Downpour
Bai Xin’s lips were particularly cool today because it was raining outside—a heavy rain that extinguished the big fire and also lowered the city’s temperature. She had come from outside, and stepping suddenly into this air-conditioned place, her body actually felt a bit cold.
But when Cheng Jiqing’s kiss landed, she grew hot.
The nerves that had been taut with fury just a second before suddenly short-circuited, her mind going blank for an instant.
A blankness she had never experienced before.
The unfamiliarity and shock brought by this strange emotion were like a spark landing on the path she had carefully planned and navigated, step by step1, for years. It abruptly halted her steps; her heart was filled with joy and excitement, yet simultaneously fraught with anxiety.
This wasn’t quite what she had imagined.
This kiss from Cheng Jiqing held no other meaning.
Yet it was more startling than desire; her heart trembled, her hands clenched into fists, and she closed her eyes.
A few seconds later, Cheng Jiqing, breathing unevenly, pulled back slightly. Her head was still lowered, their foreheads almost touching. Their eyes met, each filled with their own nameless emotions.
The only things they shared were their rising and falling chests, and their heartbeats.
Bai Xin’s pale lips were kissed crimson and moist. Her lips parted as she exhaled, her gaze meeting Cheng Jiqing’s. The next second, she raised her hands to cup Cheng Jiqing’s cheeks and leaned in again.
Actually, Cheng Jiqing met her halfway in the same second.
Cheng Jiqing had never been in a relationship, so naturally, she had no experience with kissing. Even her first night with Bai Xin was a blur.
Thus, it was somewhat messy, somewhat rushed and clumsy.
But she was an extremely fast learner. From the initial fumbling, she gradually found the rhythm after half a minute. Bai Xin stumbled back two steps, unsteady, her back hitting the wall. Cheng Jiqing pressed closer.
And reached out to lock the door.
In the silent hospital room, only the sound of their entanglement remained.
Even if there were no intentions at the very beginning, now there was everything.
Cheng Jiqing felt a coolness on her waist, gradually spreading upwards. She was wearing a hospital gown; her dirty clothes had been changed when she arrived. Now, she had disposable bottoms on, but her upper body was bare.
They were holding each other; Bai Xin naturally knew this.
Cheng Jiqing’s acquiescence made Bai Xin’s actions grow bolder, showing a tendency to advance. Cheng Jiqing’s throat tightened as she kissed the person deeper…
“President Cheng, this is the room. The light is still on.”
Cheng Jiqing paused, pulling back slightly, grabbing Bai Xin’s hand, wanting her to stop. But Bai Xin seemed not to hear the voices outside, pressing against Cheng Jiqing’s smooth back and continuing.
Wild and fearless.
For a moment, Cheng Jiqing was lost in it, surprisingly reluctant to push her away.
The people outside knocked on the door. Amidst the tense atmosphere, Cheng Jiqing, inside the room, pinched the nape of Bai Xin’s neck, deepening the kiss.
“There’s no one in the bed. Did she go to the washroom?”
“She should have heard after knocking for so long. How could you let her stay in the room alone!”
Outside the door, Cheng Jing was frantic with anger and worry. Secretary Liu had told her about Cheng Jiqing trending online. Seeing the picture at that time, she had felt a chill run through her entire body.
She knew better than anyone how averse Cheng Jiqing was to fire!
After the fire fifteen years ago, although Cheng Jiqing had forgotten many things about that day, she still suffered from severe PTSD.
For a period, even seeing warm colors would make her scream in fear, sometimes even faint.
She couldn’t imagine how helpless Cheng Jiqing must have been in that burning building.
The hospital administrator being scolded by Cheng Jing looked innocent. How could she know about Cheng’s affairs? Before Cheng Jing arrived, she didn’t even know this was the legendary Little CEO Cheng[.
She only knew there was some connection with Doctor Tang Jia.
“I’ve asked the nurse to get the key.”
Cheng Jiqing finally pulled Bai Xin away slightly. Seeing Bai Xin’s brow furrow in dissatisfaction, she gently stroked the back of her neck soothingly.
Then whispered close to Bai Xin’s ear, “Want to hide?”
The VIP room had its own private washroom.
She finished speaking and looked at Bai Xin.
There was no choice but to hide. If Cheng Jing came in and saw Bai Xin, who knew what kind of trouble would arise—especially since she and Bai Xin had been inside for quite a while.
It would definitely be impossible to explain clearly.
Right now, Bai Xin would be annoyed no matter who showed up, let alone Cheng Jing.
Bai Xin’s peach-blossom eyes were tinged with passion, misty. Her hands were still touching Cheng Jiqing, their bodies almost pressed together. At that moment, the annoyance in Cheng Jiqing’s eyes seemed to carry a hint of playful pique.
Her throat felt itchy, and her back itched where fingernails had scratched.
Cheng Jiqing called out, “Don’t come in, I’m changing.”
Cheng Jing’s reply came from outside: “Okay, take your time, don’t rush.”
Although Cheng Jiqing also felt Cheng Jing’s arrival was ill-timed, there was nothing wrong with her worrying about her younger sister.
Cheng Jiqing lowered her head again, saying, “Um… I’ll get rid of her as soon as possible.”
Bai Xin seemed to reluctantly accept this suggestion. However, because of the transparent glass panel on the door, she had to duck her head and walk close to the door as she passed.
The little cat who had bared her fangs at her just moments ago now looked inexplicably cute performing this action.
After Bai Xin had fully entered and closed the door, Cheng Jiqing unlocked the main door, turned around, got into bed, pulled the covers up to her chest, and only then called out, “Okay, come in.”
“Why didn’t you tell me something so major happened? Do you know how worried I was about you when I heard the news?” Cheng Jing sat down on Cheng Jiqing’s bed. Her initial urgency upon entering eased slightly after seeing Cheng Jiqing’s complexion.
Cheng Jiqing said, “I’m fine, didn’t you see? It’s just observation for one night.”
Cheng Jing said, “You should have told me anyway. I’m your older sister. Do I have to hear news about you from others?”
“Alright.” Cheng Jiqing didn’t argue, deciding to go along with Cheng Jing for now, just wanting to send her away first.
Cheng Jing softened her tone, “Such a big fire, how did you get through it? Chengcheng, how can I rest easy with you like this?”
Cheng Jiqing said, “It’s okay, don’t worry. Even the biggest fire is in the past now.”
Hearing this, Cheng Jing thought Cheng Jiqing was referring to the fire from their childhood. Her gaze darkened slightly, and she said, “It was my fault back then. If I had noticed earlier…”
She paused, not finishing the sentence.
Cheng Jiqing subconsciously pictured scenes from that fire in her mind. This was the first time Cheng Jing had mentioned it in front of her.
“When I was in the building, I actually remembered some things.”
Cheng Jing froze. “Remembered what?”
Hearing Cheng Jing’s tone, Cheng Jiqing wondered if it was her imagination, but it sounded like nervousness. She couldn’t help but become wary2. “Nothing much, just remembering being in that small room, surrounded by fire. It’s quite scary thinking about it…”
“Then don’t think about it. Don’t dwell on bad memories.”
Cheng Jiqing probed, “I forgot how I got out that day. I just can’t remember.”
Cheng Jing’s expression flickered slightly. “I told you before, how could you forget? I carried you out.”
Cheng Jiqing paused.
Cheng Jing was lying. Why?
She nodded. “Oh, maybe I didn’t want to think about it, so I don’t remember clearly.”
“Then don’t think about it. Just forget it if you’ve forgotten. Chengcheng, are you uncomfortable anywhere else?”
Taking the water cup Cheng Jing handed her, she took a sip. She understood this tactic of changing the subject all too well; she often used it when dealing with reporters.
Cheng Jiqing shook her head and asked one last question: “I seem to remember someone else besides Mom and you being there that day…”
Actually, she had searched online earlier. Reports about the fire at the Cheng family’s small flat in Nanyuan fifteen years ago were scarce. She only found one article mentioning that several people were injured in the fire that day, and one person died.
Fifteen years ago, the Cheng family was already prominent and influential, yet there were so few reports, which was puzzling.
“It wasn’t anyone important. Don’t bring up things from over a decade ago. You’re so scared, don’t think about these past events.”
Cheng Jing’s words carried, word for word, into the other room—
Bai Xin leaned against the snow-white tiles, her expression indifferent. A dead person was indeed no longer important.
But from Cheng Jing’s words, she heard something else…
She could almost be certain now that Cheng Jing knew what really happened that night.
But due to some relationship or reason, she had concealed it.
To be precise, she could now also confirm her own suspicions—both the Cheng family and Bai Zhaoliang had hidden the truth about that day.
She heard Cheng Jing say, “I heard Bai Xin brought you guys over today? Was it a coincidence, or did you arrange it privately?”
Bai Xin narrowed her eyes dangerously.
This wasn’t the first time she had heard this—Cheng Jing intensely disliked the Bai family, or rather, disliked her association with Cheng Jiqing.
Bai Xin sneered inwardly. If she were to walk out now, what kind of expression would be on that face?
Outside.
Cheng Jiqing frowned. That feeling of constraint welled up from her heart again. At times like this, Cheng Jing always gave her the feeling of wanting to invade her space.
Although it sounded like a normal inquiry.
“Just a coincidence,” Cheng Jiqing said coolly.
She suddenly thought, it was the same last time. Although Cheng Jing let her work on a project with Bai Xin, she clearly looked down on Bai Corporation, both overtly and covertly, especially showing disdain for Bai Zhaoliang.
She had even told her to limit contact privately.
Cheng Jiqing cleared her throat. “I’m a bit tired. Why don’t you head back first?”
Cheng Jing said, “I shouldn’t have made you talk so much. If you’re tired, just sleep. I’ll stay here and watch over you tonight.”
Cheng Jiqing: “…?”
Cheng Jiqing’s gaze instinctively flickered towards the washroom door. “I can’t sleep with someone else in the room. Really, nothing’s wrong anymore. You should go back.”
Cheng Jing insisted twice but was refused both times by Cheng Jiqing. Cheng Jiqing frowned slightly; saying she was tired wasn’t entirely false. Moreover, she could never truly relax in front of Cheng Jing and had to constantly manage the interaction, which made her feel even more exhausted.
More tiring than arguing with Bai Xin earlier.
Seeing this, Cheng Jing didn’t want Cheng Jiqing to resist her again, especially since their relationship had slightly improved just a few days ago.
She relented, “Alright then, rest well. I’ll come pick you up tomorrow morning.”
Just appease her for now, Cheng Jiqing thought, nodding.
Cheng Jiqing watched Cheng Jing leave, staring until the door closed. She first turned off the room lights, then got out of bed to lock the door again.
Afterward, she walked to the washroom door and turned the handle. It wasn’t locked.
Bai Xin was leaning against the wall, her eyes slightly lowered, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking. She didn’t look at Cheng Jiqing.
Cheng Jiqing paused silently. She occasionally felt bewildered by Bai Xin’s changes, always wanting to guess what Bai Xin had been thinking during the ten minutes she talked with Cheng Jing.
What was she unhappy about?
Because she waited too long?
Or was the anger from the afternoon still not vented?
Cheng Jiqing asked directly, “What are you unhappy about?”
Bai Xin glanced sideways, her eyes, devoid of the color of passion, returned to their usual clear-as-water state.
Cheng Jiqing didn’t know why the phrase popped into her head at this moment—some people’s affection comes quickly and goes just as fast.
She said, “So, should we continue our talk now?”
She had taken the first step forward; she wanted to give the choice to Bai Xin.
Cheng Jiqing held a bit of anticipation and nervousness. She had never been in love, nor had she had the inclination before.
But today, truly coming back from the brink of death, the moment she saw Bai Xin, her heart wavered—life is so short, what’s the point of being constantly tense?
The argument with Bai Xin was unexpected, and it also suddenly gave her the urge to indulge, to let go. What harm could trying do?
Try out her own feelings.
Try out Bai Xin’s intentions.
Try to see if it really wasn’t just her imagination.
She felt that their kiss had answered that question, proving it wasn’t her imagination—at least not at that moment.
But Bai Xin now made her uncertain again, not so certain anymore.
So, the next step was Bai Xin’s to take.
She waited for Bai Xin’s answer.
Continue, or stop here.
The washroom light was on. Bai Xin could see the seriousness, purity, and sincerity on the exquisite face, capable of melting an iceberg.
A sudden emotion made her feel a flicker of retreat.
A few seconds later, Cheng Jiqing’s expression relaxed. She smiled lightly, “Then let’s not talk about it. Um… Cheng Jing has left. I’m staying here tonight. Are you going back now or?”
Cheng Jiqing’s character was probably the purest Bai Xin had ever seen. Her personality also had shrewdness; she was clever like a fox, and Bai Xin had seen her ruthlessness when she struck hard.
But most of the time, Cheng Jiqing was full of sincerity, like a clean sheet of paper maintaining its integrity in a flashy world, making people feel comfortable.
This was also Cheng Jiqing’s inherent personal charm.
Just like now, Cheng Jiqing smoothly changed the subject, not making her feel awkward in the slightest. Gentlemanly, friendly.
However, Bai Xin didn’t think this was necessarily good.
She preferred the Cheng Jiqing from earlier—aggressive, reckless, kissing her without a care.
Because the current Cheng Jiqing, while seemingly friendly, was actually signaling a proactive distancing.
Bai Xin had no doubt that after today, perhaps Cheng Jiqing would revert, and apart from hugs, they would never have a closer relationship.
Once Cheng Jiqing decided on something, she was actually a very decisive person.
This was evident from her selling shares without hesitation, taking risks most people wouldn’t dare, and investing a large sum in Lan Qi.
Bai Xin’s thoughts raced for only a few seconds.
She grabbed Cheng Jiqing’s arm as she was about to walk away, saying, “Don’t want to go back.”
Cheng Jiqing had noticed Bai Xin’s lips looked a bit dry and was about to pour her a glass of water. Hearing this, she froze, her movement halting. “Then…”
The lights in the hospital room were off; only the faint light filtering through the glass remained.
The rain outside continued intermittently, but it wasn’t enough to cover the sounds from the bathroom. Cheng Jiqing sat on the edge of the bed, feeling she really had been impulsively ridiculous.
How did she end up agreeing to let Bai Xin sleep with her?
This was a hospital room. Even if the chance of someone else disturbing them was low, they were still technically outside.
And heaven knew what time Cheng Jing would arrive tomorrow.
When Cheng Jiqing thought about Bai Xin sleeping in the same bed with her soon, she already felt parched3.
She drank a few sips of water, and then heard the door open.
Cheng Jiqing swallowed. In the dim light, she saw Bai Xin walking over step by step. She asked in a low voice, “Are you really sleeping here? What if someone comes?”
“When you were kissing me earlier, why didn’t you think about ‘what if someone comes’?”
“…”
Fine, she’d been checkmated4.
The dress Bai Xin wore was brought by Song Ling—one dress, one set of short-sleeved top and long pants, originally for Cheng Jiqing to choose from.
Now it seemed as if it was fated.
Bai Xin walked to the other side of the bed. “Not sleeping?”
Cheng Jiqing: “…Sleeping.”
Bai Xin lifted the covers and got into bed. Cheng Jiqing paused, then slipped under the covers too.
The beds in VIP rooms were 1.35 meters wide, enough for two people to sleep… Just as Cheng Jiqing lay down, Bai Xin turned sideways and slid over, her hand resting on her waist.
As Bai Xin drew near, her body seemed to carry the lingering moisture from her recent shower.
Cheng Jiqing smelled a damp scent mingled with lily fragrance.
“You didn’t use the shower gel?” Cheng Jiqing suddenly asked.
Because when she showered, she had seen the hospital-provided shower gel—jasmine scented, which she didn’t particularly like, so she hadn’t used it.
Bai Xin didn’t have that scent on her either.
“Mm, didn’t like it.”
Bai Xin’s chin rested uncomfortably on Cheng Jiqing’s collarbone. She lifted her head slightly, still finding the spot just below the neck most comfortable.
She leaned closer. Cheng Jiqing took a shallow breath. “Alright.”
Bai Xin’s arm rested there without moving, but her fingers tapped intermittently. Her fingertips had tiny nails, perceptible even through the clothes.
“What scent do you smell?”
“Your scent.”
“What scent is that?”
“Fragrant.”
Hearing this, Bai Xin’s lips curled slightly. She nuzzled Cheng Jiqing’s neck with her nose. “You too.”
Cheng Jiqing swallowed. The earlier topic hadn’t continued, but could she interpret Bai Xin grabbing her arm as a response?
Perhaps Bai Xin still needed some time to think?
Cheng Jiqing asked herself inwardly5, had she figured out her own feelings?
Sudden silence filled the space, neither speaking, only the rustle of fabric as the covers shifted slightly.
Bai Xin moved, holding Cheng Jiqing tighter.
“Cheng Jiqing.”
“Go ahead.”
“I was worried.”
Cheng Jiqing heard the soft voice. The rain outside had stopped, replaced by dripping sounds, drip, drip. For a moment, she almost thought it was the sound of melting snow.
A smile touched her eyes. She said warmly, “I know.”
“You know?”
“Guessed.”
Cheng Jiqing cleared her uncomfortable throat. “Miss Bai, when you’re worried, just say you’re worried. Cursing at people isn’t right. Listen to the things you said—did saying them make you feel better, or me?”
No one had ever ‘scolded’ her like this before.
Because she never ‘acted out’ like this in front of others either.
Bai Xin said, “Oh.”
This reply wasn’t indifferent; it had a slight drawl, very soft, carrying the weight of compromise.
Another brief silence, aside from the gradually rising heat and quicker breathing.
Bai Xin was on her side, so her body brushed slightly against Cheng Jiqing’s arm. The sensation was startling. Though her breath wasn’t near the left gland, it was enough to stir her nerves.
“Let’s sleep.”
Bai Xin’s voice was husky. If Cheng Jiqing’s voice hadn’t sounded somewhat tired, she wouldn’t have wanted to let her off at all.
Cheng Jiqing took a deep breath. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
It would be strange if they could actually fall asleep. It was already three in the morning.
Bai Xin kicked the covers slightly with her heel, sticking her foot out, which felt a bit cooler.
The dress she wore was made of stretchy fabric, off-white, comfortable and breathable against the skin, but Bai Xin still felt incredibly hot.
Listening to the even breathing beside her, she felt that her decision just now to let Cheng Jiqing sleep was a blunder6.
But she couldn’t quite bear to wake her up.
No matter what, she still had a bit of a heart. Cheng Jiqing had, after all, just experienced a fire, and while suffering from PTSD…
She crossed her knees, biting her lip. After a moment, she forced herself to calm down and looked at Cheng Jiqing’s profile.
The light was just enough to make out the exquisite smoothness of her features.
She raised her hand, her fingertip lightly touching Cheng Jiqing’s lips—dry. The warmth of her breath hit her finger. She remembered their kiss tonight.
Lifting her head slightly, she leaned over and brushed her lips against Cheng Jiqing’s.
And then… she felt that breathing pause.
Bai Xin froze. She knew Cheng Jiqing was awake.
She leaned back against Cheng Jiqing’s shoulder.
Cheng Jiqing didn’t open her eyes. She hadn’t actually been asleep. A normal Alpha, fully conscious, with an Omega who made your heart race sleeping beside you—
If she could still fall asleep like this, it wouldn’t be called thick-skinned, it would be called impotence7.
Clearly, she wasn’t the only one exercising restraint tonight; Bai Xin was too.
Perhaps it was because of the half-resolved argument earlier that night, making it harder for them to act recklessly… that was her guess.
But endurance was an incredibly painful form of mental torture.
It suddenly grew noisy outside—the sound of rain.
It had been raining all night, and now it was getting heavier, sounding quite torrential.
“Cheng Jing is coming to pick you up in the morning.”
Bai Xin broke the silence.
Cheng Jiqing opened her eyes, her voice raspy. “Mm, probably very early.”
She had actually set an alarm for six, afraid Bai Xin wouldn’t have time to get up. She heard Bai Xin whisper in her ear, “Cheng Jiqing, let’s run away.”
The rain outside, after dripping all night, finally broke free from its cage, turning into a downpour8.
Cheng Jiqing sat in the passenger seat. Bai Xin was driving, heading towards the Nanyang urban district.
At four in the morning in Beicheng, everything was still half-asleep, the entire city drowsy, veiled in dim grayness.
The heavy rain grew fiercer, drumming against the car windows.
The music radio was playing in the white car, turned up loud, but still couldn’t overcome the sound of the downpour.
Cheng Jiqing couldn’t settle down, nor could Bai Xin, so they drove in silence.
As they neared the residential complex, the storm truly arrived.
Bai Xin pulled the car over to the side of the road, and the windshield wipers stopped. The sky was dim, the torrential rain obscuring everything, creating a sense of being in a deserted realm.
Cheng Jiqing turned her head and saw Bai Xin unbuckle her seatbelt, then climb over towards her.
On the radio, one song had just ended, and the intro to another began—
‘I might lose my mind, Waking when the sun’s down……Riding all these highs, Waiting for the comedown……’9
‘我或许快失去理智了，夕阳西沉时才醒来，到达巅峰，然后等待毁灭……’10
The author has something to say:
Everyone was so enthusiastic yesterday, so I added a little extra today, but my back is so sore~
Chengcheng: Drive safely in the downpour.
Song—’comethru’, Jeremy Zucker.
✨ Unlock Early Access to Chapters! ✨
Choose your perfect membership at bamboopandatl.net:
📚 Full Access ($4.99)
• Advanced chapters of ALL ongoing novels
• Access to complete finished novels
• Ad-free reading experience
📖 Single Novel Access ($1.49)
• Advanced chapters of ONE specific novel
• Ad-free reading for chosen novel
PayPal is the only current payment option!