Indulgence - Chapter 11
Chapter 11
After the heavy rain, the stuffiness in the air was washed away.
Yao Ran rolled down the car window, letting the gentle breeze brush against her face as she sat quietly in her car for a while. Bored, she touched the wooden dog carving beside her—a small bright spot in an otherwise dreary mood.
The temperature had dropped sharply for two days before gradually warming up again.
After work, Yao Ran went to Moments. It was nearing the end of the month, and the bar had a lot of business to take care of, so she would help Ruan Xin share the load.
Ruan Xin was fuming. "That bastard actually dared to harass you again? Doesn't he know what kind of person he is? Where does he get the nerve! It's a good thing I didn't run into him. From now on, I'll beat him up every time I see him!"
Yao Ran hadn't mentioned the incident to Ruan Xin. Ruan Xin had only found out by chance after seeing a gossip video someone posted on her Moments, and she was furious.
"He's out there finding other women, then comes to you acting all affectionate. Isn't he shameless? If it weren't for him being so thick-skinned, sweet-talking and tricking you, would you have married him? A rotten cucumber who can't control his lower half, yet he's so good at pretending."
Ruan Xin was a passionate person who couldn't hold back her anger. In contrast, Yao Ran, flipping through the financial statements in her hands, seemed far too calm and composed.
"No," Ruan Xin said, growing angrier the more she thought about it. "I have to call and chew him out."
"Ruan Xin, that's enough," Yao Ran stopped her just in time. "Let's not bring this up again."
"Don't you get emotional?" Ruan Xin truly admired Yao Ran from the bottom of her heart for her ability to remain emotionally stable at all times. While emotional stability was a good thing, she worried that long-term suppression could lead to problems.
Yao Ran replied lightly, "It's all in the past."
"Director Yao, you could probably become a nun, being so devoid of desire." Ruan Xin was both angry and amused. "Fine, let's not talk about that unlucky bastard."
Yao Ran lowered her head again, focusing on her work.
Speaking of becoming a nun, Ruan Xin changed the subject. "When are you taking a vacation this month? Let's go to Qingfeng Temple."
"Why the sudden urge to go to Qingfeng Temple?"
"Things have been so unlucky lately. I want to get a good luck charm to turn things around." Ruan Xin sighed again. "I heard that praying for a relationship there is especially effective. If I pray sincerely, I should be able to get out of singledom this year, right?"
The last sentence was the real point. Yao Ran smiled. "Alright."
She didn't believe in such things herself, but the scenery around Qingfeng Temple was nice, and the air was pleasant. Besides her busy work schedule, she enjoyed traveling in her spare time, wandering around different places. Occasionally she went with friends, but most of the time, she was alone.
After Yao Ran finished her work, she remembered she had left some clothes at the dry cleaner's and forgotten to pick them up, so she drove over.
After getting her clothes, she headed toward Spring Breeze Lane. She passed this street every day on her way home from work, so it was on her way.
It had been another busy and exhausting day.
Ten minutes later, Yao Ran parked her car on the side of the road. She got out, carrying a paper bag, and as she looked up, her gaze fixed on the green tree at the end of the street.
Outside the studio, Jiang Nian was bent over, feeding stray dogs, her eyes curved into crescents just like her smile. Several little pups were circling her, acting very affectionate.
Today, she was wearing a cropped T-shirt and cargo pants, a very simple and casual outfit. At first glance, Yao Ran didn't recognize her; she looked like a recent university graduate, a stark contrast to how she was at the bar.
Just then, a breeze picked up, rustling the leaves on the nearby tree and sending strands of hair flying. Watching this scene under the tree, Yao Ran suddenly caught the scent of summer.
Jiang Nian spread her hands toward the puppies. "All gone. Come back another day."
The little guys seemed to understand, whining and whimpering with "mmuu" sounds as they wagged their tails, putting on a desperate show of cuteness.
"Mmm-hmm—" Jiang Nian mimicked their pleading sound, then said with a laugh, "Cut it out. Pleading won't work either."
Seeing how much fun she was having, Yao Ran found her lips turning up in a slight smile, chasing away some of her fatigue.
Jiang Nian straightened up and only then noticed the person standing a few meters away watching her. Under the streetlight, a soft glow fell upon that cool, elegant face. She forgot all about the little pups clinging to her legs.
Their eyes met for a moment.
The breeze of late spring and early summer was the most comfortable—a mix of passion, romance, and gentleness.
Jiang Nian tucked a strand of long hair behind her ear, a smile playing on her lips as she greeted the person under the streetlight with ease. "Director Yao."
She was saying it more and more naturally; no wonder she had gotten familiar with Ruan Xin so quickly. Yao Ran walked closer and handed her the paper bag. "Your clothes have been cleaned."
Jiang Nian took the bag and, noticing Yao Ran's professional attire, asked, "Did you just get off work?"
"Yes." Having returned the item to its owner, Yao Ran was about to leave, but the little pups by her feet suddenly swarmed toward her. She subconsciously took a few steps back.
Jiang Nian immediately wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. She noticed that Yao Ran didn't seem to change her perfume; it was the same one from that night, the one that made her heart race. She whispered in her ear, "Don't be afraid. They only come close to you because they like you."
They were too close. Yao Ran promptly pulled away. "I'm not scared."
Jiang Nian let her go. Seeing how clingy the little guys were tonight, she took a bag of treats from her pocket and opened it for them.
"They're very cute," Jiang Nian said as she fed them, calling out their names. "Da Mao, Er Mao, San Mao, Si Mao."
"Stray dogs?" They didn't look like pets, but they were cleaner than typical strays.
"Yes."
These few dogs were permanent residents of Spring Breeze Lane. Although they were strays, the people on this street were kind. They had taken them to be neutered and regularly fed them good food. They lived comfortable lives, and each one was chubby.
"You remember all their names?"
"I just call them whatever," Jiang Nian said. "It's not like they'll correct me if I get it wrong."
Yao Ran was silent for a moment, then let out an unexpected, helpless laugh.
Jiang Nian took it in and smiled as well. She loved to smile, and when she did, her bright eyes and pearly teeth were captivating.
Seeing her unrestrained and spirited demeanor, Yao Ran had a thought and suddenly asked, "You're still very young, aren't you?"
Jiang Nian said, "Hmm?"
It was a rather abrupt topic.
For a fleeting moment, Yao Ran just felt that... with a girl who wasn't yet mature... her feelings were quite complicated.
Suddenly being asked about her age, Jiang Nian couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind the question. After a moment's thought, she took the opportunity to ask, "How old are you?"
Yao Ran answered frankly, "Thirty-two." She wasn't shy about her age.
Thirty-two. Jiang Nian's smiling eyes fixed on her. "You don't look it."
Yao Ran smiled faintly. That was the usual response, a polite compliment.
Jiang Nian blinked, thought for a moment, and said, "Then we're about the same."
Yao Ran was surprised. "You're thirty?"
Remembering what Ruan Xin had said at the party that night, Jiang Nian smiled nonchalantly. "Mm... I guess I just look young."
She did look young. Yao Ran didn't say anything more, but at the same time, it erased the bit of "guilt" in her heart. They were both mature enough adults. It was a consensual encounter, so there was no need to dwell on it.
The two of them stood outside for a long time. Jiang Nian took the initiative. "Want to come sit in my shop for a bit? I'll buy you a drink."
Another invitation. Whether it was out of politeness or something else, Yao Ran simply said, "No, thank you."
Yao Ran had always been gentle and polite, her upbringing evident in every gesture, but her strict sense of propriety didn't give people the impression that she was easy to get close to.
Jiang Nian watched her leave, pouting slightly. Her thoughts were quickly interrupted by her phone vibrating. The caller ID read "Director Xue."
She swiped the screen to answer. "Director Xue, what made you decide to grace me with a call today?"
A middle-aged woman's voice came from the other end. "Just calling to ask how our little Boss Jiang's business is doing lately."
"It's doing great," Jiang Nian said, lowering her head. "It's rare for Director Xue to have time to care about me."
"Nonsense. Of course I care about my own daughter."
Jiang Nian smiled. She and Xue Ying were used to this kind of relationship; they were more like friends who could talk about anything than mother and daughter.
"What about that father of yours?" Xue Ying asked. "He hasn't been bullying my daughter, has he?"
"Don't you worry. If Jiang Yuanheng dares to give me trouble, I'll have you deal with him." Jiang Nian's father did not approve of her becoming a tattoo artist, feeling that it was an indecent profession that made him lose face.
Jiang Nian had argued with Jiang Yuanheng about this countless times. Eventually, she simply moved out of the house to live freely.
"What do you mean, 'Jiang Yuanheng'? Show some respect. He's still your father, after all," Xue Ying chided her, but her tone was gentle and doting, with no hint of blame.
Jiang Nian rolled her eyes, not wanting to talk about him. Her parents had divorced when she was in high school. She had stayed with Jiang Yuanheng, but that didn't stop her from having a better relationship with Xue Ying. Growing up, it was always Xue Ying who understood and accepted her.
"How has our little Boss Jiang been lately?" Xue Ying continued to ask with teasing concern. "Have you found a girlfriend yet?"
Jiang Nian had confessed to Xue Ying long ago that she liked girls. Xue Ying hadn't flown into a rage; instead, after a patient conversation with her daughter, she chose to be supportive.
Xue Ying was very open-minded and supported her daughter in doing whatever she wanted, as long as it made her happy. So whether it was getting into tattooing or liking girls, she didn't object. This was how Jiang Nian's cheerful and uninhibited personality had been nurtured.
Jiang Nian complained, "Why are you more anxious than I am?"
"I just hope my precious daughter has someone by her side." Xue Ying knew her daughter's personality best. She had been busy with her career for years and couldn't take care of her family, so Jiang Nian had grown up in solitude and feared it the most.
Xue Ying said matter-of-factly, "Why don't you tell me what type of girl you like, and I'll help you keep an eye out."
What type of girl did she like?
Jiang Nian gazed at the distant, hazy nightscape, her mind wandering. In the past, she could have rattled off a whole list without a second thought. Now, a concrete image suddenly formed in her mind.
Her mind was filled with Yao Ran's face and the few small moments they had shared.
Jiang Nian knew that night was just an accident. No matter how passionate they had been, it meant nothing. She shouldn't take this kind of thing to heart, let alone dwell on it.
But...
She just couldn't get her off her mind.
Some time later, the lines of Ruan Xin's tattoo healed, and she made another appointment with Jiang Nian for the coloring.
The second time Ruan Xin came to the studio, her "wails" were no less intense than the first time. Fortunately, Jiang Nian was mentally prepared.
"Why did you come alone today?" Jiang Nian asked casually. When she saw Ruan Xin that afternoon, she had subconsciously glanced around, but sure enough, that person hadn't come with her.
Ruan Xin sighed. "I'm all alone, no one to keep me company."
Jiang Nian would chime in with a word or two, but most of her attention was on the shading. Once the color was applied to the smooth lines, the design came to life, gradually becoming more dynamic as it wrapped around her side, adding a great deal of sexiness.
After being tattooed for a long time, the pain numbed. Ruan Xin lay on the rest bed, closing her eyes to relax.
A moment later, her phone on the side lit up with an incoming call.
It was right in her line of sight, and Jiang Nian inadvertently glanced at it. It was none other than Yao Ran calling. She reminded her softly, "Sister Ruan, you have a call."
"Oh, thanks." Ruan Xin finally noticed and picked up her phone. "Hello, is the meeting over?... Can we go this weekend?... Are you sure? Don't stand me up again."
After Ruan Xin finished her call and Jiang Nian had worked for a while longer, Jiang Nian asked in a conversational tone, "Where are you going for fun this weekend?"
Ruan Xin replied casually, "To Qingfeng Temple to pray for blessings, and while I'm at it, pray for a relationship."
Jiang Nian's eyebrows rose slightly. "I hear it's very effective for finding love."
"You've heard of it too?" Ruan Xin turned to look at her. "Want to go? If you don't mind, you can come with us."
"Sure," Jiang Nian agreed quickly, coming up with an idea on the spot. "I was actually thinking of going there to take some photos and find some inspiration."
"Your line of work must require a lot of inspiration," Ruan Xin said, looking at the works in the studio. They were all original, a dazzling and diverse array.
Jiang Nian said, "Mm."
Hearing that Jiang Nian was interested, Ruan Xin said cheerfully, "Then let's go together this weekend. The more, the merrier."
Jiang Nian kept her head down, a secret smile curving her lips as she said, "Okay."
After making plans with Jiang Nian, Ruan Xin sent a message to Yao Ran on WeChat: I'm bringing a beautiful woman with me this weekend.
A moment later—
【Yao Ran】 Jiang Nian?
Ruan Xin found this strange and replied: How did you know?
Three minutes passed.
【Yao Ran】 Are you pursuing her?
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