Chapter 071　 She had a guilty conscience.

  *

  The next day, Su Xian appeared at the work site full of energy and apologized to the client for her absence the previous day. In addition to Morishita, the project manager who had been the constant liaison with Towa Design, several high-level executives were also present. Su Xian’s articulate speaking style and cheerful personality left a very positive impression on everyone.

  During a break, Zhao Nanfeng smiled and said, "Terrifying recovery power. As expected of my girlfriend."

  Su Xian moved close to him without a word, then suddenly delivered a fierce elbow strike to his abdomen. The sharp pain caused him to let out a gasp, and he slumped halfway to the ground, clutching his stomach. Su Xian bent over, pretending to be concerned. "Boss, what’s wrong?"

  Morishita, who was standing not far away, saw this and jogged over to help Su Xian pull Zhao Nanfeng up. Looking at where he was clutching, Morishita asked if it was kidney stones.

  Zhao Nanfeng was breaking out in a cold sweat from the pain and looked quite disheveled. He hurriedly explained that it was just a stitch in his side from breathing and sent Morishita away. He then said bitterly to Su Xian, "You’re ruthless."

  "If you ever dare to say something like that again, I’ll hit you even harder."

  Zhao Nanfeng didn't reply, but he couldn't help thinking: Why on earth did a nice woman like her learn boxing and Sanda? She was so cute when she was crying her eyes out yesterday and the day before, yet she’s absolutely merciless when she actually makes a move!

  He turned to look at Su Xian; she deliberately made a fierce face back at him.

  Yet, even that was cute.

  *

  The morning of the final day was "perk time" Zhao Nanfeng provided for the employees. Su Xian drove him and Yoshida to see a few natural attractions in a whirlwind tour, finally arriving at "Angel Road."

  It is a sandbar connecting the main island to a smaller island, which emerges from the water during low tide. It acts like a jetty connecting the two islands, a metaphor for lovers holding hands, which is why it became a "Lover’s Sanctuary."

  It felt as though the Japanese authorities were going mad because young people weren't keen on dating, marrying, or having kids—they were setting up "Lover's Sanctuaries" everywhere.

  However, the scenery was impeccable.

  Yoshida seemed very excited, dragging Zhao Nanfeng into various photos and videos. Although he wasn't particularly interested, he was very cooperative.

  Su Xian held Yoshida’s phone, acting very enthusiastic. "Close together, a bit closer, very good! One more! Oh, by the way, do you guys want to take a kissing photo? There’s no one around right now."

  "Boss, can we?" Yoshida looked at Zhao Nanfeng longingly.

  Zhao Nanfeng looked past her to shoot a look of disdain at Su Xian, but she didn't mind at all and signaled for him to make a move.

  "Sure." Why not? If the law allowed it, he could show her the full routine.

  When Su Xian saw him take Yoshida’s slender waist from behind and lean down for a passionate kiss, she suddenly realized she had been expecting him to be embarrassed.

  How foolish, she thought of herself.

  **

  She thought she had completed her mental preparations, but the moment she saw Li Chengshi at the airport, Su Xian realized she had overlooked one issue. No matter how justified her reasons were, not discussing this with him beforehand was a sign of a lack of trust.

  In the car on the way back, Li Chengshi took the initiative to have Su Xian rest her hand on his leg, his gaze intense. Su Xian, however, had only one thought: I have a guilty conscience.

  She pulled her hand back to scroll through her phone. "Baby, look at the photos. I caught two seagulls fighting over food."

  "I don't want to see seagulls. Put your hand on my leg."

  "Okay. But," she thought it best to make a statement in advance, "You know how my period was late for a few days? Well, it started as soon as I got to the island."

  "Oh." His tone carried a clear sense of disappointment.

  "Don't worry. Even if my body isn't available, Big Sister has a thousand ways to make you..." She thought she could make dirty jokes under any circumstances, but it turns out she couldn't when she had a guilty conscience.

  "Go on, Big Sister. Why so reserved today?"

  He was actually flirting! It was clear that the saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" was very literal.

  No! Now is not the time for idle thoughts. Focus on getting through this without leaving any clues.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  She moved her hand back two inches. She clearly felt his muscles tense, his driving speed increase, and the rise and fall of his chest become more pronounced.

  Okay, as long as I don't speak, it'll be fine. Su Xian let out a slight sigh of relief.

  *

  As soon as the door closed, he kissed her passionately. Su Xian tried her best to respond, but her mind was constantly wandering. In fact, the moment she realized she was "trying her best to respond," she felt something was very wrong, because this shouldn't be something that requires effort.

  *

  It was the most "odd" sex experience of her life, but fortunately, he was so "fired up" that he couldn't tell she was giving him nothing but technique. After he was satisfied, he felt quite a bit of shame. Nestling against her, he whispered, "Wifey, your technique is so professional."

  "How do you know what 'professional' looks like? Have you experienced it before?"

  "Of course not! I just—" Terrified she might misunderstand, he explained loudly, "I just think you’re amazing. I’ve really never been to those places."

  Su Xian laughed. "I know you haven't. If you had, you wouldn't be so disappointing (la-kua)."

  "What does that mean?! Is that your 'user feedback'?" He got a bit agitated, pouncing on her and nuzzling into her neck like a puppy.

  "Oh, I'm just teasing you, baby. Don't be mad." She rubbed his back.

  "Apologize."

  "I was wrong, baby. Forgive me."

  "Fine, I forgive you. Who told me to love you so much?"

  "Baby, say it again—that you forgive me."

  "I forgive you."

  "Thanks, baby. I'm going to take a shower first. You go unpack the suitcase and then make me some food."

  He felt a bit apologetic. "I'm sorry, wifey. I should have made sure you were fed first."

  "Seeing you so 'hungry' for the first time actually made me super excited."

  "If I’d known, I should have held back until your period was over. Then we’d both be super excited, and the feeling would definitely be great."

  "No way. Little boys who burn for too long will burn out. You guys have a low ignition point..."

  Hearing her start making dirty jokes again, Li Chengshi felt a strange sense of relief. He got up to put on his clothes. "I'll go cook for you, wifey."

  *

  At night, Su Xian turned over toward the faint streetlight filtering through the curtains, her eyes wider than they were during the day.

  She couldn't sleep because she had a guilty conscience.

  She decided to brainwash herself again.

  Since he wants to get married, he definitely wants children too. If she had told him, he certainly wouldn't have agreed to the abortion, but she would never have compromised either. The only result would have been parting ways. Even if it counts as a lack of trust, it was for the stability of both of them.

  And on another note, can couples ever truly trust each other 100%? Didn't he also say "I don't trust you" once? Even if he apologized quickly.

  She could apologize too.

  Furthermore, if he knows nothing, he hasn't been harmed. Meanwhile, she was the one who actually experienced the dual trauma of mind and body, and this current situation is just a part of that. Her choice to swallow the grievance is a form of sacrifice.

  Okay, that’s that.

  There were only a few hours left before work. Sleep, sleep.

  Having comforted herself, she fell into a relaxed sleep within 15 seconds.

  **

  Being away for a few days meant a lot of work had piled up. As soon as she got to the office, things were chaotic. She worked until midnight before finally heading home.

  On Saturday, she slept in.

  On Sunday, she took the exam and handled it with ease.

  Around 7:00 or 8:00 PM, Li Chengshi waited in front of the computer to help Su Xian check her answers online. After confirming the score, he cheered and jumped for joy. He turned around only to find her wrapped in a bath towel, her long wet hair draped down. She was staring at him like a siren, and she gave the knot at her chest a gentle tug.

  An entire week of abstinence, an entire week of trauma and internal conflict—no, she had been suffering from the moment she discovered the pregnancy. All of it was transformed into a raging desire at this moment.

  **