086 Another Embrace—And Once Again, It's You

After Chen Qing left, Lin Xia took a shower and called her mother, telling her she had already been picked up and was staying safely with Sister Miao in a five-star hotel. After hanging up, a wave of drowsiness swept over her, and she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

When she awoke, the city lights outside were already twinkling. The curtains were left open, and lying in bed, gazing at the neon glow outside, she felt a strange sense of dislocation, as if unsure what night it was.

Pulling aside the soft covers, she got up and checked the time—it was already seven in the evening. Sister Miao had not yet returned, and her stomach was beginning to rumble in protest.

She quickly washed up, changed out of her pajamas, grabbed her keys, bag, and phone, locked the door, and stepped out. Standing at the doorway, she glanced down the long corridors on either side, then made her way toward the elevators.

She decided to head to the lounge first, and then ask a staff member for directions to the restaurant.

With her mind made up, Lin Xia turned left. The carpet was plush, each step sinking softly, giving her the sensation of walking on clouds. No wonder it was a five-star hotel, she thought with a sigh.

Lost in thought, she suddenly spotted a figure ahead—a silhouette that seemed oddly familiar, as if she’d seen it somewhere before.

How strange, she mused. This was her first time in B City; why would anyone seem familiar?

Puzzled, her mind wandered, and she failed to watch her step, treading on something soft. With a startled cry, she lost her balance and pitched forward.

Sensing the disturbance behind him, the man turned reflexively, only to find a soft figure tumbling straight into his arms.

Why does it always have to be a little girl? That was the thought flashing through his mind, recalling the encounter with a certain little girl in W City a few months back.

Before he could finish the thought, the girl in his arms lifted her head.

It’s him again!

Lin Xia stared in shock at the man she had inadvertently thrown herself upon. Any relief she might have felt at not falling vanished entirely, replaced by a surge of embarrassment.

Why did every meeting with him have to be so awkward? Could there not be a single normal encounter?

And why was it always her, falling into his arms like this? What kind of luck was this?

She silently cursed the universe for giving her no warning when she was about to trip.

After venting her frustration, she suddenly became aware of the firm, well-built muscles where their bodies touched, and her mind flashed back to a certain dream she’d once had.

With a sudden rush, Lin Xia’s face turned bright red, her ears burning as if they might catch fire.

Her body went rigid, and she dared not move a muscle, because—

Oh no, this was too much! Of all moments, her period had to start—right now!

Feeling a sudden warmth below, Lin Xia remembered that she had just changed into a white dress.

Why, oh why, had she changed into a white dress? Why hadn’t she stuck with the outfit from lunch? At least those khaki pants wouldn’t have shown anything so obviously.

Summer fabrics were, of course, light and breathable, so it didn’t take long for the man to notice the warmth against his thigh. He looked down to see the girl’s mortified, pitiful face.

Like a cornered little puppy! That was the man’s first reaction.

Lin Xia remained frozen, her gaze full of grievance as she glanced up at the man still holding her, then dropped her head, mentally drawing circles in despair.

Heaven really had it out for her.

Since things were already this bad, let the storm rage on.

Now, Lin Xia looked more abandoned than ever. If Xie Xitong and the others saw her like this—always so calm and collected, never flustered even if the sky were falling—their jaws would drop in disbelief.

Was this the Lin Xia they knew?

A faint smile flickered in the man’s deep eyes, the curve of his lips and the angle of his jaw enough to drive any woman mad with admiration.

But the only girl present was too busy hiding in his arms, internally complaining. Wasn’t the first day supposed to be light? So why was it pouring like a tidal wave?

He took the initiative to pull her closer and, lowering his head, spoke for the first time: “Where’s your room?”

This was the first time Lin Xia had heard his voice. Unlike Chen Zimo’s clarity or You Xin’s gentleness, his voice was fully matured, deep, and tinged with a roughness that made it especially magnetic.

The warmth of his breath brushed past her ear, the scent of fresh tobacco lingering, and it sent a shiver through her, like a current running through her nerves.

But when she realized what he’d said, she stiffened even more, alarmed, and turned to glare at the man before her.

She hadn’t expected that, despite his dignified appearance, he wouldn’t even spare a minor.

But fate cared little for her thoughts. Due to their positions, her lips brushed against his cheek before finally stopping at his lips.

Shocked, Lin Xia jerked back, covering her mouth with both hands and glaring fiercely at the man still holding her tight.

Catching all her emotions, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes as he added, “Or, shall we go to my room first?”

Shameless!

And yet he said it with such a straight face, so seriously, those words—so, so… lecherous!

Yes, lecherous.

Seeing that she looked more indignant than afraid, the man was slightly surprised. The first time they’d met, she’d been somewhat timid.

He didn’t realize that, at this moment, if his friends could see him, they’d be even more astonished. All his usual imposing aura had faded, his sharp, aloof eyes now only deep and dark, the edges of his lips curved in a gentle line. Gone was the world-conquering arrogance he usually wore.

“I have urgent business, you—” he began.

“No!” she blurted out, unable to stop herself as soon as she heard he might leave.

Lin Xia bit her lower lip. How could she go back alone like this? Besides, the man needed to change clothes too.

Wait—change clothes.

She recalled the last time she’d seen him, surrounded by people respectfully calling him “President Jing,” and thought of her own flat-as-a-board figure.

Any man would probably be uninterested.

If it were Liu Ziqing or Zhao Xin here, every man would lose control—they were beautiful and curvaceous.

But for her? She doubted anyone would be interested.

“Then let’s go to my room—it’s just ahead, 1223.”

The man said nothing further, simply guiding Lin Xia toward her room.

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please consider subscribing and supporting it—your support is my greatest motivation.)