Chapter 70: An Accidental Intrusion into the Boudoir

“Ah Xu, you’re here.” As Yan Xu reached the entrance of Zhou Huimin’s home, he saw Zhou’s mother come out from inside. Upon spotting Yan Xu climbing the stairs, her face lit up with a warm, enthusiastic smile.

“Auntie, I’m here to pick up Amin.” Yan Xu looked at Zhou’s mother, noticing she was clearly about to go out. “Are you heading out?”

“You two are going to that evening party, and I’ll be alone here, so I’ve arranged to play mahjong with some old friends from the neighborhood.” Zhou’s mother moved away from the doorway. “Amin is inside; just go find her. You haven’t been here for ages, and Amin says your place isn’t far—don’t be a stranger! Surely my cooking isn’t the reason you stay away?”

“Of course not! Last time, we finished every dish you made—I still think about it,” Yan Xu replied with a smile. Zhou’s mother truly had impressive culinary skills.

“If you liked it, come by more often. I have a few specialties you haven’t tried yet, and Amin has inherited most of my recipes—maybe tonight you’ll taste her cooking too.” Zhou’s mother opened the door wider for him. “Hurry inside, I have to go; it’s almost time.”

Watching Zhou’s mother leave, Yan Xu entered Zhou Huimin’s house, letting out a breath of relief. Her warmth was almost overwhelming—a pressure in itself.

Finding the living room empty of Zhou Huimin, Yan Xu headed straight to her room. The door was tightly shut; he tapped it gently, but that very tap caused the unlatched door to swing open halfway.

Inside, Zhou Huimin was clearly changing clothes. Her back was turned to Yan Xu, smooth and delicate, revealing her upper body was nearly bare.

The instant the door opened, Zhou Huimin spun around in surprise, exposing part of her chest to Yan Xu’s gaze. Quickly, with a soft gasp, she crossed her arms tightly over herself, shielding her beauty.

Though it was only a fleeting moment, that glimpse of blushing skin was etched vividly in Yan Xu’s mind—a young girl half-embraced, her delicate back arched. Such a vision surpassed any masterpiece, sending a rush of blood to Yan Xu’s head.

Yet, the heat didn’t cloud his mind. Yan Xu quickly shut Zhou Huimin’s door and hurried back to the living room. Even seated on the sofa, he felt his heart racing and his mouth dry.

As Yan Xu sat, feeling like a nervous, inexperienced youth, the bedroom door opened again. Zhou Huimin stepped out slowly, her face tinged with shyness and a rosy flush.

She wore a black, one-shoulder dress, custom-made by her company for the evening’s event. The design incorporated some of Yan Xu’s suggestions. Though he had no formal training in fashion, exposure to red carpet glamour had given him fresh ideas. Of course, bold styles were rare these days, so his suggestions were more innovative than shocking.

The dress sloped from Zhou Huimin’s left shoulder to beneath her right armpit, exposing half her shoulder and her alluring collarbone. The left shoulder featured layered ruffles resembling blooming flowers. From the waist down, the skirt cascaded below the calves, overlaid with pleated black lace, lending youthful accents to the otherwise mature gown.

Her hairstyle was transformed: no longer the flowing locks or a lively ponytail, but an elegant bun at the nape of her neck. Her fringe was swept to one side and softly curled, complementing the slant of the dress. Around her delicate neck hung a modest diamond necklace, making her fair skin shimmer.

Everything about her appearance radiated allure—she was undeniably sexy, making one forget she was only eighteen, and see instead a woman of twenty-five or twenty-six, exuding mature charm.

“I’m sorry about earlier—I didn’t know you were changing,” Yan Xu stood, gazing at the stunning Zhou Huimin. The image of her half-covered chest lingered in his mind.

“You shouldn’t barge into a girl’s room. How did you get in?” Zhou Huimin’s cheeks were flushed, and her embarrassment only heightened her irresistible appeal.

“I ran into Auntie as I came up—she told me to come in,” Yan Xu replied, his gaze fixed on Zhou Huimin, full of admiration and a hint of longing.

“Don’t stare,” Zhou Huimin said, growing even more shy under his scrutiny. She lowered her head slightly, bit her lip, and spun around to show off her dress. “How does it look?”

“It’s beautiful—truly beautiful.” Though Yan Xu had contributed ideas to the dress’s design, he’d never imagined how Zhou Huimin would look wearing it. Now, her beauty and allure far exceeded his expectations.

“Is it really beautiful? Isn’t it a bit too revealing?” Zhou Huimin was wearing such a dress for the first time, exposing half her shoulder, and felt a little uneasy.

“Not at all—it’s just right. And I don’t mean only the dress; I mean you look beautiful.” Yan Xu moved closer, his words sweet and sincere.

“Nonsense!” Zhou Huimin protested, but his praise made her heart bloom with happiness, her lips curling into a faint smile.

“It’s not nonsense—I’m always honest. No matter how lovely the dress, it depends on who wears it. Only someone as beautiful as you can fully bring out its charm,” Yan Xu said, placing his hands on her soft arms.

“It’s getting late—we should go.” Feeling Yan Xu’s hands on her arms, Zhou Huimin trembled slightly, sensing his heartbeat and warm breath. As Yan Xu seemed about to embrace her, she stepped back, slipping from his arms. She wasn’t quite ready for such intimacy and felt a little afraid.