Mute Beauty

Chapter 67: Being Loved

A gentle refuge.

A sanctuary.

Ran Ling suddenly appeared and embraced her, wrapping her in softness. Nightmares and dark clouds were held at bay, these bad feelings melting away like a soft cloud, fading slowly, becoming warm and full.

Yu Ting closed her eyes, breathing in the scent on Ran Ling. She held the slender woman tightly, wanting her to hold her back just as firmly, not leaving even the slightest space for painful emotions to exist.

They held each other for a long time. Eventually, Yu Ting found herself unable to let go. Even when she sensed the smallest sign that Ran Ling might pull away, she frowned and held her even tighter.

"Don't move."

"Please... don't move."

The woman understood her unease, stroking her back before kissing her. She made no unnecessary noise, moving gently, almost like a small creature nuzzling Yu Ting's face, repeatedly offering small kisses like a cat's comforting lick. Yu Ting opened her eyes to see her, and Ran Ling's eyes were as beautiful as the first time she had seen her—gentle and vibrant, filled with the tenderness of a spring stream. She looked at Yu Ting with genuine care, so real and pure.

"Come home with me," she whispered without words.

Her silent request was clear. She wanted Yu Ting to come home with her.

So they had a "home." What once was merely Yu Ting taking advantage of her had turned into this.

"Hold my hand."

It was the first thing Yu Ting said to her aloud, her voice hoarse and soft yet carrying an undeniable force. She needed Ran Ling beside her, holding her hand, never letting go.

Ran Ling immediately held her hand, supporting her as she stood.

Ran Ling didn't leave her side for a moment. Knowing how unwell she was, as soon as they got in the car, she held her waist, letting Yu Ting rest against her shoulder. Ran Ling had once promised to keep sweets for her every time she drank, and she didn't forget this time. She pulled out a lemon-flavored hard candy, peeled it, and gently placed it in Yu Ting's mouth.

The refreshing lemon flavor made Yu Ting feel slightly better. Ran Ling patted her head and kissed her forehead, coaxing her to close her eyes for a bit of sleep. But Yu Ting had drunk too much, and after the car started, she felt worse. The candy wasn't enough; her head was spinning, and she felt nauseous. Yet she stayed fully aware the whole time, her gaze falling on their clasped hands resting on her lap, feeling Ran Ling's steady presence beside her.

Ran Ling had arranged for Aunt Song to prepare hangover soup, ready just in time for their arrival home. Yu Ting couldn't stand the smell of alcohol on herself; even in her drunken state, she insisted on taking a bath. Ran Ling, worried, followed her into the bathroom, helping her wash up with meticulous care.

Ran Ling had infinite patience for her, drying her carefully before wrapping her in a robe and tying the belt around her waist.

The belt was loose, and Ran Ling's long hair was still dripping wet as she gazed at Yu Ting, who suddenly leaned in and kissed her.

"Mmm..."

Yu Ting held her shoulders, catching her off guard, pressing her against the wall, leaning in for a fervent kiss.

The kiss was passionate, intense, and full of sound, leaving Ran Ling breathless. She couldn't keep up with Yu Ting's pace, but she didn't push her away, frowning slightly but returning her kisses, allowing herself to be swept along.