Waterbound Love - Chapter 52

and feigning drunkenness seemed easier.

When they arrived at the base of Du Bai’s building, Shen Yan stopped the car without turning on the lights. Bathed in the glow of the streetlamp, she watched Du Bai, her eyes less sharp with them closed, a touch of ease softening her features. Her small, red lips emitted a faint pink fluorescence. Shen Yan’s head throbbed slightly, her gaze growing increasingly blurred as she slowly leaned toward Du Bai, the warmth of Du Bai’s breath hitting her face, sending a rush of alcohol straight to her head, exploding in a burst that made her hold her breath. She nervously watched the shadows cast by Du Bai’s long eyelashes.

“You shouldn’t sway back and forth like that,” Shen Yan said, her voice quiet in the stillness of the car, her words strikingly abrupt. She looked into Du Bai’s cool, deep eyes that were startlingly profound.

Shen Yan watched Du Bai awkwardly as the two maintained their ambiguous posture.

Catching Shen Yan’s dazed look, a mischievous sparkle passed through Du Bai’s eyes. She smiled slightly, her allure reminiscent of the seductive poppy, irresistibly pulling one into its depths. She closed her eyes and kissed the lips that were just a breath away. The air seemed to warm gradually, Shen Yan’s resistance dissolving into a pool of spring water. She closed her eyes deeply.

Du Bai heard Shen Yan’s disordered breathing, felt the kiss loaded with reckless abandon, her eyes brightening as they opened. Suddenly, she pushed Shen Yan away, seeing Shen Yan’s stunned face, her lips slightly swollen from their rough treatment. Du Bai smirked, opened the car door, and stepped out. Shen Yan, frustrated, pounded the steering wheel.

Walking ahead, Du Bai heard the sound of a horn from behind and shook her head with a smile, still accustomed to her usual self, never passive. She realized there was a touch of wickedness in her, tormenting others brought her a twisted sense of peace and happiness.

The night was cool as water, Du Bai, dressed in her pajamas, poured herself a glass of wine and leaned quietly against the window sill.

Backlit by the moonlight, she swirled the dark-stained liquid in her glass, its true color obscured.

Why bother, she thought. So many people live unhappily, why add to the sorrow? It’s better to stay away from her.

Maybe she was distancing herself from me.

Or perhaps, my existence is just superfluous.

Du Bai shook her head, unsure why, but every time she thought of leaving, her heart stirred with a strange mix of familiarity and tranquility. She wondered what would happen if she could no longer contain it one day.

“Hey? Kid, if you’re calling this late, it better be important, or I’ll kill you.” The voice on the other end of the phone was shouting, unaware of how disturbing someone’s dreams could turn them into a pauper in their next life.

“Heh, sorry, this just proves how little you love me, going to sleep so early.”

“Hey, don’t tell me you called in the middle of the night just to get yelled at.”

“How could I? I’m planning to leave tomorrow. Same old rules, you don’t need to see me off. Just take care of the house for me,” Du Bai said calmly, revealing her intention.

“How long will you be gone?”

“I don’t know.” It definitely won’t be short.

There was a pause on the line, “Does Shen Yan know?”

“I decided on this suddenly.” Even if she knew, it wouldn’t change anything.

“Ah, actually, many things aren’t that simple. Well, it might be good for you to get out and about.”

After hanging up, Du Bai quickly washed up and threw herself into bed, resulting in a sleepless night. Perhaps, there was still some anticipation, however slight.

It was still an afternoon flight, the earliest one available, ironically to Hokkaido. Her luggage was just a backpack, no need to check it in. Du Bai sat in the cafe to pass the time, ordering an Irish coffee while staring across at Mamba quietly sipping his own.

Those familiar knew that Mamba was a blend of Mantenin and Brazilian coffee.

Mantenin is aromatic and rich, with moderate acidity and a lingering sweetness, suitable for deep roasting to bring out a strong aroma.

The acidity and bitterness of Brazilian coffee can be adjusted through roasting; medium roast being milder and balanced, while a deep roast presents a strong bitterness, suitable for mixed coffee drinks.

The blend was aromatic and robust, much like Shen Yan, who had always been by her side. Now, one wonders if things will change once a person is gone.