486. Nighttime
By the time they returned to Lily’s house, it was already late.
Stepping into the living room, they were greeted by a massive floor-to-ceiling window that showcased the city’s magnificent night view. The dazzling scene made Qian Qian gasp in awe; she dashed barefoot to the window, pressing her face against the glass as if it were a snack she wanted to devour.
“I’ve never seen a night view from this high up before!”
Yan Xinya had seen it a few times already and rolled her eyes at Qian Qian’s dramatic reaction. She placed her handbag on the coffee table and turned back to ask, “Where are Ning Chu and Wen Yang? Did they get a ride yet?”
Lily shook her head.
“Isn’t it too much hassle to get a cab around here at night? And there aren’t many takeout places either…”
The Wolf Girl grumbled as she flopped onto the sofa.
This area was relatively remote, a newly developed district of the city. The residential buildings were up, but the amenities were still lacking, resulting in low foot traffic. Finding a rideshare or taxi at night was a challenge.
The three of them had been lucky enough to catch a ride first, so they returned ahead of the others.
“I told them to squeeze in with us,” Yan Xinya mumbled. “Ning Chu could just sit on Wen Yang’s lap!”
“Not safe.”
Lily set her handbag down, yawned, and propped her feet up on the sofa, curling up and fiddling with her mobile phone.
“So, what are we doing tonight? Watching a movie? We were supposed to play Mahjong, but then Qian Qian ran off with some guy, and Ning Chu still hasn’t come back.”
Yan Xinya, however, was still energized, buzzing with excitement. Just two minutes after arriving home, she was already brainstorming what to do next.
“I’m tired.”
“Tired? Come on~ You can stay up watching Little Emperor Uncle until morning in the dormitory.”
“……”
Qian Qian turned her head sharply. “Huh? What book?”
“Novel.”
Though Lily’s risqué computer wallpaper had already spilled the tea on her true nature, Qian Qian wasn’t a succubus and couldn’t totally let go around her. Otherwise, Qian Qian would already have links to her online shopping sprees flooding her phone.
“Let’s watch a movie~” Yan Xinya grabbed the projector remote, maneuvering it like a pro while searching for an interesting film. “How about a horror movie? Perfect for the night!”
“Whatever.”
Finally bored with the city lights, Qian Qian inched over to the sofa and curiously asked, “Horror movie? You guys are so brave?”
“That’s right! I’m a wolf! Brave and fierce!”
Qian Qian wanted to point out that the Wolf Girl looked more like a Husky, but held back her inner commentary and dutifully turned off the lights, plunging the room into darkness.
This pitch-black atmosphere was just right for a horror movie.
…
After more than an hour into the film, Lily had curled up, her head resting on Yan Xinya’s shoulder, soundly asleep.
Yan Xinya was baffled by how this girl managed to doze off during a scary movie—it was downright terrifying!
Stuck like a statue, she didn’t dare move, afraid of waking Lily.
“It’s past midnight… I’m hungry.” She pressed a hand on her belly and turned to Qian Qian. “Do you want a late-night snack?”
“Sure!”
Qian Qian replied enthusiastically, but then lowered her voice, puzzled. “Um, where’s Ning Chu? Still waiting for a ride?”
“…”
Yan Xinya suddenly realized why she felt something was off after the movie—it was because Ning Chu and Wen Yang still hadn’t come back!
“It’s been two hours. They should’ve walked back by now, right?” The Wolf Girl scratched her head. “Do you think they went somewhere to have fun?”
But at this time of night, with the area being so remote, what fun could they possibly have? Even checking into a hotel would be a hassle.
Her eyes brightened suddenly. “They’re not back in the hot springs, are they?”
“Huh?” Qian Qian hadn’t considered that angle. “Isn’t Ning Chu done with the hot springs? Staying too long is bad for your health, right?”
“Hey, you’re a kid! It’s complicated to explain.”
“I’m eighteen in virtual years, okay?”
Yan Xinya glanced at her flat chest, giving a polite smile that said it all.
Counting the time since they left the hot spring resort, it had definitely been over two hours.
Wen Yang really was something! Even if those two hours weren’t all combat, there was no way it took as long as those online rumors suggested!
Qian Qian started to catch on, her cheeks slowly coloring with a hint of pink.
Just as they were discussing Ning Chu, the sound of the elevator doors opening echoed from the hallway.
“Why’s it so dark? Did everyone fall asleep?”
As Ning Chu stepped into the entrance, she hurriedly lowered her voice, instinctively softening her footsteps.
Her gait was awkward, stooping down to switch to slippers, her brow slightly furrowed as she muttered, “It’s all your fault. I’m in so much pain, and who knows when that’ll get better.”
“Yes, yes, it’s all my fault.”
Wen Yang gave a helpless smile.
Who knew who was the one impatiently yelling to hurry up…
He kicked off his shoes and slid into the slippers, striding into the living room, but paused suddenly mid-step.
“You know I didn’t feel pain up there, right? You’ve got to take it easy…”
“Still awake? Watching a movie?”
Ning Chu’s complaints were interrupted by Wen Yang’s words. She froze for a second, then realized he’d overheard their earlier conversation. Her face turned beet red, instantly burning with embarrassment; she couldn’t lift her head.
Oh cr*p! Why’s it so quiet in here!
She sheepishly peeked into the living room and saw the projector screen had just finished the movie, casting a dim glow in the dark, while her three friends were seated on the couch.
Lily had woken when the elevator doors opened, and the three turned in unison to stare at Ning Chu, each wearing an amused, teasing expression.
“…”
Ning Chu silently ducked her head back.
Wen Yang awkwardly chuckled, then, pretending nothing had happened, turned on the living room lights. “What time is it? Still not asleep? You’re not planning on staying up all night, are you?”
“Xinya said she wanted to wait for you both to play Mahjong, but she accidentally waited until now instead.”
Yan Xinya was less discreet than Qian Qian, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “I was worried you two sleeping together would make noise~ Looks like you slept soundly instead~”
Lily nodded in agreement: “Indeed.”
It sounded like quite an intense epic battle had gone down~ Most likely still in the hot springs~
“I’m going to the bathroom.”
Ning Chu dashed out from the entrance and quickly rushed past the living room, disappearing into the bathroom.
I knew we’d get caught! If it weren’t for Wen Yang’s suggestion, I wouldn’t have been tempted!
It’s all Wen Yang’s fault!
The pain caused her steps to seem slightly awkward, and Yan Xinya immediately noticed something was off.
Looks like she’s hurt pretty badly~
