Chapter 14

Calling out my ex-boyfriend’s name right in the middle of an intense moment, this was something I never could’ve imagined, not even in my wildest dreams. I didn’t even need to look to know that Zhou Si’s face must be as cold as a block of ice right now.

But what could I even say to explain it? No matter how I explained, it would only make things worse.

Zhou Si stopped everything, as if none of that passionate heat had just happened. He was calm and distant, like it never even occurred. But inside me, it felt like a thousand bubbles were stirring—part guilt, part desire. So I leaned in and gave Zhou Si a kiss on the lips, kind of trying to sweet-talk and coax him.

But Zhou Si, that petty man, didn’t care how I tried to calm him down. He just pulled away without even sparing me a bit of dignity.

Yeah, that got awkward real fast.

The space inside the car wasn’t exactly roomy. I was still sitting on Zhou Si’s lap, wanting to get off, but he had his hands locked around my waist like he didn’t plan on letting me move.

I glanced at Zhou Si and then purposely wiggled on his lap, pouting as I said, “ Zhou ge..~”

Zhou Si shot me a cold glance and then, like a gentleman, started straightening out my messy clothes. He asked seriously, “Do you even know what my name is?”

Like that even needs to be asked! Of course I know! I’ve known Zhou Si since I was born. Sure, our relationship has never been all that great, but still, I basically watched him grow up. No, wait, he watched me grow up.

But in that moment earlier, I have no idea why I suddenly blurted out Chen Zhicheng’s name.

I nodded frantically. “Zhou Si, baby!”

Zhou Si gave me a helpless look and pinched my waist. “What did you call me?”

I repeated, “Baby!”

Finally, Zhou Si laughed. He gave a little snort and said to me, “You little vixen.”

I blinked at him and snuggled against his chest again. I’m sure Zhou Si knew exactly what I was trying to do, but he actually managed to keep his cool and stay completely still, like a mountain.

Seriously, like a mountain, unshakable.

I slinked back into the passenger seat feeling all sheepish, but there was this thought growing stronger and stronger in my head. It was like someone snatched the ice cream cone out of my hand after just one bite—I hadn’t had nearly enough yet, no way was I willing to just let it go.

I sneaked a glance at Zhou Si, opening my mouth a few times but saying nothing in the end. I couldn’t possibly ask him to do that with me again right now—the mood was already long gone.

Zhou Si had one hand on the steering wheel, his shirt sleeve casually rolled up to his elbow, revealing his strong, handsome arm.

He didn’t even look at me. He just asked in a calm tone, “What kind of dirty thoughts are you having again?”

I instinctively tried to defend myself. “What do you mean, dirty thoughts?”

Zhou Si said, “Then what are you thinking about?”

I wanted to snap back but didn’t dare say it out loud, so I just muttered a bunch of nonsense under my breath.

Zhou Si said, “Didn’t catch that.”

I said, “That time you said it was your first time with me… was that true?”

Zhou Si replied, “Do I give off the impression that I fool around a lot?”

I said, “Well… not exactly, but you were just so good at it. It didn’t feel like a first time at all.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

I glared at him. “And didn’t you say we were gonna talk? That’s your idea of talking? Dragging me out to some remote countryside, stripping me down, and then just leaving me in heat while you sit there all calm? That’s just cruel…”

The more I talked, the more my confidence wavered, especially when I met Zhou Si’s eyes.

He pulled over, turned to look me in the eyes seriously, and just stared in silence, which honestly gave me the creeps.

That’s what I don’t get about Zhou Si. I could feel that he had so much he wanted to say. He’s mature, sure, and calm, yeah—but what’s the use of that if he won’t talk? What’s the point of having a mouth if you’re not going to use it?

Finally, Zhou Si said my name. “Xie Li.”

I immediately sat up straight, like a little lamb waiting to be judged.

Zhou Si said, “You don’t have to feel any pressure. You don’t have to carry the weight of my feelings.”

I was completely confused. I had no idea what he meant by that.

Zhou Si lowered his eyes, his voice quiet. “After all, you’ve never cared about me—not since we were kids.”

Okay, now what was I supposed to say to that?

Suddenly I felt like the worst person ever, like I’d totally stomped on his feelings.

Zhou Si opened the car’s storage compartment and pulled out a small jewelry box, handing it to me. “I saw this by chance while I was on a business trip. Thought it suited you.”

I opened the box—it was a pair of cat paw earrings, super delicate and cute. I fell in love with them instantly.

Zhou Si reached over and patted my head, his voice soft and doting. “It’s getting late. Let me take you home.”

The car started again, and before long, Zhou Si dropped me off at my place.

After breaking up with Chen Zhicheng, I moved back home. My parents were actually quite happy about it—they’d never liked Chen Zhicheng much.

It had started to rain again. Zhou Si got out of the driver’s seat and handed me an umbrella.

Before leaving, Zhou Si said to me, “Xie Li, if you just want to have fun, I’ll keep you company. If you ever don’t want to anymore, just tell me—I can disappear from your world anytime. But please, don’t avoid me on purpose.”

I paused. Did that mean… I don’t need to take responsibility for this relationship? That I can basically hook up with Zhou Si anytime I want?

Oh no. Why did that sound so heartbreaking coming from him…

I could feel my heart softening.

I took the umbrella he handed over. When my hand brushed against his warm palm, it sent a tingly shiver through me.

Zhou Si motioned with his chin. “It’s raining. Go inside.”

I was actually a little reluctant to leave.

As soon as I got home, I ran into my dad. He was quick to notice things. “Was that Zhou Si who brought you back just now?”

I felt a bit drained.

But my dad wouldn’t stop talking. “Why didn’t you invite him in? I haven’t seen him in forever. Zhou Si’s company is doing great lately—I genuinely admire him.”

Not many people earn my dad’s respect, so I got curious. “Is he really that impressive?”

My dad said, “You don’t watch the news? He was just recognized as one of the city’s Outstanding Young Professionals.”

Yeah… I hadn’t been paying attention.

After going upstairs and taking a shower, I lay in bed tossing and turning. My mind was a mess—I couldn’t even tell what I was feeling anymore. But one thing was clear: my head was full of Zhou Si.

Zhou Si. Zhou Si. Zhou Si.

That man was like a ghost that wouldn’t leave me alone.

So at exactly 12:30 a.m., on impulse, I called Zhou Si—just like I had that time I thought my bestie was hooking up with my ex.

The call connected, and his voice came through—still low and soothing. He asked me what was wrong.

With all the courage I had, I said to Zhou Si, “How about we give it a shot?”

Zhou Si, pretending not to understand, asked, “Give what a shot?”

I said, “Try being boyfriend and girlfriend.”

Zhou Si chuckled. “Come downstairs and say it to my face.”

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