Chapter 114: "You Just Want to Take Advantage of Me!"

The second semester of Joe Zhen’s freshman year passed swiftly. Not only did she earn several certificates and compete in numerous tournaments, but she also participated in many volunteer activities, making her days fulfilling and busy.

Almost every moment was spent glued to Qin Yichi’s side.

There’s a saying about love’s “three-month rule”—the fervent honeymoon phase of a relationship rarely lasts beyond three months before settling into a calm routine.

Yet, Joe Zhen seemed to like Qin Yichi even more than before; she never grew tired of him.

Qin Yichi felt the same way. Whenever he couldn’t see Joe Zhen, he felt restless and uneasy.

As the last spring rain faded away, summer quietly arrived. Beneath the lush shade of trees, cicadas sang in endless chorus.

On June 30th, with the final exams over, Joe Zhen eagerly anticipated the beach trip.

After their snowy winter vacation in Luocheng, everyone had agreed to visit the seaside during summer.

To gaze upon the vast blue ocean and feel the sea breeze with friends was undeniably youthful and passionate.

Early in the morning, Joe Zhen packed her luggage at home and set off with Qin Yichi.

Qin Yichi casually lifted her suitcase and, upon seeing her, turned into a “kiss-crazed maniac.”

Joe Zhen had evolved to the point where a single glance could precisely extend her hand to block his lips, scolding,

“No kissing allowed!”

Along the quiet path, camphor leaves drifted slowly, landing right atop Qin Yichi’s head.

Feeling a bit wronged after being scolded, Qin Yichi’s throat felt dry as he asked,

“Why not?”

Silently brushing the leaves from his hair, Joe Zhen paused, then softly explained,

“I put on light makeup today. If you kiss me, you’ll end up smearing foundation and powder, and it might get ruined.”

She had been diligently learning makeup from Master Chen Meixiang, wanting to look beautiful before Qin Yichi.

Qin Yichi stared intently at her face for a long moment before encouraging,

“You look beautiful.”

In truth, he couldn’t really tell she was wearing makeup.

She just naturally looked like this—fair-skinned, rosy lips, and large, adorable eyes.

With both hands holding their suitcases, Qin Yichi felt a little disappointed that he couldn’t kiss her face. Secretly, he made plans.

Tonight, at the hotel, he would make up for it—kissing her until she was breathless and begging for mercy.

At the high-speed rail station, the group gathered, and upon meeting, the boys excitedly jumped around, filling the journey with lively chatter.

On the train, everyone’s eyes sparkled with anticipation and excitement. Joe Zhen sat in the middle of a three-seat row, Qin Yichi by the aisle, and little Zhang Ning on Joe Zhen’s other side.

Zhang Ning seemed especially fond of clinging to Joe Zhen, holding her small hand tightly and affectionately calling her “older sister.”

Joe Zhen’s attention was completely drawn to Zhang Ning. They not only took photos with TikTok effects but also recorded simple hand dance videos.

Qin Yichi had been watching them quietly for a long time, then leaned in, affectionately pressing against Joe Zhen’s shoulder and squeezing into her phone’s screen.

Suddenly, two cat ears appeared atop his head on the screen, his cheeks flushed with rosy blush, and even fake eyelashes adorned his eyes.

Joe Zhen’s eyes lit up as she stared at the screen, smiling brightly,

“Qin Yichi, you’re so cute!”

“...” Qin Yichi couldn’t bear to look directly and quietly pulled back.

Behind them, Niu Yifeng clicked his tongue and nudged Zhang Yu’s shoulder.

“Is that your sister or Joe Zhen’s? She doesn’t seem to know you at all.”

Zhang Yu turned his head, flashing a half-smile.

“Just eat your banana quietly. You’re like a monkey from Mount Emei—always hyper.”

Niu Yifeng grew utterly exasperated.

The train to Q City took three to four hours. Zhang Ning, tired from playing, leaned against Joe Zhen and fell asleep. Joe Zhen, drowsy herself, rested on Qin Yichi’s shoulder.

Perhaps the excitement of the previous night had kept them both awake, but now they slept soundly.

Qin Yichi loved the feeling of being relied upon, of being needed. He smiled faintly and gently leaned against her head.

After more than three hours, the group finally disembarked and took taxis to the hotel.

Everyone stayed on the same floor, with Joe Zhen and Qin Yichi sharing a room—the most special one.

It was a highly coveted romantic double bed room.

The theme was oceanic, the large bed shaped like a shell, pure white and soft. In front of the bed, a small projector could play movies.

The ceiling was painted a soothing milk-blue, and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offered a vast, endless view of the sea.

Their spirits lifted immediately.

Joe Zhen excitedly ran over, bouncing twice on the bed, gazing out the window with bright eyes,

“Qin Yichi, I really love it here.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as his heart slowly melted.

Joe Zhen always seemed to bring immense emotional warmth to those around her. She often exclaimed, “Amazing!” or “I love it!” and patiently comforted and encouraged friends. Her smile was always sincere.

Like a healing angel doll, her heart and gaze were wholly devoted.

A smile curved Qin Yichi’s lips as he unpacked swimsuits and other things, tidying their suitcases.

He had long fantasized about this moment: watching the sea with Joe Zhen, staying together in a couple’s room themed around the ocean.

He imagined pinning her against the panoramic window, watching the sea as they kissed...

Joe Zhen emerged from the bathroom in her swimsuit, starting to apply sunscreen.

The summer sun was fierce. Getting tanned was no big deal, but sunburn was a worry.

Suddenly, Qin Yichi took the sunscreen, pumping two dollops into his palm.

“Here, let me help you apply it.”

Joe Zhen looked up, suddenly meeting his deep, burning phoenix-like eyes, as if she might be devoured at any moment.

The desire in his gaze was unhidden and intense.

She retreated a small step, her eyes clear and pure, softly asking,

“You’re really this kind?”

Qin Yichi wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her firmly into his embrace, his expression innocent.

“Otherwise, what bad intentions could I have?”

Joe Zhen thought his audacity was shameless—lying with his eyes wide open—and pouted,

“You just want to fondle me!”

Upon hearing this, Qin Yichi raised an eyebrow, his tone suggestive and voice low and husky,

“You can fondle me too.”

“Touch anywhere you want. My whole heart and body belong faithfully to my girlfriend.”

Joe Zhen didn’t feel like responding and turned her head, tacitly accepting.

A smile flickered in Qin Yichi’s eyes as he applied sunscreen to her body, his gaze lingering on her swimsuit.

It was a bright golden swimsuit, adorned with daisy lace, revealing her slender, soft waist and especially fair skin.

She truly looked like pure white tofu.

He wanted to nibble on her.

Qin Yichi gently spread sunscreen over her body, not missing a single spot.

Starting with her neck, arms, and back, he gradually moved to her waist.

Joe Zhen narrowed her eyes slightly as the warmth of his palms pressed against her waist, just where it was most sensitive, sending tingling currents through her body.

She shivered slightly, glared at Qin Yichi, and spoke each word firmly,

“Behave yourself!”

Upon hearing this, Qin Yichi nodded with mock innocence and patiently applied sunscreen to her legs.

After finishing, he pulled her back into his arms, holding her tightly, and bent close to whisper,

“Are you satisfied with your boyfriend’s sunscreen service?”