The night sky was clear, with stars and the bright full moon illuminating each other.
Su Yirao leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the night scene outside. Recalling the moment she had scared off Guan Qingtong earlier, she couldn't help but smile again.
Was this really the female lead, Guan Qingtong?
Why did she seem… somewhat amusing, somewhat unexpected?
In the novel, the female lead and the malicious supporting character she represented were supposed to be like fire and water, constantly at odds.
Yet now, they were getting along surprisingly well. It was truly a strange thing.
Suddenly, Su Yirao remembered the foolish moves she had made in the original plot and her smile gradually faded. Her toes curled instinctively in her linen slippers.
She had known Guan Qingtong for half a month now, and nothing had happened.
Could it be… that she wouldn't make any more foolish mistakes?
Su Yirao was uncertain.
However, she had promised herself to take on the challenge, so she wouldn't deliberately avoid Guan Qingtong.
"Sis, I've finished showering too..."
Guan Qingtong stepped out of the bathroom in her pajamas, her freshly washed face lightly flushed, as if recalling Su Yirao's earlier, playful suggestion.
"Mm." Su Yirao pulled herself out of her chaotic thoughts and focused on Lin Youqi, who was still unconscious on the sofa, frowning slightly.
"The living room is taken. Bring the medicine box and follow me to the bedroom."
Guan Qingtong hesitated for a moment before instinctively picking up the medicine box from the marble table.
It wasn't until she took a few steps forward that she realized Su Yirao no longer considered her an outsider.
The bedroom…
Not only was she allowed to stay at Su Yirao's place, but she was also invited into her bedroom. Such a privilege was hardly afforded to outsiders!
Even though she was merely following instructions, Guan Qingtong couldn't help but feel a wave of happiness, her steps becoming much lighter.
"Have a seat."
Su Yirao sat on the edge of the bed, slightly tilting her head as she gestured.
Guan Qingtong took in the bedroom's décor and furnishings, and then followed Su Yirao's lead, placing the medicine box on the bedside table.
"Sis, please open your robe a bit. I'll apply the medicine to your shoulder."
"Mm," Su Yirao responded casually.
As Guan Qingtong bent down to retrieve the disinfectant from the medicine box, Su Yirao untied the belt of her robe and pulled it down slightly, revealing the large burn on her right shoulder.
When Guan Qingtong turned back, she was greeted with the sight of a beauty casually slipping off her robe.
Unconsciously, her body stiffened for a moment.
Her cheeks, already tinged with a light pink, instantly turned the color of a ripe apple.
Su Yirao could hardly miss her blushing and asked curiously, "Why is your face so red?"
"It's just..." Guan Qingtong stammered, patting her cheeks, "A physiological reaction. I can't control it."
During college, she had lived in the dormitory for a while and had occasionally glimpsed her roommates changing. But never had she been this flustered!
Was it because Su Yirao had a better figure, more poise, and was more beautiful?
When had she, Guan Qingtong, become so shallow?
"Physiological reaction?" Su Yirao's lips parted in surprise, and upon seeing Guan Qingtong's flushed face, she couldn't help but burst into a fit of laughter.
"Hahaha..."
Unable to hold it in, Su Yirao's laughter rang out, causing her robe to slip even further down her shoulders.
Guan Qingtong quickly averted her gaze.
She didn't want to delve into the reason behind Su Yirao's inexplicable laughter and silently chanted to herself, "Do not look, do not look."
Su Yirao noticed her deliberate avoidance and found it even more amusing.
She stood up from the edge of the bed, took a step forward, and approached Guan Qingtong.
Then, she reached out with curiosity, gently holding Guan Qingtong's chin to prevent her from looking away.
"Blushing can indeed be a physiological reaction," Su Yirao said with a smile, poking Guan Qingtong's cheek. "But Guan Qingtong, what are you so shy about?"
Feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, Guan Qingtong bit her lip and instinctively retorted, "I'm not shy!"
"Liar." Su Yirao's smile deepened. "Then why can't you look me in the eye? Are you afraid you'll fall in love with me?"
Of course, it was just a joke. Even Su Yirao didn't believe it herself.
Lin Youqi liking her had been an unexpected surprise.
As for Guan Qingtong, the female lead, changing her orientation and falling for her, the villainess?
Ridiculous.
Hearing Su Yirao's increasingly exaggerated words, Guan Qingtong responded helplessly, "Sister Su, please don't joke around."
"Guan Qingtong, I've realized something," Su Yirao said softly, her smile fading.
"What is it?"
Su Yirao took a few steps forward, forcing Guan Qingtong back towards the edge of the bed.
With no place left to retreat and feeling a growing sense of unease, Guan Qingtong watched as Su Yirao's fingers gently brushed across her face, lightly caressing the strands of hair on her forehead.
Then, Su Yirao's gaze locked onto hers with a subtle smile, and she softly said, "I've realized you're really easy to tease."
"Huh? This?"
"Alright, I won't tease you anymore," Su Yirao said with a smile as she poked her rosy cheeks one last time before stepping away. "Help me with the medicine. It's getting late, and you have work tomorrow morning."
"Oh..."
Guan Qingtong's heart finally settled back into place, though she couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated, realizing she had been completely played.
From that point on, Guan Qingtong focused on her task, carefully pricking the blisters on Su Yirao's burn, then gently applying a cool layer of burn ointment over the affected area.
Guan Qingtong lightly blew on the burn for a few more seconds before turning to pack up the medicine box. "Sister Su, I'm done."
"You're much more meticulous and better at this than I am," Su Yirao nodded, thanking her. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me," Guan Qingtong said, turning back with a wave of her hand. "I'm happy to help you, Sis."
Su Yirao pulled her robe back on and, after a few seconds of contemplation, spoke up just as Guan Qingtong was about to leave the room. "Guan Qingtong, since you're so happy, how about you take care of applying my medicine from now on?"