Indulgence - Chapter 64

Chapter 64

"Are you sure about this? Xu Xia, she..." Yao Ran trailed off. She was still having trouble digesting it all. Only Ruan Xin could so brazenly announce that she had fallen for a girl a full twelve years her junior. She wondered if Ruan Xin was being too impulsive this time. Xu Xia was still in university.

Ruan Xin had expected this reaction from Yao Ran. She was far from being as composed as she appeared on the surface. She was well aware of the gap between her and Xu Xia. If she had been the least bit rational, she never would have let their relationship develop this way.

But what's done is done. The feelings were there; she couldn't escape them, nor could she let them go. The last time Xu Xia had been angry with her, she had admitted she was in the wrong, that she had been avoidant and not firm enough. Since they were already together, it was inexcusable to keep wavering.

"I'm sure. I know there's a big gap between us. We'll just take it one step at a time. She's still young. If she has better opportunities or meets someone more suitable, I certainly won't tie her to my side," Ruan Xin answered Yao Ran calmly. In truth, she wasn't confident either, but matters of the heart were unpredictable. Who could foresee the future? All one could do was live well in the present.

From her words, Yao Ran could tell that Ruan Xin was serious, so she said no more. Ruan Xin's motto was to take things one step at a time, never planning for the future. She was different from Ruan Xin; she preferred stability.

Jiang Nian glanced quietly at Yao Ran, a faint unease stirring in her heart.

The dinner table fell quiet for a moment, the three of them each lost in their own silence.

"I think," Jiang Nian smiled, the first to break the awkward silence, "you and Xu Xia are a great match. I've felt for a while that something was up between you two."

Ruan Xin smiled. "Oh, really?"

"Mhm," Jiang Nian affirmed.

Yao Ran glanced at Jiang Nian, suddenly remembering the day Jiang Nian had said that calling someone "sister" was a kind of flirtatious fun. Miss Jiang certainly knew a lot...

The meal was definitely not as relaxed and cheerful as they had hoped. Even Jiang Nian, who was usually a chatterbox, seemed overly quiet tonight.

It was the same on the drive back. Yao Ran noticed that Jiang Nian was silent the entire way. She asked softly, "What's wrong?"

Jiang Nian snapped back to reality. "Hm?"

"Are you not feeling well tonight? Why are you so quiet?" Yao Ran asked again.

Jiang Nian gave a helpless smile. "Am I usually very noisy?"

Yao Ran nodded with a serious expression. "Mhm."

Jiang Nian burst out laughing. The way Director Yao teased people with a straight face made her want to laugh, but as she laughed, her mind began to wander again.

---

When her mind wasn't at peace, Jiang Nian's inspiration dwindled. That evening, she stayed in her office, preparing design drafts for the following week, but no matter how much she doodled and drew, she couldn't get a clear idea.

As she was lost in thought, there was a knock on the door. "It's not locked," she called out.

Someone entered. Jiang Nian looked up and saw it was Ji Xi.

"Brought you some barbecue from the university," Ji Xi said, walking up to the desk.

Jiang Nian loved making friends and was always loyal and caring towards them. In return, she often received their care and concern.

The two were university alumni, but Ji Xi had stayed on for a master's degree and had only just graduated this year. Ji Xi knew Jiang Nian loved the barbecue from the stall outside the university gates, so when she passed by that evening, she had brought some for her.

"Thanks."

Jiang Nian smiled.

Ji Xi had just sat down when she answered a call. She lowered her voice. "...You don't need to pick me up. I'll go back on my own. Yes, you should get some rest early tonight too."

Hearing her tone, Jiang Nian knew she was obviously talking to her girlfriend. After Ji Xi hung up, she teased, "I'm seriously impressed. You used to go on and on about being straight, and next thing I know, you're with your boss. Doesn't your face sting?"

Ji Xi was speechless.

Jiang Nian started eating the hot skewers.

Ji Xi asked, "Have you been honest with Sister Ran yet?"

Jiang Nian paused, frowning.

"..." Ji Xi could tell she hadn't. Back when she was a part-time bartender at Moments, Jiang Nian had told her she wanted to pursue Yao Ran and asked for her help. Only later did she find out that Jiang Nian had been hiding her age the whole time she was pursuing her, and had even asked her to help cover it up.

"That's no way to pursue someone," Ji Xi, who was usually quiet and reserved, couldn't help but criticize her.

"If she knew how old I was, she wouldn't have given me a chance to pursue her." At the time, Jiang Nian hadn't thought about it that much; she was single-mindedly focused on winning Yao Ran over and being with her.

Ji Xi recalled how Jiang Nian used to love spouting nonsense when flirting and often pretended to be mature in front of a group of older women. She couldn't help but ask doubtfully, "Are you serious about Sister Ran?"

"Of course," Jiang Nian blurted out. In truth, even she hadn't expected to like her so much, to be so serious.

Ji Xi was concise. "If you're serious, you should be honest."

After a bit more small talk, Ji Xi left without staying too long.

Jiang Nian packed her bag as well. Looking at the time, it was about when she should go pick up Yao Ran from work. Director Yao had another social engagement tonight and had definitely been drinking.

---

Riding the elevator down, Yao Ran was slightly tipsy. As she stepped out, her high heel wobbled, and the woman beside her thoughtfully steadied her.

"Thank you, Director Jiang."

"You're welcome," the other woman said with a smile. "We're about the same age. You can just call me Yunyun."

Yao Ran had long heard of Jiang Yunyun's reputation, but this was the first time they had met for a collaboration. She was a very approachable and beautiful woman. Looking at Jiang Yunyun's face, she felt a strange sense of familiarity. "Have we met before?"

Jiang Yunyun raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment. "I don't think so. You're so beautiful, I'm sure I would remember if we had."

Yao Ran offered a polite smile. She and Jiang Yunyun got along quite well; their business discussions were straightforward and decisive, handled with vigor and resolution.

"I hear you also own a bar?" Jiang Yunyun found it interesting that someone as cool and aloof as Yao Ran would open a bar.

"If it's convenient next time, I'll treat you to a drink." Because they were peers, Yao Ran felt less constrained and more comfortable talking casually.

"That sounds great. I'll remember that. We'll have plenty of opportunities to work together in the future." They had unknowingly reached the entrance. Jiang Yunyun asked again, "Do you have a driver coming to pick you up? If not, you can take my car. I'll give you a ride."

Yao Ran smiled and politely declined. "Someone's coming for me."

"See you next time, then. It was a pleasure working with you."

Yao Ran gently shook the hand Jiang Yunyun extended and also said, "A pleasure working with you."

Jiang Yunyun watched Yao Ran's retreating figure for a while longer. A capable and beautiful woman was always admirable.

Once outside the hotel, Yao Ran quickly spotted Jiang Nian. She smiled, a little tipsy. Whenever Jiang Nian came to pick her up, she never made her wait.

Ever since Jiang Nian had more free time, she had practically taken over the job of being Director Yao's chauffeur. Yao Ran told her not to go to so much trouble and to get more rest herself, but she did it tirelessly and with pleasure.

After getting in the car, Jiang Nian immediately handed Yao Ran a pre-prepared fruit juice. "To sober you up."

As Yao Ran took the juice, she was struck by a slight resemblance between Jiang Nian and Jiang Yunyun. After a pause, she thought it couldn't be such a coincidence; perhaps their auras or styles were just similar.

Jiang Nian noticed Yao Ran staring at her. "Did you drink too much tonight?"

Yao Ran smiled and shook her head.

It was nearly ten by the time they got home. Jiang Nian poured another glass of water for Yao Ran to quench her thirst.

Leaning back on the sofa, Yao Ran drank half the glass of water, then set it down and looked at Jiang Nian again. She had noticed that Jiang Nian's mood seemed a little off these past few days; she didn't have the same passion as before.

She couldn't help but ask, "Are you in a bad mood lately? Did you have another fight with your family?"

Jiang Nian smiled breezily. "Nope."

Yao Ran watched her for another moment, her gaze suddenly deepening. The alcohol made her head feel slightly dizzy. She asked Jiang Nian very calmly, "Are you tired of being with me?"

She had worried about this. Jiang Nian was fiery and full of life, naturally enthusiastic, and loved all things new. And she was not a very novel person.

Jiang Nian's expression changed instantly. "No!"

Yao Ran blinked wearily and commanded Jiang Nian in a low voice, "Come here."

Jiang Nian didn't know what was wrong with her, but she loved hearing her command her in that soft voice. At Yao Ran's command, she slid over to sit beside her and looked at her face. "What's wrong?"

Yao Ran continued in a somewhat commanding tone, whispering to her, "Hug me." After speaking, she took the initiative to wrap her arms around her.

Jiang Nian was utterly charmed. She clung to the person beside her, gazing at her face. How could she ever get tired of her? Seeing her every day still made her heart race.

"Are you sure nothing's on your mind?" Yao Ran pressed. It was quite obvious when Jiang Nian's mood was off.

Jiang Nian was silent for a moment, her feelings a little complicated. For the past few days, she had been constantly thinking about how to come clean... Ji Xi was right. Since she was serious, she had to be honest about these things.

But she was so worried. Once she confessed, would Yao Ran not want her anymore?

Her mind was filled with these thoughts.

Seeing Jiang Nian remain silent for a long time, Yao Ran paused for a moment, then whispered to her again, "Closer."

Jiang Nian obediently moved a little closer. She didn't know if it was because she had drunk too much tonight, but she felt Director Yao was being a little willful.

Yao Ran's eyelashes lowered. She moved a little closer as well, then leaned in and kissed the corner of Jiang Nian's mouth. After the kiss, she remained close, looking at the person before her.

She just wanted Jiang Nian to always be happy; she couldn't bear to see her down or dejected. She wanted to cheer her up.

The kiss sent Jiang Nian's heart fluttering. It was too sweet. A deep smile spread across her lips.

Seeing her smile, Yao Ran reached out to cup her face, then slowly leaned in again. The next kiss was just as gentle, but much more fervent.

"Mm." Jiang Nian felt like her heart was melting from the kiss. She placed a hand on Yao Ran's waist and closed her eyes, enjoying the comfort of her lips and tongue. She was drowning in this tenderness, unable to pull herself away. How could she possibly resist Yao Ran coaxing her like this?

After a long while, Yao Ran pecked the corner of her mouth again and ruffled her hair. "If something's on your mind, tell me."

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