Volume One: Rising to the Peak from the Start Chapter 25: Why Don’t We Do Something Full of Love?

Feeling the intensity of Chen Jing’s gaze, Sun Ruoqing’s heart trembled, and her cheeks flushed softly. She cast a sidelong glance at him, scoffing, “Hmph—men!” As she spoke, she crossed her arms over her chest, pushing her curves into an exaggerated arc.

Chen Jing dared not look any longer. He quickly turned toward the window, rubbing his nose as he muttered, “Miss, you’re the one who chose to dress like this. Honestly, any man would take a few extra glances.”

Sun Ruoqing felt a pang of guilt, her voice muffled, “Don’t you like it, then?”

“Uh…” Chen Jing was speechless.

How was he supposed to answer? If he said he liked it, he’d seem lecherous; if he said he didn’t, he’d sound insincere.

Watching Sun Ruoqing’s seemingly indifferent, yet secretly hopeful expression, Chen Jing relented—lecherous or not, he’d just be honest. He looked at her squarely and said, “Of course I like it. With your figure, you look good in anything. I just haven’t seen you wear this style before, so it feels a bit strange.”

Sun Ruoqing shrugged nonchalantly, “Oh, it was Little Nine who told me to dress this way. She said it’d look great.” Her lips curled upward, betraying her inner delight.

In truth, Little Nine’s exact words were, “If Ruoqing dresses like this, brother will definitely like it,” and somehow, Ruoqing found herself dressed this way to meet Chen Jing.

He knew it was Yuan Shan’s instigation. Otherwise, with Ruoqing’s icy temperament, she’d never wear such provocative clothes.

This minor episode did nothing to diminish Chen Jing’s joy at seeing his childhood friend again. He gathered himself, pushing aside the errant thoughts, and asked with a gentle smile, “How are the others?”

Sun Ruoqing didn’t answer immediately. She gazed at his relaxed smile, pursed her lips, and replied lightly, “They’re fine. No missing limbs, at least.”

Chen Jing chuckled, “That’s good. Tell them to take it easy on missions.”

“Mm,” Sun Ruoqing nodded.

There was another phrase Chen Jing left unsaid: “May they always return safely.” For both of them knew that, in their line of work, safe returns were a luxury they could rarely afford.

Even when Chen Jing was still with them, their mission success rate was only ninety percent, and casualties were minimal. The one failed mission was Chen Jing’s last, and the casualty needed no explanation.

Sensing the somber mood, Chen Jing changed the subject, “Where’s Yuan Shan? Is she on a mission?”

“Yes. We tracked a group from Pandora infiltrating China,” Sun Ruoqing glanced at him. “Right in Xiang City. The people you asked me to deal with yesterday—they were members of Pandora.”

Chen Jing frowned, glancing toward the room where Molly was, and asked, “Did you find any information on Molly? Why was Pandora after her?”

At this, Sun Ruoqing’s expression became grave.

“Do you remember Pandora’s experiment with implanting abilities in humans?”

Chen Jing’s pupils contracted in shock. “Molly—she’s an experimental subject?”

The ability implantation experiment was one of Pandora’s most inhumane projects. Infants were exposed to abilities from birth, increasing their chances of awakening powers. The success rate was abysmal; failed infants suffered irreversible brain damage, leaving them mentally impaired.

Those who did awaken abilities were indoctrinated from childhood, becoming loyal followers of Pandora. This was one of the organization’s primary sources of new ability-users.

Sun Ruoqing nodded, her voice formal, “Molly is Subject Eighteen of the ability implantation experiment. For reasons unknown, she escaped from Pandora’s Thailand–Myanmar lab three days ago, fled all the way to China, and finally arrived in Xiang City…”

Chen Jing pondered the information, uncertain. “Someone must have helped her escape. Otherwise, it’s impossible she would have made it this far.”

Sun Ruoqing nodded, analyzing, “You’re right. During our assault on Pandora’s division in Thailand–Myanmar, we rescued some researchers. According to them, their supervisor helped Molly escape. After she fled, Pandora’s forces there were too busy dealing with our attack to send anyone after her.”

Chen Jing absorbed her analysis, sinking into deep thought. Something felt off, but he lacked enough information to pinpoint what.

After a moment, he walked toward the room. Seeing this, Sun Ruoqing followed.

Chen Jing approached the bedside, silently observing the curled, sleeping Molly. Sun Ruoqing stood quietly nearby, waiting.

After a while, Chen Jing gestured to Sun Ruoqing, then softly stepped out.

He closed the door gently, and whispered, “Did the file say what ability Molly awakened? And what level is she?”

“The records list her as a Level Two ability-user, but don’t specify her ability. I just sensed her powers—she’s probably Level Three now,” Sun Ruoqing replied softly.

“Level Three…” Chen Jing murmured. “No record of her ability? That’s very unusual.”

Sun Ruoqing asked, puzzled, “Did you notice something odd?”

Chen Jing shook his head. Apart from the missing information about Molly’s ability, nothing seemed out of place—yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. If only he could still access his seventh brain domain; perhaps he’d spot the anomaly.

“It’s probably fine.” Unable to make sense of it, Chen Jing decided to let it go.

“What do you plan to do with Molly?” Sun Ruoqing asked.

“Is there anything else tied to her situation?” Chen Jing queried.

Sun Ruoqing shook her head, “No, but we should take her to the base for a thorough check-up, just to see if the experiment left any lasting effects on her body.”

Thinking of the countless needle marks on Molly, Chen Jing sighed inwardly. Physical wounds could be healed, but what about the trauma to her soul? For a young girl, mishandled care could mean a lifetime of shadow.

Through the crack in the door, he watched Molly’s sleeping face, still furrowed in worry. He nodded, “Alright, let her stay here for now. Help me register her in my household, make me her guardian.”

“Alright, that’s settled then.”

With business concluded, Chen Jing relaxed, his eyes roaming appreciatively over Sun Ruoqing’s seductive attire. He grinned mischievously, “Ahem, Ruoqing, now that we’ve finished discussing serious matters and the night is still young, why don’t we do something loving and boost our relationship?”

Sun Ruoqing blushed deeply, lowering her gaze. In a barely audible voice she stammered, “Something loving? What… what do you want to do? You’re not able to…”

Before she could finish, Chen Jing leaned in, his lips near her ear, whispering, “How about I help you…”

“Mmm—” Unable to help herself, Sun Ruoqing let out a soft moan as his warm breath tickled her ear. She bit her lip, gazing alluringly at him, “Do you really mean it? But your…”

“Don’t worry, this won’t be a problem.”

“Then go ahead,” Sun Ruoqing said, closing her eyes in shy anticipation.

“Hehe, here I come.” Chen Jing transformed into a hungry wolf, scooping Sun Ruoqing into his arms and carrying her to the living room sofa, tossing her gently onto its cushions.

Indeed, the expensive sofa was worth every penny—spacious and comfortable. Chen Jing had once thought it a needless extravagance, but now he was grateful for it.

“Ah—” Sun Ruoqing squealed softly, lounging languidly on the sofa. She covered her eyes with her hand, murmuring weakly, “Are we really doing this here? Isn’t it improper? Shouldn’t we go to the bedroom?”

“What bedroom? The atmosphere here is perfect, the lighting’s just right, hehe.” Chen Jing said, undoing his collar button, looking for all the world like a beast from some film.

Sun Ruoqing fell silent, stretching her long legs, thighs pressed together.

Without hesitation, Chen Jing reached for her alluring, silk-clad legs.

“Mmm—ha—” Sun Ruoqing couldn’t help but let out another moan, quickly covering her mouth to stifle the sound. Her body squirmed restlessly, as if someone were tickling her.

“Feels good, doesn’t it? Haven’t had my service in a long time, have you?” Chen Jing kneaded her thighs vigorously.

Yes—Chen Jing was only giving her a massage.

“Mm!” Sun Ruoqing gasped, unable to answer.

After grueling training, Chen Jing had always massaged Sun Ruoqing. He had learned techniques professionally, mastering them to perfection—everyone who’d enjoyed his massages sang their praises.

Once her thighs were done, Chen Jing nudged her, signaling her to turn over.

Reluctantly, Sun Ruoqing rolled onto her stomach.

Seeing the round, full curve of her hips, Chen Jing’s hand itched and he couldn’t help but give her a playful slap.

“Smack!” The crisp sound echoed, her hips swaying enticingly.

Both froze for a moment.

“Uh… haha, your butt’s still as nice as when we were kids, feels great,” Chen Jing joked, changing the subject.

“Mm—” a barely audible reply, Sun Ruoqing buried her face into the sofa. If one could see her now, they’d know the meaning of “blushing like a peach blossom.”

Back, shoulders, all the way to the head, Chen Jing continued his massage, serious yet not so serious—how serious, well, only the two of them would know.

Author: Why don’t you guess—was that massage serious or not?