NOVEL WEB Chapter 64 - You Kissed Me This Time
Zhang Xiaoloong described the atmosphere as imbued with death Qi. While Yang Jingjing couldn't perceive this death Qi, she did notice a lingering desolate scent.
Despite the warmth within the greenhouse day and night, it emanated a forlorn aura, lacking in vitality.
Upon their return, a subtle herbal fragrance permeated the air, so faint that one could hardly detect it upon careful sniffing.
Yet, this barely perceptible aroma breathed new life into the greenhouse instantly.
Not limited to the greenhouse, the once barren lands now seemed less lifeless, offering a glimmer of vitality.
What sorcery was at play? Could the Nine Dead Soul Returning Grass King truly wield such enchantment once planted?
Yang Jingjing remained skeptical; the transformation seemed too swift. Upon closer inspection, she noticed some clues scattered on the ground.
The revelation dawned upon her. No wonder the land didn't feel entirely desolate; tender shoots were emerging from the soil, hinting at nascent growth.
Similarly, the desolation extended beyond the greenhouse; small blades of grass peeked through the barren earth. Yet, their scarcity made them easily overlooked.
Rather than dispelling her doubts, this discovery further perplexed Yang Jingjing. The Nine Dead Soul Returning Grass King, now nestled in a corner of the greenhouse, appeared remarkably at ease, even thriving more than atop the mountain.
Recalling how scarce weeds were before the Nine Death Soul Grass King's retrieval, Yang Jingjing pondered the sudden proliferation. Could this plant truly alter the purported death Qi?
“Have you noticed the changes here?” Zhang Xiaoloong's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Startled, Yang Jingjing rose to her feet. She had come to meet the supervisor and had momentarily been captivated by the greenhouse's vitality. It was time to address her purpose. “Xiaoloong, I didn't mean to neglect you yesterday. At night, I just…”
But to admit she had been waiting for him to arrive might seem overly forward.
Realizing this, Zhang Xiaoloong chuckled. “I acted hastily yesterday. Have you eaten yet? You mentioned returning home for a while. I can drive you there later.”
Yang Jingjing vigorously shook her head after a prolonged silence. “No, I'm not leaving. If you won't forgive me, I'll stay right here.”
Her conviction suggested that Yang Jingjing believed Zhang Xiaoloong remained upset over yesterday's incident, hence his eagerness to see her off.
“You've misunderstood. I'm not upset. If anything, I owe you gratitude. If there was any misstep yesterday,” Zhang Xiaoloong scratched his head bashfully, “It would be…”
Yang Jingjing felt even more disheartened upon hearing this. “So, if something did happen, you'd also regret it? Fine, then I'll leave. No need for goodbyes.”
Yesterday's hopes dissolved into wishful thinking for Yang Jingjing. If that were the case, why linger and be a nuisance?
“Wait, don't go,” Zhang Xiaoloong interjected hastily. “It's not what you think.”
“Then what is it?” Yang Jingjing turned away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Putting on a brave front, she continued, “When the wolves attacked, you didn't abandon me. It was then I realized my feelings for you. I offered myself to you out of love. I don't regret it, but if you don't reciprocate, I won't burden you here. I'll wait… until your vegetables are grown. I'll keep my promise. I'll help you promote them, let everyone know…”
“Darling, let me explain,” Zhang Xiaoloong smiled wryly, interjecting before she delved further.
“What is it you want to say?” Yang Jingjing's eyes were clouded with tears.
Zhang Xiaoloong began to elucidate, “Even if it weren't you, I couldn't leave them and flee when the wolves attacked. I believe no true man could…”
“So, you still don't have feelings for me?” Tears welled up once more.
“Would you like me to sugarcoat it?” Zhang Xiaoloong gently wiped her tears, feigning distress.
Life was akin to a theatrical performance; it all boiled down to acting. He could play the charming fool too!
Sometimes, girls fell for such antics. Seeing his act, Yang Jingjing burst into laughter. She seized Zhang Xiaoloong's sleeve, rubbing it against her face, eventually drying her tears.
“Then speak, I'm all ears,” Yang Jingjing pouted, receptive to his words.
With a serious demeanor, Zhang Xiaoloong expressed, “I need to clarify, it's not that I dislike you. I'm uncertain if I envision a future with you. But what happened yesterday… it was impulsive. Honestly, if another attractive girl had done the same, I might have reacted similarly. It's purely physical, not emotional. Do you grasp what I'm saying?”
Undertaking actions that typically require deep emotional connection without genuine sentiment would be irresponsible.
Yang Jingjing nodded, pondering over his words. “I understand…”
Zhang Xiaoloong assumed she comprehended him finally, preparing to exhale in relief. Yet she continued, “So, you're not ready to commit and want to explore with other attractive girls. To figure out who suits you best, correct?”
“Ahem, ahem, ahem…” Zhang Xiaoloong was thoroughly subdued.
Yang Jingjing smirked mischievously, rolling her eyes. “So, who's first on your list? Yaru or Sister Xiaoya?”
“Fine. As long as you don't resent me. Didn't someone offer to escort me home?” Zhang Xiaoloong began, but she cut him off.
Stretching her arms lazily, revealing her enticing curves, Yang Jingjing yawned slightly, exuding a hint of temptation in her languor. Her seductive allure stirred the deepest desires, tantalizingly satisfying them.
Zhang Xiaoloong knew she did it intentionally, but faced with such a pleasing sight, he couldn't possibly rebuke her after benefiting, could he?
Finding Yang Jingjing striding ahead, he had no choice but to trail behind. Unexpectedly, she halted abruptly and turned around.
Zhang Xiaoloong couldn't halt his steps in time, leaning forward and grazing her delicate lips.
“You initiated the kiss this time,” Yang Jingjing said shyly, closing the distance to peck Zhang Xiaoloong. “I'll make you fall for me!”
With that, she turned and dashed off.
Zhang Xiaoloong licked his lips, reveling in the sensation. Despite his attempts to compose himself, his body's reaction couldn't be suppressed.
Undoubtedly, if Yang Jingjing remained as alluring as yesterday, he'd easily succumb to her allure again.
Such feelings couldn't be quelled at will. True calmness would only come when the storm subsided.
Yet, what use was tranquility then?
It seemed he was destined to endure this envy-inducing torment. Unsure whether to feel joy or resignation.
Exiting the greenhouse, he noticed another woman besides Yang Jingjing.