Chapter 45: A Night’s Encounter

“Xia Zhiquiu, Zhiquiu, that’s a lovely name.”

Xia Zhiquiu was taken aback by the compliment, but quickly recovered with a radiant smile. “Thank you.”

She emerged from the convenience store, carrying a few bottles of water. Yingluo watched the departing woman, her gaze lingering for a long while before she finally snapped out of her trance, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

Meanwhile, Xia Zhiquiu handed the water to Gu Chen and the others. Bai Hao waited eagerly for Xia to give him a bottle, but was met with silence. Disappointed, he had to ask her directly. “Xia, you didn’t buy one for me, did you?”

Xia Zhiquiu snorted and thrust a bottle into his hands. “Don’t assume I’m as petty as you!”

Bai Hao grinned, savoring the unexpected sweetness of the water. “By the way, little Gu, do you know the store manager? She’s so beautiful!”

Xia Zhiquiu sighed wistfully. “If only there was a woman like that managing the store downstairs, I wouldn’t be stuck with you, you jerk…”

Gu Chen nodded thoughtfully. “She’s certainly popular, I’ve heard many are pursuing her.”

Gu Xin frowned, her voice tinged with disapproval. “Bro, stay away from that woman. I have a bad feeling about her!”

Gu Chen scratched his head, puzzled. “Why, little Gu? How do you know?”

Gu Xin lifted her chin, her expression serious. “Intuition.”

Bai Hao raised an eyebrow, curious. “You’ve piqued my interest. I wonder if she’s as beautiful as you, Xia.”

As they walked, Bai Hao, trailing behind, pulled gently on Xia’s arm, earning him a warning glare. But when he asked his question, Xia considered for a moment, then proudly stood taller. “She may be beautiful, but I’m still the more captivating one.”

***

Under the soft glow of the night, Xia Zhiquiu and Bai Hao decided against staying at Gu Chen’s place, opting instead for a hotel.

When booking the rooms, Xia Zhiquiu, remembering a previous hotel experience, firmly booked two separate rooms.

Bai Hao pouted, clearly displeased. “Xia, there are double rooms available. Why waste money on two?”

Xia left him with a dismissive “humph” and headed to her room, leaving Bai Hao staring at her alluring figure as she disappeared into her room.

Bai Hao, unable to rest, soon found himself at Xia’s door, knocking gently.

Xia, freshly out of the shower, wore a deep purple nightgown that hugged her curves, creating a tantalizing silhouette. Upon opening the door, her expression turned cold. “What do you want?”

Bai Hao’s eyes lit up as he took in her damp hair and the alluring scent of her bath products. But seeing her guarded stance, he quickly changed his approach. “Xia, I wanted to discuss the echoing spirit. I have some ideas.”

Xia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Then tell me.”

Bai Hao gestured to the hallway. “Xia, are you sure we should discuss this here?”

After a moment of hesitation, Xia reluctantly stepped aside, her eyes never leaving his. “Come in, but behave yourself!”

Bai Hao smiled, entering the room with ease. He quickly found the hairdryer and sat at the edge of the bed, motioning for her to join him. “Xia, come here. I’ll dry your hair for you.”

Xia’s reaction was swift and firm. “No, I don’t need that. Just tell me what you came to say and then go back to your room.”

Seeing her resistance, Bai Hao decided to play along, sitting back and silently observing her. Xia, frustrated, finally relented. “Fine, I don’t care. Just tell me what you came for and leave.”

Bai Hao pretended to be exhausted, lying back on the bed. “I’m so tired, I can’t even move. I think I’ll just sleep here…”

Xia, exasperated, finally gave in. “What do you want, really?”

Bai Hao sat up, his eyes sincere. “I just want to dry your hair, Xia. My dad used to do this for my mom, and I want to know what it feels like. I promise, no ulterior motives.”

Xia hesitated, her eyes meeting his for a fleeting moment. “If that’s all, then I suppose it’s alright.”

Xia approached him cautiously, her eyes averted. Bai Hao’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, his mind wandering to the possibility of her being with child.

But he pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. “Xia, I love you.”

Xia, caught off guard, froze. After a moment, she turned to him, her eyes flashing with anger. “Say that again, and you’re out of here!”

Bai Hao stifled a laugh, his expression turning serious. “Xia, can’t you just enjoy this moment with me? It’s so romantic.”

Xia rolled her eyes. “Romantic? I’m doing well enough not to slap you right now. And you think a confession from you is romantic? Especially from you?”

“So, you came here just to say that? Do you have any actual information about Gu Xin?”

Bai Hao shrugged, continuing to dry her hair. “Honestly, I don’t.”

Xia turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. “So, everything you said was a lie?”