Chen Qin Calling

Chen Qin’s profile picture was a Doraemon, specifically the "I'll just quietly watch you.jpg" meme. Ye Shuang hesitated for a moment before finally answering the video call.

The screen was immediately dominated by an overwhelming view of what could only be described as a "cleansing milk"-like presence, the white lace barely holding its own. The sheer audacity of this opening scene made Ye Shuang’s eye twitch involuntarily.

"Ah, did it connect?" A voice soon came through from the other end.

The camera wobbled slightly before pulling back to reveal Chen Qin in a snow-white lace nightgown, blow-drying her hair. Her fair skin, flushed pink from the heat, made it obvious she had just stepped out of the shower.

Without makeup or jewelry, Chen Qin looked much more innocent, though her every movement still carried an effortless grace. The faint blush on her cheeks from the hot shower only added to her allure.

"Did you miss me?" Chen Qin curved her eyes into crescents, smiling playfully.

"Maybe?"

"What do you mean, ‘maybe’?" Chen Qin puffed her cheeks slightly before leaning forward just a little too deliberately. "And where exactly are you looking?"

"At the extra weight you’ve put on lately," Ye Shuang chuckled.

Chen Qin froze, then immediately straightened up and patted her stomach. But she quickly realized she’d been tricked and waved a fist in mock anger. "Hey! Call me fat again and I’ll beat you up."

Ye Shuang popped a candy into his mouth. "Hahaha, why’d you call so late at night?"

"Do you want the truth or a lie?"

"What’s the lie?"

"I need a favor from you."

"And the truth?"

Chen Qin propped her chin on one hand while twirling a strand of hair with the other, her smile radiant as she gazed at Ye Shuang through the screen. "Of course, it’s because I missed you."

Faced with Chen Qin’s boldness, Ye Shuang fell silent.

"I’m not worth it," he said after a few seconds.

"I know you’re still not completely over it, but it’s okay. I’m willing to wait," Chen Qin said earnestly. "Even if people call me a rebound, I don’t care. You’re mine, Ye Shuang. I’ve waited all these years—just forget about that woman."

"..."

"Hey, don’t tell me you like that little girl instead?!" Chen Qin suddenly exclaimed. "I was here first!"

"What are you even talking about?" Ye Shuang sighed.

"Where are you driving to so late?" Chen Qin had noticed earlier that Ye Shuang was in his car but hadn’t asked until now.

Ye Shuang briefly explained the situation.

"Hmph, so many girls have sat in your passenger seat," Chen Qin huffed, crossing her arms in obvious jealousy.

Seeing her pout, Ye Shuang didn’t respond. In his memories, Chen Qin had always kept a polite distance—only later did he learn from Chen Hai that she had deliberately pulled away after he started dating someone else.

"Just kidding," Chen Qin said when Ye Shuang stayed quiet, thinking she’d upset him. "I really do need your help with something."

"What is it?"

"I’ve never been in a relationship before, so when I come back next week, spend a day with me as my boyfriend, okay?" Chen Qin’s serious expression made it hard to tell if she was joking.

"I—"

"Ah, the signal’s bad here. Gotta go! Remember what I said!" Before Ye Shuang could reply, the call ended.

Ye Shuang lowered his phone. He understood exactly what Chen Qin was trying to do.

In the dimly lit car, he mulled over their complicated relationship before calling Chen Hai.

"What’s up?" Chen Hai answered immediately. "Did you get arrested again?"

"Shut up," Ye Shuang nearly laughed despite himself.

"Is this about Chen Qin?"

"How’d you know?" Ye Shuang was taken aback. How had Chen Hai guessed?

"Not hard to figure out. She messaged the family group when she landed this evening, saying she’d call you later," Chen Hai said, already anticipating the question. "Look, man, you’re overthinking this. Chen Qin’s a catch—CEO, loaded, gorgeous, and she’s been hung up on you since forever without dating anyone else."

"Sure, she’s got a temper and an ego, but around you, she’s a total softie. What’s not to like?"

"It’s not that I don’t like her, it’s just… I’m not good enough for her. Our backgrounds don’t match."

"Bullshit. This isn’t some arranged marriage. Your dad and my old man were war buddies—he’s always wished you and Chen Qin would get together. Hell, I’ll even let you skip calling me ‘brother-in-law.’"

Ye Shuang rubbed his temples. "That’s not the point."

"Whatever. I’ve said my piece. Think it over." Chen Hai hung up before Ye Shuang could argue.

"These siblings and their habit of cutting calls short," Ye Shuang muttered, setting his phone aside. He decided to let things unfold naturally.

When he got home and opened the door, he found Bai Yuyou sitting on a chair, waiting for him.

Her hair was still damp, soaking through her clothes.

She had clearly been sitting there the whole time, like a loyal puppy waiting for its owner. The moment she saw Ye Shuang, the dullness in her eyes brightened instantly.

"Ye Shuang."

"Were you waiting here the whole time?" he asked.

"Yes. After my shower, I waited for you," Bai Yuyou said softly.

"You dummy, at least dry your hair next time." Ye Shuang flicked her forehead lightly before grabbing the hairdryer from the table. "Go change your clothes first—your pajamas are soaked."

Bai Yuyou obediently slipped out of her pajamas and headed for the balcony, completely naked.

"Get back here!"

Ye Shuang quickly handed her a fresh set of pajamas and helped her into them. "I’ve told you before—you can’t just undress in front of people."

Bai Yuyou hugged the soft fabric and looked up at him. "But Ye Shuang… isn’t just ‘people.’"

Her words caught him off guard, softening his heart. Still, he pinched her cheek gently. "Even so, you can’t do that. Understand?"

"But if I have to choose between bathing together or sleeping together… wouldn’t you see me naked either way?" Bai Yuyou reasoned.

Ye Shuang was speechless. Sometimes, she had a way of leaving him at a loss for words.

"Fine, you win. Just remember—no undressing in front of others, and definitely not on the balcony. Got it?"

"Okay."