Chapter 149: Whispers in the Night

The curtains are drawn, but a small gap between them just won’t close.

A beam of light slants through, hitting the middle of the bed.

The quiet blanket stirs slightly, like a fox’s tail swishing underneath.

Han Wenwen whispered, “Brother Zheng Ran? Isn’t it uncomfortable sleeping in pants?”

As soon as Lin Zheng Ran turned off the light, he closed his eyes. “It’s fine.”

Han Wenwen shot back, “What’s fine about it? Sleeping in pants is so uncomfortable, right?”

Lin Zheng Ran didn’t say a word.

Han Wenwen lowered her voice. “Brother Zheng Ran? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Lin Zheng Ran still stayed silent.

“Brother Zheng Ran~ Say something~”

Lin Zheng Ran opened his eyes in exasperation, peering into the dark at the eager Han Wenwen.

“What are you up to? Am I supposed to go without pants here? Good thing this is real life—if this were one of those novels you read, it’d get banned in a heartbeat.”

Han Wenwen burst out laughing, then suddenly buried her head under the blanket and pulled out a pair of pajama bottoms.

She handed them to him. “Here, wear these.”

Lin Zheng Ran reached out and took the pajama pants, puzzled. “When did you hide these in the blanket?”

“I put them there ages ago. Pants are just uncomfortable, but these are better—light, loose, and cozy.”

Lin Zheng Ran asked curiously, “Just the pants? What about the top?”

Han Wenwen shook her head. “No top. I bought these online, just the pants, and I’ve already washed them. They’re clean, so go ahead.”

Lin Zheng Ran was truly amazed by this sly little fox.

So he fumbled around, swapping his pants for the pajamas.

Han Wenwen wore a smile on her face.

In the darkness, their eyes had adjusted, letting them see everything in the pitch-black bedroom.

Han Wenwen watched as Lin Zheng Ran closed his eyes again and asked, “Brother Zheng Ran~ Is this your first time spending the night at a girl’s place?”

Her small hand slowly slipped out from her own blanket, sneaking toward his with quiet intent.

Lin Zheng Ran answered honestly, “No.”

“No?!” Han Wenwen exclaimed in shock. “Then whose place was it?”

“It was yours too. Don’t you remember? I stayed when you had that fever last time.”

“Oh, right.” Her hand had just reached into his blanket.

But Lin Zheng Ran swatted it away inside the covers.

Han Wenwen pulled her hand back.

Lin Zheng Ran teased, “I think I just hit something. There’s definitely something in my blanket.”

Han Wenwen replied unhappily, “What could it be? Just the blanket, that’s all.”

“Is that so?”

Lin Zheng Ran stared at the ceiling.

“Still, it’s really quiet here at night. Not much noise from downstairs.”

Han Wenwen hummed in agreement. “Quiet enough that I can even hear my own heartbeat… pounding away.”

Lin Zheng Ran glanced at her with amusement.

Han Wenwen fiddled with her hair, letting her long strands spread across the pillow to avoid tangling.

Her hand ventured out again, testing the waters.

“Besides, this is the place you picked out for me back then, so it’s special.”

Lin Zheng Ran felt her small hand on his arm and grabbed it with one of his.

Han Wenwen looked back at him.

Lin Zheng Ran asked, “Can’t you behave?”

Even though he held her hand, Han Wenwen denied it. “What do you mean? I’m being perfectly good—Wenwen hasn’t done a thing.”

Lin Zheng Ran realized sleep was out of the question now, so he turned to face her.

Their pillows were side by side, letting them study each other in the dim light.

Lin Zheng Ran held her hand under the blanket and asked, “Do you get scared sleeping here alone sometimes?”

With her hand in his, Han Wenwen settled a bit and nodded gently.

“Sometimes, yeah. Most nights it’s fine, but other times when my mind wanders or I think about the past, it gets scary.”

“The past?”

Lin Zheng Ran reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her lips.

Han Wenwen’s voice softened. “Yeah, like when I was little—things with my mom and my uncle. Why didn’t I meet you sooner, Brother Zheng Ran? Even a day earlier would have been enough.”

“We’ve known each other since elementary school—that’s early enough.”

“Still too late. I should have seen you from the day I was born.”

They both laughed suddenly.

Then, out of nowhere, Lin Zheng Ran noticed something.

Surprised, he said, “You didn’t take off your stockings?”

Now her playful foot was inching over, brushing against his leg.

Han Wenwen said shyly, “Of course not—I’m still in my sweater. I haven’t changed clothes yet.”

Lin Zheng Ran had forgotten about that. “I didn’t even see you change. So why didn’t you put on pajamas?”

“I’m shy~ How could I change with you here? My pajamas are so loose anyway—”

Lin Zheng Ran couldn’t believe what he was hearing—this didn’t sound like Han Wenwen at all.

“Shy? You’re shy, yet you’re slipping your hands and feet into my blanket? Shy, but you always wear so little around me—today you even put on stockings?”

Each point he made made her duck her head a little more, her eyes silently chiding him.

“Brother Zheng Ran, stop~ That’s me wanting you to see my best side. But that’s different from now. Tonight you’re staying over… Even if I’m bold sometimes, I’m still a girl and I get shy.”

Her fox-like eyes blinked, long lashes making her look even more alluring.

Han Wenwen murmured softly.

“Actually… girls are pretty much the same around other girls, but in front of someone they like, even I get shy and scared. I just want to cuddle with you, Brother Zheng Ran, have you spoil me and hold me close. Though I might seem shameless sometimes…”

She laughed at herself. “I mean, when it comes to being reserved. That’s the only way—I’m not reserved with you, but not in other ways.”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded with a smile. “I get it. You know, you come off as a bit aloof when I’m not around—you don’t even acknowledge others.”

Han Wenwen scoffed proudly. “Of course. Ever since I fell for you, I haven’t wanted to talk to any other guys. I don’t even look their way because I’m all yours! But…”

She whispered, “Even though I think about ways to win you over every day, it’s not like I can always muster the courage. It’s not that simple.”

Han Wenwen’s voice grew more sincere in the quiet room.

Her expression turned vulnerable. “I know you wouldn’t lie—you said you’d never leave, but I’m still afraid that if I don’t make the first move, you might not want me anymore, like I don’t matter.”

“What are you thinking?”

She bit her lip. “It’s true. I know deep down, women like me are only good as a fling—fun for a while, then tossed aside. I can’t be like Xiao Qingqing or Lily, handling everything perfectly. I’ve tried cooking and chores, but I mess up so badly I can’t even stand it. So apart from clinging to you and fussing over you, I’m pretty useless.”

Lin Zheng Ran saw the helpless smile on Han Wenwen’s face.

He asked, “Is that why you insisted on brushing your teeth and washing up today, not letting me lift a finger?”

Han Wenwen nodded. “Yeah, I just want to be useful to you, to carve out a spot in your heart before anyone else tries. I’m scared that one day you’ll stop spoiling me, that anyone can sweet-talk you. That’s why I always ask you to promise to favor me most. I’m terrified of the future, so I cling to empty vows for comfort.”

Lin Zheng Ran stroked her cheek, and like a little fox, she nuzzled into his palm.

He explained, “That’s just your own worry. Haven’t you noticed your real strength is reading people—knowing their strengths, weaknesses, and thoughts? Like with what we talked about this afternoon. That’s a huge asset no one else has. Why do you think I want you as my secretary? Is it just because you’re pretty?”

Han Wenwen chuckled at that. “I’m not the prettiest—maybe just a bit unique.”

Lin Zheng Ran laughed. “You’re too modest. But seriously, there are things only you can do, ways only you can help me. You’re one of a kind to me—no one could replace you, ever.”

Han Wenwen stared into his gentle eyes, biting her lip as she broke into a full smile. “Really?”

“Of course. When have I ever lied to you?”

Tears glistened in her eyes as she leaned closer.

“I want a hug~ I want you to hold me, Brother Zheng Ran~”