Snow-Kissed Rose (GL) Chapter 36.1

Perhaps due to the obstruction of the heavy curtains, but the room felt particularly hot and steamy today.

Huai Xu returned to her senses at the chirping of insects from outside the window. Immediately, she noted the hints of reluctance and eagerness on Song Yingshi's face.

Song Yingshi's words still echoed in Huai Xu's mind, causing her blood to rush to her head. However, whether this happened out of anger or frustration, she did not know. Regardless, she promptly said, "No."

"Why not?" Song Yingshi asked.

"I'm not used to it."

"Don't worry, I'll get used to it starting today," Song Yingshi said, mishearing Huai Xu's words.

"I said, I am not used to it," Huai Xu reiterated, her voice growing colder.

"Oh."

Song Yingshi pursed her lips. However, Huai Xu's rejection didn't deter her. With the allure of an additional 72 hours of Life Points, she was determined to overcome any hurdle.

Shuffling over to the sofa chair, Song Yingshi held up the small blanket she had prepared, showing it to Huai Xu as she said, "Don't worry. Even though we'll be sleeping in the same bed, we'll have two separate blankets."

"What do you mean? What's there for me to worry about?" Huai Xu asked, her tone speeding up. She looked like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

So you say as you behave like that… Song Yingshi looked at Huai Xu strangely. But since she was in a good mood, she patiently soothed Huai Xu's ruffled feathers, saying, "It's me; I'm the one who's worried. I'm afraid you'll touch me."

However, Song Yingshi's words failed to achieve their intended effect. On the contrary, they increased Huai Xu's agitation, the corners of her lips dropping as she asked, "Is that how you see me?"

Song Yingshi: "..."

Song Yingshi shrank her neck, confused by Huai Xu's behavior. This situation reminded her of arguments between married couples she had seen online. At the same time, she couldn't help but feel sorrowful as she thought back to the cold but easy-to-bully Huai Xu of the past.

It's my fault for spoiling her rotten. Song Yingshi reflected on her actions. Then, she sullenly thought, But can't she have some more awareness as a canary in a cage? Doesn't she have the discipline of an employee?

Eventually, Song Yingshi resigned herself to fate, thinking, It can't be helped. I've made my bed, so it's time to lie in it…

With the small blanket in hand, Song Yingshi patiently rambled, "What I mean to say is that, I tend to move around in my sleep. If we share a blanket, I might roll onto you. Who knows, I might even dream and grab your hand to touch me…"

After Song Yingshi finished speaking, Huai Xu, who had been choking before, fell silent for a long time.

Meanwhile, Song Yingshi quietly observed Huai Xu's expression so that she could prepare for her next round of attack.

Huai Xu's expressions had always been subdued. However, her pale skin and exquisite bone structure remedied this problem, making her face incredibly expressive, even with the slightest of actions.

Thus, when Huai Xu pressed her thin lips into a line and furrowed her brows slightly, Song Yingshi instantly knew she was enduring or displeased with something.

Shifting her gaze, Song Yingshi noticed Huai Xu's ears had turned red again. This sight reminded her of a rose standing by itself with its thorns bristling. Although the rose appeared fierce at first glance, all it could do was weakly shake its leaves against the approaching threat in reality.

It was a pitiful sight.

Though admittedly, it was also a little cute.

Song Yingshi almost curved her lips into a smile but quickly suppressed it before Huai Xu noticed. Then, she sat on Huai Xu's bed with the blanket, looked up at Huai Xu, and said in a softer tone, "So…should I make the bed?"

Song Yingshi realized that taking a soft approach against Huai Xu was more effective. Although Huai Xu still turned around and left after hearing her question, at least she didn't get chased off the bed.

Song Yingshi silently cheered behind Huai Xu. Fearing that Huai Xu might suddenly have a change of mind, she quickly began preparing the bed.

First, Song Yingshi placed both their blankets on the sofa and rearranged the bed sheets. Then, she spread Huai Xu's blanket on the left side of the bed while hers went on the right. She also took a pillow from her bed and placed it next to Huai Xu's pillow.

After doing all that, Song Yingshi patted the blankets, meticulously folded each corner, and turned them into two soft rolls of "rice cakes," making the bed look very inviting.

Since the production crew provided everyone with the same bedding, the blankets and pillows looked harmonious when placed side by side.

Song Yingshi stood at the edge of the bed feeling satisfied as she admired the results of her work.

After the employer had made the bed and did it so perfectly, the employee shouldn't have any complaints, right?

Suddenly, Song Yingshi felt something light fall on her head. Then, this "something" covered her face and blocked her view.

When Song Yingshi grabbed this "something," she saw that it was none other than the white T-shirt she had been trying to secure earlier.

What? Huai Xu wants me to sleep with her clothed?! Filled with disbelief, Song Yingshi exclaimed, "I'm not wearing it!"

Unfazed, Song Yingshi said, "Don't even think about getting into my bed if you don't wear it."

"I won't intrude on your blanket. I just want to share the bed with you," Song Yingshi reasoned.

Huai Xu glanced at Song Yingshi.

In the short time Huai Xu left, she seemed to have recovered her usual fighting state. No longer shy like before, she faced Song Yingshi with her usual intimidating aura.

Song Yingshi had a bad feeling when facing the current Huai Xu. And sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, she heard Huai Xu snorting and saying, "Do you think I'd buy that?"

"..."

Song Yingshi knew her credibility was in the dumpsters after spouting so much nonsense, so she didn't try to reason with Huai Xu anymore, merely sniffling in frustration. Then, she gnashed her teeth and reached for the white T-shirt.

However, just as Song Yingshi was about to put on the T-shirt that would cause her to lose 72 hours of Life Points, Huai Xu motioned with her chin, "You haven't showered yet. Change inside."

Song Yingshi: ?

How meticulous must you be, refusing to let your roommate change before you at a time like this? Song Yingshi complained in her mind. Then, while Huai Xu was looking away, she quickly bared her fangs at Huai Xu and chomped on air.

As Huai Xu was turning back, Song Yingshi promptly put on her best customer service smile and said, "Roger! I'll get to it right away!"

As Song Yingshi was about to close the bathroom door behind her, she poked her head out and sweetly said to Huai Xu in a tone laced with malice, "Wait for me in bed, darling."

"..."

After Song Yingshi disappeared into the bathroom, Huai Xu looked around the bedroom.

The bedroom was relatively empty, with plenty of space to walk and stand. Yet, at this moment, Huai Xu didn't know where she should sit or stand. Suddenly, the room that she had already familiarized herself with felt disorienting.

Taking a deep breath, Huai Xu turned to look at the bed Song Yingshi had made.

Song Yingshi not only intended to secure a spot for herself on the bed but also moved some of her belongings over.

Song Yingshi's charger was inserted into the bedside socket, while her mug sat on the bedside table next to the tissue box. She even brought over not one, but two steam eye masks.

These little objects gradually tore down the invisible barrier that separated the room into two distinct sides. Like their owner, they ignored the invisible dividing line, striving to invade Huai Xu's space and her world.

Despite Huai Xu maintaining a sober mind, these changes caused a subtle but non-negligible agitation to rise within her.

…

When Song Yingshi left the bathroom wearing Huai Xu's T-shirt, the vanity's LED mirror had become the only light source in the bedroom.

Song Yingshi quickly noticed that Huai Xu had already gone to bed, though not without leaving some lights on for her.

As Song Yingshi applied skincare products to her face, she stole a glance at Huai Xu from the corner of her eye.

Huai Xu slept facing the wall, leaving Song Yingshi with a quiet, motionless silhouette.

Is she asleep already? Song Yingshi wondered, tilting her head in suspicion. After applying the last layer of essence, she turned off the lights, crept to the bed in the dark, lifted the blanket, and slowly lay down.

As Song Yingshi rested her head on her pillow, the person beside her remained still. With the lack of noise in the room, the rhythmic sound of air being inhaled and exhaled echoed vividly in her ears.

Song Yingshi tilted her head toward Huai Xu and pressed her face to the pillow. Then, she softly called, "Huai Xu?"

The beautiful silhouette before Song Yingshi remained unmoving and unresponsive like a mountain in eternal slumber.

All was silent in the room.

Even the insects outside the window had softened their chirping.

Even after Song Yingshi counted to 10 in her mind, Huai Xu remained still.

She's definitely asleep, Song Yingshi thought to herself as she retracted her head under her blanket.

The blanket stirred. When Song Yingshi poked her head back out, a smooth, toned arm emerged from beneath the covers, placing a neatly folded, warm T-shirt by her pillow.

Subsequently, Song Yingshi snuggled deep into the blanket, hiding her entire body beneath it and exposing only her head. She made sure the blanket's corners were tucked securely under her, wrapping herself so tightly that nothing unexpected would happen, even if she kicked the blanket off. Only after doing all this did she relax and close her eyes.

There was no way Song Yingshi would give up on 72 hours of Life Points. Hence, the solution she came up with was to remove her clothes after Huai Xu had fallen asleep. Then, she would wake up earlier than Huai Xu the following day to put on the T-shirt, concluding a perfect crime.

Song Yingshi wasn't worried about slipping up in her sleep, either. In her past life, she'd often shared rooms and beds with her team, and no one had ever complained about her sleeping habits. On the contrary, they frequently praised them.

After running through all the possible scenarios in her head and ensuring her plan was flawless, Song Yingshi let herself sink into sleep. She had to sleep soon to get up before Huai Xu tomorrow.

…

As Song Yingshi began to drift off, she turned onto her side and inhaled, a faint citrus scent tickling her nose.

It was the familiar fragrance of the shower gel from the bathroom, a scent that usually clung to her own skin.

Yet, this scent was more enticing, and she couldn't help wanting more. Thus, she subconsciously leaned closer, and closer to the source…