Liang Xiao had no idea that he had become the target of Hai Baihe. He praised her wholeheartedly, "You're doing great." He thought Hai Baihe was just a playful girl, born in a peaceful country and a wealthy family, innocent and carefree.
But when he saw her study room filled with professional books, his perspective changed instantly. Every book in the bookshelf had traces of being read, some were quite old, and there were journals dating back more than a decade. He noticed the labels on the spines, realizing that she had bought every issue, and they were all in English.
There was also a stone slab with patterns in the corner of the room. Curious, he asked, "What's this?"
"It's a fossil of a sea lily," Hai Baihe shrugged. "It looks like a flower, doesn't it? Very beautiful. I used to think my dad was bad at naming things, but it turned out to be fitting. Until I discovered that it's actually an animal. Later, I realized that 'baihe' became a euphemism for something else, and I'm afraid one day my name will be censored."
Liang Xiao chuckled, "Is it that serious?"
"It's quite serious now. You can't describe anything below the neck." She winked playfully. "For example, our little theater."
Liang Xiao responded with a meaningful look.
Hai Baihe changed the subject, no longer playing the game of "you know, I know." She opened a drawer with a serious expression, inviting him to see her collection. "Dragon teeth, megalodon fossils, conch shells, petrified wood, Jurassic memorabilia..."
Liang Xiao picked up a gigantic megalodon tooth, amazed. "You like this?"
"Yes," Hai Baihe caressed the tooth, thinking that if she could have a showdown with a megalodon in her dreams, she would be massive... oh my god, no wonder she can't gain weight.
When it comes to playing, they played wholeheartedly, giving their all. Liang Xiao somehow found her even more adorable during their efforts, so he clapped his hands and said, "Alright, since the studying has come to a pause, how about we have dinner first?"
"I can't wait!" she exclaimed.
If we had to categorize tonight's dinner, it would primarily consist of Italian cuisine, but the combinations were quite casual. For instance, the appetizer was an authentic Shanghai-style salad. Diced potatoes, sausage, and green peas mixed with egg yolk dressing.
"Huh, you can make this?" Hai Baihe was genuinely surprised.
"I learned it recently." It was actually a byproduct of his recent job. He had been working at a cooking class because the target's girlfriend was there.
The vegetable soup was decent, and the famous lasagna Bolognese was made with great skill. Hai Baihe roughly estimated the calories but decided not to worry about it.
For dessert, they took the easy way out and bought ice cream. Hai Baihe chose raspberry flavor, while Liang Xiao had matcha.
Although it was a simple dinner, a fusion of Chinese and Western dishes, Hai Baihe was still delighted. "I'm truly lucky to have this meal. It's my first time being cooked for by such a handsome guy!"
Her words were genuine, and she had been on many dinner dates, from ordinary restaurants to fancy French ones. But it was the first time her date had cooked for her. This classic move might be cliché, but it was highly effective. She couldn't resist.
"I'm that honored?" he responded, seemingly surprised, showing an expression of disbelief.
While feeling the sweetness of his fl
attery, Hai Baihe continued, "Well, I have to show my appreciation. How do you want me to express it?"
Originally lying casually on the sofa, she now knelt on the sofa like a cat, leaning towards him. Her eyes were bright and lively, her hair cascading messily on her shoulders. Despite wearing a casual and girlish home outfit, Liang Xiao was willing to bet that she was wearing nothing underneath.
Feeling tempted, he lightly kissed her lips, and Hai Baihe blinked her big eyes. "How was that?"
"I like today's version the most." He gently caressed her soft lips with his fingertips. "This one is the best."
Half-jokingly, Hai Baihe complained, "How can you say that? I like all of you, every aspect." Her tongue peeked out of her red lips, lightly licking the air, curling slightly, as if savoring the taste of a delicious ice cream.
Liang Xiao understood her invitation and gladly accepted.
By 8 o'clock, both of them freshened up. Hai Baihe asked him, "Are you staying?" They had indulged in adult playtime earlier than planned, and now they had time for the second act.
"It seems like I never planned on leaving." Liang Xiao noticed several science fiction novels in her study. He picked one up. "Can I borrow this?"
Hai Baihe generously replied, "Feel free to flip through it."
Liang Xiao sat in the corner of the cozy sofa, turned on the floor lamp next to him, and became fully absorbed in reading the novel. Hai Baihe saw him enjoying himself and felt at ease, so she started working on her thesis on the computer.
But... with such an attractive guy sitting next to her, even though she had just eaten, she couldn't resist the temptation to savor the moment. She struggled to focus on her thesis, making mistakes she wouldn't normally make.
After contemplating for a while, she decided to give up on the great pursuit of writing her thesis.
She squeezed onto the lazy sofa, resting her head on his shoulder. "Where did you leave off?"
Liang Xiao closed the book with a clap, looking very serious. "I really hate spoilers, so don't spoil it for me."
Before he could finish his sentence, Hai Baihe swiftly delivered a blow, "The female protagonist dies in the end."
Liang Xiao had an indescribable expression on his face. After a while, he asked, "I actually liked her, why did she die?"
"So, you like these beautiful and powerful women," Hai Baihe nodded mischievously. Then she added wickedly, "Why did she die? Didn't you say no spoilers? I'm obedient, so I won't say anything."
Liang Xiao replied, "...You said it, but only halfway."
"Well, it's not my fault. You're by my side, and I can't concentrate on my thesis. And with you by my side, you still managed to like the female protagonist," Hai Baihe held her cheeks, looking distressed. "This really tests our charm levels."
Even though he knew she was speaking sweet nothings, Liang Xiao couldn't help but laugh at her. He cleared his throat, and his deep, magnetic voice was the best conductor. Electric currents tingled in their ears, sending shivers down their spines. "In my heart, you have the same charm as the female protagonist."
Hai Baihe held her chest, pretending to be overwhelmed. "Oh my, my heart is racing so fast. I can't take it anymore."
Liang Xiao playfully said, "Is that so? Let me hear it." He tickled her, and
Hai Baihe jumped up, evading his grasp. They played a game of cat and mouse in the room, laughing and having fun.
This game didn't require much physical exertion from them, but they laughed so much that it consumed a fair amount of energy. When Liang Xiao sat back on the sofa, laughing and panting, there was a moment when he couldn't understand why he felt so relaxed. For those few minutes, his mind was empty, devoid of identity, occupation, and revenge. He had temporarily forgotten everything.
Perhaps, this mode of companionship made him feel at ease. No discussion of the past, no promises, no talk of the future, and no burdens of responsibility. They simply enjoyed the fleeting moments of happiness.
Especially because she was willing to make him happy, and he was willing to make her smile. It was so precious.
It was too rare, so he treasured it cautiously. He embraced her, saying, "Baihe."
"Hmm?"
"You are truly, truly an adorable girl." In Liang Xiao's relatively short but undoubtedly eventful life, he had seen it all. He had experienced the innocence and carefree nature of sheltered rich girls, the resilience and intelligence of women who went from the slums to Wall Street. Even streetwalkers had their moments of wit and charm.
Perhaps it was because the time they spent together was too short, like the fleeting seconds of cherry blossoms falling from the branches. He couldn't see the dirt they would eventually land on, so he always found them beautiful.