Chapter 23 Victoria Harbour Never Sleeps

Shi Banxia's heart almost stopped beating after Ji Rendong said those words.

She didn't dodge Ji Rendong's hand that touched her cheek, but just stared blankly at him, her eyes uncontrollably welling up with tears. The neon lights of the port city were reflected in her eyes, shattering into a shimmering starlight.

Ji Rendong's fingers were still on Shi Banxia's cheek, her warm but slightly trembling fingertips betraying her outward composure.

Shi Banxia could feel the temperature of her cheeks rising. She should have pushed the hand away—after all, they hadn't completely made up yet, and she still had so many grievances she hadn't voiced.

But her body was as if under a spell, unable to move, and she even unconsciously rubbed against those warm palms.

Is this reason sufficient?

That's enough, more than enough.

All of Shi Banxia's disguised armor and all her stubborn insistence crumbled in the face of this one honest statement.

Her nose tingled, and her vision blurred rapidly, but she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall. She simply turned her head slightly and pressed her cheeks even closer to Ji Rendong's palm.

"You..." Shi Banxia began, her voice trembling slightly, "When did you learn to say such things..."

Ji Rendong gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, his voice tender, "When I couldn't sleep in the Arctic, I thought about it for a long time. I wondered what I should say if I saw you again."

"I'm afraid if I don't say it now, you'll leave again, Banxia. I don't want to miss out on a world with you again."

These words completely shattered Shi Banxia's defenses.

She recalled the morning they parted, and the year-long, seemingly carefree wandering she had endured. All her grievances and longing finally broke free at that moment.

Shi Banxia lowered her head, gently resting her forehead on Ji Rendong's shoulder, and said in a muffled voice, "...But you can't...you can't say things like that, things that leave people speechless..."

Feeling the weight on her shoulders and the dampness from her clothes, Ji Rendong's heart softened completely.

She hesitated for a moment, then gently wrapped her arms around Shi Banxia's waist, pulling her closer into her embrace.

This was a hug that was far too late, carrying the salty scent of the sea breeze and a familiar yet unfamiliar aura emanating from each other.

“I’m sorry,” Ji Rendong whispered in her ear, “for my previous slowness and… avoidance.”

Shi Banxia did not answer, but gently shook her head on her shoulder, her arm involuntarily wrapping around Ji Rendong's waist.

People were coming and going at the hotel entrance, and their embracing posture attracted some attention, but neither of them paid any attention.

At this moment, their world consisted only of each other's heartbeats and breaths.

After a while, Shi Banxia gently pushed Ji Rendong away, turned her face away, and rubbed her eyes haphazardly.

“…It’s very late.” Her voice was still a little hoarse.

"Mmm." Ji Rendong looked at her reddened eyes and nose, and felt an overwhelming tenderness welling up in his heart.

"You..." Shi Banxia's gaze drifted towards Tsim Sha Tsui, then quickly returned, her fingers unconsciously twisting the camera strap. "The last Star Ferry..."

"It's possible we won't make it."

Ji Rendong responded naturally, glancing at the brightly lit hotel lobby, her tone tentative and cautious: "If you don't mind... perhaps I can go upstairs... and use the restroom?"

The reason was so lame that Shi Banxia wanted to laugh, yet it inexplicably fit Ji Rendong's usual style.

"You..." Shi Banxia began, her voice still nasal. She cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure, "You said you'd lend it to me without even asking my opinion?"

A typical awkwardness reminiscent of Shi Banxia.

Ji Rendong was taken aback, and her ears turned slightly red, but she still kept looking at Shi Banxia. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly; she knew this was a sign that Shi Banxia's defenses were crumbling.

“Then I’ll ask you now,” Ji Rendong moved a little closer, close enough for Shi Banxia to smell her faint, cool fragrance, “would you let me stay? Stay by your side, not just… tonight…”

“Not just tonight”—these last few words were spoken very softly, but Shi Banxia heard them clearly.

Shi Banxia's eyelashes trembled slightly, and her gaze involuntarily drifted to the magnificent lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel before returning to Ji Rendong's face.

Those usually calm and composed eyes now held not only tenderness, but also a cautious anticipation and an undeniable tension.

Shi Banxia suddenly remembered that blizzard day in the Arctic, when they were crammed into a small supply station, and Ji Rendong kissed her nervously and tenderly in the same way.

That was their first kiss, carrying the chill of the polar east wind and the warmth of each other's breath, clumsy yet sincere.

Now, Ji Rendong is asking a more intimate question.

“I live on the 39th floor,” Shi Banxia finally spoke, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible, “in an ocean-view suite.”

Shi Banxia did not answer directly, but this information was enough.

Ji Rendong's heart suddenly raced.

Looking at Shi Banxia's flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, she understood what this invitation meant to the awkward Shi Banxia at this moment.

She didn't answer immediately, but looked at Shi Banxia with tender eyes, her heart churning with mixed emotions—surprise, appreciation, and a touch of nervousness.

Ji Rendong gently grasped Shi Banxia's hand, and the moment their fingertips intertwined, both of them felt a surge of emotion.

She gently closed her palms, gripping Shi Banxia's hand even tighter, and whispered in response:

"Take me up there."

The two held hands and walked into the hotel lobby side by side.

In stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of the wonton noodle shop, the air was filled with the scent of high-end fragrances, and the hotel was so quiet that one could hear each other's soft footsteps.

Shi Banxia walked ahead, feeling Ji Rendong's gaze on her. Every step felt like walking on clouds, a somewhat unreal and ethereal sensation.

They entered the elevator, finding themselves alone in the cramped space. The numbers kept changing, and the atmosphere became subtly tense.

Shi Banxia stared at the fluctuating floor numbers, while Ji Rendong looked tenderly at Shi Banxia's slightly flushed cheeks and watery eyes.

With a "ding," the elevator arrived.

Shi Banxia took out her room card, her hand seemed a little unsteady as she tried to open the door, and it took her two tries to finally open it.

The room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of Victoria Harbour at night.

The door closed softly behind me with a click, shutting out the noise from the outside world. The room instantly fell into a quiet, ambiguous atmosphere.

The thrill I felt downstairs when I mustered up the courage was amplified in this private space, turning into a feeling of unease and tension.

The lingering barriers, the awkwardness of reunions, and the unknown that may soon bring an intimacy far exceeding that of the past all contribute to a sweet yet unsettling atmosphere in the air.

Shi Banxia was the first to let go of his hand, her steps stiff as she walked to the mini bar. With her back to Ji Rendong, her voice trembled slightly: "Would you... like some water?"

"Okay, thank you." Ji Rendong stood still, looking around the space filled with the atmosphere of Shi Banxia.

A coat casually draped over the sofa, photography magazines and SD cards scattered on the table, and that familiar suitcase covered in stickers from all over the world…

Ji Rendong felt a warm sense of acceptance, but also became more cautious, afraid of breaking this hard-won intimacy.

Ji Rendong took the water glass, her fingertips inadvertently brushing against Shi Banxia's. Both of them quickly withdrew their hands, as if struck by a weak electric current.

The silence returned, more unsettling than it had been in the elevator.

In the end, Ji Rendong spoke first. She pointed to the spacious sofa in the living room, her tone questioning and with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness: "I... can sleep here tonight."

Shi Banxia was drinking water with her head down when she heard Ji Rendong's words and almost choked.

She looked up at Ji Rendong, who was standing straight with a serious expression, but her ears were flushed, looking like a researcher who "strictly observes etiquette".

This clumsy thoughtfulness instantly dispelled most of the awkwardness in Shi Banxia's heart, replacing it with a soft, bittersweet feeling.

"The suite has been cleaned by room service," Shi Banxia said softly, putting down her water glass. Her gaze drifted towards the bedroom before quickly returning to its original direction.

"The sofa... is too small. And..." Shi Banxia paused, as if she had exhausted all her courage, and slowly began to speak.

"The bed in the master bedroom... is very big."

Shi Banxia's words caused the air to freeze for a few seconds.

The echo of those words, "The bed in the master bedroom is very big," reverberated in her mind, making her cheeks burn. She immediately lowered her eyes, staring at the carpet, unable to look at Ji Rendong.

Ji Rendong was clearly taken aback by these straightforward, almost inviting words.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the water glass, her heartbeat clearly audible in the quiet room. Looking at Shi Banxia's flushed cheeks, her throat felt dry.

“I…” Ji Rendong began, her voice a little tight. She cleared her throat, her tone earnest and gentle, “I mean… if you don’t mind.”

She didn't directly answer "bed," but gently returned the choice to her, which was both a sign of respect and a test.

The air in the room was still thick, but there was less helplessness and more of a tacit, unspoken excitement.

Shi Banxia finally raised her head, her gaze quickly sweeping over Ji Rendong's blushing cheeks before settling on her clear and gentle eyes.

Shi Banxia gave a soft "Mmm," then turned and walked towards the wardrobe, trying her best to maintain her usual casual tone, "I...I'll go wash up first. You...make yourself at home."

After saying that, she practically fled, grabbing her pajamas and darting into the bathroom.

The frosted glass door separated the space, but it couldn't block out the sound. Soon, the sound of dripping water could be heard, and the misty water vapor blurred the light and shadow behind the glass.

Ji Rendong stood alone in the living room, listening to the sound of water, feeling as if her heartbeat was beating in rhythm with it.

She walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looked at the night view of Victoria Harbour, and tried to calm herself down.

The lights on the opposite bank were still dazzling, but her mind was far from the scenery. The sound of water running in the bathroom behind her made her restless.

After a long while, the sound of water stopped, and the bathroom door was gently pushed open.

Shi Banxia came out wearing a silk nightgown, with water droplets still dripping from the ends of her hair, and her face flushed from the heat.

She didn't dare look Ji Rendong in the eye, but lowered her head and quickly walked to the dressing table, picked up the hair dryer: "You can use the bathroom, there are new things there."

"Okay," Ji Rendong replied, picked up her small bag, and walked into the bathroom, which was filled with moisture and the scent of shower gel.

When Ji Rendong finished washing up and came out wearing the bathrobe provided by the hotel, Shi Banxia was sitting on the edge of the bed, absentmindedly twirling the strap of her nightgown with her fingertips.

The main light in the room was off, leaving only two warm yellow wall lamps by the bedside. The soft light created a more private and hazy atmosphere.

Ji Rendong paused at the bedroom door. Shi Banxia looked up at the sound, and their eyes met. Both of them saw a similar tension and anticipation in each other's eyes.

When Ji Rendong put on the bathrobe, she lost some of her aloof and restrained demeanor, gaining a touch of domestic gentleness and—sexiness…

Shi Banxia felt her heart start pounding uncontrollably again, and quickly looked away.

"Um...you can sleep here." Shi Banxia pointed to the other side of the bed, her slightly trembling voice betraying her nervousness.

Ji Rendong nodded, walked to the other side of the bed, lifted a corner of the quilt, and gently lay down.

The mattress sank slightly under her weight, and although there was a distance between them, they could clearly feel each other's body temperature and presence.

The air fell silent again, with only the soft sounds of their breathing mingling.

In the end, Ji Rendong made the first move. She turned to face Shi Banxia and softly called, "Banxia..."

Shi Banxia slowly turned around. Under the warm yellow light, her eyes were clear and bright, with a hint of uncertain timidity. "What's wrong...?"

Ji Rendong reached out and gently brushed away a slightly damp strand of hair from Shi Banxia's cheek with her fingertips, her movements tender.

Her gaze traced Shi Banxia's features closely, and she chuckled softly, "When I was in the Arctic, I often thought of you. I thought of your smile, and the way you pursed your lips when you were angry."

Shi Banxia's eyes felt slightly hot.

She didn't speak, but simply moved a little closer to Ji Rendong and gently rested her forehead on her shoulder.

Ji Rendong's heart was instantly filled.

She reached out and carefully wrapped her arms around Shi Banxia's waist, pulling her closer into her embrace.

Shi Banxia's body stiffened slightly at first, then softened and obediently nestled into this warm and reassuring embrace.

Skin to skin, through the thin fabric, they could feel each other's accelerating heartbeats and rising body temperatures.

Ji Rendong's kiss first landed on Shi Banxia's forehead, carrying a sense of cherishing.

Then, she lowered her head and found Shi Banxia's soft lips.

This kiss was different from that tentative first kiss in the Arctic, which was filled with the scent of snow and wind.

It is gentler, more tender, carrying the joy of regaining what was lost and the long-suppressed longing.

Shi Banxia was initially somewhat passive, but she quickly became engrossed in it, responding awkwardly yet sincerely.

The kiss deepened.

Ji Rendong gently stroked Shi Banxia's back, causing her to shudder slightly.

When Banxia felt Ji Rendong's slightly cool fingers inadvertently touch the skin on her back, she took a deep breath and subconsciously wanted to pull away, but she couldn't bear to push him away. So Banxia buried her burning face in the crook of Ji Rendong's neck.

"Sister Rendong..." Shi Banxia called softly, her voice trembling slightly with nervousness.

Ji Rendong immediately stopped all movement, her arms still wrapped around Shi Banxia, ​​but giving her enough space. Shi Banxia's breathing was also a little rapid, and she asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

There was no coercion in his tone, only concern.

"We..." Shi Banxia raised her eyes, her gaze shimmering with tears, filled with emotion and a clear sense of confusion, "Does this... mean we've made up?"

She needs reassurance before she becomes fully emotionally involved.

The grievances and anxieties she had felt earlier had not completely dissipated; she needed Ji Rendong to give her a safe haven.

Ji Rendong looked at Shi Banxia and understood her concerns.

She didn't answer with a kiss, but instead gently stroked Shi Banxia's cheek with her fingertips, her voice soft and clear: "I'm sorry, Banxia. For my past slowness and leaving."

“I’m not good at expressing myself, but I want you to know that my coming here and staying here were very definite choices—I chose you.”

Ji Rendong paused for a moment, then continued, "We may need more time to get to know each other again and resolve the previous issues. But my feelings have never changed from the past to the present. This doesn't mean that anything has to happen tonight; I just... want to be closer to you."

These candid words soothed Shi Banxia's anxiety more effectively than any intimate touch.

She looked into Ji Rendong's eyes, which were unusually serious in the soft light. There was desire in them, but even more so, respect and appreciation.

Shi Banxia did not answer immediately, but moved closer again and kissed Ji Rendong.

This kiss was more resolute than before, carrying a sense of relief and surrender.

Shi Banxia said shyly in a low voice, "Then... be gentle..."

Ji Rendong's heart skipped a beat, but he gently responded to her kiss, his movements becoming more patient and tender.

Her hand touched Shi Banxia's waist again. This time, Shi Banxia did not back down, but instead pressed herself even closer to her.

The obstacles posed by clothing were gradually eliminated in a slow and tedious process.

The process was filled with awkward exploration, soft gasps caused by unfamiliar touches, and shy yet sweet smiles when they occasionally looked at each other.

When their skin touched, they were both overwhelmed by the unspoken resonance of their heartbeats.

Ji Rendong's fingertips carried a scorching temperature, each touch like a tiny spark igniting on Shi Banxia's skin.

She guided him patiently and with restraint, and Shi Banxia's hesitant responses were filled with complete trust.

After everything calmed down, Ji Rendong gently embraced Shi Banxia, ​​who was trembling slightly, and smoothed her sweaty hair with his fingertips.

Shi Banxia snapped out of her daze, remembering her own reaction just now. Embarrassed, her ears turned bright red, and she muttered softly, "Were you...were you laughing at me just now...?"

Ji Rendong pulled her closer to him, lowered his head and kissed the top of her head, murmuring, "Mmm."

“Because…” Ji Rendong paused, her voice carrying a sexy languor and a hint of barely perceptible satisfaction, and she chuckled softly.

"Banxia, ​​you are so cute."

A note from the author:

Hahahaha, the young couple finally reached home run!

They both cherish each other.

Actually, Dongdong is a little bit of a closet pervert; he secretly enjoys seeing Xiaxia act cute and cry (like a cat secretly enjoying itself.jpg).

I apologize to all my dear readers for the late updates.