Chapter 327: Afternoon Whispers

Lin Zheng Ran just smiled and replied, “Jingshi really loves role-playing. She used to call herself sister all the time, and now she’s added teacher to the mix.”

It left Jiang Jingshi so embarrassed that she couldn’t get a word out.

She tugged at the blanket to cover her face while half-burying herself in the bed, complaining, “Zheng, you really know how to pick on girls. You’re the one who started calling me that first.”

Lin Zheng Ran said, “I’m not leaving today.”

Surprised, she revealed one of her beautiful almond eyes and looked at Lin Zheng Ran, her heart full of joy:

“Zheng, you never go back on your word. You can’t change your mind now.”

“What’s there to regret? Normally, it’s the guy who stays over at the girl’s place, and now Jingshi’s asking me to stay. I have no reason to leave, especially since this is my girlfriend’s home.”

Jiang Jingshi’s heart raced as she lowered the blanket from her face: “So, what should we do now? Want me to show you around my room? Is it too early to make dinner?”

“I already got a good look when we came in. Is your bedroom at the villa decorated like this?”

She shook her head: “Not really. My room at the villa is more luxurious, with more photos of you on the desk. This house is just temporary, so I didn’t bother making it too fancy.”

Lin Zheng Ran reached out and removed Jiang Jingshi’s glasses.

Without them, that teacher-like vibe faded away almost completely.

Jiang Jingshi blushed and said, “Why did you take off my glasses?”

“It’ll be more convenient later. Didn’t Jingshi say I could do whatever I want to you?”

“Yeah, whatever you want, but what do you have in mind?”

Lin Zheng Ran reached for her waist, and without even applying pressure, her slender figure melted into his embrace.

They held each other close in a passionate kiss once more.

The summer afternoon was sweltering, but the room’s air conditioner hummed, sending a cool breeze through the air.

The curtains hung half-drawn.

Papers lay scattered across the floor, unimportant ones.

Jiang Jingshi’s long hair spilled over the pillow.

Her gentle eyes sparkled like dew, her hands intertwining with Lin Zheng Ran’s: “Zheng… kiss me now.”

Their lips met in yet another heated kiss, who knows how many times that day.

As someone a few years older than Lin Zheng Ran,

Jiang Jingshi was giving herself to a man for the first time.

She had no experience at all.

Yet, her personality drove her to be surprisingly forward—the Jiang Family’s eldest miss was eager to hold onto the one she loved.

Her style was nothing like Heqing and the others; she seemed desperate to keep Lin Zheng Ran close.

She didn’t want to let him go for even a moment.

Her delicate fingers clutched at his back.

In a tangle of moments too intimate to describe,

They had entered the bedroom around noon, but by nearly five in the afternoon, everything finally quieted down.

Lin Zheng Ran lay back on the pillow, a smile on his lips.

“Jingshi?”

Jiang Jingshi emerged from under the covers, lips pursed as she nestled against his chest.

After a moment with her eyes closed, she looked up and said, “Zheng, you’re such a tease. Let your sister rest—I’m worn out.”

Lin Zheng Ran held Jiang Jingshi, gazing at her flushed eyes: “Was it me who wouldn’t let you rest? You’re way more forward than I expected.”

Jiang Jingshi’s face turned an even deeper shade of red.

In a rare playful tone, she fibbed:

“Do you have to tease me like this? Tomorrow, I’ll make you stand outside during class.”

Lin Zheng Ran heard her but asked curiously, “What?”

Jiang Jingshi didn’t elaborate and said softly, “Nothing. Aren’t I your girlfriend? As your girlfriend, I should exercise some rights, but…”

Lying side by side on the pillow, gazing at each other, she added, “Zheng, you’re so adorable when we do that. Not at all like I imagined—you’re not rough at all.”

Lin Zheng Ran grinned: “Where did you get that idea? You’ve said I’m fierce a few times, but I don’t think I’ve ever snapped at you.”

She vaguely recalled her childhood and shook her head: “Hard to say.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled meaningfully: “Really?”

Jiang Jingshi laughed: “Anyway, your sister is a bit scared of you.”

Lin Zheng Ran flicked her forehead out of habit.

Jiang Jingshi yelped in surprise: “See? Zheng, you really are fierce—I told you so.”

Lin Zheng Ran just sighed in resignation.

He pulled her into his arms.

Weak yet blissful, Jiang Jingshi savored the rhythm of Lin Zheng Ran’s heartbeat and the scent of his skin.

They held each other for what felt like forever.

Lin Zheng Ran suddenly said, “Jingshi, have you been losing sleep because of me and Heqing, Lily, and Wen Wen?”

In his arms, Jiang Jingshi opened her eyes, her long lashes fluttering.

Jealousy flashed in her eyes almost instantly:

“Yeah, because you’re so open about it—showing them all that affection, eating together, sitting with them in class, and even those little intimate gestures.

Sometimes I stand in the hallway watching you all chat during class, seeing how much you like them—it kills my appetite at lunch, let alone lets me sleep.”

This was Jiang Jingshi’s first real complaint to Lin Zheng Ran, even if it was a small one.

It showed just how much jealousy had built up in her as his girlfriend lately.

Lin Zheng Ran didn’t immediately share his thoughts and asked, “Anything else?”

Jiang Jingshi hugged him tighter:

“Yes, ever since university started, we see each other every day, but you barely send me messages anymore. It’s down by a quarter compared to summer. And today, when you said you needed me to handle some paperwork, is it for day student status? What are you up to?”

She grew more upset as she spoke:

“Don’t think I’m all sweet—I’m fierce too. At the company, no one dares argue with me or raise their voice. You’re the only one who teases me like this.”

She sniffled twice, holding him even closer; Lin Zheng Ran felt a wetness on his chest:

“I know I shouldn’t be jealous because I’m not naive—I figured out early that you and those three have something special.

But even so, I want to be with you. I want to be your girlfriend, even knowing you’re a flirt. It’s just hard seeing the man I love spoil other women.”

She could feel Lin Zheng Ran comforting her, stroking her long hair.

“That’s all I wanted to say. Sorry for being so selfish.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled: “That’s not selfish at all. It’s just that Jingshi can get feisty too, and it’s kind of cute.”

Jiang Jingshi lifted her head; this poised Jiang Family heiress showed her softer side in front of her boyfriend.

“How is getting upset over this cute? Even if I’m gentle with you, I’d still get mad about something like that.”

Lin Zheng Ran stroked her hair: “I’ve been spending less time with you lately. I’ll make more time in the future.”

Jiang Jingshi bit her lip: “You always keep your word, Zheng.”

“Yeah, so… do you agree to me having four girlfriends?”

Jiang Jingshi hesitated, then gently kissed his lips, looking like a playful, wronged wife: “From the day you saved me, my life has been yours. How could I disagree? I’ve given you everything. But if you’re going for day student status, I want in too! We’re all like sisters, so I should be able to join, right?”