Chapter 26 The Drunken Cat (Bonus Chapter 1)
Ji Rendong spent her 32nd birthday in her new home in S City.
Shi Banxia meticulously planned a romantic dinner for just the two of them. The room was decorated with fairy lights, and the table was filled with dishes that she had spent the afternoon preparing, which were not very visually appealing but were full of heartfelt intentions.
As she blew out the candles, Shi Banxia hugged Ji Rendong's neck and gave her a loud kiss on the cheek: "Happy birthday, my Rendong sister! May my dearest sister always be happy!"
"Thank you, Xiaxia, I love you." Ji Rendong smiled and returned her kiss, but a very subtle, almost imperceptible ripple quietly spread through his heart.
Forever... that word is so beautiful.
While the title "older sister" is sweet, it can also occasionally feel like a small thorn, gently pricking Ji Rendong's heart.
Ji Rendong was more than six years older than Shi Banxia.
Thirty-two years old may be the golden age for scientific researchers, but at certain moments, looking at Shi Banxia, who is always full of energy and like the summer sun, Ji Rendong would have a strange illusion that time was passing by him faster.
She began to pay attention to the young, creative artists that Shi Banxia collaborated with, and to the enthusiastic praise in her comment section.
Shi Banxia's world is so vast and fresh, while her own world consists only of data, papers, and the monotonous routine of daily life.
Ji Rendong even started secretly researching popular skincare products and fashion trends among young people, but always gave up in the end because they were "not suitable for her".
Ji Rendong concealed her feelings of inferiority very well.
She remains the same calm and composed "Sister Honeysuckle," taking good care of their home in S City while Shi Banxia travels all over the world, and leaving a light on and preparing a warm late-night snack when she returns late at night.
However, Ji Rendong's hugs would sometimes carry a subtle, almost imperceptible tenderness, and the time he would spend gazing at Banxia's sleeping face would quietly lengthen.
Ji Rendong concealed it well, but a lover's heart is the most sensitive radar, and Shi Banxia was not completely unaware.
She noticed that her sister Honeysuckle had been acting a little differently lately—she would gaze at her longer during video calls and purse her lips slightly when she casually complimented a young model's energy.
On one occasion, she even found a brand-new fashion magazine in her closet, which was quickly hidden away—its style was completely different from Ji Rendong's usual minimalism.
She roughly guessed the reason, and felt a pang of sadness and tenderness in her heart, thinking of finding an opportunity to properly comfort her scientist husband who occasionally gets stuck on things.
However, she recently took on an important filming project and has been so busy that the plans have been repeatedly postponed.
But Shi Banxia kept this matter on her mind.
That day, the old friends from the research station organized a get-together and invited them to get together.
Shi Banxia had to be present because of the wrap-up work for the filming, so she asked Ji Rendong to go first, and she would rush over as soon as she finished her work.
The gathering was held at a stylish bar. Nan Xingwan and Mu Xueqing arrived early and, seeing that Ji Rendong was alone, warmly invited her to sit down.
"Where's Banxia? Still not done?" Mu Xueqing poured Ji Rendong a glass of juice.
"Yes, she has some things to take care of, she'll be there later." Ji Rendong smiled, took the cup, but her eyes were not as calm as usual, carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Nan Xingwan couldn't help but tease, "Our 'ice queen' has become a 'waiting-for-wife stone' now? It's only been a short time since we separated."
Ji Rendong merely curved the corners of her lips slightly, without saying anything more.
The subtle unease in her heart became even clearer against the backdrop of the lively atmosphere around her.
Watching Nan Xingwan and Mu Xueqing discuss topics she had never planned in depth, and then looking at herself, it seemed that apart from those boring data and the daily life she could share with Shi Banxia, everything was really boring.
She didn't touch the juice, but instead gestured for the waiter to come over and ordered a strong whiskey.
"Oh, Ren Dong's changed her tune today?" Nan Xingwan raised an eyebrow in surprise. Ji Ren Dong was known for her self-discipline at the station, always drinking only black coffee and being extremely moderate with alcohol.
"It's nice to have a drink now and then, and it's rare to have a get-together like this. I'm happy today," Ji Rendong said softly, taking a sip.
The hot liquid slid down my throat, bringing a brief numbing sensation that seemed to calm my troubled thoughts for a while.
Mu Xueqing was perceptive and vaguely sensed that Ji Rendong's emotions were not quite right, but due to the occasion, she did not ask her in detail. She could only chat with her and try to distract her.
Ji Rendong remained silent, drinking one cup after another. Mu Xueqing and Nan Xingwan exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
The Ji Rendong they knew was always calm, composed, reserved, stable, and reliable.
But tonight, although she remained calm on the surface, the juice she barely touched and the several empty whiskeys beside her exuded an unusual aura.
Ji Rendong rarely indulged herself like this. The alcohol made her usually cool eyes misty, and she became even quieter, only occasionally smiling faintly when Nanxing mentioned interesting things about the research station.
Her fingertips unconsciously traced the inside of the glass, her gaze occasionally drifting towards the doorway.
"Honeysuckle, are you alright?" Mu Xueqing noticed that she was staring at the wine glass in a daze and couldn't help but ask softly.
"I'm fine." Ji Rendong shook her head, her voice softer than usual, with a hint of barely perceptible stickiness, "I just... miss her a little."
It goes without saying who this "she" refers to.
Nan Xingwan and Mu Xueqing were even more surprised. When had Ji Rendong ever expressed his longing so directly?
Just then, the door to the bar was pushed open, and Shi Banxia hurriedly walked in, bringing with her the cool air from outside.
She spotted the three people in the corner booth at a glance, as well as Ji Rendong, who was clearly not in a good mood.
"Sister Rendong?" Shi Banxia walked over quickly, sat down beside her, gently put her arm around her shoulder, and asked in a gentle voice, "Have you been drinking?"
Upon seeing Shi Banxia, Ji Rendong's tense emotions instantly dissipated.
Ji Rendong looked up, her usually cool eyes now brimming with tears, filled with deep grievance and dependence. She reached out and hugged Shi Banxia's waist, burying her face in her chest, and whispered:
"...Xiaxia, why are you so late..."
This scene left Nan Xingwan and Mu Xueqing speechless. Ji Rendong, who could remain unfazed even in a polar blizzard, was now clinging to Shi Banxia…acting like a spoiled child…?!
Shi Banxia was also startled, and then a huge pang of heartache and a secret sweetness welled up in her heart.
She immediately put her arms around Ji Rendong, gently patted her back, and smiled apologetically at the two seniors: "Sister Xueqing, Senior Nanxingwan, I'm sorry, Sister Rendong seems to have had a bit too much to drink. I'll take her back first."
Nan Xingwan hadn't recovered from her shock yet, and nodded blankly, "Ah... okay, okay, be careful on the road."
Mu Xueqing quickly realized what was going on and gave a knowing and relieved smile. "It's alright, Xiaxia. Go back now and take good care of her."
Shi Banxia half-supported and half-carried Ji Rendong as they got up.
Ji Rendong leaned almost her entire weight on Shi Banxia, her steps unsteady yet unusually submissive, muttering indistinctly, "Go home...go home with Xiaxia..."
Shi Banxia finally managed to get Ji Rendong into a taxi, and half an hour later, they finally arrived back at their apartment.
As soon as they entered, Ji Rendong hugged Shi Banxia tightly, rubbing his head against her neck. His breath carried the scent of alcohol and her unique cool fragrance, lingering around Shi Banxia's nose.
Ji Rendong clung tightly to Shi Banxia like a large, insecure cat. His usual aloof and self-possessed demeanor was completely gone, replaced by drunkenness and utter dependence and grievance.
"Xiaxia..." Ji Rendong's voice, nasal and muffled, sounded in Shi Banxia's ear, "Don't go..."
Shi Banxia's heart softened. She helped Ji Rendong and moved step by step toward the bedroom, her tone gentle and her voice carrying a smile, "I'm not leaving, I'm staying here, let's go home."
After finally settling Ji Rendong down on the bedside, Shi Banxia wanted to pour her a glass of honey water, but as soon as she turned around, her hand was grabbed by a force.
Ji Rendong looked up at her, her eyes slightly red and misty, "Xiaxia, you're not allowed to leave..."
"Okay, I won't go, I won't go," Shi Banxia said, both amused and exasperated. She sat down next to her and gently put her arm around her shoulder. "Sister Rendong, what's wrong with you? Did someone say something while I was away?"
Ji Rendong shook her head, buried her face in Shi Banxia's neck, and greedily breathed in her sunny and vibrant scent.
After a moment of silence, Ji Rendong spoke in a very low voice, her voice trembling slightly, "Xiaxia...am I...much older than you?"
Shi Banxia was stunned for a moment, then instantly understood.
It turns out that the root of her family's brilliant scientist's recent subtle abnormalities and his secret research into youth magazines was actually here!
A bittersweet feeling welled up inside her. She felt sorry for Ji Rendong struggling with these things alone, but she also found her insecure sister Rendong incredibly adorable.
"fool!"
Shi Banxia cupped Ji Rendong's face in her hands, making her look at her, and gently wiped away the tear stains from the corners of her eyes with her thumbs, her tone earnest yet tinged with reproach.
"Who says you're old? How are you old? In my heart, my darling Honeysuckle will always be the most beautiful and charming!"
Ji Rendong felt a little embarrassed by Shi Banxia's intense gaze. She looked away, seemingly trying to avoid her eyes, and her voice became even lower.
"But... I'm six years older than you... Your world is so colorful, with so many young and interesting people..."
"stop!"
Shi Banxia interrupted her, leaned forward, and pressed her forehead against hers, their noses touching, their breaths mingling.
“Look at me, Ji Rendong. My world is wonderful because you are by my side. All those ‘young and interesting’ people combined can’t compare to a single finger of yours!”
Shi Banxia placed a kiss on Ji Rendong's lips and said with a smile, "I love you, the complete you, including your age, your experience, and everything about you."
Shi Banxia's words were like warm spring water, slowly flowing into Ji Rendong's heart and smoothing out those uneasy wrinkles.
Ji Rendong stared blankly into the eyes that were so close to her, eyes filled with sincerity and love, and the gloom in her heart gradually dissipated.
"Really?" Ji Rendong's voice was still very soft, with a hint of uncertainty and a sob in it.
“More real than real gold!” Shi Banxia answered without hesitation, then gave a sly smile. “Besides, Sister Rendong, don’t you know? Mature older sisters are the most charming! I like how you are calm, reliable, and…sometimes jealous of me.”
As she spoke, Shi Banxia kissed him again.
This kiss was no longer a comforting one, but rather a clear invitation and a burning passion. It began with a gentle touch of lips, and gradually, Shi Banxia tentatively extended her tongue to trace Ji Rendong's lips.
Ji Rendong's body stiffened slightly, then she responded enthusiastically as if she had been ignited.
The alcohol amplified her senses and eroded her restraint. Soon, Ji Rendong took the initiative, deepening the kiss, his arms tightly encircling Shi Banxia's waist, reducing the distance between them to almost nothing.
The air was filled with ambiguous panting sounds.
Shi Banxia's body went limp from the kisses, and she collapsed onto the soft bed. Ji Rendong followed suit and covered her with his kisses. Her kisses traveled down her slender neck and delicate collarbone, leaving behind hot marks.
“Xiaxia…” Ji Rendong breathed heavily as she whispered in Shi Banxia’s ear, her voice hoarse and sexy.
Shi Banxia's cheeks flushed, her eyes glazed over, and she took the initiative to hook her arm around Ji Rendong's neck, pulling her towards herself, using her actions to answer her question.
As night deepened, only the sounds of intertwined breathing and suppressed noises remained in the bedroom.
Shi Banxia's enthusiasm and understanding completely dispelled the last trace of unease in Ji Rendong's heart.
On this night that belongs only to them, the age gap is no longer a barrier, but transforms into a deeper tenderness and affection.
When everything calmed down, Ji Rendong held Shi Banxia tightly in her arms. She lowered her head and placed a gentle kiss on Shi Banxia's sweaty forehead.
"Xiaxia, thank you." Her voice regained its usual gentleness, and was filled with more certainty and reassurance.
Shi Banxia, exhausted and with her eyelids drooping, snuggled contentedly into her arms. "No need to thank me... Don't overthink things anymore... You're my precious wife..."
"Mmm." Ji Rendong smiled and hugged her even tighter. "She's yours, and she always will be." Those little anxieties finally melted away in the warmest embrace of her lover.
"Can we... do it again...?"
"No...no, this can't be...!"
A note from the author:
I kept laughing while writing this; Dongdong is just too cute!
The inspiration came to me during the serialization! When the older woman says, "I'm not young anymore," isn't she essentially inviting the younger woman, "Come and experience the more mature me!"
When inspiration strikes, writing really comes fast, haha! The data suddenly improved after it was finished…?! Thank you everyone for being willing to learn about Xiaxia and Dongdong's story!
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