The taillights of the cars in the distance had disappeared into the night, leaving only the three of them standing in the cold wind, staring blankly at the empty road.
And I, still hiding at the parking lot exit, watched it all.
Xia Ling's cold attitude didn't extinguish Wang Xiong's desire; instead, it intensified his urge to conquer. After this night, what awaited Xia Ling was likely more humiliation and torment…
I knew this contest had only just begun.
…
Wang Xiong's father was right; Xia Ling was indeed not a simple person.
I quietly avoided the sight of Wang Xiong and his group, walked to the alley entrance, and hurriedly hailed a taxi home. I was restless the whole way, my mind replaying everything that had happened in the parking lot.
As I pushed open the villa door, a faint scent of jasmine wafted out, the air still carrying the steam from her shower, mingled with the lingering fragrance of Xia Ling's usual French perfume.
Xia Ling had already showered; her wet hair cascaded smoothly over her shoulders, a few droplets still clinging to her strands. She casually tied her hair up halfway with a white ribbon, a few soft strands gently brushing against her fair cheeks and swan-like neck. Without the sharp edge of her professional makeup, she resembled an unadorned sketch, her skin almost translucent white, a delicate beauty that evoked a pang of tenderness.
She sat quietly on the Italian-imported genuine leather sofa in the first-floor living room, her slender body sinking into the soft leather. She wore a black silk nightgown, the silk sheen softly under the light. The neckline of her nightgown subtly revealed a glimpse of her fair skin, the hem falling just above her knees—neither revealing nor overly ostentatious, maintaining a perfect balance of elegance.
Xia Ling, fresh from a shower, was bare-legged, her fair skin appearing even more delicate under the light. Her slender feet were encased in beige slippers, her jade-like white toes perfectly framed.
A steaming cup of floral tea sat on the coffee table, its delicate aroma blending perfectly with the freshness of her shower.
As I stood in the entryway changing my shoes, I inadvertently caught a glimpse of Xia Ling's long, shapely legs. Without stockings, her skin appeared even more radiant, glowing with a healthy sheen under the soft light of the floor lamp. This side of Xia Ling was rare, yet exceptionally captivating, as if she had shed her usual defenses, revealing her most authentic self.
At that moment, Xia Ling was holding her phone, talking to someone across the room.
"Captain Li, I want to ask you something. Do you know Wang Datao?" Xia Ling's voice was soft and restrained. After a moment, she added, "Yes, I'll wait for you at home."
Hanging up the phone, Xia Ling looked at me. "Xiaowei, why are you so late? Didn't I… tell you to come home?"
Xia Ling deliberately acted as usual, but whenever the topic of what had happened came up, her words faltered slightly.
I stood in the living room, hesitant to speak.
The scenes I witnessed in the parking lot pierced my heart like knives, but I didn't know how to begin.
"Mom… are you alright?" I asked cautiously.
Xia Ling gave a faint smile. "I'm fine. Mom will protect you." Her voice was soft, yet firm.
"I'll go change my clothes." She stood up gracefully, her slender waist swaying gently, her slippers making a soft patter on the floor, and headed upstairs.
I heard the sound of the walk-in closet opening and closing upstairs, and the gentle sliding of drawers. A short while later, Mom reappeared on the stairs, now wearing black stockings.
The ultra-thin black stockings, with their subtle pearlescent sheen, clung to her legs, making her already perfect shape even more alluring. As she sat back down on the sofa, the silky hem of her skirt rode up slightly, making her posture even more seductive.
I couldn't help but wonder why Mom had specifically changed into stockings. Was it because of Li Zheng? Watching Mom sit back on the sofa, her stocking-clad legs elegantly crossed, a strange feeling stirred within me.
Mom seemed to notice my gaze, subtly adjusting her skirt and gathering her loose hair. Her movements appeared natural, yet carried a hint of deliberate effort.
Not long after, the doorbell rang; Li Zheng had arrived.
Before Li Zheng entered the living room, Mom subconsciously adjusted her skirt again. I clearly saw Li Zheng's gaze linger on Mom for a moment, especially on her beautiful legs encased in black stockings.
He looked to be just over thirty, with a straight posture, a resolute face, and wore a dark blue police uniform. His eyes radiated righteousness. Although younger than Mom, his gaze towards her was filled with protectiveness.
"Sister Ling," Li Zheng said, his tone respectful and concerned.
Mom smiled slightly: "Sit down, Captain Li."
Li Zheng sat on the sofa, trying to maintain a professional police image, but his gaze involuntarily swept over Mom's slender body again and again.
Every time Mom slightly adjusted her posture, the moment her jade-like feet, encased in black stockings, were glimpsed through her slippers, Li Zheng's breathing noticeably quickened.
"Sister Ling, I looked into Wang Datao on the way here. Something seems off about him lately," Li Zheng began, deliberately lowering his voice. "These past few years, his entertainment club has started to transform into a legitimate business. I heard he has very strong connections, and it seems he wants to completely reinvent himself."
His gaze kept shifting between Xia Ling's stockinged legs and delicate face during the conversation. When she got up to pour tea, his eyes involuntarily followed her back, especially the perfect curves outlined by her silk nightgown as she bent over.
As he handed her the tea, Xia Ling's fingers unconsciously tightened around the cup. "Captain Li, have some tea."
Her voice was tired, yet tinged with suppressed emotion.
Li Zheng hesitated. "Sister Ling, what happened between you and Wang Datao…?"
His years of unrequited love burned even more intensely at this moment. He seemed eager to demonstrate his abilities, yet he couldn't help stealing glances at those stockinged legs that haunted his dreams. Mother seemed fully aware of everything. Every movement she made was perfectly timed, neither deliberate nor overtly seductive.
Mother hesitated, then sat down again. Her legs, hidden beneath her black stockings, unconsciously shifted position. Li Zheng keenly noticed this subtle movement and felt a pang of heartache.
"Sister Ling," Li Zheng's voice suddenly softened, "no matter what happens, I will stand by your side. You know, ever since Xiaowei's father left, I've sworn to protect you and Xiaowei."
His gaze was fixed intently on Mother, his eyes filled with burning adoration.
Mother wore a black nightgown, her wet hair disheveled. Her beautiful legs, clad in black stockings, were even more alluring under the light. Even with slight fatigue, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Watching this subtle scene, my doubts grew stronger. Why did Mother deliberately change into black stockings to see Li Zheng?
After Li Zheng finished speaking, Mother looked up at him, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
Was it gratitude? Heartache? Or something else entirely?
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice so soft it could melt ice.
Li Zheng's gaze lingered on her, from her damp hair to her barely visible collarbone, then to her long, shapely legs encased in black stockings.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. After a moment's hesitation, a hint of tenderness flickered in his eyes: "Sister Ling, all these years, I've been waiting for you to give me a chance."