After turning onto the main road, the lamps on both sides of the road diligently cast a bright light, causing Ye You to extinguish the Ziwei Heaven Fire.
Qin Sisi went on without uttering a single word, just continued to walk in silence.
When they arrived at the entrance of the housing complex, Ye You explained suddenly, "The ghost in my possession was caught right here."
Qin Sisi stopped and silently looked around. It was here that Ye You had wriggled from her embrace and vanished into the foliage; when she had gone to look for him, she had been stunned by a purple glow.
It had been just over a month since their first encounter. Reflecting on it now, it almost felt surreal.
When she stepped into the corridor, without any noise, the previously extinguished lights flickered back to life, just like the first time she had brought Ye You home.
Qin Sisi looked at Ye You and softly said, "I knew it was you."
Her sweet voice laced with unspoken affection left Ye You momentarily distracted, which he promptly hid behind lowered eyelids.
Once they were in the apartment, Ye You said, "You only have three hours left to rest. Use this time to tidy your things."
Qin Sisi heaved a long sigh and flung herself onto the sofa and weakly responded, "Just three hours? I feel like I could sleep for three entire days."
The constant practice she put in to master the Wings of Rainbow, the focus during the actual flight, and the adrenaline rush during the battle with the fierce ghost... everything that had transpired this night had undeniably worn her out.
A hint of concern surfaced in Ye You’s heart as he said with some helplessness, "Now, you understand why I wanted you to quit your job."
After being stupefied for a moment, a thought suddenly dawned upon Qin Sisi. So, Ye You had wanted her to resign not just, or perhaps not solely, so she could concentrate on catching ghosts for him, but because he didn’t want her to overwork herself?
Seeing Qin Sisi zoning out again, Ye You sighed and said, "Stop daydreaming and get ready for bed."
Qin Sisi stood up obediently and asked with concern, "Are your wounds okay?"
Ye You’s gaze flickered before answering, "It’s fine, a little rest and I’ll be good."
"That’s good." Qin Sisi uttered softly. She headed to the bathroom, quickly freshened up, then laid on her soft, comfy bed, finally able to stretch and relax her muscles.
Ye You jumped onto the bed as well, positioning himself beside Qin Sisi’s head. All he planned on was sparing her a quick look. But as their eyes met, he found himself unable to look away. Qin Sisi’s pure, clear eyes created a ripple in his violet ones.
Feeling nervous, Qin Sisi asked, "What are you doing?"
Ye You blinked before leaning in and gently touched her soft lips with his own for a fleeting moment. He quickly pulled back, retreating to a corner of the bed and shutting his eyes.
Stunned, Qin Sisi watched Ye You’s series of actions. It took her quite some time to process what had just happened, and her cheeks began to burn. She touched her lips with her finger, suddenly wondering, did that count as her first kiss?
To her side, Ye You appeared to have fallen asleep, his eyes closed. Qin Sisi rolled over and closed her eyes as well. Initially, her mind was buzzing because of Ye You’s move, but perhaps it was due to exhaustion that once the room fell silent, she drifted into a deep sleep.
After he being assured Qin Sisi was asleep, Ye You opened his eyes again. His expression softened, revealing neither his usual aloofness nor his wild streak, only a gentle serenity.
You said that around me, you didn’t need to worry about anything; was that a way of saying that you liked being with me? Do you want to be with me forever?
Even though he was reluctant to do so, Ye You woke Qin Sisi at the crack of dawn.
With great effort, Qin Sisi got out of bed, dressed, brushed her teeth, made breakfast, ate breakfast, did the dishes, and then prepared to go to work.
Just as she was about to leave, she reminded him in a worried tone, "Make sure to rest at home."
Ye You blinked and replied, "Okay, I will."
Qin Sisi gave it some thought, then asked, "What do you feel like eating tonight? I can get it on my way back."
Ye You let out a soft chuckle, "You needn’t go out of your way. Whatever you’re having, I’ll have the same."
"Alright, then. I’m off." Qin Sisi waved at Ye You, then opened the door and left.
After closing the door behind her, Qin Sisi noticed an empty feeling. It was a feeling she recognized as missing someone.
However, Qin Sisi shook her head in confusion, denying her own thoughts. She’d just left – how could she possibly be missing him already?
At work, Qin Sisi tried her best to stay focused, but for some reason, time seemed to pass particularly slowly that day.
When it was finally time to leave, Qin Sisi quickly packed her things. She was just about to rush towards the office door when Lin Shan stopped her.
"Sisi, come shopping with me at the supermarket downstairs!", Lin Shan held Qin Sisi’s arm and begged.
Qin Sisi spoke reluctantly, "Uh... maybe another time? I want to get home early."
But Lin Shan wouldn’t take no for an answer, "You’d just be alone at home anyway; keep me company as I shop!"
"But..." Qin Sisi looked troubled. Lin Shan’s request wasn’t unreasonable, and they frequently shopped together before, but today she was particularly worried about Ye You.
Observing Qin Sisi’s expression, Lin Shan looked suspicious. She then leaned in closer, as though uncovering a tantalizing secret, and whispered, "Hey, Qin Sisi, come clean: have you been hiding a man at home?"
Alarmed, Qin Sisi fervently denied, "What are you even saying! Don’t you know if I have a boyfriend or not?"
Lin Shan thought for a moment. It was true; Qin Sisi had been acting normally without any signs of even having a boyfriend. Feeling perplexed, Lin Shan asked, "Well, what’s your hurry to get home, then?"
Qin Sisi’s eyes darted around before she answered, "It’s nothing much, it’s just that my cat is sick and I’m worried about it."
Lin Shan pretended to be upset, "Sisi, I can’t believe I rank below your cat in your heart! I’m heartbroken!" She exaggeratedly clutched her chest whilst speaking.
Qin Sisi was left speechless, left with no choice but to agree, "Alright, alright, I’ll accompany you."
"Great, let’s go!", Lin Shan instantly perked up as she took Qin Sisi’s hand and walked out the office doors, chattering all the way.
There was a large supermarket on the ground floor of their office building. After browsing through the aisles, Lin Shan bought some daily-use stuff and vegetables. Qin Sisi initially didn’t have anything on her shopping list, but then she saw some fish and remembered that cats loved fish. Even though Ye You wasn’t an actual cat... it wouldn’t hurt to buy some for him to try; maybe he’d like it.