Snow-Kissed Rose (GL) Chapter 91.1

The glaring afternoon sun shined its rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating Song Yingshi and Huai Xu's expressions with stark clarity.

When Song Yingshi saw the way Huai Xu scrutinized her face, she suddenly felt a weight dropping on her smiling lips.

Huai Xu's expression was, as usual, restrained and proper. She showed none of the aggression she displayed early this morning. Covertly, she gently curved her fingers, tracing and tickling the inside of Song Yingshi's waist.

Song Yingshi's lips twitched briefly. With patience, she asked, "What are you doing?"

Huai Xu stopped her gentle caress and retracted her hand, her eyes smiling as they looked at Song Yingshi. She behaved like an obedient child asking for candy.

Song Yingshi's throat itched at the sight of this Huai Xu, her eyes narrowing dangerously. The intoxicating aura from before dawn seemed to resurge at this moment, subtly swirling and engulfing her as she looked into Huai Xu's beautiful eyes.

Song Yingshi stepped back, the separation causing their linked hands to separate and fall. Immediately afterward, she raised her hand, seized Huai Xu's chin, and planted a soft kiss right below Huai Xu's lower lip, then moved to the corner of Huai Xu's mouth and teasingingly pecked it twice.

Song Yingshi's actions were unhurried. Huai Xu could even hear playful, affectionate laughter coming from her throat.

Huai Xu lowered her gaze and raised her hand to grab Song Yingshi's waist, only to have her hand preemptively pushed away by the shorter woman.

Song Yingshi gently caressed Huai Xu's face, sliding her hand up along Huai Xu's jawline and stopping behind her ear. Then, stroking Huai Xu's ear as one might a cat, she whispered huskily, "Didn't you get enough this morning?"

While gazing at Song Yingshi's hand, Huai Xu parted her lips and replied, "I forgot."

"Hm?" Song Yingshi tilted her head.

"I forgot the taste," Huai Xu added.

Song Yingshi traced her gaze from Huai Xu's evasive eyes to her lying mouth. Faced with such a clumsy excuse, she pretended to ponder and said, "You forgot after just a sleep?"

Huai Xu pushed Song Yingshi's hand away, her voice cool but tainted with a bit of agitation as she said, "Can your mouth do nothing but talk?"

The docile, attractive woman suddenly revealed her true colors—a rose covered in thorns.

Song Yingshi let out a small laugh at the familiar rose's resurgence, her hot breath misting Huai Xu's lips.

Huai Xu instinctively licked the inside of her lips. In her eager anticipation, the hot breath against her face grew denser and hotter until, finally, the kiss arrived.

Grinding, licking, and thrusting through parted lips, a passionate entanglement between their tongues quickly ensued, neither bothering to conceal the wet sounds they produced. Soon, the battle between their lips was all they could think of.

In her daze, Huai Xu vaguely heard a faint whirring sound, like a mechanical being coming to life.

A casual glance toward the sound revealed the elevator floor indicators flashing, indicating its ascent.

Still not recognizing the problem, Huai Xu dazedly stared at the flashing indicators. Eventually, the indicators stopped flashing, and the elevator doors behind Song Yingshi opened—

Huai Xu's eyes snapped wide open. Without thinking, she pulled away from Song Yingshi, looked away from the elevator's direction, and wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

Song Yingshi frowned at Huai Xu. Still immersed in the intoxicating atmosphere, she quickly smiled again, teasing, "Weren't you doubting my mouth's capabi—"

Before Song Yingshi could finish, Huai Xu interrupted her, saying, "We have a guest."

Song Yingshi: ?

Song Yingshi's first thought was that the chauffeur had arrived with lunch, but she immediately dismissed it. After all, the chauffeur didn't have direct access to her apartment. This was also why she dared to openly tease Huai Xu in the living room.

…Besides me, who else has access to my apartment?

A bad premonition surged in Song Yingshi's heart as she slowly turned toward the elevator.

Xu Conghan stood inside the elevator, her gaze still averted from the doors as she inspected her hair through the elevator's inner wall.

When Song Yingshi turned toward the elevator, Xu Conghan finally looked over and waved warmly, "Little Shi, come quickly and get your lunch. You must be famished, right?"

Song Yingshi's heart pounded—Why was her mother here?!

Song Yingshi promptly walked over, took the insulated box from her mother, and asked, "Mom, why are you here? Wasn't Little He supposed to deliver the food?"

Xu Conghan elegantly stepped out of the elevator, replying, "I came to check on my daughter. What, do you have something to hide from me?"

Xu Conghan's remark was made casually, but when Song Yingshi remembered her narrow escape just moments ago, her scalp tingled, and she nearly shuddered.

Fortunately, Xu Conghan was busy looking at her reflection just now. Otherwise, the consequences would've been unimaginable.

Although apprehension still filled Song Yingshi's heart, her years of acting experience allowed her to remain composed on the surface. "I mean, I'm going home later anyway, so why go to the trouble of traveling all the way here?"

"Seeing my daughter brings me nothing but joy," Xu Conghan said, waving her hand dismissively. "Besides, if you visit home, what about your friend who's staying here?"

After saying so, Xu Conghan turned to look at Huai Xu and smiled. "You must be Huai Xu, right? I've seen you on the show many times. It's great to finally meet you in person."

Huai Xu had been watching Xu Conghan since the woman stepped out of the elevator. However, finding it appropriate to interrupt the conversation between mother and daughter, she simply stood by and stayed silent.

Now that Xu Conghan was talking to her, Huai Xu straightened her posture, smiled, and said, "Hello, Auntie. Nice to meet you."

Standing beside Huai Xu, Song Yingshi said, "This is Huai Xu. We landed late yesterday, so I had her sleep at my place."

This introduction and explanation felt somewhat redundant, but Song Yingshi felt compelled to say it. This was due to her guilt and concern that Xu Conghan's good impression of Huai Xu might diminish. After all, twice already, she had opted against staying at home during her holiday because of Huai Xu. A doting mother like Xu Conghan might well blame Huai Xu and foster resentment.

While Song Yingshi was concerned over her mother's opinion of Huai Xu, Xu Conghan scrutinized Huai Xu from top to bottom. After a while, she praised Huai Xu without reservation, "How can someone be this beautiful? When I first saw you on TV, I couldn't help but wonder if you had any beauty filters on. But after seeing you today, I realize there really exists a girl prettier than Little Shi."

Song Yingshi breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the first part of her mother's compliment. Her mother's praise sounded genuine, not at all like polite talk. With this, she wouldn't have to worry about Huai Xu receiving demerits on her first appearance.

However, when Song Yingshi heard the rest of her mother's compliment, her mind was full of questions: Mom, must you put me down when complimenting someone? Also, I'm prettier than Huai Xu, okay?

Despite Song Yingshi staying silent, Xu Conghan keenly sensed the mental activity inside her daughter's head. Affectionately stroking her daughter's head, she said, "In Mommy's eyes, Little Shi is naturally the prettiest."

Song Yingshi immediately felt reassured, saying, "I knew—"

However, before Song Ying could even finish feeling reassured, Xu Conghan turned to Huai Xu, winked, and said, "But when I'm before Huai Xu, I am her fan before I am your mother."

Song Yingshi: "..."

Huai Xu's smile became even more radiant, and she subtly rubbed her nose to hide her expression and thoughts.

While Xu Conghan wasn't looking at her, Song Yingshi seized the opportunity to glare at Huai Xu, thinking, Don't think I can't tell you're secretly gloating!

After exchanging a few more words with Huai Xu, Xu Conghan walked to the dining area, urging, "Quickly set up the table, Little Shi. The food should still be warm."

Song Yingshi acknowledged her mother's instruction. Just as she was about to lift the insulated box, Huai Xu got ahead of her and grabbed the handle before she did. Then, Huai Xu gestured toward the kitchen counter with her chin and whispered, "I'll handle this. You go get a glass for Mom."

Song Yingshi: "?"

Song Yingshi clicked her tongue, similarly lowering her voice as she challenged Huai Xu, "Why don't you say that in front of my mother?"

"Do you want me to?" Huai Xu asked.

"So long as you're not afraid, do whatever you want," Song Yingshi said, casting a slow and disdainful glance at Huai Xu's back. Huai Xu might have hidden it well from her mother, but she could tell that Huai Xu's back had never once relaxed since her mother's arrival. Yet, despite being so tense, Huai Xu still dared to tease her.

Huai Xu chuckled. In a more relaxed voice, she said, "Remember to wipe your mouth when you're in the kitchen."

Song Yingshi was momentarily stunned. After entering the kitchen, she took out her phone and turned on the front camera. One look, and her ears burned red. Immediately, she grabbed a tissue, buried her face in it, and wiped her mouth as hard as she could.

…

On the other side of the apartment, Huai Xu opened the insulated box, took out the food containers inside, and neatly placed them on the table.

When Xu Conghan saw the perfectly aligned edges of the food containers, she teased, "A little bit of an OCD, are we?"

Aware of her status as a junior, Huai Xu replied respectfully, "Just a little; it's not too severe. I just like to keep things tidy."

"Then, you must be quite fond of tidying up in your show's dorm, right?" Xu Conghan asked.

"Mhm. There's a camera in the dorm, so it'll look bad if we don't keep things tidy," Huai Xu answered.

"I know my daughter well. Little Shi never liked tidying her bed, saying that keeping it messy made her feel comfortable. But every time I see your dorm being shown, her blanket is always neatly folded. You must've helped her, right?" Xu Conghan asked.

Huai Xu froze briefly in the middle of unscrewing a food container. She then removed the lid, allowing the aroma of pork rib soup to waft into the air.

"Something smells wonderful. Aunt Mei's cooking is still unrivaled," Song Yingshi said, following the aroma into the dining area. Amidst the swirling steam, she placed a glass of water in front of Xu Conghan, saying, "Mom, have some water."

Meanwhile, Huai Xu calmly said, "I occasionally help out when it's convenient. Little Shi often helps me, too. We're roommates, so it's natural we help each other."

Not following the conversation, Song Yingshi looked at her mother and Huai Xu, asking, "What are you two talking about? I heard something about the dorm…"

"We were just making small talk. What else could we be talking about?" Xu Conghan chuckled. Then, she looked at Huai Xu and said, "I know you're a good kid, but don't spoil Little Shi too much."

After saying so, Xu Conghan returned her gaze to Song Yingshi, chiding, "You don't even make your bed when you're away from home. You're an 18-year-old lady already. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"

Song Yingshi: ?

Could you please stop putting me down when you compliment Huai Xu? And isn't it normal to forget when I'm busy? In any case, Huai Xu will help me once she can no longer tolerate the mess! Song Yingshi mentally complained. Then, she muttered gloomily, "Mom, you're my anti-fan, aren't you?"

While handing Song Yingshi and Huai Xu each a pair of chopsticks, Xu Conghan smiled and said, "What nonsense are you saying? Eat your food."

…

After serving each of them a bowl of soup, Xu Conghan, likely aware that her presence might put pressure on her daughter's friend, thoughtfully left the dining area to explore the rest of the apartment.

When only the two of them remained in the dining area, Song Yingshi glared at Huai Xu while gnawing on a tender pork rib.

Huai Xu subtly picked up on Song Yingshi's emotions, and the two silently interacted as they stared at each other.

After being used as a stepping stone twice and lectured once by her mother, Song Yingshi started to find Huai Xu increasingly displeasing to the eye. Now that her mother wasn't around, she said fiercely, "Never seen a beauty before? No staring allowed."

In response, Huai Xu calmly said, "I'd like to continue staring."

Song Yingshi: "..."

With the enemy launching a sugar-coated cannonball at her, Song Yingshi took a sip of warm soup and snorted, "Sweet-talker."

At this time, Huai Xu decided to change the topic, saying, "You're going home with Auntie later, right? Then, I'll go back to my place for a bit."

"What for?" Song Yingshi raised an eyebrow.

"To change clothes," Huai Xu answered. "Also, it's been a while since I went back."

Despite all its flaws, that place was still Huai Xu's home. Even if it was only a temporary home, she felt a need to check on it.

Moreover, Huai Xu hadn't gone back there since recovering her past-life memories.

After taking two bites of food, Song Yingshi asked, "Where will you be sleeping tonight?"

"My place." "Come back and sleep here."

They each offered a different answer.

Huai Xu picked up some meat and eggplant for Song Yingshi with her chopsticks, saying, "I can't be bothered to make the trip back. You can pick me up tomorrow."

Song Yingshi was annoyed by Huai Xu's insistence, scoffing, "Why should I pick you up?"

"Then, I'll come find you," Huai Xu said compliantly.

Song Yingshi felt a little better, but something still felt off. Just as she was about to speak again, Xu Conghan walked over from a distance, asking, "How is the food? Is the taste to your liking, Huai Xu?"

The private standoff between Song Yingshi and Huai Xu came to an end here.