Indulgence - Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Jiang Nian had sifted through a pile of photos for a long time before choosing this one to send to Yao Ran, admittedly with the intention of "smuggling in some personal goods." The photo wasn't technically great, just a very casual snapshot, but it had a nice feel to it—the composition was comfortable and natural.
Yao Ran stared at the person in the photo, a subtle flutter stirring within her. It was only when she heard her assistant speak from the front that she abruptly averted her gaze. When she spoke, her voice had returned to its usual, impeccably calm tone: "No."
The assistant smiled. "I thought you were feeling unwell from drinking too much."
Yao Ran gave a faint smile and remained silent.
Jiang Nian waited for a while without a reply. She remembered the event poster Ruan Xin had sent her that afternoon. Ji Xi had told her that when the bar had an event, Yao Ran might go.
Yao Ran looked down and saw another message from Jiang Nian: There's an event at Moments on Saturday. Will you go?
She silently watched the receding nightscape outside the car window. The night was peaceful and serene, but the lights flickering in the darkness created a silent clamor.
She couldn't calm down anymore.
The bar usually had many events, big and small, but this one was quite large-scale, the kind that only happened two or three times a year.
Ruan Xin had been busy for days in advance, handling procurement, decorations, and planning the event's schedule. Judging by the number of reservations, the atmosphere that night was going to be explosive.
The event's theme was masquerade, which was really a disguised matchmaking party. The rules were simple: wearing a mask signified that you were single and ready to mingle. If you saw someone you liked, you could go up and take their hand—a direct approach, no beating around the bush.
The event was quite appealing. Most people came hoping for a romantic encounter. As soon as they entered the bar, many voluntarily put on masks; there was no need to hire actors to warm up the crowd.
For such a big event, Ruan Xin had naturally invited a bunch of friends. Those looking for romance could wear a mask, and those who didn't could just drink and enjoy the lively atmosphere. In any case, with tonight's vibe, you could have a good time no matter what.
Many guests had already arrived before the official start time. Ruan Xin excitedly filmed a video and sent it to Yao Ran. She also sent a teasing voice message: "Tonight's event is popping, huh? As the other beautiful boss, don't you want to come and grace us with your presence?"
Just as she sent the message, another friend arrived, and Ruan Xin went to greet them.
"Boss Ruan, how come you're not wearing a mask?" the friend asked, sensing something was off. "Are you off the market already?"
Ruan Xin laughed it off. Her relationship with Xu Xia had caught even her by surprise, and she wasn't ready to go public yet.
As they were talking, Ruan Xin turned her head and saw a familiar figure at the entrance—a slender frame and a pure, harmless face. Why is this kid here tonight?
"Miss, do you need a mask?" a staff member at the reception asked Xu Xia.
Before Xu Xia could answer, someone gently took her hand.
Ruan Xin turned to the employee and said, "She's here for me. She doesn't need one."
With that, Ruan Xin led Xu Xia to the back office. She asked Xu Xia, "Why are you here tonight? Don't you have class?"
Xu Xia pressed her lips together.
Ruan Xin was incredulous. "You skipped class?" The person who would go to class even with a high fever actually skipped?
"I..." Xu Xia stammered for a moment before looking at Ruan Xin's face and saying quietly, "I missed you."
Young people are so full of passion, Ruan Xin thought helplessly. "Missed me? Didn't we just see each other a few days ago?"
Xu Xia seemed a bit stubborn tonight. "I just missed you. I couldn't help it."
My, my, couldn't help it? Ruan Xin smiled, seeing right through her. "Afraid someone else would snatch me away tonight?"
Xu Xia's slightly aggrieved expression was a silent admission.
Ruan Xin ruffled her hair and said with a smile, "What nonsense is going through that little head of yours?"
Xu Xia loved it when Ruan Xin ruffled her hair like that. She had liked it since middle school, though back then her feelings were still muddled. It was only later that she realized she simply loved this woman and couldn't feel anything for anyone else.
Ruan Xin gave Xu Xia's cheek another pinch.
With no one else around, Xu Xia took the opportunity to wrap her arms around her waist, holding on tightly.
Ruan Xin held the insecure young woman in her arms, stroking her hair reassuringly and coaxing her softly, "I won't mess with anyone else. I have a girlfriend now."
Xu Xia smiled, gazing at her intently.
Ruan Xin: "What is it now?"
Xu Xia's face flushed slightly as she asked, her heart pounding, "I want to kiss you. Can I?"
Ruan Xin really thought Xu Xia was too well-behaved, asking for permission for everything. She frowned, both speechless and stirred by Xu Xia's earnest expression.
After getting tacit approval, Xu Xia eagerly captured the red lips in front of her, pushing the other woman onto the sofa behind them as she kissed her, then leaning down on top of her.
In an instant, the two were kissing urgently. It had been too long since Ruan Xin's heart had been moved, and she had no resistance to this passion.
Xu Xia always kissed deeply and urgently. She had silently "rehearsed" these things in her mind for many years. Even now, it felt like a dream.
"Mmm—" Lying on the sofa, Ruan Xin couldn't help but moan with passion from the kiss, her body going soft from her back down to her legs. This little wolf cub learned things too quickly. How long had they been official? And now she already knew tricks when kissing. It felt very good.
After the deep kiss, Ruan Xin held the person on top of her, pulling her closer and saying softly, "You can't let this affect your studies, understand?" She was afraid of being a bad influence on Xu Xia. Xu Xia was still young, at a crucial stage of development in her life, with so many possibilities ahead—unlike her.
Xu Xia nodded obediently. "Mm."
Ruan Xin continued, "Also."
"What?"
"Next time you want to kiss me, you don't have to ask first."
Xu Xia smiled and "Mm"-ed again.
Seeing her obedience, Ruan Xin smiled and kissed the corner of her mouth. Her palm caressed the collagen-filled cheek. Sometimes she felt a bit inhuman. How old was Xu Xia when she first met her? And now the two of them...
Ruan Xin didn't know when exactly the feelings between her and Xu Xia had "turned." They had been by each other's side for so long, it was hard to say. The night of her birthday, they went back and couldn't resist kissing. After that, the repressed feelings could no longer be hidden.
Xu Xia hugged her. "If I get first in my year next semester, can you give me a reward?"
"When have I not given you a reward for getting first?" This was the first time Ruan Xin had heard Xu Xia proactively ask for a reward. Still, she asked, "What reward do you want?"
"I want to move in with you."
Ruan Xin was silent for a moment.
"I promise it won't affect my studies," Xu Xia added hastily. "Let me live with you, okay?"
Ruan Xin whispered, "What are you thinking?"
Xu Xia: "I just want to see you every day."
At her age, Ruan Xin was charmed. She raised an eyebrow. "Is that all you're thinking?"
Xu Xia smiled shyly and buried her head in the crook of Ruan Xin's neck, kissing her gently and preciously.
Ruan Xin turned her head and kissed her hot earlobe. "So improper."
The two didn't stay intimate in the office for too long before Ruan Xin ordered Xu Xia to let go. Her WeChat was buzzing over and over; a bunch of friends had probably arrived outside and were waiting for her.
As soon as she stepped out, Ruan Xin was shocked to find that Yao Ran had actually come and was politely exchanging pleasantries with a few acquaintances.
Ruan Xin's message to Yao Ran was just a casual suggestion; she hadn't actually expected her to show up tonight. She knew Yao Ran didn't like being pursued, and a place with the express purpose of finding a partner wasn't very suitable for Director Yao.
"Why are you here tonight? Hoping for a romantic encounter too?"
Yao Ran said, "I happened to be free tonight, so I thought I'd come support you."
Nice words, but Director Yao wasn't one to join in on noisy events. A change from the usual meant something was up. Ruan Xin thought for a moment and asked with a skeptical smile, "Are you here to 'support me,' or do you have another motive?"
Yao Ran remained impassive. That day, when Jiang Nian asked if she would come to Moments on Saturday night, she had ultimately replied, "I will."
Ruan Xin glanced around and then said to Yao Ran, "The 'romantic blossom' Director Yao is waiting for doesn't seem to be here tonight."
She hadn't seen Jiang Nian tonight.
Ruan Xin took it all in and said bluntly to Yao Ran, "If you really want to see her, just send her a message. You want me to teach you how to pursue a girlfriend?"
Yao Ran couldn't be bothered to argue with her anymore and simply pointed out, "You have more friends arriving."
...
Jiang Nian arrived a bit late. An appointed client had caused some trouble, delaying her quite a bit.
She walked to the entrance, where a staff member was handing out masks.
When the staff member saw Jiang Nian, they stereotyped her at once. One look and it was clear this woman was here to stir up some romance. Without asking, they just shoved a mask into her hand and said, "Good luck."
Jiang Nian took the mask and thanked them with a smile.
The bar was absolutely buzzing tonight. Many people were wearing masks, making it feel like a masquerade ball, which was quite fun.
Unsure if she was still there, Jiang Nian was about to send Yao Ran a message when she spotted her in the bar's reception area, talking with someone.
Before walking over, Jiang Nian stood in place and, on a whim, put on the mask. Only then did she head towards the familiar figure.
Yao Ran had just finished her pleasantries when her shoulder was lightly tapped. She instinctively turned to look and was met with a black mask. The ambient lighting in the bar was too dim and flickering, so she didn't react immediately. Assuming someone was trying to hit on her, she subconsciously tried to distance herself.
At that, Jiang Nian couldn't help but smile.
The mask only covered the upper half of her face, making the smile on the lower half even more noticeable. The moment Jiang Nian smiled, Yao Ran recognized her instantly. The familiar smile beneath the mask was spontaneous and captivating, with a hint of playfulness.
Yao Ran relaxed and stopped trying to back away.
"It's me," Jiang Nian said, reaching up to take off her mask, only for it to get tangled in a strand of her hair.
Jiang Nian fumbled with it awkwardly for a while but couldn't get it undone.
Seeing her clumsiness, Yao Ran couldn't stand to watch anymore and stepped forward to help.
Jiang Nian paused for a second, then smiled and moved closer, letting Yao Ran untangle it for her.
The mask was tangled in her hair and difficult to remove. Afraid of pulling and causing pain, Yao Ran's fingers moved with a subconscious lightness. When her gaze met Jiang Nian's, she wanted to quickly get the mask off, but the tangled hair was hard to undo, and the more she rushed, the slower she went.
As she worked, their breaths grew close again.
They hadn't seen each other in days. Jiang Nian stared intently at the person before her, fighting back a restless urge so as not to familiarly kiss her lips right then and there.
"There."
With the mask off, Jiang Nian's entire face was revealed, and the flirtatious look in her eyes became even more direct.
They held each other's gaze for a second. Yao Ran's heart felt warm as she handed the mask back to Jiang Nian.
"The studio was a bit busy, so I'm late." Although Yao Ran hadn't asked, Jiang Nian explained proactively. She looked into Yao Ran's eyes. "Have you been waiting long for me?"
Hearing Jiang Nian's shameless question, Yao Ran blurted out, "I wasn't waiting for you."
Jiang Nian didn't call her bluff, just smiled directly at her. "Mm, whatever you say."
Yao Ran was speechless. Every time she saw Jiang Nian smiling at her so brazenly, she wanted to pinch her cheek and put her in her place.
A woman walked over, also wearing a mask. Seeing the mask in Jiang Nian's hand, she assumed she was participating in the singles event and boldly held out her hand, inviting, "Can I hold your hand?"
Yao Ran also knew the rules for tonight's event: if you wore a mask, it meant you were open to being approached, having your hand held, and getting cozy.
Hearing this, Jiang Nian, right in front of the other woman, brazenly took Yao Ran's hand and squeezed it tight. She smiled and said, "Sorry, I already have a partner. You should find someone else." Caught off guard, Yao Ran's hand was held firmly. Their joined palms burned with heat.
"Looks like I was a step too late." The woman smiled in disappointment, sizing up the pair before her. She even offered a witty and humorous blessing, "You two are a great match. I hope you both successfully find your partner tonight."
"Thanks, and I hope you find someone and have fun tonight too." Hearing they were a good match, Jiang Nian beamed.
The woman left.
Jiang Nian still didn't let go of her hand. She turned to look at Yao Ran, her eyes serious. "I don't want anyone else to touch me. I only want you to touch me."
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