Super Soldier in the City
Chapter 72: Like

Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Like

Li Yifei shook his head slightly, trying to keep his mood calm, and said, "Alright, let’s sleep."

Su Yiyi gave a hum, but stood still without moving, looking embarrassed. Although it was her idea to stay here, when it actually came to sleeping, she was extremely nervous. This time was different than the last: the previous time was purely about repaying a favor, or one could say she was prepared to sell herself, hence she had always harbored a fearful attitude towards that kind of matter.

But this time, her thoughts weren’t as simple as repaying a favor. She truly didn’t know what would happen next.

Seeing Su Yiyi not moving, Li Yifei knew she was very nervous and couldn’t help but find it a bit funny. He patted her shoulder and said, "Hurry and go to sleep. Stop overthinking things."

"Mhm!" Su Yiyi replied softly and then bit her lip, slowly taking off her coat.

"Alright, don’t be shy. I’m going to turn off the light, and you can undress on the bed," Li Yifei said. After speaking, he turned off the light, and the room plunged into darkness.

Then, as expected, he heard the sound of Su Yiyi’s clothes being removed, and she was doing it quite a bit faster, "Brother Li... I... I’m done undressing."

Li Yifei replied with a sound and also approached the bed, quickly removing his clothes and getting into bed wearing his undershirt and underwear.

Su Yiyi lay flat on the bed, just like that day, with rapid breathing due to nervousness, and she seemed even more nervous than before, to the point where one could feel her body trembling. This wasn’t fear; it seemed as if the girl was about to make some decision.

Li Yifei certainly didn’t dare let her make any decisions, as that would put him in a passive position and also risk hurting this delicate girl’s heart. Thus, he directly extended his arm under Su Yiyi’s neck and said, "Alright, I’ll hold you while we sleep, and we’ll have a good night’s rest. Tomorrow is a new day."

Su Yiyi compliantly turned to nestle in Li Yifei’s arms, her body stiff as could be, completely unsure of where to place her hands.

Li Yifei also turned on his side, placing his other arm on Su Yiyi’s back and lightly patting her twice as he said softly, "Sleep."

Upon hearing these simple words, Su Yiyi suddenly relaxed. At this moment, her mind stopped wandering, and it felt like cuddling in her father’s embrace, so warm and cozy—although she rarely experienced such feelings.

Closing her eyes and listening to Li Yifei’s steady heartbeat, feeling his body warmth and the faint scent of tobacco on him, Su Yiyi quickly fell asleep, and slept very peacefully and sweetly.

Li Yifei, however, had a somewhat troubled sleep that night. Holding such a beautiful girl for sleep, if he had no thoughts at all, then he wouldn’t be a man. Fortunately, having undergone much training, his self-control was particularly formidable, and he eventually forced himself to sleep.

The next day when Li Yifei woke up and had yet to open his eyes, he could feel that Su Yiyi in his arms was staring at him. And when his eyelids moved, Su Yiyi quickly closed her eyes, but her uneven breathing betrayed her already.

Li Yifei let out a light chuckle and said, "You’re up early."

Su Yiyi’s face instantly flushed to her ears, and she opened her eyes but buried her face in Li Yifei’s chest, twisting as she said, "Brother Li, you’re awake too."

Li Yifei patted Su Yiyi’s back and said, "How could I sleep with you watching me like that?"

"I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up," Su Yiyi suddenly became somewhat flustered.

"Silly girl, I’m not blaming you. It’s still early; we can sleep a bit longer." It wasn’t even half past six yet, and Li Yifei really didn’t want to get up so soon. The Tender Country had quite an allure for him, and even if nothing could happen, the idea of holding Su Yiyi—soft and fragrant in his arms—was too tempting to resist.

At that moment, how could Su Yiyi still fall asleep? In Li Yifei’s arms, she felt an indescribable comfort. Although it had been a bit embarrassing just now, after spending the night with Li Yifei, she had become a lot braver. Looking up at Li Yifei, she asked softly, "Brother Li, can we talk for a bit?"

"Yes, of course." Li Yifei opened his eyes again and found Su Yiyi’s face close at hand.

Su Yiyi’s cheeks reddened as she said, "Brother Li, a classmate told me that... that boys... are very impulsive. Why aren’t you impulsive?"

Li Yifei hadn’t expected Su Yiyi to ask such a question and smiled faintly, saying, "When you’re young, everyone is impulsive, but now that I’m this old, I’m not that impulsive anymore."

"That’s not right, though, you’re only twenty-six, only six years older than me, you’re still a young man, not some middle-aged uncle."

Li Yifei felt Su Yiyi’s earnestness and replied while looking into her eyes, "Perhaps it’s because everyone’s experiences differ, and the way they think about things is different too. Many people act without considering the consequences, but I always think about the consequences of my actions."

Su Yiyi bit her lip and said, "But I... don’t expect you to take responsibility."

Li Yifei rubbed Su Yiyi’s hair gently, saying with affection, "You might not hold me responsible, but can I get over this in my own heart? I can tell you that I, Brother Li, am not a good person either. Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many women have had relations with me, but I’ve never taken responsibility."

"Ah? No way, Brother Li, you don’t have to lie to me. I’ve slept with you for two nights, yet you didn’t even—which is to say, you didn’t even touch me."

Li Yifei broke into a sweat quietly and said, "Of course I can’t touch you. You are so pure, and I’m just a wanderer. If I really did anything with you, I would start to miss you, but I don’t want to tie myself down to a woman so early in my life. That’s why I couldn’t do it."

"Brother Li, do you mean... you might have a little liking for me?" Su Yiyi asked with her large eyes wide open, full of shyness and hope.

Li Yifei finally couldn’t bear that pure gaze and said, "Yes, I do like you a bit, but it’s just liking, not love. Yiyi, please don’t fall in love with me. It’s bound to hurt you. If you see me as a friend, then I have no objections. Do you understand?"

A flash of disappointment appeared in Su Yiyi’s eyes, but she quickly gave a sweet smile and said, "Brother Li, I understand. I won’t cling to you. Do whatever you want to do, but on weekends, could I help you with the laundry or something like that? I just want to help you with something."

With such a simple request, what could Li Yifei possibly refuse? He smiled and rubbed Su Yiyi’s hair again, hugging her a bit tighter as he said, "How could I refuse such a good offer?"

Su Yiyi immediately hugged Li Yifei tightly with joy, saying sweetly, "Brother Li, you are really kind."

Li Yifei felt warmth in his heart. He had merely agreed to Su Yiyi’s simple request, which made her so happy. Su Yiyi was truly a good girl. If it weren’t for... Su Yiyi would indeed be an ideal partner.

Thinking of his own inner dilemma, Li Yifei sighed quietly, unsure when he would be able to resolve it.

The two lay cuddled together for half an hour before Li Yifei got up. Just like the last time, Su Yiyi helped him dress before she put on her own clothes. She was much more open this morning, dressing casually without avoiding Li Yifei’s gaze.

Once dressed, Su Yiyi brought Li Yifei water to wash his face and squeezed out the toothpaste. As Li Yifei brushed his teeth, she asked him softly, "Brother Li, do you think I’m cheap? A girl without any restraint?"

Li Yifei took the toothbrush out of his mouth and said, "Silly girl, in my heart, you’re as pure as the driven snow."

"But I..."

"There are no buts; Brother Li understands everything."

Su Yiyi smiled sweetly again, hugging Li Yifei from behind, rubbing her face gently against his back as she cooed, "Brother Li, you are really wonderful."

Li Yifei patted Su Yiyi’s hand and chuckled, "Enough, you’ve hugged me all night and still can’t get enough?"

"That’s because I could never get enough of hugging you, Brother Li. I don’t know how long it will be until I can hug you again."

"Alright, alright, then keep hugging," Li Yifei chuckled, shaking his head as he continued brushing his teeth with a koala clinging to his back.

After eating lunch at Li Yifei’s place, Su Yiyi left reluctantly. Her reluctance tugged at the heartstrings of those in the warehouse.

"Manager Li, that girl is really good to you." Dong Chenghuai watched Su Yiyi’s retreating figure, unable to blink and envied, he commented.

Li Yifei gave a faint smile and said, "Yeah, she really is not bad."

Dong Chenghuai added, "You know, Manager Li, I feel like that girl would make a perfect wife—gentle and attentive, capable, and so pretty, without a single flaw."

Li Yifei was aware of this, but he was not the lucky man meant for her. If Su Yiyi ever wanted to find a boyfriend, Li Yifei would indeed have to help vet the candidates. Once a girl like her cared for someone, she would do so with all her heart. But if she met someone who didn’t know how to cherish her, Su Yiyi’s life would likely be very hard.

Unconsciously, Li Yifei found himself deeply concerned about Su Yiyi.

On Monday, the warehouse manager returned, and Li Yifei completed the handover. The manager thanked him profusely and wanted to take Li Yifei out for a good time that evening, but Li Yifei declined because Xu Yingying had called him in the morning, asking him to visit her at her house after he finished his work here.

Although Li Yifei no longer had to play the role of Xu Yingying’s boyfriend, he was very willing to lend him money the last time he asked, and she had agreed without hesitation. So when Xu Yingying asked for him, he had no reason to refuse. Besides, he could also return the money to her. Lending and borrowing made for easy lending in the future, and Li Yifei didn’t know when he might urgently need money again. Having Xu Yingying as a backer was certainly not someone to offend.