Chapter 40: Night of Unrestrained Passion

Two people deeply involved in their own work often develop their own rhythm in a relationship. There were moments when the distance between them felt noticeable, but Zhao Qiyan never saw that as a flaw. If anything, he believed that constant closeness could dull something important. What he wanted was something steadier—something that could withstand time and distance.

That afternoon, Qi Yan returned to the Zhao residence. Just as he was about to leave, Zhao Lin called out from behind him, “So you're in such a hurry to leave?”

“What? You want to treat me to dinner?”

“I wouldn’t dare be ungrateful.” She followed him downstairs, clearly heading toward the supermarket, though her curiosity was just as obvious. “So, how are things going with Ruan Jing in private?”

“Very good.” His answer was simple, leaving no room for elaboration.

Zhao Lin chuckled softly. “Actually, A-Jing has a much gentler personality than her sister. But honestly, San-San is still easier to get along with.”

Qi Yan only smiled. Opening the car door, he asked casually, “Want a ride?”

“No need. It’s just a short walk.” Then she paused, looking at him with a hint of amazement. “It’s really something… someone as arrogant and talented as you talking about feelings.”

“You’re asking for a beating,” he replied with a laugh.

Since it was still early, Zhao Qiyan made a stop at his coffee shop. Work at the institute had kept him busy lately, and he hadn’t paid much attention to this place. As soon as he stepped inside, a waiter approached him. “Mr. Zhao, I was just about to call you. There’s a lady waiting for you in your office.”

When he saw Chen Wen—dressed in a striking purple-red suit—he paused slightly in surprise. But before he could react, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. “Long time no see, Qi Yan.”

He returned the gesture briefly before stepping back. “Why didn’t you call first?”

“I was afraid you’d hide.”

“So you came in person?” he teased.

“Yes. Now you can’t escape even if you want to.” Her gaze lingered on him. “Qiyan… you’re not the same anymore.”

“What’s different?”

She thought for a moment. “You have more depth now.”

“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” He smiled faintly, pulling a can of Tsingtao beer from the mini-fridge and handing it to her. “You should’ve told the waiter you don’t drink non-alcoholic beverages.”

She laughed openly. “The most painful—and the luckiest—thing in my life was becoming friends with Zhao Qiyan.”

Leaning against the table, he opened his beer and took a sip. “Dinner’s on me tonight. Consider it a welcome back.”

“Then I’ll gladly accept.”

“Can I bring family along?”

She immediately caught the implication and laughed again. “Of course! I’d love to see who she is. Is it… that girl you once tried to force?”

He only smiled. “Don’t provoke her, or I’ll make an example of you.”

Chen Wen froze for a second, then burst into laughter. “Zhao Qiyan, I haven’t heard you talk like that in over ten years. Damn, I missed this!”

But that evening, when Zhao Qiyan arrived at the restaurant, he hung up his phone and said calmly, “Sorry. She’s busy. She can’t make it.”

For the first time, even Chen Wen found herself speechless.

Later that night, Zhao Qiyan returned home. Ruan Jing had already showered and gone to bed. He woke her gently, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

“Where did you eat? I ordered food for you at Nanyuan. Didn’t you pick it up?”

“I had bread.” She shifted, yawning as she sat up. “You smell like perfume.”

“I dropped a female friend off at her hotel.”

“Oh.” She pointed lazily at the takeout bag beside the bed. “What did you bring?”

“Almond porridge. Want to get up and eat?”

“No… I’m too sleepy. Put it in the fridge. I’ll have it tomorrow.” She lay back down.

“What were you busy with today?” he asked, pulling her closer. It had already been two days since they’d last seen each other.

“End-of-term fee settlement… winter break starts in half a month.” She rubbed her nose, half-asleep.

“I’ll take a shower.” He leaned down and kissed her lightly. “Don’t fall asleep.”

But when he came out, she already had.

This time, he didn’t wake her. Still, as he slipped into bed, he couldn’t resist pulling her into his arms. Holding her close, feeling her warmth, stirred something deeper. Desire lingered, but he restrained himself. The frustration left him quietly sighing—she was right there, yet he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her rest.

The next morning, as Ruan Jing walked through the university gates, she ran into Jin Xiaoyao.

“Good morning, Teacher Ruan.”

“Morning.”

“Didn’t you drive today?”

“Mm.”

“I bought a car recently, but I don’t have my license yet. It’s just sitting there.”

Ruan Jing walked calmly, one hand tucked into her pocket. She glanced sideways, unsure where the conversation was heading, and simply nodded.

“You don’t mind if I call you A-Jing, right?”

“Mm, it’s fine.”

“I heard you haven’t been here long. Settling in okay?”

After a brief pause, Ruan Jing stopped. “Teacher Jin, is there something you want to say?”

“No, no, not really. Just thought we could all hang out sometime. Play ball, like last time. Work’s getting boring. Oh—and Teacher Chen keeps talking about you. He wants to invite you to play again.”

Ruan Jing felt slightly puzzled. “We’ll see.”

Back in the finance office, Ruan Xian hadn’t arrived yet. Ruan Jing placed breakfast on her desk before returning to her own seat. She turned on her computer and scrolled through MSN while sipping her porridge.

Then her phone rang. “Have you eaten?”

“I’m eating now.”

“Oh, right—I forgot to ask. A colleague of mine is getting married today. Want to come as a bridesmaid?”

“Me? Are you serious?”

“…I’m the best man.”

Ruan Jing stared blankly at the ceiling. “Why would they ask you to be the best man?”

“Because,” he replied calmly, “I’m the only one who isn’t married yet.”

That afternoon, she took half a day off and went along with it, half amused, half resigned. But by evening, when Zhao Qiyan’s colleagues came over to toast and loudly called her “sister-in-law,” the entire crowd began mistaking her for the bride.

Ruan Jing was mortified.

She begged them to stop, but they simply switched to calling her “Sister-in-law Zhao.”

In defeat, she went to find Zhao Qiyan.

That night, he was… different.

The moment they stepped inside, he pulled her close, kissing her with urgency, hands already moving as though he had held back for too long. There was nothing restrained about him—everything was raw, intense, consuming.

It felt as though the world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

The next morning, Ruan Jing woke up feeling completely drained, her body heavy with the aftermath.

Much later, when their relationship had deepened and she could finally ask without embarrassment, she brought it up.

“Why were you so… intense that day?”

He didn’t hesitate.

“You looked beautiful in a white dress.”