Back in the dorm, Zhang Feiran was there and looked surprised when she saw her. “Didn’t you leave with Officer Chen?”
“Why do you ask that?” Hearing Chen Ziming’s name, she still felt a bit displeased, but was also curious about the question.
“He was waiting for you in the parking lot downstairs. Didn’t you see him?”
Zhang Feiran had also gone to study that morning and returned around eleven. Chen Ziming happened to be on the phone in a quiet spot, and she had taken the initiative to greet him.
Upon learning that he was waiting for Su Yue, Zhang Feiran quickly told him that Su Yue was studying, asked him to call her instead, and then bid him farewell before returning to the dorm.
She had thought Su Yue had already left with him.
Su Yue’s heart started pounding. So he had been waiting for her here all along? But he didn't want to disturb her studies, so he hadn't told her?
“I’m going down, Ranran. Bye~” She quickly packed her things and left.
“Go ahead. I know you won’t be back tonight either,” Zhang Feiran teased her with a smile.
As expected, his car was in the parking lot.
She walked over and, through the driver’s side window, could see him rubbing his temples with his eyes closed, looking very tired.
Her heart ached a little. She quietly went around to the passenger side and tried to pull the door handle, finding it unlocked.
Chen Ziming opened his eyes and saw her sitting inside.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were here?” She felt ashamed of her earlier words and thoughts, unable to look at him, and said softly.
“Didn’t want to delay your studies,” he replied, his voice carrying the fatigue.
“When did you get here?” She detected his discomfort and looked at him with concern. “Are you very tired?”
“I worked the night shift last night. I came after handing over at eight,” he answered, his tone revealing no particular emotion.
He had actually waited for her downstairs for so long! And she had deliberately waited for him to contact her, and even misunderstood him!
Guilt surged, and tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly turned her head away to hide them, holding back the tears.
“Shall we go?” He seemed genuinely tired and didn’t notice her actions. He started the car, ready to leave.
“I’ll drive,” she suddenly said, getting out of the car and moving to the driver’s seat. She unbuckled his seatbelt and waited for him to get out.
Only then did Chen Ziming notice the glistening tears in her eyes, but he said nothing more and got out of the car as she instructed.
Su Yue directly opened the rear door for him, letting him rest there temporarily.
She had gotten her driver’s license during her first summer break and sometimes drove Ji Chan’s car, so her skills were decent. With the navigation, they quickly arrived at his place.
“I’m going to take a nap.” After entering the house, Chen Ziming took off his shoes, told her, and went to the bedroom.
He was truly exhausted.
Especially with such demanding work, and to encounter a woman... a woman who didn't know how to be considerate of him.
She had initially wanted to say "girlfriend" but considering she hadn't agreed to him yet, she changed the term for now.
She slowly walked to the sofa and sat down, contemplating how to make up for her thoughtlessness.
Perhaps after he woke up, she could give him a shoulder massage or a leg rub? Make him a delicious meal? Or, simply apologize to him directly?
After much thought, Su Yue realized her own mind was wandering. She had woken up early today and studied for such a long time; she was indeed very tired.
She glanced in the direction of the master bedroom. Was he asleep? Would she disturb him if she went over? She admitted that the sofa was quite spacious for her, but with him at home, she wanted to sleep in his arms.
He probably liked it when she slept with him.
After hesitating for a while longer, Su Yue still quietly got up, took off the outer layer of her clothes, leaving only a camisole and underwear, and tiptoed into the master bedroom.
Chen Ziming’s clothes were tossed on the floor. The curtains were tightly drawn, and the room was dim. He was already asleep, breathing evenly, not noticing Su Yue’s arrival.
She let out a soft sigh of relief, then went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and then quietly, very quietly, snuggled under the covers.
She didn't go too close to him for now, maintaining a certain distance, and turned on her side to look at his sleeping face.
It felt wonderful, like a dream, to be sleeping beside him again.
As she watched, she couldn't stay awake any longer. She yawned and then closed her eyes with satisfaction.