Chapter 10: A Night of Embarrassment and Completion

Despite still savoring the performance Lin Ziyao had given, the late hour prompted Qin Yu to act. After a full day of recording, exhaustion overwhelmed Lin Ziyao. Her eyelids fluttered, and her body swayed as she struggled to stay upright. Suddenly, she collapsed softly onto the bed, startling Qin Yu, who had been lost in thought. Qin Yu approached to check and found Lin Ziyao breathing deeply, her mouth gently moving as if whispering. The sight was so endearing that Qin Yu almost laughed. She carefully tucked Lin Ziyao in, folding the blanket to prevent her from kicking it off. Only then did Qin Yu return to her own bed, turning off the light and whispering, ‘Goodnight.’

[Warm reminder: Thirty minutes remain until the task fails. Please proceed to the guest’s bed to begin the countdown!]

Before Lin Ziyao could drift off, the system’s prompt echoed in her mind, instantly jolting her awake. ‘Can’t a person get some sleep?’ she grumbled, rubbing her eyes. To avoid waking Qin Yu, she kept her voice low.

[System reminder: Task is about to fail.]

‘Fine, no sleep for me, but this is worse than 996! Despite her complaints, Lin Ziyao’s body betrayed her curiosity. She quietly lifted the blanket Qin Yu had tucked around her and approached Qin Yu’s bed. Sleeping, Qin Yu’s features were flawless, her usual coldness softened by a gentle expression. Her sleepwear revealed the top of her chest, and Lin Ziyao couldn’t help but swallow hard, captivated by the sight.

Qin Yu’s scent of milk lingered, and Lin Ziyao, remembering her task, hesitated. Just as she reached for the blanket, a pair of deep eyes met hers. Qin Yu’s gaze was playful, and Lin Ziyao froze.

‘What are you doing?’ Qin Yu’s voice was soft, laced with sleepiness. Lin Ziyao scrambled for an excuse. ‘I woke up to check if your blanket was secure.’ She patted the blanket lightly, acting serious.

Qin Yu’s sleep was light, and she had already awakened when Lin Ziyao rose. She watched, amused by the ruse. ‘Is it secure now?’ Qin Yu’s smile hinted at her awareness of Lin Ziyao’s ploy.

Lin Ziyao’s back tingled with unease. She racked her brain for a solution, desperate to complete her task. ‘Qin Yu, I’m afraid of the dark!’ she blurted, her face flushed with embarrassment.

‘Ha ha ha!’ Qin Yu couldn’t suppress her laughter, rolling on the bed. Unable to bear it, Lin Ziyao’s face, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, urged her to speak. ‘Stop laughing!’

‘Pardon me, I… couldn’t help it!’ Qin Yu sat up, wiping tears from her eyes. ‘I never thought someone so grown-up would be afraid of the dark!’

‘Do you need me to keep the light on?’ Qin Yu asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Lin Ziyao, too embarrassed for the light, revealed her true intention. ‘Can I sleep with you, Qin Yu?’ Her heart braced for rejection, ready to find another way.

Qin Yu only pondered briefly before agreeing. ‘Sure.’ She shifted, making room for Lin Ziyao. As Lin Ziyao slipped into the warm embrace of Qin Yu’s bed, the lingering scent of milk enveloped her. Fortunately, their slender figures left enough space on the bed.

[System: Countdown started.]

With the countdown underway, Lin Ziyao finally relaxed. In the dim light, she could see Qin Yu’s serene face beside her. Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling. The intimacy was unnerving, and Lin Ziyao tried to shift away.

‘Ah!’ Unaware, she had moved to the edge of the bed. Her back felt a sudden emptiness, but Qin Yu quickly pulled her back. After that, they lay facing the same direction. Qin Yu, fearing Lin Ziyao might move again, rested her chin on Lin Ziyao’s shoulder, wrapping an arm around her waist, locking her in place.

‘Don’t move,’ Qin Yu murmured, her breath tickling Lin Ziyao’s ear. The sensation from Qin Yu’s touch made Lin Ziyao blush. ‘Too… too close!’ she whispered, trying to squirm free.

But Qin Yu didn’t respond, Lin Ziyao’s scent bringing her a profound sense of peace. She quickly fell asleep, Lin Ziyao’s movements barely disturbing her. She slept as if holding a beloved toy.

Unsuccessful in her struggle, Lin Ziyao had no choice but to accept her fate, nestled within Qin Yu’s embrace.

[Task completed. Reward: One music accompaniment.]

The system’s prompt woke Lin Ziyao again. She froze, recalling how she had fallen asleep in Qin Yu’s arms. Gently, she turned to look at Qin Yu, still asleep. To avoid disturbing her, Lin Ziyao remained still. With nothing else to do, she turned her thoughts to the system, curious about her reward. Since she couldn’t choose, the system had provided it.

Opening it, the familiar and exciting melody immediately stirred her senses, jolting her fully awake and making her want to dance.