C13 Kiss Marks!

"You’re too much... you’re too much..." Xiaoli began to cry, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Let me go, Xiao Chen, let me go..."

Maybe it was the raw emotion in her voice that moved him. Xiao Chen released her, but not without leaving marks on her skin. His breath was hot against her ear, both intimate and devastating. "Xiaoli, you better do as I say. Don’t disappoint me..."

"You’re mine... Xiaoli, you belong to me, and no one will take you away! Don’t think you can leave me. You owe me this!"

Leaving the bathroom, Xiaoli clutched her collar, tears still streaming. She didn’t dare cry out loud, fearing Xiao Jie might hear. How could she explain her disheveled state to him?

She couldn’t bear for Xiao Jie to know the truth. How would he look at her then, with disdain and disgust?

Covering her mouth with a trembling hand, Xiaoli cried silently for a moment. She then dabbed her tears with tissues, her eyes red and swollen. She barely had time to compose herself before she saw Xiao Jie rushing over, concern etched on his face.

In a panic, she tossed the tissues into the trash just as Xiao Jie reached her. Seeing her tear-streaked face, he was filled with worry. "Xiaoli, you really outdid yourself this time. How do you manage to get into such a state just going to the restroom?"

Usually calm and collected, Xiao Jie’s voice was now edged with anxiety, all because he was worried about her...

Thinking of this, Xiaoli’s eyes welled up again. She quickly regained her composure, pouting slightly. "Some kids were playing with spicy food, and a few drops got in my eyes. It hurt... I didn’t want to worry you, so I didn’t say anything. But the more I rubbed my eyes, the more upset I got... and I ended up crying. You can’t make fun of me..."

At this moment, Xiaoli couldn't help but feel a bit sarcastic. Even though she still couldn't make eye contact when lying, her ability to come up with excuses had improved. Should she thank Xiao Chen for being such a good teacher?

"Why would I ever make fun of you, silly? If someone bullied you, I'd be upset," Xiao Jie said, gently holding her face. "Where are those troublemakers now?"

His eyes turned cold at the thought—who dared to mess with his girl?

Xiaoli quickly tugged at his sleeve. "I've been crying for a while now; those kids left ages ago."

Xiao Jie had no choice but to let it go, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Where do you want to go next? I'll keep you company."

Xiaoli forced a small smile, her mind swirling with Xiao Chen's warnings, too distracted to enjoy anything. "No... I'm a bit tired, Xiao Jie."

"Then let's head back," Xiao Jie said considerately, draping his jacket over her shoulders. Seeing the fatigue in her expression, his eyes showed concern. "Come on, I'll take you home."

Xiaoli shook her head, surprising him with her refusal. "No need... you have your own things to do, and your friends are still in the booth, right? Don't worry about me..."

Xiao Jie playfully tapped her nose. "That's not happening. Who's going to look after my wife if I don't?"

Normally, Xiaoli might have enjoyed a bit of playful banter with him, but she was too exhausted to talk.

She managed a smile. "I can't let you put your plans on hold. I'll head back on my own."

Xiao Jie looked at her with a touch of pride. "My little girl is finally growing up."

Xiaoli pressed her lips together, stood on her tiptoes, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm off then."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Xiao Jie picked up her bag from the chair, shaking his head with a smile. He reached out, gently pulling Xiaoli back, his warm smile lingering.

As the fabric slipped from her grasp, Xiaoli's collar was inadvertently pulled open, revealing a series of fresh, telltale marks on her neck. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she quickly adjusted her clothing, avoiding Xiao Jie's gaze. Her eyes, now red and teary, mirrored her distress. She reached out, tugging at Xiao Jie's sleeve with a trembling hand, only to have him recoil as if she'd burned him. His eyes, wide and dark, regarded her as if she were something to be feared.

Feeling even more hurt, Xiaoli tried to muster a defense, her voice barely a whisper, "Xiao Jie, please believe me... I can explain..."