In the dead of night, a light rain had fallen, with tiny raindrops pattering against the hotel windows, making a barely audible dripping sound.
By the next morning, the sun was getting stronger, and the chilly summer rain had gradually faded away. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, warming and brightening the earth.
The cicadas started their loud cries, signaling the beginning of another scorching day.
On the messy hotel bed.
Xia Shuyi's soft body was pressed against Shen Lang's, her thick, black hair spread out around her slightly flushed cheeks.
"Mm~"
Xia Shuyi let out a faint murmur in her sleep, her graceful form moving unconsciously a few times, with a satisfied smile on her lips.
When Shen Lang woke up, he lay there, invigorated, with Xia Shuyi's soft body in his arms, staring blankly at the bed.
Last night, Xia Shuyi's affection for Shen Lang had finally reached 100 points!
[Ding! Xia Shuyi's affection for the host has increased by 5 points, reaching 100 points. Congratulations, you have successfully maxed out Xia Shuyi's affection!]
[Ding! Xia Shuyi's affection has reached 100. You've earned a mystery chest. Do you want to open it?]
"No rush. I'll open it later."
Since the landlady was right beside them, Shen Lang didn't want to make too much noise. If a physical item came out, it would be hard to explain.
After browsing TikTok for a bit, Xia Shuyi slowly woke up in the warm bed, her lazy, dependent eyes fixed on this mischievous big guy.
"Are you hungry?"
Shen Lang, stroking Xia Shuyi's smooth back, asked with a smile, "Do you want me to go get something to eat for you?"
Xia Shuyi shook her head gently, admiringly and curiously asking, "How long have you been awake? Aren't you tired?"
"A little."
Shen Lang snuggled deeper into the blanket, pulling Xia Shuyi's warm body closer, "But since you're supporting me, I've got to do my part, right?"
"Always with the sweet talk."
Xia Shuyi gave Shen Lang a flirtatious look but still snuggled happily into his arms.
....
After checking out of the hotel, Shen Lang helped the unsteady Xia Shuyi to the underground parking lot to get the car.
"Ah~"
As soon as she got in the car, Xia Shuyi yawned with fatigue, "I need to catch up on some sleep when we get back."
"Heh, do you want me to keep you company, Xia Jie?"
Shen Lang, holding the steering wheel, asked playfully.
"Just drive the car."
Xia Shuyi rolled her eyes at Shen Lang, feeling a mix of love and fear for him now.
Xia Shuyi had traditional views. She didn't understand why her friends liked younger guys so much.
Whenever she saw her friends flirting with younger men, she felt a chill.
She thought these guys in their early twenties, just starting out in life, were both immature and not very sharp.
Didn't her friends feel embarrassed? With such a big age gap, those guys could be their sons. How could they go through with it?
But after spending time with Shen Lang, Xia Shuyi finally understood the meaning behind it.
When they got back to the neighborhood, Shen Lang helped Xia Shuyi into the elevator.
At Xia Shuyi's doorstep, Shen Lang noticed Li Liusi standing there with a worried look, holding 300 yuan.
"Landlady."
Li Liusi walked over with small steps, seeing the landlady's strained expression, and asked anxiously, "What's wrong?"
Xia Shuyi had already reduced Li Liusi's rent by half and bought her many daily necessities. Li Liusi was grateful for the kind landlady.
"It's nothing, just twisted my ankle. I met Xiao Shen on the way and asked him to help me."
Xia Shuyi smiled nonchalantly, "Is there something you need from me?"
"Well, it's the beginning of the month, and I wanted to pay the rent."
Li Liusi handed over three crumpled bills, then awkwardly added, "Landlady, can I delay the utilities payment for a few days? I'll pay it as soon as I get my paycheck. I've been working at a restaurant, and my salary is coming soon."
Seeing the crumpled money in Li Liusi's hand, Xia Shuyi felt sorry for the struggling girl.
But she was afraid that waiving the rent directly might hurt her pride.
Xia Shuyi glanced between the humble Li Liusi and Shen Lang, then decisively said, "No need. Xiao Shen already covered it for you last night."
"Yeah, I took care of it last night."
Since Xia Shuyi wanted to help, Shen Lang accepted the favor: "Keep this money for buying something nice for your grandma."
"No, that's not right."
Li Liusi shook her head vigorously, stubbornly handing the 300 yuan to Shen Lang, "I'll pay you for the rent first, and I'll pay you back for the utilities when I get my paycheck."
"Oh, silly girl, you need to save money for your grandma's hospital expenses and other things. Keep the money."
"But..."
Li Liusi hesitated, looking at the crumpled 300 yuan.
"If you really can't accept it, just keep a note of the expenses."
Xia Shuyi gently comforted the stubborn girl.
"You can pay him back when you start working and have money."
"Okay."
Li Liusi finally nodded firmly, gratefully telling Shen Lang, "Thank you, Shen Lang. Once I start working, I'll definitely pay you back."
"Alright, it's almost mealtime anyway."
Xia Shuyi pulled out her key to open the door, warmly inviting, "Mengmeng isn't home, so the house is a bit empty. Why don't you two stay and have dinner?"
"No need to trouble yourself."
Li Liusi, surprised and flattered, took a step back.
"It's no trouble."
Xia Shuyi took Li Liusi's hand and gently pulled her inside.
"Make yourself at home. There's fruit in the fridge if you want some. Xiao Shen, come help me out."
"Sure."
Shen Lang rolled up his sleeves and headed to the kitchen.
"Xiao Shen, what do you think of this girl?"
In the kitchen, Xia Shuyi glanced at the uncomfortable Li Liusi on the sofa and asked in a low voice.
"Isn't she pretty, with a great figure and such a gentle personality?"
"Hmm? Xia Jie, what are you getting at?"
Shen Lang looked at her in surprise, feeling like she was recommending a date.
"How about you go after her?"
Xia Shuyi suggested unexpectedly, "This girl seems to have a tough life and is quite straightforward. If you put in some effort, you could win her over."
Xia Shuyi knew that there was no future for her and Shen Lang, let alone marriage and kids.
She was worried that if Shen Lang found a clever girlfriend in the future, there would be no chance for them to be together.
Since the outcome was inevitable, Xia Shuyi hoped Shen Lang would pursue someone like Li Liusi, who was simple and uncalculating.