Married in a Daze - Chapter 102
Chapter 102
Qin Zhenzhen was extremely dissatisfied with being scared twice in one day. However, with He Shuangshuang and Zhang Yiyao present, she couldn't get angry. She even had to keep a smile on her face.
Lu Ruyun's slender brows furrowed slightly at the sudden appearance of the two. Seeing her expression, He Shuangshuang hurriedly broke the awkwardness, "Ruyun, you were home after all. Why didn't you answer my call?"
As she spoke, she held up her phone in a somewhat placating manner. Lu Ruyun glanced at her phone on the coffee table, estimating that the call had come when she and Qin Zhenzhen were in the bathroom. She hadn't heard it.
Thinking of this, she lowered her eyes. "I was napping then. My phone was downstairs."
He Shuangshuang pursed her lips. "Oh, I see. Yaoyao and I were worried something might have happened to you, so we..."
Standing behind her, Zhang Yiyao's body was somewhat stiff. She simply couldn't believe she was seeing Qin Zhenzhen in Lu Ruyun's apartment. Although He Shuangshuang had told her more than once that they were living together.
But not like this.
Even if they were living together, Ruyun couldn't possibly be overly intimate with someone.
Yet the scene before her eyes felt like a sharp slap, making her almost unable to stand steady. She took a step back, leaning against the doorframe. He Shuangshuang, solely focused on dispelling the awkward atmosphere, didn't notice her for a moment.
Lu Ruyun pulled her robe tighter. "Come in."
They were standing at the doorway, and the cold wind kept blowing in. She and Qin Zhenzhen had just showered and were feeling a bit cold.
Hearing this offered way out, He Shuangshuang quickly followed along, "Right, right."
She then looked at the person behind her, "Yaoyao, come on, let's go in and chat."
Zhang Yiyao clenched the hand hanging at her side, biting her lip desperately until she tasted the metallic tang of blood. After calming her emotions for a few seconds, she looked up, a faint smile on her face, "No, it's fine. Let's not disturb Ruyun and Zhenzhen."
He Shuangshuang, not understanding, grabbed her hand, "What disturbance? Ruyun and Zhenzhen aren't outsiders."
"Let's just consider it us coming over to mooch a dinner."
Zhang Yiyao was pulled into the room by her. The four of them stood there awkwardly, the sounds from the television still playing. Lu Ruyun looked perfectly composed, "What do you want for dinner?"
He Shuangshuang rolled her eyes, "Anything, I'm fine with whatever."
Zhang Yiyao stood beside her, glancing sideways at Lu Ruyun. Her expression was normal, but there was a faint redness below her earlobes. Her voice slightly lowered, "I'm fine with anything too."
Lu Ruyun looked at Qin Zhenzhen.
Qin Zhenzhen smiled gently, "Then let's order takeout."
After saying that, she blinked at Lu Ruyun, "Didn't you just say your hands were sore? Don't cook."
He Shuangshuang choked on her words upon hearing this, coughing violently a few times. She sat down on the sofa very unnaturally, her pretty face flushed red, finally muttering, "Be mindful, there are guests present."
Qin Zhenzhen chuckled lightly, "What guests? You and Yaoyao aren't outsiders."
He Shuangshuang was checkmated and fell silent.
Qin Zhenzhen then nudged Lu Ruyun's calf with her foot, "Go on. I still want that place from last time."
Lu Ruyun looked up at her. Qin Zhenzhen's expression was sweetly naïve, showing no displeasure at Yaoyao's presence. Or perhaps there was, but she was hiding it very well. She nodded, "Okay."
Zhang Yiyao had been holding her breath listening to their conversation, almost unable to bear it before she spoke up, "I need to use the restroom."
Qin Zhenzhen watched her figure disappear from view. He Shuangshuang sighed in relief and looked at Lu Ruyun with dissatisfaction, "Honestly, you two better not act like this later."
"Yaoyao just went through a breakup, after all. You two being so lovey-dovey is just rubbing it in, isn't it?"
"I saw her face go completely pale."
Lu Ruyun glanced at Qin Zhenzhen and pursed her lips. Qin Zhenzhen said nonchalantly, "Alright, alright, I get it."
Hearing her reply, He Shuangshuang let out a long sigh. Then, before Zhang Yiyao returned, she couldn't resist quipping, "Speaking of which, Ruyun, I never thought you'd have such an open-minded day, right in the living room..."
Hearing her words, Qin Zhenzhen picked up an apple from the table and stuffed it into He Shuangshuang's mouth, "Eat this, you!"
He Shuangshuang made muffled noises, biting into the apple, her movements comical.
Seeing her like this, a smile reached the corners of Qin Zhenzhen's eyes.
Lu Ruyun just shook her head at their antics, walked to the window, and placed the takeout order.
Zhang Yiyao listened to the laughter and chatter outside, feeling somewhat dazed.
This apartment originally belonged to them. All the laughter and playfulness here belonged to them too. But when did Qin Zhenzhen start having a place here?
She had actually stepped into this circle that no one else had ever entered. She could appear here so naturally, joking and playing around with them.
She wouldn't allow it!
Zhang Yiyao looked somewhat maniacally at the woman in the mirror, the hatred in her eyes intensifying. She wouldn't allow Qin Zhenzhen to walk into this apartment! She wouldn't allow Qin Zhenzhen to ruin their relationship! She wouldn't allow Qin Zhenzhen to stand by Ruyun's side!
She trembled with rage. A spot on her lip was bitten raw, a crimson bead of blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. She pulled a tissue from the side and slowly wiped it away.
Her movements were gentle. Between breaths, she gradually returned to the Zhang Yiyao from before.
When she stepped out again, Qin Zhenzhen and He Shuangshuang were still fooling around on the sofa. Lu Ruyun had finished her call and walked over to sit beside them. Qin Zhenzhen held out the half-eaten apple, "Want a bite? It's really sweet."
He Shuangshuang nodded, "Not bad."
The figures of the three people before Zhang Yiyao slowly blurred. The image that appeared before her eyes was of herself sitting with them.
"Shuangshuang, are you and Ruyun fighting again?"
"Alright, alright, everyone smile. What's there to fight about between friends?"
"Shuangshuang, I'll apologize on Ruyun's behalf."
She closed her eyes for a moment, her hands hanging at her sides. He Shuangshuang was the first to notice she had come out of the bathroom and quickly stood up, "Yaoyao, come sit."
"Ruyun just ordered dinner. Let's eat before we leave."
Zhang Yiyao slowly unclenched her tightened fists, her facial expression returning to normal, her voice gentle, "Okay. I was just afraid of disturbing them."
Qin Zhenzhen glanced at Lu Ruyun and smiled, "Of course it's not disturbing. Actually, we were thinking of going over to your place to see you tonight."
Zhang Yiyao lifted her lips, "I'm fine. No need to trouble yourselves coming and going."
Qin Zhenzhen nodded with a slight smile.
The atmosphere in the living room warmed up slightly. After sitting for a few minutes, Zhang Yiyao looked at Lu Ruyun and said, "Ruyun, I just took my medicine. I'd like to rest in your room for a bit, is that okay?"
Lu Ruyun looked at Qin Zhenzhen. Qin Zhenzhen smiled, "I'll take you up. I need to change clothes anyway."
She stood up as she spoke. Zhang Yiyao also stood up. He Shuangshuang looked at her with concern, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'll be okay after resting. Call me when dinner is ready."
He Shuangshuang nodded, "Go ahead."
Qin Zhenzhen and Zhang Yiyao walked side by side to the bedroom door. Qin Zhenzhen pushed the door open and smiled apologetically at Zhang Yiyao, "The room is a bit messy. Let me tidy up first."
Zhang Yiyao grabbed her wrist, "No need."
As she said this, Qin Zhenzhen had already opened the door.
The decor was completely different from what she remembered. Lu Ruyun's preferences leaned towards darker colors. In the past, the entire room had a serious feel, much like the person herself. But now, there was a green carpet spread out, a doll placed in the corner, and hints of pink visible everywhere. Her body suddenly stiffened, unable to move for a long moment.
Qin Zhenzhen was picking up clothes scattered on the floor. These were usually tidied by Lu Ruyun, but last night they hadn't rested in this room, and they were busy during the day, so no one had tidied up until now.
She put the clothes in a basket and smiled gently at Zhang Yiyao, "Yaoyao, come on in."
"I'll go change clothes."
As she spoke, she opened the wardrobe. Zhang Yiyao clearly saw that the closet, which used to hold only dark-colored clothes, was now a riot of colors. Qin Zhenzhen loved to dress up, particularly favoring bright, vivid colors. Her clothes interspersed among Lu Ruyun's dark-toned wardrobe were glaringly conspicuous.
Zhang Yiyao lowered her eyelids. Qin Zhenzhen casually grabbed a couple of clothes and said with a smile, "You rest."
Only after Qin Zhenzhen left did Zhang Yiyao move her stiffened body. She walked to the side of the bed and, as if venting, threw the pillow violently onto the floor. She desperately wanted to scream, to rage, to tear apart Qin Zhenzhen's face that was always smiling. But she could do nothing. This inability to do anything was driving her insane!
Zhang Yiyao vented fiercely in the room for a while, then finally took several deep breaths and slowly sat down by the bed. Her bright eyes were dark, deep.
After changing her clothes and coming downstairs, Qin Zhenzhen saw He Shuangshuang talking to Lu Ruyun.
"No way, Ruyun, are you sure?"
Lu Ruyun: "Is there a problem?"
He Shuangshuang looked her up and down, "Weren't you the one who hated going out the most?"
Lu Ruyun nodded, "That was before."
He Shuangshuang twitched the corner of her mouth, "And who was it that hated crowded, noisy places?"
Lu Ruyun chuckled lightly, "That was also before."
He Shuangshuang held back for a moment, then waved her hand, "Fine, whatever. As long as you're happy."
"I'll handle things on Yaoyao's end. Besides, I also think it's inappropriate for you to go to her place right now, especially since you two just had a scandal. If you get photographed again, it'll be hard to explain."
Lu Ruyun smiled with pursed lips. Qin Zhenzhen walked over to them, sat down, and asked, "What are you talking about?"
He Shuangshuang sighed seeing her come downstairs, "We're discussing how powerful the magic of love really is."
Qin Zhenzhen: ...
When the takeout arrived, He Shuangshuang wanted to go upstairs to call Zhang Yiyao. Turning her head, she saw Zhang Yiyao already standing at the top of the stairs. She called out, "Yaoyao, you're awake. How are you feeling? Any better?"
Zhang Yiyao nodded. Her originally pale complexion now had more color, "Much better. Is it time to eat?"
He Shuangshuang held up the takeout bags, "Come on down."
After Zhang Yiyao came downstairs, Lu Ruyun brought out some bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen, along with two stir-fried dishes and a soup. The four of them sat around the dining table, and the dinner was fairly pleasant.
He Shuangshuang's mouth never stopped, either talking about interesting news from here or funny stories from there, chattering incessantly.
Lu Ruyun kept watching Qin Zhenzhen's expression calmly, unable to help but let the corners of her eyes crinkle when she saw her laugh heartily. Zhang Yiyao ate silently. He Shuangshuang occasionally put food in her bowl, "Yaoyao, eat more. You've lost quite a bit of weight recently."
Zhang Yiyao nodded, her voice slightly low, "Okay."
After dinner, Qin Zhenzhen helped clean up the remains of the meal. He Shuangshuang looked at the time and said to Zhang Yiyao, "It's getting late. We should head back too."
Zhang Yiyao turned to glance at the two people in the kitchen, lowered her eyes, "Alright."
After Lu Ruyun and Qin Zhenzhen finished tidying the kitchen, they heard He Shuangshuang's voice, "Ruyun, Zhenzhen, we're leaving first."
Qin Zhenzhen wiped the water droplets from her hands and offered a polite attempt to make them stay, "Won't you stay a bit longer?"
He Shuangshuang winked at her, "Any longer and it would be disturbing."
Qin Zhenzhen: ...
After seeing off He Shuangshuang and Zhang Yiyao, the smile Qin Zhenzhen had maintained all evening gradually faded. She turned her head to look at Lu Ruyun, "Teacher Lu, care to explain?"
Lu Ruyun hadn't expected her to settle the score after the fact and was momentarily stunned, "What?"
Qin Zhenzhen pointed at the door. Lu Ruyun instantly thought of the awkwardness when He Shuangshuang and the others arrived. She gave a light cough, "It won't happen next time."
As she spoke, she walked over to Qin Zhenzhen and called out somewhat apologetically, "Zhenzhen."
Qin Zhenzhen ignored her, walked straight to the coffee table, picked up her phone, and headed towards the study. Lu Ruyun watched her retreating back, frowning, "Where are you going?"
Qin Zhenzhen didn't look back, "Going back to my room to rest."
She emphasized the word "my" heavily. Lu Ruyun stood behind her, looking at her stubborn back and swaying figure, imagining her pretty face tensed up. She stood in place, "Are you angry?"
Qin Zhenzhen turned her head, her expression indifferent, "No, I'm not. I'm just afraid if this happens a few more times, I might develop a psychological shadow."
Lu Ruyun: ...
Half an hour later, Qin Zhenzhen heard a sound from outside.
"Yes, the address is XXXX. Eight o'clock tomorrow morning? Okay."
Lu Ruyun glanced at Qin Zhenzhen's tightly closed door, thought for a moment, and opened the door to enter. Qin Zhenzhen was changing the bedsheet. Seeing her actions, Lu Ruyun pursed her lips... "May I ask, besides selling locks, do you sell anything else?"
A sweet service representative's voice came through, "Yes, we do. What does the customer need?"
Lu Ruyun paused, "Do you have beds?"
The service representative's voice became even sweeter, "Hello, we sell hardware and electrical appliances here, not kitchen furniture."
Lu Ruyun: ...
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