Do Not Touch

The first time Wen Zhao kissed Xie Huaizhen was the night before she planned to report her. Xie Huaizhen, 34, is deputy director of the Linjiang Provincial Museum and an associate professor of archaeology, a promising young scholar. People usually describe her as beautiful and meticulous in everything she does, but difficult to approach. Wen Zhao has admired her for years, ever since she first attended one of her lectures in college, and finally became qualified to stand by her side. Then Xie Huaizhen became embroiled in the disappearance of cultural relics ten years ago. Professor Xie, at the center of a storm, leans against the headboard. Her usually immaculate hair hangs loose, and only one of the pearl earrings dangling from her earlobes remains. The air is unbearably hot. “Tomorrow, I'll turn in the evidence,” Wen Zhao says, struggling to pull away from the kiss. “Mm.” “Your name is in it.” Xie Huaizhen turns to look at her, her expression languid. “I know.” Wen Zhao has so many questions. What really happened ten years ago? How much does Xie Huaizhen know? And what does this intimacy between them tonight mean? Then Xie Huaizhen slips into Wen Zhao's arms, lightly taps her chin with a fingertip, and whispers in her ear: “Zhaozhao.” “After you turn it in tomorrow, will you come see me again?” Eight-year age gap, happy ending Cool, alluring archaeology professor x straightforward, passionate researcher [“Archaeology is the science of studying human history and society through material evidence.” “Someone has to remember where it came from.”] Message: Uphold honesty and faith in the face of incomplete truths