Read Novel Full Chapter 118 Part 1 – No Overnight Grudge Between Lovers (I)
Chapter 118 Part 1 – No Overnight Grudge Between Lovers (I)
“Mianmian.” Ning Shaobai’s voice was soft, yet brimming with infinite tenderness.
“Mm?” Xia Mian felt like she was floating, and instinctively raised her arms to hug him back, murmuring, “Dr. Ning…”
Ning Shaobai chuckled lightly, “Yeah, I’m here.”
A rush of joy welled up in her chest, “You’re mine from now on.”
Ning Shaobai paused for a moment before answering softly, “Yes, I’m yours.”
With those words, the arm around her waist suddenly tightened. Xia Mian suddenly felt something soft and warm press against the side of her neck, and a wave of tingling heat spread instantly through her whole body.
She let out a soft gasp, her whole body turning a little limp.
Ning Shaobai hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from her. He quickly caught her in his arms, turned, and sat down beside her on the couch, cradling her close and patting her back gently to soothe her. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”
Leaning against his shoulder, Xia Mian gradually calmed down, feeling like she had completely lost face. She had never known a single kiss could have such power.
It was just her neck! How shameful…
Buried in his shoulder, her cheeks felt like they were burning.
When she heard Ning Shaobai’s soft laughter, she lifted her hand to lightly smack him. Then, catching sight of the Adam’s apple right next to her, a desire for revenge lit up.
She leaned her head in a little closer…
Ning Shaobai suddenly tensed, and the hand on her back shifted from patting to holding her firmly in place.
Pressed tightly against his chest, Xia Mian realized what she had just done. She immediately froze, not daring to move.
After a while, Ning Shaobai finally let go. He gently pinched her chin and turned her face toward him. Looking down into her eyes, he said in a husky voice, “That’s not how you kiss someone.”
Xia Mian’s face turned bright red, completely unable to meet his eyes. Yet his gaze was tangible, like it had weight—sweeping slowly over her brows, down her nose, and lingering at her lips.
She heard him murmur softly, “Want me to teach you?”
Without thinking, she gripped the fabric of his shirt.
Feeling her movement, Ning Shaobai looked down at her trembling lashes, his throat bobbing slightly as he slowly leaned in…
Xia Mian shut her eyes. Just as she was beginning to feel something soft touch her lips, a voice rang out from the courtyard—
“Xia Mian! You’re back?” Xia Wenyue called loudly. “Why didn’t you close the front gate?”
The two of them sprang apart as if they’d been electrocuted. Xia Mian scrambled upright, while Ning Shaobai got up and reached for the washbasin on the floor.
Xia Mian had been startled, but seeing the always-composed Dr. Ning so flustered, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Ning Shaobai glanced at the washbasin in his hands and laughed too. He bent down to pick up the damp towel that had ended up on the couch and tugged gently at her tuft hair.
By the time Xia Wenyue entered, he had already regained his composure. “Good evening, Second Aunt.”
She was surprised to see him. “Dr. Ning? Weren’t you on a business trip? What are you doing here?”
“Just got back today. I happened to run into their class reunion,” he said, glancing at Xia Mian’s flushed face. “She drank a little. I was worried.”
Xia Wenyue said, “Sorry to trouble you, Dr. Ning. I’ll take over now—go get some rest.”
Ning Shaobai hesitated briefly. “Alright.”
When he reached the gate, he couldn’t help turning back for one last look. Xia Mian was still sitting on the couch, smiling and waving at him.
Ning Shaobai gave a helpless laugh. You little rascal.
Xia Wenyue dropped the damp towel onto Xia Mian’s face. “Stop looking—he’s gone.”
Xia Mian suddenly felt shy. “Second Aunt, you noticed?”
“Only a fool wouldn’t.” Seeing her admit it, Xia Wenyue didn’t bother hiding it anymore. “Besides you, who else dares to mess with Dr. Ning like that?”
Xia Mian giggled and wrapped her arms around Xia Wenyue. “Second Aunt, I really like him.”
Xia Wenyue rubbed her head and sighed with mixed feelings. “Time really flies. Our little Xia Mian is all grown up and has a boyfriend now.”
Xia Mian leaned against her shoulder and said playfully, “Even with a boyfriend, I’m still your little niece.”
Xia Wenyue chuckled, then warned sternly, “No messing around before marriage, you hear me?”
This was a conservative time. Premarital boundaries were expected.
“Aww, Second Aunt~” Xia Mian blushed and swayed her aunt’s arm. “Don’t you trust Dr. Ning?”
Xia Wenyue gave her a side-eye. “It’s not him I don’t trust.”
“You’re the bold one—there’s nothing you don’t dare to do.”
Xia Mian: “…”
…Couldn’t even argue with that.
“Aren’t you planning to renovate?” Xia Wenyue continued, “Once you finalize the design, just move over. The room’s already prepared for you two.”
“This courtyard is big. The renovations probably won’t be done until next year anyway—just in time for your twentieth birthday.
“Knowing Dr. Ning, you two will probably be getting married around then too.”
“For your dowry…”
Xia Mian: “…”
How far ahead are you planning, Second Aunt?!
…
Ning Shaobai, unaware that his days of freely dating Xia Mian were about to end, was still working out in the gym at home. At 2 a.m., his phone suddenly rang.
He answered it almost instantly.
“Dr. Ning, you’re still awake?” Xia Mian’s cheerful voice came through.
“You’re not asleep either?” Ning Shaobai chuckled.
“Mm,” Xia Mian said with a laugh, “I just wanted to tell you—I told my second aunt about us.”
Ning Shaobai froze for a moment. He had thought she’d wait a while. After all, she was still young and might be embarrassed.
“You didn’t have to rush.”
“How could I not?” Xia Mian replied. “I said I’d give you a title, so of course I’ll take full responsibility.”
Ning Shaobai let out a chuckle. Yes, this was the girl he liked—straightforward and sincere.
“So you better be clear on this,” Xia Mian emphasized. “You’re already claimed. No one else is allowed to touch you, got it?”
“Got it.” Ning Shaobai chuckled, his chest full of joy that not even exercise could burn off. He wanted to announce it, wanted to shout to the world…
He stared at his phone for a while, flipping it over and over, and then finally made a call.
“Hello?” Rong Xin’s sleepy voice came through. “Who is it? Don’t you know it’s the middle of the night?”
“Get ready. Your time is up.”
Still half-asleep, Rong Xin jolted awake at the words. “Who?! Who’s coming after me?! Is it the film queen? Did she hire you to kill me?!”
Ning Shaobai: “…”
“What the hell did you do to make a film queen want you dead?”
Recognizing his voice, Rong Xin exclaimed, still shaken, “Bro, it’s you! Look at the time—do you know what time it is? Middle of the damn night! Are you trying to scare me to death?”
“How am I scaring you?” Ning Shaobai said calmly. “I just called to give you a heads-up. I have a girlfriend now.”
Rong Xin, who had been drifting back to sleep, snapped fully awake. “You said you have what?!”
Ning Shaobai enunciated the word clearly: “Girlfriend.”
“You are trying to scare me!” Rong Xin’s voice cracked. “I haven’t even found a new girlfriend yet! My grandpa’s seventieth birthday is coming up soon. If this gets out, I’ll have no excuse not to marry that Tang family girl!”
Ning Shaobai said coolly, “And that’s why I’m warning you—enjoy your last days.”
Rong Xin: “…”
“When did this happen?” He wailed. “Weren’t you busy building your lab? When did you even have time for a meetup?”
A sudden thought occurred to him, and he blurted out in shock, “It’s not Gao Qiongying, is it?”
Then he panicked at the possibility and hurried to add, “Of course, not that I’m saying anything bad about her—she’s beautiful and capable, except a bit proud and domineering. But if it’s you, Brother Bai, you could definitely handle her.”
Ning Shaobai was speechless. “What are you talking about? How could it be her?”
“Then who is it?!”
Ning Shaobai laughed. Just thinking of her name filled him with a joy he couldn’t put into words.
“You’ll find out soon enough.” With that, he hung up, feeling thoroughly pleased.
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