Chuntao knew Zhou Zhijun would come looking for her and had braced herself for it, but when he suddenly pulled her into his arms, her petite frame still gave a violent, subconscious jolt.
She twisted her body. Don't do this!
Tao, I know you missed me too. I bet you were waiting for me in the kitchen!
I didn't! I just have something I want to tell you! Chuntao refused to admit it out loud, but she couldn't suppress the trace of anticipation bubbling in her heart.
I have things to say to you, too. Come on, let's go to my place!
Zhou Zhijun's breathing was ragged. He scooped her up into his arms and started to walk away.
Put me down! Chuntao kicked her legs vigorously and pushed at his chest with both hands. We can talk right here!
Talk here? No way. I still want to... Let's go to my room, I bought you something good...
The man's breath sprayed across her face like fire. Tao, I came back today just for you...
Like a sly old fox, Zhou Zhijun carried her inside and slipped into the main room, kicking the door shut behind them. Tao, what am I going to do? I'm addicted to you. Just two days without seeing you and I go crazy...
Panting heavily like a bull, he gritted his back teeth, crossed the room in two large strides, and slid the door latch shut with a loud clack.
Tao... He was already burning with unbearable urgency.
No, I have something to tell you!
But Zhou Zhijun wasn't listening at all...
The wick of the kerosene lamp in the room was turned up high, its dim yellow halo stretching Zhou Zhijun's shadow long and heavy across the floor.
Chuntao grabbed his wrist. Brother Zhijun, I'm scared... Before the new year... someone left something on my windowsill...
She hadn't originally planned to tell him about the handkerchief and the small mirror, but the matter kept weighing heavily on her mind.
Although Zhou Zhijun could be rough and unruly, he was the only one who could truly protect her.
Left what? Zhou Zhijun's movements suddenly stopped. He furrowed his brows and stared straight into her face.
A small mirror wrapped in a handkerchief! And on the mirror, there was... Thinking of the shameful drawing, Chuntao stammered, too embarrassed to continue.
There was what? Zhou Zhijun asked, his voice hoarse.
Just a shameful drawing!
Tao, tell me later. I'll listen to every word then...
How could Chuntao not know his temper? Impatient and rough, his mind was entirely consumed by that one thing; he couldn't hear anything else.
He had helped her out so much, so much that his favors could pile up into a mountain. Faced with his overbearing dominance, she really couldn't treat him the way she would a true bad guy.
Deep down in her heart, there was also a trace of something she couldn't articulate, something she didn't dare speak of. It was like a rope wrapped tightly around the tip of her heart; the more she tried to pull it away, the tighter it bound her.
Blow out the lamp! Her small face was already burning as hot as the glowing coals by a winter bedside. She turned her head away, not daring to look at him.
He leaned down, carrying the dust of his journey. The wick of the kerosene lamp by the bed flickered back and forth before finally giving out and plunging the room into darkness.
...
The chirping of the insects gradually faded, and Zhou Zhijun's hand slowly came to rest.
His warm palm gently stroked her back, making Chuntao's nose sting as a streak of warmth slipped from the corner of her eye.
Chuntao didn't make a sound, simply letting her tears flow freely.
In those tears were resentment, warmth, and the conflicted tug-of-war of wanting to push him away yet not being able to bear parting with him.
Why aren't you saying anything? he asked, his voice kept incredibly low and laced with a soft chuckle. Didn't you have something to tell me?
Chuntao subconsciously nestled deeper into his embrace. You were so impatient, you wouldn't listen to me at all!
I'm not impatient anymore. Zhou Zhijun laughed softly. He twirled a stray lock of hair at her temple with his fingertips and felt the tears on her face.
Why are you crying? Go on, tell me, I'm listening to every word...
He had completely forgotten about the handkerchief and the small mirror Chuntao had mentioned earlier.
All you know how to do is bully me... I'm not telling you anymore... Chuntao sniffled, speaking in a fit of pique.
