Chapter 431: Whispers Under the Stars

Stars dotted the sky, a half-moon hanging high.

The night breeze from Cangshan Erhai carried a cool, gentle touch.

The Hua Yin terrace.

A campfire blazed, wood crackling with sharp pops.

Sparks occasionally flew up, scattered by a sudden cool gust.

On a wide wicker lounger, Xu Chen and Xie Bingran lounged together, half-reclined.

They shared a thin blanket, with a pot of hot tea on the small table beside Xu Chen.

The tea was local Puer, just a small piece releasing a rich aroma.

Sipping it, the hot Puer’s scent mixed with the campfire smoke, creating a unique, lingering fragrance.

Xie Bingran nestled in Xu Chen’s arms like a well-behaved puppy.

She wrapped her arm around his waist, her head against his chest.

The air on the Yun-Dian plateau was clear and pure, without a hint of haze.

Under the bright moon, Cangshan across Erhai loomed like a massive beast crouching.

Yet this beast wasn’t a lurking threat; it felt more like a quiet guardian in the night.

Xu Chen whispered, “Aren’t you cold?”

Xie Bingran didn’t answer, just slipped her warm hand into his.

Xu Chen leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

Xie Bingran tilted her head up.

She blinked her big eyes, looking at him with a pitiful expression.

Xu Chen smiled and kissed her forehead again.

Xie Bingran closed her eyes, then nestled back into his embrace.

Xu Chen’s phone suddenly vibrated.

Xie Bingran murmured, “Who’s that?”

Xu Chen replied, “No one, just my alarm.”

Xie Bingran asked, “Why an alarm in the middle of the night?”

Xu Chen sat up a bit and gently helped Xie Bingran up.

They sat facing each other.

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes, unsure what Xu Chen was up to.

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“Happy New Year, little foodie!”

Xie Bingran paused, startled.

Then she realized midnight had passed.

The old year had ended, the new one arriving quietly.

She looked at Xu Chen and said softly:

“Happy New Year…”

Xu Chen touched her smooth cheek, then kissed her lips gently.

As he pulled back, Xie Bingran’s lips chased after his.

She wouldn’t let go.

…

The campfire crackled nearby.

Their kiss was mostly silent, drawing them in completely.

…

…

In that moment, Xu Chen felt a hot tear on his cheek.

He pulled away and cupped Xie Bingran’s face:

“Silly girl, why are you crying?”

Xie Bingran blinked, looking embarrassed.

She bit her lip, stayed silent for a second, then burrowed into his arms:

“I’m not telling you, it’s too embarrassing.”

Xu Chen found it strangely amusing.

“Come on, tell me. I want to know.”

Xie Bingran nuzzled against him like she was acting spoiled.

She sat up, blinking her big eyes at Xu Chen, looking hurt and helpless.

“What’s wrong?” Xu Chen asked.

Xie Bingran said, “Xu Chen, will you leave me?”

Xu Chen replied, “Silly girl, why would I leave you?”

Xie Bingran was quiet for a moment, then whispered:

“I feel like I don’t deserve you…”

Xu Chen paused, wiping the tears from her face:

“What are you talking about?”

Xie Bingran lowered her head:

“I knew it back in middle school when you ignored me—I wasn’t good enough…”

“I’m just a poor girl from the village, never seen the world…”

“You’re so smart with books, and I couldn’t even get into university…”

“I can’t cook tasty meals for you, I just make noodles…”

“They’re not even nutritious.”

“I don’t know anything.”

“I didn’t know coffee grows in Yunnan, or what you say about psychology and work…”

“I’ve seen nothing of the world.”

“The stores you took me to for clothes and shoes—I’d never heard of them…”

“I don’t talk much, can’t get along with people.”

“I can’t chat with anyone, no matter their status, like you do…”

“I used to smoke and fight; everyone called me a bad kid, a troublemaker…”

“My classmates were scared of me, teachers hated me…”

“I’ve always liked you, but I knew I didn’t deserve you…”

…

The more she spoke, the more upset she got, tears falling steadily.

Finally, she finished, looking utterly pitiful.

Xu Chen chuckled a bit:

“Is that it?”

Xie Bingran looked deflated:

“Sometimes I think Wu Feifei or Su Rong might suit you better.”

“They’re from good universities, well-educated and worldly.”

“Their families are nice, their personalities are great, and they’re beautiful…”

Xu Chen said nothing for a moment.

He took her hand and held it gently.

“Whether they’re good or not doesn’t matter to me. I only like you!”

Xie Bingran was quiet, then murmured:

“Okay, I get it…”

“I shouldn’t say this; it’s embarrassing.”

“I know it all.”

“I know you’re good to me.”

“I believe everything you say, and I listen.”

“I’m just a little scared…”

Xu Chen stroked her sad face and pulled her into his arms.

He understood Xie Bingran’s feelings well.

After all, her life had changed in less than a year, and her mindset hadn’t caught up yet.

Even though she became the bold Bing Ge, inside she was still that quiet, insecure desk mate.

Especially in front of someone she liked.

Love often makes one feel unworthy.

Xu Chen held her close, stroking her head with his hand.

“Now it’s me who doesn’t deserve you.”

“You’re an Asian champion, and might become a world champion!”

“The people I’ve met lately don’t compare to the big names you’ve encountered…”

“You’ve seen more of the world than I have!”

“You met the king and queen in Doha—something I might never do.”

“The biggest official I’ve met is probably Wu Feifei’s dad.”

“I saw you at those award ceremonies in the capital; the news covered it.”

“The big shots you’ve met—common folks in ancient times would bow to them from afar…”

Xie Bingran listened quietly, then burst out laughing.

“As for other girls, whether they’re good doesn’t matter to me.”

“I only like you…”

“None of them are as beautiful as my Bing.”

“My Bing is the most beautiful…”

“And you say you’re poor? Think about how many zeros are in your bank account now!”

“You even talked about buying me a house and a car.”

“Silly girl, now it’s me who doesn’t deserve you.”

…

Xu Chen rambled on, not sure if the little rich girl was taking it in.

He glanced at Xie Bingran’s face; she still looked like a sad puppy.

Xie Bingran suddenly smiled and said, “Oh.”

Xu Chen shook his head, exasperated:

“So you just wanted to hear me say that?”

Xie Bingran gave a wronged look:

“Are we heading back tomorrow?”

Xu Chen thought for a moment: “Then tonight, I won’t take you back to Xin Zhuang Base yet.”

“You can stay with me at Tonghai University, or I’ll get a hotel near Xin Zhuang Base…”

Xie Bingran smiled slightly and said, “Oh.”

…

…

The campfire died down.

They returned to their comfortable room.

The night in the town was exceptionally quiet, as if Cangshan across the water exerted a heavy, calming force.

Sealing away all noise and unrest.

In the bathroom, a large brass bathtub was filled with hot water.

Xu Chen teased with a grin, inviting her to join, but Bing Ge shooed him out.

“Don’t drain the water after you’re done; I want to use it next…”

Xie Bingran narrowed her eyes at Xu Chen, as if he were some kind of weirdo.

…

In the end, they each bathed separately, and Xu Chen’s schemes went nowhere.

The hair dryer hummed as Xu Chen’s fingers glided through Xie Bingran’s smooth, silky hair.

“Head & Shoulders picking you as their spokesperson was a smart business move.”

“Your Bing Ge image is perfect for shampoo…”

He recalled the ad plan and added:

“I’ll oversee the commercial shoot to make sure Bing Ge looks super cool and fierce.”

“It’ll win over a ton of fans!”

…

After drying Xie Bingran’s hair, the dryer passed to her hands.

By the bathtub, a stylish wooden stool sat; Xu Chen settled onto it.

The dryer whirred to life.

Xie Bingran handled it carefully.

Warm air blew over him as he let her take care.

Xie Bingran wore a white robe, its long sash dangling in front of Xu Chen.

He swallowed hard, tempted to unwrap the gift.

Even if he dared,

she’d overpower him.

…

He mustered some nerve and stealthily extended a finger to tug at the overlapping robe hem…

But Bing Ge was quick; her hand slapped his away gently.

…

Hair dried.

As Xie Bingran set down the dryer, she found herself unable to move.

Xu Chen had scooped her up around the waist.

She narrowed her eyes: “Keep your hands in check…”

Xu Chen grumbled unhappily, then buried his head in the robe and nuzzled hard.

Xie Bingran stroked his head: “Be good, listen.”

…

…

On this crisp, cool night, it was perfect to snuggle under warm covers.

They lay face-to-face in bed, their hands intertwined.

The room was dark, but moonlight streamed in.

Xie Bingran’s eyes were wide and bright, fixed on Xu Chen.

Xu Chen rubbed her small hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

“This plateau is a bit dry,” Xu Chen whispered.

Xie Bingran blinked: “Where’s it dry?”

Xu Chen said, “Like my lips—they feel pretty dry right now…”

Xie Bingran thought for a second, then smiled and leaned in.

She kissed his lips softly,

and gently licked with her tongue.

Xu Chen seized the moment, capturing her tongue…

…

…

Early the next morning, bright sunlight poured through the windows.

Xu Chen reached out but found Xie Bingran gone.

He threw on a thick jacket and went downstairs, spotting her in the kitchen.

Xie Bingran was bustling at the stove; seeing Xu Chen, she looked embarrassed:

“I don’t know how to make anything else, so it’s just noodles again…”

Xu Chen said, “Perfect, I love this!”

…

Two bowls of stir-fried noodles, each with a poached egg.

Xu Chen devoured his in a minute, not leaving a drop of soup.

Beyond the emotions, the noodles were truly delicious.

Seeing Xu Chen enjoy it so much made Xie Bingran even happier.

…

After breakfast, they sat in the courtyard.

From the wide lounger, through the large windows, they admired the Cangshan Erhai scenery.

Xie Bingran, acting very dutiful, had brewed a pot of hot Puer tea.

Bing Ge hadn’t known how before, but she’d watched Xu Chen do it yesterday and picked it up.

Being waited on by this little rich girl made Xu Chen thrilled.

He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her affectionately.

…

They lounged lazily in the Hua Yin courtyard for most of the morning.

After tiring of the first floor, they went to the rooftop terrace, lit a campfire, and felt the cool breeze from Cangshan Erhai.

Xu Chen ducked back to the room and returned with a box of Flower Cakes.

He’d bought them in Kun City the day before; besides what he sent home, he kept this box in his luggage.

“This pairs great with Puer tea.”

He said, already unwrapping it.

He picked one and handed it to Xie Bingran.

Xie Bingran took it, broke it in half easily.

“This seems like a mooncake, right?”

She whispered.

She’d never tried these “Flower Cakes” before, being here for the first time.

Xu Chen replied, “You could say that—it’s basically a mooncake with fresh flowers in the filling…”

Xie Bingran handed him half and popped the other in her mouth.

“It tastes like a mooncake, but it’s pretty good.”

She savored it and nodded: “There’s definitely a floral scent, different from a mooncake.”

“It’s softer too…”

Xu Chen chewed his piece: “They say it’s made with local roses and magnolias—good for the skin.”

The little foodie grabbed another, smiling: “Thanks for showing me the world again!”

Xu Chen grinned proudly.

…

Near noon, they headed downstairs.

“Let’s wander the town and find a spot for lunch if it’s good; otherwise, we’ll cook back here.”

Leaving the Hua Yin courtyard, Xu Chen hung the brass lock.

Shuanglang Ancient Town wasn’t large, but exploring its winding paths was worthwhile.

Built along the terrain, it felt like an adventure.

The unique local architecture was a sight to see.

Xu Chen held Xie Bingran’s hand as they meandered through main streets and alleys.

They even walked to Erhai’s shore, strolling along the viewing path.

…

At a certain waterfront spot.

Xie Bingran gazed at a deep brown building in the distance:

“What’s that place?”

“…”