A Hundred Embarrassments Before My Crush

The moment my bedroom caught fire, my high school desk mate—now wearing a firefighter’s uniform—carried out a sculpture from my room that looked exactly like him. The second the cloth wrapped around the sculpture’s waist slipped off, I was utterly mortified.

1.

In all my years, I had never experienced a more humiliating moment. In the yard, a group of firefighters circled my sculpture, marveling at it.

“It’s uncanny! It’s like it was molded from the same cast as our captain!” “Look at the chest, the abs, the muscle lines on the thighs—so smooth, definitely master-level work!” “Good grief, why is there a handkerchief tied around the sculpture’s waist?”

My face burned like fire as I rushed forward. “No!!!”

But it was too late. The white handkerchief fluttered through the air, twisting in the wind, before landing squarely on Adrian’s face. A collective gasp rippled through the yard.

“This is too much, absolutely too much.” “What do you know? This is art. Art relies on imagination, and imagination has to be bold. The bolder, the more artistic!”

Adrian pulled the handkerchief off his face, his gaze landing on the sculpture before him. He didn’t look away for a long time. I wanted to vanish on the spot, to turn to ash right then and there.

“Joanna, long time no see.”

Seeing the amused expression on his face, I felt like a red-hot iron kettle, steam about to burst from my head. We hadn’t seen each other since high school graduation. I’d imagined our reunion a thousand times, but never like this.

2.

Adrian and I had been desk mates in high school. When I transferred to the art class in our junior year, we gradually drifted apart. Later, I heard he went to a sports college, and after graduating, he returned to our hometown to become a firefighter. So I didn’t hesitate to come back too, opening an online store specializing in custom sculptures.

That morning, the charging cable by my bedside—permanently plugged in—caught fire. By the time I noticed, the blanket and curtains had already burned away. I’d been focused on painting in my studio and frantically called the fire department.

The firefighters arrived quickly. I didn’t expect Adrian to be among them. The sculpture in my bedroom was a life-sized replica, and in his rush, he probably didn’t get a good look before hauling it out. He was certainly strong—the sculpture weighed nearly two hundred pounds.

Adrian walked over with the handkerchief, pushed aside the firefighters in front, and retied it around the sculpture’s waist. Everyone looked from him to the sculpture.

“Good grief, I feel like I’m watching a sci-fi movie. Two captains.”

My crush was over before it even began. Done. I could never face Adrian again. I had no shame left.

Dejectedly, I saw them out. Adrian got into the truck, then climbed back out and walked up to me, extending his hand. “Let’s add each other on WeChat, desk mate.”

3.

I couldn’t even lift my head, fumbling to pull out my phone and scan his code. Only after they drove off did I dare look up—but Adrian happened to stick his head out the window to glance back at me. Meeting his unreadable gaze and the smirk curling his lips, I spun around and bolted, only to smack straight into the iron gate with a dull thud.

I clutched my nose, feeling warm blood gush down, my palm slick and sticky. Adrian had somehow come back and was staring at me with concern.

“Come on, I’ll take you to the hospital.”

I resisted with all my might, but he dragged me there anyway. After the nurse treated my wound, she told me to lie down for ten minutes and left. Face red, I awkwardly picked at the bedsheet with my fingers.

Adrian’s voice rang out, laced with laughter. “Stop that, or my sleeve will be torn.”

I turned to see he’d rested his arm on the bed at some point, and my fingers were frantically scratching at his clothes. I thought maybe I’d been too rash—young people don’t respect tradition. I should get Adrian’s birth chart read. He might be my jinx.

4.

Adrian insisted on driving me home, saying I was injured, and offered to help clean up the disaster scene. I refused desperately, almost ready to slit my throat on the spot, but I couldn’t stop his enthusiasm. He tidied the yard and my bedroom, then said he needed to check for any remaining fire hazards and started inspecting room by room.

When he pushed open the door to the east room, I knew it was all over. Inside stood a massive two-person sculpture. The man was carrying the woman in a princess hold; she had one arm around his neck and the other resting on his chest. Their eyes met, gazes intertwined, sparks flying. I had to admit, it was a beautiful sculpture—smooth muscle textures, delicate carving, even the strands of hair were faintly visible. On the base, the name was engraved: *Adam and Eve*.

And Adam and Eve, of course, wore no clothes.

Adrian was stunned. He stared at the sculpture, an exclamation escaping him involuntarily. “Holy crap! Joanna, I had no idea you had such a great figure!”

He was clearly referring to the Joanna in the sculpture. Expressionless, I pulled him out of the room and shoved him out of the yard. The door slammed shut with a bang.

The man standing outside was no longer my first love, the one I’d dreamed of winning over. He was shame—a colossal humiliation. Adrian, farewell forever.

5.

After two days of cleaning up, I was going stir-crazy at home and decided to go for a run. In the meantime, Adrian had sent me a WeChat message: “Eve, are you asleep?”

It was like pouring salt on a wound. Of course, I chose to ignore him. That sculpture had been a Valentine’s Day gift from a guy to his wife. After finishing it, I’d been hit by a burst of inspiration and couldn’t resist—I made one of Adrian and myself. It was one of my proudest works, usually covered with a cloth. That morning, I’d just wiped it down and let it air out in the sun, and then Adrian saw it.

I drove to a park, put on my headphones, and started running. In the distance, I could faintly hear rhythmic chants. “Left, right, left, right…”

I turned around in confusion and instantly froze, my hair standing on end. Behind me was Adrian in a blue short-sleeve shirt and shorts, along with his team. Seeing me look back, Adrian seemed surprised but happy, waving at me. The people behind him were even more excited, shouting at the top of their lungs.

“It’s that painter! The one who made the captain’s sculpture!”

The orderly formation began to break apart. Many who hadn’t seen me before rushed forward to get a look. I bolted, running for my life, but Adrian easily caught up with his long legs.

6.

I fled; they chased. I had no escape. Just as they were about to catch me and surround me, I spotted a public restroom ahead and dashed inside. Three seconds later, screams erupted.

“Ah! Pervert!”

I stumbled out, apologizing awkwardly. “Sorry, wrong restroom, sorry!”

Behind me, a group of blue-clad firefighters were doubled over laughing. “No laughing! Attention!”

Adrian called out sternly, but a moment later, he couldn’t hold it in either. A snort escaped him, and the whole crowd burst into laughter. Expressionless, I turned around and kept running. Social death—after enough times, you get used to it.

Today was destined to be record-breaking. When I reached the park parking lot, I checked my pace. Amazing—I’d run five kilometers in under twenty minutes.

“Joanna!”

I turned to see Adrian standing behind me, I didn’t know when. “Joanna, why do you run when you see me?”

His face was covered in sweat, droplets clinging to his damp hair. His eyes smiled, handsome and youthful, just like in my memories—the image that kept me awake at night.

7.

Adrian had been recruited to our school on a sports scholarship. I often saw him sweating it out on the track. Every sports meet, he was the brightest star—sprints, long-distance, high jump, long jump—a true decathlete. Tall and sturdy, with sharp, handsome features, his good looks weren’t like those idol stars. He was like a young, heroic general from a historical novel—brimming with spirit and masculinity. The girls at school said he was walking pheromones, impossible to look away from.

Some people just dazzle your youth, becoming the pure moonlight in your heart. If only that moonlight could keep his mouth shut.

“Joanna, I think there’s something off about your sculpture. Art needs imagination, sure, but it can’t stray from reality~ You should take a good look at the real thing to create better.”

I stared at him in disbelief. Was the “real thing” he mentioned what I thought it was? Adrian stepped forward, lowered his head, and looked at me with burning eyes. “Joanna, let me be your model!”

Model? I swallowed hard. That was a hard offer to refuse.

8.

I never expected Adrian to actually show up as my model. He sat on the sofa, leaning back comfortably, gazing at me steadily, his eyes full of smiles. I was so flustered under his stare that I either knocked over the tea or tripped over a stool.

“Joanna, you’re still so amusing.”

Blushing, I shrank into the seat across from him and carefully poured tea again. “You really want to be my model?” I looked up at Adrian, my eyes sparkling.

Adrian’s features were deep and well-defined. With the play of light and shadow, he was perfect for painting. That was also why I’d made his sculpture—if four parts were due to my secret crush, six parts were because he was simply too beautiful. He himself was like a perfect sculpture, with a flawlessly proportioned face and a golden-ratio body. He was a textbook model. Seeing him made my hands itch, my creative urges unstoppable.

Adrian nodded, his voice soft. “When have I ever refused you?”

Those few words yanked me back to high school. We’d been desk mates since freshman year, and Adrian had always taken special care of me. I loved drawing and often snuck sketches during class. He’d lightly kick my foot under the desk when the teacher approached. I was careless and sometimes forgot my textbooks. When the teacher said anyone without a book should stand, he’d unhesitatingly push his book to me and gracefully take my place at the back of the room. Though we’d been apart for five years, he was still the warm, sunny Adrian, unchanged.

9.

I pulled out an oil painting book and asked timidly, “Can I paint this *Prometheus Bound*?”

Adrian looked at the book and raised an eyebrow. The painting showed a half-naked man, a cloth loosely tied around his waist, chains wrapped around his body. His bulging muscles were tightly bound by the chains, showcasing raw masculine power and wild beauty.

He squinted at me sideways. “Sure. When?”

I jumped up excitedly. “Right now! I’ll take you to the studio!”

I’d wanted to paint this for ages. I’d planned to rely on my imagination, but with Adrian as a model, it was like a long-held wish coming true. Watching me produce plastic chains, scraps of cloth, and background props like a magician, Adrian looked a bit stunned.

“Joanna, you’ve been planning this for a while!”

I handed him an apron, unable to hide my excitement and anticipation. Adrian seemed to regret it a little. He gave me a helpless look and went to another room to change.

10.

I set up my easel and sat down, barely able to contain my joy. It felt like a dream—finally getting to paint my muse in person. The moment Adrian pushed the door open, I stopped breathing.

His body was even more perfect than I’d imagined. My earlier sketches had leaned toward a robust European build, but Adrian’s was more in line with Asian aesthetics. His muscles weren’t exaggeratedly large; the lines were long and smooth. Broad shoulders, firm chest, chiseled eight-pack abs, and faintly visible V-lines. As I stared, my face grew hot. I stepped forward to guide him into a pose, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of my mouth.

Once Adrian was in position, I wrapped the prop chains around him, unavoidably brushing against his skin. His skin was smooth and fine. My fingertips felt like they were on fire, an electric current shooting from my fingers to my heart, racing through my insides. When I sat back down, my hands were still trembling. This whole scene felt like an elaborate dream—I hoped I’d never wake up. Sunlight streamed through the window, dappling Adrian’s body, making the whole scene come alive. Adrian seemed to be watching me, but my mind was already fully immersed in my brush.

I didn’t know how much time passed when a commotion erupted at the door, loud and chaotic.

“Attention, whoever’s inside! You’re surrounded! Release the hostage!” “Attention, whoever’s inside! You’re surrounded! Release the hostage!”

A gruff male voice blared from a loudspeaker.

11.

I thought I was hallucinating from lack of sleep.

“Attention, whoever’s inside! You’re surrounded! Release the hostage!”

The gruff voice repeated. Brush in hand, I walked dazedly toward the door. Through the rusty iron gate, I saw several police cars outside, officers with guns beside them. When I came out, the crowd stirred.

“Hands up!”

I raised my hands blankly, catching sight of neighbors perched in trees in the next yard, watching the show.

“Well, well, the kidnapper’s a pretty young girl!” “Haven’t you read martial arts novels? Girls, especially pretty ones, are the most dangerous!”

Kidnapper? What kidnapper? Just then, Adrian, hearing the escalating noise, walked out half-naked. Earlier, I’d felt something was missing in the painting, so I’d added bloody wounds to his body. Seeing a half-naked man covered in fake injuries, the crowd erupted.

“Oh my god! Imprisonment! Abuse! So thrilling!” “Good heavens, that guy’s got a great body! Oh heavens, Auntie Liu, come quick!”

12.

“Comrade, don’t be afraid! We’re here to save you!” “You! Don’t move! Hands up!”

A tall, middle-aged officer shouted at me through the loudspeaker.

No, I didn’t want to raise my hands. I wanted to lie down. Face-first.

And so, half-naked Adrian and I were taken away by the police. Leaving the village, the car couldn’t even move because of the crowd. The police had to find village officials to clear the way. Because of my work, I needed an independent yard and several spacious studios, so I’d rented this place in an urban village—cheap rent, convenient transport. The only downside was the nosy neighbors. A single girl renting a big yard alone had already sparked whispers, with people constantly prying into what I did.

This was a disaster. And I’d dragged Adrian into it.

13.

The police station chief looked apologetically at Adrian. “Ah, Captain Vance, what a mix-up! So sorry about this. We got a report from the village about a kidnapping, complete with photos. Take a look.”

Adrian and I leaned in to see the phone. The photo, taken from the second floor across the way, showed a bloodied man tied up in the middle of the room through fluttering white curtains. No wonder they’d misunderstood—at first glance, it did look like a kidnapping.

I hung my head, feeling like I might pass out from shame. As we walked out of the station, Adrian looked at me and burst out laughing.

“Joanna, being with you is so much fun!”

I watched his eyes crinkle with laughter. Adrian, you don’t understand the power of gossip. In a few days, you won’t be laughing. After he dropped me off at the village and headed to the station, I stopped at the village shop to buy water and overheard people talking about me.

“Young people these days have so many tricks, so much play. Nothing like us old fogies!” “Tsk tsk, exactly! That chain—oh my, so embarrassing!”

I turned to see two women cracking sunflower seeds, spittle flying.

Ladies, your expressions don’t look remotely embarrassed.

14.

The next day, I was still asleep when my phone rang. I answered groggily. “Hello, sweetie, have you heard?”

“Heard what, Mom?”

“Oh, that Adrian Vance, your high school classmate. He was supposed to go on a blind date with my best friend’s daughter—her parents really liked him. But then he ended up in the police station yesterday! They say he tied up a girl and whipped her until she was bloody! So twisted!”

“You two were close in high school. I thought he’d make a good son-in-law, but he’s this messed up? Stay far away from him, you hear?”

Mortified, I hung up. Turns out I wasn’t Adrian’s jinx—he was mine. I’d ruined his reputation. What if he could never find a wife? Should I offer myself as compensation? That didn’t seem so bad. I thought of his fit body and handsome face and swallowed hard.

I pulled out my phone and replied to Adrian’s WeChat. “Free tonight? Let me treat you to dinner.”

No response. I tossed the phone aside, got up, and started painting.

15.

I’d recently taken a custom order: a Tang dynasty court lady in the style of Western oil painting—without clothes. I spent the whole day sketching in the studio. When I came to, it was evening. I rubbed my sore shoulders and wrists and decided to take a walk in the park across the street.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw a group of aunties gathered at the gate. Their eyes lit up when they saw me. I looked at the road leading out of the village—several groups of women were there, cracking seeds, spittle flying, eyes darting.

No escape. Even a dog passing by would get gossiped about.

“Oh, Miss Joanna, where are you off to?” “Just for a walk, Auntie Liu.”

Auntie Liu immediately nudged the woman beside her. “A date, is it? Going to see your boyfriend? Oh, you lucky girl, he’s so handsome!”

“No, really, just a walk in the park.” “Is your boyfriend moving in? I heard he’s a firefighter, a captain even. Firefighters are good—great stamina!”

I chose to shut up, covered my face, and ran.

16.

The park was quiet in the evening, most elderly people hurrying home to cook. I wandered to a secluded spot and was about to sit down when I heard crying ahead.

“Is anyone there? Help!”

I ran over and found a boy about eight or nine years old. His head was stuck in the railing, his body half-crouched, looking hilarious.

“Sister! Please help me!”

The boy had a round, rosy face and was actually quite cute. I crouched in front of him and patted his head. “Ha ha ha, are you the legendary Big Head Son? How’d you get stuck?”

He glared at me unhappily. “My head isn’t big! The railing’s too narrow!”

I measured the gap with my hands. That’s narrow? On a whim, I stuck my head in. A minute later, the boy and I were both stuck in the railing.

“How can there be a woman this stupid?”

I reached over and flicked his forehead. “Call for help!”

He looked indignant. “Why me?” “Because I’m embarrassed.”

17.

“Help! Someone!”

Under my coercion, the boy started shouting. After a while, not even a bird flew by.

“Sister, why didn’t you bring your phone?” I shifted my weight, my legs numb from squatting. “Because I’m stupid.”

Just as we were about to give up hope, an auntie finally passed by. I recognized her face and wanted to cover the boy’s mouth, but it was too late.

“Auntie Liu, out for a walk too?” “Oh, Leo! Grandma’s been looking for you!”

So this was Auntie Liu’s grandson? “Oh, Joanna, what are you doing here?”

Seeing Auntie Liu’s complicated expression, I hung my head in despair. Great. Tomorrow, the village would be full of stories about me again.

I thought this was the end, but it was only the beginning. Auntie Liu pulled out her phone and dialed 119.

18.

The firefighters arrived quickly. I spotted a familiar figure from afar.

“Ma’am, please lift your head a bit. It’s hard for us to work like this.”

I kept my head down, trying to hide my face with my hair.

“Oh my, isn’t that Joanna’s boyfriend? Joanna, your boyfriend’s here!”

Auntie Liu slapped her thigh excitedly.

A strong hand gripped my chin and lifted my face. Forced to look up, I met Adrian’s barely suppressed grin. The firefighter next to him seemed to recognize me too, smiling brightly.

“Hey, great artist!”

Adrian carefully pried the railing apart with tools while talking to me. “Joanna, if you wanted to see me, you didn’t have to go this far.”

“I didn’t! No! Don’t say that!”

Auntie Liu’s ears were practically perked up, like an antenna on her head.

“I didn’t reply to your message this morning because I was training. I replied later, but you didn’t answer. I’m on duty tonight. How about breakfast tomorrow?”

I crouched, turning to look at him. He was focused on the railing, his profile gilded by the setting sun. High nose bridge, sexy lips, sharp jawline. The person I liked had the most handsome profile in the world.

19.

I trudged back to the village with Auntie Liu, who was notorious for her big mouth. If she knew something, the whole village knew. My fame was here to stay—I was officially the village’s number one celebrity.

Back in my room, I picked up my phone and saw several messages from Adrian. Blushing, I looked at his profile picture and changed his nickname to “Adam.”

In the studio, I couldn’t focus on my deadline. I pulled out the half-finished painting of Adrian and gazed at it obsessively. I traced his face in the painting with my finger, wondering when I’d get to touch the real him. Before I knew it, it was pitch dark. I was about to head to the kitchen for a snack when I heard a noise from the bedroom. It was faint—like something had fallen and been quickly picked up.

My heart tightened. Someone had entered my bedroom?

Because of the village’s location, there were many outside renters, and thefts were common. Not long ago, three thieves had broken into a house on the west side, injuring the owner. The incident had caused quite a stir. Had my room been broken into too? I swallowed hard and quickly dialed Adrian.

“Hello?” His low, magnetic voice came through.

“Hi, honey, why aren’t you home yet?” I spoke loudly on purpose, making sure whoever was in the bedroom could hear.

20.

Adrian paused on the other end, then asked hesitantly, “Joanna, did you dial the wrong number?”

“What? You’re at the village entrance? I’ll come meet you. I’m a bit hungry—let’s get some late-night snacks. Drive carefully, honey. The road by the village entrance has a hole they dug today.”

My palms were sweaty. I kept talking loudly while pretending to be calm, heading for the door.

“Joanna, are you in trouble? I’m on my way.”

I strode to the door, then slammed it shut with a loud bang. After a few steps, I quickly ducked down, crouched by the fence, and pulled out a small mirror from my pocket to look at my bedroom through the reflection. Only a thin white curtain was drawn. The room was dark, barely visible. I waited. After a moment, two silhouettes appeared on the curtain.

I clamped my hand over my mouth, terrified I’d scream. Confirming someone was inside, I didn’t dare stay. I crept forward a few steps, then broke into a sprint. At the village entrance was a small supermarket. The countryside quieted down early; it was only a little past ten, but the shop was already closed.

21.

Standing under the neon sign of the supermarket, I was still trembling with fear, my heart pounding. I touched my face and found it drenched in sweat. Were thieves this bold these days? It wasn’t even that late, and they dared to break in?

Just then, a black car pulled up. Adrian rushed over. “Joanna, are you okay?”

I threw myself into his arms, wrapping my arms around his waist. “Honey, why did you take so long?”

Adrian held me tightly, one hand patting my back soothingly. “It’s okay. I’m here.”

Feeling his warmth and solid chest, my scattered senses slowly returned. Had I just called him honey? Oh my god! But his embrace was so warm, he was so tall. Wrapped in his strong arms, I felt so safe. I didn’t want to let go.

22.

“Joanna, what happened?”

After a long moment, I reluctantly pulled away from his embrace. “Adrian, there’s a thief in my house.”

Thinking of those two shadows in the dark, my voice trembled. Thank goodness I hadn’t gone to bed early but had stayed in the studio. Hard work had saved me.

Adrian’s face turned serious. He touched my head worriedly. “It’s okay. I’ll go with you to check.”

He took my hand. He started it. I didn’t hesitate to hold his hand with one of mine and cling to his arm with the other, pressing half my body against him. “Adrian, I’m scared.”

He shifted his arm awkwardly, accidentally brushing against my chest. Adrian froze, and I felt a bit awkward too. I pretended nothing had happened and explained the situation in detail. We walked close together until we reached my house. I was afraid to go in.

“Don’t be scared. I’m here.” Adrian pushed open the gate, and I followed him inside.

23.

The bedroom was a mess. My underwear was strewn all over the floor, and my nightgown had been pulled out. Adrian found two cigarette butts near the window. A bad feeling crept over me. This might not be a simple theft.

I followed Adrian to the studio and found my easel thrown on the floor. The draft of my court lady painting was gone.

A terrifying thought crossed my mind. I forgot my fear and rushed back to the bedroom. Adrian stood by, watching me frantically rummage through my closet. Sure enough, several pairs of underwear were missing. Someone was targeting me.

Ever since the firefighters had carried out that sculpture, rumors had been flying around the village. Some said I was in an illicit trade, others that I brought men home every day. Still others claimed I wasn’t a proper woman, that my house was full of nude statues, paintings, and tools. The village was a mix of all sorts of people. I’d been marked by a few creeps. They hadn’t broken in to steal—they wanted to harm me.

Seeing my trembling body and pale face, Adrian realized something was wrong. “Joanna, what’s the matter?”

24.

After I explained, Adrian’s expression darkened. “Joanna, you can’t stay here. The yard is big, but the walls are low. An adult man can easily climb over. And these doors have simple locks—easy to pick. It’s too dangerous.”

“But I need to work. Sculptures and paintings require a lot of space, especially sculptures. Regular apartments have ceilings too low.”

I sat dejectedly on the bed, staring at the clothes on the floor, on the verge of tears. Adrian crouched down, took my hand, and ruffled my hair. “It’s okay. Come stay with me. Work here during the day, sleep at my place at night.”

I looked up at him in surprise. Stay with him? Live with Adrian? “Is that okay? Won’t it affect your chances of finding a girlfriend?”

The words came out, and I immediately felt a bit fake.

“No, it’s fine. My reputation’s already ruined. Everyone thinks I’m a pervert, so I won’t be finding a girlfriend anytime soon.” Adrian looked at me gently, his eyes full of smiles.

25.

I dragged out my suitcase and started packing joyfully. A man and a woman alone together, young and passionate, fire and tinder. Heh heh heh heh... I accidentally laughed out loud.

“What are you thinking about that’s so funny?” “Fire and tinder.”

I wanted to bite my tongue off, but the words were out. “Where’s the fire? I’m in charge of putting them out.”

I looked up at Adrian. Was he making a joke? Right?

I locked up, dragged my luggage, and followed Adrian to his place. He lived in a high-end complex in the city center with strict security—one key card per floor, and you needed it for the elevator. The whole place was full of lights and cameras, giving me a strong sense of safety. His apartment was about 1,300 square feet, three bedrooms, simply but warmly decorated, like a couple’s wedding home.

26.

“You’ll stay in the guest room. I don’t come home much—only on days off.” Adrian gave me a quick tour, then brought out fresh bedding and changed the sheets. Watching his熟练 movements made me happier. If we got married, Adrian would be a great husband—he did housework faster than me. Joanna, go get him!

I stood to the side, gazing at him dreamily, when my stomach growled. Adrian turned, smiled at me, and gently flicked my forehead. “Wait here. Let me show you my skills.” He headed to the kitchen. He was going to cook for me?

I followed him to the dining room, sat down, propped my chin on my hands, and watched Adrian tie on an apron and get busy. No wonder they said a man cooking is the most handsome. Those broad shoulders, that slim waist, that firm backside, those long legs. I felt even hungrier, my mouth watering.

Adrian was quick. In no time, he’d made a bowl of noodles. I sat up eagerly, approached it with reverence, and looked at the bowl. A black, sticky, goopy mess?

27.

I looked up at Adrian, who was watching me expectantly, his eyes practically begging for praise. He’d made it—maybe it just looked bad? I tentatively took a bite. Oh my god! Had he dumped the whole salt shaker in? Salty, bitter, sour, spicy—how many seasonings had he used?

I forced myself to swallow, and the light in Adrian’s eyes dimmed. He looked down, hiding his disappointment under his long lashes. “Not good? Yeah, I’ve got no talent for cooking.”

I glanced at the noodles. I really couldn’t take another bite, even if Adrian had made them. “Are you hungry? Let me cook!”

I pushed back my chair, walked up to Adrian, and reached around his waist to untie his apron. Standing in front of him, I realized how forward I was being. The move was way too intimate, like I was deliberately hugging him. I lowered my head, feeling Adrian’s warm breath on my forehead. His waist was slim—I could wrap my arms around it completely. Adrian just held his hands up, making it easier for me to untie the knot.

28.

It was just an apron, but somehow Adrian had tied a knot that wouldn’t budge. I struggled with it, my face growing redder by the second. We were standing too close—a slight lean and we’d be touching. I could even hear Adrian’s strong heartbeat, feel his tense body. He was nearly a head taller than me. Standing in front of him, my face was level with his chest. His chest was heaving, almost brushing my nose several times.

Blushing, I finally worked the knot loose and let out a deep breath, which blew onto Adrian’s chest. He seemed to shiver. As I slowly pulled my hands back, Adrian moved. He grabbed my forearms, pressed my hands against his waist, and then hugged me back.

Adrian was hugging me? I looked up in surprise, meeting his gaze. His eyes deepened, heated, like molten lava. When he focused on me, a dark glint passed through them—a look that was both thrilling and terrifying, as if one wrong move and I’d be consumed.

29.

*Ring~*

Adrian’s phone went off. The shrill ring startled us both. I jumped back, gasping for air. I’d been so nervous I’d forgotten to breathe.

Adrian answered, his expression instantly serious. “Yes, on my way!” He turned to me. “Joanna, I’ve got an emergency. Lock the door. I probably won’t be back tonight.”

I watched his hurried retreat, feeling lost. So close—we were so close to kissing! Dejectedly, I walked to the table. I couldn’t bear to throw away the noodles. On second thought, I took a photo and saved it to my favorites. I made myself a bowl of tomato and egg noodles, eating while planning how to catch those creeps. I needed to install cameras and maybe get a big, fierce dog for the yard. I couldn’t feel safe even during the day.

30.

I’d drunk too much water during the day and got up groggily to use the bathroom. Half-asleep, I climbed back into bed before realizing something was wrong. A strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me into an embrace.

“Joanna, did you do that on purpose?”

Adrian was back? This was his bed?!

His breath hit my neck, sending goosebumps all over my body. I froze, my back to him, not daring to move.

“Ad-Adrian, when did you get back?”

I felt his hand rubbing my waist, his fingertips rough, his palm hot. He seemed to be kissing my neck and shoulders, igniting little sparks all over my body, burning away my reason and soul.

I’d been waiting for this moment for so long, but now that it was here, I was scared. I pulled his hand away, jumped out of bed, and bolted from the room. “Sorry, wrong room!”

Agh! I wrapped myself in the blanket, my head steaming. There was a reason I’d been single all these years—I’d just blown such a perfect opportunity. I regretted it, but I definitely didn’t have the courage to go back to his room. Torn between hesitation, embarrassment, excitement, and sleep, I eventually drifted off.

31.

When I woke up, Adrian was already gone. I felt relieved but also disappointed. He must like me, right? Then why hadn’t he confessed? Deep down, I was still a bit traditional. Getting intimate without being official didn’t feel right. Was he just playing around?

After a morning of overthinking, I finally got ready and headed out. I bought a bunch of cameras at the electronics market, then went to the pet store for a wolfdog and a pile of dog food. A delivery van from the pet shop took me back to the village. I had the cameras installed, set up a doghouse in the yard, and added a few outdoor lights before finally relaxing. The stolen painting draft would have to be redone.

As I was busy, my mom called. “Joanna, come home tonight. I’ve set up a blind date for you tomorrow.”

“A date? Mom, I told you I don’t want to go on blind dates!”

“What, you think you can fly without them? A woman is like a flower. If you don’t find someone while you’re young, are you going to wait until you’re old? If you don’t come home, I’ll break your legs!”

I hung up in frustration, but I didn’t dare disobey. If I didn’t go, my mom would show up at my studio within an hour and make my life miserable. What else could I do? It wasn’t like I could cut ties with her.

32.

“Adrian, I’m going home tonight. My mom’s arranged a blind date for me tomorrow.”

I stared anxiously at my phone. If Adrian really wanted to be with me, seeing me go on a date should get a reaction, right?

“Okay. Stay safe