Wen Yifan's breath hitched.
Her mind went blank in an instant, her ears buzzing. The spot he had touched seemed to burn even more intensely, as if amplified.
Overwhelmingly so.
"Oh." Wen Yifan pretended it was nothing, brushing it off and steering the conversation back. "I'll go to the hospital as soon as possible too and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment."
Sang Yan's gaze remained fixed on her, thoughtful, as he hummed in response. Yet it was as if he hadn't heard her at all, completely on a different wavelength: "Why are you blushing?"
"The weather's too hot." Wen Yifan averted her eyes, fabricating an excuse. "It's been almost forty degrees lately."
"Oh." Sang Yan leaned back, glancing toward the air conditioner. "Isn't that on?"
"..."
"Didn't see you blushing when you just got back." Sang Yan smirked, offering no way out, his tone laced with amusement. "But now after blowing cold air for a while, you're turning redder."
"..." His relentless teasing left Wen Yifan exasperated. She decided to be honest. "Sang Yan, I've never seen a man naked before."
Sang Yan raised an eyebrow.
Wen Yifan tried to make him understand that this was entirely his fault—her blushing was perfectly reasonable and definitely not because of any ulterior thoughts. "Before we moved in together, I mentioned the rule about not dressing too revealingly. You agreed at the time and even said, 'In your dreams.'"
"I did say that." Sang Yan drawled lazily. "But today, I'm in a good mood."
"?"
"Happy to give you a little treat."
Wen Yifan nearly choked. "..."
She had never met someone so... shameless.
Staring at his unbearably arrogant expression, Wen Yifan chose not to argue, swallowing her pride. "That's about it. I'll try my best to avoid this happening again, and I'd appreciate it if you could be more careful on your end too."
Sang Yan pointed out, "Your way of handling this is the same every time."
"..."
"Isn't this just rearranging the words and order?" Sang Yan said idly. "But you still end up doing it again anyway."
"..." Wen Yifan fell silent for a few seconds before patiently saying, "Then why don't you share your thoughts? I'll cooperate as much as I can."
"Just one request." Sang Yan leaned back in his chair, looking at her indifferently. "Until you come up with a real solution to this problem, do me a favor and keep some distance from other men."
Wen Yifan froze.
"Don't go around having fun over there while making me the little victim here," Sang Yan deliberately paused for two seconds before enunciating each word, "who gets manhandled by you."
"..."
Finally done dealing with him, Wen Yifan returned to her room.
She first went to the vanity mirror to check her reflection, noticing her slightly flushed face. Subconsciously, she touched the spot Sang Yan had brushed earlier. Pressing her lips together, she suddenly let out a sigh.
Recalling Mu Chengyun's attempt to wipe her face earlier, Wen Yifan knew very well that if she felt uncomfortable or unwilling, she had more than enough time to avoid it.
But this time, she hadn't avoided it.
It seemed she didn’t mind Sang Yan's touch at all.
Completely different from how she reacted to others.
She wondered if Sang Yan would notice anything.Wen Yifan picked up the remote to turn on the air conditioner, trying to cool the heat on her face. She sat on the carpet by the bed and absentmindedly scrolled through her phone.
Her thoughts drifted back to the earlier conversation, lingering on Sang Yan’s words: "Keep some distance from other men."
Something about that statement felt odd, as if it carried an underlying implication.
Or maybe she was just overthinking it.
Opening Weibo, she idly browsed her feed and stumbled upon the anonymous confession account. The draft she had privately messaged before returning home had been posted by the blogger as a screenshot.
By now, there were already hundreds of comments.
Bracing herself, Wen Yifan tapped to read them.
The first comment alone made her expression crack.
[Just curious, did he have morning wood?]
"......"
She immediately exited Weibo.
Her face burned again as she opened another app, seeking something wholesome and pure to cleanse her mind. After a while, once she had calmed down, she reopened the post.
Fortunately, aside from the first comment, the rest were normal.
[Maybe he mistook you for his girlfriend or ex.]
[? Probably trying to flirt with you.]
[Could he have a crush on you? Maybe he’s dreamed about this hundreds of times and thought he was still dreaming.]
[Honestly, no matter how drunk someone is, they’d definitely be startled to find another person next to them. Either he’s used to having someone beside him when he sleeps—meaning he’s taken—or he did it on purpose to take advantage of you.]
[??? Are you sure he was drunk?]
[How come this doesn’t happen with other people? At least one of them must be faking it.]
The remaining comments echoed similar sentiments.
Wen Yifan scrolled a bit further before stopping.
Setting her phone aside, she spaced out, piecing together everything that had happened recently.
Suddenly, it struck her.
Sang Yan’s attitude toward her seemed... different.
Even if her actions were beyond her control, given Sang Yan’s personality, if he truly found her unbearable or unacceptable, he wouldn’t have tolerated it this long. He probably would’ve moved out already.
Besides, it had been so long—his house must’ve been renovated by now.
Recalling Mu Chengyun’s words earlier that day, as well as Sang Zhi’s remark about Sang Yan’s change in attitude after the admission results came out...
Wen Yifan wondered if she was the thorn in Sang Yan’s side, the one that had haunted him for years. So upon meeting again, he wanted to try pulling it out.
First, he had to grasp it firmly before yanking it free.
Only then could he discard it.
At this thought, Wen Yifan suddenly remembered a comment a female classmate had made about Sang Yan long ago.
It had been so long that she couldn’t recall the exact words.
Only the gist remained—something about how Sang Yan’s arrogant demeanor was irritating, and how she wished he’d encounter things he couldn’t achieve or obtain, just to humble him.
Back then, Wen Yifan had listened silently.
But deep down, an entirely different thought had surfaced.
A boy so proud and radiant.
He should have everything he desires.
Give him whatever he wants.
Even if he asked for the stars in the sky, they should be plucked for him.
Let him remain forever.
As untamed and brilliant as he is now—Over the following period, both of them were frequently away on business trips and overtime, so they didn’t cross paths much at home. During this time, Wen Yifan only sleepwalked once, waking up to find herself in Sang Yan’s room.
But that day, Sang Yan returned late.
When Wen Yifan stepped into the living room, she discovered he had slept on the couch for the night.
In that moment,
Wen Yifan became acutely aware that her condition made her entirely unsuitable for sharing a living space with anyone.
She should move out as soon as possible, find a one-bedroom apartment, and live alone.
A few months earlier, Wen Yifan had already been made a full-time employee, with her salary calculated based on her articles. She had done the math—if she worked harder, finding a one-bedroom place shouldn’t be a problem.
But even after finding a suitable place, Wen Yifan couldn’t bring herself to make the decision.
She didn’t really want to move out.
She just felt that if she left, and they no longer lived together—without the forced circumstances that made them see each other every day—she and Sang Yan would probably never cross paths again.
Even though that was bound to happen eventually, and it was only natural.
Still, Wen Yifan unconsciously delayed it and never brought up the topic of moving out with Sang Yan again.
She just desperately hoped
that day would come a little later.
In mid-September, after finishing an interview at the hospital, Wen Yifan took the opportunity to book an appointment at the neurology department. At the doctor’s request, she underwent a series of tests.
Her sleepwalking was hereditary. She had seen doctors several times back in Yihe, but it hadn’t made much difference. Plus, her episodes weren’t frequent, so over time, she stopped bothering with it.
This time was no different.
The doctor prescribed her some sedatives to calm her nerves and advised her to watch her diet and get more rest.
Wen Yifan thanked him, picked up her medication on the first floor, and left the hospital shortly after.
On the way, she pondered—it seemed that ever since living with Sang Yan, her sleepwalking had become more frequent. But when she counted, the number of episodes still wasn’t that high. Based on her observations, it didn’t even add up to five times over such a long period.
It was just that, coincidentally, every time she sleepwalked, she ended up interacting with Sang Yan.
Sigh.
Wen Yifan felt helpless and exhausted.
Why did she have to have this stupid condition?
Thinking about it, it really was unsettling. But since she didn’t want to move out, she could only do what she could to manage it.
As for the rest, there wasn’t much she could do—
Before she knew it, time crept toward the end of October.
Due to holiday adjustments, Wen Yifan had three consecutive days off for National Day. She took one of those days to meet up with Zhong Siqiao. With nothing particular to do, they found a dessert shop and spent the afternoon there.
They just wanted to catch up and chat about recent happenings.
After a while, Zhong Siqiao suddenly asked, “How are things with Sang Yan lately?”
Wen Yifan was caught off guard. “Huh?”
Zhong Siqiao: “You two really have no chance?”
“What?” Unsure why she was bringing this up, Wen Yifan laughed. “We’re just roommates. But we’re both so busy with work that we barely see each other at home.”
“I was just asking.” Zhong Siqiao said. “Xiang Lang’s been hanging out with Su Haoan a lot recently. I heard from him that Sang Yan’s family has been setting him up on blind dates.”
This was the first time Wen Yifan had heard about it. Her expression froze slightly, and the smile on her lips unconsciously faded.
“Blind dates?”"Yeah, seems like he's been a few times? It's pretty weird though, with his qualifications, why would he need blind dates? But I used to think since you're both single and had feelings for each other before, spending so much time together might spark something," Zhong Siqiao sighed. "Yet after all this time, nothing happened."
"..." Wen Yifan lowered her eyes and took a sip of milk tea.
"But with Sang Yan's terrible temper, you probably dodged a bullet." The topic was short-lived as Zhong Siqiao quickly switched to another. "Oh, right, during the National Day mixer, I met this guy who's ridiculously handsome. I'm changing targets."
Lost in thought, Wen Yifan didn't respond.
Zhong Siqiao called out to her, "Dian Dian."
Wen Yifan looked up immediately, "Huh?"
Zhong Siqiao frowned, "What are you thinking about? You're ignoring me. I said I'm changing crushes!"
"Oh." Wen Yifan smiled. "What about the previous one?"
"That guy was such a player. He was the type to spread his attention equally—chatting with me while talking to three or four other girls at the same time." Zhong Siqiao pouted. "This time, I'm going to keep my eyes open."
Wen Yifan nodded.
Resting her chin on her hand, Zhong Siqiao sighed wistfully, "But I don't know if he's interested in me. I'll test the waters first. I can't be bothered to chase anyone."
Wen Yifan asked, "How will you test the waters?"
Hearing this, Zhong Siqiao laughed, "Have you never flirted before?"
"..."
"What's the point of having such a pretty face if you don't use it? What a waste!" Zhong Siqiao said. "Just be a little ambiguous with your words. When he talks, you can respond in a way that hints you might be interested. But don't make it too obvious."
Feeling like this explanation was vague, Wen Yifan asked, "Can you give me an example?"
"An example?" Zhong Siqiao thought for a moment before saying seriously, "Just chat casually first. When the conversation gets deeper, ask him what his zodiac sign is, then say something like you only like guys with that sign."
Wen Yifan looked confused, "Isn't that pretty obvious?"
Zhong Siqiao fell silent too. "Alright, I'm not exactly an expert either."
"..."
"Ugh, I haven't really flirted much either." Zhong Siqiao picked up her phone, flipped through her album, and showed her a photo. "This is the guy I met at the mixer. He's a year older than me. I really like his personality too."
Wen Yifan glanced at the screen.
The man had striking features, but his smile was gentle and refined.
Zhong Siqiao took her phone back and looked at the photo again, muttering, "Whatever, if he's not interested, maybe I'll try chasing him. Otherwise, I think I'd regret it."
Hearing this, Wen Yifan's hand stirring her drink paused briefly.
"I bet he's really popular," Zhong Siqiao said confidently. "But I’m definitely the prettiest girl who’d chase him. If I don’t try and someone else gets him, wouldn’t that be such a loss?"
...
By the time the gathering ended and Wen Yifan got home, it was already dark.
Coincidentally, it was a day off, so Sang Yan was also home. He was on the phone, looking slightly annoyed, as if barely holding back his impatience. "Again?"
"..."
Noticing her return, Sang Yan only glanced at her briefly.
Wen Yifan changed into indoor slippers and headed toward the kitchen. Behind her, she could still hear Sang Yan responding half-heartedly, "No, Mom. Why are you getting upset now?""What do you mean you've been waiting for me? When did I agree to that?" Sang Yan said, "Alright, alright, we'll talk when I have time."
"Not sure, I'll see."
"Hanging up."
Soon, the living room fell completely silent.
Wen Yifan took a bottle of yogurt from the fridge, poked a straw through it, and took a sip. She stood in the kitchen, her thoughts drifting, neither stepping into the living room nor returning to her room immediately.
That phone call was probably about his blind date, right? Imagining Sang Yan sitting across from another girl and chatting, Wen Yifan lowered her eyes, her lips tightening slightly, feeling inexplicably stifled.
She slowly finished the yogurt, lingered for a moment longer, then walked back to the living room.
Sang Yan was playing with his phone, barely glancing up as he remarked casually, "Back from your little childhood sweetheart's date?"
"Huh?" Wen Yifan explained, "I wasn’t out with Xiang Lang."
"Oh."
Silence.
Wen Yifan wanted to ask if he’d gone on a blind date, but she felt she had no right to. She sat on the sofa, her thoughts suddenly overwhelmed by Zhong Siqiao’s mention of "regret."
A faint unease settled in.
Then, the conversation she’d just had with Zhong Siqiao replayed in her mind.
—"Test the waters first."
—"Just chat casually."
Pondering this, Wen Yifan looked at Sang Yan again.
He was sprawled on the sofa, wearing a loose short-sleeved shirt that hung carelessly, revealing most of his collarbone. After hesitating for a few seconds, she called out to him, "Sang Yan."
"Yeah?"
"Lately, your attire in shared spaces has been a bit..." Wen Yifan forced out a topic, "revealing."
"Oh? You’ve got a lot of opinions." Sang Yan glanced up lazily. "Worried you won’t be able to control yourself?"
"..."
"Can’t you exercise some restraint? I know this face of mine is criminal," Sang Yan said with infuriating calm, his tone deliberately provoking, "But we’re adults now. Shouldn’t you have some self-control?"
Wen Yifan fell silent for two seconds before murmuring, "Not really."
The response caught him off guard.
Sang Yan raised an eyebrow and looked at her again.
"Try to dress more properly, or else..." Wen Yifan’s mind was entirely occupied by the phrase "ambiguous words," and she settled on the most fitting reply, saying earnestly, "I might actually commit a crime."
"..."
OpenNovel