"I... I'll go take a shower first, and you mustn't peek."
Hearing the sound of the shower running from the bathroom, Jiang Huai felt his heart race.
A mix of anticipation and unease surged within him.
He pinched his own face, trying to confirm whether this was really happening.
"The most popular girl in school, now in my bathroom, taking a shower, and tonight, she might even stay over at my place... With a few dishes and all this drinking..."
Jiang Huai chuckled self-deprecatingly. Though it was hard to believe, this was reality, and it was his current situation.
Having just gone through a breakup, Jiang Huai thought he would lock his heart forever.
But he didn't expect his romantic luck to come this quickly.
Shen An'an, the flawless and perfect girl with impeccable looks, temperament, and grades, had written him a love letter and confessed to him out of the blue.
She even asked him: "Can I... stay at your place for one night?"
Jiang Huai figured that any guy with any kind of masculinity would probably not refuse such an offer.
But this bizarre storyline felt like something straight out of a novel.
To ease his nervousness and agitation, Jiang Huai nervously picked up the remote and turned on the TV, hoping it would distract him from the girl in the bathroom.
Soon, the serious voice of the news anchor helped him regain some of his composure.
"Today, the police held a press conference to update the public on a series of recent female homicide cases."
"It has been reported that in the past month, five young women have been brutally murdered in our city."
"The victims ranged in age from 16 to 20, with different backgrounds, but all shared similar characteristics at the time of their deaths."
The anchor's monotone voice echoed in Jiang Huai's living room.
"Currently, the police are working tirelessly to solve these cases. We urge the public to remain vigilant, especially young women, and to avoid going out alone at night. Anyone who spots suspicious individuals should report them immediately."
"At the same time, the police ask for assistance from the public in providing leads to help bring the killer to justice, restoring peace and safety to our community..."
"Are these people not required to go to school or work? Just sitting around all day, wreaking havoc?" Jiang Huai muttered, tapping his fingers absentmindedly on the coffee table.
Though he really wanted to focus on the news, the sounds from the bathroom and the faint scent of the girl were reminding him.
Forget the news. Focus on the bathroom.
"Jiang Huai."
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, the shower turned off, and Shen An'an stood at the bathroom door, draped only in a white bath towel.
Her appearance instantly captured all of Jiang Huai's attention.
He hurriedly grabbed the remote and changed the channel, not wanting her to see the disturbing news report.
In the hallway light, Shen An'an's skin looked particularly smooth, water droplets trickling from her hair tips, adding an ethereal touch to her beauty.
"Sorry, could I borrow some clothes? I forgot to bring my pajamas," she asked, her voice gentle with a hint of shyness.
"Uh... Sure."
Jiang Huai stood up, his heartbeat thundering.
He walked to the wardrobe and opened it, only to find that his ex-girlfriend's clothes were still hanging there. He briefly considered offering them to Shen An'an.
But upon picking up a daringly cut sheer nightgown, he quickly abandoned the idea.
That would definitely make him seem like a pervert.
He tossed the nightgown onto the bed and decided to throw it away later.
Instead, he picked out one of his own t-shirts.
His fingers trembled slightly, but he still handed the shirt to Shen An'an.
Throughout the process, he barely dared to meet her eyes.
"Thank you..."
Shen An'an brushed a few wet strands of hair aside with one hand and accepted the shirt with the other.
Her movements were graceful and natural, every detail showcasing her impeccable manners and grace.
She turned and went back into the bathroom to change into Jiang Huai's t-shirt.
When she came out again, the shirt was long enough to cover her thighs, revealing her long and slender legs.
Her legs were incredibly beautiful, with smooth lines and fair skin, like a masterpiece carefully crafted by the heavens.
Even in a simple t-shirt, her beauty and grace could not be concealed.
Jiang Huai's gaze was caught by Shen An'an's actions, his eyes reflecting admiration.
Her natural beauty and elegance brought a sense of tranquil wonder.
"I'll sleep on the sofa tonight. The bed is made. Good night."
Jiang Huai tried to keep his voice calm, though his heart was anything but.
"But it's not even nine yet."
Shen An'an, drying her hair, chuckled lightly.
Her smile was as warm and bright as the sun in spring.
Jiang Huai didn't dare to respond. His heartbeat quickened.
He could feel the warmth of Shen An'an's gaze, and it made his cheeks flush uncontrollably.
Shen An'an slowly sat on the edge of the sofa, her delicate fingers resting on Jiang Huai's waist before slowly sliding across.
This sudden gesture made Jiang Huai tremble, and he instinctively sat up straight.
"...!?"
Shen An'an's movements were gentle yet seductive, each small action seemingly exuding an irresistible charm.
Her eyes twinkled with a playful gleam, as though she was relishing the subtle atmosphere between them.
"Jiang Huai, are you really going to leave me alone on the bed?"
Her voice was soft and teasing, and her lips curled into a mischievous smile.
This was a side of Shen An'an Jiang Huai had never seen before.
She was like an enchanting fairy in the night.
Her beauty and confidence radiated an irresistible allure.
Jiang Huai's heart was pounding. He tried to remain calm, but Shen An'an's proximity made his breathing grow more erratic.
"After all, men and women shouldn't be too familiar with each other, right?" he stammered.
Before he could finish, Shen An'an sat down on Jiang Huai's lap.
Though her hair had been dried, a few drops of water still clung to it.
The droplets sparkled under the light, adding to the seductive atmosphere.
"You didn't reject my confession, nor did you refuse to take me home. Now you're giving me this innocent look. Don't you think it's a bit unfair to me, Jiang Huai?"
Shen An'an wrapped her arms around Jiang Huai's neck, their faces now close together.
He could feel her warm breath and smell the faint fragrance of her skin.
Her eyes locked onto his, full of depth, as if hiding endless secrets and temptation.
She was right.
Any refusal on his part would now feel like he was unappreciative.
Jiang Huai took a deep breath.
He was already a college student. He was an adult now, and should learn to face such situations.
"But I'm curious... why did you fall for me, Shen Senior?"
"Why? Is there a reason needed to like someone?"
"To be honest... I don't really understand it. We don't even really know each other."
"Does that matter?"
Shen An'an blinked her large, watery eyes at him, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings, filled with charm.
"What matters is, right here, right now, we both want each other..."
Before Jiang Huai could speak, Shen An'an leaned in and kissed him.
Her soft lips pressed firmly against his, their hot breaths intertwining.
The kiss lasted a long time, long enough for Jiang Huai to feel as if he might suffocate.
It was only when Shen An'an finally pulled away that he realized she had left him breathless.
She wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand, panting heavily, her eyes now fixed on Jiang Huai with a burning intensity.
"Are you satisfied now?"
Shen An'an tilted her head and flashed him a coquettish smile, her slender fingers lightly grazing his chest.
"Or... do you want more?"
Jiang Huai was frozen.
Then, for the first time in his life, he made a bold move.
He gently lifted his hand and wrapped it around Shen An'an's slender waist.
She seemed startled by his sudden initiative.
But soon, her surprise turned into tender affection.
Jiang Huai wasn't foolish. He knew his strengths, and none of them could explain why someone like Shen An'an would be attracted to him.
But if everyone has their own destined partner, why couldn't this be his moment?
He decided not to overthink it and to enjoy the present.
He felt her warmth as their faces drew closer.
Shen An'an's breathing quickened, her heartbeat speeding up, but she leaned in more eagerly.
Just as they were about to kiss again, Shen An'an's hands gently pushed on Jiang Huai's chest, forcing him to lie back on the sofa.
Before he could react, Shen An'an's delicate hands were already supporting his head on both sides.
Her body leaned forward, trapping him within the circle of her arms.
A strand of her black hair brushed past her fragrant shoulder, lightly sweeping against Jiang Huai's face, stirring his heart.
"Senior... I'm not that great a person, I know... and I must confess, I just broke up not long ago. Even so, you still want to be with me?"
Jiang Huai's voice was tinged with bitterness, and his heart was filled with unease.
His oversized t-shirt was now almost exposing Shen An'an's body.
His gaze fell on her, and the curves of her body were more noticeable under the t-shirt, exuding a youthful, mysterious allure.
"Have a little confidence in yourself, Jiang Huai."
She leaned in, her lips almost touching his ear, her voice deep and magnetic.
"The scent on you... I can't resist it anymore."
Jiang Huai was overwhelmed by her words. He never imagined that Shen An'an found him so special.
After all, he had always been the most inconspicuous person, and even his first love had heartlessly abandoned him.
Over time, he had grown self-deprecating and weak, resigned to a mediocre life.
But now, it was Shen An'an, the perfect goddess, who had been watching him, attracted to everything about him.
Her words were full of admiration, and her gaze was filled with encouragement.
It was like she was telling him, "You are great. You deserve to be loved."
Maybe he shouldn't belittle himself so much.
Shen An'an was like a beam of light, illuminating the darkest part of Jiang Huai's heart.
He wanted to say thank you to her, then embrace her tightly.
But just as he raised his eyes and smiled at Shen An'an, he saw something...