Chapter 357: Bedroom - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 357: Bedroom The door to Lin Zhengran’s bedroom quietly shut. In the nest of blankets, Jiang Xueli lay flat on the bed, her arms wrapped around Lin Zhengran's neck as she kissed him. She felt his restless hand slip inside her clothing. "Zhengran..." The moment seemed perfect, but Lin Zhengran’s phone rang abruptly. Flushing with embarrassment, Jiang Xueli looked at him, "It's a call, you should answer it first." Lin Zhengran glanced at the bashful Lily, "Give me a moment." "Okay." He moved to sit at the edge of the bed. Taking advantage of the time, Jiang Xueli unclasped something at her back, pulling a piece of clothing out and placing it on the nightstand. Seeing the call was from Pan Lin, Lin Zhengran answered, “Hello, Pan Lin? What’s the situation?” Pan Lin spoke into the phone: “Mr. Lin, following your instructions, I re-investigated the situation of the former factory manager who fled. There’s something peculiar about it. It’s said this guy had a habit of playing cards, but the stakes were never high. There’s speculation that his disappearance was due to a big gambling loss, though some say he never played for high stakes, and it couldn’t be just that.” Lin Zhengran pondered for a moment. According to Uncle Jiang, alongside his own years of observation, it was indeed strange for a factory owner, who had been in the small town for seven to eight years, to suddenly flee. “Who are his usual card-playing acquaintances?” Pan Lin continued on the phone, while Jiang Xueli watched Lin Zhengran seriously. Suddenly, her gaze landed on a certain spot. Her face reddened, and she bit her moist lip, diving into the blankets. Pan Lin went on, “His card mates were mostly regulars—like Uncle Jiang, and some factory leaders. But starting last month, he stopped playing at the factory, saying he was playing with someone named Yang Ge.” “Who is this Yang Ge? Alright, I get it…” Lin Zhengran's sentence was cut short by something he felt; he glanced at Lily hiding under the blankets, up to some mischief, and subtly frowned. This girl, learning from Wen Wen again. “Mr. Lin?” Pan Lin asked, “Why did you go silent?” “Hmm, I got it. Look into this Yang Ge for me, and update me with any news. Otherwise, I’ll hang up now; I have some other business to attend to.” “Okay, I’ll let you know once I find something. You carry on.” The call ended. Lin Zhengran set down his phone, looking down at Jiang Xueli who peeked from the blankets. "Lily." Jiang Xueli slowly emerged, her face red as she looked at Lin Zhengran, “What is it, silly Zhengran? Why don’t you lie down and relax a bit? Let me ease your stress…” Lin Zhengran smiled, “Are all girls naturally this talented?” Jiang Xueli, overwhelmed with shyness, couldn’t find her words, “How could anyone be naturally good at it! I specifically looked up how to make you happy, you know! I’m done talking to you, you idiot! Just close your eyes and lie back.” Saying so, she dove back under the covers. The afternoon unfolded on Lin Zhengran’s bed, a cloud of endless passion. After long hours of intimacy, which was only her second time, Jiang Xueli seemed to have built a tolerance. This time, she didn’t drift to slumber immediately, but lay on the pillow watching Lin Zhengran, only a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead. Strands of hair clung to her brow in the moisture. “Zhengran, thank you this time.” Lin Zhengran, lying on his side, caressed her cheek, “Still on about that? It never ends, does it?” Jiang Xueli blinked haughtily, “What do you mean, never ends? It’s just… You’re always by my side when things happen, and I’m truly moved. I won’t let you down in the year-end music competition. I’ll win the championship and earn lots for the company—and for you!” Lin Zhengran smiled helplessly, “Money’s a minor matter. What matters is, you’ll be famous then. I’ll invest resources to make my Lily a household name. When you’re the queen of song, I’ll have a diva as a girlfriend.” Jiang Xueli couldn’t help but laugh, “Sounds great! But I’m suddenly curious, Zhengran, what is it exactly that you like about me? You won’t say it’s my cuteness, right? There are so many cute girls, why choose me?” “Lily’s full of odd questions today.” Jiang Xueli huffed softly, one hand sneaking to pinch his waist beneath the covers as she closed her eyes proudly: “Remember, I’ll be a diva in the future! A big star! I’m not impressed by ordinary guys! But…” She reopened her eyes, locking onto him: “But compared to you, I’m far from perfect. I’m your creation, so I’m genuinely curious about what makes you like me. Tell me.” Lin Zhengran bent closer, whispering something into the ear of the blushing Jiang Xueli. Enlightened by his words, she was surprised, “So it was that which moved your heart… But any girl would be like that with someone they liked.” Settling back with a knowing shake, Lin Zhengran mused, although this life has been smooth, in his previous life, he had seen plenty of girls: “No, girls with that trait are rare. But you, He Qing, Wen Wen, and Jing Shi all possess it, which is why I’m fond of you. That aside, you really are adorable—who wouldn’t like you?” Jiang Xueli’s heart raced with his compliment, “Adorable, huh? Only you think so.” “How about we nap? After such an afternoon, you must be tired.” Jiang Xueli slowly released his fingers, “I’m okay... Just a bit tired is nice, I actually like it.” “Lily can be really cheeky sometimes.” "Oh, you’re so annoying!” Jiang Xueli nestled into his embrace, closing her eyes, “I’m sleeping. Wake me when it’s time to leave.” “No problem.” Twenty minutes later, downstairs in the residential complex, Lin Yingjun parked the car, stepping out with Lin Xiaoli. They exchanged casual family chatter. In the elevator up to the house door, Lin Xiaoli suddenly paused. “Hmm? Someone’s been here?” Lin Yingjun was puzzled, “Someone? How do you know?” Casting a knowing glance at her husband, Lin Xiaoli analyzed, “I’m detail-oriented, haven’t you noticed a bit of... just a bit of shampoo scent in the corridor?” Lin Yingjun sniffed, “Hey, you’re right! But it’s faint. Could it have wafted in from an open window?” “Hmph, but I didn’t open the corridor window today, and this scent—it’s familiar.” She signaled her husband, opening the house door quietly. Tiptoeing to their son’s bedroom, peering at the closed door with a triumphant look at her husband, indicating her deduction. Lin Yingjun gave a thumbs-up, “Incredible! You guessed it!” Lin Xiaoli opened the door, arms wide, smiling brightly, “Zhengran, why didn’t you call when you came home suddenly? Let Mom hug you!” Then she caught sight of Lin Zhengran on the bed, holding a pristine and sleeping Jiang Xueli, turning with his finger to his lips signaling silence. Lin Xiaoli’s face flushed crimson, and in the next second she closed the door swiftly, retreating. Outside, she said, “Sorry for interrupting, we’ll start making dinner. Keep it down with Lily!” (End of Chapter)