Chapter 124: Situation

It was already the fifth day of summer vacation. Apart from checking in at home every day, Lei Yin spent almost all his time running over to Naoko’s place whenever he had a moment.

He wasn’t some naive kid, nor did he consider himself a moral gentleman.

Perhaps because Avi had died early, coupled with the ten years he was out of commission, he hadn’t been intimate with a woman in decades. More importantly, Naoko was a naturally seductive beauty. If it weren’t for considering her recent recovery from illness, Lei Yin might not have let her out of bed for a moment.

On the other hand, after Lei Yin’s attentive care over the past few days, Naoko, who was already tempting enough to lead one astray, exuded an even more astonishing allure. The mature charm of a woman who had just experienced intimacy was evident in every glance, making it hard even for someone of Lei Yin’s cultivation to resist.

“Lei.” Naoko, lying lazily in his arms like a cat, called out in a coquettish tone.

“What’s up?” Lei Yin replied, his right hand continuing to move slowly under her silk robe.

“I want… oh, to go back and see Aiko. Please, don’t do it anymore. Mmm… I can’t even… talk properly.” Naoko looked at him pitifully.

“Can’t help it, you’re just too tempting. By the way, what did you just say? Say it again.” Lei Yin kissed her fair forehead.

“I want to go back and see… ah, no, don’t do that…” Her voice, tinged with tears, grew weaker.

After a while, when she let out a final, intense cry, Lei Yin slowly withdrew his wet fingers and brought them to his nose to smell.

“No!” Seeing his action, Naoko trembled with embarrassment, stretching out her left hand to tightly grasp his fingers to stop him from sniffing further.

Feeling the wetness on his fingers in her palm, she turned as red as a fully cooked shrimp.

Kissing her lips tenderly, Lei Yin said softly, “It’s good for you to go back and check on that little imp. I’ll take you back in a bit.”

“Lei, thank you.” Forgetting her earlier embarrassment, Naoko looked up at him with deep affection.

“Silly, what’s there to thank for? Let’s go after we shower.” Lei Yin picked her up and headed towards the bathroom.

Naoko’s face flushed again. Although they had already been so intimate, the feeling of shyness when facing him hadn’t diminished at all.

“I forgot to tell you, I really like that scent.” Lei Yin suddenly whispered mischievously in her ear.

“You’re so bad…” She couldn’t bear to listen anymore and lightly punched his chest with her fist.

Watching Naoko enter the apartment building, Lei Yin casually turned on the car radio.

Listening to the somewhat boring talk show, Lei Yin nearly fell asleep.

The reason he only nearly fell asleep was because his phone woke him up.

“Hello.” Without even looking, he answered the call.

“Understood, I’ll meet up with you as soon as possible. Don’t agree to any of their conditions for now, but don’t reject them outright either. Keep them stable. We’ll discuss everything when I get there.”

Five minutes later, Lei Yin hung up the phone with a serious expression.

After turning off the radio, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes from the car’s storage compartment. Lighting one, he silently gazed out the window.

Half an hour later, Naoko finally returned from the apartment.

Seeing her in a good mood, Lei Yin smiled and asked, “Is the little imp okay?”

Leaning on his shoulder, Naoko said, “Yeah, she seems to have returned to normal. She even told me she’s planning to go back to the countryside with a few classmates for a few days. Seeing her like that, I feel relieved.” She sighed softly.

“I told you before, it would be fine after some time. You always worry too much.” Lei Yin kissed her cheek affectionately.

Feeling his tenderness, Naoko couldn’t help but tear up.

“Lei, I’m really scared, truly scared. These past few days, I’ve felt like I’m living in a dream. I’m afraid this happiness is just a dream. If it is a dream, I’d rather never wake up.” As she spoke, she buried her head in his chest and cried.

Lei Yin didn’t say anything; he just lifted her onto his lap and held her close, comforting her.

The car was very quiet, and listening to the steady, strong heartbeat of her beloved, Naoko wished time could stop forever.

***

When he reached the living room, Lei Yin saw Kazumi asleep on the couch, with a not-so-funny comedy show playing on the TV in front of her.

After turning off the TV, he gently picked her up and carried her to her room.

As he was taking off her glasses, Kazumi woke up.

“Brother, you’re back.” Kazumi rubbed her eyes.

“Sorry, I woke you.”

“No, I just fell asleep while watching TV. Have you eaten?”

Lei Yin noticed Kazumi, just woken up, looked a bit different from her usual sharp, composed self, appearing somewhat dazed. He couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ve eaten. Where’s Mom?” Lei Yin asked, sitting on the edge of her bed.

“Mom was invited by Maeda to watch a movie. You should have seen how nervous she was; she took half an hour just to choose an outfit. They’ve known each other for so long, yet she’s still so shy, I’m really impressed.” Kazumi laughed.

Feeling like it had been a while since they had a good chat, Lei Yin stroked her hair and asked, “When does that cram school you signed up for start?”

“It starts in a month and a half. With Rumi not here, I don’t know how I’ll spend these days.” Kazumi complained.

“Studying hard is good, but it’s not the most important thing. It’s only been a short while since summer vacation started. If you have time, go out with your classmates more. Got it?”

“Brother, you’re getting more and more naggy, always preaching.” Kazumi leaned her head on his shoulder with a playful smile.

“Who told you to be my sister? It’s my right as the older brother. Also, give this credit card to Mom for me.” Lei Yin pulled out a credit card from his pocket and handed it to her.

“Did you open this credit card for Mom?” Kazumi picked it up to look at it.

“I’ve put some money in it; the password is her birthday.”

“Why don’t you give it to her yourself?” Kazumi asked curiously.

“Because something came up, and I have to leave tonight for a while.” Lei Yin thought for a moment before answering.

“What? You’re leaving again? How long this time?” Kazumi sat up straight, looking at him.

“I’m not sure, might be longer this time.”

“How long exactly?” Kazumi pressed.

“It shouldn’t be too long.” Lei Yin said.

“Brother, what’s wrong? What happened?” Kazumi had never seen him look like this before and was very worried.

“It’s nothing, just some personal matters, don’t overthink it. If Rumi calls looking for me, just tell her I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry, really, it’s nothing. Don’t look so worried.” Lei Yin smiled and pinched her cheek.

After looking at him for a moment, Kazumi suddenly hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear, “Brother, you have to come back safely.”

“I know.” Lei Yin gently stroked her hair.

***

Like a ghost, Lei Yin walked into the kitchen and saw Naoko focused on cooking. The sight was incredibly warm. Indeed, having someone waiting for you to come home was a kind of happiness.

“What are you cooking?” Lei Yin asked, gently wrapping his arms around her slender waist.

“Ah!” Startled, Naoko dropped the spoon she was holding.

Quick as a flash, Lei Yin caught it and placed it on the chopping board.

“You’re like a cat, sneaking in without a sound.” Naoko pouted playfully.

“You just didn’t hear me open the door. What are you cooking?” Lei Yin peeked into the pot.

“I wanted to make something for you to eat before you leave since you’re about to catch a plane.” Naoko replied.

“You’re so thoughtful.” Lei Yin kissed her right cheek.

“It’s nothing, just cooking a little something.” Hearing his words, Naoko blushed.

Adoring her shy expression, Lei Yin couldn’t resist kissing her again.

“Stop it.” Naoko laughed softly, then leaned against his chest as she continued cooking.

After Lei Yin finished eating, Naoko carefully wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

“Shall I cook a bit more? It’ll be quick.” Naoko asked him.

“No need, you can’t eat too much before a flight.”

“I’ll just clear the dishes; I’ll be right back.” With that, she took the dishes back to the kitchen.

After drying her hands, Naoko returned from the kitchen. She noticed Lei Yin was looking at the TV, but she knew he was actually deep in thought.

Naoko knelt beside his feet and quietly rested her head on his knees.

Stroking her glossy hair, after a moment of silence, Lei Yin said, “Naoko, if I haven’t returned in half a year… don’t wait for me anymore. Understand?”

Naoko looked up at him, and after a moment, she shook her head gently.

“You’re my first man, and you’ll be my last. If you don’t come back in half a year, I’ll wait for you for two years. If you don’t come back in two years, I’ll wait for you for ten years. If you don’t come back in ten years, I’ll wait for you for a lifetime.” Her voice was as gentle as ever, but filled with a heart-wrenching determination.

“You’re such a fool.” Lei Yin sighed, pulling her onto his lap and hugging her tightly, as if trying to merge her into his body.

“Lei, even if you don’t come back, it’s okay, as long as you’re safe.” After holding back for so long, she finally couldn’t help but cry.

“I promise I’ll come back for you.” Watching her tears fall, Lei Yin felt a sharp pain in his chest.

“Then it’s settled, come back early, okay?” Naoko wiped her tears, forcing a smile.

Gently wiping away her tears, Lei Yin looked into her eyes and said, “I know you have many questions but haven’t asked because you don’t want to bother me. Now I’ll tell you, I’m going to save someone who must be saved.”

Before he could finish, Naoko suddenly pressed her finger to his lips.

“Lei, no need to say more.” Then, for the first time, she initiated a kiss.

After a long while, when their lips parted, Lei Yin pulled out a small box from his pocket. Opening it, inside were two simple yet comfortable-looking couple rings.

Putting the smaller one on her finger, Lei Yin smiled, “Good thing it fits, or that would’ve been awkward.”

Only then did Naoko realize why he had tied a string around her finger earlier in the car; it was to measure her ring size.

“Come, it’s your turn.” Lei Yin smiled, extending his hand towards her.

Blushing, Naoko picked up the other ring from the box, kissed it, and then carefully slipped it onto his finger.

After she had put the ring on him, Lei Yin scooped her up and carried her towards the bedroom where they had spent so many passionate days.

On the wide double bed, Naoko responded to his seemingly endless demands with both passion and sorrow.

To preserve more of his scent, even though she was exhausted, she clung to him tightly.

Feeling her deep reluctance to part, Lei Yin’s initial gentleness gradually turned wild.

The room was filled with Naoko’s soul-deep moans.

After several peaks, finally, after the most intense climax, Naoko could move no more.

After cleaning the traces of her climax from her body, Lei Yin cradled her in his arms.

“Be good, close your eyes and sleep well.” Lei Yin kissed her eyes, which she was trying to keep open.

Giving him one last look, Naoko finally succumbed to her overwhelming sleepiness, closing her eyes and falling into a deep slumber.

Looking at Naoko’s beautiful, serene sleeping face, Lei Yin felt a surge of strong responsibility.

For her, no matter how hard it gets, he must come back alive.

Having reincarnated so many times, this wasn’t the first time he had encountered a situation like the one Chang’an described over the phone. But today, after hanging up with Chang’an, he had a strange feeling.

Though strange, it wasn’t unfamiliar.

Every time he felt this way, it wasn’t long before the body he was using would “expire.”

It wasn’t that this feeling itself caused problems; it served more as an alarm, warning him that it was time to “change shells.”

Through all these reincarnations, this had proven unerring. He had tried to avoid potential disasters, but in the end, it always came to naught. Eventually, he just let nature take its course.

He didn’t believe in fate, but at this point, he had to admit that perhaps there was indeed something orchestrating everyone’s destiny, even his own, which he couldn’t escape.

So, like arranging his affairs, he divided the billions of dollars transferred from a Swiss bank, along with all the earnings from securities investments under the name “Gennai Masashi,” into two parts: one for Rumiko, and the other deposited into Naoko’s account.

However, Rumiko’s share was just a fraction of Naoko’s, not out of favoritism but to avoid Rumiko suspecting it was some kind of illicit fortune; he only transferred the portion with investment records to her account.

This time was different; for Naoko, he had to come back alive, no matter what.

Checking the time, he had about an hour before his flight. Lei Yin quietly got out of bed.

Fully dressed, he stood by her bedside, gazing deeply at her.

“I will come back. Naoko, I love you.” This was the first time Lei Yin had said those words in any of his lifetimes.

After kissing her lips gently, he quietly left the room.

As Lei Yin walked out the front door, Naoko, who had been asleep, suddenly opened her eyes.

“Lei…” She bit into the pillow and cried in a low voice.