Bai Yin stepped into the hot spring pool in the backyard wearing slippers.
The hot spring pool was built with granite stones, surrounded by lush green grass and foliage, quiet and natural.
She dipped her fair feet into the pool to test the water temperature.
The temperature was just right, very comfortable.
Bai Yin couldn't wait to take off the white bath towel, casually throwing it on the surrounding grass, and slowly lowered herself in.
"So comfortable!"
Hot springs are the best for healing fatigue.
Bai Yin had always heard that the natural sulfur hot springs at this resort were quite famous, and had wanted to try for a long time. However, the intensive training kept her and the other trainees busy from dawn to dusk, heading to bed almost as soon as they got back to their rooms, leaving no time or opportunity for hot spring soaks.
Chen Huaixiao walked along the pebbled path to the poolside, casually picked up the towel she had thrown on the ground, and hung it on a nearby bamboo pole. He then sat on a garden chair by the poolside, calmly watching the girl in the pool.
The mist from the hot spring caused a flush to appear on her fair cheeks, and her dark eyes also seemed to be veiled in mist, the eyes shining and glimmering.
Her fair shoulders emerged from the water, the lines elegant and alluring, with a tantalizing red mole just below her collarbone.
Chen Huaixiao restrained himself from staring, opening up his laptop to start working.
Bai Yin swam over, leaning her slender arms on the pool edge, and asked him, "Aren't you going to join?"
"I still have work to do, you go ahead and soak."
"It's work stuff, why don't you go inside instead of staying out here?"
Chen Huaixiao lazily glanced at her, "Every blade of grass here is mine, do you have a problem with that?"
"No." Bai Yin turned her back to him. "You can be wherever you want."
After soaking blankly for a few minutes, she saw that Chen Huaixiao was still unperturbed, tapping away on his laptop. She flicked some water at him with her fingertips.
At first Chen Huaixiao completely ignored her, but Bai Yin grew bolder, seeming to test his tolerance.
This woman was like a vigorous vine, trying to occupy him little by little, not only taking over his living space, but sending roots straight into his heart.
Chen Huaixiao glanced up threateningly, "If you've recovered your strength, I won't mind exercising my rights as your husband."
"..."
Bai Yin immediately stopped provoking him.
Soon, Chen Jingye called. His first sentence was an apology.
In retrospect, he was also frightened.
"From young till now, I've never seen you lose your temper like that, third brother!" Chen Jingye said awkwardly, "I was in the wrong, but I really couldn't hold it in then! Sorry, brother!"
Chen Jingye had truly angered Chen Huaixiao tonight. Right now he didn't want to say another word to him. He was about to hang up when Chen Jingye quickly added, "Who was that girl? I didn't even get a clear look."
Fury immediately filled Chen Huaixiao's chest again. "You want an even clearer look?"
"No no no, that's not what I meant."
"Looks like you're quite free these days. Don't go on that extreme variety show next month."
"Ahhh don't do that, brother! I've been looking forward to that show for so long! If you don't let me go, I'll tell sister-in-law! I'll tell her you're fooling around outside!"
Chen Huaixiao gave a cold laugh. "Go ahead then."
After saying that, he hung up.
Bai Yin saw the expression on Chen Huaixiao as he forcibly suppressed his anger.
Chen Jingye's actions tonight had crossed his bottom line.
Such fury gave Bai Yin, who had been alone and destitute since childhood, some sense of safety and security.
She leaned on the pool edge, watching Chen Huaixiao as he worked, and asked, "Will we get a divorce?"
Chen Huaixiao casually replied, "We won't."
What about when Qin Yao comes back?
Bai Yin didn't ask. She wasn't sure, and didn't believe it.
She changed her wording, "Chen Huaixiao, you have to protect me, then I can walk steadily."
The corner of Chen Huaixiao's mouth twitched, a hint of cold flashing through his eyes.
What she needed...was only his protection.
This was Chen Huaixiao's greatest grievance.
But what could he do? To a woman far weaker than himself, like a small cat licking his hand and cunningly seeking protection at the roadside.
Other than hiding her in his embrace and protecting her wholeheartedly, what more could he do?
After a long pause, he put away his laptop, looking into Bai Yin's clear dark eyes through the mist: "Be good, and I'll protect you for life."
...
Half an hour later, Bai Yin had changed and was about to push the door to leave. At the last minute, she suddenly recalled something and turned back to Chen Huaixiao, "Don't take too much melatonin, it's easy to get dependent."
Chen Huaixiao was sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a magazine, comparing two racing car models. He vaguely murmured in acknowledgment.
Seeing that he showed no intention of listening, Bai Yin stressed, "Did you hear me? I'm telling you to stop taking it."
"So naggy."
"You said you'd protect me forever. If you don't take care of your health, and leave early..."
Chen Huaixiao knew she was threatening him. "Don't worry, I'll definitely walk behind you."
"Then I'm staying over tonight."
After saying that, she shut the room door.
Chen Huaixiao put down the magazine. "Didn't you say you were very tired?"
"I am very tired." Bai Yin casually sprawled on Chen Huaixiao's deep blue curved bed, stretching out comfortably. "But my husband's health is my number one concern right now."
"No need, thanks." He laughed coldly, walking over to drag her out. "Out."
Bai Yin took the chance to hug his shoulders, wrapping her legs around his firm, powerful waist. "I'm not leaving. I'm sleeping with you tonight to keep watch."
Chen Huaixiao looked at the beautiful face right in front of him. "Eager to fulfill your duties?"
Bai Yin's gaze lowered, looking at his sharp, sexy lips. "Not that eager."
...
The 3 month intensive training ended. Bai Yin's overall score was the highest. According to the rules set earlier by Tang Yu, the initial resources would be allocated according to the trainees' scores.
It was only natural that Bai Yin obtained an endorsement deal and the second female lead in a school drama.
Everyone knew taking an endorsement and shooting commercials earned a lot while requiring little effort, much easier than running around filming a drama or variety show.
For a newly signed artist to get an endorsement deal was extremely rare, unless they were already very famous pre-debut.
Bai Yin had just returned yet obtained the next endorsement opportunity. This was not easy at all.
She knew this opportunity didn't come from Chen Huaixiao, but from her own efforts over the past three months, arriving early and leaving late, pouring in more sweat than anyone else.
Bai Yin valued her first endorsement very much. In the first half of the month before signing the contract, she already had Sun Lili bring over the products for her to try out.
"Anxinbao's sleep pants are their high tech new product, marketed as an ultra-thin option, much thinner than average sleep pants, just like wearing normal underwear after putting them on, no sensation at all. Can even be worn during the day." Sun Lili handed the trial products package to Bai Yin.
"The daily use ones are light pink, the night ones are dark blue, looks quite coordinated." Bai Yin looked over the sleep pants packaging. "Never used this brand before, is it safe?"
"Anxinbao is a major brand for sanitary pads in China, always taking the high-end route. Don't worry, definitely no issues with safety or quality. Otherwise Stellar Media wouldn't collaborate with them either, the company is very strict about safety."
Hearing Sun Lili's reassurances, Bai Yin felt slightly more at ease. She opened one up to take a look.
Indeed much thinner than average sleep pants, should cling close to the body too. No problem wearing during the day.
"So thin, will it work?"
"Apparently some high tech material. Lots of hi-tech sanitary pads using advanced tech to stand out now. Companies all trying to be novel and unique."
"But I heard not many of the well-hyped ones actually work, one liquid pad got popular and now everything's copying it." Bai Yin was still worried. "Didn't one ruin and injure girls not long ago?"
"This is your first endorsement, it's natural to be more cautious. But you can't be too wary either! The fee Anxinbao is offering is no small sum. Worth as much as you'd earn filming Demon Garment for a few months! Many famous artists want to fight for Anxinbao too! The company kept this for you considering your performance at the training camp."
"Giving that much?"
"Of course, money comes quick and easy in entertainment. "
"I don't think earning money is easy." Bai Yin said solemnly. "Anything that comes quick and easy must have an issue. No hurry signing the contract, I'll try it myself these two weeks during my period."
"You're really too cautious! The company passed it already, what are you still worried about?"
"Sanitary products emphasize user experience. No one from the company tried them."
Bai Yin was very prudent indeed, because she started selling embroidered goods to earn money from a very young age. She deeply understood the hardship behind every stitch and thread, clearer than anyone that earning money was difficult.
The endorsement fee Anxinbao offered was outrageously high, impossible for anyone to reject. She had to try before she could feel assured, even if it seemed paranoid.
Longing day and night, her period finally arrived. That night, after showering, Bai Yin put on Anxinbao's sleep pants.
Indeed some high tech components, the texture was thin as gossamer. No different from usual after putting them on.
Since it was only the first day, there was no particular pain or discomfort yet. Bai Yin walked around the room, even copying the girls in sanitary pad commercials and doing a ballet leg lift.
Chen Huaixiao at the desk glanced over. "Taking the wrong pills?"
Bai Yin was too lazy to bother with him.
"I'm getting an endorsement, practicing my moves."
Chen Huaixiao idly toyed with the pen in his hand while reading documents.
"What endorsement?"
Hearing him ask this way, Bai Yin felt even happier.
He didn't even know what endorsement she got. This job really had nothing to do with him, Bai Yin obtained it herself.
"President Chen is busy with important matters every day, no need to fret about these little things. You do your work."
She continued walking and hopping around the room.
Chen Huaixiao: "..."
"Am I disturbing you?" Bai Yin asked after circling a few rounds.
Chen Huaixiao impatiently put down his pen. "What do you think?"
"Then I'm going to sleep."
"This early?"
"I'm sleeping early today."
He looked at her, clearly wanting to say more, but didn't stop her in the end.
Bai Yin changed into a brand new sleep pant, got into bed, and rolled around happily under the covers before closing her eyes.
Just as she was drifting off, she felt the man pick her up in his arms.
Bai Yin blurrily opened her eyes. Chen Huaixiao had already carried her into his own room.
In the night, she could only make out the man's handsome, striking profile and the desire in his dark eyes.
He placed her in bed, then used his nose to tease her earlobe, gently kissing it, voice sexy as he said, "Don't know why, but I'm really in the mood tonight."
Bai Yin instinctively responded.
But just as he pulled open the corner of her clothes, Bai Yin abruptly awoke. "F*ck, no!"
Chen Huaixiao frowned, biting her ear in punishment. "No dirty words in bed."
Bai Yin winced in pain, going "tsk". She said, "Really can't do it tonight."
"Hm?"
"I'm on my period!"
"You were nearly jumping to the ceiling just now, and you're telling me it's your time of the month?"
The man didn't believe her, continuing his actions.
"Really! Don't..."
Not until Chen Huaixiao felt the different texture did he believe her and retract his hand, palm resting gently over her lower abdomen.
"You seem quite healthy." His voice faintly mocking, "I've seen female employees at the company faint from the pain at their desks."
"Toughened from poor conditions, not so delicate."
In the past, Bai Yin always used the cheapest sanitary pads, buying large packs in bulk for just over ten yuan each. The experience was terrible, and they had a very strong herbal medicine scent – it was unclear if there were actual herbs in them, or just low-quality perfumes added.
As soon as the girls in her class got a whiff of that scent on her, they knew she must have her period.
Once in the bathroom, she saw a girl enthusiastically recommending liquid sanitary pads to her best friend, and Bai Yin envied her so much, longing to try them herself.
She worked up the courage to ask one of the wealthiest girls in class if she could borrow a pad. The girl picked one out and handed it to her disdainfully, saying "You don't need to borrow it, I'll just give it to you. It's not like I need you to return it anyway. I would never use the kind of cheap bulk packs you use that cost just a few yuan."
Bai Yin went into the bathroom, curiously opening it up and examining it closely for a long time.
She was very happy inside, yet for some reason tears fell down her face.
That feeling of joy mixed with humiliation and helplessness would stay with her for life.
This was the reason Bai Yin had to struggle so hard. If she didn't, she would never escape this fate...
Chen Huaixiao noticed her silence, and guessed she must be thinking about her past life.
This girl’s thoughts run deep.
He gently put his arms around her from behind, warming her abdomen with his hands. In the soft moonlight, he slowly said, "Bai Yin."
"What?"
"Don't overthink. Sleep well."
"Okay, good night."
"Good night."
*
The next morning when Bai Yin woke up, she was at a complete loss for words.
There was a leak!
The sleep shorts she was about to endorse had leaked!
A leak was no big deal, but the key was...
She had slept in Chen Huaixiao's bed!
Heaven knows how obsessively tidy Chen Huaixiao was. In the past, when Tang Ka cleaned his study, she would inspect the dust on his desk with a magnifying glass!
His standards for cleanliness bordered on fastidiousness.
This was a disaster.
Bai Yin tiptoed around tidying everything up, then crept back and burrowed under the quilt again, lying spread-eagled to cover the spot.
She had to wait until he left before figuring out how to clean up this mess. She absolutely could not let him see, it would be too damn embarrassing.
After Chen Huaixiao woke up, he rubbed his eyes and lifted the quilt to see the girl lying flat beside him.
"What are you doing?"
Bai Yin answered evasively with shifty eyes, "Sleeping, of course."
Chen Huaixiao looked at her lying there motionless. "I thought you'd been shot."
"You should go to the office! I want to sleep a little longer."
"It's the weekend today, I'm not going to the office."
"Huh?!"
"Get up now?"
"No rush, you go take a shower first."
Chen Huaixiao's eyes shifted downwards, pausing for a few seconds before he got up to leave. "I'm going for my morning workout."
Bai Yin heaved a huge sigh of relief after hearing him wash up in the next room, change his clothes, and leave. Only then did she sit up.
She hurriedly stripped the sheets off the bed, bundling them up with the duvet cover and stuffing them into the washing machine.
No, the washing machine wouldn't wash them clean enough, there would still be traces left.
She took the sheets back out, thinking she might as well... throw them in the trash.
Chen Huaixiao definitely wouldn't use these sheets again anyway.
But as she felt the sheet fabric, having studied embroidery herself, Bai Yin knew this kind of luxurious texture was definitely expensive.
Nothing Chen Huaixiao owned was cheap.
Such wasteful extravagance went against everything frugal Bai Yin had learned from her hard life. No matter what, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
There was only one way - hand wash.
Bai Yin went to the utility room on the first floor, turned on the faucet and rinsed away the stains, then squeezed out plenty of detergent and started scrubbing vigorously.
Just then, the door to the utility room was pushed open and Chen Huaixiao appeared before her in a white athletic shirt, having just returned from his workout.
Bai Yin was so frightened she nearly jumped out of her skin. "Why...why are you...back already?"
Chen Huaixiao didn't answer her question. He looked at her hands covered in suds, the pearl nails all scrubbed off.
He led her to the sink to rinse her hands, then silently took the sheet from her and lathered it up with soap, scrubbing vigorously at the stain on the sheet.
"It's not a big deal, why be so sneaky about it? I almost thought you were trying to steal my gold bars."
"......"
