Thundering Night

The rain had picked up, the patter on the windows growing louder. The night sky was inky black, with only scattered pinpricks of starlight.

Yan Yan gently pulled Tang Qing onto his lap. "Why don't you come stay at my place tonight, Qingqing? It'll be more comfortable there." 

Tang Qing tried to resist, but Yan Yan held her hands firmly. "I'd prefer just to stay home. And I don't have any of my things at your place."

"But I've had someone keeping your room and belongings tidy," Yan Yan insisted. 

Tang Qing sighed. "I'm sorry, but I want to be in my own space tonight."

Yan Yan's cheek brushed against hers, his voice soothing. "It's late, and the storm is getting worse. Please, I want you to be safe."

Tang Qing glanced out at the rain. "Could you at least prepare a room for me then?"

"Of course!" Yan Yan nodded eagerly.

The sudden peal of thunder shook the air, causing Yan Yan to flinch and instinctively seek refuge in Tang Qing's embrace. Yan had always harbored a deep-seated fear of thunderstorms, though the precise reason remained elusive even to his closest confidante. 

"Qingqing, hold me tight," Yan pleaded, his voice quivering as beads of sweat formed on her brow. The customarily poised and composed young man was visibly shaken, his usual air of confidence giving way to raw vulnerability.

Tang Qing responded without hesitation, wrapping his arms protectively around Yan's trembling form. With gentle, soothing motions, she ran her hands along Yan Yan's back, offering a tactile reassurance that words alone could not convey.

"Shh, don't be afraid. I'm right here," Tang Qing murmured, her tone soft and comforting. As another thunderous crack reverberated through the air, Yan instinctively burrowed deeper into Tang Qing's embrace, seeking solace in her presence's familiar warmth and security.

"I think I might stay at your place today," Tang Qing suggested, her voice laced with concern. "The storm seems to be intensifying."

Yan Yan nodded gratefully, his expression revealing a mixture of relief and appreciation. "Thank you, Qingqing. I'm so sorry to impose on you like this, but I can't bear the thought of being alone right now."

"Nonsense," Tang Qing reassured him, gently squeezing Yan's hand as if he were holding him. That made Yan Yan smile knowingly. Sitting in the front seat, Exceptional Assistant Zhang looked a little surprised because he had no idea that Yan Yan was shooting lightning, even though he had been his subordinate for so many years.

The car drove to Yan Yan's apartment. Yan Yan leaned in Tang Qing's arms with his whole body. He felt the warmth and tenderness. He wanted to stay at this moment forever, accompanied by a booming sound that resounded through the streets. The raindrops hit the window mercilessly, strengthening Yanyan's dependence on and love for Tang Qing.

As soon as they got out of the car, the housekeeper and the bodyguard came to greet Yanyan with umbrellas, but Yanyan was like a fragile porcelain doll, clinging tightly to Tang Qing. As soon as he entered, Tang Qing saw some familiar faces - Aunt Chen, Butler Su, Xiaomi, and others. 

"Miss Tang, you're back! It's been so long, I've missed you so much," Aunt Chen greeted Tang Qing warmly. Even after a few years, Aunt Chen was still the kindest and most friendly person. 

"Yes, Aunt Chen, it's been a while," Tang Qing smiled.

"Mr Yan, what's wrong?" Aunt Chen asked worriedly. Tang Qing knew that Yanyan never liked others to know his weaknesses, so she didn't tell her about his fear of thunder. Instead, Tang Qing brought Yanyan to the sofa, "Aunt Chen, can you please get a towel?"

Tang Qing wanted to use the towel to wipe Yanyan's face as he had sweated a little. "Oh, yes, right away!" Aunt Chen replied hastily and hurried to Yanyan's room.

During this time, the maids nearby constantly observed Tang Qing and tried to discern the relationship between her and Yanyan. Among them, Aya and Xiaomi were the most obvious. They had admired Yanyan for a long time but knew he was far beyond their reach. Tang Qing was the first girl Yanyan had brought back, so they couldn't help but feel a sense of hostility.

"Here's the towel," Aunt Chen said, handing the towel to Tang Qing. She also brought a cup of fragrant hot herbal tea for Yanyan. Aunt Chen expected Tang Qing to wipe Yanyan's face, but Tang Qing gave Yanyan a towel and said, "Wipe your face."

Yanyan wiped his face and sipped the soothing herbal tea, the steam shrouding his eyes. He looked at Tang Qing with an unspoken question as if waiting for her to decide what would happen next.

"Are you going to take a shower first?" Tang Qing asked Yanyan.

"Yeah!" Yanyan nodded obediently.

The attentive housekeeper, Aunt Chen, approached them with a worried expression. "Miss Tang, don't blame me for being nosy, but what are you and Mr. Yan..." she trailed off, the unspoken question lingering in the air.

After all, Aunt Chen was one of the few who had witnessed the unique bond between Yanyan and Tang Qing. She had always believed they shared a more profound connection than mere acquaintances.

Tang Qing responded with a casual tone, "Nothing, Aunt Chen. Can you please prepare a room for me?"

"Of course, it's no problem." Aunt Chen nodded, sensing that Tang Qing did not wish to discuss the matter further.

However, the curious maids, Aya and Xiaomai, began whispering.

"What kind of relationship do you think she has with Mr Yan?" Aya mused.

"What other relationship could she have? Can she compare to Miss Guan? That's the marriage partner arranged by the Yan family!" Xiaomai scoffed.

"But hasn't Mr. Yan always been lukewarm towards her?" Aya pointed out.

"That doesn't mean this woman has been given the upper hand. Seeing as she doesn't have any famous brands on her body, she's just an ordinary person, but she's pretty," Xiaomai replied, her words laced with disdain.

The two maids continued their hushed discussion, their judgments and assumptions about Tang Qing's relationship with Yanyan filling the air.