31

The groggy cat didn't fully understand what Luo Li meant, only focusing on nestling into the coolness of Luo Li's neck.

—Did they really need to bathe before eating cake?

But soon, Lu Cixue realized what Luo Li meant by "eating cake."

Grasping Luo Li's soft shoulder, Lu Cixue's eyes welled with tears, her elegant neck arching as she tried to hold back her voice. She could only manage a shaky, "Don't do this," with no real force behind it.

The mango mousse cake, with its mango puree and whipped cream, layered on a tender surface, had barely been tasted by Luo Li, leaving her craving more.

Every inch of her touch met warmth and moisture, like a spring slowly seeping through, almost soaking the thin silk fabric.

Luo Li pouted, "But I haven't had my cake yet."

"It won't taste as good if it melts."

—A little dog determined to get her treat.

Lu Cixue remained silent.

She didn't want to discuss the cake with Luo Li; Luo Li always had an excuse ready.

Luo Li, ever the opportunist, noticed Lu Cixue's silence and reached for more of the cake's puree.

Suddenly, the phone rang, piercing through the air like a bolt of lightning.

Luo Li picked it up, seeing the name she didn't like, "He."

"It's probably about Duo Duo…" Lu Cixue also saw the name and tried to reach for the phone with weak fingers.

Luo Li obediently handed it over with her left hand, while her right hand intensified its efforts, widening the narrow gap.

"Wait… stop…"

She saw Lu Cixue's eyes widen in surprise, her waist softening to the point where she almost couldn't sit upright.

But just as she did, the call connected.

"Xiao Lu, how about I bring Duo Duo to spend New Year's with you this year?" He Qinian's voice came through with a hint of a smile. "This is about Duo Duo, so I hope I'm not interrupting?"

Remembering how Lu Cixue had previously told her that she didn't want any unnecessary involvement unless it was about Duo Duo, He Qinian's heart sank.

Lu Cixue's long eyelashes fluttered as she bit her lip, trying hard not to let out any unusual sounds. Luo Li grinned wickedly at her.

"You should spend it with your family."

Had He Qinian been listening carefully, he might have noticed the faint tremor in her voice, but he only felt disappointed.

"So, you'll be spending it alone again?"

Lu Cixue's mind was nearly blank, the tingling sensation spreading throughout her body, making her feel out of control. Desperately, she replied, "I have plans. I have to go."

As soon as the call ended, the phone was tossed aside. Luo Li grumbled, "Why does he always lecture you? He clearly likes you, can't you see that?"

Lu Cixue, her eyes glazed and body soft, patiently explained their relationship. "He's the only one supporting his family, so he's under a lot of pressure. It's natural for him to worry."

"And what else?" Luo Li whispered in Lu Cixue's ear, biting lightly, her jealousy palpable. "He likes you, and you've known each other for so long."

—How do you explain that?

Lu Cixue was at a loss, her soft fingers resting on Luo Li's arm, her brows furrowed. "We only know each other because of Duo Duo. We went to different campuses in college and barely saw each other."

To accuse her of liking someone just because they've known each other for a long time felt like a bit of a stretch.

"Fine, but my cake is going to melt," Luo Li sighed, glancing at the mousse cake she'd barely touched before giving Lu Cixue a playful bite on the lip. "Are you going to make it up to me?"

"What about tomorrow—"

"No, now."

Luo Li smirked at Lu Cixue's puzzled expression.

Back in the bedroom, Lu Cixue quickly realized what Luo Li really meant by "cake."

——

The marketing department organized a team-building trip just before the New Year holiday.

Luo Li was surprised when she saw the itinerary. The company was footing the bill, and the arrangements were extravagant: hot springs, a five-star hotel, and even the option to bring family members.

But her family had already left her behind to go on their own vacation.

The destination wasn't far, so many people chose to drive themselves. As Luo Li was pondering her own travel plans, Jing Yao suddenly called.

"I'm going too."

"Are you crazy? Why would you want to join in?" Luo Li couldn't believe how lovesick Jing Yao was. Never mind whom she was going with; if she showed up among a group of Feng Yu employees, it would definitely make headlines by the next day.

"I'm not asking you to take me," Jing Yao rolled her eyes. "Why would I want to watch you and your boss getting all lovey-dovey? I'm not that dumb."

"Then why are you calling me?"

"I've been busy all year. I deserve a vacation too, right? Just send me Ji Qiubai's room number and your itinerary."

"No way." Was she kidding? That would be a total breach of privacy.

"I can give you the itinerary, but not the room number."

"Fine, fine. Just send me the hotel info."

"That I can do," Luo Li nodded, then couldn't help but ask, "But what did you do to Ji Qiubai? She's been so distracted lately."

Luo Li had initially thought it was because Jing Yao had been too bold in her one-sided public confession on social media. Although it hadn't caused a huge stir, it had definitely spread in their circles.

But Ji Qiubai's expression was no longer one of irritation and distance. It was just… awkward, hard to describe.

Jing Yao chuckled mysteriously, "That's a secret."

Luo Li had no idea what her friend had been up to lately. Ever since that night when they cleared the air, they'd been running into each other more often.

Ji Qiubai even began to wonder if Jing Yao was having her followed.

Jing Yao explained slowly, "Your daily routine is so predictable that I don't need to have you followed."

Even Jing Yao couldn't understand how someone's life could be so healthy yet boring.

But tonight's meeting had been purely coincidental.

"This isn't like the last place I took you to. What are you doing here?" Jing Yao's expression was calm, her presence suddenly reassuring.

"This is my business. There's no need to inform you." Ji Qiubai's tone was anxious and a bit harsh. "It has nothing to do with you."

Jing Yao's face remained unreadable.

Ji Qiubai immediately regretted her tone but was in too much of a hurry to explain. She needed to find someone and fell silent.

Without a word, Jing Yao stepped aside, her cold demeanor intimidating.

"Thank you."

Jing Yao watched as Ji Qiubai hurriedly spoke to a server, who hesitated but eventually led her to a private room.

Jing Yao nearly laughed out loud.

Was she serious? Going into a private room like that without any backup, like some kind of hero?

Not her problem.

Jing Yao stood there for a moment before turning to leave. She took only a few steps before stopping. Her bodyguard approached.

"Get that little troublemaker out of there."

Sitting in the car, Jing Yao watched as a girl, who had clearly been crying, leaned into Ji Qiubai's arms. She wore thin clothing, and the bodyguard had thoughtfully draped a jacket over her shoulders.

"I was so scared, Xiaobai. It was all my fault, but I'm so glad you came…"

Seeing the person in the car, Ji Qiubai felt a pang of guilt, unsure of what to say.

"I'm sorry, Miss Ji. I meddled again." The voice from the car was sweet but unfamiliar to Ji Qiubai.

"It's my fault. I was the one who clung to you. I apologize. I won't bother you again." It sounded like a final goodbye.

"I'm sorry." Ji Qiubai felt like a scolded child, hanging her head, her face growing redder.

The girl, still sniffling, looked up, confused by the exchange.

Suddenly feeling uneasy, she slowly backed away, wiping her tears.

Even though they were surrounded by people, Ji Qiubai inexplicably began to ramble, her eyes growing red as she continued, "You didn't meddle. It was my fault. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. Please don't be mad. I was just so worried… Getting mad is bad for your health…"

Jing Yao finally frowned, "You've been drinking?"

Her tone didn't sound like a question but a statement.

The girl stopped crying and stared at the two of them, bewildered.

—Who was this woman, and how did she know Ji Qiubai so well?

Ji Qiubai looked up cautiously, "Would you be mad if I drank?" The only thought in her mind was to keep Jing Yao from getting angry.

The girl's face was a picture of disbelief.

—Wow, she's been completely tamed.

Realizing she might have caused more trouble, the girl quickly spoke up, "Uh… sorry. She did have a little to drink. I'm sorry, I didn't know you two were…"

"I'm really sorry. I don't want to cause any more trouble. I live nearby, so I'll just go!"

She was gone in a flash, leaving Jing Yao without a word.

Ji Qiubai stood by the car, still sniffling, looking completely different from her usual self.

Jing Yao's lips curled into a mischievous smile.

In the car, Ji Qiubai didn't even ask where Jing Yao was taking her, sitting quietly and not daring to speak.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Yes, Miss Jing."

"Wrong. Try again." Jing Yao held up her phone, recording.

Ji Qiubai furrowed her brows, thinking hard, and finally called out, "Sister."

Jing Yao's face lit up with satisfaction.

Ji Qiubai's eyelids drooped as she struggled to stay awake. She'd been fine outside, but the warmth of the car was making her feel hot and dizzy. Her cheeks were flushed, as if she were being roasted alive.

—She could really use an ice pack right now.

Her head tilted to the side, landing on Jing Yao's shoulder, finding it cool and comfortable.

"So fragrant…"

Jing Yao watched as the usually serious Ji Qiubai clung to her like an octopus, her lips brushing against Jing Yao's neck.

She even seemed annoyed by the barrier, as if she was trying to peel off Jing Yao's clothes.

"Don't move." Jing Yao's body shivered at the sensation, her legs pressing together.

Ji Qiubai looked up at her, feeling wronged.

"Do you know what you're doing?" Jing Yao's deep gaze was mesmerizing as her finger traced Ji Qiubai's flushed nose.

She wasn't exactly a saint, so there was no need to fight her instincts. This was the most honest physical reaction she could have.

"Don't regret it later."