Chu Yang glanced at Xiao Xiao's shiny bald head and said dejectedly, "If I just find any man, what's the difference between that and just sleeping with him? They're both strangers anyway."
Xiao Xiao thought for a moment, "Indeed, no."
“Sister, I don’t quite understand your thinking,” Xiao Xiao continued. “Is being a first time so shameful? This is China, sister. When countless women are lining up to get their hymens removed, you’re telling me you want to do it yourself? Have you lost your mind?”
"I didn't get wet, so I don't care about that thing. What I'm afraid of is that he does!" Chu Yang said with a sneer.
Which one would Fang Yi value? Xiao Xiao was very skeptical. For Fang Yi, who practically had the words "playboy" plastered on his forehead, which one would he value?
Seeing Xiao Xiao's expression, Chu Yang frowned slightly. "Well, you know, that's what they say in novels. Playboys always end up with a woman's hymen. I'm really afraid he'll get entangled with me because of that!"
Xiao Xiao was taken aback at first, then couldn't stop laughing. "Little sister, that's fiction. Do you understand fiction? A novel written by a woman, for a real playboy, let alone your hymen, even if you gave him a steel plate, it wouldn't work. He'd still keep having affairs! Who told you that knowing you have that thing would make him responsible for your future?"
Chu Yang frowned in annoyance and looked at Xiao Xiao with some confusion.
Xiao Xiao laughed again: "Those romance novels you crammed on even say that men can stay up all night like crazy, and you actually believe that?"
"Isn't that right?"
Xiao Xiao chuckled and sighed, "Little sister, you've gone mad from all that studying, you're too naive, aren't you? Let me put it this way, once is normal, twice is fine, three times is amazing, but if it's four times, that only means one thing."
"What's the problem?" Chu Yang asked.
"He took his medicine, haha." Xiao Xiao laughed, shook her head, turned around to serve the dishes, washed her hands, and saw that she was still in a daze. She chuckled and patted her back: "Hurry up and eat. After you eat, go and study. There are only a few days left until the exam. You still have the mind to think about this. You're such a weirdo. Hurry up! After the exam, pack your things and get out of here!"
On the day the postgraduate entrance exam ended, the weather was eerily cold. When Chu Yang packed up his things and came out of the exam room, he felt a strange emptiness in his heart. Was it really over just like that? More than half a year of hard work, all for just two days?
He Yiyang stood by the roadside waiting for her. When he saw her come out with the crowd, he quickly raised his arm and waved to her.
Sigh! It's so nice to be admitted to graduate school without taking the entrance exam. Once they enter their senior year, their lives are divided into three categories: those who are looking for jobs live like dogs, those who are recommended for graduate school live like pigs, and those who are preparing for graduate school entrance exams live a life worse than dogs and pigs! Dogs live hard, pigs live for pleasure, and those worse than dogs and pigs live nothing but torment.
He Yiyang had excellent grades and had already entered the laboratory with his supervisor when he was a sophomore. He was a treasure in his supervisor's eyes and had long been recommended for postgraduate studies.
Seeing that Chu Yang was a little downcast, he assumed that she hadn't done well on the exam. He didn't dare to ask how she did, but just smiled and patted her shoulder to comfort her, saying, "Don't think about it. Anyway, the exam is over. As long as your sub-scores are above the passing line, I'll pester our professor to transfer you to our department."
Chu Yang smiled but didn't answer. Actually, she had performed quite well and wasn't worried about failing the exam. What she was worried about now was whether the exam meant facing Fang Yi.
After having dinner with He Yiyang, and having nothing else to do, the two strolled back along the street. But they hadn't walked far when Fang Yi called.
"Is the exam over?" he asked.
Chu Yang felt a little uncomfortable listening to his phone call and simply hummed in response.
"How are you?" he asked again, his tone light and cheerful, as if he was in a good mood. There was some noise on the other end, and it sounded like someone was calling him. He responded and then, without waiting for her reply, continued, "I'm at Century. Come pick me up."
Ask her to pick him up? Are you kidding me? And what happens after she picks him up? Will he have other demands? Chu Yang's expression was somewhat awkward, and his voice even more unnatural. He chuckled dryly twice and said, "Wouldn't that be inconvenient? I don't have a car, and it's quite far. Maybe later—"
"Take a taxi here!" he ordered.
"Take a taxi? Hehe, no need, it'll cost too much money."
"I'll give it to you, okay? Come over here quickly." After saying that, Fang Yi hung up the phone.
Chu Yang was a bit dumbfounded. Why did his worst fear come true? This guy was such a scoundrel! He wouldn't even let a single day go by? Was it too late to run now? But where could he run to?
She muttered a few curses under her breath, then looked up and saw He Yiyang staring at her.
"I have to go now," she said, and went to the roadside to hail a taxi.
He Yiyang lowered his head and hesitated for a moment, as if considering his words, before asking, "Chu Yang, are you in a relationship?"
Dating? With Fang Yi? Chu Yang suddenly shivered and quickly shook his head, "Nonsense, when would I date? Honestly, don't you know what kind of temper I have?"
"Really?" he pressed.
"When have I ever lied to you?" Chu Yang said, somewhat displeased.
A relaxed smile finally appeared on his face. A taxi came by, and he helped Chu Yang flag it down. As he closed the car door, he suddenly said, "Let's meet again tomorrow, okay? I have something I want to tell you."
Chu Yang nodded. "Okay, I'll call you when I'm free tomorrow."
Chu Yang (revised)
Sitting in the taxi, watching the neon lights flash by outside the window, Chu Yang wondered why she had let Fang Yi "come at her beck and call"? Was it because he had power? Although the social atmosphere was a bit worse these days, it was still a world of clear skies and bright light. If she did run away, what could he do to her? Take revenge on her family? They couldn't possibly have such a deep grudge, could they? Besides, this wasn't a Hong Kong or Taiwanese drama!
After struggling for a long time, she still couldn't come up with a good reason. But there was one: Fang Yi was very handsome and rich. At around thirty years old, he was at the peak of his charm, and just one look at him could make anyone's heart itch.
But this reason only flashed through her mind for a moment before she dismissed it. What a joke! Was she the kind of idiot who judged people by their appearance? Thinking about it, Chu Yang felt hypocritical. If Fang Yi's looks were the kind that could make you lose two pounds just by looking at him, she wouldn't be taking a taxi to some "century" right now. She would have already packed up and fled abroad. America and Europe weren't easy to go to, but she'd at least go to Africa to seek refuge. She'd probably be living in Ethiopia for months by now!
When they arrived at the entrance of "Century", Chu Yang got out of the car and paid the fare. It was thirty-seven yuan. Counting the bills one by one, he felt a little pained. Remembering Fang Yi's words that it could be reimbursed, he specifically asked the driver for a receipt.
Fang Yi's men were already waiting for her outside. When they saw her get out of the car, they came over very attentively, "Miss Feng, Mr. Fang is upstairs. I'll take you there."
Chu Yang followed him upstairs, wondering what would happen next. They were entering a restaurant, so it probably wouldn't be the scene of Fang Yi wrapped in a small piece of cloth coming out of the bathroom. Instead, it was about letting her, the future "sister-in-law," meet his "brothers"? As soon as they entered, two rows of burly men in black suits and sunglasses bowed sharply and shouted in unison, "Sister-in-law!" That's usually the scene on TV!
When the door to the private room was opened, Chu Yang was a little stunned. He hadn't guessed any of them correctly. There was no one inside except for Fang Yi!
Although the table had long been cleaned up, the strong smell of alcohol still lingered in the air. It was obvious that there had been a lively drinking session here, but the people had all left.
Fang Yi, sitting in his chair, paused for a moment when Chu Yang entered, then chuckled softly. Chu Yang looked down at his attire: a thick, ball-like down jacket, a single-shoulder backpack slung across his shoulder for exams (the strap was a bit short, sticking out at his side like a bomb), thick, somewhat dirty gloves, and the train ticket he'd just gotten from someone clutched in his hand…
Actually, there was no rush to get the ticket right now, Chu Yang thought, and then tried to slip it into his pocket discreetly.
Fang Yi stopped laughing, stood up, and said, "Let's go."
"Leave?" Chu Yang didn't understand. "Where to?"
"Didn't I tell you to pick me up? Of course, you're here to take me home." Fang Yi smelled faintly of alcohol, which made Chu Yang's brain a little foggy. He followed him downstairs and into the car in a daze. It wasn't until the car turned into a fairly large courtyard that Chu Yang's temper flared up a bit. "Why didn't you just let me take a taxi to your house? Did you need me to pick you up?"
"I'll need it," Fang Yi said casually.
There was a mahjong table in the small hall, with three women and one man. Huang Fei was sitting across from Fang Yi. When he saw Fang Yi enter, his eyes reddened, and his hand trembled with excitement. He had just touched a two of bamboo in his hand and casually slapped it away without even looking at it.
"I won! Haha!" The woman sitting opposite Huang Fei suddenly shouted. Huang Fei immediately pushed away the tiles in front of him and shouted to Fang Yi, "Brother! You're finally back! I've missed you so much!" He then stood up.
"You little brat, sit down! Finish your game before you leave!" the woman who had just won the hand shouted hurriedly.
Huang Fei obediently sat down again, then looked pitifully at Fang Yi. The woman didn't turn around and called out, "Son, say hello to your Aunt Liu and Aunt Zhang."
Fang Yi nodded slightly to the two middle-aged women as a greeting.
Huang Fei, who was frowning as he played cards, was taken aback when he saw Chu Yang following Fang Yi in. Then, a look of smugness appeared on his face. After adjusting his expression, he suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Sister-in-law? Brother, you finally brought sister-in-law home?"
Before the words were even finished, the eyes of the others all turned to Chu Yang behind Fang Yi in unison! Especially Fang Yi's mother, who was sitting with her back to the door, her pose was quite difficult, at least 180 degrees!
Chu Yang secretly admired him. Seeing all sorts of gazes focused on him, and then looking at Fang Yi's calm expression, he suddenly understood something, but couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Fang's mother looked to be in her early forties, with delicate features. Her hair was styled into a simple bun at the back, revealing her slender white neck. She looked delicate and frail, which was quite different from the overly cheerful voice she had just spoken.
She looked at Chu Yang, then at Fang Yi, then back at Chu Yang, then back at Fang Yi, her gaze shifting back and forth between them several times. The expression on her face changed from blank to surprised, then to understanding, and finally to joy, even showing a tendency to develop into ecstasy.
Fang Yi looked at his mother, fearing that her expression might escalate to the point of facial muscle spasm, and quickly pulled Chu Yang from behind, saying, "This is Chu Yang, Chu Yang, this is my mother."
Chu Yang was a little stunned and embarrassed when Fang Yi brought her directly to his home. She managed to call out "Auntie" with some difficulty.
Huang Fei had been kept here all night playing mahjong with these old ladies. When he finally saw his savior return, he quickly joined in, grinning and saying, "Sister-in-law, come and play a couple of rounds!"
Fang Yi glanced at Huang Fei, and before his mother could reply, he said, "You guys have fun. I've had a bit to drink and I'm a little tired. I want to rest early."
Watching Fang Yi lead Chu Yang upstairs, Huang Fei's face immediately fell. Fang's mother, however, called out from behind in a trembling voice, "Go on, go on, we can play by ourselves."
"What kind of act are you putting on?" Sitting on Fang Yi's big bed, Chu Yang asked with a slight frown. Even a fool could see that Fang Yi's sudden decision to bring her home today must have some kind of plan. Nine times out of ten, he deliberately brought her back to show his family!
Fang Yi didn't say anything, but walked over to the wardrobe and started taking off his suit jacket.
Chu Yang felt a little nervous. Maybe it was because the room was too warm, or maybe she was wearing too many layers. In any case, she felt a sticky feeling on her back.
"Uh—, do you need to take a shower first?" Chu Yang asked, trying to sound calm.
Fang Yi closed the closet door, turned around, and leaned against the closet, looking at Chu Yang with a half-smile. Most of the buttons on his shirt were undone, revealing most of his chest.
“You’ve already used that trick,” he said.
Chu Yang chuckled dryly, his eyes darting around, and said with a "sincere" expression, "Can we sit down and talk this over? I feel like things have taken a bit unexpectedly. We agreed that we'd start dating properly after my exams, but things can't progress this fast. Besides, you didn't say you were bringing me to your house. Don't you have your own apartment? We can go there! You suddenly brought me to meet your mother like this; I wasn't prepared at all. How can I leave a good impression on her? Besides—"
Fang Yi glanced at her, a mocking smile playing on his lips, and said, "Get to the point."
Chu Yang was stunned, confused about what he was saying. How could he have forgotten all his plans the moment he saw him? Who cares why he brought him to his house! What does this have to do with him?
Yes! Don't complicate simple things! She thought, took a deep breath, raised her head and looked directly into Fang Yi's eyes, and said softly but clearly, "This is my first time, and I hope you can take responsibility for me!"
The room was quiet, and the two of them remained silent. Chu Yang felt a little nervous, and even his palms started to sweat.
“Okay, I’ll take care of it,” Fang Yi said, then took out a set of his own pajamas from the closet and threw them to Chu Yang. “Now, you’d better go take a shower first.”
Chu Yang was dumbfounded. Huh? How could he say he'd take responsibility? How could he say he'd take responsibility? That's not how it's written in the book! Damn it, had he been tricked? He glanced at the oversized pajamas in his hand and gave Fang Yi a suspicious look. "You want me to wear this?"
Fang Yi raised the corner of his mouth. "Maybe you can come out wrapped in a bath towel, or even naked. I don't mind."
Just thinking about that scene sent a chill down Chu Yang's spine. Seeing Fang Yi smile, she quickly clutched her pajamas tighter, dropped her backpack, and headed for the bathroom. She was ready to go all in; it was just sex, after all. What difference did it make who she slept with? But why didn't that advice have any effect? Novels have misled me! she thought.
"You said that a bit too soon," he laughed behind her. "You should have said it after you slept together. Remember that next time!"
Chu Yang froze, suddenly remembering that those words were meant to be said afterward to be more intimidating. Damn it, he was too nervous and blurted out his lines too early! But he couldn't blame her; it was his fault for suddenly adding his own lines!
Chu Yang (revised)
She lingered in the bathroom for a while before coming out. Fang Yi's pajamas were a bit too big, and they were a two-piece set, which looked rather funny on her.
Fang Yi had also changed into his pajamas and was sitting on the bed drying his half-dry hair with a large towel. When he saw her come out, he said, "Come here."
Chu Yang really wanted to ask him where he took a shower. She was the one who occupied the bathroom, so why did he look like he had just come out of the shower?
Fang Yi pulled her to sit down next to him, put a large bath towel over her head, and began to rub her still dripping hair.
Her hair was still very short. Although it had grown a lot longer than when she dressed as a little boy, it was still only just covering her ears. His strength was not small, and Chu Yang could feel the pressure of his palm pressing on the top of his head.
This intimate scene made Chu Yang feel somewhat uncomfortable, and her face unconsciously began to turn red. She hated herself for her scalp becoming so sensitive, even able to feel the warmth of his fingertips.
Fang Yi heard Chu Yang's somewhat disordered heartbeat, a smile appeared on his lips, and he began to move his hands more gently, his thumb seemingly intentionally or unintentionally gliding across the back of her neck, pleased to see a faint blush appear where his fingers had glided.
Chu Yang could no longer bear the speed of his heartbeat. He abruptly pushed Fang Yi's arm away and stood up from the bedside, his face flushed as he looked at Fang Yi. "Can we start now?"
Fang Yi was taken aback, then leaned against the headboard, watching her chuckle and nod, looking like he was waiting for a good show.
Anyway, it's going to happen sooner or later, so I might as well die and be reborn sooner! She thought, gritted her teeth, and jumped onto the bed with a "whoosh!" She straddled him and reached out to pull his pajamas collar apart.
He was slightly surprised; he hadn't expected her to be so fiery and agile, jumping onto the bed! He quickly grabbed her hands, meeting her forced composure in her eyes: "Have you got the role wrong?"
"Huh?" Her reaction started to slow down, and before she could figure out what he meant, he rolled over and pinned her down.