Shen Yue didn't want anyone to see, not at all. Her life had finally returned to a semblance of normalcy.
But Jiang Wei didn't listen. He sucked on that piece of flesh so hard it hurt, and it would likely take days to fade.
Seeing she had fallen silent, Jiang Wei finally shifted his weight, looking at her and smiling, a curl on his lips. The itch in his heart was soothed, and his mood brightened a little.
"What are you afraid of? Don't go to class tomorrow. Stay with me for a few days?"
Shen Yue gazed at him quietly. Her thin eyelids were tinged with red, her lips full and beautifully swollen, and the red mole on her nose held a deep, alluring charm. "I have class."
Perhaps Shen Yue's voice was too soft, or perhaps he selectively chose not to hear. He leaned closer, smiling as he asked,
"What did you say?"
He seemed to be listening intently to Shen Yue, his dark eyes fixing on her, his expression one of perfectly feigned confusion.
But Shen Yue knew he had heard her perfectly well.
He was always like this, disregarding Shen Yue's wishes, content as long as he was happy. As for Shen Yue, she was perhaps just one of his amusements.
When Shen Yue looked at him quietly, as a form of protest, he would coax her softly, then unequivocally dismiss her wishes.
"What's fun about studying all the time? It won't hurt to play outside for a few days. Don't always reject me."
The man nuzzled her cheek, sticky and clingy like a large dog, yet his posture and tone were consistently those of a high-handed command.
"Shen Yue, don't push your luck."
Shen Yue: "..."
Her hand itched to slap him.
System: [Hold back! Hold back!]
Jiang Wei seemed to treat Shen Yue merely as a plaything, something to be amused by. Yet, without him realizing it, he had developed a possessiveness towards this plaything, perhaps even affection.
Jiang Wei didn't understand. He didn't know how to like someone because he was born noble, born to be the center of attention. It was always others who tried to please him.
Shen Yue would "teach" him well how to love someone.
She gazed at the man before her, her serene face like a placid, green lake in early spring, quiet and reserved. However, her thin eyelids grew increasingly red, the mole on her nose more seductive. Her long eyelashes lifted, mist slowly gathering, clumping them together.
The girl looked beautiful when she cried, and Jiang Wei's cold heart softened.
"I don't want to."
"I want to go to class."
"I have class."
Jiang Wei hadn't expected Shen Yue to cry so much. She didn't sob out loud; even her tears fell silently, yet they streamed down her face, drop by drop.
His heart twitched, and Jiang Wei finally realized Shen Yue was truly resistant.
He hesitated for a moment, then gently wiped the tears from Shen Yue's face with his fingertip, his tone suddenly softening.
"Alright, you can go to class tomorrow."
Jiang Wei was never a man of his word. He acted entirely on his whims; he might agree with a soft heart one second, only to renever his promise at any moment.
Shen Yue looked at him quietly, tears in her eyes. Her dark pupils held a clear depth, like a misty lake in late autumn.
She clutched the man's collar, her fingertips turning white. "Jiang Wei, don't force me, or we're done."
Mist blurred her vision.
This was the second time Shen Yue had mentioned ending things.
Jiang Wei remained silent for a few seconds, as if stunned.
When he finally reacted, his eyes darkened, his face stiffened, his stern jaw clenched tightly.
But in the end, he could only manage a smile, not taking Shen Yue's words to heart, or perhaps deliberately glossing over them. He kissed the girl's soft, smooth cheek.
"Okay, okay, I was just kidding. If you don't like it, I won't force you."
As if afraid Shen Yue would say something more extreme, Jiang Wei reached out and covered her mouth, nuzzling her neck like a spoiled child, softly murmuring his discontent, "I just feel like we don't get to see each other enough."
The dishes were served with an exquisite presentation. This meal was the most delicious Shen Yue had ever had; indeed, quality came with a price.
Perhaps it was the effect of their earlier conversation, or perhaps he found Shen Yue's red eyes pitiful, but Jiang Wei constantly served Shen Yue food, offering her dishes. He barely ate himself, and only ate the leftovers after Shen Yue was mostly finished.
After the meal, Shen Yue wanted to leave, but Jiang Wei disagreed.
His expression was displeased, his dark eyes cold and stern.
"I have a street racing competition tonight."
His meaning was clear: he wanted Shen Yue to stay and accompany him.
Shen Yue fell silent. She had become much more distant lately. Jiang Wei sensed this, yet he didn't feel he had done anything wrong. Instead, he felt Shen Yue was being ungrateful and pushing her luck.
He put on a cold face, his temples subtly bulging, twitching a few times.
"Shen Yue, my patience has limits."
It was evident Jiang Wei was on the verge of an outburst, but he suppressed it. Had someone dared to treat him like this before, he would have likely overturned the entire table.
This was the time for coaxing. Sometimes, excessive praise could be the most brutal and the most maddening.
The girl proactively took the man's hand. Her dark, wet eyes gazed at him, possessing a heart-stirring beauty.
Her features were like a pure, tranquil lake under the night sky.
Her soft voice carried an illusion of gentleness.
She changed her approach, speaking with a hint of coyness.
"Jiang Wei, I don't want to go. I want to go back and do my homework. Can I?"
Jiang Wei was momentarily stunned. The veins on the back of his hand twitched violently. A jolt, like electricity, sent a dizzying sensation through him. The retort he was about to utter rolled down his throat, along with a swallowed lump.
"I..." His throat felt dry, his irritation dissipated, leaving only a trace of grievance. He paused for a moment. "I want you to stay with me."
He likely didn't realize how much he now resembled a large dog desperately trying to please its master.
Shen Yue squeezed Jiang Wei's large hand. Her dark, wet eyes made his heart tremble, his breathing involuntarily deepening.
At this moment, Shen Yue slowly leaned towards him and then...
She kissed his cheek.
Jiang Wei froze completely, unconsciously holding his breath.
After only three seconds, Shen Yue moved a little distance away. She looked at the man obediently, a faint smile playing on her lips, dimples appearing. She tentatively asked, "Can I?"
As the girl moved away, her soft hair brushed against his face, a fleeting touch that left behind a peculiar tickle.
Her gentle tone, mixed with caution, made it seem as if she genuinely cared about his feelings.
Jiang Wei's lips curved upwards silently. He was easily pleased, a fact he hadn't even noticed.
"...Yes." He was still a little reluctant, his gaze lingering on the girl's full, rosy lips for several seconds, his tone somewhat awkward. "I'll take you back to your dorm."