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Zhou Hong felt like her ears had been sullied.
No matter how many times she’d seen Shao Cixin flirt, she still couldn’t keep up with this other woman’s brain.
But the most important thing was that Shao Cixin seemed to have taken her flirting to the next level in front of Wen Zhihan!
Zhou Hong turned and saw that Wen Zhihan was smiling—her smile was extremely endearing.
“…”
Shao Cixin was flirting, and Wen Zhihan was smiling.
The two were indeed a capable couple.
Zhou Hong turned her head and silently continued to watch Zhou Yu fish.
Fortunately, her man was a normal person…
Shao Cixin was still holding Wen Zhihan’s fishing rod with a serious expression on her face. She seemed to be really looking forward to being fished by Wen Zhihan.
The more Wen Zhihan looked at her, the more she couldn’t help but curl her lips.
She suddenly stretched out her hands to take Shao Cixin into her arms. Then she asked, “What kind of fish is our Cixin?”
Without any hesitation, Shao Cixin said shamelessly, “A mermaid.”
Wen Zhihan smiled. “You can’t eat a mermaid.”
Shao Cixin was puzzled. “Why? The mermaid is a fish. It even has the character for ‘fish[1]’ in its name!”
Wen Zhihan said, “But it is also a human being. The character for ‘man’ is present as well.”
Shao Cixin: “?”
Wen Zhihan continued, “It’s illegal to eat people.”
Shao Cixin: “…”
What Wen Zhihan said made sense.
As expected of her rigorous President Wen.
After a second, Shao Cixin leaned close to Wen Zhihan’s ear again, whispering to her in such a low voice that no one besides Wen Zhihan could hear—not even the microphone.
“But you can still eat them.”
Wen Zhihan raised her eyebrows slightly.
Shao Cixin said seriously, “It’s just that we can only ‘eat’ this way at home. Not only on the dining table but also when it’s us alone.”
Wen Zhihan understood and couldn’t help but laugh.
It was clear that her junior sister was passionate about holding seminars.
Very good. This could also probably be considered a ‘success.’ At least Shao Cixin was interested in having these discussions with her, Wen Zhihan.
The atmosphere changed, but their fishing level remained the same.
It wasn’t until they were almost finished fishing that the two finally managed to catch a small fish. In the name of sustainable development, they let it go again.
Compared to them, the Zhou family had reaped a full harvest.
Shao Cixin picked up her and Wen Zhihan’s empty bucket and then looked towards the other couple under the bright sun.
Zhou Hong and Zhou Yu were sitting on a small log, bending over to check the fish in their bucket.
Just looking at her back, Shao Cixin could feel Zhou Hong’s joy.
At this moment, she was inexplicably happy for her.
Zhou Hong had also met a good person…
Shao Cixin turned back to Wen Zhihan and said, “Fortunately, we are not in the business of fishing. Otherwise, we would have starved to death. Let’s go back.”
She looked at Wen Zhihan’s hand. “Wife, are you tired? Do you want me to carry your fishing rod?”
Wen Zhihan didn’t give Shao Cixin her fishing rod. Instead, she took Shao Cixin’s extended palm into hers, interlocking their fingers and hanging them by their side. “I’m not tired.”
Although they were filming a show, for Wen Zhihan, this was more of an opportunity to go out with Shao Cixin and create countless firsts.
The first time they walked together, the first time they experienced a birthday surprise, the first time they went camping together…
It was fun and relaxing.
Shao Cixin curled her lips and smiled at Wen Zhihan.
Just as the two were about to leave, Zhou Hong’s voice suddenly sounded from behind. “Shao Cixin, wait!”
The two stopped in their tracks and turned their heads back in unison.
Zhou Yi waved at them while Zhou Hong said awkwardly, “We wanted to give you some fish.”
To reciprocate their previous courtesy.
Wen Zhihan had just helped the Zhou couple set up their tent, so it wasn’t a big deal to give them a few fish as gifts.
Otherwise, they would feel too miserable for letting these two people go back empty-handed and be compared by others.
Zhou Yi also encouraged Zhou Hong to do this.
Since they all experienced borrowing and repayment, a coming and going where both parties had contributed, it was not difficult to become friends.
Shao Cixin blinked and turned to look at Wen Zhihan for advice.
Wen Zhihan said softly, “This is their good intention.”
She had discovered that although Zhou Hong was usually angry with Shao Cixin, she did not have a bad nature and she would not cause substantial harm.
No wonder Shao Cixin was so tolerant of Zhou Hong in the past. And the relationship between the two had improved since the last time the other woman gave Shao Cixin guidance on her acting skills.
One more friend was always better than one more enemy.
With Wen Zhihan’s encouragement, Shao Cixin carried the bucket over without saying a word.
She knelt down obediently in front of Zhou Hong and gave her a sweet smile. “One is enough. Thank you, Teacher Zhou. Thank you, Hong Hong.”
Zhou Hong broke out with goosebumps when she heard Shao Cixin call her “Hong Hong” again.
“…”
If she was guilty, she would rather have the law punish her than listen to Shao Cixin call her Hong Hong!
Shao Cixin held Wen Zhihan’s hand and walked back carrying a bucket of three fish.
The woods were full of lush green vegetation and dappled light and shadows.
The air was clear, and the humidity level felt comfortable on the skin. Occasionally, insects and birds chirped in the background.
Shao Cixin was in such a good mood that she hummed the theme song of a TV drama she had watched in the past.
Of course, no one would know what she was humming if they didn’t ask.
Wen Zhihan tilted her head slightly. When she saw Shao Cixin’s expression, she withdrew her gaze with a smile spreading across her own face.
“Cixin is in a good mood.”
“Yes, a very good mood~” Shao Cixin said.
“Is it because of Mrs. Zhou?” Wen Zhihan guessed the reason in an instant.
Shao Cixin did not deny it.
It was indeed because of Zhou Hong.
It was also because her rebirth had allowed her to see a different Zhou Hong.
To be honest, her previous impression of Zhou Hong had been that of a “Master Harasser.”
She only knew that Zhou Hong had a quick temper, but she didn’t know that she was so double-faced—in a good way.
According to Zhou Hong, she obviously hated Shao Cixin the most and wished Shao Cixin would disappear quickly. But when Shao Cixin really encountered a problem, the first person to reach out to her was Zhou Hong.
Zhou Hong was cute because of this double-faced nature.
“Zhou Hong is a good person,” Shao Cixin said, “At least she won’t add insult to injury when others are in trouble. Instead, she asks, ‘Do you want me to help you?’”
This was the first time Shao Cixin had publicly evaluated her rival in front of the camera.
There were no fierce words, no indignation, only peaceful words and gentle eyes.
Just like Wen Zhihan said, Shao Cixin held grudges but also remembered favors. She had a clear distinction between right and wrong.
Shao Cixin was very happy to see many different sights in this rebirth.
—It’s great to be alive!
“It’s good to be alive,” Shao Cixin said with a smile, breathing in the fresh air of the forest. “While you are alive, you can experience many different beautiful scenarios, which are all very pleasing to the eyes.”
Wen Zhihan glanced at Shao Cixin and thought she caught a sudden trace of relief and happiness on Shao Cixin’s face.
It was like…she had already once left the world.
The moment this thought came to her mind, Wen Zhihan’s heart suddenly shook.
It was not an easy thing to consider.
Her instinctual love for Shao Cixin drove her to stare at Shao Cixin, subconsciously trying to find any more clues from her body language.
However, that expression she witnessed was just like an illusion, fleeting and gone with a flash.
It seems like a misunderstanding… Wen Zhihan quietly thought, holding Shao Cixin’s hand.
She said with a normal expression and tone, “There are many stones here, be careful.”
Shao Cixin suddenly remembered the incident when she stepped on a stone and fell into Wen Zhihan’s arms. She straightened her back, immediately acting well-behaved.
“You’re right. I’d be so embarrassed if I fell in front of the camera. My beautiful image would collapse!”
“…”
“Wife, quickly, hold me!”
Wen Zhihan recalled Shao Cixin’s “Sister, I’ve taken the bait!” stunt in front of the camera just moments ago, and for a second she didn’t know what her wife’s criteria for protecting her image were.
…It probably just depended on her mood.
Shao Cixin, a cute demoness who did whatever she wanted.
Wen Zhihan smiled and strengthened her grip on Shao Cixin’s hand.
A day of life in the wilderness was extremely fulfilling.
Night fell in the blink of an eye, and silence enveloped the entire settlement.
Everyone raised their eyes to look at the sky, where the stars were shining brightly.
As the evening wind gently blew through the campsite, the summer night enveloped them in its embrace.
All of the couples sat around one table, creating a harmonious atmosphere as they enjoyed their last meal of the day.
After they finished their meals, they washed their dishes, put away their things, and gathered around the campfire to chat. The collision of different fields seemed to be particularly compatible at this moment.
As an investment banker, Wen Zhihan attracted a lot of attention.
Shao Cixin sat next to the campfire and poked at the flames. Although she didn’t understand much about investment, her lips couldn’t help but curl up unconsciously when she heard others praising Wen Zhihan.
She was proud.
The topic eventually turned elsewhere, and everyone’s attentions were diverted.
Shao Cixin turned her head and held her chin as she gazed at her wife. Wen Zhihan’s face was illuminated brightly and intimately by the light of the fire, and even the atmosphere seemed to be dyed in a warm glow.
She suddenly wanted to reveal all of her secrets to Wen Zhihan.
Words and sentences that were full of love—as well as those that weren’t related to love it all. There were too many things she wanted to express.
But the moment she met Wen Zhihan’s gaze, a thousand words turned into one. “Wife.”
Shao Cixin’s voice was soft as if she was whispering, “Let’s go camping again next time. Just the two of us.”
Wen Zhihan watched the evening breeze blow across Shao Cixin’s hair and saw the gentleness of summer leaving bright traces in her eyes.
Shao Cixin was right before her, in her eyes and her heart.
She was so close at hand.
“Okay. Whatever Mrs. Wen says,” Wen Zhihan responded softly.
She hoped that when the day came, their relationship would be different from what it was today.
Everyone had their own plans for the weekends. Depending on whether they were resting at home or going to work, some guests went to bed early while others were still sitting by the campfire chatting happily.
Shao Cixin and Wen Zhihan returned to the tent to rest.
Wen Zhihan had to go to the company for a meeting the next day, and Shao Cixin didn’t want her to sleep late and be in poor health.
As she was about to enter her own tent, Shao Cixin found Zhou Hong sitting alone outside her and Zhou Yu’s tent, watching the stars.
After thinking for a moment, she asked Wen Zhihan to rest first. Then she went to talk to Zhou Hong.
“Gazing at the stars?” Shao Cixin sat down next to Zhou Hong. “Why isn’t Teacher Zhou accompanying you?”
Zhou Hong glanced at her, then turned back to the night sky. “He’s been busy all day and is too tired, so I let him sleep first.”
Shao Cixin said, “Oh.”
Zhou Hong remembered that Shao Cixin had referred to her as “Hong Hong” earlier in the day, so she took the initiative to say, “You can watch with me if you want, but don’t call me that disgusting title!”
Shao Cixin suddenly became innocent. “What’s disgusting? It’s a sweet name!”
Zhou Hong said, “…Sweet.”
Shao Cixin responded, “I don’t mind if you sweetly call me ‘Xin Xin.’”
“I don’t want to!” Zhou Hong immediately retorted. Then she hurriedly looked back in the direction of her tent with concern, lowering her voice, and said with revulsion, “It’s disgusting. I don’t want to call you that!”
Shao Cixin laughed happily.
After all this time, she still found teasing Zhou Hong the most fun.
Zhou Hong thought Shao Cixin was crazy for laughing so happily after being scolded and called disgusting.
—This woman really wasn’t a serious person!
Shao Cixin suddenly said, “Thank you.”
Her abrupt thanks came with a sober tone.
The words fell on Zhou Hong’s ears, startling her. Zhou Hong started feeling more and more awkward, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
She was used to arguing with Shao Cixin, and she was used to listening to Shao Cixin’s sharp tongue, but she was not at all used to Shao Cixin using polite language on her and honestly saying thank you…
You shouldn’t reach out and hit a smiling person[2].
This time, Zhou Hong couldn’t even find the opportunity to be double-faced.
“You…What are you grateful for?”
“Thank you for helping me, last time and today.”
“What’s there to be thankful for…”
Zhou Hong felt a little embarrassed.
“Because I’m really grateful to you, so I wanted to thank you,” Shao Cixin said with a smile. “Zhou Hong, you are a very lovely person.”
Zhou Hong continued to feel embarrassed and didn’t look at Shao Cixin. “Please wake up, there are still cameras here.”
Shao Cixin didn’t care. “It’s fine if there are. I just wanted to praise you in front of the camera and let everyone know that you helped me. What’s wrong with that?”
Zhou Hong: “…”
Shao Cixin said, “When you do good deeds, you must be remembered!”
Zhou Hong sighed helplessly in front of Shao Cixin for the first time.
She really couldn’t do anything about this person.
But she also admired and envied her courage.
It was great to have the ability to be frank and say what you want to say.
Zhou Hong was forced to admit that Shao Cixin was not only very articulate, but she also had a good personality.
At this moment, Shao Cixin patted Zhou Hong’s shoulder.
“I’ll send you a banner when I get back.”
“…”
“You don’t like the banner? How about a trophy? A letter of thanks? Or should we buy you a hot search? Hold a Shao Cixin said ‘Thanks’ appreciation party?”
“…There’s something wrong with you!”
That’s right, Shao Cixin couldn’t stay serious for too long!
“Haha,” Shao Cixin laughed again. Then she suddenly asked, “Are we considered friends?”
Zhou Hong was stunned.
Be friends with Shao Cixin?
She hadn’t thought about it before, but now that she was, she realized that it didn’t seem like such a bad thing.
It’s almost like you didn’t need to worry about being unhappy when you were friends with someone like Shao Cixin.
Thinking this way in her head but unable to change her double-face nature, Zhou Hong glared at Shao Cixin and said, “Who wants to be friends with you? You call me such gross names all day long. Go away, get out of here!”
Shao Cixin felt like she understood Zhou Hong’s answer. She also saw that Zhou Hong was someone who was not used to being in such a warm and affectionate atmosphere—at least not one with a person like her.
So she was generous and changed the atmosphere once again.
“Okay, it’s getting late. It’s the time to sleep and also discuss some adult topics.”
Zhou Hong: “?”
Adult topics?
What did Shao Cixin want to do?!
There were still minors watching the show!
Zhou Hong was about to open her mouth to stop Shao Cixin when she heard Shao Cixin say, “I have a day off tomorrow. What time are you working?”
Zhou Hong, who had to work all day the next day: “…”
Squeeze.
Her firsts tightened.
Shao Cixin glanced at Zhou Hong’s fists, then looked up at her expression. She reached out her hand and patted Zhou Hong’s shoulder gently.
“Hong Hong, please restrain yourself. The desire to kill someone isn’t something you can easily hide from your eyes.”
“—Scram!”
Thank you so much to Yamahl for making this bonus chapter possible! ❤️
The author (热到昏厥) has something to say:
Cixin in Hong Hong’s eyes: Sometimes sexy.
Cixin in her Senior Sister’s eyes: Cute, so cute, too cute. How is she this cute?
Hong Hong: ?
Hong Hong: This person’s love filter is too thick!
[1] In Chinese, mermaid is “美人鱼,” literally “beautiful man-fish.” In the Chinese language, the word “人” or “man” does not have a gendered connotation like it does in English.
[2] Zhou Hong directly cites the Chinese saying “伸手不打笑脸人” (shēn shǒu bù dǎ xiào liǎn rén) or “Don’t reach out and hit a smiling person.” It refers to how when, after the other party admits his mistake, you can’t bear to hit them anymore.
