Archive of Our Own

Xie Lian was on her third caffeinated green tea of the evening when she finally came across what she was looking for after browsing personal advertisements for three hours past what should have been her dinner time. She squinted at the bright glare of the computer through rounded wire-frame glasses, chin resting on her bare knee which was propped up on the edge of her thrifted desk chair to allow her a place to rest her sore neck. 

Her eyes haphazardly scanned the brief text of the advertisement, her thin lips pursing prettily as she considered the request carefully. Interesting, she thought. This sounds fun. 

She read it again, then again. 

*Translator Wanted*

Looking for a translator to translate my manhua into English from Mandarin. Contact me to discuss prices. Thank you. 

Although the person had not revealed much at all about the aforementioned manhua in the ad itself, they had provided a link below the text that Xie Lian eagerly clicked. It brought her to a new browser and, after a minute of loading, the material popped up on the screen. She read the title, which was displayed on the front page of the first chapter. 

Darling of the Heavens. 

Underneath, the author’s pen name was written in bold red cursive. Written and illustrated by Crimson Rain. Xie Lian scrolled leisurely through the first chapter, admiring the gorgeous, delicate art style of the artist. 

It featured a female god from ancient China, banished from the heavens and left to wander aimlessly around the mortal realm. Xie Lian was familiar with stories such as these, although most of the ones she had read centered around men instead of women. The first chapter was considerably long, and Xie Lian spent almost half an hour allowing herself to get sucked into the story like dust into a vacuum. She almost forgot completely about the opportunity to work with the mysterious artist. 

After glancing at the time, Xie Lian started in a light panic. She hadn’t realised how much time she had actually invested into reading the story in front of her. As if to say a quick goodbye to it, she scrolled through the second and third chapters to get a full taste of what she was in for. Suddenly, though, she stopped once she came across the introduction to another character. This was a woman dressed in a red robe, lounging in the back of the cart that the main character had hopped upon. Xie Lian decided to scroll for a moment longer if only to witness the introduction of this new character. 

After reading for another ten minutes, Xie Lian felt her eyes widen. Was this… lesbian-coded?? She wondered if anything was to happen if she continued reading. After noticing how sluggish her eyes were from staring at the screen, though, she decided to call it quits and contact the author. 

She bookmarked the story to save for later to savour and clicked back into the advertisement. After taking a deep breath and a sip of her tea, she clicked on the button to contact the slightly cryptic but intriguing Crimson Rain. She thought for a moment, and then, her quick fingers swiftly typed out a message. 

Xie Lian, Translator, 24

Good evening, my name is Xie Lian. I saw the ad that you posted requesting a translator to translate your manhua from Mandarin to English. I looked through the material and I have to say that I am very interested in working with you. I would like to discuss the details of the job. If you are willing, I may also propose that I translate the manhua into Japanese and/or Korean. I am fluent in all of these languages and am interested in broadening the audience of your work. Thank you!

Xie Lian read over the message twice, scrutinizing it for any spelling errors or awkward language. After editing and reviewing it twice again, she sent it out to the author. She scanned the sent message over once more, making it absolutely certain that there were no mistakes. Then, she closed her computer and stood to bring her pile of dishes to the kitchen. 

She didn’t expect the person to respond so quickly. After cramming her dishes into the dishwasher and devouring a container of leftover takeout, she begrudgingly trudged back to her room to continue working. The exact moment she plopped back down in her seat with a creak, the browser which was still open on her previous page dinged. 

A new message. Xie Lian hummed softly, scooching her chair into the space under the desk and clicking on the message. 

Hua Cheng, Artist, 22

Good evening! I am quite glad you offered to translate my work. I browsed through some of your previous work and I have to say I am impressed. I also noticed that you charge 1 yuan for every word, and I am willing to pay. I am assuming that this will triple once translated into Japanese and Korean? 

“Hua Cheng, huh…” Xie Lian mumbled, eyes scanning the message. “And she’s only two years younger than me.” 

She sniffled once while she thought up a response, then typed it out. After reading it only a single time for once, she sent it out. 

Xie Lian, Translator, 24

Yes, you are correct! If you would like, I have linked my WeChat below so we can talk in a more comfortable and accessible setting. 

Usually, Xie Lian would not offer to communicate on WeChat in a professional setting. Nevertheless, this person was younger than even her and would likely not mind. 

Hua Cheng, Artist, 22

Yes, of course! I’ll message you in just a moment. 

Xie Lian leaned back in her chair as she waited, scrolling through social media. She was exhausted and was starting to feel the effects of it weighing down her eyelids. Although she drank multiple mugs of tea, the caffeine just wasn’t doing what it was supposed to. If anything, it made her a tiny bit anxious. 

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message from Hua Cheng. She moved quickly from her desk to her creaky old double bed, wrapping herself up in a soft white blanket. As she rested her head against the large brown teddy bear in between the two pillows on the top of her bed, she opened the message. 

Hua Cheng 

Hello! 

Xie Lian squinted to look at Hua Cheng’s profile picture. It featured a woman half-in half-out of the frame with silky, ink-black hair and fair jade skin. Her thin lips were painted a gorgeous matte crimson, and her eyeliner was perfect without flaw. Xie Lian felt her heart pick up. This woman seemed… quite attractive. 

Xie Lian

Hello, Hua Cheng! 

Hua Cheng

Please, call me San Niang. 

Xie Lian

Oh, of course, San Niang. My apologies. I have to say, your art style is very beautiful. This may be a bit of a strange question, but is Darling of The Heavens a romance story? I kind of got that vibe from it when I browsed through it. 

Hua Cheng took a few minutes to respond back this time, and Xie Lian spent them with her eyes closed as if shutting them for five minutes would give her the energy of an eight-hour sleep. She opened them once her phone buzzed again. 

Hua Cheng

I’m glad you got that impression! Yes, Darling of the Heavens is a love story between two women. Does this bother you at all? If so, I won’t be offended if you aren’t interested in working with me anymore. 

Xie Lian

Oh, no, of course not!! If anything, it makes the job better if that makes sense. 

Hua Cheng

Ah, I see! Then…? 

Xie Lian

Haha yes! That’s why I jumped so quickly on this opportunity. 

Hua Cheng didn’t see her message for a while, so Xie Lian sat up, plugged her phone in, and stood to make herself a mug of tea. As the kettle boiled, she stood there shivering in her shorts and tank top. As the weather got colder outside, so did every corner of her old apartment. She often spent her nights curled up under her sheets, weighted blanket, duvet, and electrical blanket, toes icy from the chill. And there was no way she was sleeping in socks. 

Once her water was boiled, Xie Lian poured her tea and carried it back to the comfort of her bed. Once she was warmly tucked under the covers, she checked her phone once more before winding down for the night. There, a message from Hua Cheng sat teasingly on her lock screen. 

Hua Cheng

This is very out of the blue and I completely understand if you aren’t interested, but would you be willing to meet up to discuss the work? There’s a lovely little coffee shop near my home. I wouldn’t mind if you would like to go somewhere else, though. 

Although Xie Lian recognized that from anyone else this request would be somewhat strange, she was strangely tempted to meet this fascinating stranger. Either way, Xie Lian tended to prefer fast-moving relationships; she didn’t understand why people found it so difficult to connect with someone new in their lives. Every friendship she has ever had moved at the speed of light. She took a sip of her steaming tea and typed a response. 

Xie Lian

That sounds wonderful! Are you free Saturday around 10 am? Text me the address and I’ll meet you. 

Hua Cheng responded very quickly this time. 

Hua Cheng

Yes, I’m free then! I’ll see you then. Here’s the address:

The address was attached in the next message. Xie Lian screenshotted it in case she lost it and quickly typed a response. 

Xie Lian

See you there! :) 

Then, she laid back with a thick book and sipped her tea until she fell asleep. 

Saturday came faster than ever. Xie Lian spent an hour and a half getting ready, making sure her hair, makeup, and outfit were perfect. Before leaving, she adjusted her white milkmaid-style dress in the mirror and played with her long curtain bangs so they lay perfectly. Then, she shared her location with Mu Qing and Feng Xin in case she got kidnapped by this mysterious stranger and departed the house exactly at 9:30. 

Surprisingly, the coffee shop was within walking distance of her apartment. Maybe through some insane coincidence, Hua Cheng lived near her. 

Small world, Xie Lian thought as she took in the view of the shop. It looked… expensive. Xie Lian was surprised she hadn’t seen it on her daily commute to the office where she worked. She peeped inside the large window, trying to observe the setting a little bit before she entered. When she saw nothing of note, though, she opened the door with the chime of a bell and slowly walked in. The coffee shop smelled of baked goods and freshly ground coffee beans. 

She looked around briefly to find Hua Cheng. She wasn’t difficult to spot; she was standing from her chair and staring at Xie Lian. Xie Lian smiled politely as she walked up to the woman, subtly looking her up and down. 

She was dressed in a glamorous crimson bodycon dress, her mid-back length black hair curled with a small braid on one side. Her makeup was perfect, with bold red lipstick and skillfully-applied eyeliner on the eye that wasn’t covered by a black medical eyepatch. 

As Xie Lian approached, Hua Cheng smiled brightly, a hint of shyness in her voice as she greeted Xie Lian. 

“Hello! I hope this wasn’t too sudden,” She said, her voice deep and melodic. 

“Of course not! It’s nice to meet you,” Xie Lian said as she sat in the plush chair across from Hua Cheng. 

Hua Cheng sat as well, her crimson lips pursing as she drank from the straw of a purple beverage. She pushed another beverage toward Xie Lian. 

“Iced matcha strawberry latte,” She established. “For you.” 

Xie Lian couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, San Niang, you didn’t have to! I’ll pay you back.” 

Hua Cheng held up a hand, her short red manicure gleaming in the lights. Xie Lian sensed an aesthetic. “No need. Did I choose right?” 

Xie Lian felt a blush warm her face as she sipped the cold drink. It was delicious; the perfect balance of matcha and strawberry. “You chose just right. Matcha’s my favourite.” 

“Good, I’m glad,” Hua Cheng said, her pale, elegant fingers fiddling with the many earrings that decorated her right ear. 

They were both silent for a moment as they sipped their drinks. Xie Lian felt a slight bit nervous as she faced this glamorous woman. She decided to speak to fill the silence. 

“I read a little bit of your manhua,” She mentioned, a shy smile gracing her lips. “I have to say, the love interest is very alluring. Now that I’m seeing you, she reminds me of you.” 

A mischievous grin stretched Hua Cheng’s lips. “Is that so? Does jiejie find me alluring?” 

Xie Lian felt herself panic a tiny bit. She didn’t expect Hua Cheng to be so bold…! “I… uh, maybe? You are very beautiful, I admit.” 

Hua Cheng laughed softly, sipping her drink. Xie Lian unconsciously watched her lips, feeling her heart pick up. Once Hua Cheng swallowed, she rested her head on a hand and watched Xie Lian watch her. 

“To be honest, Darling of the Heavens is somewhat of an indulgent story for me. As you have noticed, the love interest is indeed inspired by me. I know that sounds a little bit self-absorbed, but it’s the truth. The main character is also inspired by a certain someone I know,” Hua Cheng explained, a red fingernail tracing the rim of her glass. 

Xie Lian felt something inside her sag at the mention of another person. Obviously, someone like Hua Cheng would have a special someone! Still, the confirmation of it sent her eyes downcast. 

“That must be a very special person to be featured in such a beautiful work of art,” Xie Lian said softly. She was somewhat jealous of that person who got to be so close to Hua Cheng. 

Hua Cheng nodded slowly, observing Xie Lian’s face. “Yes, they are. A very gracious and special someone. I’m very lucky to be living at the same time as them.” 

Xie Lian hummed softly, taking a sip of her drink so she didn’t have to speak. Hua Cheng did the same, her dark eye still locked on Xie Lian’s face. The sounds of the coffee shop bustling around them were drowned out by the thumping of Xie Lian’s heart as she faced this enticing woman as if she were sparring with another. Hua Cheng challenged her with that deep, observant eye, her crimson lips curled up into a captivating smile as if her arms themselves were raised, preparing to strike at all of Xie Lian’s weak spots. 

“I’m going to be honest with you, jiejie,” Hua Cheng spoke, the smile fading from her face as she gazed down at her drink. “I invited you here for plans other than work.” 

Xie Lian perked up, tilting her head slightly to the left. “What is it?” 

Hua Cheng seemed to inhale deeply, her throat bobbing with a swallow. “I understand if this makes jiejie think less of me. But my intention is not to deceive you. I am interested in being friends, and I would like to get to know you better.” 

Xie Lian’s mouth opened slightly and she pointed a finger at herself. “Me? May I ask why?” 

Hua Cheng looked to the side, her fist clenching until her knuckles whitened on the table. “This sounds so creepy…” 

Xie Lian laughed. “San Niang, it’s pretty hard to creep me out. I’m a pretty awkward person myself, so I completely understand.”

Hua Cheng hesitated, her nails tapping on the table nervously. Her lips pressed together, eye gazing directly at Xie Lian. “I was very surprised when you messaged me to translate my work. You see, we went to the same university.”

Xie Lian’s head tilted to the side, eyes widening. “You recognize me from university?” 

Hua Cheng nodded. “Mhm. I must admit, I admired jiejie very much. You were the top student in every class you attended, president of the Foreign Language Club, and overall a very kind person. One day, I was having a very difficult time. I had just transferred from college to university. I was trying to find my first class but I was confused and overcome with nervousness. I asked a group of seniors, but they began to target me and pick on me. Jiejie defended me from them and brought me to my class.”

Xie Lian sat up straighter once she remembered. “You were that girl with the bandages on your eye! I remember you now!” 

Hua Cheng seemed slightly shocked at this recognition. “Yes, I was. I am forever grateful that jiejie helped me that day.” 

Xie Lian smiled softly at the memory, her hands coming together as she recalled her memories. “You were so scared that day. I remember seeing the tears in your eye and the terrified look on your face.” 

A blush appeared to colour Hua Cheng’s pale cheeks. “Ah… yes, I was very nervous. But jiejie made it more bearable.” 

Xie Lian hummed taking a sip of her drink as Hua Cheng continued. 

“I saw you in the library a couple of days after that. Although it was the beginning of the year, you were already studying so hard. I longed to go up to you and talk to you, but I was too nervous of rejection,” Hua Cheng said softly, taking a sip of her drink. 

“Well, we’re talking now! I’m very surprised that San Niang knew me from before. It’s such a small world!” Xie Lian laughed, placing a hand over Hua Cheng’s which was resting on the table. 

Hua Cheng laughed softly, all self-doubt erased from her complexion. “My apologies, jiejie. I believe I came on too strongly at our first meeting.” 

Xie Lian waved her hand as if she was fanning away the awkwardness of the moment. “No need to apologize. I am always willing to have someone to talk to. Anyway, you can’t come on too strong when you’re with me. I’m too awkward to judge people.” 

Hua Cheng was quiet for a while after that, and they both sat sipping their drinks. After a short moment of comfortable but slightly clumsy silence, Hua Cheng reached into her purse and pulled out a tablet. 

“This is the tablet I use to draw my manhua. The program is available on computer, so I must ask that you download it for free and I will share a copy of the work with you so you can translate it,” Hua Cheng said, tapping away on the tablet with an electric pen. 

“Alright, sounds good!” Xie Lian said. “Would you like to pay by chapter or by the whole work itself? If you pay by chapter, you can pay over a longer period of time. If you pay by work, payment is charged all at once.” 

“Which option conveniences jiejie the most?” Hua Cheng asked, looking up at Xie Lian. 

“Ah… um, usually it depends on the customer. But, by chapter is usually what I prefer…” Xie Lian said softly, scratching the side of her face with a fingernail. 

“Alright then, I’ll pay by chapter,” Hua Cheng said, her gaze flicking back down to her tablet. 

“I’ll send you the details and such once I’m home,” Xie Lian said, finishing off the last of her drink. “Mm, that was delicious… um, I’m sorry I didn’t bring my laptop.” 

“No worries, jiejie. May I get your email?” Hua Cheng asked, sliding a pad of sticky notes and a pen toward Xie Lian.

The notepad was shaped like a butterfly, silver paper somehow gleaming in the daylight coming in through the wide windows. Xie Lian picked up the pen and wrote her email and phone number on the first note, admiring the butter-smooth way the ink flowed on the page. Then, she slid the pen and pad back to Hua Cheng. 

“Thank you, jiejie. Your writing is very beautiful,” Hua Cheng complimented, staring at the notepad for a moment. 

“Ah, thank you!” Xie Lian smiled, feeling a blush darken her face against her will. “Calligraphy lessons really paid off, I guess.” 

Hua Cheng laughed. “Jiejie might have to teach this San Niang. My writing is abominable.” 

“Oh, I’m sure it’s not that bad!” Xie Lian grinned, propping a cheek on her hand. 

Hua Cheng only laughed at that, tucking the pad and pen back into her bag. Then, she sighed. “It was nice meeting you again, jiejie. Would you like to maybe meet again in a less… professional setting?” 

Xie Lian smiled. “That would be lovely. What is San Niang thinking?” 

Hua Cheng thought for a moment. “Hmm, we could go for ice cream? Does jiejie like ice cream?” 

“I love ice cream!” Xie Lian said happily, pressing her hands together like a prayer underneath her chin. “Wait… let me guess your favourite flavour.” 

Hua Cheng laughed fondly, twirling the small braid in her hair with a finger. “Alright, go ahead.” 

Xie Lian thought for a moment. “Strawberry cheesecake.” 

Hua Cheng’s eyes went wide in surprise. “Wow, you actually got it! That’s funny. Let me guess, jiejie’s favourite flavour is… green tea?” 

Xie Lian threw her head back and laughed. “Wow, is it that obvious?” 

“Just a gut feeling,” Hua Cheng said softly, a cool expression on her face. 

Xie Lian watched Hua Cheng watch her, taking in the soft moon glow of her pale face. Her heart picked up once she noticed Hua Cheng’s dark eye flick from her eyes to her lips. Xie Lian had assumed that Hua Cheng was attracted to women because of the nature of the manhua, but she didn’t expect her to be so flirtatious…! Didn’t she say she had a special someone already? 

At the thought, Xie Lian felt a flicker of something unpleasant deep in her chest. She pushed it down stubbornly, instead opting to speak. 

“I had a wonderful time today,” She said quietly. “I’ll be finished with the first chapter in English by tonight. Would you like me to message you once I’m finished or in the morning?” 

Hua Cheng snapped back into business mode, sitting up straight from her relaxed, playful posture. “If you’re feeling up to it, message me tonight. If not, in the morning is fine too. Even if you’re not feeling up to it, hit me up tonight for a chat if you’d like.” 

Xie Lian nodded, picking up her purse and setting it on her lap. “You’re sure you don’t want me to pay you back for the drink?” 

“Don’t worry, jiejie, it’s on me. I hope you enjoyed it,” Hua Cheng said softly, placing a cool hand on top of Xie Lian’s on the table. 

Xie Lian felt a fiery blush make its way evidently onto her face and down her neck. “I did.” 

Hua Cheng nodded slowly, her soft gaze spearing its way into Xie Lian. “Good.” 

Suddenly, Hua Cheng seemed to realize what she was doing and removed her hand and gaze from Xie Lian. “Um, I’ll talk to you tonight, then?” 

Xie Lian was half stunned, half disappointed. “Yes, I’ll message you once I’m finished. You can read it over too, if you’d like.” 

“Sure, that sounds good,” Hua Cheng coughed, standing up from the chair. “Let’s walk out together?” 

Xie Lian nodded, humming her response. Hua Cheng walked around the table towards her, and Xie Lian was slightly shocked once she noticed how tall Hua Cheng was compared to her. Xie Lian was not a small woman, standing at a simple 165 centimeters, but Hua Cheng had to be at least 175 centimeters. She felt herself give a warm twitch down below at the sight of Hua Cheng gazing down at her. 

“Ready?” Hua Cheng asked, and Xie Lian nodded. 

“Mn, let’s go.” 

They slowly exited the coffee shop together, arms brushing together occasionally as they walked side-by-side. Once they were out in the street, Hua Cheng leaned against a bright red, expensive-looking car. 

“This is your car?!” Xie Lian blurted, mouth slightly dropped open. 

Hua Cheng laughed, deep and attractive. “Yes, this is my car.” 

“Wow,” Xie Lian said. “I’m so jealous.” 

Hua Cheng smirked alluringly, unlocking the doors with the click of a button and opening the passenger’s side all while keeping her gaze locked on Xie Lian. “Would jiejie like a ride home?” 

Xie Lian clapped her hands together and skipped over to where Hua Cheng stood. “I would love a ride home. Thank you, San Niang!” 

Hua Cheng chuckled softly, holding out a hand to help Xie Lian into the car. “M’lady.” 

Xie Lian felt her heart skip a beat. “Gosh, you’re such a gentlewoman…” 

“Only for jiejie,” Hua Cheng laughed before shutting Xie Lian’s door and making her way to the driver’s side. 

She climbed elegantly into the car and shut the door behind her. The car started with a push of a button, and Xie Lian watched as Hua Cheng pulled out her phone and handed it to her. 

“Would you like to pick a song?” She asked softly, that dark eye staring cooly at her. 

Xie Lian scrolled through Hua Cheng’s playlists, organized by mood. She came across a playlist with only a heart as the title and clicked on it to scroll through the songs. After recognizing some of the songs, she realized something. 

This is probably the playlist she puts on to do… that. Isn’t this song about lesbian sex…?

She could already feel her panties beginning to soak. She silently cursed her desperate brain and clicked on the song in an abrupt surge of confidence. It began to play on the car’s high-quality speakers, and Xie Lian noticed Hua Cheng flinch a little once she recognized the song. Then, an attractive blush set itself handsomely on her cheekbones. 

Hua Cheng pulled out of her parking space, humming softly to the song. “Just tell me where to go.” 

Xie Lian gave her the first direction, then looked over to Hua Cheng. She looked even more beautiful than before in the light of the day. When she was driving, though… god. Xie Lian watched her, pressing her thighs together. Her face was intense as it focused, her lips slightly pursed. Xie Lian was almost scared that she would leave a wet spot on the black leather seat once she stood up. 

She spoke another direction, and Hua Cheng’s eye flicked towards her for a split second. The song playing wasn’t helping Xie Lian’s mood, and she wiggled in her seat. 

“San Niang has a very nice car,” She said to fill the silence, somewhat regretfully. 

“Thank you. It’s a dream to drive,” Hua Cheng chuckled softly. “A dream to nap in, too. Sometimes on my break, I’ll curl up in the backseat with a blanket and pillow.” 

Xie Lian laughed. “I would never have the time with all the work my boss dumps on me. Although, I had the impression you only worked as an artist. Do you have another job?”

Hua Cheng smiled. “Art is my passion job. I work full time as the CEO of Yin City Markets.” 

Xie Lian gasped, sitting up in a flash and staring at Hua Cheng. “How are you 22 years old and already the CEO of such a huge business!? Isn’t that like, practically impossible to achieve!? I had no idea!” 

Hua Cheng grinned. “I graduated early. Then, I just worked my ass off until I was at the top.” 

“Oh my god… that’s so impressive…!” Xie Lian complimented. “What have I been doing my entire life?” 

Hua Cheng chuckled lightly at that, her eyes on the road. “I grew up very poor. My parents were abusive and didn’t have a care in the world of what happened in my life. I didn’t want to live with them anymore, so I studied until I went cross-eyed and graduated high school when I was 15. Crazy, huh? Then, I went off to college and university and powered through. Halfway through university once jiejie was graduated, I founded the beginnings of Yin City Markets as a final project in one of my business classes.” 

Xie Lian’s eyes went wide. “So, not only are you the CEO of Yin City Markets, but also the founder? At 22? That’s insane. I studied super hard in university paid for by my parents, and I ended up as a simple translator earning just as much as a convenience store worker. You must have worked so hard.” 

Hua Cheng laughed, her eye flicking towards Xie Lian again. “I had one motivation that kept me going.” 

“What is it?” Xie Lian asked, resting her hand on the centre console right next to Hua Cheng’s. 

“My beloved,” Hua Cheng answered, a sweet smile gracing her pretty lips. “I thought that if I ever won her heart, I should be able to buy her the world.” 

Xie Lian felt her chest warm. “That’s so romantic. Where do I get a girl like that?” 

“You’d be surprised,” Hua Cheng laughed, turning towards Xie Lian and firing what appeared to be a one-eyed wink at her. 

Xie Lian giggled softly, one hand covering her mouth. “Is San Niang flirting with me?” 

Hua Cheng’s smile was confident as she turned her gaze back to the road. “Does jiejie want this San Niang to flirt with her?” 

Xie Lian stared at Hua Cheng, her face warmer than it has ever been, the pulsing between her legs a steady beat. “I mean, I’m not complaining. I’m just not used to it.” 

“Really? I would expect jiejie to have a lot of admirers,” Hua Cheng said, parking in the street outside Xie Lian’s apartment building. 

“I mean, they’re mostly men… I’ve actually never had a woman flirt with me before,” Xie Lian laughed awkwardly, scratching the side of her face. 

Hua Cheng hummed. “I believe that it is because jiejie looks very feminine. Looking at you now, I can tell that it may be hard to determine whether you are interested in women or not. I could tell, but I can see why some may not be able to.” 

Xie Lian considered that for a moment. “I’ve never really thought of it that way. I guess I never did because I haven’t been exactly looking for a relationship.” 

Hua Cheng looked to the side. “Ah… I see. Well, I can say that anybody would be lucky to be in a relationship with you.” 

Was Hua Cheng… let down? Xie Lian suddenly felt a strong urge to fix the situation. “Ah…! I mean, not until recently.” 

Hua Cheng looked back to her, her dark eye filled with hope. She leaned forward a bit, leaning over the centre console. “This is slightly intrusive, but may I ask why that changed?” 

Xie Lian flinched slightly, not without Hua Cheng’s notice. “Um, I guess I just realized that I’ve been feeling sort of lonely? And thought that it would be nice to have somebody to… hold? God, that sounds kind of weird. Sorry.” 

Hua Cheng laughed softly, placing a careful hand on Xie Lian’s shoulder. “No, I totally get it! To be honest, I feel like that as well.” 

Xie Lian’s heart felt like it was beating a thousand beats per minute. She felt slightly awkward, chewing on her lip as she looked at Hua Cheng. “Well, at least I know I’m not alone!” 

Hua Cheng nodded, and Xie Lian noticed her eye flick down to look at her lips. Then, back to her eyes. Was she trying to make a move!?

The arousal between Xie Lian’s legs raged like a wildfire. Her heart pounded in her chest and her cheeks flamed, but nothing could beat the nervousness screaming inside her head. Hua Cheng continued to maintain eye contact, obviously wanting to kiss her, but Xie Lian panicked. 

“Well, San Niang, it was super nice meeting you today!” Xie Lian squeaked. “Are you free to go for ice cream maybe tomorrow?” 

Hua Cheng’s dreamy expression changed as if she had been struck square in the face. “O-oh… yeah, of course, jiejie. I’ll pick you up at ten?” 

Xie Lian nodded quickly, her face as red as a cherry. “I’ll see you then! I had a super great time, thanks for driving me home! Bye-bye!” 

She opened the door of the car then and stepped out. 

“Uh… yeah, bye jiejie! Have a good night!” Hua Cheng stammered, an embarrassed blush sitting high on her cheekbones. 

Then, Xie Lian closed the door and waved. Hua Cheng waved back, still staring at her with a perplexed look on her face. After a beat or two, Xie Lian turned around stiffly and began to walk away like a robot. She heard Hua Cheng driving away in that sexy-as-hell car, and as soon as she knew it wasn’t in view anymore, she buried her face in her hands. 

“No… no no no no no. Did I seriously just do that? Stupid me, stupid,” Xie Lian sighed, scrunching her eyebrows together in frustration. 

She was so frustrated with herself. She could have brought that gorgeous, gorgeous, smart, talented, interested woman into her apartment and had her fuck her into her bed like she’d never had anyone do before. But no, she had to go and ruin it with her social awkwardness and touch-starved nervousness. And on top of that, she basically completely rejected Hua Cheng’s advances. Sure, it was moving fairly fast and Xie Lian felt rushed, but why drag it out if they were both obviously interested? She wasn’t sure if Hua Cheng was still interested after being so blatantly rejected. 

The door clicked shut behind Xie Lian and she leaned against it before toeing off her shoes, frustrated. She almost pulled out her phone to text Hua Cheng, but she wasn’t sure if she was still driving. Before she could decide, though, it buzzed once in her hand. She turned it around in her palm to look at it. 

Hua Cheng

Jiejie, I’m super sorry if I made you uncomfortable.

Xie Lian kicked her shoes off and speed-walked over to her beat-up couch, plopping clumsily down to respond. 

Xie Lian

No, no, San Niang, you didn’t make me uncomfortable at all. To be honest, I really wanted to reciprocate but I was just super nervous. I promise, I feel super bad about that! How about I make it up to you tomorrow?

Hua Cheng didn’t respond for a couple of minutes, and Xie Lian shut off her phone and closed her eyes to slow her rapid heartbeat. She leaned her head back into the worn pillows, sighing softly. After a few minutes of just lying there like a slug, her phone buzzed again. 

Hua Cheng

Ah, I see. Please don’t feel pressured, though! Just know that the offer is open. Have a great night, jiejie. Text me when you’ve finished the first chapter, yeah?

Xie Lian

I’ll definitely keep it in mind ;) I’ll text you in a bit!

Xie Lian took a deep breath at that, her face still heated. She never expected that this would happen today…! She stood up from the couch to make herself a tea, ready to work until her eyes crossed and her back ached from sitting in her cheap thrifted desk chair. 

Surprisingly, Xie Lian finished the first chapter fairly quickly. Her tea was long gone at that point, but she checked her phone and realized that it wasn’t even dinner time yet. So, she stood up from her chair and did a few stretches before sitting back in it to finish the second chapter. She wondered if it would please Hua Cheng. 

The second chapter was finished after another short period of time, and Xie Lian cheered inside her brain. She was impressed by the art in the story, admiring it at any chance she could get. Hua Cheng really was very talented. 

The main character of the story almost reminded Xie Lian of herself. She even had a little half bun, similar to the half-up claw clip style Xie Lian had been wearing almost every day since university. Her mannerisms were similar to Xie Lian's as well. Remembering that the character was based on Hua Cheng’s beloved, Xie Lian giggled quietly. Hua Cheng clearly had a type. But, at the thought, it made Xie Lian a little jealous. Was this beloved person not important enough that Hua Cheng would want to be with other women…? She had mentioned that she hadn’t won her beloved over, though, so maybe Hua Cheng wasn’t looking for something serious. Xie Lian felt a flare of disappointment in her chest at that. 

She snuggled up on her couch with a soft white blanket, staring at the dark reflection of her phone screen. She gazed at herself like she was looking at her reflection in a clear pond, her bottom lip pulled between her teeth. Her makeup was long gone by now and her hair was clipped up off of her neck. She wore a matching grey pyjama set of soft shorts and a tank top. She didn’t see the point of being dressed if she was at home alone. She sat there and thought about Hua Cheng. 

She had only met her in person that day, but she was already feeling a strange pull towards her. It made her feel strange because she had never fallen for someone as fast as she had Hua Cheng. To be completely honest, she had never truly fallen for anybody. Of course, there were small, fleeting crushes, but never enough to blossom into something truly emotional. She couldn’t explain the way her heart felt like it was in her throat around Hua Cheng. She questioned, though—how the hell did this happen so fast? It was as if she was entranced…

Sighing, she decided to message Hua Cheng. Lying her head on a pillow and opening her phone, she typed out a message. 

Xie Lian

Hey, I finished the first two chapters. 

Hua Cheng replied very quickly, only a minute later. 

Hua Cheng

Oh wow, that was fast! I’ll go look at it now. 

There was a short pause between the messages, and Xie Lian waited patiently. 

Hua Cheng

Thank you so much, jiejie! Would you like me to send the payment now? 

Xie Lian

You can if you’d like! You can also wait to pay the second chapter if you need as we agreed payment would be by chapter. 

Hua Cheng

I’ll pay for the second chapter now as well. I also forgot to mention, feel free to leave any translation notes or just comments about the story. I’ll add your name as the translator under mine as well. 

Xie Lian smiled softly. She began to type. 

Xie Lian

Sounds good! I’m looking forward to our ice cream date tomorrow. Let's keep texting until then, yeah?

Hua Cheng

I’m excited as well. 

May I ask a question?

Xie Lian

Of course!

Hua Cheng

What is jiejie’s favourite book? 

Xie Lian laughed, thinking for a while before typing a response. 

Xie Lian

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. What’s yours?

Xie Lian continued talking to Hua Cheng until late into the night. Even during her late supper of cheap convenience store ramen and a much-too-hot bubble bath. She learned that Hua Cheng’s favourite book was The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall, her favourite food was any dessert with ice cream on top, she had a female rescue Dobermann named E’ming who only had one eye, and she went to the same gym as Xie Lian. In return, Xie Lian told her about her prissy ragdoll cat Ruoye, that she enjoyed knitting and crafting but wasn’t very good at it, that she went on long walks in the evening, and that she liked to lay in bed and play cozy games until she couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore. 

Hua Cheng

Maybe we can play Switch together. I have one as well. 

Xie Lian felt her heart doing backflips in her chest. 

Xie Lian

I would love that! Friend me, I’ll send you my friend code

And so, Hua Cheng friended her and they started off playing a game that Xie Lian had recently discovered. After hearing the short summary from Xie Lian, Hua Cheng downloaded it as well and they played together until Xie Lian really couldn’t stay awake anymore. She texted goodnight to Hua Cheng with a regretful sigh and then rolled over in her bed and drifted into a deep sleep, not without dreaming of the aforementioned woman. 

Xie Lian woke up around 8:30 am to a text from Hua Cheng. She rolled over in bed, groaning. Her eyes were bleary from sleep as she squinted at her phone. 

Hua Cheng

Since jiejie mentioned she likes walking, how about I walk E’ming over to your house instead of driving and we can get ice cream and walk around a bit? 

Xie Lian smiled, her heart warming. Hua Cheng was really considerate and attentive. She quickly replied with an affirmation before rolling excitedly out of bed to get ready for their date. 

She made a simple breakfast of oats and fruit with a gently caffeinated tea to start her day, hunching over it at her old kitchen table and spooning it into her mouth as she played word games on her phone. Once her food was finished, she dressed herself in a cute white blouse and light blue skirt and quickly did a light face of makeup. After applying a clear pink gloss to her lips, she clipped her hair up in her signature half-up style with her favourite small white clip. After a few minutes of impatiently waiting on her couch, she got a text announcing Hua Cheng’s arrival. She practically skipped down the stairs of her apartment to meet her new friend (?).
She wasn’t disappointed when she saw the woman standing on the pathway up to the front doors of the apartment. She was dressed in a red crop top and black waist-high shorts, framing her pale, strong legs perfectly. She wore unique black combat boots bejeweled in silver butterfly charms that jingled very softly as she walked toward Xie Lian. Next to her was E’ming, pulling, straining, and choking as she tried to reach Xie Lian. Hua Cheng held her back with no sweat, looking unfazed as she waved to Xie Lian with her other hand. 

“Jiejie! Hi!” Hua Cheng chimed, now directly facing Xie Lian. 

She was especially tall in her combat boots, and Xie Lian felt herself flush and leaned down to allow E’ming to smell her hand. “Hi, San Niang!” 

E’ming skipped the sniffing stage and went directly to licking her hand. Hua Cheng pulled her back with a scolding tone. “Stop that!” 

Xie Lian laughed. “It’s alright! She’s very pretty. She kind of reminds me of you.” 

Hua Cheng smiled softly. “Actually, one of the reasons I adopted her was because we’re both missing an eye. That and I felt she needed a good home. She didn’t exactly have an easy upbringing.” 

Xie Lian hummed in acknowledgment, giving a pet to E’ming’s smooth, soft head. “That’s kind of the same with me and Ruoye. She lived an awful life before she came to my home.” 

“I see,” Hua Cheng said softly. Then, she extended her free hand to Xie Lian. “Jiejie?” 

Xie Lian took it without hesitation, interlacing her fingers with Hua Cheng’s longer ones. Her hand was cool, a nice contrast to Xie Lian’s usual warm skin. Then, they set off toward the ice cream shop that was near Xie Lian’s apartment. She still didn’t know where Hua Cheng lived. 

They set a decently fast pace, and Xie Lian felt relieved that they were both quick walkers. Their hands swayed in between them as they walked, chatting idly. E’ming looked back at Xie Lian often, a happy dog grin set on her face. 

“So, San Niang,” Xie Lian started. “you live around here, right? Which building do you live in?” 

Hua Cheng looked briefly over at her, a cheerful glint in her eye. “I live in a penthouse about a block from your apartment.” 

Xie Lian’s eyes widened. “A penthouse?” 

“Yep. Would you like to go there after we get ice cream?” Hua Cheng asked, her thumb rubbing Xie Lian’s in an affectionate vertical movement. 

“I would love to,” Xie Lian said, grinning. “I used to live in a penthouse once upon a time.”

“Really?” Hua Cheng asked, glancing over again. “With your parents?” 

“Yeah,” Xie Lian confirmed, her face neutral. “Before they, well, died.” 

“Oh,” Hua Cheng murmured. “I’m so sorry, jiejie. Didn’t they leave their money to you?” 

“They did,” Xie Lian sighed. “But the thing is… my dad’s company went under a couple of years before. My parents were living on scraps after their savings ran out. And believe me, they ran out quickly. It’s crazy how fast you can burn through money. Then, a couple of years later they died. I got their leftover money, but it was only enough to buy myself a cheap apartment and thrifted furniture after university. What scraps I have left of it I’m using to pay my student loans.” 

Hua Cheng looked very sad then. “Jiejie… I had no idea you were struggling so much. Is there anything I can do?” 

Xie Lian smiled at that, her eyes turning to pretty crescents. “Oh, don’t worry about me. I’m doing just fine.” 

Hua Cheng was silent at that, squeezing her hand tight. They were just coming up to the ice cream store, and Xie Lian exclaimed as she peered into the window. 

“So many flavours!” She wowed. 

Hua Cheng tied E’ming to a sign that was out of the way of where people would walk, and they entered the store together. 

“What is jiejie going to get? I’ll pay,” Hua Cheng offered, her eye scanning the rows of ice cream tubs. 

“Oh, San Niang, I can pay for my own!” Xie Lian shook her head, placing a hand on Hua Cheng’s arm. 

“Please, I insist. It’s my treat,” Hua Cheng grinned, taking Xie Lian’s hand once more. 

“Gosh… okay… I’m going to have a matcha. What about you?” Xie Lian asked once she had decided. 

“Ube. I like the colour,” Hua Cheng laughed, walking towards the counter. “I’ll have an ube, and she’ll have matcha in a waffle cone, two scoops.” 

“San Niang!” Xie Lian gasped. “Ahh… thank you so much. I don’t usually get to go out for a treat.” 

“Of course, jiejie,” Hua Cheng grinned, gently squeezing Xie Lian’s hand. 

As the worker prepared their ice cream, Hua Cheng faced Xie Lian. Their hands were still interlocked between them. She looked beautiful; her makeup was flawless and her hair was tucked away in a long braid over her right shoulder. Xie Lian couldn’t believe that a woman like this was interested in her. Was Hua Cheng seriously not interested in pursuing her beloved instead of Xie Lian…? Something unrealistic in Xie Lian hoped that the beloved was her. Was it?

Hua Cheng’s eye was boring into Xie Lian’s eyes, dark and full of an emotion that Xie Lian couldn’t put her finger on. She reached forward with another hand and toyed with a lock of Xie Lian’s long hair, twirling it in a finger. 

It was an unbidden moment of tension, and Xie Lian loved it. At a normal time, she would be slightly embarrassed, awkwardly shying away and making jokes to try and remove herself from the heated situation, but at this moment she couldn’t peel her eyes away from Hua Cheng. But, there is no banquet that doesn’t come to an end, and they were forced to separate when the worker held out two cones of ice cream. The green one was heaping, and Xie Lian made a delighted noise. 

They took the ice cream and thanked the worker. Once they were back outside next to E’ming, Hua Cheng held out her cone to Xie Lian’s lips. 

“Would jiejie like a taste?” She asked.

Xie Lian felt her ears heat. She leaned forward and tasted it, her tongue dipping out and giving it a small lick. Hua Cheng watched her with an unidentifiable expression, her own tongue darting out as she licked her lips. The ice cream was sweet and flavourful, melting quickly on Xie Lian’s tongue. She smiled. 

“It’s good,” She said softly, locking her eyes with Hua Cheng and holding out her own ice cream. “Would you like some as well?” 

Hua Cheng smiled playfully and leaned forward, her eyes never leaving Xie Lian’s as she tasted the ice cream. Xie Lian caught a glimpse of a tongue piercing and her heart picked up. Once Hua Cheng was done, she stood up straight once more and her lips stretched into a crimson smile. Then, she held forward her own cone. 

“Could jiejie hold this while I untie E’ming?” She requested, and Xie Lian grabbed it carefully. 

Hua Cheng held her gaze for a couple of seconds more before bending over to untie the leash. Xie Lian couldn’t help but notice her shorts riding up slightly, exposing more of her legs. She quickly looked away after she realized what she was doing, though, her attention coming back to the ice creams. She noticed that Hua Cheng’s was dripping quite a bit. 

“Ah, San Niang, your ice cream is dripping,” She mentioned, turning it over in her hand. 

“You can lick it if you want,” Hua Cheng offered, her hands working on untying the tight knot that she had tied to prevent E’ming from bolting back towards them. 

Xie Lian took the offer, quickly dealing with the drips with her tongue. Then, Hua Cheng stood up with E’ming’s leash in her hand. Xie Lian smiled awkwardly before holding out the cone. 

“I’m gonna eat it all before you even get a teaspoon,” Xie Lian laughed, licking the drips from her own cone. 

Hua Cheng laughed as she took it. “I would gladly give jiejie the whole thing if she so wanted.” 

Xie Lian rubbed behind her neck, stuffing her face in her ice cream so she didn’t have to speak. Hua Cheng motioned for them to begin walking, holding E’ming back from pulling. 

“My house is pretty close. We can kick back and watch a movie or something,” Hua Cheng suggested. 

“Sounds good!” Xie Lian said after a beat, her heart doing flips. “I’d like that.” 

Hua Cheng’s penthouse was on the top floor of a tall building. She greeted the woman sitting at the front desk and led Xie Lian toward a large elevator. By then their ice creams were gone, and Xie Lian was feeling slightly nervous. What was going to happen between them once they were in the privacy of Hua Cheng’s home? 

The elevator was quick and soundless, much unlike the one in Xie Lian’s apartment. The button for Hua Cheng’s floor required a keycard, and Xie Lian understood why once the doors slid open right into Hua Cheng’s home. 

Xie Lian exclaimed as they walked into the penthouse. They slipped off their shoes and Hua Cheng guided her into her home with a small smile on her face. 

“Make yourself at home,” Hua Cheng said, leading Xie Lian to the living room. 

The living room was gigantic, and Xie Lian could barely describe it as a living room. Something more sophisticated like a “lounge area.” Hua Cheng definitely had an aesthetic; everything was themed red, black, and silver. She sat down on a long, plush black couch, and Hua Cheng stood next to her. 

“Would you like something to drink?” She asked, and Xie Lian nodded. 

“Could I get some water?” She requested. “Thank you so much.” 

Hua Cheng immediately went to fill her request, walking through the large arched entrance to the kitchen. Xie Lian could hear her rummaging around, humming softly to herself. 

Suddenly, Xie Lian could hear claws running across the floor, and before she could even think, E’ming was in her lap. She was comfortably heavy, laying on her back on Xie Lian’s lap and exposing her belly for her to pet. Xie Lian let out a small noise of appreciation and petted E’ming’s soft belly, laughing as her head flopped back over Xie Lian’s legs. The dog’s tail was whipping back and forth, obviously showing off her contentment. 

Hua Cheng entered the room once more, and her lips curled down into a frown. “Is she bothering you?”

Xie Lian shook her head. “Not at all. I love animals.” 

Hua Cheng hummed, setting down a tall glass of water filled with ice and what appeared to be fresh cranberries on the glass coffee table. She set her own next to Xie Lian’s and carefully sat down next to her. She handed Xie Lian a TV remote after pressing the power button. 

“You can pick something,” Hua Cheng offered, tucking her legs comfortably to her side. 

Xie Lian crossed her legs and clicked through a plethora of streaming platforms. Once she decided on one, she scrolled for a bit to find a movie. Hua Cheng watched her the entire time, her cheek propped up on a fist. Xie Lian decided on a random chick flick, turning it on and facing Hua Cheng. 

“So, San Niang,” She said. “I’ve been wanting to ask you a question for a while now.” 

Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow attractively, also turning to face Xie Lian. “What is it?” 

“I’m curious who your beloved is. Who are they?” Xie Lian asked softly, shifting E’ming in her lap. 

Hua Cheng’s face paled slightly. “Jiejie…” 

“Don’t worry, I think I have a small idea. Although maybe I’m just delusional,” Xie Lian laughed, a small, content smile gracing her face. 

Hua Cheng looked down at her feet. Her socks were dotted with SpongeBob characters. “If you know, why are you asking?” 

Xie Lian grabbed her water and squeezed the juice from the cranberry into it. “I’d like to know.” 

Hua Cheng’s eye squeezed shut. “Jiejie… you already know that it’s you.” 

Xie Lian took a sip of her water. It was bitter. “San Niang.” 

Hua Cheng’s head tilted down. “Don’t tell me.” 

“Don’t you want to know how I feel about this?” Xie Lian asked softly. 

Hua Cheng sighed quietly. “I guess… that’s for the best.”

Xie Lian could tell that Hua Cheng thought she was to be rejected. She decided to rely not on her words, but her actions. That’s what she did best. She set down her water, adjusted E’ming, and crawled towards Hua Cheng on the couch. Then, she wrapped her hands around Hua Cheng’s neck in a gentle embrace. Hua Cheng was frozen, her eye wide over Xie Lian’s shoulder. 

In a flash, Hua Cheng’s arms were around her and she was being pulled down into her lap. Hua Cheng let out a tiny whimper, speaking. “Jiejie… you really will… be the death of me.” 

“San Niang…” Xie Lian whispered, pulling away in order to look Hua Cheng in the face. 

Their lips moved closer and closer to one another, sharing a single breath between them. It was Xie Lian that closed the distance, resting her hands on Hua Cheng’s slim shoulders and pressing their lips together. Hua Cheng’s hands came to the back of her head and her neck, cradling her skull like the most precious statue. Xie Lian could taste Hua Cheng’s lipstick, her lipgloss long gone since she ate the ice cream. She knew that once they separated, her face would be stained crimson. 

She jumped slightly when Hua Cheng’s tongue brushed against her lip, a silent invitation. She accepted it, parting her lips and allowing Hua Cheng’s tongue to enter her mouth. She could feel the warm metal of Hua Cheng’s piercing, a shape that confused her. It was slightly pointy in some places and curved in others. She decided to ask and pulled gently away. 

“Let me see your tongue piercing,” She requested, one of her arms slipping down to Hua Cheng’s strong bicep. 

Hua Cheng’s cheeks turned slightly pink, and she stuck her tongue out. The piercing was a silver metal butterfly. Xie Lian felt herself give a twitch in her little skirt. 

“Ah, San Niang is so attractive,” Xie Lian sighed dramatically, her head falling down to rest on Hua Cheng’s shoulder. 

“Mm, not as attractive as jiejie,” Hua Cheng said softly. 

Xie Lian didn’t answer, only pulled her in for a kiss. Xie Lian wanted to kiss Hua Cheng until her lipstick was a blood-like mess all over their faces and they felt dizzy from lack of oxygen. As their tongues brushed against each other and Hua Cheng’s hands shifted to her waist, Xie Lian settled herself firmly in Hua Cheng’s lap so that her ankles enclosed the other woman in. 

The air was practically steaming around them as their kiss increased in fervour. Everything else was forgotten in their passion—E’ming whining softly for attention, the movie Xie Lian had turned on, and the melting ice of their beverages. Xie Lian much preferred sucking on Hua Cheng’s tongue over chewing on brain-freeze-inducing ice cubes. 

Xie Lian had practically pushed Hua Cheng’s back onto the arm of the couch. Their kiss showed no signs of slowing. Xie Lian had her hands tangled in Hua Cheng’s long, inky hair, and Hua Cheng’s hands were holding her firmly by the waist. 

Once their kissing slowed only for a bit, Hua Cheng pecked Xie Lian’s lips before just barely pulling away. 

“Jiejie, I just want to make something clear,” She said softly. 

“What is it?” Xie Lian asked, trying to catch her breath. 

“This isn’t just something I want to do and then forget about forever. I want to be with you, jiejie,” Hua Cheng whispered. 

Xie Lian giggled softly. “Isn’t it funny that we’ve only been talking for two days and we’ve already gotten this far?”

Hua Cheng laughed quietly, but she seemed to be nervously awaiting an answer. 

“I want to be with you too,” Xie Lian confirmed. “I want to wake up next to you every morning. I want to go on more cute little dates. I want to borrow your sweatshirts and hold hands with you in public. I want to play games with you. I want to kiss you and hug you and touch you and… I want to… make love with you.” 

Hua Cheng’s eye softened, and she stayed like that gazing lovingly up at Xie Lian. Her expression was one of pure devotion. “Oh, jiejie…” 

Xie Lian couldn’t believe it. Only a few days ago, she was completely unaware of this woman’s feelings for her. She was a distant memory, a star thousands of lightyears away. Xie Lian had been trapped on earth for so long, but now she was shooting through space like a meteor straight toward the stars she had thought so far away. 

She was the space rock, floating aimlessly through space, and Hua Cheng was a red giant star. Burning bright and passionate, her devotion able to be seen from lightyears away. 

“You’re so wonderful,” Xie Lian murmured softly. “I could stay with you forever.” 

Hua Cheng’s face was full of love. Her hands cradled Xie Lian, treating her as if she was made of glass. Xie Lian thought that, at that moment, maybe she was. 

Hua Cheng let out a tiny whimper, and the sound lit Xie Lian’s belly on fire. She could feel herself already soaking through her panties. She wondered if Hua Cheng was feeling the same way. From the way Hua Cheng was pressing up into her, it was most likely she was just as aroused as Xie Lian. With a deep breath in, Xie Lian nuzzled her face into Hua Cheng’s neck. 

“That was my first kiss, you know,” She said, very softly. 

Hua Cheng’s eyebrow quirked up despite her dreamy expression. “Yeah? Was it adequate?” 

“Very,” Xie Lian said. “The best I could ever have.” 

“I am honoured to be the one,” Hua Cheng responded. 

They kissed again, a tender press of lips. It was more controlled this time, now that their feelings had been established. Hua Cheng’s hands found their way underneath Xie Lian’s blouse, resting on her bare lower back. They could kiss for hours, just like that. 

Suddenly, though, Hua Cheng pulled back, her eye slightly scrunched and her lips parted. “I don’t think I can hold back much longer.” 

Xie Lian was panting, looking down at Hua Cheng. She spoke, “Who’s asking you to hold back?” 

Hua Cheng laughed deeply. “How would you like to see my bedroom?” 

“Please,” Xie Lian replied. “Treat me to a tour.” 

Right after she spoke, Xie Lian was being lifted into powerful arms, squealing slightly as Hua Cheng wrapped her arms under her thighs and hoisted her up in an attractive display of strength. She clung to Hua Cheng’s neck, nibbling under her jaw as she was carried through a hall and into the large bedroom. She was dropped immediately onto the soft bed, the springs bouncing underneath her weight. 

Hua Cheng climbed overtop of her, connecting their lips once more. Xie Lian could barely get a peek at the intricate design of the bedroom before her view was obstructed by Hua Cheng—not that she was complaining, though. 

Hua Cheng was kissing down her neck now, sucking hickey after hickey onto her skin. She left little traces of red lipstick where she kissed, covering Xie Lian with her signature colour. Marking her. Then, she pressed a kiss to the cleavage that peeked out from Xie Lian’s blouse. Her fingers toyed at the elastic bottom. 

“Do I have permission to take this off?” Hua Cheng asked, her voice hoarse. She still wanted to make sure Xie Lian was one-hundred-percent okay with what they were doing. 

“Please, please, take it off. Touch me, San Niang,” Xie Lian gasped, tightening her knees around Hua Cheng’s sides. 

The tips of Hua Cheng’s fingers hooked on the bottom of the shirt and she lifted it over Xie Lian’s head. Xie Lian lifted her arms to assist, gasping as Hua Cheng’s mouth immediately found her neck once more. She pressed two kisses, one on each side, then pulled back to admire Xie Lian. 

Xie Lian was wearing her only good bra, a white lacy balconette bra that framed her breasts perfectly. Hua Cheng groaned, quite literally burying her face in between Xie Lian’s tits. 

“You have such big tits,” She sighed. “It’s distracting. I have to physically prevent myself from staring at them.”

Xie Lian snorted, hugging Hua Cheng’s head and practically suffocating her in her breasts. “Yours aren't so bad either.” 

She could feel Hua Cheng sucking a hickey into where her mouth was pressed against her right breast. Her voice came out muffled when she spoke. “How big are yours, anyway?” 

“75F,” Xie Lian answered, laughing a little bit. 

“Fuck,” Hua Cheng mumbled. “I’m a 75E” 

Xie Lian giggled. “You’re only a size below mine!” 

Hua Cheng’s head popped up then, and she cupped both of Xie Lian’s breasts in her hands. “It’s not very obvious.” 

Then, she guided Xie Lian to sit up enough so that she could reach behind her and unclasp the hooks of her bra. Xie Lian sighed as her chest was finally free of its constraints. 

“The best part of my day is taking my bra off,” She said, half-jokingly. 

Hua Cheng laughed. “Me too,” She murmured. 

Once the bra was thrown to the floor, Hua Cheng sat up to admire Xie Lian. She was laying against the red silk pillows and sheets, her dusky brown nipples hard and her breasts falling slightly to each side. Her neck and face were spattered with lipstick and her expression was one of nervousness and arousal. 

“You look more beautiful than I ever could have imagined,” Hua Cheng murmured, cupping one bare breast and pressing a kiss against it. When she pulled back, the imprint of her lips could be seen on the pale skin. 

Xie Lian licked her lips, tasting lipstick. “You should match me.”

Hua Cheng smiled affectionately down at her, then crossed her arms and pulled her crop top up and over her head. She tossed it carelessly to the side. She was wearing a lacy black bralette, and Xie Lian could see the outline of her dark nipples through the lace. Hua Cheng wasted no time, quickly unclipping her bra and tossing it to the side as well. Xie Lian felt a warmth throbbing in her belly. On both of her nipples shone two silver butterfly piercings. 

She reached up, carefully fondling Hua Cheng’s right tit and flicking her thumbs over the piercings. Hua Cheng was straddling her waist, and she sat up to press kisses to both breasts. She wasn’t very experienced when it came to sex as she had never had it, but she tried to follow Hua Cheng’s example. She dragged her tongue across, sucking a dark hickey on the left side. 

Then, she moved to the nipple. Her breath tickled it gently, and she watched as it hardened in front of her eyes. Hua Cheng was looking down at her with her mouth open, panting. Her chest heaved along with her tits. Xie Lian moved closer, teasing the nipple very gently with her front teeth. Her tongue dipped out, circling it. 

Hua Cheng keened softly, her hands moving behind Xie Lian’s head and taking the clip out of her hair. The half that was tied up spilled down over her shoulders, long and beautiful. Xie Lian ignored it though, and took the nipple carefully into her mouth. She enclosed it tenderly between her lips and swirled her tongue around it, feeling the bumpy texture. Hua Cheng whimpered, and Xie Lian felt herself moisten even more when she ground down onto her bare thigh where her skirt had ridden up. 

Suddenly, though, Hua Cheng gently guided her face away. Xie Lian looked at the nipple in front of her, glistening with saliva. It was probably the most attractive thing she had ever seen. Hua Cheng slipped a hand behind her back and helped her lie down. The sheets were cool underneath her skin. She wondered what it would feel like to sleep naked in them, huddled against Hua Cheng. 

“I have you spread out for me like this, I have to appreciate it,” Hua Cheng mumbled, her hands tracing delicate, invisible patterns across Xie Lian’s skin. Mapping it out. 

With a quiet hum, Hua Cheng took Xie Lian’s breasts in her hands and squeezed them. She watched as the soft fat squished between her fingers like putty, pliable and malleable. She pressed them together, kissing the cleavage that appeared. Her mouth moved across Xie Lian’s left tit, her tongue painting art across her skin. Her lips grazed against the nipple there, her tongue peeking out to circle it gently. The sensation sent a shock of arousal through Xie Lian. 

“San Niang…” She mumbled, her hand coming up to carefully tuck Hua Cheng’s hair behind her ears to more clearly see her face. 

Hua Cheng’s eye slipped closed as her mouth covered Xie Lian’s nipple. Xie Lian whined softly as her tongue circled around it, hot and wet. Then, she let go and moved to the other nipple and began to work on it as well. 

Xie Lian had touched her breasts many times, but it had never felt like this. It was like every stroke of Hua Cheng’s tongue sent shockwaves spiraling down into her core. She was soaked right through her panties, wetness beginning to gather between her thighs. 

Hua Cheng pecked a goodbye kiss on Xie Lian’s rock-hard nipple and moved up to face her straight on. Xie Lian could tell she was a hot mess, practically drooling and covered in lipstick. 

“You look so hot like this,” Hua Cheng murmured, her hand coming to rest on Xie Lian’s thin waist. 

Xie Lian squeezed her thighs around Hua Cheng and whispered, “You’re such a tease.” 

Hua Cheng laughed deeply, fitting their lips perfectly together. When they separated, she spoke, “I’ve always liked to play with my food.” 

Xie Lian giggled softly, squeezing Hua Cheng’s muscled bicep. Her skin was pale and soft underneath her fingertips. Hua Cheng’s eye looked into hers for a solid minute, searching for something. Somehow, the look turned her on even more. Hua Cheng’s hands moved from her waist down to the top of her skirt. Her fingers traced the fabric teasingly, seemingly deciding if she should move forward. Or maybe she was just being a tease. 

She came to a decision, though, and hooked her fingers in the waistband and began to pull it down. Xie Lian’s skirt doubled as shorts underneath, and they came down as one. Then, Xie Lian was left laying underneath Hua Cheng only wearing a pair of lacy white panties. 

“Your underwear is matching,” Hua Cheng grinned. “That’s hot.” 

“Trust me, it’s not usually like that,” Xie Lian responded. “Today is different.”

Hua Cheng’s eyebrow lifted, ever the tease. “Was jiejie hoping for this?” 

Xie Lian arched her back to try and get closer to Hua Cheng. “Ever since the moment in your car. I’ve been so horny ever since.” 

Hua Cheng hummed softly. “Fuck, that’s so hot. Me too. I exhausted all of my vibrators thinking about you after that.” 

Xie Lian’s mind drifted, an image of Hua Cheng using a vibrator solidifying in her mind. Just imagining her spread out on those same sheets Xie Lian was currently lying on, sobbing and trembling as a vibrator buzzed over her clit. She imagined that Hua Cheng would begin to whimper once she was close, whispering Xie Lian’s name under her breath like a mantra. What did she think about when she was working herself out? Did she think of Xie Lian, head between her legs and lapping gently at her clit? Did she imagine Xie Lian was there next to her, holding the vibrator instead of Hua Cheng’s own shaking hand? 

Hua Cheng’s hand moved down to cup Xie Lian’s clothed pussy, pressing her hand against the sea of wetness there. Her pointer finger moved slowly, just barely touching Xie Lian as she moved it from her pussy to her clit, then back down again in a long oval. She continued that for a few strokes, carefully watching for every one of Xie Lian’s movements and responding accordingly. With the tip of her nail, she very slowly and delicately traced small circles right over Xie Lian’s clit. Xie Lian was panting, twitching every time Hua Cheng’s finger traced the bottom half of her circles. 

“You’re so wet, jiejie,” Hua Cheng spoke softly, tracing her finger through the mess between Xie Lian’s thighs. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this wet before,” Xie Lian mumbled, her breath catching as Hua Cheng slowly lowered her panties. 

Hua Cheng slid them down her thighs, cutely shifting to her feet and stepping over them between Xie Lian’s legs so she could remove them completely. She flicked them to the floor and they fell with an embarrassing wet plop. 

Xie Lian snorted. “That was gross.”

“That was hot,” Hua Cheng corrected. 

“You think everything I do is hot,” Xie Lian giggled softly. 

“Of course I do,” Hua Cheng responded. “‘Cause everything you do is hot.” 

Quietly, Hua Cheng’s index finger gathered the wetness from Xie Lian’s pussy. She scooped it up like honey and brought it to her lips, sucking it into her mouth. Xie Lian’s face was on fire, red as the sheets she lay on. Hua Cheng’s finger left her mouth, and she stayed there grinning cheekily down at Xie Lian. 

Xie Lian covered her mouth with one hand. She said, “I’m embarrassed.” 

“Don’t be embarrassed, love,” Hua Cheng consoled. “You look so beautiful.” 

“I haven’t done this before,” Xie Lian whispered. 

Hua Cheng’s hands came to Xie Lian’s arms. “Are you ready to have sex?” 

Xie Lian nodded. 

“So you want to continue?” Hua Cheng asked. 

“Yes,” Xie Lian said, very softly. Then, “I want to have sex with you.” 

“Me too,” Hua Cheng responded. “It’s what I want most in the world.” 

Xie Lian pulled her down into a kiss. Hua Cheng hummed happily, one hand cupping Xie Lian’s bare pussy. Xie Lian lifted her hips into Hua Cheng’s palm, seeking pressure. 

“Does jiejie want more?” Hua Cheng teased. 

Xie Lian nodded. “Yeah.”

Hua Cheng settled herself in between Xie Lian’s thighs, the denim of her shorts riding up so that the bottom of her ass peeked out. Xie Lian reached behind her and gave it a squeeze before fumbling to unzip her shorts. 

“I can’t be the only one naked here,” Xie Lian pouted, chewing her lip as Hua Cheng shifted and kicked the shorts off. Her underwear was lacy and dark red. 

She wasted no time, immediately coming to lay on her stomach between Xie Lian’s legs. She crossed her legs comfortably, seeming as if she belonged there. Her hair fell like a curtain framing her face, so she propped herself on her arms and unrolled the black hair tie from its place on her wrist. 

As she tied it into a hasty ponytail, Xie Lian watched the muscles of her arms flex. Then, she shifted off of Xie Lian and reached over to her bedside table and procured a package of makeup wipes. Quickly and efficiently, she wiped off the remains of the lipstick on her face. After staring at Xie Lian for a few seconds once she was done, she also wiped the lipstick off of Xie Lian’s face and body. 

Xie Lian closed her eyes as Hua Cheng settled herself back between her legs. “Mm, you’re so considerate.” 

Hua Cheng chuckled softly, and Xie Lian’s face scrunched as she felt the ghost of warm breath over her pussy. Hua Cheng was teasing her, tightening her strings until she thought they would break. She ached to be touched; more than she ever thought she was capable of feeling. 

Hua Cheng’s eye was boring into hers as she spoke. “Does jiejie want this San Niang to touch her?” 

Xie Lian heard herself whine; a desperate, animal-like noise. “Please, please, San Niang. Touch me.” 

Hua Cheng laughed deeply once more and Xie Lian keened when her tongue finally, finally pressed against her pussy. She was sensitive, her slick dripping down onto the bedsheets. 

“Fuck, you’re so wet, jiejie,” Hua Cheng groaned, and her tongue darted out to lick up from her pussy to her clit. When her tongue piercing dragged against her clit, Xie Lian whined softly. 

She was in the mood to tease, though, and Xie Lian gasped as her tongue dipped between her lips. The anticipation and pleasure were steadily mounting, her muscles clenching. And when Hua Cheng’s lips finally came to her clit, Xie Lian sobbed. 

Hua Cheng maintained a rhythm of dragging her tongue agonizingly slowly up and down, circling and sucking on her clit. Xie Lian was seeing stars. She had touched herself before, but it had never felt like this . When she had done it, it had been simple and perfunctory. She had laid on her bed with her legs sprawled to the sides and her hand between her thighs, just waiting for it to feel good. She could even remember that she was thinking about a rude customer instead of what was usually thought about during a time such as that. 

No wonder it didn’t feel this good. Here she lay, her legs resting over Hua Cheng’s shoulders while the aforementioned woman worked magic on her body. Hua Cheng’s two fingers gathered the slick there and slipped inside of her, massaging into her g-spot and making her eyes roll back into her head. Her tongue moved strategically, switching between her clit and her pussy and making her thighs shake and clench. Pleasure rolled over her in waves. 

She cried out softly when Hua Cheng closed her lips over her clit and began to suck on it like candy. Every movement of her fingers inside of her was planned. The sounds were obscene; Xie Lian at any other moment and with anybody else would be embarrassed. 

The pleasure began to build in her core, and Xie Lian whimpered. Her thighs squeezed Hua Cheng’s head as gently as her barely-lucid brain could manage. Hua Cheng was in her element between them; it was obvious that she had a lot of experience. 

Hua Cheng’s lips wrapped around Xie Lian’s clit and sucked hard , forcing a loud whine out of Xie Lian’s mouth. Her hips bucked up into Hua Cheng’s tongue and she panted heavily. 

“San Niang, I’m gonna come, gonna come, gonna come… ” Xie Lian chanted, her thighs tightening and shaking. “Ah! Ohh, please…” 

Hua Cheng only hummed, and the vibrations almost sent Xie Lian over the edge. After only a few more flicks of Hua Cheng’s tongue over her clit, her mouth opened in a silent scream and she began to convulse. Hua Cheng maintained her movements, rubbing right up against all the sensitive points inside and outside Xie Lian. Xie Lian threw her head back against the pillow, fireworks bursting in her vision as the pleasure exploded inside of her body. It was almost too much to bear, and Xie Lian’s hips began to involuntarily jerk in oversensitivity. 

But her orgasm prevailed, dragging on for far longer than it did when she was alone. She sobbed as her muscles continued to clench and pleasure began to ebb from a crashing tsunami to rolling waves licking at her core. 

Hua Cheng guided her the entire way, never slowing her pace as she looked up at Xie Lian. When she finally came down, Xie Lian collapsed entirely with a sigh. 

Hua Cheng’s face lifted off from her pussy, a string of saliva coming with her. Her chin was covered in Xie Lian’s juices. “Good?” 

Xie Lian was panting, and she smiled at Hua Cheng and cupped her cheek with a hand. “Amazing.” 

“I’m hoping jiejie will indulge me a bit more?” Hua Cheng requested. 

Xie Lian’s head quirked to the side. “Oh? Of course I will. San Niang didn’t come yet.” 

Hua Cheng chuckled softly. “Don’t worry about me for the moment.”

She quickly lifted off of Xie Lian and made her way to her walk-in closet. Xie Lian heard a little bit of rustling for a minute before Hua Cheng emerged. She was wearing a red strap-on harness. In her hands, she carried two dildos of different sizes. 

“I thought I should give jiejie the choice. Which one would you like?” Hua Cheng asked, holding them out to Xie Lian. 

One of the dildos was also red, likely the one that the strap-on came with. It was significantly bigger than the pink one next to it. Xie Lian shyly pointed to the red one, and a teasing smile graced Hua Cheng’s lips. 

“I kind of thought so, just wanted to see. Jiejie’s pleasure is my only concern,” She grinned. 

Xie Lian’s face was hot, and as Hua Cheng guided her to lay back against the pillows she voiced her concerns. 

“But, San Niang, will this feel good for you as well?” She asked softly, spreading her legs to allow Hua Cheng to sit between them. 

Hua Cheng chuckled softly. Before attaching the dildo to the harness, she turned it over in her hands to show her the bumpy end. “See this end? This’ll make it feel good for me, too. Jiejie shouldn’t worry.” 

As Hua Cheng busied herself with attaching the dildo, Xie Lian took the time to appreciate her. Her eyes wandered up and down her body, taking in her perky, pierced nipples, the tattoo of strange characters on her arm that she had never noticed before, her strong, thick thighs, and her face twisted cutely in concentration. 

Her thoughts were interrupted when Hua Cheng spoke. “Has jiejie ever had something inside of her before?” 

Xie Lian was flushed from head to toe. “I’ve only ever had fingers inside… never had the courage to buy a toy. Never really felt the need, to be honest.” 

“That’s okay,” Hua Cheng said, smiling softly. “I’m glad to be jiejie’s first.”

“I feel like the luckiest woman in the world,” Xie Lian whispered. “I’ve never felt this lucky before.” 

“Why’s that?” Hua Cheng asked, finished with attaching the dildo. 

Xie Lian sighed happily as Hua Cheng’s fingers came to her pussy once more. She spoke, “I have horrible luck.” 

Hua Cheng laughed. Then, she whispered, “I’ll be happy to share my luck. You can take it all if you’d like.” 

Xie Lian gasped as two of Hua Cheng’s fingers slipped inside, meeting no resistance. Slippery. She teased her softly, rubbing her walls before promptly pulling away. Hua Cheng shifted, kneeling and pulling Xie Lian’s legs to either side of her body. She grabbed a soft grey pillow with her semi-clean hand and leaned forward to slip it under Xie Lian’s head and neck. 

So considerate, Xie Lian thought, smiling up at Hua Cheng’s tits. Her tongue peeked out to flick over her right nipple, and Hua Cheng snorted, somehow attractively. Once the pillow was comfortably settled under Xie Lian’s head, Hua Cheng settled down and tenderly kissed Xie Lian. Xie Lian never would have guessed what they were about to do; Hua Cheng was treating her with such warmth. It was as if they were simply on a date, sharing an affectionate kiss in between bites of cucumber sandwich and strawberry shortcake. 

When she felt the solid, cool head of the dildo rub itself against her pussy, Xie Lian moaned into the kiss. Hua Cheng moved it with her hand to gather Xie Lian’s juices over the head, preparing it for an easy entrance. The anticipation of it was tearing Xie Lian apart from the inside. 

“Ready?” Hua Cheng asked quietly, one hand coming to very gently rest upon Xie Lian’s thigh.

Xie Lian whined softly. “Yes. Fuck me.” 

Hua Cheng laughed lightly. “Your wish is my command.” 

The head of the dildo popped inside easily, and Xie Lian gasped. The stretch hurt, but in a way that made pleasure whirl in her gut. Hua Cheng watched her for every fluctuation and flinch as she slowly shifted her hips forward, burying the toy into Xie Lian. When she was halfway in, she stopped. 

“Still good? Don’t forget we can always switch to the smaller one,” Hua Cheng reassured, reaching up to tuck Xie Lian’s hair away from her face. 

“I’m okay,” Xie Lian gasped. “Keep going, please.” 

Hua Cheng peppered kisses all over her face as she continued to push all the way in. It felt like years had passed by the time Hua Cheng’s hips were flush with Xie Lian’s. Hua Cheng gave her a moment to adjust, fitting their lips together and patiently waiting for her muscles to accommodate. She waited until finally, finally, Xie Lian gave the affirmation to move. 

She began to slowly move her hips back, pulling out halfway. Then, she unhurriedly pushed back in. Xie Lian whimpered softly, placing a hand on Hua Cheng’s knee. Hua Cheng maintained her leisurely pace for a while, her lips traveling across every spot of Xie Lian’s body. 

When Xie Lian felt she really couldn’t take it anymore, she cried out. “Faster. Harder. Fuck me, San Niang.” 

Hua Cheng’s lips pulled into a grin, and she pressed one last kiss to Xie Lian’s collarbone. She sat back on her haunches, taking in the sight before her, and before Xie Lian knew it she was being railed into the mattress. She wailed loudly, clinging onto anything she could reach. Hua Cheng’s grip on her thighs was unmoveable, preventing her from sliding backward into the headboard. The bed creaked quietly with every thrust, and Xie Lian reached out and pulled Hua Cheng into her. She clung to Hua Cheng’s back, unconsciously scratching it bloody with her nails. With every meeting of their hips, a noise rang through the room, slick and fleshy. Xie Lian felt like an ocean was pouring out of her as liquid dripped down her thighs and gathered in the sheets. The feeling was foreign to her; she had never felt so stretched in her life. Her muscles clenched and clung to the toy, sucking it in and resisting its pull. 

Hua Cheng moaned softly, and Xie Lian answered in tow with a sob. With every thrust, Xie Lian pulled Hua Cheng as close to her as she could, wiggling her hips to meet her with every beat of their hearts in unison. Hua Cheng’s hands began to wander her body, squeezing the muscles of her thighs and petting her toned stomach. 

Xie Lian cried out softly as Hua Cheng quickened her pace, ramming into her at the perfect speed and strength. Xie Lian wondered if Hua Cheng had done this before. In the blink of an eye, Hua Cheng sat up and pulled out, settling herself against the headboard and guiding Xie Lian on top of her. 

“Turn around,” Hua Cheng murmured, her hands never leaving Xie Lian’s waist. 

Xie Lian dragged herself up from her ragdoll flop over Hua Cheng, turning herself around and surrounding Hua Cheng’s legs with her thighs. Hua Cheng eased her up, hands on her ass as she lined up her silicone cock. Once they were in position, she signaled Xie Lian to sit down. 

Xie Lian whimpered as she seated herself down on the toy. She balanced herself with her hands on Hua Cheng’s lower thighs and lifted her hips halfway. Then, once she was ready, she sat back down fully with a loud moan and a slap of skin. She began to bounce, assisted by Hua Cheng’s supportive hands on her ass. 

There was one issue, though, that Xie Lian wasn’t aware of. As Xie Lian rode her, Hua Cheng’s view was obstructed by Xie Lian’s long, dark curtain of hair. Hua Cheng quickly came up with a solution, and Xie Lian looked back at her as Hua Cheng reached over to the bedside table all while being ridden. She grabbed Xie Lian’s discarded hair clip and reached up. 

Xie Lian paused her movements to let Hua Cheng pin her hair up. At this, though, Hua Cheng stopped to look at her. 

“Don’t worry about me, just keep going, love. Just gonna give myself a better view,” Hua Cheng teased, and Xie Lian could hear her laugh when she turned her face away in embarrassment. 

Before moving to tie up Xie Lian’s hair, Hua Cheng’s hands guided her to continue moving. She complied, lifting her thighs and falling back down repeatedly. She could feel Hua Cheng’s hands haphazardly clipping her hair up, a groan following. 

“Fuck, jiejie, you look so beautiful right now. I could fuck you until I die,” Hua Cheng mumbled into her ear, leaning forward and hugging Xie Lian from behind without restricting her movement. 

Xie Lian whined as a hand snaked up and cupped her breast. She could feel Hua Cheng’s own pressing against her back, soft and comfortable. She leaned back into her lover as she rolled her hips, gasping soft breaths with every thrust. Pleasure was building slow and firm in her pelvis, licking at her insides and rolling gently. She sped up her movements, grinding in quick circles each time her ass met Hua Cheng’s front. 

Hua Cheng’s voice was rising in pitch as she moaned. She bucked up into Xie Lian’s thrusts, grinding into the toy and therefore grinding into Xie Lian. Xie Lian could feel her orgasm steadily building, her muscles tightening each time the toy spread her open. 

“Jiejie, m’ gonna come soon,” Hua Cheng gasped, thrusting her hips up to meet Xie Lian. 

“Me too,” Xie Lian cried.

As soon as Xie Lian finished speaking, Hua Cheng came undone. She shook like a leaf underneath Xie Lian, her fingertips digging into skin as she convulsed. Her voice sang out in a high-pitched whine, repeating Xie Lian’s name like it was the only word she knew. Her orgasm seemed to last for ages. Xie Lian guided her through it, switching from bouncing on Hua Cheng’s lap to grinding the toy backward into her. 

When Hua Cheng finally finished, she collapsed for only a second before seemingly being filled with newfound energy. She shifted them quickly so that Xie Lian was on all fours and Hua Cheng was on her knees behind her, sitting up in a display of strong core strength. Then, she began to fuck into Xie Lian. 

Xie Lian was practically crying as she was pounded from behind. Her orgasm crashed over her this time, a wave that completely enveloped her and rendered her boneless. As she floated in the water her arms gave out, unable to support her, and her back arched as pleasure overtook her. She wasn’t sure if there was actually sound coming out of her mouth or not. Hua Cheng fucked her through it, hands gripping the meat of her ass. 

When her orgasm finally subsided, she collapsed onto the bed with a long sigh. Hua Cheng settled down next to her, slipping the pillow underneath her head once more. Xie Lian nuzzled her way into Hua Cheng’s arms, winding an arm around her waist and throwing a leg over her hip. 

“I’m thirsty,” Xie Lian giggled quietly, only just realizing how parched her throat was. 

“How about we go get something to drink?” Hua Cheng offered. 

Xie Lian nodded. “I’d like that.” 

Hua Cheng helped her up from where she lay and offered her a short, silky red robe. She slipped it on, admiring the softness of it. She watched as Hua Cheng pulled on her discarded panties and put on a worn, oversized t-shirt from the huge wall of drawers in her walk-in closet. She couldn’t believe the beauty of this woman. 

They opened the door to the bedroom and E’ming came bolting in, whining and drooling all over the floor. Xie Lian cried out as the huge dog jumped on her and rested her front paws on her shoulders. 

“E’ming!” Hua Cheng scolded, pushing the dog back by her chest. “Bad girl! Leave her alone.”

Xie Lian laughed. “It’s all good.” 

“Usually she isn’t this friendly with people,” Hua Cheng mentioned. “She must really like you.” 

“I like her too,” Xie Lian cooed, taking the dog’s face in her hands and rubbing it. 

Hua Cheng didn’t say anything, only led Xie Lian out of the room and back to the living room where their water still sat on the table, the ice melted but still cold. Xie Lian grabbed hers and chugged the whole thing down, never pausing to take a breath. 

Hua Cheng laughed. “Slow down, jiejie. Don’t choke.” 

When Xie Lian was finished, she gasped a breath in and leaned back into the couch cushions. Hua Cheng followed, quickly capturing Xie Lian’s mouth into a kiss. As their tongues entwined, Xie Lian tasted something different. After a minute more of kissing Hua Cheng, she realized that it was herself that she was tasting on Hua Cheng’s breath. 

“I just fucked you until you were a hot mess in my bed and now you’re doing yoga,” Hua Cheng laughed, reclining across her couch. 

A drama was playing softly in the background. Xie Lian had changed into Hua Cheng’s clothes, an oversized t-shirt and black booty shorts. She was stretched out in pigeon pose on Hua Cheng’s yoga mat, E’ming snoozing beside her. 

“Yep,” Xie Lian said softly, her face tranquil. “Haven’t missed a day since I started.” 

“Your ass looks amazing in that pose,” Hua Cheng observed. 

Xie Lian said nothing, but her lips stretched into a smile. 

“You want a round two?” Hua Cheng asked teasingly. 

“After,” Xie Lian responded. 

“You should sit on my face,” Hua Cheng recommended. 

Xie Lian giggled, one eye slipping open and landing on Hua Cheng. “Gladly.”

“I wanna show you my toy collection,” Hua Cheng said dreamily. 

“You have plenty of time to do that, lover,” Xie Lian murmured. “I’m not going anywhere.” 

“With the amount of stuff I have it’ll take a lifetime,” Hua Cheng chuckled, reclined into the pillows. She called E’ming, but the dog only looked up and then stretched out beside Xie Lian.

“San Niang,” Xie Lian whispered. “You have a lifetime.” 

“Mm, does that mean I get to always watch jiejie stretched out in these sexy poses?” Hua Cheng snickered. 

“Yep,” Xie Lian confirmed.

“I’ll make sure to enjoy it, then,” Hua Cheng sighed dreamily.

“I’ll put on a show,” Xie Lian promised.

“I’ll be your biggest fan. Always.”