Our Love, A Public Service - Chapter 47

Chapter 47

She had called specifically to ask this. Chi Jia lay in bed, listening to Jing Rui's voice, a sense of calmness washing over her, a feeling that they were finally getting closer.

Chi Jia could sense Jing Rui's cautiousness, unlike before, when she seemed indifferent to everything.

Ultimately, what Chi Jia wanted was for Jing Rui to show more care and concern, to give her the courage to let down her guard, not a casual "if you don't want to be together, then forget it" attitude.

Compared to the sudden rush of passion, Jing Rui's subtle and gentle concern was the real poison, the one Chi Jia couldn't resist. She could push away Jing Rui's forceful kisses, but now…

Suppressing her feelings was already difficult enough, especially when the person she liked was actively and gently pursuing her.

"Okay," Chi Jia agreed.

She felt her defenses crumbling, especially after the New Year, when she started interacting with Jing Rui again. Sometimes, the more you suppressed your feelings, the stronger the urge to let them out, all it took was a spark.

Meeting Jing Rui, the joy in Chi Jia's heart seemed to gradually outweigh her previous concerns and hesitation. Every time Jing Rui called, she felt herself wavering, thinking perhaps she should give them a chance, just go with the flow.

"Sleep early, goodnight."

"Mmm… goodnight."

After hanging up, Jing Rui stared at her phone, a smile playing on her lips. Chi Jia simply not rejecting her was enough to make her this happy. If only Chi Jia was less awkward, a little more proactive… Jing Rui opened her photo album, looking at the picture of Chi Jia she had kept, and smiled. If she wasn't awkward, then she wouldn't be Miss Chi.

Lights out, time to sleep.

Busy with work, Jing Rui was as exhausted as ever these days, but closing her eyes, she felt a sense of peace. At the same time, Chi Jia also felt the same, the lingering unease in her heart replaced by a quiet anticipation.

Chi Jia and Jing Rui had been in frequent contact lately, to the point that Jing Rui became a regular in Chi Jia's dreams again. Chi Jia dreamt that she was holding Jing Rui's hand, introducing her to her mother, who, instead of being angry, was overjoyed, saying she had gained another beautiful daughter…

Ring, ring, ring—

The insistent ringing of her alarm clock pulled Chi Jia out of her sweet dream and back to reality. She sat on the edge of her bed, still slightly dazed.

Perhaps Jing Rui held a more significant place in her heart than she realized. She had never considered introducing any of her ex-boyfriends to her mother. But with Jing Rui, she couldn't help but think about the future.

Chi Jia sat on the bed, hugging her pillow, lost in thought.

Although she was no longer actively avoiding Jing Rui, should she accept her? Chi Jia still didn't have a definitive answer; after all, this was a completely different path.

What bothered her the most was that she had rejected Jing Rui three times, they had both agreed to not contact each other, yet they still cared about each other, and Jing Rui seemed to be waiting for her…

Snapping out of her thoughts, Chi Jia stretched, got out of bed, and went to the bathroom to get ready for work, to face reality again.

---

That weekend, Jing Rui arrived on time to pick up Chi Jia.

The end of winter had passed, and the temperature was gradually rising.

Chi Jia had finally shed her bulky winter clothes. Having to work outdoors even in the coldest days of winter, she usually prioritized warmth over fashion, bundling herself up like a dumpling.

Putting on makeup and choosing an outfit took her two hours. It had been a while since Chi Jia had put so much effort into her appearance. As she applied her makeup, she told herself it was… simply because she rarely had a day off.

The morning sun was warm and pleasant.

Jing Rui glanced out the car window, a tall figure walking towards her. She couldn't help but smile; Miss Chi looked particularly radiant today.

As soon as Chi Jia got into Jing Rui's car, she caught a whiff of a familiar, elegant fragrance, her favorite perfume. It was a scent she knew intimately, having shamelessly nuzzled against Jing Rui's neck countless times, inhaling her fragrance.

Every time they met, Jing Rui wore this perfume. Chi Jia didn't think it was a coincidence.

They were both the same in this regard. Knowing they were meeting this weekend, they had both unconsciously put extra effort into their appearance.

"It's rare to see you dressed up so beautifully." Jing Rui's gaze lingered on Chi Jia's face. Ning Qian had often teased her, saying she looked like a lovesick fool whenever she watched Chi Jia sing.

Chi Jia, glancing at Jing Rui, sensed a hint of smugness in her tone, as if she had dressed up specifically for Jing Rui. As usual, she couldn't resist arguing with Miss Jing. "Are you saying I was ugly before?"

"I'm saying you look especially beautiful today." Jing Rui's smile was seductive.

That same alluring smile, but it seemed more genuine this time. Chi Jia didn't reply, a sweetness spreading through her heart. She turned away to fasten her seatbelt, thinking, aren't you also dressed like a vixen today?

The drive from Chi Jia's apartment to the new restaurant wasn't long, the traffic smooth.

The old café, after the renovation, had been completely transformed.

Seeing the final product of her design, Chi Jia felt a sense of pride. This was probably her most successful project so far, and she had to admit, Jing Rui deserved some credit. If it weren't for Miss Jing's pickiness and attention to detail, her design wouldn't have achieved this level of perfection.

Besides Ning Qian, Jing Rui had also invited a few close friends to celebrate, and they were all enjoying some wine. Chi Jia only knew Ning Qian among them. Jing Rui introduced Chi Jia to everyone, then turned to her and whispered, "Come to the kitchen and help me out."

Chi Jia muttered, "I'm a guest."

Jing Rui smiled, ignoring her protest, and pulled her towards the kitchen.

Chi Jia reluctantly followed.

Ning Qian sighed. No wonder the busy Miss Jing was so eager to have this wine tasting; it seemed inviting them was just an excuse, inviting Chi Jia was the real reason. Indeed, Jing Rui was afraid Chi Jia would refuse if she asked her out directly, so she used Ning Qian as an excuse. Jing Rui mocked herself; when had she become so hesitant about seeing someone?

Chi Jia, unlike Jing Rui, was a disaster in the kitchen. She was supposedly there to help, but she just stood there, watching Jing Rui work.

Jing Rui was focused on her cooking, just like when she was working, meticulous and efficient. Before, when Chi Jia knew nothing about Jing Rui, she had thought Jing Rui was just a kept woman, but after getting to know her better, she realized Miss Jing had a proper career. This made Jing Rui even more enigmatic to Chi Jia; sometimes incredibly seductive, sometimes incredibly serious.

But the vixen, when serious, was quite charming, and Chi Jia couldn't help but stare.

"Do you know how to chop vegetables?" Jing Rui asked, turning to Chi Jia.

"Yes." Chi Jia had watched Jing Rui chop vegetables many times before, thinking it was easy.

"Chop these."

"Okay." Besides being stubborn, Chi Jia was also good at pretending. Confidently claiming she knew how, but when she picked up the knife, her hand was unsteady.

Jing Rui, seeing Chi Jia's clumsy movements, couldn't help but laugh. "You don't even know how to hold a knife, and you say you know how?"

"If this isn't how you hold a knife, then how do you hold it?" Actually, Chi Jia had always wanted to learn how to cook, but Chi Lishu had always spoiled her, not letting her touch anything in the kitchen. Now, with her busy work schedule, she either ate out or ordered takeout, her cooking skills limited to boiling water and making instant noodles.

Jing Rui walked behind Chi Jia, took her right hand, and guided her, her voice gentle. "Hold it like this, that's how you have a steady grip. You were holding it all wrong just now."

Being close to each other, things became less conscious, more instinctual.

Chi Jia, sensing the lingering touch, the change in the atmosphere, felt uneasy.

"I know how now…" Chi Jia murmured, her head lowered, her heart racing as Jing Rui stood close behind her.

Their right hands were still intertwined, their fingers long and slender. Chi Jia felt the warmth of Jing Rui's palm against her hand, a familiar fluttering in her chest.

And it wasn't just Chi Jia who felt it.

Jing Rui couldn't help but lean closer to Chi Jia's back, a small step forward, but it changed their posture into an intimate embrace, a few centimeters away from a long-awaited hug.

Neither of them spoke, holding the position, surrounded by the other's familiar scent, a scent she had longed for. This almost-embrace felt more intimate than any of their previous encounters.

Chi Jia's grip on the knife loosened slightly as she put it down, and Jing Rui's hand tightened around hers. The next moment, she was pulled into a warm embrace from behind.

Time seemed to stand still, just as Chi Jia had anticipated.

Jing Rui's left arm wrapped around Chi Jia's waist, holding her close, her chin resting on Chi Jia's shoulder. She sighed softly. "Let's stop torturing each other, okay?"

Weren't they torturing each other?

Chi Jia's heart pounded in her chest. Being held like this by Jing Rui was something she had dreamt of countless times, so comforting that she couldn't bring herself to push Jing Rui away.

Her hesitation showed her reluctance to refuse. Pushing Jing Rui away like that night at the bar, Chi Jia knew she couldn't do it anymore, not after accepting Jing Rui's gradual advances, her resolve crumbling.

Chi Jia's mind was in turmoil, but she didn't want to let go of this feeling. She bit her lip and turned her head slightly, her cheek brushing against Jing Rui's.

Their breaths mingled.

Jing Rui leaned in and gently kissed the corner of Chi Jia's mouth, her embrace tightening, her gaze locking with Chi Jia's. "Stop torturing me..."

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