1
At 1:20 a.m., I buried myself under the covers, tossing and turning thirty-seven times, yet sleep refused to come.
Every time I closed my eyes, Zhou Xu's words echoed: "I'll be waiting anytime"—spoken softly, with a hint of laughter, like a feather brushing back and forth against my heart.
I flung the covers aside and sat up: No way. I had to get my own back.
If I didn't turn the tables tonight, I'd be tossing and turning until next year.
2
No time to waste.
I tiptoed out of bed and pulled out my "battle attire" from the wardrobe—an oversized white shirt, long enough to cover my thighs, paired with denim shorts that revealed my legs. I spun in front of the mirror: a perfect "disappearing bottom" look.
Hair? I deliberately tousled a few strands and sprayed on some peach-scented perfume to create that just-woken-up, lazy vibe.
Fully equipped, I clutched an empty glass and crept like a thief to the second-floor kitchen.
—I'd already prepared my excuse: to pour water, and conveniently "pass by" his door.
3
The hallway was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat.
Zhou Xu's door stood ajar, warm yellow light spilling out onto the floor like an inviting blanket.
I took a deep breath, just as I raised my hand—
The door suddenly swung open from the inside.
I stumbled forward, crashing into a warm, mint-scented chest.
"Mmm—"
The glass tumbler hit the carpet, rolled twice, and didn't break.
Zhou Xu caught me by the waist with one hand, his voice tinged with amusement: "Offering yourself in the dead of night?"
My ears instantly burned, and half the resolve I'd mustered earlier deflated with a puff.
4
Quick-witted, I bent down to pick up the glass, deliberately letting the back of my shirt ride up.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his Adam's apple bob.
I chuckled inwardly: Hmph, not so composed after all.
Just as I straightened up, he suddenly reached out, scooping me and the cup into the room together. His foot hooked the door shut.
"Xia Li," he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze sweeping up and down me. "Dressed like this—are you trying to collect interest?"
I stiffened my neck. "I... I was just thirsty."
"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow, casually snatching the cup from my hand. He walked over to the water dispenser, filled a cup, and handed it to me.
I took it blankly. Just as I took a sip, he delivered the slow, deliberate finishing blow: "Take your time drinking. Don't want you choking when we kiss later."
"Pfft—"
I ended up spraying him with water.
5
Zhou Xu was wearing a dark gray loungewear set today. A large wet patch instantly spread across his chest, the fabric clinging to his body and faintly revealing the contours of his collarbone and pectoral muscles.
My head buzzed: Was this wet-look temptation?
He glanced down at himself, then looked back at me, sighing, "You've got quite the vindictive streak."
I scrambled for tissues, but as my hand brushed his sleeve, he grabbed my wrist.
"Don't wipe it."
"Huh?"
"I was planning to change anyway. You can help me."
With that, he grabbed the hem of his shirt with one hand and pulled it up—
Eight defined abs marched into my line of sight. I instinctively closed my eyes, but heard him chuckle softly: "You're such a scaredy-cat."
"...Who's the coward!" I opened my eyes, gathering my courage to glare at him. But the moment my gaze met his V-line, I immediately chickened out and looked up at the ceiling.
Zhou Xu laughed so hard his shoulders shook. He tossed the shirt into the laundry basket and turned to find a clean T-shirt.
I stared at the ceiling, counting the chandeliers, until he was fully dressed again before lowering my stiff hands.
6
"Still charging interest?" he asked, perfectly at ease.
I puffed out my cheeks and shoved the empty cup into his hands. "Add it to tonight's tally."
Just as I turned away, he suddenly pressed against me from behind, resting his chin in the hollow of my shoulder. His voice was low and husky: "Xia Li, don't wear that shirt anymore."
My heart leapt into my throat. "Wh-why?"
"Because—" He kissed behind my ear, his hot breath tickling my skin. "I won't be able to resist tearing it off."
My legs buckled, and I nearly collapsed onto the carpet.
But he released me just in time, opening the door for me with a smile as if nothing had happened. "Good night. Get some sleep."
I fled in disarray.
7
Back in my room, I flung myself onto the bed and hugged my pillow, screaming silently.
My phone lit up again—
Z·X: [Next time you want interest, just knock on the door. I'm more efficient that way.]
Burying my face in the pillow, I muffled a wail:
— Xia Li, you've met your match. A top-tier one at that.
8
The next day, Friday, I stumbled downstairs with panda eyes.
Mom and Dad were already dressed and ready to go. Mom tied her scarf while eyeing me: "Were you out stealing cows last night?"
I gave a dry laugh: "Review questions..."
Zhou Xu emerged from the kitchen carrying milk, looking refreshed. "Auntie, I left her some review materials. Might have been too late."
My mom immediately beamed with relief. "Xiao Xu is so dependable."
I shot him a silent glare, but he just gave me an innocent raised eyebrow. He handed me the milk, his fingertips brushing mine almost imperceptibly, as if to say: I know what happened last night.
I nearly crushed the carton.
9
On the way to the airport, my mom kept reminding me: "We won't be home, so you two take care of each other. No ordering takeout—Xu's cooking is healthier."
Me: "Got it—"
Zhou Xu: "Don't worry, Auntie."
At the security checkpoint, my dad suddenly turned around and gave Zhou Xu a fist bump: "Young man, this is a rare opportunity. Go for it."
His voice wasn't loud, but I heard it perfectly.
Me: ???
Zhou Xu chuckled softly and clenched his fist back: "Got it."
I glared at him: What kind of secret code are you two using?
He tilted his head and whispered back, "Men's secrets."
10
On the way home, I sat in the passenger seat, rolled the window all the way down, and pretended to look at the scenery.
Zhou Xu kept one hand on the steering wheel while reaching over with the other to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "Sleep if you're tired. I'll wake you when we arrive."
I grumbled, "Not sleepy."
"Oh?" His fingertip brushed my lower eyelid. "Then how about the library later? We can study together."
I instantly sobered up: "...Tired! Super tired!"
He chuckled, rubbing the top of my head with his palm. "Then let's go home. Take a nap with me."
I opened my mouth to protest, but he slowly delivered the final blow: "Auntie said you should listen to me."
Me: ...
Fine, you win.
11
At three in the afternoon, I lay on my bed hugging a pillow. I'd intended to scroll through my phone, but ended up falling asleep.
When I opened my eyes again, the sky outside was gloomy, with thunder rumbling in the distance.
Rubbing my eyes, I went downstairs. The living room lights were off, but the balcony door stood wide open. The wind whipped the white gauze curtains, making them flutter and rustle.
Zhou Xu stood on the balcony, a watering can in one hand. His silhouette was outlined by the dark sky, casting a cold glow.
As I approached, I realized the storm was brewing—the wind was terrifyingly strong.
"It's going to rain. Should we bring the plants inside?"
He turned, his eyes darkened by the gathering storm clouds. "I've already moved them. Just one last pot."
Before he finished speaking, raindrops began pelting down, sounding like someone scattering marbles across the roof.
I reached out to catch them, the icy rain instantly soaking my entire palm.
Zhou Xu suddenly took my hand and pulled me inside. "Don't get wet. You'll catch a cold."
The door closed. Lightning split the sky, flooding the room with sudden brightness—
I looked up, and he was looking down, his gaze fixed on my rain-drenched lips.
The thunder roared, as if pressing mute on the world, leaving only the sound of my heartbeat.
His voice was low, almost a whisper: "Xiali, I'll pay the interest myself. Is that okay?"
My back pressed against the glass door, with nowhere left to retreat. My voice trembled as I whispered, "...How?"
He leaned closer, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke slowly, enunciating each word: "The downpour. The floor-to-ceiling window. And you."
The next second, he kissed me.
12
This kiss was fiercer, hotter than last night's.
One hand cradled the back of my head, the other gripped my waist. His tongue pried open my teeth, stealing all my oxygen.
Outside, the rain curtain cascaded like a waterfall. Lightning flashed repeatedly, casting our shadows onto the floor—overlapping, distorted, inseparable.
My fingers unconsciously dug into his shoulders, the fabric crumpling as if I wanted to knead him into my body.
Only when I gasped for air did he pull back slightly, his lips still pressed against mine. He murmured with a low laugh, "Breathe, silly."
My legs gave way beneath me, and he tightened his arms, lifting me horizontally and carrying me toward the sofa.
The moment my body sank into the soft cushions, the world spun before my eyes. He hovered above me, rain dripping from his hair onto my collarbone, the icy coldness sliding down my neck into my collar.
I shivered. His eyes darkened abruptly as he lowered his head to kiss the droplet, his lips and tongue scorching hot.
"Xia Li," his voice was hoarse beyond recognition, "I'm suffering terribly."
My heart threatened to burst from my chest. I buried my fingers in his damp hair, gathering my courage. My voice was soft but firm: "Then don't hold back."
He jerked his head up, a storm churning in his eyes, as if it might swallow me whole.
Just then—
With a crack, the power cut out, plunging the room into pitch darkness.
Only distant lightning occasionally split the darkness with a second of harsh white light.
Terrified, I clung to his neck. He murmured soothingly, "Don't be afraid. The backup switch is in the storage room. I'll go."
"Together!" I stammered, refusing to let go.
He laughed, his chest vibrating, then simply lifted me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. "Alright, together."
In the darkness, I heard my heartbeat merge with his, like two trapped beasts finally finding their way out.