Indulgence - Chapter 45
Chapter 45
Yao Ran answered the video call. On the screen, Jiang Nian was holding Si Mao, smiling as she tickled the dog with her finger. It was a warm and lovely scene.
Jiang Nian looked up and asked the screen, "Has he gotten fatter?"
"Hm?" Yao Ran subconsciously glanced at Jiang Nian.
"Si Mao. He's gained a lot of weight recently," Jiang Nian continued to chatter. Her gaze swept over the person on the screen, then locked on, unmoving. She loved seeing Yao Ran after a shower, wearing a bathrobe with her long hair down. How could someone be so coldly gentle and alluring?
Yao Ran turned her attention to Si Mao. "Really?"
"Yeah, you'll feel it when you come back and pet him." As Jiang Nian spoke, the little guy in her arms started to get restless, nuzzling his nose against her face in a series of little kisses. "Hey, Si Mao, stop it. You're such a little wheedler."
Watching the scene on the screen, Yao Ran couldn't help but smile. She realized Si Mao was a lot like Jiang Nian—both were quite a handful.
Jiang Nian picked up a toy ball from the floor and threw it. Only then did Si Mao settle down, trotting off happily to play with it.
After Si Mao left, the two of them stared at each other through the screen, sharing a strange, unspoken understanding in a brief moment of silence.
Jiang Nian asked her, "You're not coming back until tomorrow night?"
Yao Ran: "Yes."
Jiang Nian added, "I have a competition tomorrow at seven p.m...."
"What kind of competition?"
"A PK tournament at the archery club," Jiang Nian said with a smile. "I had some free time, so I signed up."
Yao Ran thought for a moment.
Seeing that Yao Ran didn't reply, Jiang Nian figured she was probably too busy. Besides, even if the timing worked out, it would be tiring for her to rush over right after a business trip. She felt that someone like Yao Ran wouldn't let herself be rushed.
"I participated last year, too. It was pretty fun," Jiang Nian immediately changed the subject. Although she still hoped Yao Ran would come, she didn't say anything more, just smiled at the screen. "Get some rest. Good night."
Their video call didn't last long. After just a few simple words, it ended.
Perhaps she was past the point of sleepiness, because Yao Ran now felt wide awake. She scrolled through her social media as usual. Sure enough, Jiang Nian had posted something new today—just some standard work photos. The pictures she had sent to Yao Ran privately were not among them.
The next day, Yao Ran finished her meeting with the business partner earlier than she had expected. She told her assistant to change her return flight so she could go back ahead of schedule.
One of the female executives was a friend she had worked with before. They chatted for a bit longer. "Director Yao, I remember you haven't been to Haicheng in several years. Let me treat you to dinner tonight."
"I appreciate the thought, but not this time," Yao Ran said with a faint smile.
"Your flight is tonight, right? You should have plenty of time. Don't be so polite with me, you rarely come here."
They were partners she had to deal with regularly, and Yao Ran would usually accept such friendly and polite invitations. Although her personality was reserved, she wasn't the type to push people away. Being too coldly aloof could make others feel awkward and uncomfortable, which could easily damage relationships.
Yao Ran explained, "Something came up unexpectedly."
"What is it that has you rushing back to Beilin?" The other person sighed with regret. "Then we'll have to wait until next time. You're such a busy person, a workaholic through and through."
It wasn't actually work-related. Being praised like that made Yao Ran feel a little awkward. On second thought, for so many years, the only things she had ever truly cared about were indeed work-related. All her friends had come to accept this about her.
After arriving at the airport.
Her assistant, bored, asked Yao Ran, "Director Yao, are you seeing someone?" According to the schedule, there were no other work arrangements, so there was no need to change the flight.
Yao Ran looked at her but said nothing.
The assistant smiled and zipped her lips, realizing she had been too nosy. She knew that although Director Yao was meticulous, she was also quite gentle with people, so an occasional joke wouldn't be a problem.
The flight back to Beilin was two hours. Yao Ran took a short nap on the plane.
That evening, the club was packed. It was the archery club's own annual PK tournament, much livelier than the casual friendly match from before, and the atmosphere was naturally more tense.
Many of Jiang Nian's friends were there.
Ruan Xin had also come tonight. Since she only ran the bar, she had much more free time than Yao Ran. When she heard Jiang Nian was competing, she graciously came to show her support.
It was an eighteen-meter indoor competition, and Jiang Nian won the first preliminary round with ease.
The club was buzzing with noise. During the intermission, Ruan Xin struck up a conversation with Jiang Nian. "No problem taking first place, right?"
"That's not a given." Jiang Nian didn't have a fiercely competitive personality; she was quite laid-back. The last time, she had missed first place in her group by a few points and ended up second, but she wasn't disappointed. The main thing was to have fun.
"Try a little harder. Anyway, if you win the prize money tonight, you have to treat us to drinks," Ruan Xin said bluntly.
"You own a bar and you're asking me to treat you?" Jiang Nian retorted.
"That's different," Ruan Xin said with a laugh.
"Fine," Jiang Nian grumbled, but she was still quick to agree. "If I win the prize money, drinks are on me tonight for everyone."
As Jiang Nian chatted with Ruan Xin and the others, she couldn't help but glance around, still holding onto a sliver of hope that she would see that familiar figure. But she quickly let that hope go. She hadn't even asked her to come, so why would she? For Director Yao to have taken the initiative to send a WeChat message yesterday was practically a miracle.
The intermission ended, and the second round began.
The competitors in the second round were much stronger, and Jiang Nian focused, becoming more concentrated.
After leaving the airport, Yao Ran didn't have the driver take her straight home. Instead, she had him drive to Spring Breeze Lane. By the time she walked into the club, the competition was nearing its end. There were fewer people in the venue, but the atmosphere had reached a fever pitch.
"What are you doing here?" Ruan Xin was incredulous when she happened to spot Yao Ran walking over.
Meeting Ruan Xin's eyes, Yao Ran said softly, "I came to see."
"Weren't you on a business trip?"
"I came back this afternoon," Yao Ran replied, still as calm as ever. She looked ahead and saw Jiang Nian competing, drawing her bow with her full attention fixed on the distant target.
Ruan Xin sized up Yao Ran and whispered with a laugh, "Rushing back to see her the moment you return… You missed her that much after just a few days?"
Yao Ran glanced at her with a helpless expression.
"Just kidding. You really can't take a joke." Ruan Xin immediately reined it in. She guessed that Jiang Nian must have asked Yao Ran to come. Growing a little more serious, she asked Yao Ran, "Are you really serious this time?"
A trip together, and now coming to watch a competition—without Yao Ran needing to say a word, Ruan Xin understood. Director Yao was actively letting someone pursue her.
Jiang Nian released an arrow. The result wasn't ideal. With only one round left, her current score made winning first place a long shot.
The onlookers let out a collective sigh of regret. Jiang Nian, however, casually put down her bow. As she turned around, her eyes met Yao Ran's figure, and she froze on the spot. In an instant, a brilliant smile bloomed on her face, so wide she looked like she would burst with joy.
She came specially for me.
Jiang Nian's eyes lit up. She walked over to Yao Ran, her excitement and happiness written all over her face. She just looked at her, so flustered she didn't know what to say.
"Why did you come? When did you get here?"
The accurate answer was just now, but Yao Ran found it hard to say. She looked at Jiang Nian and replied simply and calmly, "I finished up early and came back, so I came to see."
"Oh, I see." Jiang Nian was still smiling, her lips stretched into a wide grin.
Yao Ran watched her stare so directly, smiling without a hint of reservation, and thought to herself, How is she not embarrassed in front of so many people?
"Hey, you're still competing," Ruan Xin kindly reminded Jiang Nian, who looked like she was about to forget everything in her happiness.
Jiang Nian reined in her joy slightly. "There's only one round left."
Yao Ran said in a gentle voice, "Mm, go for it."
Jiang Nian nodded repeatedly. "I will."
Once Jiang Nian went back to prepare, Ruan Xin looked at Yao Ran beside her. "Director Yao, aren't you a bit too aloof? You don't have to maintain your ice queen persona all the time, you know."
Yao Ran blinked slowly and asked in a soft voice, "Am I?"
That single question was chilling enough to freeze someone to death. Ruan Xin thought that she'd probably have to wait until her next life to see Director Yao show any warmth. In truth, Ruan Xin was a little worried. Jiang Nian was a very capable person, but faced with someone as reserved as Yao Ran, it might seem novel for a short while, but what about in the long run? Would she be able to stand it?
Yao Ran saw Ruan Xin just staring at her without speaking. "What is it?"
"Nothing." Ruan Xin didn't know how to say it. It was rare to see Yao Ran take an interest in someone, to willingly let another person get close. She just hoped Jiang Nian was different from the last person she had encountered.
It was the final PK round, and the onlookers were all completely focused.
After stepping up, Jiang Nian adjusted her state of mind, focused her concentration, and shot several arrows in a row with precision.
This drew a round of applause from the crowd.
Jiang Nian was performing above her usual level in this round. What had seemed like a slim chance of winning first place was now turning into a potential comeback. If she could hit a nine with her last arrow, she would take first place.
The atmosphere grew even more tense.
For the first time, Jiang Nian felt competitive, and she felt the pressure. Under everyone's watchful eyes, she lowered her head, gently nocked an arrow, took a few deep breaths, and adjusted her stance for a while before finally raising the bow and drawing it back with force.
With a surge of intense concentration, the string was released. The arrow flew at high speed and landed squarely in the bullseye.
"Wow—beautiful!"
The beautiful, clean comeback had everyone cheering with excitement.
Jiang Nian secretly let out a sigh of relief and immediately turned back, throwing Yao Ran a cool smile. She tilted her head, a look of smug pride on her face.
Yao Ran also breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. Show-off.
"That sister is so awesome. And she's so good-looking."
"I noticed her a long time ago, I've been watching her all night. She's gorgeous."
"So cool, so alpha. I'm totally in love with that whole vibe."
Jiang Nian's outfits when she did archery were indeed cool and sharp. Coupled with her tall, elegant figure, she was very eye-catching.
Yao Ran thought to herself that she only looked cool on the surface. She couldn't help but recall how Jiang Nian looked when she was admitting fault or acting cute—shameless, soft, and clingy. The contrast with her current self was more than just a little.
After receiving her award, Jiang Nian eagerly trotted over to Yao Ran. "How did I do tonight?"
Yao Ran said, "Not bad."
They had barely exchanged two sentences when everyone else came over. "Let's go, champ! You promised to treat us to drinks."
Jiang Nian looked at Yao Ran. She actually wanted to be alone with her. When other people were around, Yao Ran always became more distant, acting as if they barely knew each other.
"Let's go, to my place," Ruan Xin also urged.
Jiang Nian had no choice; she had already agreed. She smiled brightly and said, "Alright, my treat."
The group went to Moments. It was crowded tonight, so Ruan Xin arranged for a large table where everyone could sit together and liven things up.
Jiang Nian naturally squeezed in to sit next to Yao Ran, even giving her a rather well-behaved look.
"Come on, let's drink."
When Jiang Nian picked up her glass, her hand moved a little unnaturally. It seemed she had strained it a bit during the competition. She drank her alcohol without paying it much mind.
Yao Ran glanced at her a few more times and quickly noticed something was wrong. She turned and asked, "Is your hand bothering you?"
Jiang Nian turned to look at her. "A little."
Yao Ran continued to ask, "How did you do it? Is it serious?"
"My arm was cramping a bit tonight. I might have injured it while shooting."
Yao Ran said to her, "You still competed when your arm was bothering you."
Jiang Nian replied, "It's not a big deal. I'll just put some medicine on it later."
Yao Ran saw how casually she was treating it. "Are you sure it's not a big deal?"
Jiang Nian fell silent. She just loved seeing Yao Ran care about her, even if she pretended to be cool and indifferent on the surface.
Yao Ran frowned. "Did you bring any medicine?"
"Yeah."
Yao Ran gave her a look, then stood up first.
"What's wrong?" Ruan Xin asked.
Jiang Nian took the initiative to explain, "My arm is a little sore. I'm going to put some medicine on it."
Yao Ran took Jiang Nian to the break room in the back, where the bright lights would allow for a better look. Sitting on the sofa, Yao Ran asked her, "Where are you hurt?"
Jiang Nian rubbed the sore spot on her arm.
Yao Ran took a look, checking it over. There was no swelling, but she still asked, "Do you need to go to the hospital to get it checked?"
"It's not that serious, just a muscle strain," Jiang Nian said. "It'll be fine after I put some soothing ointment on it."
Seeing that it wasn't a major issue, Yao Ran said, "Okay."
At that moment, Jiang Nian handed the ointment directly to Yao Ran.
Yao Ran fell silent, looking at her completely unabashed gesture.
Jiang Nian looked pitiful. "I'm already hurt. You have the heart to make me do it myself?"
Used to her ways, Yao Ran took the ointment in silence. "Give me your arm."
Jiang Nian smiled, having gotten her way. She moved closer to her, extending her arm.
Yao Ran lowered her head. "Here?"
"Yeah."
After cleaning the area with a wet wipe, Yao Ran slowly rubbed the milky-white ointment onto her arm, her fingers massaging the delicate, fair skin.
They were close, and Jiang Nian couldn't help but breathe in her scent. Staring at her face, she lowered her gaze slightly and saw Yao Ran's long fingers pressing against her skin. The physical contact made her heart grow restless.
"Did you come specially for me tonight?" Jiang Nian asked softly, already knowing the answer.
Yao Ran, focused on massaging her arm, was also a little distracted. She replied, "I finished up early, so I happened to come and see."
Happened to again.
Jiang Nian stared at her lowered eyes and brows, and let out an abrupt "Mmph."
Yao Ran looked up at her. "Does it hurt?"
Her voice was soft and gentle. Jiang Nian didn't answer, only gazing quietly at her face, her eyes filled with an unrestrained, involuntary flirtation.
Yao Ran's gaze also froze.
Their breaths brushed against each other, barely there. The simmering desire from last night's video call began to surge again, only this time, there was no distance between them.
Leaning in slightly, their lips met…
Their lips just touched, a gentle press, yet it ignited a heart-pounding feeling that spread like wildfire.
Neither of them pulled away. Their locked gazes and simultaneously ragged breaths made their mutual feelings clear without a single word.
When Jiang Nian kissed her again, Yao Ran's eyelashes fluttered as she wrapped her arms around her waist.
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