Gloves - Chapter 50

“So, now…,” Qi Ruan paused, hoping for a definitive and clear answer. “Are you now my girlfriend?”

“Not yet. I need to confirm once again, just to be sure you won’t change your mind,” Qi Ruan moved closer to An Chujie, looking around at the crowded square. It wasn’t exactly the scenario Qi Ruan had imagined. However, she took a deep breath, adjusted her clothes, and then looked into An Chujie’s eyes with seriousness. “An, have you made up your mind to be my girlfriend and be with me?”

Qi Ruan closed her eyes, and the clamor of the square seemed to amplify in her ears. The sound of children’s roller skating resembled chains tightening around her already complicated heart. She had been rejected by An Chujie so many times before, and she feared that his initial agreement was just a spur-of-the-moment impulse. Perhaps, after a night’s sleep, An Chujie would return to his senses. Maybe this was her last chance to bring up the topic. All she wanted was a pure, uncomplicated An Chujie, free from any other distractions.

“Xiao Ruan?” The first call went unheard by Qi Ruan, as a series of rejection lines from An Chujie played in her mind.

“Xiao Ruan!” An Chujie stepped forward, cupping Qi Ruan’s face in her hands. The cool touch brought Qi Ruan back to reality, and when she opened her eyes, she saw a magnified image of An Chujie’s calm face. Qi Ruan nodded, her soft lashes fluttering up and down. She gently said, “Xiao Ruan, we belong to each other.” An Chujie smiled, enjoying Qi Ruan’s rare nervousness. She liked the contrast between how Qi Ruan treated others and how she treated An Chujie. To the outside world, Qi Ruan was always seen as someone who spent money recklessly, was promiscuous, and had a volatile temper. But in An Chujie’s eyes, she was completely different. An Chujie saw a pure-hearted Qi Ruan, someone who was considerate, willing to compromise, and cared deeply for her.

Finally, this moment had arrived. “Oh!” Qi Ruan exclaimed excitedly, spontaneously wrapping her arms around An Chujie’s waist and lifting her up, twirling her in place. She had waited so long for this moment. Before meeting An Chujie, Qi Ruan had never truly pursued someone. Winning someone’s heart was a greater challenge than conquering their body in bed, especially when that person was An Chujie.

In the world of adults, gratitude is understood. Qi Ruan loved An Chujie deeply and was immensely grateful to her. An Chujie had allowed Qi Ruan to experience things she had never experienced before, and she had tasted a tremendous sense of accomplishment. This feeling was far more exhilarating than the satisfaction of achieving her goals in the smoothest way possible.

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In the bright and spacious gym, rows of exercise equipment were neatly arranged, silently waiting for use. It was quiet, with only Wang Shili, who was infatuated with her phone, and Shang Zhuoxi, who was sweating profusely, present. Rich people sure were extravagant, renting an entire floor of the gym just for themselves. Can Shang Zhuoxi handle all these machines alone? They were as clean as new… Wang Shili muttered softly, about to turn off the video and share it on her social media to show off. Suddenly, her vision was covered by a white glove, and then the screen went black.

“Hey! What are you doing, Shang Zhuoxi?” Wang Shili snatched her phone back, finally having the opportunity to capture her like this, up close and personal, and she ruined it with a single palm!

“Turn it off. People in your line of work, do you all enjoy secretly filming others without their consent?” Shang Zhuoxi stood in front of Wang Shili, remembering being filmed at the airport during security checks not long ago. That person didn’t even know how to turn off their flash in broad daylight.

Because she was wearing a tank top and sports shorts, Shang Zhuoxi’s body was fully exposed to Wang Shili’s eyes. Her two long legs stood straight, and while it was said that fair-skinned people look heavier when naked, Shang Zhuoxi, who inherited her mother’s complexion completely, effortlessly debunked those rumors.

Wang Shili stared directly at Shang Zhuoxi’s sweaty collarbone, her breath heavy from the exercise. The movement of her abdomen caused the faint muscle lines to push against the thin fabric. Wang Shili swallowed, never imagining that she would be in such close proximity with the person in front of her. Her nose felt ticklish…

After Shang Zhuoxi finished speaking, she turned around to tidy up her things.

“Ah-choo!” A sneeze caught Wang Shili off guard. Fortunately, Shang Zhuoxi had walked away, or else her itchy nose might have caused a nosebleed, or so Wang Shili thought.

“Do your parents allow you to stay out overnight?” Shang Zhuoxi bent down to change her shoes, glancing up at Wang Shili. She resembled a recent graduate, someone whose family kept a tight leash on her. Shang Zhuoxi had to make sure of this, as she didn’t want any trouble.

“What are you talking about? I’m already an adult. Why would my parents control me?” Wang Shili was a bit indignant. People only thought she looked younger~

“Well, then you don’t have to go home tonight,” Shang Zhuoxi said, wiping the sweat from her cheeks down to her chin with a towel draped over her shoulder.

“Oh…” Wang Shili’s response sounded a bit hesitant and confused, but deep down, she was ecstatic. This clearly meant that Shang Zhuoxi wanted to spend the night with her.

“In a couple of days, I have to go to Taipei,” Shang Zhuoxi continued, not bothering to look up as she busied herself with something in her hands. “You work for Island Airlines, right?” I booked my ticket through your company.

“Yes,” Wang Shili eagerly confirmed, hanging onto every word from Shang Zhuoxi.

“Since you’ve actually come to find me, I can’t let you leave empty-handed,” Shang Zhuoxi said, smiling mysteriously as she approached Wang Shili. She packed up her sweaty clothes and leaned in close to Wang Shili’s ear, speaking in a seductive tone. “You look beautiful in long skirts, but you might catch a cold in this weather.” The careful attention she paid to her appearance had earned her someone’s approval. Wang Shili was so excited that she almost lost her balance. Not only was Shang Zhuoxi interested in her, but she also cared about her well-being. Every minute spent with Shang Zhuoxi felt exhilarating.

(canyouhearmycall… hold…) The CD in the car continued playing the same song. Whenever Shang Zhuoxi listened to it, she couldn’t help but feel as if An Chujie was sitting in the backseat. She occasionally glanced at the rearview mirror and would catch An Chujie looking back at her. Or sometimes, An Chujie would be sitting right next to her, resting her head against the seatbelt, dozing off. Shang Zhuoxi was completely immersed in the song and didn’t hear anything from behind.

“Where are we going?” Wang Shili asked curiously, raising her voice. She hoped to hear that they were going to Shang Zhuoxi’s place.

“To… um…” Shang Zhuoxi decided to turn off the music. She intended to take Wang Shili to the place where An Chujie used to live. She didn’t know how to describe it, even though the property deed was in her name. In her heart, it still belonged to An Chujie.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s a place I want to go to,” Shang Zhuoxi said, releasing one hand from the steering wheel and tapping it lightly.

“Shang Zhuoxi!” Wang Shili no longer asked any questions. She didn’t know why, but she just had a strong trust in Shang Zhuoxi.

“Hmm?” Shang Zhuoxi muttered from her throat, shutting up with a puzzled expression.

“You have such a cute accent when you speak,” Wang Shili smiled as she sat in the back, fixated on Shang Zhuoxi’s head.

Well, your thoughts are quite whimsical, Shang Zhuoxi raised an eyebrow and shrugged. She was just helpless when Wang Shili suddenly said something like that.

“Wow, is this your house?” Wang Shili saw a beautifully decorated, softly-toned, warm and comfortable large house. However, the house had no smell at all. Any place where people live, good or bad, should have some scent.

Shang Zhuoxi smiled and remained silent, indicating that she could look around freely.

On her first visit to someone’s house, she couldn’t appear too casual. The things here were neatly arranged, and Wang Shili thought of the previous gym. Yes, it was that kind of neat and quiet place that nobody would use. Upon closer inspection, there was even a thin layer of dust.

“Have you had dinner?” I don’t want you to do what’s next on an empty stomach.

“I already ate,” Wang Shili didn’t want to have dinner. As long as there was an opportunity, she didn’t want Shang Zhuoxi to see her little belly.

“Good, then go take a shower. I’ll use the master bedroom over here,” Shang Zhuoxi said, already taking out a set of sleepwear and handing it to Wang Shili.

“I already took a shower,” Wang Shili smiled. It was just three hours ago. I know you’re scared of dirt, but it’s okay after just three hours, right?

“Go shower, hmm?” Shang Zhuoxi’s demeanor suddenly changed, her eyes turning icy. Who asks someone to take a shower upon their first visit to someone’s house? Although it wasn’t the best way to welcome a guest, Wang Shili didn’t dare to refuse anymore.

After leaving the bathroom, Shang Zhuoxi was already sitting in the living room.

Wang Shili took off her shower cap, shaking out her long hair as she walked over. Shang Zhuoxi looked her up and down, as if the person walking towards her at this moment was the true owner of that sleepwear, An Chujie. In the blink of an eye, she snapped back to reality.

Wang Shili sat down next to Shang Zhuoxi, her words interrupted by Shang Zhuoxi’s stern command.

“Stand up,” Shang Zhuoxi ordered, cutting off Wang Shili before she could finish her sentence. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for a flight attendant to sit while passengers are seated. They usually stand or walk around, don’t they?”

“You…” Wang Shili stood up obediently, feeling a bit bewildered by the sudden interruption.

“Come over here and help me dry my hair. Make sure the water droplets don’t touch my neck, it feels cold,” Shang Zhuoxi instructed casually, engrossed in her phone.

“Yes, Miss Shang!” Wang Shili gritted her teeth and said. It’s not that I’m afraid of you, I’m just concerned that you might catch a cold with wet hair!

Wang Shili moved gently, at times it felt exactly like she was doing these things for herself, just like when she lived in her own house. The scent of the pajamas she had worn and the familiarity of the surroundings were overwhelming. Shang Zhuoxi threw her phone aside and grabbed Wang Shili’s hand to stop her.

“That’s enough. Come to the front,” Shang Zhuoxi commanded. Wang Shili complied, still not understanding what Shang Zhuoxi was up to.

“Squat down,” Shang Zhuoxi said.

“Shang Zhuoxi, what are you…” Wang Shili began, wondering if Shang Zhuoxi had pushed herself too far in her exercise routine and her mind was playing tricks on her. She squatted in front of Shang Zhuoxi, looking up at the person towering above her.

This angle exposed Wang Shili’s cleavage to Shang Zhuoxi’s gaze, as she leaned forward and blocked the ceiling light with her body. Shang Zhuoxi smirked, gripping Wang Shili’s chin and deliberately speaking in a warm, seductive tone.

“I’m teaching you through actions, flight attendant. Enjoy it,” she said.

“Mmm…” Wang Shili’s lips were forcefully captured, her mind going blank. In the next moment, she fell into a whirlwind of sensations, her legs giving way as she knelt on the ground. Instinctively, she reached up and hooked her hand around Shang Zhuoxi’s neck, only to have her hand grabbed and pressed against her back.

“You’re here to serve, and I’m here to be served, understand?” Shang Zhuoxi stated firmly. Games are just games, and Shang Zhuoxi didn’t like anyone other than An Chujie touching her neck. It made her feel restricted. Though she still didn’t fully understand Shang Zhuoxi’s intentions, she decided to go along with it. Wang Shili nodded.

“Very well,” Shang Zhuoxi said as her gloved hand glided over Wang Shili’s waist, even through her clothes.

“Ah…” Wang Shili couldn’t help but exhale a breath, feeling the hand that held hers trying to escape.

“Remember, you’re not allowed to touch me,” Shang Zhuoxi’s pupils contracted.

“But…” Wang Shili couldn’t help but feel a bit unfair. It seemed a little too one-sided.

“There’s no need to feel unbalanced,” Shang Zhuoxi released Wang Shili’s hand and sat up lazily on the couch. Her eyes gestured towards the side table, where a blue card lay. How had she not noticed it before?

“I can’t guarantee… that you’ll be able to go to work tomorrow feeling normal. But as compensation and gratitude… did you see that blue card? You can use it. It’s accepted in major upscale stores. It’s enough for you to buy a whole season’s worth of luxury outfits. How about it? Does that balance things in your mind?” Shang Zhuoxi’s face exuded confidence. Bags, clothes, high-end custom-made items. At least Shang Zhuoxi believed that Wang Shili wouldn’t be able to resist.

Sure enough, the girl began to get excited. Her eyes went from evasive to shining. Shang Zhuoxi was pleased with this change in her demeanor.

“So… do you know what to do now?” Shang Zhuoxi leaned in again, bringing with her the scent of a shower.

“Take off everything, but don’t bother me to do it myself,” Shang Zhuoxi’s voice was magnetic, with an irresistible allure.

“No… I don’t want to. I don’t like it when you…” Wang Shili blushed, resisting while also yielding, trying to be cute.

With a “thump,” Shang Zhuoxi lightly tapped Wang Shili’s forehead.

“I apologize if it hurt you. What do you mean by ‘don’t’? You promised earlier,” Shang Zhuoxi crossed her arms and lowered her head, staring at Wang Shili’s forehead with a mix of confusion.

“Hey? Why is your face so red? Shili, are you daydreaming again? I can’t understand what you’re always thinking about. Whatever important matter you’re pondering, could you please pick it up for me?” Shang Zhuoxi glanced at the mop head that had fallen and hit her foot.

If you don’t want to be with me, why did you come to me at night? And why did you agree to my request after coming here? Shang Zhuoxi had never come across someone who daydreamed to the point of behaving so oddly.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Wang Shili quickly picked up the innocent mop.

“There’s no ‘don’t,’ no… I’ll mop, I’ll mop!” Wang Shili said, pretending to vigorously mop the floor, as if trying to erase the dirty images that had just flashed through her mind. She was a good girl from a respectable family, so how did those thoughts come up just now…

“I asked you to take a shower first to avoid adding secondary contamination to the house while cleaning. After mopping, you can shower to maintain your own cleanliness. I know it might be troublesome for you, so as a thank you and an apology for helping me clean tonight, I mentioned that I would give you that blue card to use. You agreed. If you’re still angry…” I can see that your face is turning red with anger.

“No, no, no, Shang Zhuoxi, I’m not angry at all,” Wang Shili’s face turned into an awkward and embarrassed shade of red. She felt ashamed and regretful for her various imaginative thoughts. What should she do? Every time she saw Shang Zhuoxi, her mind would wander into forbidden territory. It seemed like a sickness. Wang Shili slapped herself hard on the forehead. There was no hope.