ORCBRB – Chapter 51
Chapter 51
The clamor of the campus and the sound of the night wind faded away in that instant. The mottled light and shadows cast by the streetlamps slowly shifted between the two of them before they were plunged into darkness again.
Jian Cenyu’s purposefulness grew stronger. Unlike when she had confessed, she didn't give Sang Shi'an time to think. When Sang Shi'an broke free, she blocked her path again, cornering her face-to-face against the next tree.
Then, she patiently waited for Sang Shi'an's reaction.
Sang Shi'an's eyelashes fluttered wildly. For some reason, she recalled the phrase 'special preference' that Jian Cenyu had mentioned on the day she moved in with her.
It was only at this moment that Sang Shi'an realized that all the various hobbies she had browsed on foreign websites were nothing compared to the shock of Jian Cenyu's 'physiological impulse'.
So, was she basically naked in front of Jian Cenyu every day? Sang Shi'an was so bullied she could barely speak. "Wh-what are you talking about? I don't understand."
"You don't understand?"
Jian Cenyu seemed thoughtful, and then, a clear smile appeared in her lilting voice. "Shall I explain it to you then?"
"...No, don't!"
What was there to explain about something like that?
Trapped before her, with nowhere to escape, the air around them grew so thick it was hard to breathe. Sang Shi'an's heart felt like it was about to leap out of her chest.
Her gaze wavered for a moment. Jian Cenyu was also looking at her, her eyes deep and trembling, her tightly pressed thin lips parting slightly.
Before Jian Cenyu could say or do anything, Sang Shi'an gave a hard push and ran off during the brief moment Jian Cenyu loosened her grip.
The winter night wind was cold, but the blood in Sang Shi'an's body was surging. A drop of hot sweat rolled down her forehead, only to be scattered by the wind.
She didn't know how long she had to run, or where she was running to.
Until her hand was grasped by Jian Cenyu again.
Sang Shi'an thought, Jian Cenyu was at it again, about to kiss her again.
"Slow dow—"
Jian Cenyu had originally wanted to remind Sang Shi'an that there were many uncleaned dead branches in this area, but she didn't expect that as soon as she grabbed Sang Shi'an, she would be pulled into a nearby corridor.
Sang Shi'an was furious. She hadn't even agreed to be with Jian Cenyu, yet Jian Cenyu's gaze and attitude towards her every day seemed to take it for granted that she was already her girlfriend.
Kissing her whenever she wanted, holding her whenever she wanted.
She could even say something like 'physiological impulse' so matter-of-factly.
Sang Shi'an was dying of shame and anger.
Beating Jian Cenyu to it, she pushed her against the wall in the corner corridor. By the time Sang Shi'an realized what she was doing, she had already initiated a kiss on Jian Cenyu's lips.
The string in Sang Shi'an's mind seemed to snap in that instant. Her rationality gradually lost control, and her dilated pupils trembled silently in the darkness.
The draft in the corridor was even colder than outside. As she kissed Jian Cenyu's lips, she could faintly hear the sound of students jogging past the side of the academic building. Everything was proceeding as usual; the only anomaly was their corner.
Jian Cenyu's lips were slightly dry and a little cool to the touch. Sang Shi'an desperately tried to recall how Jian Cenyu had kissed her, her tongue lightly touching Jian Cenyu's teeth. Unsurprisingly, she was blocked.
She suddenly hesitated. Just as she was about to end it with a simple peck on the lips, Jian Cenyu voluntarily parted her teeth. Sang Shi'an seized the opportunity to explore inside. The temperature in her mouth was warmer. Sang Shi'an clumsily licked the tip of Jian Cenyu's tongue, little by little, until their temperatures synchronized, becoming wet and slick.
Sang Shi'an could barely think, her hands tightly gripping the fabric on Jian Cenyu's shoulders. It was her first time initiating a kiss. She kept bumping into Jian Cenyu's teeth. She was too nervous, so nervous that it felt less like a retaliatory punishment and more like walking right into a trap.
The footsteps of the passing students grew clearer, accompanied by their conversation.
"What am I going to do? The advanced math exam is tomorrow. It's five credits! I heard the retake fee is almost two hundred per credit."
"It won't be that bad. Didn't you go through the problem sets several times?"
"You forgot, I was caught skipping class twice. My regular assessment score is probably all deducted."
Sang Shi'an snapped back to her senses, stopped what she was doing, and was about to let go of Jian Cenyu.
But just as she released her, Jian Cenyu let out a soft gasp and pressed her against the back of her neck, kissing her wetly.
Sang Shi'an: !
"There's... someone..."
Sang Shi'an didn't dare to speak loudly, using almost a whisper as she pushed lightly against Jian Cenyu, afraid of being discovered.
Their tongues intertwined tightly again. The footsteps grew closer, and the voices of the passing students grew louder.
"Don't worry about it. New Year's Eve is in two days. There's a fireworks display downtown. Want to go together?"
"I'm not going with you. I don't want to be a third wheel."
Sang Shi'an's gaze caught a corner of clothing appearing from around the wall, and her lips trembled in fright.
Just then—
With a forceful push, Jian Cenyu pressed Sang Shi'an back against the wall, completely enveloping them in the shadows where the light couldn't reach. She lifted Sang Shi'an's face again, and their fervent lips met once more.
Sang Shi'an's eyes widened in surprise. Jian Cenyu pressed against her, familiarly parting her lips, her tongue hooking and gently grinding against hers. This was completely different from how she kissed. A tingling numbness spread from where Jian Cenyu's lips touched, like waves of electric current, making her tremble uncontrollably.
The moment Sang Shi'an showed any sign of retreating, Jian Cenyu would pursue her again, licking and kissing her deeply. It felt so good that it was hard for Sang Shi'an to stay rational. It wasn't just her lips; her entire being felt like it was melting away.
A few muffled moans escaped Sang Shi'an unconsciously. Hearing them, Jian Cenyu whispered a reminder, "Don't make a sound. The soundproofing isn't good; people will hear."
You know people can hear us?
Sang Shi'an swallowed the gasp that was about to escape.
The students seemed to have stopped. "Hey, is that snow? It's snowing again!"
In her ears were the surprised voices of the students watching the snow, while her lips were being constantly explored by Jian Cenyu. Sang Shi'an's sense of shame grew stronger. She suddenly hooked her arms around Jian Cenyu, pushed her away, and turned her head, her mouth tightly shut. "No more."
Jian Cenyu's eyes were deep in the darkness, but her voice was low and coaxing. "Open your mouth. Be good."
"We really can't do this here..."
"If we go out, we'll arouse suspicion."
"Th-then we still can't..."
A hot breath kissed her ear. "An'an, be obedient."
Sang Shi'an's eyelashes trembled violently. That momentary pause gave Jian Cenyu an opportunity to kiss her again. Her lips were rubbed until they were hot and raw. Her hands gripped the clothes on Jian Cenyu's waist tightly. Her nose was filled with the cool, clear fragrance from Jian Cenyu's body—faint at first, but intensely hot once inhaled.
Slowly, the students had their fill of watching the snow, and their footsteps faded away. Jian Cenyu's kiss also softened and gradually stopped.
Sang Shi'an's back was pressed against the cold, hard wall. Usually so concerned with her appearance, she didn't even care about the dust from the wall now. She panted, her chest rising and falling. The impulse to forcefully kiss someone had long been defeated when Jian Cenyu kissed her back, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.
The worst part was that she had started it, so she couldn't really blame Jian Cenyu.
She slowly raised her eyes to meet Jian Cenyu's gradually clearing and cooling gaze. "I..."
Jian Cenyu leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.
It was a gesture of tenderness, exceptionally gentle.
Sang Shi'an was suddenly at a loss for words.
Fortunately, Jian Cenyu didn't say anything more either.
The two walked out of the academic building in silence. The snow outside was falling heavier than Sang Shi'an had imagined. If they walked home like this, their clothes would probably get soaked. Jian Cenyu suggested, "The lab building isn't far from here. Let's make a detour."
Sang Shi'an nodded and pointed in a direction. "We can cut through the academic building to avoid some of the snow."
Jian Cenyu said, "Okay," and led Sang Shi'an, walking in silence.
As they re-entered the academic building, Sang Shi'an's steps faltered for a moment. Jian Cenyu noticed it sharply and frowned in annoyance.
"An'an."
Sang Shi'an was like a startled bird. "What are you doing? You're not going to have another one of those..."
She held it in, then uttered five words in a very small voice, "physiological impulses, are you?"
Jian Cenyu was stunned. After a moment, she couldn't help but let out a low laugh. "No."
Sang Shi'an observed Jian Cenyu's expression but couldn't feel happy. "Aren't you going to explain? What are you smiling so happily for?"
Jian Cenyu managed to suppress her laughter and said, "But I really do have trouble controlling myself around you. I can't lie while I'm pursuing someone, can I?"
Ahhh—
Sang Shi'an felt her body heating up again. She had intended to warn Jian Cenyu with that kiss just now, but it had turned into her throwing herself at her.
"In your dreams," Sang Shi'an said coldly. "I won't be fooled by you again. If you kiss me one more time, all your impression points will be deducted immediately."
Jian Cenyu humbly raised a question, "Then what if you can't resist kissing me?"
Sang Shi'an turned her head away. "I won't."
Jian Cenyu said, "But you just kissed me."
She stared at Sang Shi'an quite impolitely, blocking her path. "Just like how you grabbed my shoulders just now. I didn't even have time to dodge."
Her tone changed, becoming slightly teasing. "If I pushed you away forcefully, what if I hurt you?"
Sang Shi'an's face turned even redder. Behind her was the option of going back out into the snow, and in front of her was a calm and composed Jian Cenyu. She could only say stubbornly, "Don't think you've succeeded just because I kissed you. You kissed me three times. Can't I get the advantage back? If you're not willing, you can call the police."
Jian Cenyu chuckled, her tone leisurely. "So, when are the other two times?"
Sang Shi'an: "Huh?"
Jian Cenyu held up three fingers, then put one down. "I've kissed you three times, and you've only kissed me once. You can't let me get away with it. When are you planning to claim the remaining two?"
Sang Shi'an was so angry she wanted to bite someone. "There are no more! Shut up!"
Jian Cenyu covered her lips, laughing nonstop. "So you'd rather I take advantage of you."
Sang Shi'an was completely speechless. She gave Jian Cenyu a push and walked furiously into the academic building. As she exited this building, Jian Cenyu caught up and shielded her hair with her hand. "Are you cold?"
Sang Shi'an irritably dodged her hand. "Even if I freeze to death, it's none of your business."
As they entered another academic building, Jian Cenyu handed her a tissue. Sang Shi'an wiped the snow that had gotten into her collar, not being overly dramatic about it.
It was almost nine o'clock, and there were still many students studying in the academic building. Every classroom was lit up. Jian Cenyu walked beside her and said casually, "I've never pursued anyone before. If there's anything I do that makes you unhappy, you must tell me."
Sang Shi'an's pace slowed. She could have told Jian Cenyu not to kiss her without any official status, but what came out was, "You haven't even given me flowers."
Jian Cenyu had been prepared for a scolding, but she hadn't expected this. She said, "Then how about I go buy some after we leave campus? I'll buy the most beautiful bouquet."
Sang Shi'an glanced at the snowflakes drifting in and hesitated. "The snow is too heavy. Just have a delivery service send a bouquet to the apartment now."
Jian Cenyu shook her head. "But I've heard that when you give flowers, you have to buy them yourself. Isn't the point of giving flowers to let every passerby feel that I like you?"
Sang Shi'an: ...
Sang Shi'an's heart pounded.
Could it be that Jian Cenyu wanted to give them to her in front of other people? Sang Shi'an's sense of shame couldn't handle something like that.
"No way. If you give them to me at school, I'll break off all ties with you."
Jian Cenyu's tone was rather regretful. "Alright then."
Sang Shi'an couldn't help but remind her, "Your aunt is still a professor at Yanjing University, and Jian Zhenyang is probably just waiting to find something on you."
Speaking of which, Sang Shi'an felt a little uneasy.
She had contacted Wen Yansheng again, telling her about Jian Zhenyang's recent gambling losses and the impending maturity of Jian Corporation's bank bonds.
She didn't know how Jian Corporation planned to raise this amount of liquid capital in such a short time. Judging by Old Master Jian's mentality of even daring to divert company funds to help Jian Zhenyang pay off his debts, it was highly likely that he would leave the remaining few percentage points of his shares to Jian Zhenyang.
If that happened, it would pose a great threat to Jian Cenyu's family.
This was also why Jian Cenyu's father had always been obedient to Old Master Jian. In the dozen or so years that Jian Zhihuan had been the CEO of Jian Corporation, he had not been able to change this predicament, leading to a growing sense of powerlessness in his middle age. In the face of real shares, even as the current CEO, Jian Zhihuan was helpless.
"Jian Zhenyang's ambition is great, but he has one advantage: the greater his ambition, the more handles he leaves behind." When Jian Cenyu mentioned 'advantage', her tone was tinged with sarcasm. She glanced at Sang Shi'an and said, "Don't worry about such things. From the moment my grandfather started distributing shares to all his children, Jian Corporation was destined for this kind of turmoil."
Sang Shi'an: "...Then what if Jian Zhenyang and his group really succeed?"
"Jian Zhenyang's goal... to be honest, I still can't quite figure it out." The smile on Jian Cenyu's face faded, her expression gradually turning serious.
"If he wants power and to climb the ladder, he shouldn't be doing things that harm the entire Jian Corporation. The losses from seeking financing or mortgages from banks due to the company's capital shortage will also be counted against him."
"But if he only wants money, like I found out last time, and wants to use the Huaxing project to manipulate the capital market with Jian Corporation's backing, I feel that's too much trouble for him, far less efficient than the path my grandfather wants to pave for him."
Sang Shi'an also fell into silence.
When they reached the third academic building, she said, "Could it be that he's not very smart, and after being instigated by someone, he wants this and that, which is why his actions are so contradictory?"
Jian Cenyu smiled. "That's also possible."
The topic ended there, but Sang Shi'an knew very well that even if Jian Zhenyang's head wasn't clear, when it came to operations involving such large sums of money, the people under him couldn't possibly be unclear either.
It seemed the investigation had to continue.
When they reached the lab building, they unexpectedly ran into Jian Zhiyan, who hadn't left work yet.
Jian Zhiyan's features bore some resemblance to Jian Cenyu's, and her aura was also very similar. Meeting her suddenly at night, Sang Shi'an almost thought she was seeing a more mature, seasoned Jian Cenyu from twenty-odd years in the future.
After Jian Cenyu called out "Auntie," Sang Shi'an promptly and politely greeted her, "Hello, Professor Jian."
This was the first time Jian Zhiyan had met Sang Shi'an after Jian Cenyu confessed her feelings for her. Although they had met before, with Jian Cenyu's prior words and the late hour, Jian Zhiyan's gaze towards Sang Shi'an couldn't help but become complicated.
There was the scrutiny of an elder, sympathy for being targeted by Jian Cenyu, and a sort of forced gentleness out of a sense of owing the young lady.
Sang Shi'an felt a little creeped out by Jian Zhiyan's gaze. After enduring it for a few seconds, and seeing that Jian Zhiyan was still looking at her like that, she really couldn't take it anymore. She reached out her fingers to Jian Cenyu's palm and scratched it twice, as if asking for help.
Her cool fingertips were enveloped by the palm. Jian Cenyu took a step forward without changing her expression. "Auntie, why haven't you gone home so late?"
"The graduate students I'm supervising are giving me a headache. The project they're working on is a complete mess, so I stayed behind to give them some guidance." Jian Zhiyan's gaze finally moved away and landed on Jian Cenyu. "What about you two? Why are you at the lab building so late?"
"We just came from the library. It's snowing outside, so we came to get an umbrella." Jian Cenyu handed her student card to Sang Shi'an. "The lab I took you to this afternoon. There's an umbrella in the wardrobe by the door. Go get it."
Sang Shi'an took the card and gave Jian Zhiyan another polite nod.
After she left, Jian Zhiyan turned to look after her and asked, "You're still watching over her like this late at night. Are you really serious?"
Jian Cenyu looked up. "Do you think I'm joking, Auntie?"
Jian Zhiyan said coldly, "It's precisely because it doesn't look like you're joking that I have to ask."
"I'm serious," Jian Cenyu said.
Jian Zhiyan thought of the Sang Shi'an she had seen before—clean, noble, and flamboyant, especially with that exceptionally striking face. Such a person would be the center of attention anywhere. Jian Cenyu certainly had good taste.
It was just that this path would be a difficult one.
Sang Shi'an returned with the umbrellas and handed one to Jian Zhiyan. "Professor Jian, you take one too. It's snowing heavily outside. Don't catch a cold."
Jian Zhiyan smiled gently. "Thank you, then."
As she took the umbrella, she added, "When there are no other students around, you can call me Auntie like Cenyu does. Didn't you call me that when you were little? Why have you become so distant now that you're grown up?"
Now that Sang Shi'an was involved with Jian Cenyu, she couldn't help but feel a guilty conscience when she ran into Jian Zhiyan at school, which was why she had specifically called her 'Professor Jian'. Since Jian Zhiyan requested it, she obediently called out, "Auntie Jian."
Still with the surname, huh. Jian Zhiyan gave Jian Cenyu a meaningful glance, understanding the current state of their relationship.
She smiled again and suggested, "Do you want me to drive you back?"
Sang Shi'an glanced at Jian Cenyu. "Would that be too much trouble?"
"Not at all. Come with me." Jian Zhiyan made the decision for Jian Cenyu.
Fifteen minutes later, the car stopped at the entrance of the residential community. The two said goodbye to Jian Zhiyan.
As they walked through the gate, Sang Shi'an turned her head to look at Jian Cenyu in the hazy night. She could see everything clearly, down to the few snowflakes clinging to Jian Cenyu's hair. Enhanced by the light and shadow, her cold, fair skin made Jian Cenyu seem as cool and pure as snow.
Sang Shi'an felt the tip of her tongue inexplicably start to tingle again. Abruptly, she called out, "Jian Cenyu."
Jian Cenyu turned her head. "Hm?"
Sang Shi'an: "Was your aunt acting a little strange just now?"
Jian Cenyu: "How so?"
"She kept looking in the rearview mirror while driving." Sang Shi'an offered an analogy. "She was watching me like a proctor during an exam. It made me so nervous I didn't dare to move."
Jian Cenyu tilted the umbrella towards Sang Shi'an and casually put an arm around her shoulder. "It's just her personal driving habit."
Sang Shi'an thought about it and felt it made sense. "So when are you going to teach me to drive again? Otherwise, the car my brother gave me is going to sit in the parking lot until it's scrapped."
Jian Cenyu said, "Whenever you want. Or I could let you drive whenever we go out recently?"
"We'd have to get the car wrap changed first. I really can't stand that pink color." Sang Shi'an got a headache just thinking about the Lamborghini's color.
Jian Cenyu suggested, "Sure. I just ordered a four-seater. There's a well-regarded shop near the dealership. You can come with me then."
Sang Shi'an was curious. "What car? You didn't buy a Cullinan, did you?"
Sang Shiyue had one. Ever since Sang Shi'an got the pink Lamborghini, she viewed all of Sang Shiyue's cars with a biased eye, finding them all tasteless.
Jian Cenyu shook her head. "No, it's a Panamera. If you like the Cullinan, we can order one during the winter break."
"No, no, the Porsche is clearly better." Sang Shi'an compared the Panamera and the Cullinan in her mind and finally found two advantages. "It's more low-key, and it's easier to park."
After entering the building, while Jian Cenyu was closing the umbrella, a woman dragging a suitcase came in. Sang Shi'an pulled Jian Cenyu's arm to make way and proactively pressed the elevator button for the woman. "Which floor?"
The woman smiled. "Twelfth floor, thank you."
As the elevator ascended, the suitcase was right in front of Sang Shi'an, unexpectedly awakening a distant memory.
When they got home, Sang Shi'an changed her shoes and called out to Jian Cenyu, "Wait."
Jian Cenyu turned around. "You want to shower first? Go ahead."
Sang Shi'an shook her head. She felt that with their current relationship, she had to ask everything she wanted to know before they got together. "That thing you said at the beginning of the semester... um, um, um, what was that about?"
Jian Cenyu: "Which 'um um'?"
Sang Shi'an: "The special preference."
Jian Cenyu turned to look elsewhere. "I don't understand."
Sang Shi'an: ...
Her intention to deliberately avoid answering was far too obvious. Wasn't she just bold enough to say 'physiological reaction' and 'physiological impulse' a moment ago? Was the person who had pressed her down and kissed her a ghost and not Jian Cenyu?
How could Jian Cenyu not understand?
Sang Shi'an didn't press further, but simply stood at the bathroom door, her intention to block the way clear.
The two looked at each other in silence for a moment before Jian Cenyu averted her gaze first. "If you're asking about what I said when I moved in with you, it had no special meaning at the time."
Sang Shi'an crossed her arms, her chin lifted in an expression that said, 'I'm angry now, and even if you try to explain, you can't coax me.' "Oh."
Jian Cenyu added, "I'm gay. At the time, I just wanted you to stay away from me. If you must ask, I guess that's it."
Sang Shi'an continued to ask coolly, "Do you think I'm the kind of idiot who discriminates against gay people?"
Sang Shi'an's initial distance from Jian Cenyu, aside from their four-year-old grudge, was all because of that 'special preference' comment. Even after learning about Jian Cenyu's sexual orientation, she hadn't thought of her as an outcast.
Jian Cenyu seemed to want to explain. She started to shake her head, then stopped.
Sang Shi'an couldn't be bothered to guess and asked directly, "And why did you want me to stay away from you? According to your logic, Su Ningyue likes girls. Does that mean she'll like every girl, and she can't hang out with girls anymore?"
Jian Cenyu pressed her lips together, the tip of her tongue gently resting against her teeth.
Sang Shi'an walked up to Jian Cenyu and grabbed the collar of her jacket, as if she had finally caught her in the act. She said with curiosity, "Did I really hit the mark?"
As Sang Shi'an's presence drew closer and closer, Jian Cenyu suddenly looked up. Her face was still cool and beautiful, but her gaze had deepened. "Do you really have to ask?"
Sang Shi'an assessed the situation and gave a couple of dry laughs.
"Well... I suddenly don't want to know anymore... Um, you know, right, I'll go take a shower first."
As she turned, Jian Cenyu hugged her from behind. Jian Cenyu's long hair brushed against her back, feeling a little itchy.
Jian Cenyu repeated the words she had once said to Wen Yansheng: "The night I returned to the country and saw you at your house, I didn't sleep at all afterward."
"After four years apart, I found that I missed you far more than I had imagined, and you had grown up even better than I had imagined. That sense of missing you began to change. You might not believe it, but my heart was truly moved by you that night."
"If you had still clung to me like you used to, I don't think I would have been able to control myself, so I used the 'special preference' line to make you stay away from me." At this point, Jian Cenyu let out a rather helpless laugh. "And for the first two months, you really did avoid me like the plague."
Sang Shi'an was still reeling from the shock that Jian Cenyu had liked her so early on when she was hit by Jian Cenyu's next words.
"That was indeed what I was thinking at the time. But if you were to ask me about those four words now, I think I would have to give them some special meaning."
The old Sang Shi'an might not have understood what Jian Cenyu meant. But after pretending to be Kitty and having an online romance with Jian Cenyu, being kissed by her four times in just a few days, and hearing the shocking 'physiological impulse' from her lips tonight—
Sang Shi'an found that she understood in an instant.
At the same time, Jian Cenyu's explanation sounded right next to her ear: "When I'm with you, it's hard for me to maintain my usual composure and rationality. I want to do many, many excessive things to you. I wonder if that counts as a special preference?"
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