Chapter 85: Something's Wrong
Soft-hearted again…
Even though she knew it was only temporary, that they'd eventually start arguing again.
Lying on her familiar bed, Chen Cheng let out a long sigh. All she could do was hope that, this time, her parents would actually keep their promise.
"Ah-choo!"
She sneezed, wrapped a coat over her pajamas, and tiptoed to the door. Pressing her ear against it, she listened carefully to the sounds outside.
"…An Yuan…"
The words were a bit muffled, but she was sure she had heard An Yuan's name.
Her mother's voice was filled with worry, while her father sounded upset. Even without hearing the full conversation, Chen Cheng could already guess what they were talking about.
No wonder their attitude changed so quickly! her father must have been feeding her mom nonsense, saying she was dating An Yuan.
Now it all made sense. Since An Yuan was seen as an "outside threat," her parents had temporarily united against a common enemy. Better to keep her close than let some "wild boar" take her away too soon, right?
Oh well, as long as things worked out for her, An Yuan could take the blame.
With her stomach still feeling stuffed from supper, Chen Cheng pushed open the door. The conversation in the living room instantly stopped.
She glanced over and saw her mom sitting on the couch watching TV while her father was playing on his phone next to her. At first glance, they actually looked… peaceful.
"Chengcheng, New Year's is in a few days. How long is your school break?" her mom asked.
"Probably two days?"
"Should we get some fireworks to celebrate?"
Chen Cheng frowned slightly. "No need. I don't like fireworks."
She had burned her hand on firecrackers when she was little, and ever since then, she had always stayed far away from them.
"Then how about we go shopping for some new clothes for the New Year?"
"Uh… hmm…"
She didn't really want to go out, but she also didn't want to reject her mom outright. So, after a moment of hesitation, she gave a reluctant nod.
Passing through the living room, she went into the dining area to pour herself a cup of warm water. As she drank, she observed her parents sitting quietly together on the couch.
It was rare to see them like this, peaceful, not arguing.
Hopefully, this lasts until after New Year's. The last thing I need is another holiday full of shouting.
Her father hesitated before speaking. "Chengcheng… about An Yuan…"
"I think it's fine," her mother interrupted. "They grew up together. If they end up getting married, at least Chengcheng will still be close to us, and they can visit often."
She didn't seem too bothered by the idea. "As long as it doesn't affect her grades, college entrance exams are coming up soon."
"Isn't it a bit too early?" her father asked cautiously, watching her mother's reaction like he was walking on thin ice, afraid of starting another argument.
Chen Cheng rolled her eyes.
What relationship? No one even confessed!
Yet, she felt too guilty to clear things up…
No matter how much she tried to convince herself that they were just close friends, deep down, she knew their relationship had already crossed the line. The way they interacted wasn't that different from a couple.
Pretending not to hear them, she finished her water and quickly headed back to her room.
"I'm going to sleep!"
After a satisfying midnight snack and taking her medicine, she climbed into bed. Sleepiness crept over her almost immediately.
Her mind wandered.
She worried about her parents' relationship. Then, she stressed over her situation with An Yuan. Her thoughts drifted from the domestic economy to international affairs, then to the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of humanity. Finally, she found herself reminiscing about last night, cuddling with An Yuan on the sofa, sharing a pillow…
Finally, she opened her eyes, all traces of drowsiness gone, her mind filled only with thoughts of something inappropriate.
Chen Cheng was no longer the shy, innocent kid who used to blush at her own reflection. Without hesitation, she got up, opened her wardrobe, and unlocked a drawer.
She pulled out a small, oval-shaped toy.
Obviously, I'm not the perverted one here.
It's this body, it just has a dirty mind!
Lying back on her bed, she slid a few layers of tissues under her hips, pressed her knees together, and picked up her phone.
She turned her head slightly, scrolling through a selection of steamy romance novels, ones where the female lead took center stage.
She used to only read romance novels from a male perspective, but somehow, without realizing it, she had started seeing things from a female's point of view…
Her feverish face was already flushed, but soon, a deeper shade of crimson spread across her skin, creeping down her neck. A delicate pink hue bloomed over her entire body, her eyes misty, as if they held a hidden peach blossom.
"An Yuan…"
Chen Cheng murmured absentmindedly. Using her best friend as inspiration gave her a strange sense of guilt, one that only made it feel more thrilling.
............…
"Chengcheng~ Time to wake up~"
"Your dad's leaving for work. Do you want to see him off?"
Chen Cheng groggily opened her eyes, staring at the dimly lit room.
Her whole body ached like she had been drained of all strength. Even breathing felt hot and damp against her lips. Her head was fuzzy, and her eyelids were so heavy she could barely keep them open.
Was her fever worse? She had thought a good night's sleep would make her feel better.
She turned her head slightly to glance at the clock. It was still early, but her father's two-day break was over. He had to head back to the city for work.
"Mooom… I have a fever…"
She weakly called out from under the covers.
Her door was locked, but her mother quickly found the spare key and rushed inside.
"What's wrong? Did your fever get worse?"
"I think so…"
Her mother sat on the edge of the bed, pressing the back of her hand against Chen Cheng's forehead before slipping a thermometer under her arm. Her brows knitted together in worry.
"I'll take you to the hospital, okay?"
"Just some medicine should be fine…" Chen Cheng mumbled. She hated hospitals. "Don't ask for leave. I'm still okay."
"Alright, let's wait until noon. If the fever doesn't go down, we're going to the hospital."
"Mm…"
As they waited for the thermometer, her mother habitually glanced around the room to see if anything needed tidying. Then, her eyes landed on something unexpected, the wide-open closet and the unlocked drawer inside.
Chen Cheng followed her mother's gaze, and suddenly, her hazy mind snapped awake.
Oh crap! Did she forget to put everything away before falling asleep?!
"A wig?" Her mother peered into the drawer, smiling playfully. "When did you get this? Thinking of growing your hair out?"
"Uh… yeah."
Under the blankets, Chen Cheng discreetly fumbled around, trying to find the other item, the one she had no idea where she had tossed.
"When your hair gets longer, I'll take you to get a nice perm. You'll look like a fairy."
"Sounds good…"
"Is your fever still bad?" Her father peeked into the room. "I can drop you off at the hospital on my way out."
No way! She could barely even sit up!
What if he pulled back the covers, and that thing rolled out onto the floor, right in front of both her parents?!
She'd have no choice but to run away from home. There would be no living that down.
Quickly, she shook her head and sweetly said, "Dad~ Have a good day at work~ Take care of yourself."
Her father froze for a second. Her soft, sleepy voice melted his heart, and he smiled so wide it nearly reached his ears. His voice became very gentle.
"Alright, alright~ Dad knows. I'll be back for New Year's. Want me to bring you anything?"
Wow… acting cute works like a charm. Every. Single. Time.
It was just a little embarrassing. She hadn't acted spoiled like this since she was a kid.
"No need… Just don't fight, okay?"
"Got it. No fighting. I'm heading out now."
"Bye-bye~"
Her father left the room with a goofy grin, and Chen Cheng finally let out a deep breath. The pressure was off.
Compared to her mother finding her toys, it's more embarrassing for her father to find them…
<+>
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