Chapter 112: The Beauty’s Bath

Only then did Chen Erpao realize that beneath her usual cheerful, carefree, and easygoing demeanor, she harbored a lonely side. Orphaned since childhood, the loss of her parents had surely left indelible scars on her heart.

“I'm fine,” Lu Yunqing said with a faint smile. “After all these years, I’ve come to terms with it. I’ll go take a shower first; I’m filthy. Then we can go buy groceries together.”

Chen Erpao watched as she picked up a set of clothes, the topmost being a sky-blue lingerie set, and stepped into the bathroom. Just as the door was about to close, she playfully poked her head out and teased, “I don’t lock the door when I shower—no peeking!”

“Damn, that’s obvious temptation!” Chen Erpao grinned, gazing at the bathroom door for a while. Though tempted to sneak a peek at the beauty bathing, he would never stoop to such low behavior. He wouldn’t claim to be a gentleman, but he refused to act like a scoundrel.

About ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened. Lu Yunqing emerged wearing a simple white form-fitting outfit, her hair still damp, glistening droplets clinging to her porcelain skin. Truly a beauty fresh from the bath, enchanting and alluring.

“Look at you all! Men have such reactions just because I look a little outstanding!” Lu Yunqing flicked her lovely hair with a coquettish smile, sending out a few electric shocks with her charm.

Chen Erpao knew she was deliberately teasing him again, so he played along, casually saying, “Why do you have so many cockroaches at home? Look, there’s another one behind you.”

He said it lightly, not really seeing any cockroach, but the moment Lu Yunqing turned her head, a cockroach indeed scurried out, no more than ten centimeters from her smooth, jade-like foot.

“Ah, cockroach!” With a terrified scream, Lu Yunqing suddenly threw herself into his arms, her soft, delicate body straddling him, her long legs entwined around his waist. Chen Erpao felt a strange sensation pressing against him, causing an immediate and intense reaction.

Lu Yunqing seemed to sense this as well, a flush of shyness blooming instantly, her snow-white neck tinged with pink. Chen Erpao knew well that despite her bold words and seemingly worldly knowledge, she was still a pure maiden. Their recent kiss had revealed she had yet to experience intimacy in practice.

Her pretty face flushed even deeper as Chen Erpao’s response grew stronger, twitching involuntarily now and then.

“You pervert,” Lu Yunqing shot him a glare as she finally exerted effort to slide off him, her breath heavier. Chen Erpao chuckled; he had noticed her body weakening earlier, nearly collapsing as if overcome by emotion. He couldn’t help but think, “This girl is really sensitive.”

An awkward silence settled between them afterward. A man and woman alone in a room, especially after such an embarrassing moment, naturally felt uneasy.

At last, Lu Yunqing broke the silence, taking Chen Erpao’s hand to go buy groceries together.

The market was only a few miles away. Walking side by side, they looked every bit like a couple to onlookers, though neither spoke first. Once they arrived, the atmosphere instantly grew lively. Both Lu Yunqing and the vendors were familiar with one another, exchanging enthusiastic greetings.

“Xiao Yun, here to buy groceries! Is this your boyfriend? Good eye—he’s tall and sturdy, very handsome and suits you well. When you get married, you must invite us old ladies to celebrate!”

At the tomato stall, an elderly woman with graying hair smiled knowingly at them. Several other aged vendors gathered, watching the pair with amusement.

Usually bold and straightforward, Lu Yunqing suddenly appeared shy like a little girl in front of these elders, her cheeks tinged with pink.

She glanced at Chen Erpao, unsure how to respond, but he smiled gently and said, “Thank you for your kind words, ma’am. If there’s a chance, I’ll treat you to a drink.”

Lu Yunqing looked at him with surprise, a flicker of delight in her eyes. Suddenly, her delicate hand slipped behind Chen Erpao’s back and gave a sharp pinch.

After leaving that stall, they moved on to another. Without realizing it, Lu Yunqing’s hand found Chen Erpao’s arm, linking with his. He turned to see her, who averted her head shyly, her face faintly flushed—her boldness was only one facet of her nature.

Like a young couple, they received the approval of the market vendors. Chen Erpao was showered with compliments, almost soaring with pride. Only now did he realize how exceptional he truly was.

Yet, a twinge of guilt lingered in his heart for Wang Xuemei. Though unintentional, he felt somewhat remorseful.

Back home, Lu Yunqing tied on a floral blue-green apron, looking every bit the domestic woman as she busied herself in the kitchen. Chen Erpao relaxed in the living room watching TV, the scene resembling that of a young married couple.

A celebrity charity gala was airing. Chen Erpao was about to change channels when a familiar face appeared—Zhang Xiaoyu, whom he hadn’t seen in a while.

Zhang Xiaoyu remained as ethereal and graceful as ever, as though untouched by the mundane world. Clad in a pure white gown accentuating her exquisite figure, she seemed a celestial maiden descended from the heavens, instantly stirring excitement among the viewers.

Listening to her melodious singing, Chen Erpao was swept back by the lyrics, recalling when they had once performed the duet “A Tale of Two” together under the spotlight, the memory vivid before his eyes.

During the Spring Festival, he wished friends winning at cards, those wooing lovers success, good health, all wishes fulfilled, safety, and happiness.