"Come on, let me check what else you're missing. This wardrobe's huge—all your clothes should fit…" Qiao Yinyin's voice carried a deliberately maintained calm.
To evade Jiang Cheng's designs, the two of them circled the room.
Qiao Yinyin even thoughtfully helped Bai Xiaoxiao plan where everything should go.
She pointed out the perfect spot for a suitcase.
And the most convenient place for skincare products.
All while stealthily nudging Bai Xiaoxiao with her elbow.
Bai Xiaoxiao caught on at once and chimed in eagerly, "Yeah, yeah! That sofa by the window is perfect for tossing clothes, and it's great for reading at night too."
With the two girls now of one mind, the surface atmosphere felt impossibly harmonious.
Seeing them stall, Jiang Cheng leaned against the doorframe.
Arms folded, he watched them with a half-smile. "So, satisfied?"
Hearing his voice, Bai Xiaoxiao gave a tiny nod, her ear tips reddening first. "Mm, it's lovely."
Qiao Yinyin jumped in, a docile smile plastered on her face.
Yet her eyes didn't dare meet his. "I think this room's great too, so… tonight Xiaoxiao and I will sleep here."
As she spoke, she secretly squeezed Bai Xiaoxiao's hand, signalling their united front.
Understanding instantly, Bai Xiaoxiao bobbed her head like a chick pecking grain. "Uh-huh, Sister Yinyin and I can stay here."
As expected, when two people face a common crisis, even enemies become allies.
That was exactly the case for Qiao Yinyin and Bai Xiaoxiao now.
Seeing their alliance unprecedentedly solid, Jiang Cheng hooked the corner of his mouth in a faint smile.
Not bad, not bad.
A promising trend.
Two girls cooperating was far better than both resisting each other.
With that thought, Jiang Cheng suddenly strode toward them.
As he drew nearer, the two instinctively backed away.
They didn't stop until the backs of their waists met the soft edge of the bed—no further retreat possible.
Jiang Cheng stretched out an arm as if to pull them in.
But before he even touched them, the girls felt wrapped by an invisible aura.
Qiao Yinyin's breathing faltered; Bai Xiaoxiao's fingers clenched her skirt.
The next second, both their legs gave way at once—*thump*—and they sat on the bed.
As two pert bottoms landed, the mattress dipped slightly with a faint tremor.
Though both girls were fairly familiar with Jiang Cheng,
At this moment they huddled together, seeking warmth against a common foe.
Qiao Yinyin instinctively shrank toward Bai Xiaoxiao.
Their shoulders pressed tightly together,
Each could feel the other's trembling body, taut with nerves.
Bai Xiaoxiao, also panicking, grabbed Qiao Yinyin's hand in return.
Their fingers intertwined instantly, palms slick with nervous sweat.
Standing before them, Jiang Cheng looked down.
A mischievous urge suddenly surfaced in him.
Deliberately putting on a menacing air, he curved his lips in a wicked grin.
He drawled, voice low and barbed: "Hmm? This bed does look big—plenty of room for you two, and just enough for me to squeeze in."
A mental *boom*—both girls felt fireworks explode in their heads.
Qiao Yinyin's face flushed scarlet, the colour spreading to her neck.
She shot Bai Xiaoxiao a glance; clearly, the other girl's ears were so red they might drip blood.
Both knew Jiang Cheng's… *hard* strength.
In this setting they dared not throw out any taunt like "you can't handle us."
Qiao Yinyin inhaled deeply, forced a calm expression,
Tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and coughed lightly. "Actually, two people fit perfectly—three would be too crowded…"
Bai Xiaoxiao nodded hastily. "Right, right, the bed is huge—"
The instant the words left her mouth she realised what she'd said and wanted to burrow under the quilt in shame.
She quickly amended, "But three would be a bit cramped."
Jiang Cheng chuckled low, the sound vibrating through his chest and making the girls' hearts tingle.
"No matter," he leaned closer, his breath nearly brushing their faces.
"I like it snug. Snugger is cosier."
With that, Jiang Cheng suddenly reached out—
One hand pressed Bai Xiaoxiao down,
The other gently pinched Qiao Yinyin's chin,
Tilting her face up.
Before Qiao Yinyin could react, warm lips covered hers.
"Mmph…" She gave an involuntary muffled sound, eyes flying open, lashes quivering wildly.
Jiang Cheng's kiss was urgent and deep, irresistibly invasive; his tongue easily pried past her teeth and claimed every inch.
Seeing Jiang Cheng kiss her first again,
Qiao Yinyin's resistance weakened.
Her body melted instantly,
Limbs draped limply over Jiang Cheng's arm,
All strength seemed drained, leaving her to sink with him.
Watching a repeat of the doorway scene, Bai Xiaoxiao's panic spiked.
Just now they'd been standing;
Now lying here, she felt every hair on her body bristle.
To keep her from escaping as before, Jiang Cheng's hand settled directly on her chest.
She tried to push his shoulder, but the instant her fingertips brushed his shirt he caught her wrist.
His palm easily engulfed her small hand—
Not rough, but unquestionably dominant.
That firm grip stalled her struggles, her mind a mess.
Worse, while kissing Qiao Yinyin,
Jiang Cheng slid an arm around Bai Xiaoxiao's waist and pulled her closer.
Just as she plotted how to slip away, he released Qiao Yinyin and turned to kiss her.
"Mm…" The moment their lips met she couldn't help a soft moan,
Feeling as if an electric current had struck her, mind blank.
Qiao Yinyin, panting, watched Jiang Cheng kiss Bai Xiaoxiao, mortified and annoyed.
Like Bai Xiaoxiao, she tried to inch toward the bedside while he was occupied.
But she'd barely shifted half an inch when Jiang Cheng's leg gently hooked her ankle.
The ticklish touch froze her; trying to retract only made the hook tighten.