Chapter 60 Invitation[Part 2]

"Don't make me say it. You can go wherever you want—I won't stop you."

Jing Wen turned her body slightly away, avoiding his gaze. It was clear she wanted Zhou Yi to stay, but her shy nature made it impossible for her to voice her feelings outright.

Zhou Yi yawned deliberately, stretching lazily as he said, "Oh, I'm feeling a bit tired and don't really feel like walking anymore. How about Sister Wen shows some kindness and lets me stay here for the night?"

Jing Wen's lips curved into a faint smile, and she let out a soft laugh.

"Alright, then go take a shower first."

"You first?"

"Yes, follow me upstairs. I'll show you which is shampoo and which is body wash."

Jing Wen led Zhou Yi up the stairs.

"Wait here for a moment. I'll grab you a towel and bathrobe."

Zhou Yi stood by the bathroom door, waiting patiently. Soon enough, Jing Wen returned with two pink towels in hand. One of the bathrobes had small floral patterns—clearly something Jing Wen used herself.

She handed them over with a hint of embarrassment. "We don't have any extra bathrobes. You'll have to use mine for now."

"Looks like Sister Wen has a soft spot for all things pink," Zhou Yi teased gently.

Jing Wen nudged him toward the bathroom. "Hurry up and get cleaned up. It's almost eleven."

The small bathroom felt even more cramped with both of them inside. Jing Wen adjusted the water temperature, testing it carefully before looking up at him. "Try this—does it feel okay? Is it too hot?"

Steam began to fill the room, curling around Jing Wen's damp hair and clinging to her eyelashes. Her cheeks flushed from the heat, giving her an unexpectedly alluring glow.

"Sister Wen, you look stunning like this," Zhou Yi murmured, his tone filled with admiration.

Jing Wen blinked, caught off guard, her face growing even redder. The mist softened Zhou Yi's handsome features, making him appear almost unreal. Jing Wen found herself staring, mesmerized.

Their eyes met, and without another word, Zhou Yi pulled her close, pressing her against the wall as he kissed her deeply. The confined space seemed to pulse with their shared intensity.

Already thin air grew heavier as Zhou Yi claimed her lips. Jing Wen clung to his shoulders, her body weak and trembling against his chest. Her legs gave out beneath her, leaving her breathless when she finally pushed him away.

"Xiao Yi... I can't…" she gasped, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

They had kissed. In the bathroom. And it was Zhou Yi who had initiated it.

Jing Wen felt as though she were dreaming. She reached out hesitantly, wanting to touch him, and Zhou Yi took her hand, pressing it gently against his cheek.

He smiled, his thumb brushing lightly over her swollen lips. "Sister Wen's lips are so beautiful—they look like they're painted with lipstick. All thanks to me."

Jing Wen felt as if she'd been drenched—not just by the steam rising around them, but by the heat radiating between them.

Biting her lip shyly, she whispered, "You should finish your shower. I'll step out."

Zhou Yi let her leave.

While Zhou Yi showered, Jing Wen sat in front of the vanity mirror, lost in thought. Her reflection revealed eyes brimming with longing—all because of that young man.

She touched her lips absently, a faint smile playing on her face. They did look different now—the place where Xiao Yi had kissed her felt special somehow. She liked it.

As these thoughts swirled through her mind, Jing Wen's expression softened further, her eyes curving with happiness. For now, she didn't care about their age difference or anything else. All she wanted was to be held in his arms again.

A short while later, Zhou Yi emerged wrapped in a bathrobe, drying his hair as he glanced at Jing Wen. He didn't speak; he simply watched her.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked softly.

"Because you're beautiful, Sister Wen. I could never tire of looking at you."

"You always say such things," she chided playfully.

"What? Don't you like hearing them?"

Zhou Yi walked over, resting his head lightly on her shoulder. Their reflections in the mirror looked perfect together.

"I love hearing everything you say, Xiao Yi. Go ahead and shower—I'll wait. If you're sleepy, you can rest first."

Jing Wen started undoing her hair in front of the mirror, strands cascading down near Zhou Yi's hand. He reached out, brushing them gently. "I won't sleep until you're done. Then we'll rest together."

Jing Wen smiled softly and took her pajamas into the bathroom.

Back in bed, Zhou Yi listened to the sound of running water, his thoughts wandering. What would happen next? He wasn't sure. But sharing a bed with someone like Jing Wen already felt like a gift. Just being near her was enough to make him happy.

Lying there, he began to drift off. The pillow carried a subtle fragrance—a scent that reminded him of Jing Wen.

"Xiao Yi, I'm done," Jing Wen called softly.

Her voice snapped him awake. Sitting up, he turned to see her standing there, wet hair framing her face. The sight stirred something deep within him.

Zhou Yi noticed the way she shook her damp hair, tilting her chin ever so slightly. Everything about her was captivating.

Getting up, he approached her. "Where's the hairdryer? Let me dry your hair—it's not good to sleep with it wet."

Jing Wen hadn't expected such thoughtfulness. She pointed to a corner of the table where a small, rarely used hairdryer lay.

"I usually go straight to bed after showering," she admitted sheepishly.

As Zhou Yi dried her hair, he teased, "Sister Wen, you're awfully kind. Didn't even consider making me sleep on the floor?"

Jing Wen, lulled by the warmth of the dryer, leaned back slightly, her eyes half-closed. "What? Do you want to sleep on the floor?"

"Of course not. Sleeping in your bed feels like fate smiling upon me."

Jing Wen chuckled softly. "Just remember how lucky you are."

By the time her hair was dry, Zhou Yi unplugged the dryer and combed her locks smooth. "There. Now we can sleep, Sister Wen."

Together, they settled into bed, the night stretching ahead of them, full of quiet possibilities.