Chapter Sixty: Silent Night

Under Lu Jing’s guidance, Kong Ning drove onto the avenue leading to the riverside neighborhood and asked in surprise, “Isn’t this the road to Yi’s house?”

“I live in the same neighborhood as Zheng Yi, but I’m not as wealthy as she is. I can only afford an apartment; a villa is out of reach. Even if I had the money, I wouldn’t buy one. Living alone in a multi-story house is just uncomfortable,” Lu Jing sighed.

Kong Ning asked, puzzled, “Then why didn’t you tell me last time when we went to Yi’s house for dinner together?”

Lu Jing shot him a glance and replied, “Don’t flatter yourself. Last time you weren’t qualified yet!” She pointed ahead, “Turn left at the entrance… yes, then turn right at the flower beds and drive straight to the riverside. The six-story apartment building by the river is mine.”

It was a modern apartment block, with garages on the ground floor. After parking, they went up to the second floor and arrived at Lu Jing’s door. Lu Jing took out her key, unlocked the security door, and entered first. When Kong Ning stepped into the living room, she closed the door behind him and pointed to a pair of plaid slippers on the wooden floor. “These are the biggest slippers I have. Make do with them. I didn’t expect you today, so I didn’t prepare any slippers for you. Tomorrow, I’ll buy you a new pair.”

Kong Ning smiled gratefully at Lu Jing, then raised his head to take in the layout and decorations of the living room. The fresh, minimalist style and tasteful, elegant touches impressed him so much he exclaimed, “Beautiful! The designer deserves a ninety out of a hundred. I really like this style and color palette. Living here must be so pleasant and comfortable.”

“It’s my own design. Not bad, right?” Lu Jing said with a proud smile, seeing his surprised look. She slipped her arm through his and explained, “Don’t underestimate me! I graduated in interior design and worked for six years in Shenzhen. I’ve designed nearly three hundred homes myself.”

Kong Ning looked at her with admiration, making Lu Jing feel a little embarrassed. She playfully flicked his nose, then took his suit jacket and hung it on the coat rack, fetched a beige and coffee-colored plaid robe from her wardrobe, and handed it to him. She pointed to the bathroom, “This is the biggest robe I have. Wear it for now and take a shower. I’ll make some tea for you.”

Kong Ning changed into the robe and went into the bathroom. Lu Jing noticed a breeze lifting the sheer curtains in the living room; she hurried to close the window and draw the curtains, checked each room, turned on the air conditioner for warmth, and took tea leaves and cups from the liquor cabinet. She sat in the living room, preparing tea for Kong Ning. Once finished, she walked to the small cabinet outside the bathroom, intending to tidy Kong Ning’s clothes, only to find them already neatly folded on the cabinet. Lu Jing smiled in satisfaction.

She had always admired Kong Ning’s meticulous work ethic and hygiene. It was hard for her to imagine a twenty-six-year-old man so disciplined and consistent. Every time she entered Kong Ning’s dormitory, the furniture was spotless, the floor clean, and the bed perfectly made. The entire factory had undergone remarkable changes under Kong Ning’s influence; even old Master Li praised him, not to mention the apprentices who deeply respected his skills and conduct. The factory was now harmonious and thriving, envied by neighboring factories. Many wanted to transfer in, but Lu Jing politely refused, fearing it would provoke resentment among peers. All this made Lu Jing, who had once struggled to manage the factory, feel proud and gratified.

When Kong Ning emerged, looking refreshed, Lu Jing pointed to the tea cup on the table and went into the bathroom herself. Kong Ning sipped the tea, studied the leaves in the cup with a smile, and wandered around, appreciating the details of the décor—the rustic wall ornaments, the unique and understated collages. Soon, he came upon a photo of an adorable baby on the crafts shelf. He examined it closely, trying to guess the context behind the picture.

A familiar scent drifted to Kong Ning’s nose. He turned to find the beautiful woman, freshly bathed, standing behind him. She tried to smile, but tears welled up uncontrollably in her lovely eyes. Seeing Kong Ning’s surprised gaze, Lu Jing could no longer hold back; she ran into the bedroom, buried her head under the covers, and sobbed.

Kong Ning had a vague sense of what was happening. He poured a glass of water at the coffee table, carried it to Lu Jing’s bedside, placed it gently on the nightstand, and pulled back the covers, holding the tearful Lu Jing tightly in his arms. He wiped away her tears with a tissue. Lu Jing clung desperately to his neck, afraid that letting go would mean losing him. Kong Ning lay down with her, gently caressing her back.

“That’s my son you saw,” Lu Jing finally calmed down, her face pressed to Kong Ning’s chest as she spoke softly.

Kong Ning tenderly brushed away her damp hair. “I thought so too.”

Lu Jing looked up at him. “Do you despise me?”

“I only wish I could protect you,” Kong Ning replied honestly.

Lu Jing kissed him passionately, her hands clasping his neck. When she finally drew breath, she lay atop him and asked, “Ning, why are you so good to me?”

Kong Ning thought for a moment and teased, “Because you’re so beautiful and smell so sweet.”

“That’s all?”

Kong Ning opened his robe, revealing his firm chest, and traced lines on it with his finger. “If you cut here, saw through these ribs and those, you’d see what you want to see.”

Lu Jing stared in surprise, then burst into laughter, giving Kong Ning’s chest a playful punch. “You rascal, always teasing me—and in such a scary way! Watch me teach you a lesson!” She bit his shoulder, neither gently nor harshly.

Kong Ning rolled over, pinning her beneath him, and whispered softly in her ear, “Close your eyes.”

Seeing Lu Jing obediently do so, Kong Ning lowered his head and kissed her eyelids, pausing momentarily before moving to her nose, lips, chin, and ears. When his lips touched her swan-like neck, Lu Jing trembled, clinging tightly to his strong waist and murmuring softly. As Kong Ning kissed her proud chest, Lu Jing could no longer restrain herself, twisting passionately, her long, smooth legs wrapped tightly around Kong Ning’s powerful thighs, her lips whispering dreamily, “Come to me, Ning… I beg you…”

Kong Ning gently untied the robe at her waist, removing the last piece of clothing from her body with care. After a heated kiss, he slowly entered her, filling the long-parched spring with renewed vitality. A cry of rapture escaped from deep within Lu Jing’s throat as Kong Ning’s lips pressed firmly onto her burning ones.

With Kong Ning’s tender movements, a wave of spasms rose from the depths of Lu Jing’s soul, quickly spreading to her hot, smooth abdomen. The repeated, baby-like suckling made even the usually composed Kong Ning tremble, as a surge of warmth coursed swiftly through his body, bringing a unique pleasure he had never known, forcing him to moan with excitement.

Lu Jing, spent and powerless, nestled against Kong Ning’s broad chest, her face intoxicated as she listened to the strong beating of his heart, her soft hands caressing his sculpted body. At that moment, Kong Ning was filled with emotion, tenderly embracing this exquisite woman whose skin was like creamy jade. In their cloudlike journey, Lu Jing, once shy and fragile, gradually gave herself wholly, from gentle murmurs like a stream to passionate music like a sudden storm, bringing both of them waves of delight and exquisite pleasure. The cries, stirred by desire, lingered in Kong Ning’s mind, unable to quell his yearning. After a brief moment of tranquility, passion surged again, vibrant and overflowing.

Feeling Kong Ning’s renewed vigor, Lu Jing lifted her head in astonishment and, seeing his mischievous expression, nibbled on his ear lovingly. “Good heavens! Are you made of iron? If you tease me again, tonight… tonight I won’t let you sleep…”

“Tonight is Christmas Eve. I wasn’t planning to sleep anyway.”

“You… Fine! Watch me teach you a lesson.”

After another satisfied sigh, passion bloomed once more throughout the room.