Chapter 110 Probationary Period
When the car finally stopped in front of that familiar seaside villa, Ruan Yi looked at the familiar sea view and felt as if she had gone through an absurd circle.
After going around in circles, I've come back here.
She recalled the moment when she almost crossed the line with Fu Jingchen not long ago, and the look on her face that she turned away from without any explanation.
Despite her impulsive and unpredictable actions, the other person remained remarkably calm.
Ruan Yi pursed her lips, lost in thought on the sofa, her emotions a jumbled mess. The smell wafting from the kitchen made her pause.
It wasn't the bland, bland aroma of typical white food; instead, it had a rich, smoky, and authentic Chinese flavor.
Didn't Fu Jingchen not know how to cook Chinese food before?
The little glutton followed the smell to the kitchen doorway, and as soon as he poked his head out, he heard Fu Jingchen's voice coming from inside, which was a few degrees lower and softer than usual.
"Xiao Yi, are you hungry? Let's eat first."
Ruan Yi approached, but her gaze did not fall on the dining table first.
Fu Jingchen was wearing a dark apron, the fabric covering his broad shoulders and narrow waist, with his chest area being particularly noticeable.
The full chest muscles stretched the apron into a perfect curve, with the edge even forming a gap, allowing a glimpse of the firm lines underneath.
He was so tall that the hem of his apron barely covered his hips, and from behind, his slender waist and pert buttocks were clearly outlined by the fabric.
Hmm... she's even more eye-catching than when she's wearing a suit, almost more curvaceous than her.
Several dishes were laid out on the table: steamed fish, tomato beef brisket, and corn and pork rib soup. Surprisingly, they looked very appealing.
It looked and smelled delicious, and the food was meticulously prepared, clearly something he had just learned.
"Try it and see how it is."
Fu Jingchen brought the last dish to the table, his movements as he untied his apron were swift and his eyes were gentle as he spoke. He then added...
"It's okay that Xiaoyi didn't bring her clothes. I've already had someone get her some new ones, and they'll be in your room later."
This person is really something... She's just staying here temporarily, but she acts like it's her own home.
Ruan Yi tightened her grip on the chopsticks.
A sudden wave of guilt washed over her. How could she have so readily accepted Fu Jingchen's kindness, given him the cold shoulder, and taken advantage of him?
But Fu Jingchen clearly doesn't owe her anything. He's neither a relative nor a close friend. It was one thing before, but now he's just her boss.
Just because she knows he likes her, does that give her the right to be so reckless?
What makes Ruan Yi even more uneasy is the mess she's in right now, the entanglements that are impossible to sort out or escape. Is she really going to drag him into it all?
Fu Jingchen likes her, does that mean he's destined to be entangled in all these troubles?
Thinking back to her previous life, he had stayed by her side in the same way, but in the end, she had abandoned him so easily, as if she had been played for a fool.
Although the real culprit is someone else, and she cannot be blamed, Fu Jingchen is indeed the one who was hurt.
An idea popped into her head.
Should we talk to him and make things clear? Otherwise, we can maintain a superior-subordinate relationship from now on, so he doesn't have to worry about us anymore and doesn't get involved...
After all, the two stubborn guys, Shen Xun and Gu Zhi, were enough to make her lose her composure, but as soon as the idea took shape, a sour feeling welled up in her heart.
She didn't actually want to say that.
Ruan Yi took a deep breath, looked up at Fu Jingchen, and spoke in a slightly childish, sullen tone.
"I came here... for no other reason than..."
Fu Jingchen paused as he was serving her soup. He looked up at her, calmly placed the bowl in front of her, and spoke slowly, his tone as natural as if he were describing a fact.
“I know.” He paused, then continued.
"Xiaoyi just happened to call me, and I happened to be on my way to pick you up. I also happened to have cooked a Chinese meal that Xiaoyi likes today, and I had tidied up the bedroom before you arrived so you could stay here for a while."
"It was all just a coincidence, Xiaoyi, don't feel guilty."
The man's gaze was excessively frank, and Ruan Yi was amused by his words.
Where do so many "perfect" come from?
This man was about to plan to fit his entire life into hers.
He opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say, so he just lowered his head and ate a couple of mouthfuls of rice.
"How's the taste? Is it alright? If there's anything that doesn't suit Xiaoyi's taste..."
The man's voice was warm and deep, sinking into her ears. She slowed her chewing, and a sudden wave of emotion welled up in her nose, prompting her to interrupt him.
"Can you please stop being so nice to me?"
Ruan Yi put down her chopsticks, her voice already choked with barely suppressed sobs.
“Fu Jingchen, you know I have a lot of trouble around me, you could have just ignored me.”
As soon as she finished speaking, it felt like something was blocking her throat, and her eyes suddenly reddened. All the memories that had happened before surged up, and now, faced with his kindness, she couldn't control the bittersweet emotions welling up inside her.
The man opposite him visibly stiffened, his hand holding the bowl freezing in mid-air.
In the man's eyes, she seemed to have suddenly become a different person, from being slightly distant and guarded.
During the standoff, Ruan Yi actually had the idea of going with him.
He even felt it was a blessing from God, and carefully held this gift without giving it much thought.
But right now, the incredibly soft girl is sitting here, her eyes red and moist, as if they're about to fall out at any moment.
The man's heart clenched, and his initial caution was instantly replaced by heartache.
Fu Jingchen stood up almost immediately, took two steps to her side, and sat down beside her, his body smelling of cooking smoke mixed with his usual cedar scent.
The chair wobbled slightly, and he leaned down a little, his warm breath brushing against her cheek.
He didn't get too close, yet the girl could clearly feel his presence, as if he had drawn her into a safe space.
Fu Jingchen slowly leaned his head over, his gaze level with hers, his voice low and soothing, as if he were comforting a wronged child.
"Why did Xiaoyi say that? Did something happen? Or... did she think of something?"
The man's gaze was deep and serious, carrying an undeniable air of earnestness.
"It's my choice to be good to Xiaoyi. Whether she accepts it or not is perfectly normal. She doesn't need to feel burdened."
Whether it's troublesome or not is up to me.
“Moreover,” Fu Jingchen said, looking at her reddened eyes, his voice softening, “I have never felt that pursuing Xiaoyi or staying by Xiaoyi’s side is troublesome.”
Too gentle, yet too rational.
The words, meant to be comforting, gently pierced the dam she was trying to build.
Ruan Yi felt a lump in her throat, and only one thought remained in her mind.
How can someone be so nice? I hate him so much! No wonder I dated him in my past life…
Tears could no longer be held back and fell in large drops.
"Wow--!"
Fu Jingchen panicked and immediately reached out, his palm warm, to gently cup her face.
With soft fingertips, he carefully wiped away her tears, his movements as gentle as if afraid of breaking something.
"Why are you crying?" His voice was tinged with helplessness, and his brows furrowed.
"Did I say something wrong and upset Xiaoyi?"
Ruan Yi shook her head violently, but her tears fell even more fiercely, her voice muffled and soft, as if she were both being coquettish and complaining.
"Why are you so nice to me? It's so annoying! Why do you like me... I hate it so much..."
The man held her face without moving, knowing that the girl was being sarcastic during her emotional outburst. He gently wiped away her tears with his fingertips.
He lowered his head slightly after she finished speaking, albeit haltingly.
The man's nose almost touched hers as he gently kissed away the tears welling up in Ruan Yi's eyes.
The kiss was light, yet its scalding heat lingered on my skin.
"It's okay if Xiaoyi hates me."
His voice was right next to her ear, low and husky, yet carrying a reassuring stability.
"I will always like Xiaoyi."
Fu Jingchen paused slightly, his fingertips gently stroking her tear-streaked cheeks, his tone firm and unwavering, yet full of patience.
"Xiaoyi doesn't have to respond, or she can refuse, but please don't be sad about it, okay?"
The man's eyes were deep and unfathomable, like a still pool reflecting her red, tear-filled eyes, which were filled with her image, and there was also a kind of indulgent composure in them.
His breath enveloped Ruan Yi, tightly binding her with the bittersweet emotions of that moment.
The last vestiges of reason in Ruan Yi's mind were instantly shattered. She suddenly raised her hand, hooked her arm around the man's neck, and leaned forward, throwing herself onto him.
The movement was quick and forceful, and his forehead slammed into his firm chest muscles with a dull thud.
Fu Jingchen let out a low groan as he was bumped, the vibration in his chest carrying a strange, tingling sensation.
He leaned back slightly, his arms firmly encircling her waist, holding her tightly in his embrace.
Fu Jingchen looked down at her fluffy hair pressing against his chest, and her eyes, which had been red just moments before, were probably even redder now.
The first thing that surfaced in his eyes was an unconcealable tenderness, and he gently patted her back with his fingertips, soothing her with each pat.
But as he was taking pictures, a slight smile crept onto the man's lips.
"This time is different."
He could clearly feel that the person in his arms was no longer lost in thought, but rather seemed to have finally let go of all their strength, leaning softly against him, even their breathing carrying a hint of compromise.
It's like... they've really accepted it.
This realization made Fu Jingchen's heart skip a beat, as if hot water was spreading in his chest, carrying a heavy and full throbbing sensation.
The person in her arms stirred. Ruan Yi raised her head, her nose still red, and there were even undried tears clinging to her eyelashes.
The moment their eyes met, she didn't speak, but simply tilted her head slightly and, with a somewhat reckless intent, leaned towards his lips.
"Hmm." Not aimed correctly.
The girl's forehead bumped into his chin first, causing a dull, slightly painful sensation.
She ignored him, as if some emotion had been ignited, wrinkled her nose, and stubbornly moved forward again.
Just as her lips were about to touch his, Fu Jingchen raised his hand, not to push her away, but to gently press his fingertips onto her lips.
A soft touch traveled through her fingertips, and his voice, tinged with a low, husky laugh, rang in her ear.
"Is Xiaoyi... still kissing this time?"
Ruan Yi was startled, her eyelashes trembled, and then she realized what was happening.
Is this old man... waiting here while she's in a good mood?
Wanting a legitimate identity now?
Ruan Yi puffed out her cheeks, feeling a little itchy from his fingers pressing against her lips, and mumbled something indistinctly.
"You, you're taking advantage of a loophole."
"Yeah, if Xiaoyi brings up kissing again, then I won't let her kiss me."
Fu Jingchen readily admitted it, and then gently stroked her lips with his fingertip, with a hint of teasing.
Ruan Yi was a little angry at what he said, and also a little embarrassed and annoyed. She simply snuggled into his arms and rubbed her face against his chest. She didn't say anything, but her dissatisfaction was written all over her face.
"Pfft..."
Fu Jingchen was amused by her appearance, and his laughter came from his chest, making her ears feel a little numb.
He tightened his arms, holding her even closer, and looked down at her pouting profile. His voice softened, but remained earnest and sincere.
"I'm not greedy, just give me a probationary period status, okay?"
Fu Jingchen paused, then gently brushed his thumb across the corner of her lips before continuing.
"If Xiaoyi tries to say we're just kissing after I pass the probation period, I won't accept it."
Ruan Yi struggled in his arms for a moment, her heart pounding like a drum.
Probationary period...boyfriend?
She bit her lip, feeling the arms around her waist tighten slightly, carrying a silent expectation.
Ruan Yi hesitated for a few seconds before finally speaking in a muffled voice as soft as cotton.
"Okay, okay."
The word "okay" had barely left her lips when, before she could even finish speaking, the finger that had been pressing against her lips was withdrawn.
The next second, the man's kiss landed on her lips.
It wasn't a tentative, half-hearted attempt, but rather a long-suppressed, cherished feeling, that led him to gently cover her lips with his.
The man's lips were exceptionally warm, and his movements were incredibly gentle. He didn't rush to deepen the kiss; instead, he gently caressed her lips with his own, as if confirming the girl's authenticity.
Only when he felt the softness in his arms relax his body did Fu Jingchen turn his head slightly and gently pry open her lips with the tip of his tongue.
With patient coaxing, I deepened the kiss little by little.
There seemed to be a fine electric current coursing through the air, carrying a captivating ambiguity.
Ruan Yin could feel the man's breathing become heavier, and the hands around her waist tightened slightly, with a restrained force.
Her earlier grievances and bitterness had been soothed, leaving only an impulse to get closer.
As their lips and teeth intertwined, it was impossible to tell who would succumb first.
She even took the initiative to raise her hand and hook her arms around his neck more tightly, responding to him passionately.
The man only stepped back slightly when Ruan Yi was really struggling to breathe, his forehead pressed against hers and his nose brushing against her cheek.
Fu Jingchen's voice was restrained and hoarse.
"Let's eat first, the food's getting cold."
Ruan Yi shook her head, still wanting more, and leaned closer to his lips, completely disregarding the food.
The man chuckled helplessly, pinched her waist, and spoke with a hint of indulgent threat in his tone.
"If we keep kissing, it'll last at least two hours... and we won't be able to eat afterwards."
These words seemed to carry a jolt of electricity, instantly bringing Ruan Yi to her senses. She abruptly stopped what she was doing and pulled away from his embrace.
Ruan Yi sat up straight like a primary school student, her cheeks flushed, and she put on a serious face.
"Okay! Let's eat."
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