Chapter 31

Cheng Lang leaned against the bathtub and kissed Shuangyun.
No further movements, just such gentle kisses.
He thought, Shuangyun liked it.
He could learn anything. If she liked it, he could learn seriously too.
Sex was about things happening naturally. Even if the mood was right this time, it didn't mean any moment after could seamlessly connect. But Shuangyun felt Cheng Lang was worth waiting for.
Even without penetration, he'd made her feel amazing, flying to the clouds.
It was a different kind of experience—not just physical pleasure, but also a mental overlay. Especially when Shuangyun asked him if he'd done this many times.
Cheng Lang said no, but he'd watched some videos and read some texts.
"Learning isn't difficult for me."
He said this so seriously.
After their physical contact progressed further, Shuangyun clearly felt Cheng Lang had also opened up more. When he hugged her from behind, he would also slide his palm under her clothes, pressing against her lower abdomen.
After the defense ended, Shuangyun's internship at the company was also nearing its end. Her supervisor Tim had asked if she wanted to join directly. Shuangyun thought about it and said she couldn't give an answer right now.
That evening when she got home, Cheng Lang sent her a message asking if she wanted to come down for dinner.
Shuangyun didn't reply, just took her key and went down.
Opening the door, Cheng Lang was cutting fruit—peeling a cantaloupe and cutting it into small pieces.
Shuangyun leaned against the island. He cut a piece, she ate a piece.
Cheng Lang looked at her and asked somewhat casually: "Tim said you haven't decided whether to work at the company?"
Shuangyun knew he would ask about this today.
She nodded: "I haven't decided yet."
"Is there anything I can help you think about?" Cheng Lang asked again.
Shuangyun looked up at him: "You want me to stay."
Cheng Lang's knife didn't stop: "I just think this opportunity is pretty good, but if you have other ideas or choices, I'd like to hear them too."
Shuangyun turned on the faucet to wash her hands: "I want to rest for a few months first, maybe travel or something."
"Do you have plans?"
"No, but right now I want to rest, not think about anything, not do anything."
"I haven't used my annual leave this year." Cheng Lang said.
Shuangyun laughed.
"Of course I'll invite you, but I don't mean you have to come with me. Your life shouldn't be disrupted by me."
Cheng Lang stopped the knife and looked at her: "So you mean, your life shouldn't be disrupted by me either?"
Shuangyun thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Everyone should put themselves first. If you don't have the desire or time, I can also play alone. Don't worry about me."
Cheng Lang quietly took a breath, then went to the refrigerator to get blueberries.
"What if I want to go with you myself?"
Shuangyun's smile grew even bigger: "Then of course that's great!"
Cheng Lang's body relaxed slightly more.
But he felt conflicted. On one hand, Shuangyun was so generous, not forcing him to accompany her, but respecting his choices. On the other hand, Cheng Lang felt she was still that wisp of smoke, able to drift away lightly at any time.
After the fruit was cut, washed, and put on a plate, Cheng Lang and Shuangyun went to the sofa. Shuangyun said she'd eaten too much at lunch and didn't want dinner so early now.
Cheng Lang actually still had quite a bit of work to do. He had an online meeting later. And the school's exams had just finished, with dozens of papers waiting for him to grade.
He should have gone to work for a while first, but he didn't leave.
"The internship ends this Friday, right?" Cheng Lang asked.
Shuangyun nodded while adjusting the TV.
"What are you planning to do after that?" Cheng Lang asked again.
Shuangyun laughed. She put down the remote and hugged Cheng Lang's neck. "Teacher Cheng, Cheng Lang, Landon, can you stop chasing me asking about my life plans? I currently have no plans. I'm just going to sleep at home. The day I don't want to sleep anymore, maybe the next second I'll be on a plane traveling!"
Shuangyun kissed his forehead and asked: "Is this answer satisfactory?"
Cheng Lang actually wanted to ask more, but he restrained himself.
Yes, the survival anxiety engraved in his DNA was constantly at work. Even facing Shuangyun, he couldn't help but want to plan her future path—when to do what, what he could help with, how to seamlessly transition to work after graduation, how to get promoted after working.
But Cheng Lang restrained himself.
He didn't know if he just wanted Shuangyun to be well, or... if he actually hoped Shuangyun would stay.
Don't just fly away alone without any attachments. They hadn't been together that long. Didn't she want to sleep with him? Would she leave so lightly before even sleeping with him?
Weren't they still supposed to be in the honeymoon phase? Didn't she want to be with her partner when traveling?
Why did Shuangyun seem so relaxed and unencumbered?
The TV was playing a variety show. Shuangyun laughed while watching.
Cheng Lang hugged her from behind, also sinking his breath into the back of her neck.
Shuangyun felt ticklish and shrugged her shoulders to look at Cheng Lang.
Cheng Lang lowered his head and kissed her lips.
Only then did Shuangyun see Cheng Lang's gaze.