Sitting on the sofa, Lu Weizhu kept her head down, quietly listening to Bai Yun and Ning Wan’s conversation.
She sincerely wished that Bai Yun and Ning Wan would never have any connection, but what position did she have to express her wishes?
It was already a great relief that Ning Wan hadn’t exposed her lies to her face; Lu Weizhu dared not ask for anything more.
A little absentminded, Lu Weizhu hadn’t touched the dessert in front of her.
The two people across from her chatted for a long time, seemingly enjoying themselves—at least on the surface.
Before long, it was time for the café to close, and Ning Wan grabbed Lu Weizhu’s hand.
“I’ve made plans to eat with her, so I’ll head out first.”
With a gentle tug, she pulled Lu Weizhu up.
Not daring to resist the force on her hand, Lu Weizhu stood behind Ning Wan.
Because they were in a café, she didn’t dare show her fear and could only hide her emotions with a fake smile.
Luckily, Bai Yun didn’t pay attention to her face; otherwise, she probably would have been exposed.
“Mm, all right. Miss Ning, goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
Ning Wan turned and walked away in a carefree manner.
“If you have time, come by the café more often.”
Watching the two leave, Bai Yun felt a bit reluctant.
She lowered her head, only then noticing that Lu Weizhu’s portion of food hadn’t been touched.
“Hmm?”
Not sure of the reason for now, Bai Yun sat down and took small bites of the mousse that originally belonged to Lu Weizhu.
If only she’d eaten from it.
“Ugh, what am I thinking! So indecent.”
Bai Yun slapped her own face, then started tidying up the restaurant.
“But I really do want to kiss her.”
In her mind, Lu Weizhu’s thin lips appeared.
That timid, obedient girl—how would she react if she were kissed?
Bai Yun stared blankly, lost in thought.
Outside the café, Lu Weizhu clutched the hem of her dress, following Ning Wan step by step.
She didn’t know where Ning Wan was taking her, only hoping that whatever happened next wouldn’t leave her with new scars.
The girl behind made no sound. Ning Wan walked in silence, then let go of Lu Weizhu’s hand, no longer holding her.
The lingering softness at her fingertips remained. She squinted slightly.
The silence stretched on, pedestrians brushing past them, and Lu Weizhu grew increasingly nervous.
When they passed a deserted intersection, Lu Weizhu grabbed Ning Wan’s hand.
“Um… Thank you for today… Master…”
Lu Weizhu stammered. Such a strange form of address felt utterly humiliating.
Ning Wan turned her head, looking at the hands Lu Weizhu had wrapped around her wrist.
“! Sorry… Ah, I’m sorry.”
Noticing Ning Wan’s gaze, Lu Weizhu hurriedly released her grip, apologizing in a panic.
Because of the cover-up that afternoon, her opinion of Ning Wan had changed ever so slightly, but the fear in her heart couldn’t be erased.
“…Tsk, so stupid.”
Ning Wan shook her head, eyes half narrowed. Thank her? How ridiculous. What was there to thank? Did she need gratitude?
Besides, she wasn’t really helping Lu Weizhu at all.
“Just take it as your reward for being obedient.”
She spoke carelessly, shaking her head.
When she started using this relationship to force Lu Weizhu into doing all kinds of impossible things, what sort of reaction would she see then?
“Mm…”
Lu Weizhu hung her head, murmuring softly.
Well, though those words were a bit harsh, it seemed giving up that last bit of dignity really did work?
If it had been the old Ning Wan, she would probably have trampled her underfoot right in front of Bai Yun.
The thought of that terrifying scene sent a chill down Lu Weizhu’s spine.
Staring at Ning Wan’s back, she suddenly felt a sense of relief.
She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t suppress it.
The two walked on, one behind the other, both silent.
Lu Weizhu still didn’t know where Ning Wan wanted to take her—a hotel? A bar? Or somewhere else?
Worried yet afraid to ask, Lu Weizhu trailed along, slow and hesitant.
Time passed quietly. Beneath the golden sunset, a white car drove by. Looking in its direction, she saw the familiar residential building across the street.
Lu Weizhu paused for a moment, then quickly understood.
“We’re going to my place?”
“What else?”
Ning Wan shot her a glance. Waiting a bit at a nearby light, they arrived at the foot of the building.
Ning Wan led Lu Weizhu to the door of the rented apartment. Looking at the sponsor in front of her, Lu Weizhu wasn’t sure who the real owner was anymore.
“Gulp.”
Swallowing nervously, Lu Weizhu began unlocking the door.
Once they went inside, would she become nothing more than a pet?
Lu Weizhu deliberately slowed her movements.
Ning Wan didn’t notice anything amiss, leaning against the wall.
“Hurry up.”
Ning Wan nudged the heel of Lu Weizhu’s shoe with her foot.
She noticed the girl’s outfit was different today.
Compared to her usual rustic clothes, Ning Wan much preferred this look.
Even a dog—well-bred dogs looked better than strays, right?
Thinking wickedly, with a click, the door to the apartment opened.
Ning Wan and Lu Weizhu entered together.
“Um, I’ll go take a shower first.”
She’d only come looking for her for that kind of thing, hadn’t she?
Lu Weizhu dug a brand-new, matching outfit from the wardrobe and hurried into the bathroom.
Ning Wan sat on the sofa, looking around the room. She hadn’t been here in days, but nothing had changed.
The sound of water splashing came from the bathroom in the kitchen. Growing a bit bored, Ning Wan got up and walked over.
Annoying frosted glass blocked the scenery she wanted to see, but through a crack in the door, Ning Wan caught a glimpse of the girl’s slender bare feet.
Her calm mood suddenly felt agitated. She knocked on the door.
Inside, Lu Weizhu had just finished applying body wash when she heard the knock, her body tensing up.
Was she really so impatient? It wasn’t as if she could run away.
Head down, Lu Weizhu couldn’t understand.
“Um… I’ll be out soon.”
Lu Weizhu sped up, and in the steamy haze, glanced at the wardrobe where her clothes were kept.
Did she really need to get fully dressed? She’d probably be stripped right after anyway—wouldn’t a towel do just as well?
“Can you hurry up? I’m starving, order some takeout.”
While Lu Weizhu was clumsily washing, Ning Wan’s voice came from outside.
Her towel slipped from her hand and fell to the floor, leaving Lu Weizhu bewildered.
Order… takeout? Did she misunderstand something?
Thinking back on her ridiculous idea of making herself “ready to eat,” Lu Weizhu felt thoroughly embarrassed.
She hastily dried her hair, grabbed her clothes from the cabinet, and quickly put them on.
“Ah, um… I’m done.”
With a sudden push, Lu Weizhu rushed out, colliding headlong into Ning Wan.
Stumbling back two steps, steadying herself on the sink, Ning Wan frowned at the flustered Lu Weizhu.
“So stupid.”
Turning away, Ning Wan went back to the living room.
Lu Weizhu hurried after her. After earnestly apologizing and asking about Ning Wan’s preferences, Lu Weizhu placed a takeout order.