Jingwen silently chided herself for being utterly foolish, indulging in such fantasies at a time like this.
"I'll pour it for you, Sister Wen," Zhou Yi offered gently.
"Ah, thank you," she replied softly.
When Zhou Yi released her hand, an unexpected pang of regret lingered in her chest—a fleeting sensation that startled even herself.
As she sipped her water, Jingwen tentatively asked, "Xiao Yi, is there… anyone special at school?"
The moment the words escaped her lips, she regretted them.
Why am I acting like some love-struck teenager? At my age, how could I be so imprudent?
She scolded herself internally, trying to regain composure before she said or did something reckless.
Zhou Yi didn't hesitate. With a bitter smile, he confessed, "This isn't something I usually talk about, but since it's you asking, Sister Wen, I'll tell you."
"There is someone I care for deeply, but yesterday, she humiliated me. They called me a frog chasing a swan—said I wasn't worthy of her grace. Sister Wen, do you think someone like me deserves happiness?"
Jingwen's heart ached as she gazed at him. "How could they say such things? It's their blindness, not your worth. I think Xiao Yi is wonderful."
Yet hearing his confession made her heart twist painfully. So, he already has someone he loves.
Zhou Yi shook his head and took a long sip from the glass. Only after swallowing did he realize he'd drunk from the same cup Jingwen had used. His cheeks flushed as he stammered, "Forgive me, Sister Wen. I accidentally drank from your cup."
His innocent tone and wide-eyed expression were disarmingly charming.
Even the system couldn't help but marvel: What impeccable skill!
Jingwen glanced at the cup in his hands. Did this mean they had just shared an indirect kiss?
"It's fine," she murmured awkwardly. "It's just a cup—it's not as if we kissed."
The air froze the instant the words left her mouth.
What am I saying?!
Leaning on his hand, Zhou Yi tilted his head curiously. "Sister Wen, what do you mean by 'as if we kissed'?"
Her mind went blank. She had no idea how to respond. Her body tensed, and her eyelashes trembled with unease.
"I—I need to prepare dinner," she stuttered, rising abruptly.
But before she could take a step, a firm grip caught her wrist.
It was Zhou Yi holding her back.
"Sister Wen," he began softly, "is this the first time I've seen you wear lipstick?"
He moved closer, his words layered with subtle ambiguity. Jingwen's ears burned crimson.
She knew—he had noticed.
He saw through her carefully chosen outfit today, her unusual behavior, and perhaps even her hidden feelings for him.
She didn't dare turn around, yet she didn't pull away either.
"I found an old lipstick I hadn't used in ages," she explained quietly. "Thought I'd give it a try."
"You seem different lately," Zhou Yi remarked thoughtfully.
Her heart skipped a beat. Forcing a deep breath, she replied, "Do I? I'm still the same person."
His voice remained soft and earnest as he leaned close, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "No, Sister Wen. The way you look at me now… it's softer, like spring water reflecting the sun."
Jingwen bit her lip and turned to face him, feeling exposed and vulnerable under his gaze.
After a moment of hesitation, she gathered her courage.
"Xiao Yi… you've noticed, haven't you? I know I shouldn't feel this way, shouldn't let these thoughts take root, but I can't help myself. I crave your attention, your gentle gaze, the comfort of your embrace…"
Her voice trailed off, trembling with emotion. "Maybe it's because I haven't been cared for by anyone in so long… I don't know. I'm confused, and maybe I'm just rambling."
Though her final words attempted to mask her vulnerability, her flustered state betrayed her true feelings.
She didn't know how to handle this boy who was over a decade younger than her.
Cupping her face in her hands, Jingwen felt overwhelmed. Just then, strong arms enveloped her in a comforting hug.
"Sister Wen, whether you're thirty or eighteen, it doesn't matter to me."
"You are you, and every version of you is beautiful. I only wish I'd met you when you were younger—not because you'd have been prettier then, but because I could have changed your fate. You wouldn't have had to endure so much hardship. Watching you sit alone in the kitchen, washing dishes day after day… it breaks my heart."
Tears spilled down Jingwen's cheeks as she leaned into his shoulder.
"Xiao Yi…" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
She clung to him tightly, sobbing uncontrollably in his arms.
For years, no one had ever spoken to her with such sincerity. Men had pursued her before, but their intentions were shallow—they only wanted her beauty, not her soul. She had rejected them all without hesitation, choosing solitude instead.
But Zhou Yi was different.
He saw beyond her surface, understanding her pain and struggles.
[Host, Jingwen's affection level has surged to 89.]
This wasn't mere fondness—it was love blossoming within her heart.
Gently patting her back, Zhou Yi murmured soothing words, allowing her to release years of pent-up sorrow and frustration.
She didn't know how long she cried, but eventually exhaustion overtook her. Carrying her upstairs, Zhou Yi laid her gently on the bed and tucked the blanket around her.
"Rest well, Sister Wen. I'll take care of everything downstairs."
As he turned to leave, she reached out and grasped his hand.
"Xiao Yi…"
He looked back at her, his expression tender. "Yes?"
After a pause, she whispered hesitantly, "Do you want me?"
Understanding dawned in his eyes. Leaning down, he patted her head gently. "Sister Wen, never do anything you're uncomfortable with. My words weren't meant to pressure you—you understand, right?"
Her eyes softened with gratitude and admiration.
Sitting up, she wrapped her arms around his waist. "I understand, but I want you to know—I'm not unwilling. After all, I'm already yours… would you despise me for it?"
Placing a finger lightly on her lips, he gazed at her solemnly. "Never think that way. To me, you're precious—not an object to be claimed. Don't degrade yourself like that. I don't need you to prove anything with your body."
Zhou Yi wasn't rash. Though their relationship was charged with unspoken tension, they hadn't yet defined it. Acting on impulse now would dishonor both of them.
[Host, Jingwen's affection level has now reached 90.]
Such rapid progress astonished even the system. In just two days, her affection soared to 90. Truly remarkable!
As Zhou Yi returned downstairs to tend to the customers, Jingwen stood by the stairs, watching his figure move gracefully among the tables. Her eyes brimmed with deep affection, unwavering and profound.