Three Sentences That Made My Ex-Wife Spit Blood - Chapter 47
“I’m not letting you kiss me.” Wen Huaxi turned her head away as she spoke.
She looked as childish as a three-year-old.
Yan Qinglan paused for a moment, then let out a quiet breath and pulled Wen Huaxi gently into her arms.
“Who said I was going to kiss you?” she asked softly. She had only wanted to ask a question.
But seeing Wen Huaxi act so immaturely, Yan Qinglan lost her train of thought.
If her wife had really been reborn, then her mental age should be at least twenty-four or twenty-five. So why did she act this childish?
Right now, Wen Huaxi truly looked like a college student.
As her secretary once described, she had a kind of innocent beauty that almost felt foolish.
Like now, thinking she was about to be kissed, awkwardly dodging. It made her look a little silly.
A few seconds later, Wen Huaxi looked up at Yan Qinglan.
“Really not going to kiss me?”
Yan Qinglan wanted to refuse.
But after just two seconds of staring into Wen Huaxi’s bright, watery eyes, she gave in.
She gently pulled Wen Huaxi closer and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Since they were in public, Yan Qinglan kept the gesture brief and reserved.
Wen Huaxi, on the other hand, seemed unsatisfied and stuffed a mouthful of popcorn into her cheeks.
She had been mentally prepared, thinking that the movie atmosphere would be perfect to get closer and snuggle up.
But this clueless woman only kissed her forehead.
Could she not see the signals she was giving?
Seeing a little strand of hair on Wen Huaxi’s head sticking up, Yan Qinglan even stopped chewing on her straw.
Was Wen Huaxi actually upset that she didn’t get a proper kiss?
Did she really enjoy kissing that much?
Yan Qinglan started to wonder. She reached out and gently tugged at the little tuft of hair.
“What was that for?” Wen Huaxi jumped out of her arms right away. “That hurt.”
“I didn’t even pull that hard.” Yan Qinglan raised both hands, pretending to be innocent.
“It still hurt. Don’t pull it again. I’m a natural beauty, you know. If I go bald, you’ll have to take responsibility.” Wen Huaxi rubbed the spot on her head, then sat back in her seat.
They had purchased a couple’s seat with no armrest between them. The side panels gave them some privacy, making it easier to fool around a little.
She really was still a young girl who hadn’t experienced much of the adult world.
Yan Qinglan reached out and poked Wen Huaxi’s cheek. Wen Huaxi bit her finger playfully in return, clearly enjoying getting back at her. That finally made her calm down.
That evening, back at the hotel, Wen Huaxi sat with a pen and sketchpad, working on a design.
Yan Qinglan was beside her, wearing glasses and reviewing documents. From time to time, she listened to Wen Huaxi talking.
Wen Huaxi was naturally chatty. She loved talking about everything.
Luckily, she didn’t need much response. Yan Qinglan just had to listen.
“Xixi, are you drawing a design for your sister?” After finishing her work and putting away her tablet, Yan Qinglan moved closer to Wen Huaxi and reached to take off her glasses.
Wen Huaxi stopped her.
Without the glasses, Yan Qinglan’s features were already sharp and striking. The frames added a softness to her look, covering the intensity in her eyes and giving her a more refined and gentle appearance.
Wen Huaxi had never seen her dressed like this before and was intrigued. She climbed into Yan Qinglan’s lap and took a closer look.
“The glasses are for screen protection. Is there something wrong with them, Xixi?” Yan Qinglan leaned back slightly. They were close enough to kiss.
“Nothing’s wrong. You just look really good.” After enjoying the view, Wen Huaxi smiled with satisfaction and slid off her lap.
Yan Qinglan sighed and took off the glasses. “So Xixi likes them?”
If she liked the look, she could start wearing them more often.
It was just a shame she didn’t actually need glasses anymore.
“It’s just fresh. I haven’t seen you wear them before.” Wen Huaxi nodded honestly. “My sister has an important competition coming up later this year. I want to help her by creating a new design.”
“What about her company’s designers?” Yan Qinglan took the sketch Wen Huaxi handed her.
It was a revised version of the one she showed yesterday. The same piece, but updated.
It already looked unique and beautiful. Still, Yan Qinglan could tell Wen Huaxi wasn’t fully satisfied with it.
“My sister’s company mostly focuses on affordable fashion. Her designers aren’t really used to creating high-end custom pieces. But the competition matters a lot to her in different ways. I’m even trying to help her find a new designer.” Wen Huaxi watched as Yan Qinglan circled two parts of the sketch for improvement.
After seeing the suggested changes, her eyes lit up with excitement.
No wonder Yan Qinglan had a closet full of custom pieces. With that kind of experience, her eye for design was naturally sharp.
Seeing Wen Huaxi so obediently following the suggestions, Yan Qinglan reached out and gently patted her head.
Sometimes it really did feel like she was taking care of a younger sister.
Her face was soft and full of youthful glow. It felt smooth and elastic to the touch.
Her personality was equally adorable, bright and obedient, but with a mischievous streak.
No wonder Wen Suxue had taken her along even while struggling to work part-time and make ends meet.
Yan Qinglan thought to herself that if she had a sister like this, she wouldn’t have the heart to let her go hungry either.
“I remember you studied acting. How do you know how to draw design sketches?”
“I really liked it when I was little. Later, I taught myself. Since my sister’s company works in fashion, I thought it would be useful.” In truth, she had learned everything in her previous life.
At the time, she had wanted to mend her relationship with Wen Suxue but didn’t know how to start. So she tried contributing to her sister’s company by drawing a design.
Unfortunately, in her past life, that design was never delivered to her sister.
“That’s amazing. Teaching yourself and reaching this level. Do you need any help from me?”
Yan Qinglan began thinking about the possibility of someone studying acting while also learning design.
Double majors weren’t that unrealistic. Even without being reborn, it was still possible.
She decided to just believe that her little kitten was truly gifted.
“You know a lot of luxury brands, right? Maybe even their designers?” Wen Huaxi’s eyes sparkled. She wrapped her arms around Yan Qinglan’s arm, clearly ready to start buttering her up.
“I do. Want me to introduce you to some of them?”
She was always the cutest when she needed something.
Yan Qinglan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but she accepted the affection without complaint.
“I’ll wait until I win the award first.” Wen Huaxi felt reassured after hearing Yan Qinglan’s words.
There was no rush. Asking for help now would mean relying on Yan Qinglan’s personal connections. But if she won the award, it would be a fair partnership.
“So confident?” Watching her little kitten practically puffing up with pride, Yan Qinglan reached out to pull her back.
In reality, she wrapped Wen Huaxi tightly in her arms.
“What? Sister Qinglan doesn’t think I can do it?” Wen Huaxi bared her teeth slightly, as if daring Yan Qinglan to say no. One wrong answer, and she looked ready to bite.
“You want me to be completely honest?” Yan Qinglan could tell that Wen Huaxi wasn’t looking for empty praise.
“Yes, go ahead. I think it still needs some changes anyway,” Wen Huaxi replied. Even if this was just one outfit in the whole series, she wanted it to be better.
“Themed designs based on Eastern mythology have been explored by many designers in recent years. Some have done quite well, but very few manage to create something truly refined. I think your design is already good, but it’s still missing a certain spark. If you’re aiming for the IFC competition later this year, just doing well won’t be enough to win the top prize.”
Wen Huaxi hugged Yan Qinglan’s arm a little tighter, almost laughing.
“Qinglan, I only said I wanted to win an award. You’re already imagining me taking first place.”
Yan Qinglan tightened her arm around Wen Huaxi’s waist in return.
“What, do you think I’m setting the bar too high? Sounds like someone doesn’t believe in herself.”
“A little. I don’t dare to dream that big,” Wen Huaxi said with a bright smile, leaning against her chest.
“You’re adorable,” Yan Qinglan murmured as she gently ruffled Wen Huaxi’s hair.
“Tsk, you’re taking advantage of me again.” Wen Huaxi said it while burying her head in Yan Qinglan’s arms, refusing to let her touch her anymore.
In her previous life, she was still reeling from a huge wave of online hate while drawing design sketches.
At the time, her only companion was Lu Tong.
Her best friend was also busy with work, so there was no way she could be with her every day.
Wen Huaxi took a break from acting for two months, locking herself indoors and throwing all her energy into designing.
She vaguely remembered one night when she passed out at her desk, someone had quietly placed a blanket over her and made small revisions to her sketches.
She always suspected it was Yan Qinglan.
After all, when she opened her eyes again, there was no one around. Just a revised design sitting on her desk, along with a thermos of warm tea.
Yan Qinglan had always been capable of tenderness.
Just like in that moment, and just like now.
She understood her without needing many words. She quietly revised her work and encouraged her to aim for the best.
Her words could be a little sharp sometimes, but since Wen Huaxi could bite her whenever she wanted, she decided to forgive that part.
So maybe it wasn’t surprising that she had fallen for this woman again and again.
Yan Qinglan really was someone worth loving.
When she looked up, she caught Yan Qinglan staring at her with such soft, affectionate eyes that her ears instantly turned warm.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Do I look that good?” she asked. Did she see that right? Was Yan Qinglan actually looking at her with love in her eyes?
“Yes. Xixi, you’re very beautiful,” Yan Qinglan said, brushing her fingers lightly over Wen Huaxi’s earlobe before kissing her gently on the temple. “Want to take a shower?”
Wen Huaxi froze. She answered mechanically, “Okay,” and walked stiffly toward the bathroom.
Only after the warm water poured over her head did Wen Huaxi come back to her senses.
Wait a minute. Was Yan Qinglan flirting with her?
Was that real or just her imagination? Yan Qinglan had been so sweet lately.
Whether it was through words or actions, she had been treating her so well that it made Wen Huaxi nervous.
She started wondering if Yan Qinglan was up to something, or if she had taken the wrong medication, or if she was just having a mental episode.
But in the end, all Yan Qinglan did was treat her with kindness. She never crossed any real lines.
Even with the excuse of needing physical affection, she never went too far.
They still just cuddled, shared a few kisses, and maybe added a hint of intimacy here and there.
The warm water slid down her brow and into her eyes.
And suddenly, Wen Huaxi understood something.
The one who was acting strange wasn’t Yan Qinglan.
It was her.
She was afraid that this kindness from Yan Qinglan would be temporary.
Determined not to overthink, Wen Huaxi marched out of the bathroom after her shower and went straight to confront Yan Qinglan.
“Yan Qinglan, will you keep treating me this well in the future?”
She wanted to ask more. She wanted to be brave. But this was the only question she dared to say out loud.
“Yes, of course. Xixi, I didn’t take anything strange. I just really like you,” Yan Qinglan answered without hesitation.
“You’re overthinking again.” She gently touched Wen Huaxi’s lips and smiled. “Wait for me outside. I’ll blow-dry your hair when I finish showering.”
“Alright,” Wen Huaxi replied quietly and watched her go into the bathroom.
Then she fell back onto the bed.
What was she going to do now? Yan Qinglan really seemed to like her.
She had the courage to ask whether Yan Qinglan would keep treating her kindly, and even to ask why she liked physical contact so much.
But no matter what, she just couldn’t bring herself to say those three words: I like you.
She was too scared.
Scared that Yan Qinglan might reject her.