Chapter 6: A ripple effect
Lin Zhengmo had her own ulterior motives, but after 28 years, she'd never shown them. Partly because she'd never dated, but mainly because no one had ever stirred her heart—until AhAhAh.
The bold words she said to AhAhAh were like vibrant flowers blooming in barren soil: unfamiliar yet irresistibly spontaneous. In other words, she couldn't help it. She'd done it on purpose, wanting to tease the other person into speechlessness.
"If you're uncomfortable," Lin Zhengmo played it cool, "no pressure."
As expected, the chatbox showed "(typing...)" . This hesitation only heightened the thrill. Just as she thought AhAhAh might refuse, two words popped up:
"Okay."
"Here you go."
The phone's blue light lit Lin Zhengmo's face, her usually clear eyes misted with desire. She leaned back on the sofa, expectant. What a pleasant surprise.
"Wait a second," another message came.
"Take your time," Lin Zhengmo replied languidly.
[Take your time.]
Four simple words, but Jian Yue felt a strange temptation behind them, like a hook reaching through the screen to snatch her soul. She couldn't imagine Lin Zhengmo's cold, confusing face typing such words—online, Lin Zhengmo was indeed bold.
Jian Yue wasn't naive; she'd warned students about sending photos to strangers. But this was Lin Zhengmo... The thought of Lin Zhengmo flirting made her eager to strike back: You want to tease me? Watch me seduce you!
So began the subtle battle between lovers. Jian Yue changed into black lingerie—sexy but not vulgar. She paired it with casual pants, sitting on the sofa under a warm lamp. The yellow light caressed her shoulders, collarbones, and belly, creating a provocative scene.
Oops— too much yellow light.
She adjusted her pose: chin slightly raised, showing a sliver of her cheek (but not her face), one hand propping on the sofa, angling the shot from her neck down.
Click.
The photo was surprisingly good—if she took pics like this often, she'd be a photographer, not a teacher. She took a second shot, both poses tasteful, as if saying: See? I'm innocent.
[Done.] Jian Yue messaged first.
[Ready.] Lin Zhengmo replied instantly.
[Never sent such pics to anyone before.] Jian Yue feigned modesty.
Lin Zhengmo played along: [No pressure if you're worried. It's not a big deal.] Translation: Send them if you trust me not to leak them.
Jian Yue wasn't worried—this was Lin Zhengmo. She cared more about Lin Zhengmo's reaction. But how to tell with Lin Zhengmo's poker face? She decided to be direct.
[Sending now.]
[K.]
Lin Zhengmo sat up, eyes glued to the screen. Two photos popped up. Her eyes widened in shock, then drooped with deep admiration.
Gorgeous.
Loving it.
Thirsty.
Hungry.
Itchy fingers—want to play piano.
Sigh.
She swiped the photos repeatedly, like admiring gourmet food she couldn't taste. AhAhAh's body was better than fitness bloggers': slim, toned, clearly the result of deliberate training.
She'd never expected this from her online lover—she'd fallen for their soul. But now? It was like finding a feast of her favorite dishes.
AhAhAh: [Reply or I'll unsend.]
Lin Zhengmo saved them immediately. [Pretty.]
Jian Yue frowned at the bland praise. No big reaction? What'll happen when we meet? Physical attraction mattered too! She concluded Lin Zhengmo wasn't into her body.
Meanwhile, Lin Zhengmo was still ogling the photos, lost in detail.
Jian Yue: [Going to shower.]
Lin Zhengmo: [K.]
Seconds later:
Jian Yue: [Is it just okay?]
Lin Zhengmo: [Yep, just okay.] She bit her lip, adding: [Because I can't touch.]
Jian Yue: [What do you mean?]
Lin Zhengmo set the photos as her lock screen, then replied: [I can't get into things I can't feel.]
Liar. She set them as her chat background too.
Jian Yue: [Oh.]
Jian Yue: [We can feel each other when we meet...]
Lin Zhengmo: [I want to.]
Then, she added: [Baby, I really want to.]
Jian Yue flinched at "baby"—Lin Zhengmo had never called her that. The word burned through her, igniting every cell until she was speechless.
Recovering, she typed: [Glad you like it.]
Lin Zhengmo sent a cat pic: [Meet PaoPao.]
[Cute!] Jian Yue smiled.
Lin Zhengmo: [Show me tomorrow too.]
Jian Yue: [K~]
Lin Zhengmo: [Wear white next time.]
Jian Yue: [?]
Jian Yue: [Oh... I get it.]
So that's the game! No free cat pics!
Their relationship had leaped forward. Though reluctant, they ended the call due to work. Before hanging up, Lin Zhengmo asked:
"Does asking for pics make me seem too open?"
"Not at all," Jian Yue wanted to say I love it.
"I'm actually very 闷 (reserved) in real life," Lin Zhengmo said flatly. "I feel like there's a barrier between me and others."
Jian Yue listened—Lin Zhengmo did keep colleagues at arm's length: kind, patient, non-confrontational but distant.
"You don't need barriers with me. Be yourself," Jian Yue's voice was as gentle as wind, soothing Lin Zhengmo's unease.
Lin Zhengmo hummed, then blurted: "I missed you today. Someone at work sounded like you."
Jian Yue's heart skipped. She always masked her voice on calls, but slips happened. "Let me guess—your boss?"
Lin Zhengmo chuckled. "Yeah, her voice is nice."
Thinking of Jian Yue's scent and voice earlier, Lin Zhengmo felt confused. Jian Yue and AhAhAh were like mismatched paper cutouts—impossible to align.
"But not as nice as yours," she added quickly.
Jian Yue forced a laugh. "Time to sleep?"
"Yep."
"Talk tomorrow." Checking the date, Jian Yue said, "It's Labor Day tomorrow. Expect a gift."
"What now?" Lin Zhengmo's anticipation rose.
"Secret. See you tomorrow!!"
"We can't meet," Lin Zhengmo pouted. "We can't."
Jian Yue smiled. "We will. Good night."
"Night."
Lin Zhengmo stared at the ceiling, replaying "We will." How? It was just a tease.
We can't meet tomorrow. Definitely not.