Our Love, A Public Service - Chapter 75
Chapter 75
"I have to be there with you."
Chi Jia's heart warmed at the sound of Jing Rui's soft, tired voice, touched not by her sweet words, but by her actions, which always spoke louder than words. Chi Jia had often said she must be blind to have fallen for Jing Rui, but now, she truly felt lucky to have met her.
"Go to bed early." Jing Rui said, seeing Chi Jia in her pajamas on the video call.
"No…"
"What's wrong?"
What else could it be? She wanted to see her wife a little longer.
"I can't sleep…" Chi Jia said, her gaze fixed on Jing Rui's face, reluctant to end the call. After a few seconds, she finally admitted softly, "I miss you."
Miss Chi, when she finally gave in, was incredibly adorable.
Jing Rui, pleased with Chi Jia's confession, teased her, mimicking her earlier tone, "Oh really? It's only been a few days."
"If you don't want to video call with me, then just say so, stop treating it like a chore." Chi Jia rolled her eyes. She had been prepared to wait a week before seeing Jing Rui again, but now that Jing Rui said she was coming the day after tomorrow, she couldn't wait.
"When did I say I didn't want to?" Jing Rui smiled, leaning closer to the screen, her voice low and seductive. "I miss you, I've missed you since the first day, I wish I could be with you right now, babe."
Jing Rui calling her "babe" made Chi Jia smile.
"Smooth talker, you haven't even called me once these past few days." Chi Jia complained, but she understood Jing Rui's busy schedule, filled with social engagements during the holidays, and her heart softened. "You should get some rest, you haven't had a proper break all year."
"I'll consider this trip a vacation. Can you spare a day for your wife?"
The thought of coming out to her family made Chi Jia's head hurt, while Jing Rui seemed completely unfazed. "We'll talk about it when you get here. I'll book a hotel room for you."
"Am I not staying at your place?"
"Staying at my place…" Chi Jia hesitated.
"Chi Jia, are you scared? You've gone pale."
"I haven't!" Chi Jia's heart skipped a beat, but she knew Jing Rui was teasing her. "What time are you arriving? I'll pick you up at the airport."
"3 PM."
The temperature plummeted, below zero.
Snow fell all night.
Chi Jia woke up, instinctively reaching out to the other side of the bed, only to find it empty. She got out of bed, drew the curtains, and was met with a world covered in white.
Chi Jia stretched by the window. The snow was beautiful.
It was only 7 AM.
Chi Lishu was making breakfast in the kitchen, her movements practiced and efficient. Seeing Chi Jia, she was surprised. "Why are you up so early?"
Chi Jia peeked into the kitchen, smiling at her mother. "The breakfast smelled so good, it woke me up."
Chi Jia usually slept until 9 AM, but she had woken up naturally today, much earlier than usual, even though Jing Rui wasn't arriving until 3 PM.
"Since you're awake, go wash up, breakfast will be ready soon."
"Yes, ma'am!" Chi Jia rubbed her sleepy eyes and headed towards the bathroom.
"Look at your hair, such a mess." Chi Lishu chuckled, then her smile faded as she looked at Chi Jia's back, sighing softly.
At the breakfast table, they ate in silence, only the occasional clinking of chopsticks against bowls breaking the quiet.
Chi Jia occasionally glanced at her mother, sensing that she, like Chi Jia, had something on her mind.
A woman's intuition was always accurate.
Chi Lishu held her bowl of porridge, letting it cool. "Jiajia..."
"What?"
"Have some dumplings, I made them with shrimp and corn, just for you."
"I'm eating." Chi Jia ate half a dumpling, chewing slowly, then finally asked, "Mom, is there something you want to tell me?"
"There is something."
Chi Jia smiled. "Tell me, I'm listening."
Chi Lishu put another dumpling on Chi Jia's plate. "Let's talk after breakfast."
"Mom," Chi Jia put down her chopsticks, feeling the need to ask, "Just tell me, are you… seeing someone?"
After a moment of hesitation, Chi Lishu nodded. "Yes."
"I knew it." Chi Jia felt a sense of relief, having wanted her mother to find happiness for so long. She figured she knew what her mother was hesitating about. "If you want to move out, it's okay, I support you, I'm serious."
"Jiajia, I've thought about it carefully, and I shouldn't hide this from you…" Chi Lishu said seriously.
"You shouldn't, it's a good thing! Tell me about it."
"I'll tell you tonight."
"Tonight…" Chi Jia felt a pang of guilt. "I might be home late tonight."
"Do you have plans?"
Chi Jia had prepared an excuse ever since Jing Rui said she was coming. "I have a gathering with a friend tonight, I won't be home for dinner."
Jing Rui was arriving today, and Chi Jia couldn't just leave her alone at the hotel, otherwise, she would be in for a rough time.
"Okay, have fun." Chi Lishu said.
Chi Jia's curiosity was piqued. "You can tell me now."
Chi Lishu smiled. "Give me some time to prepare."
"Prepare for what? Okay, okay, I'll listen to you." Chi Jia felt like her mother was acting strangely. Halfway through her porridge, she added, "By the way, Mom, can I borrow your car this afternoon? I need to pick up a friend from the airport."
Chi Lishu agreed without asking who it was, much to Chi Jia's relief.
In the early afternoon, Chi Jia drove to the airport, but due to bad weather, the flight was delayed for half an hour, and Chi Jia waited impatiently.
Jing Rui, as always, was dressed simply and elegantly, her minimalist style accentuating her powerful aura. She walked out of the arrival gate with her usual confident stride, but the smile she gave Chi Jia was alluring and seductive.
Seeing Jing Rui, Chi Jia's heart leaped, and she hurried towards her, her first instinct to embrace her, her arms wrapping around Jing Rui's waist, her face buried in Jing Rui's neck, oblivious to the people around them.
Actually, Chi Jia was much more affectionate than Jing Rui, her actions speaking louder than words, especially after being apart for a while, her longing more intense than any words could express.
Holding Jing Rui close, Chi Jia realized how much she depended on her.
Jing Rui, seeing Chi Jia's eagerness, felt a sudden pang of anxiety. She let go of her suitcase and embraced Chi Jia, asking, "Did something happen? Were you bullied?"
"Yes, I was bullied." Chi Jia, after not seeing Jing Rui for so long, clung to her, acting spoiled.
"What happened?" Jing Rui asked, her voice filled with concern.
It was rare to see Jing Rui so worried, and after a moment of hesitation, Chi Jia teased, "I was bullied because I missed you so much."
Jing Rui was speechless, startled by Chi Jia's words. She had rushed here because she was worried about Chi Jia, always wanting to be there for her, to protect her.
"It's cold outside." Chi Jia started taking off her scarf.
"I'm not cold, keep it on." Jing Rui said, but Chi Jia had already wrapped the scarf around Jing Rui's neck, carefully tucking it in, the warmth of her body and her familiar scent incredibly comforting.
They were both fiercely protective of each other.
"I'm more resistant to cold than you." Chi Jia said, taking Jing Rui's suitcase and holding her hand, leading her towards the car.
The winter wind seemed even colder this year, making Chi Jia shiver, and she urged Jing Rui to get in the car quickly.
Inside the car, the heater was on, gradually warming them up.
"You really didn't have to come." Chi Jia said, still pretending to be nonchalant as she started the car.
Jing Rui caught the underlying meaning. "If I hadn't come, I wouldn't have known someone missed me this much."
Chi Jia turned to look at Jing Rui, a smile spreading across her face, unable to contain her happiness.
Jing Rui, knowing what Chi Jia wanted, didn't bother with her seatbelt, but leaned in and kissed her softly, her hand gently caressing Chi Jia's cheek. "How have you been?"
"I'm fine…" Chi Jia smiled, kissing Jing Rui back. "I told you I was fine, don't worry about me."
"You saying you're fine doesn't mean I'm not worried." Only by being with her could Jing Rui truly be at ease.
Jing Rui's concern was evident, leaving everything behind to come here during the holidays. Chi Jia kissed Jing Rui's forehead, her voice filled with affection. "My wifey is so good to me."
"Alright," Jing Rui gently caressed Chi Jia's face, a familiar gesture. "Let's go."
Driving slowly in the snow, a familiar, soft melody playing on the radio, Chi Jia, who usually hummed along, was unusually quiet today, clearly preoccupied.
Jing Rui, looking at the falling snow outside the window, knew that Chi Jia's worries stemmed from her, a heavy feeling, but she should have known this day would come when she pursued Chi Jia.
Chi Jia first drove Jing Rui to the hotel.
They entered the room and closed the door.
Chi Jia embraced Jing Rui. "Sorry you have to stay here for now."
Trying to appear cheerful despite her obvious worries, Chi Jia's true feelings couldn't be hidden from Jing Rui, who gently stroked Chi Jia's hair. "I'm sorry…"
"Why are you apologizing? Did you do something wrong?"
"For putting you through this." Jing Rui continued, her eyes filled with concern.
Chi Jia, touched by her words, was silent.
Jing Rui held Chi Jia close. "No matter what, I'll always be with you, okay?"
Her words were always so reassuring.
"Okay." Chi Jia's anxieties eased, Jing Rui's words no longer empty promises, but a heartfelt reassurance.
She needed Jing Rui by her side, she realized, feeling Jing Rui's embrace, as if she truly had the courage to face the world.
Chi Jia held Jing Rui for a long time before finally saying, "Get some rest, I'll take you out for dinner tonight."
It was usually Jing Rui who took care of her, and now, Chi Jia finally had the chance to return the favor, Miss Chi also a master at spoiling her girlfriend.
"Aren't you going to let go of me?"
"Not until I get a welcome-home kiss." Chi Jia said playfully, wanting Jing Rui to show some affection.
Jing Rui gave Chi Jia a quick peck on the lips. "Is that enough?"
"No…" Chi Jia, dissatisfied, showered Jing Rui's face with kisses.
"Childish…" Jing Rui chuckled, then cupped Chi Jia's face in her hands and kissed her, silencing her with a deep, lingering kiss.
"Babe, I missed you so much." Jing Rui's hand gently caressed Chi Jia's neck.
"Mmm…" Chi Jia, unable to reply, closed her eyes and kissed Jing Rui back, their lips meeting in a soft, sweet kiss that quickly deepened.
After being apart for so long, their reunion was naturally filled with passion, especially from Chi Jia, who, Jing Rui noticed, had become increasingly clingy.
Despite claiming to be on vacation, Jing Rui hadn't had much rest these past few days, always finding a peaceful sleep in Chi Jia's arms, even on the sofa.
Chi Jia dozed off with Jing Rui in her arms, then opened her eyes; it was 7 PM.
"Wifey, time to wake up and eat." It was rare for Chi Jia to be the one waking Jing Rui up.
Jing Rui simply hummed, nuzzling her face against Chi Jia's chest like a child, making Chi Jia reluctant to wake her up.
In the end, Jing Rui was woken up by Chi Jia's kiss, a gentle gesture only reserved for special occasions like this, after being apart for a while. Usually, Chi Jia's method of waking Jing Rui up was much more… direct and effective.
Chi Jia took Jing Rui to a well-known local restaurant, specializing in local cuisine.
", table for how many?"
Chi Jia held Jing Rui's hand. "Table for two."
"Right this way."
Before they had taken a few steps, Chi Jia noticed a familiar figure from the corner of her eye, and she tugged at Jing Rui's hand. "Oh my god, let's go somewhere else!"
Jing Rui held onto Chi Jia's hand. "What's wrong?"
As their eyes met, Chi Jia realized it was too late. She quietly released Jing Rui's hand and said awkwardly, "Mom, you're here too…?"
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