Chapter 50

Shoutout to Juli! You are the very first to buy me a coffee. I really appreciate it so much — thank you! I hope you enjoy reading this novel.

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Just beyond the door, separated by only a wall, Ruan Xinyi had no idea what Wen Xihan was thinking.

After watching Wen Xihan enter the room, Ruan Xinyi lingered in the hallway for a few minutes before leisurely turning around and stepping inside.

As she had said, there wasn’t much to clean up in the kitchen. After starting the dishwasher, she made her way to the bar, poured herself a glass of red wine, and, wearing slippers, walked toward the bathroom.

She placed the wine glass on a nearby shelf. As the bathtub filled with water, she removed her clothes and slipped on a bathrobe, casually tossing two bath bombs into the water.

A soft fizzing sound filled the air.

Tying a loose knot in her bathrobe’s belt with one hand, she hesitated for a moment before opening a cabinet and taking out a bottle of rose essential oil, adding a few drops to the water.

Soon, the tub was full.

The gentle fizzing continued, and the surface of the water turned a delicate pink, rippling slightly with the movement.

Ruan Xinyi adjusted the lighting, slipped off her bathrobe, gathered her long hair, and stepped barefoot into the tub.

The water was a little hot, and mist rose in delicate swirls. Almost instantly, a faint blush spread across her face. Her damp hair clung to her skin, and crystal-clear droplets trailed down her smooth shoulders, disappearing into her collarbone. Under the dim light, her soft, pale skin shimmered, her chest rising and falling gently with her breath, hidden beneath the veil of pink bubbles.

The fizzing sound seemed to grow louder.

Ruan Xinyi reached for her glass of wine, taking a sip. As she swallowed, a droplet of water slid down her throat, disappearing into her chest, leaving behind faint, glistening traces.

The bubbles slowly began to dissipate.

She wiped her face, tilted her head back, and gradually sank into the warm water.

The air was thick with the subtle scent of roses, carried by the rising steam, filling the entire bathroom.

It was the fragrance of rose essential oil—like a freshly bloomed rose after the rain, delicate and adorned with dewdrops, rich yet not overwhelming, blending seamlessly with the lingering mist.

Ruan Xinyi swirled her fingers through the foamy surface, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere.

That night came back to her.

The woman had a cool and composed nature, yet beneath it, there was an undeniable streak of stubbornness—impossible to resist.

In the middle of the night, Ruan Xinyi had wanted to pull her into an embrace, only to be pushed away with a complaint about her sweaty skin—even though they were both equally guilty of it.

With no other choice, Ruan Xinyi got up to wash off the sweat.

From the bed, Wen Xihan leaned lazily against the headboard. The usual sharpness in her gaze had softened into a languid charm, her half-lidded peach blossom eyes watching Ruan Xinyi with an unreadable expression.

Ruan Xinyi swallowed involuntarily and asked in a hoarse voice, “Want to join me?”

In response, a bathrobe was tossed straight at her face.

That bath lasted a long time.

Afterward, Wen Xihan sat at the edge of the bed, applying body lotion.

The bottle had a soft pink label—rose-scented.

It smelled wonderful.

Especially as she rubbed it into her legs with her elegant right hand, spreading it little by little. Under the warm glow of the bedside lamp, the graceful curve of her calf looked as though it had been glazed with porcelain, while the lingering rose fragrance filled the air—intoxicatingly pleasant.

And the scent in the air wasn’t just from the lotion.

Ruan Xinyi grasped the woman’s slender wrist and offered with exaggerated enthusiasm, “Let me do it for you, sister.”

Wen Xihan eyed her warily.

Like a cunning fox, Ruan Xinyi assured her, “I’ll just help you apply it. Nothing else.”

Just like with the bathrobe, Wen Xihan didn’t refuse.

Her skin was porcelain white, so fair that even the fine hairs were barely visible. The lotion made it feel incredibly smooth and soft, and touching it was irresistibly addicting.

Under the guise of applying lotion, Ruan Xinyi took full advantage, her hands lingering far longer than necessary.

After finally finishing with her legs, she propped herself up on one hand and leaned in to ask, “Should I do the rest too?”

“I’ll do it myself.”

Wen Xihan dodged her movements, took the lotion, and began applying it herself.

Ruan Xinyi watched as she finished wiping both arms. The scent of roses in the air grew heavier, like a flowerbed freshly nourished by water, with glistening droplets still clinging to the vibrant petals—on the verge of falling yet lingering.

Swallowing slightly, Ruan Xinyi followed the trail of fragrance and leaned in closer. Under the woman’s puzzled gaze, she hooked her chin and kissed her.

At that moment, she finally tasted the scent of a newly bloomed rose after the rain.

Exhaling a heavy breath, Ruan Xinyi grabbed a bottle of red wine from the shelf and downed it in one go.

She rose from the bathtub, droplets of water continuously falling. Light pink foam clung to her calves, and a faint blush colored her skin.

Ignoring it, she walked straight to the shower, turned on the water, and let the warm stream wash away both the foam and the restlessness within her.

At dawn, just as the sky began to brighten, Ruan Xinyi got up.

Slipping into her sportswear, she jogged two laps around the neighborhood. On her way back, she happened to see an elderly woman pushing a small cart, selling breakfast.

After thinking for a couple of seconds, she bought breakfast for two, choosing according to her own taste.

It was just past seven.

Ruan Xinyi carried the breakfast and gently knocked on the door across from hers.

Several minutes passed before the door finally opened.

Wen Xihan stood there in her pajamas, still drowsy from sleep. Her peach blossom eyes were hazy and filled with faint grievance as she stared at the culprit who had disturbed her dreams so early in the morning.

Unfazed, Ruan Xinyi handed over the breakfast she had brought.

Wen Xihan lowered her gaze for a few seconds, then looked at Ruan Xinyi—who was dressed in sportswear, clearly just back from a run. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her voice was hoarse as she asked, “What’s this?”

“Breakfast,” Ruan Xinyi answered honestly. “I saw an old lady selling food on my way back, so I picked up a little something. There’s soy milk, tea eggs, steamed dumplings, and mantou.”

Wen Xihan didn’t take it. Instead, she looked at her and said expressionlessly, “I don’t like mantou.” There was a subtle hint of stubbornness in her tone.

A soft chuckle escaped Ruan Xinyi’s throat as she suppressed her amusement. “Then how about I prepare it a little differently?”

Wen Xihan, slightly flustered by her laughter, barely perceptibly nodded while keeping her expression taut.

“Alright, I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”

Since everything was already made, modifying it wouldn’t take much time.

Ruan Xinyi poured the soy milk into a small porcelain bowl, arranged the steamed dumplings on a plate, and sliced the plump, white mantou in half. She placed cheese inside, brushed the top with egg wash, and put it in the oven. Then, setting the timer, she rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Concerned that Wen Xihan might not like soy milk, she also heated a cup of milk separately. Only after preparing everything did she knock on the door again.

This time, Wen Xihan opened it much faster.

She was now dressed in a light blue chiffon blouse, loosely tucked into her trousers, accentuating her slender waist. Her long legs, clad in delicate high heels, were slim and graceful, her dainty ankles half-exposed, as pale and smooth as the finest jade.

With light makeup on, her deep and cool gaze carried a certain aloofness. Her mesmerizing peach blossom eyes, though lowered slightly, appeared both clear and mysterious. However, compared to earlier, she looked much more refreshed.

Beside her stood a dark aluminum-framed suitcase.

Ruan Xinyi’s throat moved slightly. She smiled and said, “Sister, breakfast is ready.”

Perhaps still groggy from waking up, Wen Xihan gave a small nod. Her voice remained hoarse, laced with a trace of impatience even she didn’t seem to notice. “Mm.”

Ruan Xinyi took her suitcase, heading toward the living room while asking, “Sister, do you want soy milk or milk?”

Wen Xihan tilted her head slightly, covering her mouth as she yawned. Her tone was lazy. “Soy milk.”

After sitting down, she belatedly asked, “Is it sweetened?”

“Ah?” Ruan Xinyi quickly understood, thought for a moment, and replied, “It is, but not too much.”

“Oh,” Wen Xihan murmured. She picked up a small spoon, took a sip, and immediately furrowed her brows. Turning to Ruan Xinyi, she said nothing, merely forcing herself to swallow.

Seeing this, Ruan Xinyi couldn’t help but laugh. She quickly fetched some sugar from the kitchen.

Upon seeing the sugar, Wen Xihan’s frown eased a little. She added two spoonfuls, then looked at Ruan Xinyi and asked, “Do you want some?”

Ruan Xinyi shook her head. “I’m fine.”

For her, the sweetness was just right.

“Oh.” Wen Xihan didn’t insist. After drinking a couple more sips of the sweetened soy milk, she asked, “What time is it now?”

“Seven-thirty.” Ruan Xinyi pushed the prepared mantou toward her. “Sister, try this.”

“Thanks,” Wen Xihan replied politely.

The mantou was still hot, its golden, crispy exterior slightly scalding. As soon as she tore it open, steam rose along with gooey, stretching cheese.

“Try dipping it in this.” Ruan Xinyi placed a small dish of blueberry jam beside her.

Wen Xihan broke off a piece, dipped it in the jam, then suddenly asked, “Aren’t you worried about being late for your flight?”

Ruan Xinyi, peeling a tea egg, remained unbothered. “Twenty minutes is plenty.”

Wen Xihan shot her a look but nonetheless quickened her pace in eating.

Fifteen minutes later, after washing the dishes, Ruan Xinyi noticed the untouched glass of milk. She bit the inside of her cheek, took a thermos from the cabinet, and poured the milk into it.

Of course, before sealing the lid, she didn’t forget to add a bit of sugar.

Once everything was set, the two of them finally grabbed their suitcases and headed out.

Luckily, there was no traffic, and they arrived at the airport with time to spare.

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In the waiting lounge.

Ruan Xinyi pulled out a thermos from her bag and asked Wen Xihan, who was replying to messages on her tablet, “Sister, do you want some water?”

Wen Xihan glanced up at her, then at the glass of warm water in front of her, her expression speaking volumes.

“…Fine.” Ruan Xinyi tilted her body slightly toward her. “We should arrive in S City around 12:30. What do you want to eat for lunch, sister?”

“Anything,” Wen Xihan replied indifferently, lowering her gaze back to her tablet.

Ruan Xinyi pouted but didn’t press further. Bored, she began twisting a napkin on the table.

Before long, the once neatly folded napkin was left in shreds.

Perhaps Ruan Xinyi was too bored—she kept tearing napkin after napkin, drawing repeated glances from Wen Xihan. Eventually, unable to stand it anymore, Wen Xihan shut her tablet and asked in a calm voice, “Are you that bored?”

“Huh?” Ruan Xinyi wrapped a piece of paper around her index finger and answered without hesitation, “Not at all.”

Wen Xihan raised an eyebrow at the paper still wrapped around her finger.

Ruan Xinyi cleared her throat, casually tossing the paper into the trash and brushing off the stray bits on her lap. “I just didn’t want to disturb you since you were working.”

“I wasn’t working,” Wen Xihan corrected. “I was reviewing summit materials.”

“Oh.” Ruan Xinyi suddenly understood. “Sister, can you send me a copy?”

Wen Xihan countered, “You don’t have one?”

Ruan Xinyi was momentarily stunned.

Realizing her mistake, Wen Xihan pursed her lips and forwarded the file. “Sorry, I forgot.”

Just as Ruan Xinyi was about to respond, her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she instinctively glanced at Wen Xihan, hesitated for a moment, then stood up and walked away before answering.

However, in those few seconds of hesitation, Wen Xihan had already caught a glimpse of the caller ID: Detective Agency.

So, was Ruan Ruan investigating someone?    

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Translator's Note:

If you like my translation, you can buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. One coffee is equivalent to one extra chapter. I hope you enjoy reading!

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