Chapter 70 Teasing the Baby: Why is the Baby So Enthusiastic Today?
Thump, thump, thump.
A knock came at the door, and Lian Zhuoxun's hesitant voice came through the door.
"Mr. Qiao, I see the office light is still on. Are you inside?"
The lights outside were already off, making even the tiny glimmer of light through the crack in the door all the more noticeable.
Ning Jiu's body tensed up suddenly, and Qiao Bolin immediately felt it, gently pinching her waist to signal her to relax.
She cautiously reached for her torn dress, her legs trembling, but unexpectedly, he grabbed her ankle and pulled her back without mercy—
"Ah...uh-huh."
The moment she sat up straight, the man covered her mouth. Ning Jiu tilted her neck back, which was covered in a thin layer of sweat, and her toes were all pointed.
"President Qiao?" Lian Zhuoxun, standing outside the door, was clearly taken aback. "Is someone in your office?"
She felt that her face had never been so red in her entire life.
"Joe, Bo, Lin!"
After Lian Zhuoxun tactfully left, Ning Jiu could no longer hold back and, disregarding her disheveled state, threw herself into his arms.
Unexpectedly, this was exactly what he wanted. With her warm and fragrant body in his arms, he realized that her original clothes were no longer suitable. He took a new suit jacket from the side and draped it over her shoulders. He glanced at the time and then subconsciously tightened his embrace.
"It's getting late, shall I take you home?"
"Who wants you to take me home? Get lost!" Even a fool could guess what would happen if he actually took me home. "I don't want to go back to your lousy villa, and don't even think about taking me home. If I let you get away with this so easily again, I'll be a dog—"
“Sweetie,” he said, his soft hair brushing against her cheek, “next time when you say that catchphrase, could you use something more practical, like, ‘If we succeed, let’s do it again’ or something like that.”
"Who...who told you to call me that?"
Qiao Bolin is becoming more and more shameless.
That day she thought he was drunk and that's why he yelled like that, but now that she thinks about it, he was probably faking it, deliberately targeting her when she was helpless.
Ning Jiu finally succumbed to his advances and agreed to let him take her back to her apartment in the city center. Unsurprisingly, the little trust she had painstakingly built was shattered by his own hand.
After all that fussing until midnight, she was so exhausted that her whole body went limp, and she could only let Qiao Bolin gently feed her water, sip by sip, stroking her back.
"I used up too much water today, so I need to replenish it properly."
Unexpectedly, the vow she made just a few hours ago was broken so quickly. Her consciousness oscillated between drowsiness and wakefulness. Ning Jiu's eyes were half-closed, and her mind was a blur.
The faint sound of flowing water reached her ears. Qiao Bolin gently wiped her skin, which was covered in red marks, and the sticky discomfort on her body was finally relieved.
After carefully wiping her clean, Qiao Bolin carried her to the bed and gently embraced her from behind, as if afraid she would run away in the middle of the night.
Even though it was only early spring, she felt a surge of heat rising within her. Ning Jiu sighed softly, finally suppressing her exhaustion, and turned to embrace him. Even without opening her eyes, she could feel Qiao Bolin's body stiffen instantly.
"Hmm?" She couldn't help but let out a soft moan, her voice hoarse as she pressed her soft body against him, unconsciously pulling him closer. "Don't get up early, I have things to do tomorrow. Go to sleep."
The next morning, Ning Jiu was awakened by the heat.
His slender forearm lay across her neck, veins bulging, and she almost sank into his embrace, held tightly by his warm chest.
“Hmm, Joe Berlin…”
Because of their close proximity, Ning Jiu could feel the frighteningly hot temperature behind her almost as soon as her mind cleared.
"I'm going out today, so you can just stay quiet for a bit—"
Where to?
Ning Jiu could tell from his tone that he was trying his best to control himself, but she still gently fell down.
“I made an appointment with Professor Shen to attend the International Psychology Conference together.” Her expression became more serious, and her tone became more earnest. “She said she could help me get to know a few professors in the field of clinical psychology, and I’ll also run into Liu Qingman there. I’d like to ask her about your recent situation.”
As she spoke, Ning Jiu kissed Qiao Bolin's lips and wrapped her arms around his lean waist.
"Mr. Qiao, could you please save some energy for me today? We really don't have enough time."
After a few seconds of pause, the tension in my waist finally eased a bit.
Ning Jiu let out a soft breath and hurriedly reached for her phone to text Shen Zhiying, but when she got to the words, she realized that her voice was so hoarse that it was almost unrecognizable.
She subconsciously turned her head and saw the man's lean upper body covered with messy scratches, which, combined with his aloof face, gave him an indescribable, absurd sexiness.
My cheeks felt slightly hot, and I changed my action from sending a voice message to typing.
The International Congress of Psychology was held in an academic hall in the city center, which was fortunately not far from where she lived.
Ning Jiu was preparing to grab a few slices of bread from the refrigerator to tide her over before heading out, as usual. She had just stepped into the kitchen in her slippers when a hand with clearly defined veins opened the refrigerator door first.
......
Oh no, I forgot he's still here.
Ning Jiu paused in her hurried steps as she watched Qiao Bolin's gaze fall quietly on the almost empty refrigerator.
Apart from bottled water, a few cans of juice, and a few pieces of bread hard enough to be used as weapons, the refrigerator was so empty it was practically a mirror.
The air in the living room suddenly became awkwardly quiet.
He had already put on yesterday's shirt, and outwardly he naturally looked gentle and proper. However, the obvious scratch mark on his chin, which was clearly from a woman, inexplicably added a touch of allure to his otherwise upright demeanor.
After a two-second silence, Qiao Bolin looked away from the refrigerator, sighed softly, and gave a gesture of compromise.
"You should at least eat something decent before going out."
As he spoke, he walked around Ningjiu and picked up the kettle and cereal jar next to the microwave on the counter.
"I'll take care of it, you go change your clothes first."
A few minutes later, she watched as he placed a glass of warm milk and cereal on the table, along with sliced apples. When she looked up, Qiao Bolin's pure black pupils were gazing at her calmly.
"There is only one requirement."
He asked her.
"Can you finish your meal before you leave?"
Sometimes Ning Jiu really doubts whether there's anything in life or work that Qiao Bolin can't handle.
He could even turn her kitchen, which had become a wasteland, into a decent breakfast.
Once outside and in his car, although Qiao Bolin said it was on the way and the car's appearance was rather understated, most of the people attending the annual meeting had good eyesight. To avoid attracting unnecessary attention, Ning Jiu still asked him to park two blocks away from the academic hall.
Upon entering the venue, one is greeted by a bustling atmosphere, with scholars, graduate students, and speakers from different countries moving about, and the air filled with the strong smell of coffee and paper.
After scanning the QR code at the registration desk, Ning Jiu looked around and quickly spotted Shen Zhiying and Liu Qingman in the center of the crowd. They were chatting calmly with several foreign scholars, two of whom had obvious French accents, while the other spoke with a typical Swiss accent.
On the other side of the crowd, a Chinese girl was holding a notebook and speaking fluently, explaining something. Shen Zhiying nodded from time to time, her expression showing approval.
Ning Jiu glanced at the girl who was speaking, and a familiar feeling flashed through her mind.
Just then, someone gently poked my arm; it was Liu Qingman.
She winked at Ning Jiu as a greeting. Shen Zhiying also noticed the commotion and introduced Ning Jiu to everyone in a gentle tone, but with a hint of pride, clearly introducing one of her most prized students.
Such academic conferences are nothing more than a collision of ideas and an extension of networks.
Ning Jiu quickly learned that the French professor in front of her was a leading scholar in the study of mood disorders and attachment mechanisms, while the male professor with a Swiss accent focused on clinical research on mood disorders and had a very high reputation in the field of psychotherapy in Europe.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries and business cards, the group had a short discussion about their research areas. As the conversation paused, Ning Jiu remembered another purpose of her visit. Her gaze lingered on Liu Qingman for a moment, and the latter quickly understood her meaning. The two then walked tacitly to the edge of the venue.
Upon reaching the entrance of the corridor, Ning Jiu didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point, talking about Qiao Bolin's recent situation. Liu Qingman visibly breathed a sigh of relief after hearing about his recent reactions.
“His physiological hand tremors have improved a lot, and his self-destructive tendencies are also decreasing.” Not only as his attending physician, but also as Qiao Bolin’s friend, Liu Qingman breathed a sigh of relief. “He has begun to consciously adjust himself.”
"Thank you for what you told me before. I have thought about what you said carefully afterward," Ning Jiu said in a low voice with a serious expression. "Compared to the several solutions we tried before, I think his current situation may be more suitable for intervention through a gradual desensitization approach."
After he finished speaking, the air was silent for a few seconds.
Liu Qingman's expression changed visibly, clearly not expecting Ning Jiu to make such a choice.
“This method is not unfeasible,” she said slowly. “Especially given the specific nature of Jobelin’s disease, this method would actually be more reliable.”
"But this also means you'll become the center of his pathological reaction." After a pause, Liu Qingman looked at Ning Jiu, her tone becoming meaningful, "Ning Jiu, are you making this decision from a doctor's perspective, or...some other identity?"
This method is risky, and Ningjiu is well aware of almost all of that risk.
But when she tried to set aside all emotions and think only from the calmest perspective—
She then realized that she couldn't truly detach herself at all.
"I've already thought it through, this is the best way."
Traditional drug treatments can only temporarily suppress the body's response, while exposure therapy is too stimulating, and if it gets out of control, his condition will only get worse.
Therefore, from both a clinical perspective and considering the overall situation, desensitization therapy is more appropriate.
Looking back on that conversation with Pei Yueli, she was right about one thing: maintaining a relationship requires not only rationality but also understanding one's heart.
Ning Jiu once naively believed that relationships were ultimately a matter of choice.
One tree chooses another tree, one person chooses another person, and if it doesn't suit you, you can change to another option. Don't expect the answer to change because of one person.
Now I understand, relationships aren't like that.
If relationships are meant to be honed, rewritten, and reshaped through the process of getting to know each other, then so be it.
If this relationship is destined to involve certain trade-offs and compromises, then while Qiao Bolin makes sacrifices, she is also willing to bear her own share of the burden in maintaining this balance.
Just as we were about to leave after the discussion, a slightly clear female voice came from not far away.
The girl who had spoken earlier walked over, accompanied by the Swiss professor.
"Excuse me, I'm Gu Ji from the Office of International Cooperation Affairs, School of Psychology, Shanghai University."
The girl smiled and spoke, her tone polite and natural.
"I've heard of Dr. Liu's reputation for a long time. Professor Muller just mentioned that he has seen your team's latest research in Singapore, and the results are outstanding."
Her gaze fell on Ning Jiu, and her smile deepened: "Of course, the up-and-coming studio that recently collaborated with the Kailin team has also attracted much attention. The lady next to you must be one of the heads of that studio, right? It's a pleasure to meet you both."
After a brief chat, Ning Jiu learned that Gu Ji was a fellow student from Shanghai University in the same year as her. After graduating with his bachelor's degree, he started his own business while also working in the Office of International Cooperation Affairs, where he was responsible for liaison work.
“Professor Mueller is currently in Santiago, Chile, preparing a field project on social support systems and youth psychological practice networks.” She added in a gentle and calm tone, “In addition to academic exchanges, we will also select several outstanding domestic studios as partners to participate in local practice and demonstrations.”
“I’ve heard about that study. The location is near the Andes Mountains, right? Because it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, you can still see snow in July and August,” Liu Qingman smiled, her tone carrying a hint of casual interest. “That’s not bad. After the research, you can go skiing. It sounds quite pleasant.”
“Actually, I’m here today to communicate with you two in advance on behalf of the school.” Gu Ji smiled upon hearing this, then her tone changed, and her face became serious. “This project involves Shanghai University recommending outstanding domestic psychology studios to send representatives to San Diego for exchange. After internal discussions, the professor specifically mentioned—”
She paused, her gaze sweeping lightly between the two before finally settling on Ning Jiu.
“We hope Ms. Ning can be one of the candidates,” Gu Ji said gently but firmly. “This project needs a member who can connect the theoretical framework with field research. This is a very meaningful activity, and we all hope that you can join us.”
"......"
The annual meeting ended amidst lively conversation. Ning Jiu quickly said goodbye to Shen Zhiying, Liu Qingman, and Gu Ji, and walked out of the academic hall.
Although she hadn't officially accepted Gu Ji's invitation, she still felt inexplicably guilty when she saw the tall, handsome man waiting for her by the car.
It was probably because she had casually mentioned before she came that Qiao Bolin seemed to have changed to a more understated business car when he went to the company, but he didn't know that as long as he stood there, even the most ordinary car would stand out.
Despite the stares of so many people coming and going, Ning Jiu's original thoughts were dispelled. Looking at the person in front of her, she stood on tiptoe, hugged his neck lower, and planted a kiss on his lips.
The man, who had seemed aloof, paused slightly when he was kissed. Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips, and his coldness faded a bit. Ning Jiu could almost hear a few low gasps and whispers around her, some of which were tinged with sourness.
"They just kissed like that?"
"Why doesn't the guy seem to be reacting at all? This is so awkward."
"I don't think she really wants to be kissed."
Hearing those words, Ning Jiu raised an eyebrow slightly, her gaze falling on Qiao Bolin in front of her, and she was about to retract her slightly raised toes—
Her slender waist was suddenly grabbed and pulled tight.
"Is it okay?" His voice was usually much deeper, as if he was asking for her opinion.
"Hmm?" Ning Jiu started to think seriously after being asked that question. "Okay, but only this one... um!"
Before they could finish speaking, their lips were covered by a gag, and the people who had been discussing the matter fell silent instantly.
The passionate, lingering kiss was too much for Ning Jiu to resist. She was so overwhelmed by the kiss that she groaned softly, asking Qiao Bolin for some time to catch her breath. Her head was spinning as he carried her into the car. Suddenly, she noticed something furry rubbing against the back of her neck in the back seat.
"My darling Bai! Mommy misses you so much, waaaaah..."
With the blush still lingering on her face from the kiss, Ning Jiu couldn't wait to turn around and hug the fluffy Oreo ball, while she heard a chuckling voice from the driver's seat.
"Mother?"
Ning Jiu was taken aback by the amusement. She looked up, her eyes still sparkling with a lingering smile: "Hmm? Did I say that?"
She answered seriously, "I was referring to Xiao Bai's older sister."
“Oh, it’s your sister,” Qiao Bolin said, one hand on the steering wheel, looking away from the rearview mirror. “I must have misheard.”
That night, Ning Jiu realized she shouldn't have changed her mind.
Dim lamplight, hanging curtains, ambiguous music.
Xiao Bai could occasionally hear intermittent noises coming from inside the door from the living room. He thought Qiao Bolin and Ning Jiu were arguing again, so he paced anxiously at the door.
However, looking at it from another angle, they were indeed arguing, just in a different way.
"Say something, baby, hmm?"
Moonlight streamed through the gauze curtains, casting shadows on Qiao Bolin's sculpted face, his usually dignified expression rendered in half-light and half-shadow.
Is it Mom or my sister?
Ning Jiu trembled, raised her slender arms, wanting to hug him, but he gently dodged her.
"Um...it's my older sister."
The answer is wrong.
Her legs were trembling violently, and she tentatively gave another answer, her voice trembling.
That's wrong too.
The bedroom stereo was playing "Watch Me Work," a song they'd listened to in high school. The melody was light and sexy, the drumbeats rising and falling, the ambiguity brewing into a slowly tantalizing atmosphere. Her response was more passionate than usual, hot sweat dripping onto the woman's beautiful, defined shoulder blades.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Ning Jiu's breathing became disordered, and her sweat-dampened hair blurred the expression on her face, yet could not conceal her alluring charm.
She's always like this, sometimes like a rabbit, sometimes like a cat, and sometimes like a tiger, making it impossible to figure out which one is the real her.
Qiao Bolin's cheeks sank slightly as he recovered from the dazed blankness in his head. He let out a long sigh and felt the slight trembling of the person in his arms. He subconsciously stroked her back to try to relax her, but unexpectedly, Ning Jiu turned the tables and sat directly on his erect lap.
He radiated a vibrant heat from her body, and she lowered her head slightly, gently stroking his waist, slowly pressing closer to him in rhythm. At the moment of their soft touch, the music reached its climax, and her voice, soft and alluring, hummed the word like a cat, the last syllable landing precisely in Qiao Bailin's ears.
The air remained still for two seconds as the lyrics ended, and then—
It started to fluctuate violently.
You got it right.
Qiao Bolin didn't say it aloud.
He showed her through his body.
The rising heat gradually baked the air until it became scorching, and the bedroom became damp and sticky.
She was very enthusiastic, so of course he wanted to reciprocate with even greater enthusiasm.
Light and shadow intertwine, the world is torn apart in an instant, and then pieced back together in the blink of an eye.
Once everything calmed down, Ning Jiu leaned weakly against the edge of the bed, her legs so sore she could barely feel them. She let Qiao Bolin play with the ends of her hair that had fallen into the nape of her neck, and for the first time seriously considered whether they had been doing too much lately.
She weakly placed her delicate index finger lightly on the corner of her mouth, and the next second, her wrist was grabbed, and warm breath fell inch by inch on her skin.
"Why are you so enthusiastic today, baby?" Qiao Bolin's voice was still tinged with undisguised satisfaction, and his breath seemed to want to envelop Ning Jiu completely. "Isn't your period still a while away?"
Ning Jiu originally wanted to glare at him, but she was too tired from sitting for so long that her glare looked more like flirting.
Qiao Bolin was charmed by her cuteness and couldn't help but chuckle. He gently poked her face with his hand, and when she tried to grab his finger, he deliberately didn't dodge. He let her hold his entire index finger in her palm, seemingly not minding the heat at all.
"Next week will be much easier at work, are you planning to go out for a walk? It's been so long since I've seen Lao Qin—"
"Today at the meeting, I encountered a very rare opportunity to travel abroad. I will be going to San Diego and will depart in about two months."
As Ning Jiu finished speaking, she felt the fingers in her palm pause for a moment.
She looked up, trying to decipher Qiao Bolin's expression, but found nothing.
"Actually, the stay is quite short, less than two weeks. Do you want me to come?"
Ning Jiu bit his lip, smiling as he used his long, slender fingers to stroke her hair, cheeks, and collarbone, easily enveloping all that was soft, angular, and belonged to her.
Qiao Bailin asked her, "If I say I don't want to, will you not go?"
Her soft palm paused for a moment. She blinked her fine eyelashes, looked at him with bright eyes, and said nothing.
But Joel Berlin knew her answer.
Even now that she has made up her mind, Ning Jiu will not easily change her personality or her decision.
She has always been the one who knows best what she should do.
Joel Berlin sometimes felt regret, but most of the time, he felt fortunate.
What he likes is the Ningjiu of today, which doesn't pander to anyone and has its own rhythm.
"I love you, but you are free."
As he said this, his hand gripped her wrist like an iron clamp, and he couldn't let go no matter what.
"You can go wherever you want, just let me know in advance."
Ning Jiu felt the increasing pressure on her wrist, as if she were about to run away while she was talking, and she chuckled.
"Joe Bolin, how come I never realized you were so cute before?"
Her laughter was extremely beautiful, like light falling on the surface of water, soft, bright, and with a slight tremor.
Without the slightest hesitation, she buried her face in his neck. Ning Jiu's smile remained unchanged. She slightly raised her head, her eyelashes brushing lightly against his distinct jawline like small fans, bringing a delicate tickle.
"Let's not talk about that now. I happen to be free next week, if you'd like—"
Her voice was slightly drawn out, and her tone was unusually light and cheerful, something she herself had never realized she could do.
“We can go somewhere else.”
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Author's Note: Next chapter will be updated on Thursday!
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