It fizzed and popped with bursts of steam.
And so, Li Xia took the initiative to dial the number of her prize—
“Thanks for tonight.”
Her voice was as light and bouncy as her footsteps.
“Thanks for what?” F asked deliberately.
“For your lucky charm, of course!” Li Xia chirped, then launched into her flattery like a sparrow reciting poetry. “And thanks to Director Fang for his boundless generosity, his keen insight into people’s hearts, defying heaven and earth alike—but when it comes to real strength, I bow only to Director Fang…”
She rattled them off like a pro, and on the other end of the line, F laughed uncontrollably.
“Alright, alright, enough with the flattery.”
“Not satisfied? I’ve got more where that came from…”
“Quit fooling around and get home already.”
“I’m already on my way!”
“Once you’re there, take some medicine and get some proper rest.”
“Huh?”
Li Xia sniffed, then caught on. “How did you know I had a cold?”
“Wait—how do you know everything?”
F sighed helplessly. “Your voice has been off all evening, and you’ve been coughing nonstop. Anyone could tell.”
“…Fair enough.”
“Feeling any better now?” F asked.
“Mm—”
Li Xia let out a soft, drawn-out hum, her hand drifting back to her stomach as she broke into a grin.
“I’m hungry.”
Right on cue, she heard F’s laugh—helpless yet doting, quivering with a pair of light tremors, as if he were utterly powerless against her.
She couldn’t see him, but oh, how she loved that laugh of his.
Loved how he laughed because of her.