novelraw Chapter 507 - 506: Are You Free Next Thursday?
Chapter 507 - 506: Are You Free Next Thursday?
Cheng Zhirang brought that blue thing and handed it into the bathroom.
By the time Mu Qiu finished tidying up, he was already leaning against the headboard reading the script for a while.
"Are you done? Do you want some hot water?" He got out of bed, lifted the blanket, and handed her the hot water he’d prepared.
Mu Qiu was still a bit uncomfortable, but she took the water and sipped carefully, then asked, "Should I sleep in the guest room?"
"If you’re worried about affecting me, no need," Cheng Zhirang placed the cup down, "but if you feel having someone beside during your period is uncomfortable, you can. Are you not used to me?"
"...I’m used to it."
She nestled into the part of the bed where Cheng Zhirang had just been lying, which was still warm. Cheng Zhirang got into bed from the other side, turned up the air conditioning slightly, then laid on his side, placing his hand on her lower back.
"I once acted in a play set in the 1990s. The female lead was a self-taught doctor, a modern woman.
Occasionally, the play discussed some professional knowledge, mentioning how during women’s periods or postpartum, frequently bending over, lying down, sitting for long periods, or lifting heavy objects can cause lower back pain. Does this help a bit?"
The warmth from his hand spread steadily across her back.
Mu Qiu made a sound of agreement, "It helps a bit, but the hardest is when the back pain hits at night, and I want to turn over."
But she’s afraid turning over might cause leakage on someone else’s bed... that would be mortifying for her, like social suicide.
"Luckily, it’s already late at night," she pulled his other hand over, pressing it against her stomach, turning her head to look at the person so close by, "so once I fall asleep, you can move your hand and it won’t go numb."
"Okay, sleep well."
He remained in the same position, reaching out to turn off the light, then his hand returned to her lower abdomen.
In the dim and quiet post-light world, only a sliver of moonlight crept in from outside.
Mu Qiu lay awake, her lower abdomen radiating warmth that couldn’t be ignored.
The difference in size between a man and a woman was noticeable; his hand spread would seem to cover her entire waist, like a tiny quilt for her stomach, yet it’s thermostat-like warmth.
This feeling was something she had never experienced, leaving her sleepless, entirely focused on the hands across her waist.
Cheng Zhirang hadn’t closed his eyes either.
The underbody beneath his palm was remarkably soft, especially the lower abdomen.
Women in the circle usually have a background in dance; they shape and build muscles intentionally for the camera, developing an athletic build.
But she didn’t have any of those traces, entirely soft, unimaginably so.
Such a tender sensation makes it difficult to imagine how it would expand and harden like a taut balloon during pregnancy.
If here comes a child...
"Brother Cheng?"
Cheng Zhirang’s lashes flickered in surprise and then he asked softly, "What is it?"
"Perhaps I should really go next door?"
Cheng Zhirang moved closer, gently guiding her head into his embrace, "It’s late. Close your eyes, and you’ll fall asleep soon, eh?"
"...Alright."
Mainly, lying there like a dead fish next to him felt odd.
She closed her eyes, trying to hypnotize herself: It’s fine, just think of it as buying a waist pillow and a heated pad, mere common objects.
Half an hour later, Cheng Zhirang opened his eyes, gently pulling the thin blanket higher. He listened to her gradually even breathing, closing his eyes again.
——
Having endured the night, Mu Qiu got up early, yawning as she packed her previously scattered suitcase.
Cheng Zhirang was putting on his clothes, arms stretching overhead with the shirt fitting snugly, his back muscles taut and visible.
Mu Qiu discreetly wiped away a bit of drool, speaking of going back, "Could you take me home early? I want to catch up on sleep."
"Didn’t sleep well?"
"I never sleep well on the first day."
"Then have breakfast at least," he turned, kneeling to help organize, saying, "I have a lunch meeting with a director at eleven to discuss a script."
Mu Qiu nodded, stealing a glance up at him.
When he hadn’t styled his hair, his bangs were a bit long, casually hanging down, covering half his eyebrows.
He’s definitely a man in tune with fashion trends; a quick swipe of his hair turns into the latest idol style.
She couldn’t resist reaching out to touch.
She brushed his bangs out of his eyes, then rubbed the end of his brow.
Cheng Zhirang paused, looking up at her, "Hmm?"
"Your eyes are really beautiful."
He chuckled, capturing her fingertip, tilting his head to place a kiss.
"Beautiful isn’t the word for me."
"Yet I think it’s perfect for you. On anyone else, it’s incomparable as when used for you."
It was so straightforward that Cheng Zhirang momentarily didn’t know how to respond.
Thankfully, Mu Qiu didn’t plan to press him, bending over a suitcase to peer over and kiss the corner of his mouth, ending the beauty contest.
"Go make breakfast; I’ll finish packing myself."
"...Alright."
And so, the idea of ordering breakfast was scrapped, and Cheng Zhirang headed downstairs to start cooking.
During this time, Mu Qiu went to the bathroom, packaged the trash, then discreetly disposed of it down the chute to ensure nothing suspicious, like red stains, remained in the room, thus finally easing up, she lugged her suitcase downstairs.
After a simple breakfast, Cheng Zhirang drove her back to the suburban villa.
Just as he was about to leave, a thought struck him and he turned at the door to ask her.
"Are you free next Thursday?"
"Is something happening?" She was always on guard against such questions, never agreeing without knowing the specifics.
Cheng Zhirang nodded, "To have dinner at my place. My mom expressed a wish to invite you over."
"To your home?"
This fast already meeting the parents? Is this how quickly adult relationships move?
Mu Qiu’s smile froze a bit, her first instinct was to decline, "That’s really not necessary, I wouldn’t want to impose."
Cheng Zhirang keenly observed her reaction and after a moment said, "Okay. Let me know when you’re ready and willing to go. Rest well at home, and I’ll be off."
She watched his gentle smile as he left, waving before driving out of sight.
Even after he’d gone, she remained standing by the door until her legs tired, only then walking into the living room to sit down.
Her reaction earlier was fine.
Truly fine.
She genuinely didn’t feel like going.
But, that initial response might’ve disappointed him.
She frowned with frustration for a while, finally sending a message to Cheng Zhirang.
[I’ll decide by Wednesday, is that okay?]
Cheng Zhirang quickly replied.
[No need to feel stressed. We’ve only been together for a short time, this is indeed a bit quick.]
It’s not the speed.
Mu Qiu knew herself; she just wanted a backup plan.
The phone buzzed with another message from Cheng Zhirang.
[I haven’t gone far, should I come back and pick you up?]
————
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