Chapter 437 - 244: Yixia’s Heart Softens, This Night’s Redemption

Chapter 437: Chapter 244: Yixia’s Heart Softens, This Night’s Redemption

"Yixia," he called out. His voice was soft, as if he was afraid she wouldn’t hear him, yet also afraid that she would.

"Mm."

"You smell so good. Much better than alcohol."

Jiang Yixia’s face flushed red. She gave him a light push and said, "Stop your nonsense. Let’s go."

"Your dad won’t let me in the door anymore. If I go to your house in the future, is he going to hit me with a broom?" Lu Fan didn’t move, continuing to lean on her as he spoke. "Judging by his attitude today, it looked like he wanted to eat me alive."

Jiang Yixia was so exasperated she almost laughed, but she held it back. "If you don’t get going, I’ll be the one hitting you with a broom. Are you going or not?"

Lu Fan smiled, and this time, it seemed a little more genuine than before.

He straightened up, but his hand remained on her shoulder, not letting go.

Jiang Yixia supported him as they walked out. He moved slowly, swaying with each step, and she matched his slow pace.

They went downstairs and out of the pastry shop. A cool night breeze drifted by.

Lu Fan shivered and leaned closer to her, practically hanging on her again.

Chen He was standing by the entrance. When he saw them come out, he quickly opened the car door, holding the rear door wide open.

But Lu Fan refused to get in the car. He shook his head and said, "I’m not going back. I’ll just be alone if I go back. That house is too big. I can’t sleep."

"Then where do you want to go?" Jiang Yixia glared at him.

Lu Fan just looked at her without a word, his eyes holding a pitiful, pleading gaze.

Jiang Yixia bit her lip, took a deep breath, and turned to Chen He. "To my place."

Chen He froze for a second, then nodded quickly. He opened the door even wider, holding a hand over the frame to prevent them from bumping their heads.

Jiang Yixia pushed Lu Fan into the back seat, then got in herself and closed the door.

The car headed toward her home. Lu Fan was silent the whole way, leaning back against the seat with his eyes closed.

Jiang Yixia sat beside him, watching the streetlights recede one by one outside the window.

Her heart was pounding, but she didn’t let any of it show on her face.

When they arrived downstairs from her apartment, Chen He stopped the car.

Jiang Yixia pushed the door open, got out, and looked back at Lu Fan.

He opened his eyes and looked at her, not moving.

"Get out," Jiang Yixia gestured.

Lu Fan shook his head, feigning reluctance. "I’m not going. Your dad will scold you if he finds out. He said I’m not allowed to set foot in your family’s home."

Jiang Yixia laughed in exasperation and retorted, "Why didn’t you say that back at the pastry shop? What’s with the good-guy act now? My dad isn’t here."

Lu Fan didn’t say anything. He still didn’t move.

Jiang Yixia walked over, grabbed his arm, and started pulling him out.

He complied and got out of the car, swaying as he did. His whole body pitched forward, and Jiang Yixia quickly caught him. Once again, he was leaning on her.

This time he leaned more heavily, his entire weight almost hanging on her.

His head was buried in the crook of her neck, his warm breath fanning across her collarbone.

His hand rested on her waist. Through her clothes, she could feel the warmth of his palm.

Jiang Yixia’s body stiffened for a moment, and her heart skipped a few beats.

She bit her lip but didn’t push him away.

"Let’s go," Jiang Yixia urged.

She helped him upstairs, opened the door, and pushed him inside.

He stood in the entryway, looking at everything in the room.

"What are you looking at? Is this your first time here? Get inside," Jiang Yixia said, giving him a push while feigning annoyance.

The push made Lu Fan stagger. He walked to the sofa, sat down, and sank into the cushions, closing his eyes.

Jiang Yixia went to the kitchen, poured a glass of warm water, and placed it on the coffee table. Then she stood beside him, watching.

Lu Fan was leaning against the sofa, his face flushed and his breathing heavy. It was hard to tell if he was asleep or not.

"Lu Fan," she called out.

No response.

"Lu Fan," she called out again.

He stirred, opened his eyes, and looked at her. His gaze was unfocused.

"Have some water." She handed him the glass.

He took the glass, drank a sip, set it down, and closed his eyes again.

Jiang Yixia stood there, watching him for a long time.

She bent down, pulled a blanket over, and draped it over him.

Her fingers brushed his shoulder. He shifted slightly, and she pulled her hand back, straightening up.

She turned to leave, but he suddenly spoke. "Yixia."

She stopped but didn’t turn around.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For not kicking me out."

Jiang Yixia didn’t reply. She just silently walked into the kitchen, planning to make some soup to help him sober up.

Downstairs, Chen He sat in the car, looking up at the lit window. He smiled.

He started the car and drove slowly out of the residential complex.

He picked up his phone and sent a message to Jiali.

Chen He: [The boss is staying over at the boss lady’s place tonight.]

Jiali replied quickly.

Jiali: [Really? Did the boss lady initiate it?]

Chen He thought for a moment before typing.

Chen He: [More or less. The boss drank too much, and the boss lady’s heart softened.]

Jiali: [Looks like we’re in for a good show tomorrow.]

Chen He put his phone down and stepped on the gas, the car merging into the flow of traffic.

He glanced at the lit window in his rearview mirror and muttered to himself, "After drinking that much... I wonder if the boss will even be able to get up tonight..."