Chapter 331: Fu Yujun & Guan Han [28]

"Can I stay at your place for a couple of days?"

Fu Yujun's words echoed in Guan Han's ears. She set down the pen in her hand, picked it up again, then put it down once more. Sitting behind her desk, she covered her face with one hand.

She didn't know why at the time—she neither agreed outright nor refused. The consequence was that she had been agonizing over this matter all afternoon.

Given her usual temperament, she should have rejected it without hesitation. But the time she had spent with Fu Yujun wasn't particularly long, yet it wasn't short either. Excluding the initial three muddled months when they didn't quite know what they were doing, they had officially been together for four or five months—round it off, that made half a year. They had never argued, never once lost their temper with each other, and got along quite harmoniously.

No matter how much they had adjusted in the early stages, things had settled like this. They needed to grow closer to deepen their understanding of each other. For instance, there was the popular online test for relationships—"taking a trip together." Fu Yujun was at the peak of her career, with schedules packed to the brim, and couldn't spare time for a trip in the short term. Perhaps staying together for a few days was a good alternative.

Guan Han knew full well that Fu Yujun was scheming again. It was impossible for her not to find suitable accommodation. Just considering the properties under the name of the money-making queen Wen Shuxian, Guan Han knew there were more than one. If Fu Yujun just asked, she could even move directly into Wen Shuxian's villa. Not to mention options like luxury hotels—it wasn't that she couldn't find a place, she just didn't want to.

All of the above were reasons Guan Han had rationally analyzed to agree. Setting aside rationality, she found she didn't feel the resistance she had anticipated toward the idea.

"I agree." she replied to Fu Yujun the next day.

Fu Yujun was overjoyed. She cupped Guan Han's face and gave her a firm kiss, then reined in her excitement under Guan Han's gaze, sincerely promising, "I really am just staying for a couple of days. I'll move out as soon as I find a suitable place. I won't disturb you for long."

Guan Han smiled faintly.

Fu Yujun's words were best taken with a grain of salt—better not to take them too seriously.

That weekend, Guan Han cleared out the trunk of her car and went to pick up Fu Yujun from her home as agreed. As the inner door opened, Fu Yujun stood there with a suitcase at her feet and a large backpack on her shoulders. "All packed," she said. "Let's go."

Guan Han glanced at the suitcase and frowned. "That's all?" Were contemporary female celebrities this frugal and simple?

Fu Yujun replied, "We can buy whatever's missing. It's not like we're short on money."

Guan Han muttered to herself, "I'm quite short on money."

Fu Yujun overheard and laughed. "What's mine is yours."

Guan Han bit her lower lip, wanting to say something but ultimately holding back.

She stood at the doorway, peering over Fu Yujun's shoulder into the house.

Such a nice place, and she insists on tearing it down to renovate? Rich people really are...

Fu Yujun linked arms with her and urged impatiently, "Let's go. There's nothing much to see. I'll bring you back once the renovation is done."

Guan Han remained silent. She took the backpack off Fu Yujun's shoulders and slung it over her own, then picked up the suitcase and carried it outside. Without even stepping inside, she led Fu Yujun away.

On the way, she gave Fu Yujun a heads-up: "The place I live in is really small—the kind where two people would bump into each other just moving around in the living room."

Fu Yujun's mind drifted to indecent thoughts: What kind of "activities"?

But outwardly, she maintained an innocent and composed demeanor. "It's fine. How small could it be? Could it be smaller than a college dorm? We used to live with four people in one room back then."

Guan Han: "..."

That was a fresh perspective, and quite convincing at that.

Guan Han added, "Also, the apartment complex I live in is just an ordinary one. The security isn't as tight as where you used to live, so try to avoid going out alone, especially at night."

Fu Yujun raised her hand in a pledge. "Don't worry, I won't take a single step outside unless you're with me."

Guan Han thought it over. The most important thing was safety. As long as she and Fu Yujun stuck together like shadows, it wouldn't be much worse than having ten bodyguards. She often came home late at night when most residents were already asleep, which would significantly reduce the risk of Fu Yujun being recognized.

"Mm." Guan Han nodded to herself and said, "Let's go with that for now."

Fu Yujun looked at her serious profile and smiled.

Guan Han parked the car in the apartment's underground garage. After unbuckling her seatbelt, she turned to Fu Yujun, carefully helped her put on a hat and mask, and smoothed the long hair tucked under the brim. Softly, she said, "Wait for me in the car."

Fu Yujun nodded, her eyes fixed on Guan Han's.

Her eyes were shaped like a deer's—innocent and glistening.

Guan Han couldn't resist leaning down to gently kiss those eyes.

After pulling away, she didn't dare meet Fu Yujun's gaze again. She got out of the car, grabbed the luggage, walked around to the passenger side, and after confirming the surroundings were safe, opened the door. With one hand protectively placed above Fu Yujun's head, she helped her out.

The underground garage was dimly lit. Hand in hand, they walked through it, their footsteps echoing.

Guan Han remained vigilant, constantly scanning their surroundings.

Fu Yujun sighed inwardly.

Who knew when the two of them would ever get to have a simple date.

Guan Han pressed the button for the basement level elevator. Once inside, they both stood in the corner. The elevator doors opened on the first floor, and three neighbors got on—all relatively young. This apartment complex was extremely close to the business district, and most residents were urban white-collar workers like Guan Han. "Thankfully," due to the rapid advancement of technology and the concrete jungle of the city, contemporary young people were almost all phone zombies. Guan Han pressed Fu Yujun's face into the crook of her neck, and none of the neighbors cast any curious or scrutinizing glances their way.

The apartment building had 28 floors, and Guan Han lived on the 23rd. Because it was Saturday, there was a lot of foot traffic. People came and went, and a few cast glances toward the tall pair of women in the corner—especially the one whose face was mostly hidden by a hat, with glimpses of a fair and striking complexion beneath her long hair. But Guan Han's cold, unwelcoming glare from behind her glasses deterred any further curiosity.

They made it out of the elevator with the luggage, unscathed but not without some tension. Watching Fu Yujun walking a couple of steps ahead, Guan Han felt a pang of regret.

She didn't want Fu Yujun to live in a place like this with her.

Fu Yujun turned back, completely unbothered, her whole being buzzing with excitement. She asked eagerly, "Which unit is yours?"

Suppressing her emotions, Guan Han replied, "The one on the left, at the very end."

There were two elevators serving six units per floor. From Guan Han's memory, one unit was vacant, but the others were occupied, and she often ran into her neighbors.

Fu Yujun walked up to the door, which was adorned with a festive spring couplet on red paper with golden characters.

"Did you put this up?" she asked, pointing at the couplet as Guan Han approached.

"Mm."

"Did you buy the couplets from the market? How much were they?"

"The company gave them out."

"Tsk, the calligraphy isn't even as good as mine." Fu Yujun remarked after studying them for a moment, her hands clasped behind her back.

Guan Han smiled faintly. "Mm."

Fu Yujun: "How about I write your couplets for Chinese New Year this year?"

Guan Han replied, "Sure."

As Guan Han fished for her keys from her bag, Fu Yujun stepped aside, gripping the handle of her suitcase.

The key slid into the lock, but Guan Han hesitated before turning it. Aside from her parents and Guan He, Fu Yujun was the first "outsider" to step into this home. A belated nervousness suddenly washed over her.

Fu Yujun peeked over curiously and asked, "Is the lock broken?"

"No." Guan Han exhaled imperceptibly and gently turned the key.

Creak—

The door swung open from the outside.

Head bowed, Guan Han lifted her suitcase with one hand and stepped onto the "Safety In and Out" doormat. She retrieved a pair of slippers she had prepared earlier from the shoe cabinet, then turned to close the door.

Fu Yujun leaned against the shoe cabinet, bending to change her shoes while taking in the scene before her. The space was genuinely small—smaller than her previous bedroom. Yet it was arranged cozily: powder-blue wallpaper, a sofa, TV, coffee table, dining table, and refrigerator, all neatly organized to maximize the limited space. A spider plant in the corner added a vibrant touch of green.

Not treating herself as a guest, Fu Yujun shuffled in her slippers and pushed open the bedroom door. She couldn't help but smile.

The room was truly girly—a pink bedding set, a pink unicorn and a white half-body plush rabbit side by side on the headboard, a starry-sky wallpaper on the ceiling with hand-folded colorful stars hanging down. A wind chime dangled from a high shelf on the desk, jingling softly as the door opened, evoking lazy, drowsy summer afternoons.

Just as Fu Yujun was about to step inside, Guan Han—who had been silent since entering—appeared behind her and whispered, "Let's go. I'll find you a hotel to stay in."

"Why?" Fu Yujun turned, her eyes sparkling brightly as she grinned. "I really like it here. It looks so comfortable."

"But..."

"But what?"

Guan Han stammered for a moment. "...It's too small, and not safe."

"Where's it small? Your bed is even 1.5 meters wide."

"..." Guan Han thought to herself, Your sofa at home is more spacious than this.

Fu Yujun stepped into the bedroom and gestured with her hands, marking about a third of the bed's width. "I'll only take this much space. The rest is all yours."

"That's not what I meant," Guan Han tried to persuade her.

Fu Yujun skillfully twisted her words, teasing, "Are you saying I've gotten fat?"

Guan Han: "I—"

Fu Yujun covered her ears, chanting, "I don't care! You're just saying I'm fat, I'm fat! Boohoo, waaah!"

Guan Han: "..."

She made a gesture of surrender, waving a white flag.

Fu Yujun cheerfully lowered her hands and began examining the bedroom in detail. Though the room was pitifully small and could be taken in at a glance, she still found it fascinating. She could picture Guan Han playing games on the bed, working at the desk, patiently watering the succulents, or sleeping while hugging the unicorn... Hmm, from now on, the unicorn could be set aside—hugging her would be enough.

Guan Han stood stiffly by the doorway like a wooden post, watching as Fu Yujun inspected her domain like an emperor on an incognito tour.

Her domain? Isn't it mine?

Wait, am I hers too?

Never mind, let it be. Go with the flow.

Guan Han knocked on the door with her knuckles and asked, "Are you hungry? Should I make some noodles for you?"

The seemingly proper Fu Yujun glanced over from head to toe, her gaze suddenly full of implication.

The genuinely upright Guan Han: "???"

Fu Yujun clicked her tongue inwardly. Where did she find such an innocent treasure?

Clearing her throat, Fu Yujun smiled with sparkling eyes and said, "A little. Just make whatever—I'm not picky."

Guan Han pushed up her glasses seriously and asked, "Should I add some pickled mustard tuber to the noodles?" Fu Yujun didn't like that kind of food.

Fu Yujun laughed and said, "You're so mean."

Guan Han couldn't help but laugh too.

As she turned to head to the kitchen, Fu Yujun called out just before her back disappeared from sight: "Guan Han."

Guan Han turned back: "Hmm?"

In her line of sight, a figure rushed over swiftly. Instinctively, Guan Han stretched out her arms to catch her. The other woman leaped up, wrapping her arms around Guan Han's neck and her legs around her waist, perfectly mimicking a koala hugging a tree.

Guan Han had a solid stance, holding the woman steadily without a single wobble.

Looking up at the taller Fu Yujun, Guan Han unconsciously curved her lips: "What are you doing?"

Fu Yujun traced her slender eyebrows with a fingertip and said smugly, "A year ago, you would've thrown me to the ground."

Not wanting to let her gloat, Guan Han teased, "Do you want to experience being thrown?"

Fu Yujun, confident and unafraid, challenged, "Would you really dare?"

Guan Han pretended to let go, and Fu Yujun reflexively shrieked.

Guan Han steadied her again and raised an eyebrow: "Scared?"

Fu Yujun, slightly pale, insisted stubbornly, "Not scared. Try it again."

Guan Han said, "No." Even if she wasn't scared, she was terrified by Fu Yujun's reaction.

As she tried to set Fu Yujun down, the latter clung tightly and said, "Just like this."

Guan Han sighed helplessly, "How can I cook like this?"

Fu Yujun slid down and repositioned herself on Guan Han's back. "Is this okay?"

Guan Han adjusted to the surprisingly light weight and said, "Almost. I can't hold you with my hands, so make sure you hang on tight."

"Okay."

Two minutes later.

"I'm about to fall, Guan Han."

Guan Han set down the half-washed vegetables, dried her hands, hoisted Fu Yujun up a bit, and continued rinsing the greens under the faucet.

Fu Yujun wrapped one arm around Guan Han's neck and played with a strand of hair near her ear with the other, biting her lip guiltily. "Am I bothering you?"

Guan Han thought to herself, At least you're self-aware, but replied calmly, "No."

"Really not?"

"Really."

"Are you just humoring me?"

"..."

"You've learned to say one thing and mean another?" The slender, soft fingers twirling her hair traced from her earlobe to the outer ear, giving a light pinch.

"..."

Guan Han looked up at the kitchen ceiling.

A woman's heart is truly as deep as the ocean.

After hanging on a bit longer, Fu Yujun seemed to grow uncomfortable and climbed down, returning to the bedroom.

Guan Han breathed a sigh of relief, glanced back at the figure swaying in the bedroom, and swiftly retrieved the ingredients she had prepped that morning from the fridge, quickly covering the small countertop.

Fu Yujun seemed to be visiting such a place for the first time, restlessly pacing around the forty-square-meter space like someone with ADHD. She touched things here and there, looked around incessantly, never staying still for a moment.

Guan Han brought two bowls of noodles to the table, took off her apron, and called out loudly, "Time to eat."

Fu Yujun emerged from the bedroom, washed her hands in the bathroom, and sat down at the table.

Guan Han handed her a pair of chopsticks.

The steaming seafood noodles were richly garnished—squid, oysters, clams, dried scallops, quail eggs, and a generous layer of peeled shrimp, making one's mouth water just by looking at it.

Fu Yujun took a small bite. The broth was savory and delicious, rich but not greasy, and the noodles were delightfully chewy. It was undoubtedly the pinnacle of Guan Han's culinary skills.

Fu Yujun studied Guan Han thoughtfully.

Could it be that she had been hiding her true abilities all along? Intentionally cooking mediocre meals to dampen her affection?

Can cooking skills really be adjusted like that?

What Fu Yujun didn't realize was that for some people, even if their cooking is generally average, they still have a few signature dishes. The difference lies in whether they are willing to go through the trouble to make them and whether there is someone worth the effort.

Fu Yujun picked up a shrimp with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth. Casually, she glanced at Guan Han's bowl, then looked down at her own.

This... seemed like quite a contrast.

Fu Yujun set down her chopsticks, took Guan Han's chopsticks from her, and rummaged through her bowl, only to find three shrimp, two clams, and one quail egg. The rest was just noodles and broth.

Fu Yujun's expression darkened. "What's going on?"

Guan Han took her chopsticks back, feeling inexplicably guilty under her intense gaze, and murmured, "Nothing..."

Fu Yujun pressed, "If it's nothing, then where are the toppings in your bowl?"

Guan Han said, "I finished them."

Fu Yujun retorted, "You've gotten so good at lying without batting an eye, haven't you? I watched you eat—you only had noodles!"

Her voice grew louder, and her eyes reddened with anger. Guan Han, observing her expression, softened her tone and explained gently, "I don't really like seafood. Last time you saw me eat noodles, I didn't have so many toppings either."

"If you don't like it, why did you buy it?!" Fu Yujun was like a lit firecracker, exploding at the slightest spark.

"For you to eat," Guan Han replied calmly, in stark contrast to Fu Yujun's emotional outburst.

"Nonsense! You even ate seafood buffet with me at the hotel before!"

"That's how I found out you like seafood." Guan Han said unhurriedly.

Fu Yujun's anger subsided slightly. "You never said you didn't like it back then."

Guan Han continued in her gentle, measured tone, "I wouldn't say I dislike it, but I don't particularly like it either. I can eat anything. But since you like it, I wanted to give it all to you."

Her explanation was clear and straightforward. A tear rolled down Fu Yujun's cheek as she choked out, "But you didn't have to give it all to me."

Guan Han smiled. "I have more noodles than you. Didn't you notice?"

Fu Yujun's tears turned to laughter.

Guan Han took a tissue and gently wiped her tears. "Don't cry." she said softly.

Fu Yujun pulled Guan Han's bowl over and meticulously divided the seafood from her own bowl in half, ensuring they each had an equal share.

Guan Han watched without saying a word and ate every last bite.

"I'll do the dishes," Fu Yujun volunteered.

Guan Han took her hand, gently stroking her fingers. Her skin was soft and delicate—the slight calluses from last year's filming had long since faded. "I'll do it," she refused.

Fu Yujun grew anxious. "You can't expect me to just laze around and wait to die without doing anything."

Guan Han gathered the bowls from the table and carried them to the sink. As she scrubbed them with a soapy cloth, she replied calmly, "Don't misuse phrases."

Fu Yujun suggested, "How about buying a dishwasher?"

Guan Han sighed helplessly. "There's no space for one."

Fu Yujun nearly blurted out that they should move to a bigger place but held back. The thought left her feeling disheartened. She had come here intending to take care of Guan Han—even if Guan Han might not need it—but at the very least, she didn't want to be a freeloader. Instead, Guan Han ended up having to look after her, going through extra trouble just to prepare meals.

When Guan Han returned after washing the dishes, she found Fu Yujun sitting silently on the sofa. Amused, she asked, "Are you upset again?"

Fu Yujun glared. "What do you mean, 'again'?"

Guan Han poured her a glass of milk.

Fu Yujun took it and grumbled, "Who drinks milk in the middle of the day?"

Guan Han replied, "You do."

Fu Yujun swallowed the milk in her mouth and handed back the half-empty glass. "I don't want any more."

Guan Han finished the remaining milk for her and added, "Me too."

All the gloom in Fu Yujun's heart vanished instantly. Her eyes curved into a smile.

Who said Guan Han didn't know how to flirt? Every word she spoke seemed dipped in honey. Was this what they meant by "a straight woman flirting with a lesbian is the deadliest"?

Guan Han observed her expression and asked, "Not upset anymore?"

Fu Yujun tried to keep a straight face but failed. Giving in to her cheerful mood, she smiled brightly and said, "That's right." She patted the spot beside her, signaling for Guan Han to sit.

Guan Han raised the glass in her hand. "Let me wash this first. I'll join you in a moment."

Fu Yujun shifted from sitting to kneeling on the sofa, resting her arms on the backrest as she watched Guan Han washing the cup. Suddenly, she thought that living in a small place wasn't so bad—she could see everything Guan Han was doing.

Guan Han washed and dried the cup, then placed it neatly on the wall-mounted rack alongside the others.

Unhurried and methodical.

When Guan Han sat down, Fu Yujun leaned against her shoulder and rested her left hand on Guan Han's knee. She had intended to say something but now felt that words were unnecessary.

The early autumn sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling window on the 23rd floor. The afternoon clock ticked leisurely, and time felt unhurried.

Just before Fu Yujun closed her eyes, she saw Guan Han's face drawing near.

Guan Han's thumb gently stroked the woman's cheek as she deepened the kiss, little by little.

It was tender, unhurried, and free of any desire—like a waltz, with just the two of them under a spotlight in the center of the dance floor, their only audience being each other.

Foreheads pressed together, the kiss lasted so long that when they finally parted, Fu Yujun felt intoxicated, her mind hazy.

"Sleepy?" Guan Han's whisper brushed against her ear.

"Mhm," Fu Yujun mumbled drowsily, her eyelids heavy.

Then she felt herself being lifted into Guan Han's arms. Her arms hung limply as she nestled against Guan Han's chest and drifted off to sleep.

Half-asleep, she sensed a blurry figure sitting by the bed, removing her coat and helping her lie down on the soft mattress. The blanket carried the comforting scent of sun-dried cotton.

Fu Yujun's head tilted against the pillow as she sank completely into slumber.

......

When she woke, the bedroom was still filled with light. Fu Yujun rested the back of her hand on her forehead, watching the sunlight filtering through the curtains that offered mediocre blackout effects. Her gaze drifted downward, landing on Guan Han's straight, upright back.

Gradually, her ears picked up the faint, almost imperceptible clicking sounds of a laptop touchpad.

The figure working diligently paused for a moment.

Guan Han, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, simply turned her chair around, effectively sitting at the edge of the bed. "Awake?"

Fu Yujun stretched languidly under the covers.

"Mhm."

"Hungry?"

"..." Fu Yujun said, "I'm not a pig, eating and sleeping all day."

Guan Han let out a soft chuckle. "Alright then, what do you want to do?"

Fu Yujun replied, "I'll lie here a bit longer. You go ahead with your work, don't mind me."

Guan Han double-checked, "Really?"

"Of course," Fu Yujun said. "I didn't come here to trouble you. Just do what you normally do. I'm a grown-up, I can take care of myself."

"Then I'll get back to work," Guan Han said. "Think about what you want for dinner tonight." She turned her chair back around.

From behind her, Fu Yujun asked, "How about I cook for you tonight? Is that okay?"

"Okay," Guan Han replied after a moment's thought.

Living together wasn't as daunting as Guan Han had imagined. When Fu Yujun wasn't working, her daily routine at home mostly involved lounging like a lazy fish. Since the desk was too small for Guan Han to use her computer, Fu Yujun moved her reading to the living room sofa. She was usually quiet, only occasionally pestering Guan Han during her free time.

She always seemed to find the most comfortable rhythm for their coexistence.

For Guan Han, the only adjustment was the increasingly frequent thoughts of Fu Yujun. Before they lived together, missing her was manageable—work quickly pushed those feelings into a small corner. But now, with one in the bedroom and the other in the living room, barely ten steps apart, all she had to do was glance over to see what Fu Yujun was up to. As a result, her work efficiency had noticeably declined.

Fu Yujun watched as Guan Han came out to pour herself a glass of water for the fourth time that evening, understanding perfectly well what was going on.

Guan Han, caught once again sneaking a glance at Fu Yujun, unexpectedly met the woman's teasing, half-smiling gaze.

Her hand trembled, spilling some water.

Feigning concern, Fu Yujun asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Guan Han said, folding up the damp cuff of her pajama sleeve. "I'm fine."

"Come here and let me see." Fu Yujun insisted.

Guan Han: "..."

What's there to see about a little spilled water? she grumbled inwardly, but her body obediently walked over, offering her wrist for inspection. Fu Yujun reached out, touched the cool skin, then brought it to her lips and kissed it.

Used to such gestures, Guan Han picked up her glass and said, "I'm going back."

"Alright," Fu Yujun replied, quietly waiting for her fifth appearance.

It was even worse when Fu Yujun read in the bedroom—Guan Han couldn't focus on work at all, her productivity dropping to zero. That's why they had settled on this arrangement.

Life reveals truths, and those truths form the genuine details of love.

For instance, Fu Yujun finally learned that Guan Han's cooking skills remained as poor as ever. Seafood noodles were her specialty—a dish her father had painstakingly mastered to win over her mother and later passed down to her.

Meanwhile, Guan Han gradually grew accustomed to having Fu Yujun around, who turned into a lazy fish at home but kept everything tidy, and always dressed her impeccably when they went out, ensuring she remained the dazzling star.

If she didn't have overtime or business trips, Guan Han would practice on the rooftop three or four times a week. Fu Yujun would go upstairs fully disguised to watch, fending off anyone who accidentally wandered up and tried to strike up a conversation.

One time, a woman around twenty-five or twenty-six years old saw Guan Han practicing swordplay in her white training attire, looking as ethereal and graceful as an immortal. Her waist was supple, and she occasionally executed a few challenging moves. The woman stared wide-eyed, her expression brimming with restless excitement.

Fu Yujun was all too familiar with that kind of gaze. Instantly sensing danger, she called out, "Darling!"

Guan Han sheathed her sword, placing it behind her back, and asked, "What's wrong?"

Fu Yujun rushed over and gave her a kiss on the lips, exclaiming loudly, "Nothing! You're just so incredibly handsome! I adore you!"

Guan Han: "???"

When Fu Yujun glanced back, the woman had already disappeared.

She released Guan Han and said, "It's fine now. You can keep practicing."

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