When the two arrived at the hotel, although the lobby was still brightly lit, it was exceptionally quiet, with their footsteps echoing clearly on the floor.
The night shift receptionist, upon seeing someone approach, greeted them with a warm smile, devoid of the fatigue one might expect at such a late hour.
They handed over their ID cards.
Unfortunately, the hotel happened to be hosting a large-scale business conference, and the standard twin room that Lu Xingyan inquired about was no longer available, only a room with a double bed.
Lu Xingyan said, “A double bedroom will do.”
The receptionist carefully observed their expressions and softly asked, “Would you two be needing one room or two?”
After a moment of silence, Lu Xingyan said, “One room.”
The receptionist nodded. “Alright, please wait a moment.”
Lu Xingyan subtly glanced at Shen Xingruo.
Shen Xingruo didn’t speak, which probably meant she agreed.
The room was on the sixteenth floor. They swiped the card to enter the elevator, and the mirrored walls reflected their expressions with exceptional clarity.
Shen Xingruo appeared calm, without even a hint of nervousness in her lowered gaze.
On the other hand, Lu Xingyan fidgeted with her bangs for a while, then cleared her throat a couple of times, touching the back of her neck. Her nervousness was evident in her numerous small movements.
They swiped the card to enter the room, and with a soft beep, the lights came on.
The room wasn’t large, with just one big bed. Directly facing them was a television, beside which stood a floor-to-ceiling window with a sofa, a small table, and a floor lamp. When lying on the bed, they could faintly see the scenery of the Star River.
On the other side was a frosted glass bathroom, with bamboo blinds pulled tightly shut, ensuring privacy.
After a night of rushing around, perspiring profusely, Shen Xingruo’s first action upon entering the room was to open the wardrobe.
Inside were hanging bathrobes, along with neatly packaged new bathrobes and disposable changing clothes with clearly marked prices.
She unpacked a set and headed for the shower. While Shen Xingruo was showering, Lu Xingyan paced back and forth in the room, casually making about seventy or eighty laps.
As the saying goes, “You never know the value of a book until it’s used,” or in this case, “You never realize the climax until you’re in it.” Damn, he couldn’t just go ahead and… He didn’t doubt for a moment that if he dared to make any inappropriate moves, Shen Xingruo would either chop off his hands or drag him straight to the police station, accusing him of sexual harassment during their relationship.
Lu Xingyan’s mind went blank. After completing his laps, he stopped in front of the TV cabinet and couldn’t help but examine the small box containing condoms.
This hotel had it all. The sizes and brands were quite comprehensive. There were so many lined up; who were they trying to exhaust?
He was so engrossed in his examination that he didn’t even notice the sound of the water in the bathroom stopping until the door creaked open, releasing a cloud of steam, and only then did he come to his senses.
Subconsciously glancing backward, he hastily put down the small box, cleared his throat awkwardly, and then put his hands in his pockets.
Shen Xingruo stood by the door, glanced at him, dried her hair slowly, and started to walk out.
The hotel’s standard-sized bathrobe was a bit too big for her, even when she pulled the collar closer, it still revealed a large expanse of white skin below her neck.
Her collarbones were beautiful, forming a delicate line that made her shoulders appear slender.
Lu Xingyan had seen more revealing attire before, but now, he still couldn’t help but blush and didn’t know where to look.
He also noticed Shen Xingruo glance at the box of self-service shopping items. Nervously, he felt the need to explain unnecessarily, “I didn’t bring any cigarettes. I just checked. The cigarettes here are quite expensive, and not even a good brand.”
Shen Xingruo remained silent, continued drying her hair, and walked up to him.
She paused, then suddenly reached out, picked up the box of condoms that he had just examined, and adjusted its position. Then, she continued walking to get the hairdryer.
Lu Xingyan “…”
He turned around. “I was just checking, nothing else.”
Lu Xingyan knew that no one would believe him even if he said that. After saying it, he felt particularly awkward.
What’s the point of denying anything anyway? He thought, what’s wrong with thinking about his girlfriend? It’s not illegal.
Shen Xingruo picked up the hairdryer and glanced at him. “Your thoughts won’t change anything.”
Lu Xingyan “…”
He pressed his temples, sighed, and resignedly took his things to the bathroom to shower.
It wasn’t until he entered the bathroom that he understood the meaning behind Shen Xingruo’s earlier words, “Your thoughts won’t change anything.”
—She had unpacked a package of sanitary pads, leaving a few pieces on the sink.
Only then did Lu Xingyan remember that Shen Xingruo’s menstrual period was supposed to be at the beginning of the month, coinciding with the college entrance examination. Aunt Zhou had forcefully delayed her period with a few bowls of medicine.
Okay then. Stop thinking about it tonight.
He took a cold shower, effectively washing away any lingering thoughts.
When Lu Xingyan emerged from the bathroom, Shen Xingruo had already dried her hair and was leaning against the bed, watching a show that seemed to exaggerate the atmosphere of horror and mystery, but the resolution always left viewers scratching their heads.
She seemed quite engrossed, barely touching the bag of potato chips she had opened, her gaze fixed on the TV screen.
Lu Xingyan, drying his hair and trying to gather his thoughts, was about to say something when suddenly, spooky music played on the TV, followed by a ghostly voice saying, “What mysterious origins lie behind the ghost fire of Zhujiabao? What disasters has its appearance brought to this peaceful and beautiful village? Don’t go away, the excitement is coming back soon.”
“…”
Lu Xingyan rubbed the back of his head.
Why did the atmosphere in the room feel so strange all of a sudden?
Since when did Shen Xingruo have this hobby? How was it any different from watching “Getting Rich” on TV2?