. Tang Ran looked up and saw Murong Yi’s bright, flamboyant face. She was smiling, but Tang Ran felt her gaze was somewhat chilly. It didn’t look like the gaze of a “simple pursuer.”

A thought popped into Tang Ran’s head. She looked down at Miao Tiantian with a scrutinizing eye. Miao Tiantian took advantage of her distraction, sat up, pinned Tang Ran down, and started tickling her waist.

Tang Ran was now the one begging. “Ah! Stop, stop! Tiantian, Sister Tiantian, I was wrong!”

“Know how to beg now? Too late!” Miao Tiantian wouldn’t stop.

Tang Ran grabbed her hands. “About what we said this morning… I agree! Five times! I’ll let you ‘top’…”

“Five is too few! At least let me ‘top’ ten rounds,” Miao Tiantian interrupted, bargaining.

“Ten is too many! My hands will break,” Tang Ran refused. Ten minutes per round, ten rounds would take two hours.

“Ten times. Split between morning and evening,” Miao Tiantian wouldn’t budge. “Six times max,” Tang Ran insisted. “Fine, six it is,” Miao Tiantian said, satisfied, pinching Tang Ran’s cheek.

Xia Xin’er’s face was beet red as she listened to this strange conversation. Although she knew Tang Ran and Miao Tiantian weren’t in that kind of relationship… what kind of tiger-wolf words are these?!

“Six times what?” Murong Yi’s voice, an octave lower, came from the side. She narrowed her eyes, scanning Tang Ran and Miao Tiantian.

“What’s it to you!” Miao Tiantian snapped back.

Tang Ran sat up, realizing their conversation sounded incredibly suggestive. She wanted to explain, but her gaze shifted to the person behind Murong Yi.

Oh.

When did Song Zhixu get here?

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