Chapter 27: Appreciating the moon
Guang Yu sat on the floor of Ye Zhibai’s room, angrily chewing on a piece of Osmanthus cake.*
[*”桂花糕(*guìhuā gāo*)” – Osmanthus cake, a traditional Chinese dessert made from osmanthus flowers and rice flour.]
Suddenly, she heard a loud crash outside!
“!?”
If she had to borrow a phrase from the internet that’s been trending recently, it would be: What the hell was that b-noise!!*
[*” “这是什么b动静” (Zhè shì shénme b dòngjìng) – What the hell was that b-noise!, A slang expression where “b” is used as a playful placeholder for a vulgar word, often used to emphasize frustration or surprise.]
But what does that have to do with the little fox?
Guang Yu happily turned her head back, swinging her little feet, and continued munching on her Osmanthus cake.
With Ye Zhijun outside, no matter how big the commotion was, it couldn’t threaten Ye Zhibai’s safety.
After all, for Ye Zhibai, the biggest danger and threat came from Ye Zhijun herself.
So, there was nothing to worry about!
Guang Yu figured that the noise just now was most likely caused by Ye Zhijun.
Since that’s the case… then Ye Zhibai is bound to be out of options.
Like I said earlier—if nothing else, I can only wish her good health.
Therefore Guang Yu’s gaze slowly drifted towards the spring onions that had recently been replanted in the yard.
Hehe.
Happiness comes so easily!
The noise just now was indeed Ye Zhijun’s doing.
After being inexplicably kissed, Ye Zhibai found that Zhijun had no intention of relaxing her grip.
Ye Zhibai had already been lightly tapping Zhijun’s arm with her palm, reminding her—I’m running out of breath!
I didn’t get a chance to take a breath before you kissed me!
Under normal circumstances, breathing wouldn’t have been a problem.
But in this particular action, Ye Zhijun decided to showcase the technique she learned from a… certain book!
That is, bringing her tongue into the battlefield!
For a moment, Ye Zhibai was overwhelmed by the storm in her mouth, unable to catch her breath, leaving her completely passive!
Even so, Ye Zhijun only intensified her actions.
Not only did she not let go, she even forcefully grabbed Ye Zhibai’s wrists, holding this passionate kiss until the end.
The force was so great that it pushed Ye Zhibai’s body backward continuously!
It wasn’t until poor little Zhibai’s back was pressed against the cabinet at the end of the living room, filled with miscellaneous items and books, that the retreat was halted.
Hearing Zhijun’s rapid breathing from such proximity, a glimmer flickered in Ye Zhibai’s light purple eyes. Although her expression seemed emotionless, in reality, a barely noticeable trace of tears had been forcibly kissed out of her.
Ugh…! In these two lives, when have I ever been this passive?
But this wasn’t just any kind of passiveness. For Ye Zhibai, who had been sneak attacked, this was a total collapse on all fronts!
Zhijun simply tightened her little clawed hands over a certain soft spot, and then—she heard the most beautiful melody in the world, one that seemed capable of melting three feet of ice.
—It was the sound of Ye Zhibai letting out a shameful soft cry, squeezed out from her throat.
Her legs turned to jelly, and all the strength left in her body that allowed her to stay standing quickly drained away.
By the time she came to her senses, Ye Zhibai had already slid down the cabinet behind her, eventually sitting on the floor in search of support.
After sitting down, Ye Zhibai, using all her remaining rationality, placed the pen case she was holding to the side.
—After all, she couldn’t hold onto it anymore.
Even now, Ye Zhijun still didn’t seem to have any intention of letting her go.
She followed Ye Zhibai’s movements, lowering herself so that her lips could continue touching the person she most longed for in this world.
It didn’t matter that they were now sitting.
But Ye Zhibai, feeling light-headed, had even forgotten to control the direction of her head.
She accidentally leaned her head back.
Her head banged against the cabinet!
“Ugh…!” With Ye Zhibai’s muffled cry of pain.
Crash!!
The non-fixed three-tiered cabinet, filled with books, miscellaneous items, and even beautiful pebbles picked up from the yard, came crashing down directly on Ye Zhibai beneath it!
At this point, Ye Zhibai was already close to fainting from the kiss.
But!
When Ye Zhibai saw the objects falling straight towards her, she couldn’t help but feel a chill in her heart.
Am I about to meet an early death again?!
Well, not exactly.
Sensing danger, even if Zhijun was confused or excited, her highest priority never changed — And that was protecting her sister!
In the fastest time possible, Zhijun separated their lips, stood upright, crossed her arms above her head, and shielded Ye Zhibai with a “clear sky.”
Naturally, all the falling objects hit Zhijun’s arms.
Clang!
Zhijun winced in pain and closed her left eye. Her stunning face trembled in pain.
Looking up, Ye Zhibai witnessed this scene that made her heart clench!
She instinctively wanted to stand up and check the part of Zhijun’s arm that had been hit.
But before she could, Zhijun quickly leaned down, hugging Ye Zhibai while her trembling hand gently rubbed the back of Ye Zhibai’s head where she had hit the cabinet.
“Sister, you hit your head just now! Does it hurt… I’m sorry… I… I’m really…!”
With a sob in her voice, Ye Zhibai’s thoughts ran wild.
This incredibly strong Zhijun, shedding tears so many times tonight, was now teary-eyed again.
This sight… deeply shook Ye Zhibai.
In her previous life… when she was hit by a car and lay in a pool of blood, as her vision blurred, she saw everyone moving away from her… no one dared to come near.
It was normal… everyone was afraid of blood, afraid of such dramatic scenes, not wanting to get involved, and Ye Zhibai could understand that.
But she was really scared at the time.
She just wanted someone to say something to her, to tell her everything would be okay.
But the only contact she had was with the cold road, devoid of any warmth.
The only things she heard were the murmurs of bystanders, at most a few curses directed at the drunk driver.
Her last moments in her previous life… were spent dying alone in a hospital, still cold.
Back then, not a single person was willing to listen to her cry out in pain.
No one… asked her, “Does it hurt?”
But now, I just bumped my head, didn’t I?
The girl in front of me Zhijun, just now, actually asked me if it hurt…?
Ye Zhibai stared blankly into the worried eyes of her sister in this life, seeing only her reflection.
An eternity in a glance.
No need for eternity.
Just this fleeting moment is enough.
Seeing her sister’s sudden change in expression, Ye Zhiyun could only think… she was panicking. Panicking! Her sister, who had never shown emotion and only shed a tear once at the crematorium, now has tears welling up in her eyes!
Oh no… something serious must have happened! Could the bump from earlier really hurt this much?
With this thought, Yun’er hugged Ye Zhibai even tighter. Normally calm and collected, she even forgot where she left her phone and fumbled through the mess of scattered items on the floor.
“What should I do… Sister, hold on, does it hurt? I’ll call the medical maids right away! I’ll just… mmph…?!”
This is returning the favor.
In front of Ye Zhiyun, a cascade of silver hair, like angel feathers, swept before her eyes.
Just now, Yun’er had kissed Ye Zhibai without warning. And now… Ye Zhibai, in her moment of panic, unexpectedly leaned forward and kissed Yun’er!
This is what you call tit for tat, balance restored.
But unlike Yun’er’s intense kiss where she wouldn’t let go, Zhibai’s kiss was just a light peck, like a dragonfly skimming the water, gone as soon as it touched. Yet that fleeting touch surpassed the deepest entanglement, more meaningful than a thousand words.
Ye Zhibai wasn’t good with words, but this kiss was enough to express everything she wanted to say.
Stunned by this unexpected kiss, Yun’er dumbly touched her lips with her finger, stuttering out meaningless syllables in disbelief. She was like a child who had suddenly been given candy, overjoyed yet in disbelief.
My sister… she kissed me, voluntarily!
Before she could fully process the sweetness of this candy-like kiss, Ye Zhibai, supporting her still-weak legs, stood up. She rolled up Yun’er’s sleeves, checking the spot where she had been hit by something from the cabinet earlier.
This was Ye Zhibai’s greatest concern at the moment.
And… it hurt her to see it. Yun’er’s tender arms were covered with a large red patch, all from protecting Ye Zhibai.
Ye Zhibai carefully fixed her sleeves, making sure the fabric wouldn’t touch her delicate skin and cause more pain.
Ye Zhibai said, “Yun’er… call the medical maids… and apply some ice.”
Yun’er replied, “Wuu… Sister! No need for ice! No ice! Hugging you makes everything better!”
“!”
Yun’er meant what she said. Amid the scattered items, she let out a little sound and hugged Ye Zhibai again, this time tighter and warmer than ever!
Ye Zhibai responded to the embrace, gently hugging the precious person before her. The two leaned on each other, their bodies touching, and eventually, they sat face-to-face on the floor in a duck-sitting position.
As if trying to reassure Zhibai, Yun’er didn’t sneak another kiss but, under Zhibai’s watchful gaze, leaned in for a kiss. This time, Ye Zhibai didn’t avoid it. She closed her eyes and welcomed the happiness head-on.
Similarly, it was just like Ye Zhibai’s earlier dragonfly kiss.
Yun’er smiled as she wiped away her tears. Compared to the dull ache in her arm, the joy she felt now was boundless!
Stretching out her arm, Yun’er offered it to Zhibai. “Sister, look… it’s only been a short while, and the redness has faded a lot. Don’t worry! I’ve been learning self-defense since I was a kid, I wouldn’t get hurt. Just now, I deliberately softened the blow!”
“!”
Zhibai responded, “Who would’ve guessed, you’re pretty skilled in martial arts, huh?”
“Hehe”, Yun’er laughs embarrassedly.
In truth, Yun’er wasn’t skilled at all. That was just her playful excuse. At most, she’d only tried to avoid the sharp-cornered objects, lessening the impact as much as possible.
But compared to this small matter, which would soon heal completely and wasn’t even really an injury…
Yun’er was more concerned about something else now.
The treasure of her world, whose breath she could feel, was reflected in Yun’er’s eyes.
Like a kitten, she rubbed her cheek against Ye Zhibai’s, her soft words contrasting sharply with her usual decisive demeanor, almost melting Zhibai’s heart.
Yun’er said, “Sorry, Sister… I was a bit reckless earlier. But… you can’t blame me entirely. Who told you to act all flirty? Even if it was just *suspected flirting*… it made me uneasy. Maybe I overthought things, I admit I was wrong, but Sister, you’re not innocent either! So, that sneak attack… it was… it was justified!”
Ye Zhibai replied, “Mmm, justified, I understand.”
She continued, “I understand, I understand! I should’ve realized my little sister was this adorable—wuwuwu!”
Stroking Yun’er’s black hair, Ye Zhibai almost couldn’t hold it together (except for her expression, of course).
Just a second ago, Zhibai thought the crisis had passed, that the storm had cleared.
But the next moment, she felt an electric current run through her body!
Her earlobe was suddenly nibbled by Yun’er like she was eating crispy snacks!
And those little teeth… bit down gently! “Mm?!”
Yun’er said, “Wuya? Ehehe… Sorry, Sister, I accidentally sneak-attacked again… you won’t be mad, right?”
“…..”
Looking at Yun’er, licking her lips with that little devilish smile…
What could Ye Zhibai even say?
She couldn’t say anything, but Yun’er, face flushed, blurted it out, one word at a time.
Yun’er continued, “I finished my college entrance exam today… Could you reward Yun’er? And, could we… move to the bed for what’s next?”
Ye Zhibai responded, “Mmm…”
So… straightforward. Such a bold request.
Do I even have the right to say no?
Besides… Ye Zhibai asked herself, did she even want to say no?
At least, by saying the next line, it could count as a buffer.
Ye Zhibai said, “I… I’ll go take a bath first.”
Yun’er replied, “Eh, no need!! I can’t wait any longer… I mean, Sister is best in her natural state!”
“?!”
As soon as Yun’er said that, she made a gesture that sent a shiver down Zhibai’s spine.
She licked the corner of her lips like she was savoring Zhibai’s flavor, radiating confidence.
Yun’er thought there was no need at all. Her sister already smelled nice and soft, so there was no reason to take a bath!
Oh well.
Ye Zhibai resigned herself to the fact that maybe today… even her right to bathe had been stripped away.
Not that it was a bad deal—she could taste the natural Yun’er, after all, right?
Yun’er, as if declaring her dominance, maintained her duck-sitting position, scooted backward a bit, and suddenly grabbed Ye Zhibai’s ankle.
Then, in a flash, she took off Ye Zhibai’s shoes and socks!
Ye Zhibai asked, “Yun’er? What are you doing… yikes!”
Yun’er replied, “Of course, I’m being naughty! Just preparing the mood for later!”
Ye Zhibai continued, “Isn’t this preparation a bit torturous?!”
Yun’er suddenly circled her finger on the snowy white sole of Ye Zhibai’s foot.
Only then did Ye Zhibai realize just how ticklish she was!
Though it seemed meaningless, the effect was incredible!
The strength Ye Zhibai had just regained vanished instantly with this absurd act.
Her waist even lifted a bit in response to the tickling.
Don’t get the wrong idea, it was to stop the tickling!
And, you know, Yun’er had a purpose for this.
The slippers were across the room.
Without shoes, her sister wouldn’t be able to walk back on her own.
While Ye Zhibai was still stunned, Yun’er took off her other white shoe!
This series of actions left Ye Zhibai feeling utterly embarrassed!
Yet her expression remained cool and composed.
A few more tickles to the sole, and Ye Zhibai’s breathing became a bit erratic.
With no other option, Ye Zhibai tried to playfully scold her.
Ye Zhibai said, “Yun’er… stop fooling around.”
Yun’er replied, “Mmm… I’m done, I’m done. So, Sister, why don’t you go back to your room first? I’ll be right there!”
Ye Zhibai said, “Oh… give me my shoes.”
“No way!” Nonly did Yun’er refuse, but she also stepped back several paces, holding Zhibai’s shoes and socks.
Seeing Ye Zhibai’s difficulty, Yun’er knew her plan had worked!
Yun’er walked over gracefully, squatted down, and tentatively made her suggestion.
“Sister… since you can’t walk back by yourself, how about… I carry you to your room?”
Ye Zhibai asked, “Why…?”
She continued, “Look! It’s only a few steps! I’m not a three-year-old, just give me back my shoes!”
But Yun’er tilted her head and smiled, her azure eyes sparkling so mesmerizingly.
“Of course, it’s to make you rely on me more… I figured it out just now. The reason I get so jealous and make wild guesses is that I’m not confident! To build my confidence, I need to take certain measures, at least to the point where I won’t even think about other women when I see them! For that reason…”
Ye Zhibai asked, “For that reason…?”
Yuner said, “For that reason! I need to tame you!”
Ye Zhibai replied, “You mean persuade, not tame, right?!”
Even if she wanted to resist, it was already too late.
Ye Zhibai, with her delicate strength, was no match for Yun’er.
In a classic princess carry, Ye Zhibai, shoes, and socks abandoned, were scooped up and carried back to her room!
The faint glow of a small lamp shone weakly, just like the faint-hearted Ye Zhibai, huddled on the bed, trembling.
Yun’er had just said she was going to retrieve a “special tool” from her room!
What exactly it was, Ye Zhibai didn’t know, but she had an ominous feeling!
She put away the pen that Cool Sister had given her, storing it safely in the cabinet—it couldn’t be misplaced.
Turning her head, she spotted Guang Yu.
She was packing osmanthus cake, bottled water, and wasabi into a small bag.
Completely ignoring the green onions that had been uprooted in the yard.
Ye Zhibai teased her. “Guang Yu… are you planning to run away from home? How nice.”
Guang Yu replied, “Of course not! In a bit, your room’s going to be taken over by the two of you. I’m packing snacks and drinks to go moon-gazing! The weather’s nice today, perfect for moon viewing. I don’t want to stay inside and listen to your… wailing!”
Ye Zhibai said, “Don’t talk nonsense! I’m super quiet when I, uh, you know!
I’m practically in silent mode… cough, just a little sound leakage, that’s all.”
The little fox slung her bag over her shoulder and went out to bask in the moonlight.
Meanwhile, Yun’er returned with her “tool”!
Ye Zhibai squinted in the dim lamp light, trying to make it out.
It looked like a purple finger sleeve that could be worn on a finger.
The surface of the sleeve was covered with little bumps.
But it didn’t seem to have any destructive power!
What is that thing used for? Ye Zhibai didn’t know yet, but she’d likely find out soon.
Yun’er, holding her tool, looked hopeful. Tonight, she was relying on it!
With a blissful smile, she explained the tool’s origin.
She said, “I had the maids commission this from a company in the city. It’s custom-made, high-quality, natural, and eco-friendly! I thought… there would be a time when I’d need it for Sister, and luckily, it arrived yesterday, just in time!”
“Need it…? So, that means this thing is for…?” Ye Zhibai had a vague idea of what it was for.
She lay back on the bed, resigned, waiting for her punishment.
Ye Zhibai said, “But! You just took the college entrance exam yesterday?! Look at what was on your mind during your exams, you little cutie!”
Yun’er closed the small door by the balcony and drew the curtains.
The room became even darker. She put the finger sleeve on her finger.
When she turned back, her smile was so sincere and kind!
Yu’ner said, “Hehe… last time, I didn’t manage to make you show any expression, I’ve reflected on that. It must’ve been because I wasn’t applying enough force! This time, I’m, going to make you beg for mercy!!”
“!!”
From the moment Yun’er pounced on the bed, Ye Zhibai knew…
The post-exam celebration had officially begun.
Guang Yu looked up at the round, bright moon, chewing on osmanthus cake, angrily gulping down wasabi sauce.
She knew it too.
Her moon-gazing session was likely going to last most of the night.
Look at that moon, so big and round, how lovely.
