Shi Che’s fingers paused slightly as he was typing. Lifting his gaze slightly, he looked at Ling Chuxia, who was standing there quietly, her demeanor as respectful as ever.
Shi Che’s brows furrowed slightly as his eyes unintentionally swept past her to the black dress lying not far behind on the sofa. His gaze darkened and, suddenly opening his mouth, his tone carried a hint of impatience as he responded to an unasked question, "In the future, don’t wear that kind of clothing."
Ling Chuxia was startled for a moment, not immediately understanding, "What?"
Shi Che didn’t speak again but instead squinted at the dress behind her with a frown. Ling Chuxia reflexively followed his gaze and felt a chill in her heart.
She knew she wasn’t dignified or ladylike enough in such a dress, and Shi Che certainly wouldn’t like it. She hadn’t intended to wear it either; it was only for the sake of maintaining control at the event tonight that she had worn it just that once.
Watching Shi Che’s impatient expression, Ling Chuxia’s body trembled slightly, her eyes cast down, and her voice, now with a light tremble, very low, "I understand."
Hearing Ling Chuxia’s somewhat trembling voice, Shi Che’s eyes flashed as he looked at her again. Her expression was no longer just respectful but now also tinged with a touch of fear. Shi Che’s heart sank as he opened his mouth to say something but in the end, said nothing, redirecting his gaze back to the computer screen, paying Chuxia no further heed.
Ling Chuxia stood awkwardly in place for a while, and seeing that Shi Che had no further instructions, she said in a low voice, "Then I’m going to take a shower..."
Shi Che still didn’t reply to her, nor did he glance at her.
Ling Chuxia’s gaze dimmed slightly before she slowly turned and walked towards the bathroom. As she turned her back, Shi Che’s dark eyes slowly lifted, following her as she entered the bathroom.
When Ling Chuxia came out after her shower, Shi Che was still there looking at the computer, the entire bedroom was very quiet, so quiet that only the occasional tapping sound of his keyboard could be heard.
Ling Chuxia’s steps involuntarily became lighter too. She walked to the vanity, applied some skincare products to her face and body, then stood up and walked towards the bed.
She reached the side of the bed where she usually slept, gently lifted the quilt, and sat down softly, taking care to not disturb Shi Che.
But Shi Che seemed to be affected by her movements anyway. The moment she lay down, he also closed his laptop, placed it on the bedside table, and then lay down as well.
As soon as Shi Che lay down, Chuxia felt the mattress sink slightly beneath her. Even though there was still some distance between them, she could feel the man’s presence and began to get nervous involuntarily.
However, after lying down, Shi Che did not do what Chuxia thought he might do naturally. Instead, he reached out to turn off the light, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.