That's the fun of chatting with a young married woman—lewd remarks just roll off the tongue.
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng's hand resting on Big Secret's back slid slowly downward, fingertips grazing the curve of her spine as if by accident.
It finally came to rest on the skin of her thigh.
"Are you hinting at something?" Jiang Cheng lowered his voice, thumb drawing teasing circles beneath the silk nightgown.
Big Secret shivered; a rosy flush blossomed at the corners of her eyes.
She tilted her head, a curl falling across her collarbone and trembling with her soft laugh: "Naughty little brother, stop pressing…" She stretched the last syllable, "If big sis gets in the mood again, you'll be the one exhausted."
The voice was like honey-dipped feathers, tickling until ears burned.
Jiang Cheng's thumb stilled; he turned, flopped onto the bed beside Big Secret.
"Exhausted, no—but I've bullied enough for today; now I want to lie back and be bullied instead."
Big Secret propped her chin on her hand and studied him.
She didn't mind his words at all.
Jiang Cheng had come from Baba's side.
He didn't know how many rounds they'd gone.
But even if it was only once, plus the two he'd just had with her, that made three.
A fourth time in such a short span—most men would already be flagging.
Her gaze drifted to the loose collar of his robe; she extended a bare toe, nails painted nude, and brushed his calf. "Really can't do it?"
The tone carried three parts provocation, seven parts coquetry—like a smug ragdoll cat.
Jiang Cheng shot out a hand, pinched accurately, indulged himself.
As expected of Big Secret—so big.
"What are you spacing out for? Come up…"
Seconds later, Big Secret yelped as Jiang Cheng pulled her into his arms; the scent of roses filled the air.
She thumped his chest in feigned annoyance, then straightened and straddled him.
Leaning down, her necklace dangled before his eyes; she deliberately slowed her words: "Didn't expect you to be so competitive."
"I'm not competitive." Jiang Cheng suddenly clasped the back of her neck and pulled her down. "But tell your little sister—" Fabric rustled as he bit her earlobe and whispered, "Your powerhouse is here."
…Early next morning, Jiang Cheng woke to the tickle of hair brushing his cheek.
Eyes still closed, he caught the mischievous hand.
"Big—"
Just as he was about to say Big Secret, a faint Danger Perception Skill alert sounded.
The warning was softer and slighter than usual.
What did that mean?
So quiet—so not really dangerous?
Opening his eyes, he met Baba's smile-filled gaze.
She was circling his nose with a lock of her own hair.
Seeing him awake, she showed a fawn-like delight: "What is it? What were you going to say?"
Morning light through the gauze curtain scattered gold across her lashes; her cotton nightgown slipped off one shoulder.
He reached out and pinched Baba's collagen-plump cheek.
His fingertip met the scent of milky face cream—fresh, utterly different from his own bedroom.
Reba suddenly leaned close, strawberry-shampoo sweetness rushing in: "It's noon already!"
She announced it like a great discovery, eyes wide, then covered her mouth.
Laughter leaked between her fingers: "Lunch is ready; Sister Mi says if you don't get up she'll yank the blanket."
Looking at Baba's smiling face, Jiang Cheng rolled over and pinned her beneath him.
"Lunch is cooked and you're still dressed like this—want some pre-meal dessert?"
When he pressed her into the down duvet, Reba's face flamed scarlet.
"I'd love to, but there's no time—I've only two hours before my flight. Go brush your teeth; I'll change, and once you're done I'll be off…"
She pushed at him in a flurry, nightgown riding up to reveal cartoon-print safety shorts.
"I—I really have to catch my plane!"
She hopped barefoot from the bed like a startled rabbit.
Seeing Baba's cute, playful look,
any other day Jiang Cheng wouldn't care about departure times.
He'd take what he wanted first and worry later.
But last night with Big Secret had gone on too long.
Thanks to the Great Kidney Returns function his body wasn't tired, but his spirit was.
He smiled helplessly: "I'll let you off this time—next time you make it up."
…After washing up, the two of them walked out to the dining table together.
Big Secret was already seated, waiting.
Hearing footsteps, she looked up.
"Sister Mi," Baba greeted.
Big Secret nodded to Baba, then turned to Jiang Cheng: "Good morning, Chairman Jiang."