Not a Substitute (GL) - Chapter 2

What bad person?

Cheng Nuo hadn’t yet pulled herself away from the enchantment of that smile. Her expression was blank as she shook her head without a second thought. “You look like a good person at first glance.”

“Pfft—” Lin Yiyan was successfully amused by her. “A good person?”

Cheng Nuo nodded with a serious expression. Someone who reaches out a helping hand on a rainy day—how could they not be a good person?

Lin Yiyan’s gaze flickered. She gave the girl an unreadable look, said nothing more, and started the car.

As the warm air brushed against her face, Cheng Nuo curled her body inward. Her long eyelashes trembled as she stole glances at the person beside her.

She didn’t actually know Lin Yiyan’s identity. But judging by the woman’s familiar attitude toward the professor that day, they had to be friends. Since she was a friend of a professor, she had to be reliable, right?

Besides, a beautiful elder sister who was so steady and elegant didn’t look like a villain no matter how you sliced it. Furthermore, they were both women—what could Lin Yiyan possibly want from her? Cheng Nuo thought naively.

The car rolled over a speed bump, and Cheng Nuo’s body jolted a few times.

“Still cold?” a gentle voice inquired.

Noticing the gaze from the driver’s seat, Cheng Nuo’s heart skipped a beat. “Much… much better.”

Hearing the tremor in her voice, Lin Yiyan’s eyes took on a hint of scrutiny.

Feeling self-conscious, Cheng Nuo hugged the bag in her lap tightly—it contained Chen Ran’s delivery.

The heater was on so high that a thin mist of condensation formed on the windows. Cheng Nuo sat up straight, trying her best not to lean against the seat, staring out the window with a stiff neck. It felt like they had driven halfway across City B.

In reality, only five minutes had passed. Seconds felt like years.

Cheng Nuo was almost numb from her soaked clothes, but her ordeal finally ended as they reached the destination.

Lin Yiyan lived alone. Her house was large and empty. After entering, Cheng Nuo had no heart for a tour; she was freezing to the bone.

Lin Yiyan led her to a guest room, pointing considerately toward the bathroom. “There are new toiletries in the cabinet. You should take a shower so you don’t catch a cold.”

“Okay.” Cheng Nuo’s frozen legs shuffled toward the bathroom.

“Remember to bring out your wet clothes. I’ll put them in the dryer for you.”

Cheng Nuo felt that Miss Lin was truly too kind. They were practically strangers who had only met twice, yet she had driven her back and even let her change at her home.

Winter clothes were thick. Cheng Nuo was wearing three layers of thermal wear, and it took her ages to peel them off. She reached behind her back to unhook her bra, but she couldn’t get it open.

Fearing that the person outside was waiting too long, she moved too quickly. Her hair accidentally got caught in the hook. She struggled with it for a long time but couldn’t fix it. Breaking into a sweat from anxiety, she had no choice but to walk to the door and crack it open slightly.

“Miss Lin, are you still there?” she called out tentatively.

No one answered.

Cheng Nuo felt helpless. Just as she was wondering what to do, she heard a sound and looked up. Lin Yiyan pushed the door open and entered.

Cheng Nuo’s eyes lit up.

Lin Yiyan had taken off her coat and was wearing only a sweater. The form-fitting fabric traced her perfect curves, and her hair swayed as she walked. She had come in after hearing the call. Seeing the head peeking out from the bathroom door, she paused, leaning lazily against the doorframe with a smirk. “Finished changing?”

“Not yet…” A faint pink hue touched Cheng Nuo’s fair face. She bit her lip and whispered, “Could you come over and help me with something?”

Lin Yiyan’s light brown eyes shifted. She slowly stood up straight but didn’t move yet. “Help with what?”

“Just… come here first.”

“…”

Lin Yiyan walked over slowly.

The small hand on the sliding door pulled back, cautiously opening the door to an arm’s width. The girl then turned around without a shred of defense, exposing her entire back.

Lin Yiyan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Under the bathroom lights, the girl’s rain-soaked skin looked like a piece of glowing warm jade. The smooth texture was flawless, delicate and lustrous, radiating a faint, warm scent.

Looking at that beautiful back, Lin Yiyan’s expression shifted subtly. Her throat bobbed almost imperceptibly.

The girl remained completely oblivious.

With her back turned, Cheng Nuo brushed her wet hair away from her spine and said embarrassedly, “Miss Lin, the hook in the back seems to be stuck. Can you help me unfasten it?”

The sweet, soft voice sounded innocent of the world’s ways, yet it uttered such a bold and dangerous request.

The person behind her didn’t move.

Cheng Nuo’s beautiful shoulder blades trembled slightly. Although there was heat in the room, she was only wearing her underwear on top, and it was damp. The cold invaded again. After waiting for what felt like forever, Cheng Nuo couldn’t help but turn slightly, whispering a prompt: “Miss Lin, you…”

The moment she turned her head, she unexpectedly collided with a pair of deep, quiet eyes. Cheng Nuo’s heart thudded.

…What was Miss Lin looking at?

That look was so foreign. Like a sly wolf that had discovered delectable prey, waiting for the right moment to strike.

A sudden bad premonition rose in Cheng Nuo’s heart. Panicked, her instinct was to turn back around.

“Sorry,” Lin Yiyan spoke. Her cool voice was colored with a trace of hard-to-detect huskiness as her fingers slowly reached toward Cheng Nuo’s bare back.

Cheng Nuo was confused. She was the one who asked for help—why was Miss Lin apologizing to her?

“Hiss—”

Cool fingertips brushed against her skin with a feather-light touch. Cheng Nuo’s spine went rigid. A strange current of electricity surged from the point of contact, spreading rapidly to her limbs. She didn’t dare move.

She couldn’t see the details behind her; she could only feel the woman’s warm breath and burning gaze falling on her back, causing fine goosebumps to break out across her skin.

Cheng Nuo suddenly felt that this moment was more agonizing than freezing in the car.

After what felt like an eternity, Cheng Nuo felt her back beginning to sweat. Just as she was about to give in to the tension, she finally heard Lin Yiyan say: “Done.”

The restriction around her chest suddenly vanished. Cheng Nuo let out a small gasp, reflexively covering herself, and lowered her head bashfully. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Lin Yiyan stepped back.

The sound of the sliding door closing followed. By the time Cheng Nuo turned around, Lin Yiyan had already shut the door for her.

“Whew—” Her cheeks were burning. Cheng Nuo took several deep breaths to settle her emotions before taking off her pants.

She didn’t know if Lin Yiyan had left. After stripping off the wet clothes, she didn’t even take a proper bath; she just threw on a bathrobe and came out.

The hum of a machine reached her ears. Cheng Nuo followed the sound and saw Lin Yiyan sitting at the counter, seemingly brewing coffee.

A rich aroma filled the entire room. Holding her wet clothes, Cheng Nuo said cautiously, “Miss Lin, I’m done… can I use your dryer for a bit?”

Lin Yiyan looked up at her. From a distance, her expression was a bit blurry. She pointed toward the laundry area on the balcony. “Over there. Do you know how to use it?”

Cheng Nuo nodded eagerly, her smile revealing two shallow dimples. Her voice was sweet: “It rained a lot during the New Year, so clothes didn’t dry easily. I often helped my mom dry clothes at home.”

Lin Yiyan smiled and let her be.

Dryers all worked similarly. Once Cheng Nuo set it up, she walked back slowly.

“Would you like some coffee?” Lin Yiyan asked from across the room.

Cheng Nuo hesitated, then smiled. “Sure.”

Lin Yiyan pushed the brewed coffee toward her. Her gaze swept over the loose collar of the bathrobe before casually moving away. She gestured with her chin toward the jars nearby. “Add sugar and milk yourself if you need.”

“Okay.” Cheng Nuo sat down stiffly and added a full spoonful of sugar, stirring it in.

The silver spoon hit the side of the cup with a crisp “clink.” Lin Yiyan looked up, catching her action. “Afraid of the bitterness?”

“Ah, no.” Cheng Nuo had actually wanted to add more, but she felt embarrassed at being caught. She braced herself and drank the rich but bitter coffee. Despite her best efforts to hide it, her pained expression betrayed her.

Lin Yiyan said nothing, only watching Cheng Nuo’s coffee-stained lips.

The girl had a pleasing oval face with delicate features, large bright eyes, and a refined nose. Below that was a classic “cherry mouth.” Her lips were a healthy pale pink, full and smooth with almost no lines, and her philtrum was rounded—when she opened her mouth, it looked like a tiny, cute pearl was hanging there.

Such a perfect lip shape…

“Miss Lin?”

Drawing her gaze away from those lips, Lin Yiyan looked into her eyes calmly. “What is it?”

It was nothing, really; Cheng Nuo had just suddenly realized Lin Yiyan was staring at her in a daze, which made her feel flustered. She put down the coffee cup, pursed her lips, and said sincerely, “Thank you so much for today.”

Lin Yiyan stirred her own drink slowly, looking at her with interest. “Since we met until now, you’ve said ‘thank you’ at least ten times.”

Had it been that many? Cheng Nuo hadn’t realized. She felt ten times wasn’t nearly enough, and she scratched her head awkwardly.

While setting up the dryer, Cheng Nuo had seriously considered how to thank her. Giving money was the most practical, but then she remembered Lin Yiyan’s million-dollar car and this massive house; the woman clearly didn’t lack money. What if she offended her by bringing up money?

After racking her brain, Cheng Nuo couldn’t think of any way to be sincere enough. She looked at Lin Yiyan with clear eyes, her tone becoming solemn: “Miss Lin, if you ever need anything from me in the future, just find me. As long as I can help, I definitely will.”

Lin Yiyan didn’t think she would ever need help from a young girl, but seeing how earnest she was, she didn’t refuse. A slight curve touched the corners of her mouth as she spoke at a measured pace: “After all this, I still don’t even know your name.”

Cheng Nuo froze, only then realizing she had forgotten to introduce herself.

How rude!

Cheng Nuo stood up quickly, tugging at her loose bathrobe, and introduced herself formally: “My name is Cheng Nuo. Cheng as in ‘a bright future’ (cheng-jin), and Nuo as in ‘promise’ (nuo-yan).”

“Cheng Nuo.” Lin Yiyan studied her clear face and smiled, reaching out a hand. “Lin Yiyan. Yi as in Yi Shu, and Yan as in ‘promise’ (yan-nuo).”

Lin Yiyan. Cheng Nuo repeated the name twice in her mind and reached out to hold her fingertips.

Miss Lin’s hand was a bit cool. Cheng Nuo felt like she’d been zapped; after only a brief touch, she jerked her hand back.

Like a shy kitten—nimble and quick, yet unable to control its curiosity.

Lin Yiyan didn’t seem to mind and looked down to continue stirring her coffee.

Cheng Nuo: “…”

Feeling the girl’s gaze lingering on her repeatedly, Lin Yiyan set down the silver spoon and looked up. “Is there something you want to say?”

Cheng Nuo hesitated, then said straightforwardly, “Miss Lin, can I add you on WeChat?”

“Add me on WeChat?” The rising intonation suggested surprise.

Cheng Nuo felt embarrassed. “I don’t mean anything else, it’s just so it’s convenient for you to contact me whenever you need help… is that okay?”

Lin Yiyan didn’t answer immediately. Her slender fingers tapped the side of the cup as she looked at her thoughtfully.

Just as Cheng Nuo began to think her request was too abrupt and offensive, she saw the woman pull out her phone.

“Sure.” Lin Yiyan picked up her phone.

The two exchanged contact info just like that.

Afterward, Cheng Nuo didn’t know what to say. There really wasn’t much for two strangers meeting for the second time to talk about. Lin Yiyan was relaxed and at ease, while Cheng Nuo was tense and awkward.

“Want to watch a movie?” Finally, Lin Yiyan saw her discomfort and broke the stalemate. “Drying will take time. Let’s find a movie to pass the time.”

Cheng Nuo thought it was a good idea. Sitting in silence was uncomfortable. She readily agreed.

As a host, Lin Yiyan wasn’t dismissive at all, even asking for her opinion on the movie. Cheng Nuo had no preference, so Lin Yiyan clicked on a highly-rated film.

The movie lasted an hour and a half. They didn’t exchange a word the entire time.

When the long movie ended, Cheng Nuo breathed a sigh of relief. She said to Lin Yiyan, “I’ll go see if the clothes are ready.”

Lin Yiyan’s expression was neutral. “Mmh.”

The three thermals and the fleece-lined pants and socks were dry, but the bra wasn’t completely dry because of the padding, and the down jacket was even worse.

Cheng Nuo didn’t want to wait anymore.

Wearing a damp bra would be uncomfortable, so Cheng Nuo decided to just skip it—the coat was thick enough that no one would notice anyway. She found a clean bag in the bathroom to hold the bra.

Her bag was already stuffed with Chen Ran’s delivery and couldn’t hold anything else. Cheng Nuo carried the bag with the bra in her hand. When she came out and met Lin Yiyan’s gaze, she explained hurriedly, “This is my own stuff. Do you still need this bag?”

Asking only after she’d already taken it—Cheng Nuo felt ashamed of her impolite behavior.

Lin Yiyan, of course, wouldn’t care about a plastic bag, nor did she ask what was inside. She nodded in acknowledgment. Her beautiful eyes shifted to look at the sky outside. “The weather has cleared up. I won’t drive you back then.”

Cheng Nuo wouldn’t dream of troubling her further. She gave a deep bow and went to the entryway to change into her shoes.

“Wait.” The person behind her suddenly called out.

Cheng Nuo stopped and stood at attention. “Does Miss Lin have something else?”

Seeing her standing there like a primary school student called on by a teacher, Lin Yiyan paused. She walked over to her, thought for a moment, and said, “The first time I saw you, I thought you were very ‘good’ (well-behaved).”

Uh… why the sudden praise?

Cheng Nuo licked her dry lips, instinctively wanting to say thank you.

But the other woman beat her to it: “As a friend of your professor, I’ll add a word of advice.”

Cheng Nuo straightened her back even more. “Please speak, Miss Lin.”

“Don’t do such dangerous things in the future.”

“Dangerous things?” Cheng Nuo was completely lost.

“Asking people to help you unhook your clothes.” Lin Yiyan looked at her clear, pure face, her lazy tone carrying a deep meaning. “It makes it easy for people to take advantage of you.”

Cheng Nuo didn’t expect her to bring up that. Her face turned red instantly, and her eyes darted around. She stammered, “It was because I couldn’t unhook it myself… and, Miss Lin, you’re a woman too, that’s why I asked you to help…”

“Do you think women can’t take advantage of people?”

Cheng Nuo understood every word, but together they made no sense. “What do you mean?”

Lin Yiyan’s face remained devoid of expression as she said calmly, “What if the other person is a lesbian?”

Cheng Nuo’s heart skipped a beat. Had she discovered something?

With her hands pressed tightly against the seams of her pants, Cheng Nuo stared into those unfathomable eyes. She took a deep breath and dared to fire back a question:

“Then… are you?”

Lin Yiyan crossed her arms. Her gaze toward the girl seemed to hold a few more layers of emotion. She spoke clearly, one word at a time:

“I am.”

“…”