Awakening to Reality

When Rinzi awoke, she found herself back in her bedroom.

The warm, yellow light illuminated the room, revealing a cluttered array of novels scattered across the floor, sofa, and desk, along with clothing and underwear strewn about.

This disarray, combined with the detached boy sitting at the foot of her bed, made Rinzi want to black out and die on the spot.

Oh no, what if Lin Qingqing saw me like this? She’ll definitely think I’m a mess.

“Rinzi, are you awake?”

The boy’s gentle voice reached her, and despite her reluctance, Rinzi managed a soft, kitten-like response.

“Mm…”

“You fainted just now. Have you been overworking yourself?”

Rinzi glanced over to see Chen Ran wringing out a towel, a basin of hot water steaming beside him. He folded the towel into a neat square and tenderly wiped his face. The warmth radiating from the towel, held by his strong, slender fingers, nearly melted Rinzi all over again.

Oh, this feels too good. Being touched by Lin Qingqing is just… amazing.

“When I carried you back to your room, I noticed your body was unusually cold. Don’t set the air conditioning so low, even in summer.”

“Mm, mm, mm…”

Rinzi sighed with relief, realizing she hadn’t been discovered. She regretted fainting, missing the rare opportunity to be held by Lin Qingqing. Her body felt sticky and unsettled, like it had just experienced a spring rainfall.

Rinzi adjusted the silver strands of hair clinging to her cheeks and spoke in a hoarse, feigned soft voice.

“Auntie has been a bit low on blood sugar lately, probably from staying up too late.”

“I suppose that’s common for novelists, always burning the midnight oil.”

“Ah…”

She hurriedly nodded in agreement.

“The quiet of the night helps me focus.”

“But you shouldn’t stay up too late, it’s bad for your health.”

Good! Starting tomorrow, I’ll go to bed and wake up early! Watching Chen Ran’s gentle smile, Rinzi felt her life suddenly brighten. He’s an angel! My little angel!!

Her breathing quickened, and the mature beauty beneath the covers couldn’t help but want to writhe with joy.

“Get some rest, Rinzi. I should be going now.”

“…”

No!!! Rinzi wanted nothing more than for Chen Ran to stay, to crawl into bed with her, hold her, and… Oh, how she longed for his embrace! Her mind began to spiral.

If Chen Ran did that, she’d probably turn into one of those women who’d agree to anything he said, working hard outside to support him. But even that wouldn’t matter.

Now, Rinzi’s mind was filled with another image. [Chen Ran, standing by the bed, suddenly pulling back the covers to reveal her embarrassing state. He’d smile calmly and say, “Rinzi, your body is so…” and then… She’d probably… give in instantly…]

Her thoughts and body were in chaos. But in reality, facing Chen Ran as he prepared to leave, she could only bite her lip and whisper softly.

“Mm…”

“Call me if you need anything, okay?”

“Mm…”

“Alright, I’m off. Goodbye.”

“G-g-o-o-d-b-y-e… Chen Ran…”

There were so many things she wanted to say, but she couldn’t get a single word out. Not until she heard his footsteps leave the room, followed by the sound of the front door closing.

Several minutes passed before Rinzi, lying in bed, began to squirm like a newly born puppy, calling out “Chen Ran, Chen Ran, Chen Ran,” in an utterly embarrassing display. After suppressing herself for so long, she finally released all her pent-up emotions. She lost track of time, only calming down much later.

Finally, she managed to prop herself up and head to the bathroom for a hot shower. The night was gentle, and the breeze carried a chill. The bedsheets and blankets felt icy, almost frosted over. After a long, hot bath, Rinzi’s mood finally settled. She changed into pajamas, replaced her bedding, and sat down at her computer, wide awake and ready to write.

She opened a document and began to pour out everything she had experienced—her racing heart, the touch of her fingertips, her chaotic thoughts. It was exhausting work, but Rinzi felt compelled to do it. She no longer saw this as just a novel; she wanted to preserve this precious memory of Chen Ran.

Humming to herself, she worked at the computer, occasionally glancing up at the window. In the distance, a small three-story house was silhouetted against the night sky, and on the third floor, a faint light glowed from Chen Ran’s room. Rinzi wondered what he was doing, if he was thinking of her. Even if he wasn’t, she would think of him. And so, she continued to write, her eyes occasionally drifting to that distant light, her fingers flying across the keys, capturing their shared memories.