189: Chapter 184 Account Setup

Shen Yueling was sitting on the sofa as Bai Xinran walked down from upstairs.

Last night, Shen Yueling had intentionally stayed out late, and when she returned, the bedroom door upstairs was closed, so she didn't go up.

She knew what was happening behind that door, and she knew why she had to avoid it.

It wasn't jealousy.

At least, not entirely.

It was more of a... sense of distance that she needed to adapt to.

Between her and Yu Heng, there had never been anything ritualistic from the start; their relationship had happened naturally, involving testing and gamesmanship, eventually becoming what it was now.

But Bai Xinran was different; she was a bottom in every sense of the word, someone Yu Heng had actively chosen and molded in his own way.

This difference gave Shen Yueling a subtle sense of imbalance.

The way Yu Heng interacted with Bai Xinran was different from how he interacted with her, and they both needed to give each other space.

"Morning, Sister Yueling," Bai Xinran greeted her. "Have you had breakfast?"

"It's not early," Shen Yueling turned off the TV. "Is Yu Heng not awake yet?"

"He's awake," Bai Xinran said, "but Master doesn't want to get up."

"Alright," Shen Yueling pursed her lips. "Must be exhausted."

Bai Xinran walked into the kitchen, the collar tight against her neck, its presence very pronounced.

She couldn't help but reach up to touch the leather surface; it felt cool.

It didn't feel bad; instead, it made her feel at ease.

After last night, many things had become clearer.

Yu Heng had told her that a Top is only a Top because of the bottom's recognition; the bottom grants authority to the Top, and they can also take it back.

The meaning of a contract is to define the scope and duration of that authority, as well as the conditions under which it cannot be revoked.

Two people complete their personalities and reflect their true selves in this immersive game, eventually becoming better versions of themselves together.

And Bai Xinran had chosen to surrender her authority completely, 24/7; revoking that authority would mean the relationship was over.

But how could she ever take it back?

What she wanted was a lifetime.

Shen Yueling watched Bai Xinran move around the kitchen naked, her movements so natural it was as if she were fully dressed.

Yu Heng came downstairs then, wearing loungewear, his hair still a bit messy.

Seeing Shen Yueling on the sofa, he walked over and sat down beside her.

"How was last night?" he asked.

"It was fine." Shen Yueling leaned into him. "I didn't get back until after ten."

Yu Heng held her, his hand resting on her waist.

"I'm planning to head home this afternoon," he said. "Do you want to go back with me?"

Shen Yueling leaned into his chest, her fingers absentmindedly twirling the hem of his shirt.

"Go back this afternoon, and return tomorrow afternoon?" she asked.

"Yes." Yu Heng's hand rubbed her waist a couple of times. "You haven't been back in over a month, right?"

"Yeah," Shen Yueling said. "If we go back this afternoon, what about A Ling?"

"She'll stay home," Yu Heng chuckled. "Haha, it's not like she's going to get lost."

Shen Yueling rolled her eyes at him. "I mean, you two just... you know, shouldn't you spend more time with her?"

There was no bitterness in her voice; she was just stating a fact.

Last night had been an important milestone for Bai Xinran; logically, Yu Heng should spend more time reinforcing that sense of belonging.

"I've already spent the whole night with her," his hand slid from her waist to her thigh, giving it a pat. "It's time to spend some time with you."

Shen Yueling didn't pull away, nor did she roll her eyes again; instead, she found the words quite pleasing and leaned further into his embrace.

"Alright then," she glanced toward the kitchen. "We'll go back together this afternoon."

She sat up from Yu Heng's arms; she really did want to go home for a visit.

"I'll go upstairs and pack a few things." Shen Yueling stood up.

Yu Heng stood up as well and followed her upstairs.

As they passed the kitchen, Bai Xinran happened to turn around holding a plate.

He walked over, reached out to squeeze the back of her neck, his fingertips brushing against the edge of the collar. "Yue Ling and I are heading back to Ancheng this afternoon. We'll be back tomorrow."

Bai Xinran's hand paused for a moment, then she nodded. "Okay."

"Be good at home," Yu Heng added. "Message me on WeChat if anything comes up."

"Mhm," Bai Xinran replied.

Yu Heng turned and went upstairs.

Bai Xinran stood there, watching his back disappear around the corner of the stairs.

She felt a bit empty inside, but she quickly told herself that this was how it should be.

Master couldn't just revolve around her; although a puppy revolves around its master, the master won't always be there.

She had to learn to wait at home and then welcome him back in her best state—that's what a good puppy does.

Besides, he had specifically told her before leaving and even touched her; that was reassurance, a sign that he cared.

She touched her collar, sat down at the dining table, and began eating her breakfast quietly.

In the upstairs bedroom, Shen Yueling took a few clothes from the closet and stuffed them into her backpack.

Yu Heng leaned against the doorframe, watching her.

"If your mom asks," he suddenly spoke up, "just say this is a shared rental and there are more than just the two of us here."

Shen Yueling pulled the zipper shut and slung the bag over her shoulder.

"I know," she said. "It's not like my mom hasn't asked before."

She had indeed been asked a few times over the phone, and Shen Yueling had always been vague about it.

However, she felt that her mother actually seemed quite hopeful that the two of them were living together.

Yu Heng walked over and took the bag from her hand.

"Let's go down and grab a bite together," Yu Heng glanced at his phone. "I've booked a carpool; we're leaving in an hour."

Shen Yueling nodded. "Alright, I happen to be a bit hungry."

The two went downstairs, and the three of them sat at the dining table, finishing their brunch in silence.

Yu Heng ate quickly, then went upstairs to get his backpack.

Shen Yueling helped Bai Xinran take the dishes into the kitchen.

"I can wash them myself," Bai Xinran said. "Sister Yueling, you go get ready."

Shen Yueling didn't decline; she wiped her hands and went upstairs.

Yu Heng was already waiting at the door with his backpack on.

Shen Yueling came down carrying her own backpack, and the two of them changed their shoes.

"We're leaving," Yu Heng called out toward the kitchen.

Bai Xinran poked her head out from the kitchen. "Please be careful on the road."

The door closed. Bai Xinran finished washing the remaining dishes, dried her hands, and walked into the living room.

She sat on the sofa and pulled out her Drawing Tablet from under the coffee table.

The screen lit up, showing an unfinished product design.

The reason she had thought of that daily task was actually related to this.

Yu Heng had said yesterday that since she liked this so much, she would be in charge of this side of the business from now on.

When Yu Heng patted her face and said she would also be the one testing future products for quality control...

She thought that since that was the case, she might as well expand a bit.

Anyway, Pleasing Oneself was definitely going to produce larger sizes; if she could adapt to them herself, her testing would be more accurate.

Besides... she really did like that feeling.

She would try to finish the sketches today, then move to modeling, mold-making, and production next month.

She also needed to retouch Lin Yu's photos today, then work on setting up the social media presence for Pleasing Oneself; the Little Blue Bird account was also ready, and the photos and everything needed to be posted.