Perhaps, at some point unknown to me, I had truly fallen for a man.
These past couple of days apart made Ning Chu suddenly realize how much she cared about Wen Yang. She became aware that, at some point, her actions weren't merely to derail the storyline or sabotage Wen Yang's romantic prospects—they were simply out of jealousy.
She realized that even if there were no protagonist halo, even if this wasn't a hentai world, she might still grow fond of the feeling of being with Wen Yang.
Yan Xinya's interrogations seemed to have all come true.
Rationally, Ning Chu resisted such thoughts, but she had long since become a girl ruled by her emotions.
"Did you miss me?"
Wen Yang smiled warmly, his familiar tone, laced with teasing, prompting Ning Chu to turn her head away in mock disdain.
Lowering her gaze, she suppressed the surging emotions in her chest, pouting as if annoyed, "I was overjoyed when you left."
Still stubborn with her words...
Ning Chu deeply understood her own dishonesty. Suddenly, Lily's earlier teasing replayed in her mind: "Guess you'll only admit you like Wen Yang when you turn into a custard bun, with the filling spilling out."
As a seasoned writer of smutty stories, she naturally grasped the implication: only when she was fucked and thoroughly filled by Wen Yang baby batter would she stop being so stubborn...
How could Lily say such things with a straight face!
Just imagining such a scenario made Ning Chu's cheeks flush with an intense crimson.
She guiltily lowered her head. Over the internet, she could speak freely with Wen Yang, but standing face-to-face with him, she didn't know what to say.
Ning Chu stammered, hesitating for a long time before blurting out, "Didn't your uncle just have surgery yesterday? Why are you back so soon?"
"It's fine. My girlfriend missed me, so he couldn't keep me there."
"Girlfriend…"
Observing Ning Chu's expression, Wen Yang explained, "Just an excuse. It couldn't very well be my roommate missing me, right?"
"..."
Blushing, she remained silent for a moment before tilting her head to look up at the figure a head taller than her. "Your uncle didn't mind?"
"Not at all, how could he?"
"So filial…"
"I came up with a good excuse, or rather, he sent me back," Wen Yang said, gazing down at Ning Chu's blushing cheeks with a gentle smile. "I heard you got caught staying in the girls' dorm?"
"Yan Xinya told you, didn't she?" The mention of this made Ning Chu angry. She muttered furiously, "Got scolded for an entire class and made to write a self-reflection!"
"It's okay. I'll write it for you."
"Of course you will. Who else would?"
The two walked side by side, aimlessly strolling along the shady school paths.
It was class time, and most students having gym class stayed on the field. But as they ventured deeper into the dormitory area, the surroundings grew quieter, with no other students in sight.
Though it was a silent, purposeless walk, merely wasting time, Ning Chu couldn't help feeling a surge of joy. Deep inside, a faint sweetness welled up. Her steps felt light, her eyes bright and clear, and a small smile crept onto her face.
She no longer appeared listless or dispirited as she had over the past two days.
As expected, being with Wen Yang felt comforting.
Calming her thoughts, it was as if all her troubles had been left behind. Her body felt lighter than ever.
Ning Chu glanced ahead at the small park. Turning back briefly, she looked up just in time to meet Wen Yang's possessive gaze.
Startled, she quickly lowered her head, flustered and unsure of what to do.
"..."
After a moment of silence, she cautiously stretched out her hand. Her pinky trembled as it hooked onto Wen Yang's finger. The next moment, her hand was enveloped in a firm, warm grip.
Ning Chu instinctively tried to pull away, but after just one attempt, she let Wen Yang do as he pleased.
This is a man! Does she really want to be pinned beneath a man and... taken?
Does she truly want to end up pregnant and give birth to a child?
The mindset shaped by her life as a man over the past two decades clamored in her heart, resisting fiercely.
Feeling guilty, Ning Chu averted her gaze toward the nearby bushes, ignoring the turmoil within her and inching closer to Wen Yang with small, tentative steps.
As the distance between them closed, she took a deep breath, faintly catching the scent of sweat mingled with his familiar pheromones.
She truly didn't want to be taken or have a child, but love could be purely Platonic, a spiritual connection. Marriage could also mean a childfree life, like the DINK lifestyle.
Besides, it was just holding hands—it wasn't the first or second time, anyway.
When they reached the small park in the center of the dormitory area, Wen Yang gently pulled Ning Chu to sit on a swing in a secluded corner.
As soon as she sat down, her feet barely touched the ground. A slight sway made her grip the rope nervously, tightening her hold on Wen Yang's hand beside her.
With both hands secured, Ning Chu finally felt at ease. Her dangling legs swung with the motion of the swing, and she lowered her head, gazing at the pebble path not far away. Suddenly, she spoke.
"Wen Yang."
"Hmm?"
"You don't find me bossy or annoying, do you?"
"No."
"Then do you..."
Her words were abruptly cut off. Ning Chu shuddered as she felt a warm arm snake around her waist, pulling her close.
After a brief moment of stiffness, her body went weak. The faint blush on her cheeks surged back with renewed vigor, sweeping over her face and spreading rapidly.
Even through two layers of clothing, she could feel the heat from Wen Yang's arm. He gently drew her in, and her soft, pliant body pressed against his without resistance. With every breath, the intense masculine pheromones filled her senses, leaving her dizzy and overwhelmed.
Ning Chu panicked, her dazed gaze lifting to meet Wen Yang's eyes, filled with confusion and innocence.
What's happening?
Why is my protagonist suddenly so bold?
Isn't he supposed to be a shy little virgin?
Staring at her cherry-red lips so close, then at her bewildered expression, Wen Yang swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.
After a brief hesitation, his arm suddenly tightened, pulling Ning Chu firmly against him.
Ning Chu gasped, startled, and tried to struggle, but her strength had long since left her. She could only watch as Wen Yang's face drew closer. She could see the faint peach fuzz on his face and feel the fiery warmth of his breath against her cheeks.
Her heartbeat raced wildly as her wide eyes followed Wen Yang's approach until her lips felt the soft, delicate sensation of his.
Her body froze. Her peach blossom eyes stared unblinkingly at Wen Yang's face, too shocked to react.
But soon, her gaze softened, a gentle blush spreading to the corners of her eyes. The faint suffocation made her thoughts spiral into chaos, and a small gasp escaped her lips uncontrollably.
"Mm!"
She couldn't breathe!