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“Jingnu, cheer up.” Shunu didn’t want to see her sister moping around. The new year was coming soon, they had to stay positive and look forward to new beginnings. “I’m sure the hospital will get back to you soon. They would be fools to not accept you into the program.”
Jingnu sighed. She loved her sister’s everlasting confidence in her, but she couldn’t help it. She worked so hard to get to where she was. The sleepless nights consisting of studying, the volunteer hours, and the demanding internship. She didn’t want to be set back.
“There’s nothing you can do now but wait for their call. How about you come to the New Year’s party with me. It’ll get your mind off of things. It’s the perfect distraction.” Shunu was an agent for a model agency. She attended their annual New Year’s event every year.
“I thought you said that party was filled with snobs,” she retorted, not wanting to share air with a bunch of egomaniacs.
“Not all of them are like that. Plus, you might find a cutie there.” Shunu wiggled her eyebrows up and down, teasing her sister. It had been so long since Jingnu had gotten any form of action.
Jingnu scrunched her nose. “Gross.” However, she was warming up to the idea. She couldn’t remember the last time she kissed somebody. “Fine,” she sighed. “I’ll go.”
Shunu threw a fist in the air and said ‘yes’ excitedly. “Come on! Let’s go find you something nice to wear.” She grabbed Jingnu’s hand and pulled her towards her large closet.
-----
As soon as Jingnu got out of the elevator, she unconsciously tugged her tight dress down and swept the wavy hair out of her face. The black one-shoulder sheath dress hugged her form, showing off her curves. Her sister had said that all of the models there would envy her. At the time, she had scoffed and laughed it off, but now that all eyes seemed to be attached to her, she nervously let out a breath.
“Told you they would all be staring at you,” Shunu whispered. Bias aside, her sister was easily the most beautiful girl in the whole room.
After a few conversations with Shunu’s bosses and clients, Jingnu wanted to go home. She wasn’t cut out for this type of industry. She felt more comfortable in her cozy house or around other medical students like her.
“Jingnu, go around and mingle,” her sister urged. She couldn’t babysit Jingnu the whole time. She also couldn’t ignore the curvacious woman with the wheat skin and glimmering amber eyes shooting her sensuous looks from across the room. The room was suddenly too hot for her to handle.
Jingnu looked to the direction that her sister was focused on and squinted. “Is that one of your clients?” She smirked.
“No, and I hope it stays that way.” She walked to the woman who was playfully smiling at her now.
“And then there was one,” Jingnu joked to herself. What was she gonna do now that Shunu was off flirting with that gorgeous woman? She looked around the room and pinpointed on the big terrace outdoors. Some fresh air would be good for her.
She stepped outside and walked towards the railing. She breathed in the cool nighttime air, enjoying the temporary moment of solitude.
“Not the partying type?” A deep, husky voice interrupted.
Long fingers enclosed around the railing next to her hands. She turned her head to the left and took in the tall androgynous person currently looking out to the skyline. They better not be some hotshot model. I don’t have the patience today.
“I’m a nerd,” she said in a dismissive tone. Hopefully, this person would take the hint and leave her alone.
The stranger chuckled. “I like nerds.” Then they turned, gazing directly into Jingnu’s eyes.
She had to hold in her breath at the intensity of those golden orbs. She forcefully turned away. “Why? Nerds are weird and boring.”
“Nerds are cute and intelligent. All characteristics that I personally love,” they bit back.
Jingnu turned to look at this person again. This time, she was looking at them while they were turned away. She rolled her eyes at the defiant smirk on their face. They must get off from messing with me. Jingnu observed them a little more and tried not to ogle at their sharp jawline.
“Having fun checking me out?”
Caught red-handed, Jingnu’s face turned a crimson red. Then she huffed. She was never one to back down from a fight. “Why don’t you look at me so I can see all of you.”
They pivoted their body towards hers and stared at her.
Jingnu gawked at the side cuts and the dark wavy hair curled around the top with stray strands falling near their eyes.
“You can call me Qi Yan.”
Jingnu nodded meekly. Qi Yan was the epitome of hotness. Also, Qi Yan? Why did that name sound familiar? She mentally shrugged. They were probably a famous model or something.
“And yours?” Qi Yan asked the blushing girl.
“Hm?”
Qi Yan’s lips curled at the lost look that Jingnu displayed. “Your name?”
“Nangong Jingnu,” she muttered. It was a miracle that she managed to tell them her name.
“Jingnu,” Qi Yan said, as if they were tasting her name on their lips.
All Jingnu could think about was how much she regretted coming to this party. She obviously wasn’t ready to meet new people yet, much less highly attractive people.
“Your name is pretty just like you.”
Jingnu, get a grip! You can do this. You used to be a master flirt too. Her college days weren’t that far away, were they? God, she just wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. “We’re in a building full of high-class models, I’m sure there are prettier girls.” There. That was the safest response.
“Trust me. There’s no one here that can hold a candle to you.” Truthfully, Qi Yan had been eyeing the girl who clearly did not belong in this crowd. She was like a little beacon of light in a dark room of superficiality. Her facial expressions whenever a man tried to talk to her made Qi Yan stupidly smile. And her scrunched brows and witty remarks whenever an arrogant model gave her a backhanded compliment lit a flame in Qi Yan’s heart. They couldn’t thank the heavens enough when Jingnu decided to walk to the terrace, giving them a chance to approach her.
Jingnu scoffed. “Yeah, right. What do you want from me?” It didn’t matter that Qi Yan was the most good-looking person she had ever met, she didn’t believe them one bit.
Qi Yan was glad for this type of response. It meant that their intuition was right. They flushed their suave demeanor down the drain, then they softly smiled at Jingnu. “You truly are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I don’t care if you believe me or not, I feel content with the knowledge that you are aware of your beauty and self-worth.”
Qi Yan’s words struck a chord in her heart. What they said was true, but how did they know? Sure, she felt insecure at times just like any normal human being would, but most of the time, she wasn’t afraid to flaunt her confidence. She was ready to give Qi Yan a piece of her mind, but the sarcastic comment dissipated on the tip of her tongue once she saw the soft light emitting from their glowing embers. Her heart fluttered.
Her physical reaction must’ve been a shiver because Qi Yan looked at her with concern.
“Are you cold?” They took off their blazer and handed it to her.
Jingnu, still caught in a daze, didn’t respond to their question or take hold of the coat. She simply stared at the suspenders wrapped around their silky white dress shirt, down to the ankle length trousers and black oxfords. Qi Yan was dressed to kill. She didn’t register Qi Yan’s scent until they entered her personal space. Was cologne ever this fragrant?
Qi Yan wrapped their blazer around Jingnu’s shoulders and tightened the lapels together. “This should keep you warm.” They gently smiled at her. This wasn’t the first time they had witnessed this type of reaction, but it would be the first time it affected them personally.
“Thank you,” Jingnu uttered bashfully at the floor. Maybe she should give Qi Yan a chance.
“So what are you doing here?” Qi Yan deeply wanted to know.
Jingnu looked up. “My sister is an agent for this company. She brought me along to keep me distracted from some personal problems.”
“Is everything alright at home?” Qi Yan asked in a light but serious tone.
Jingnu wasn’t the type to disclose her problems, but something about Qi Yan made her want to tell them. “It’s nothing serious. I’ve been anxiously waiting for a phone call or an email from a hospital.”
“Hospital?” They asked worriedly.
Jingnu’s eyes widened. “No. Nothing’s physically wrong with me.” She laughed. “I applied for a residency at Shanghai International.”
At this admission, Qi Yan’s eyes lit up. “Am I in the presence of a doctor?”
“Only in name, but first I have to complete residency and obtain my license.”
Qi Yan nodded. “What area do you want to specialize in?”
“General surgery.”
“Wow, a woman after my heart. Talented in all areas.”
Jingnu giggled. “You act like you know what I’m talking about.”
They gave her a sharp look. “I know a lot more than you think.”
She playfully rolled her eyes. “Sure.”
Qi Yan merely smirked. “I hope you get that spot.”
“Thank you,” she replied genuinely.
“Countdown is beginning in fifteen minutes!” A man joyfully shouted from behind them.
The people inside crowded out to the terrace as soon as fireworks erupted in the night sky. Dazzling lights bursted, projecting bright spirals across the dark horizon. The sparks flew down casting a glowing aura around the pair.
They had the best view but Qi Yan decided right then and there that the fireworks couldn’t compare to the woman who was currently softly smiling at the lightshow.
Jingnu felt the heat of Qi Yan’s gaze but decided to ignore it. She didn’t want to embarrass herself again.
They watched in silence for ten minutes until Qi Yan broke the quietness. “Have you ever had a New Year’s kiss?”
Jingnu’s lips curled. She knew exactly what Qi Yan implied with that question. “Yes, but I don’t think it can ever be topped. It was simply amazing,” she lied, daring Qi Yan to challenge her.
“Oh, really?” That meant nothing to Qi Yan. They knew they were the best. They excelled in everything. “I bet I can give you a kiss so breathtaking, I’ll be the only one you’ll ever be thinking of on this day for the rest of your life.”
Jingnu had to suppress her laughter. They were so easy to bait. “We’ll see about that.”
They were down to a minute now. Whereas Jingnu was happily anticipating their kiss, Qi Yan’s hands were clammy.
“You seem nervous,” Jingnu teased. “You have thirty seconds to compose yourself. You wouldn’t want to mess up our breathtaking kiss.” She playfully mocked them.
Qi Yan swallowed nervously. Where did their confidence go?
“Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six!” The seconds ticked down.
Jingnu smirked before grabbing Qi Yan’s face with her hands. Their lips met in a firm kiss. On her tiptoes, Jingnu took the lead with determination. She gently nipped at Qi Yan’s bottom lip and licked it but she didn’t allow a full kiss. Qi Yan would have to work for it.
Qi Yan couldn’t register the ‘Happy New Year’ cheers in the background. They were too busy feeling the electricity pulsing through their veins. They were high above, floating on a cloud. When they felt Jingnu pull away, they grabbed Jingnu’s waist against their hips, and gave her a deep, thorough kiss.
Jingnu couldn’t explain the light buzzing sound in her ears. She was too caught up in Qi Yan’s hold. They slightly tilted her head back and kissed her, sapping all of the energy out of her. Her knees felt wobbly, but a thought grounded her. It’s me who will give her the best kiss of her life. With an intensity that she had never shown before, she wrapped her arms around Qi Yan’s neck and used her chest to push Qi Yan back. They were now caught in a heated embrace. Jingnu caressed the soft hairs on the back of Qi Yan’s head, inducing a shiver from the taller person. She smiled against their mouth. Almost there. She put both lips around Qi Yan’s upper lip and sucked on it. Qi Yan moaned. Got ‘em. She gently let go of Qi Yan and grinned at the hazy eyes staring back at her.
“It seems like I’ll be the one you’ll be thinking of for the rest of your life.” She took off the blazer, placed it into Qi Yan’s arms and whispered into their ear, “Happy New Year.” She ignored the onlookers’ curious eyes and walked away. She met Shunu’s mischievous eyes by the terrace door.
“You put on quite a show, sis.” Shunu smiled, happy that her sister got some action.
“Don’t think I didn’t see you sucking on that hot model’s face in the corner.”
“The hot model’s face has a name, you know. Her name is Jiya, and there will be a lot more sucking later,” Shunu said with excitement.
“Ew. TMI.” Jingnu didn’t need those scenarios in her head. “I need to use the restroom.”
“Use the one in my office. You know where it is.”
Jingnu looked in the restroom mirror and touched her lips. She still tasted Qi Yan. She smiled in disbelief at herself, then she walked out.
“Your sister told me I’d find you here.”
Jingnu was pleasantly surprised to see Qi Yan again. “Do you know my sister?”
“Not exactly. I saw you talking to her so I approached her to ask about you.” Qi Yan nervously looked at the floor. They didn’t know how to tell her the next part. “And...my cousin, Jiya, was kind of making out with her.”
“She’s your cousin? Talk about good genes.” Was it possible for them both to be that beautiful?
“You and your sister are beautiful. I guess Jiya and I have good taste in women,” Qi Yan teased.
Jingnu couldn’t help but laugh.
Qi Yan soaked in the sound of her laughter, softly smiling at the crinkle in her eyes. They wanted to hear more of this, wanted to see more of this.
Their moment was disrupted by a bang by the door. They turned their heads to see two women shoving each other against the wall, meshing their lips together. The smooches echoed in the room.
Jingnu giggled at her sister’s enthusiasm, while Qi Yan cleared their throat at their cousin.
Shunu didn’t know how she managed to dislodge herself from Jiya. It took all of her willpower. She looked at her sister. “Jingnu?” Then she looked at the other person in the room. “Qi Yan? What are you two doing here?”
Jingnu rolled her eyes. Her sister was clearly buzzed. “You told me to use this restroom, remember?”
“Right.” Silence ensued between the two pairs.
Jiya lightly traced the side of Shunu’s cheek, then she turned to Jingnu. “Hi, I’m Jiya. We haven’t met yet.” She eyed the woman Qi Yan was clearly into. The eyeliner sharpened Jingnu’s phoenix-like eyes, and the dress she wore looked like it was made for her. She really needed to give her cousin a fist bump.
“I’m Jingnu.” She didn’t know what else to say. The air felt awkward.
“You are gorgeous,” Jiya complimented.
Jingnu blushed. These cousins really knew how to make a girl feel special.
“You better watch it,” Qi Yan warned light-heartedly.
“Relax, Dr. Qi, no one’s gonna steal your girl.”
Dr. Qi? What did this mean? She threw a questioning glance at Qi Yan.
Shunu interrupted their conversation. “Jingnu, do you think maybe you can call a cab home?” She glanced at Jiya suggestively, hoping her sister would take the hint.
“Of course,” Jingnu laughed. She grabbed her purse.
“I can take you home.” Qi Yan wanted to take this opportunity to know Jingnu.
Jingnu’s first thought was to say no, but she was curious about the ‘Dr. Qi’, so she agreed.
“Please get her home safely. Thank you.” Shunu was grateful, but she also really wanted them to leave already. Her hormones were going crazy.
Jingnu gave her sister a kiss on the cheek on the way out. She turned to Jiya and said, “Goodbye, Jiya. It was nice meeting you. Please take care of her.”
“I’m sure I’ll see more of you, Jingnu. And you don’t have to worry about your sister. I’ll take good care of her.” She wasn’t even looking at Jingnu anymore.
Jingnu had to get out of there before they tore each other’s clothes off with their eyes. She looked at Qi Yan who wasn’t fairing any better. She gestured with her eyes, ‘let’s go.’
As soon as they got out, Qi Yan let out a relieved breath. “I really thought I was gonna choke on their sex air.”
Jingnu bursted out laughing. “I’m glad they’re celebrating the new year on a high note.”
They jumped in the elevator. “So what did Jiya mean by ‘Dr. Qi’?” A thought hit her. “Wait.” She racked through her brain and stumbled on an article she read through the hospital’s website. Qi Yan? She gasped. Qi Yan was one of the nation’s rising neurosurgeons, they were apparently a child prodigy and graduated from the most prestigious universities and programs in record time. She gaped at Qi Yan. “You’re Dr. Qi Yan, one of Shanghai International’s best surgeons. That’s why you sounded like you knew what I was talking about earlier.”
Qi Yan grinned proudly. “What, did you really think I was a model?” They put their hands in their pockets and stood tall in all of their glory.
“You definitely have the arrogance of a doctor and some hotshot model.” She wasn’t bothered by Qi Yan’s attitude anymore. She found it attractive now that she knew Qi Yan didn’t tell her who they really were. Doctors like them loved to brag about their title and power, but Qi Yan hid this fact.
“And you.. Dr. Nangong, you don’t have the ego that some medical students have. I hope the hospital you applied to doesn’t pass on you. They would be missing out on someone great.” Qi Yan meant it.
“I hope so too.” Jingnu didn’t want to tell Qi Yan that she applied to the same hospital they worked at. She didn’t want them to do her any favors. If she got in, it would be by her own merit.
They walked in silence to the parking lot. Qi Yan took off their blazer and put it around Jingnu again. They didn’t want her to get cold.
Jingnu appreciated their sweetness, and pulled the coat tighter to her. The citrus fragrance from the cologne earlier attacked her senses. Qi Yan smelled so good. She blushed when Qi Yan opened the passenger door for her. They were sweet and chivalrous. She admired the glossy interior of the luxurious car. It was well-deserved. She remembered reading about Qi Yan’s history; they had lost their parents at a young age, and grew up with their grandmother in a small shabby house. Now, not only do they save lives, they also made their parents and grandmother proud.
“Are you still cold? I turned on the seat warmer.” Qi Yan wanted to make sure Jingnu was comfortable.
“I’m fine. This coat is really warm.” She watched as Qi Yan pulled out of the parking lot.
“You can keep it if you want?” They wanted another excuse to see her. “Show me the directions to your place?” They were so focused on Jingnu that they forgot to ask for directions.
“Mm.” Jingnu didn’t respond to Qi Yan’s first question. She also secretly wanted to see them again. “Will you give me your phone number?”
Qi Yan happily smiled. “Why don’t you put your number into my phone so I can call you first.” They handed her their phone.
Jingu felt the giddiness overtaking her, she’d never been so thrilled typing in a bunch of numbers.
They talked about the little things during their drive back; music, movies, and personal hobbies were all covered. They also bonded over their medical school days, laughing at their hardships and telling each other wild stories about the ER room.
Soon enough, they arrived at Jingnu’s place. Neither of them wanted it to be over.
“Thank you for driving me home. I really enjoyed our conversations.” Shyness took over Jingnu.
“What about the kiss? Wasn’t it the greatest kiss ever?” Qi Yan asked, looking at her lips.
Jingnu softly grinned. “That’s enough flirting for tonight. And by the way, I should be the one asking you that question.” She stared at Qi Yan, but they stayed silent. Nervousness got to her, so she quickly said, “Goodnight, Qi Yan,” and left.
Her heels clacked to the beat of her heart. Before she could unlock the door to her house, she felt a tug on her wrist.
“You didn’t give me a chance to answer.”
The light in Qi Yan’s amber eyes engulfed her, keeping her warmer than the coat around her.
Qi Yan clasped Jingnu’s small hands around their own and smoothly rubbed it. “You gave me a kiss that was so out of this world, I don’t think I ever want to kiss someone else ever again. How do you expect me not to be stunned by you?” They blissfully sighed and openly gazed at the exquisite woman in front of them. “May I give you a goodnight kiss?”
The latter bobbed her head up and down in a bashful gesture.
“Close your eyes,” Qi Yan whispered.
Jingnu closed her eyes and breathed in anticipation.
Pulling Jingnu closer to them, Qi Yan laid a chaste kiss on her forehead. They smiled at the curve on her lips and the little crinkles by her eyelids. Qi Yan tilted their head down and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.
Jingnu felt colorful fireworks going off in her head. Qi Yan kissed her so softly and so gently, her heart melted at its core, allowing her to feel all of Qi Yan racing through every part of her body. Qi Yan didn’t want anything out of this kiss, she simply wanted to kiss her, and Jingnu felt it.
Qi Yan felt her smile against their lips. “Goodnight,” they whispered. Then they let go of Jingnu and slowly walked away.
“Goodnight.” Jingnu already anticipated seeing them again.
Qi Yan turned around and walked backwards. They waved goodbye and shot her one final smile.
Huge smiles were splattered on their faces as they both got behind their respective doors.
It was a happy new year, indeed.