Growing Pains

[1]

Lin Xi was born emotionally detached. Playing around with men and their feelings was just another day for her, but at first, her stepbrother wasn't one of them.

After an accident, she discovered that her stepbrother was quite good at playing the dog.

The puppy loved his big sister, so no matter what she did to him, he never cried out in pain. He even watched other men climb into her bed, content to be the other man and too afraid to ask for a name or a place in her life.

Lin Xi thought it was fun to tease Chen Du, especially when he wanted her but didn't dare ask for her. His soft, fluffy black hair felt lovely under her hands when he was lost in pleasure. It was all so amusing.

There was just one thing:

Lin Xi hated being pestered, and she hated being pestered by Chen Du even more.

That day, Chen Du came to see her again. She held back and held back, then taunted him: “Do you really like throwing yourself at me just so I can play with you?”

Chen Du said nothing.

Lin Xi gave a derisive laugh, her expression utterly cold. “Don't just stand there in silence. You seem to like it. Maybe we should try the balcony next time?”

[2]

Chen Du was always putting on an act, pretending to be kind, gentle, and innocent. He even pretended not to be jealous.

But Lin Xi had known all along that he was cold and jealous.

[3]

To Chen Du, Lin Xi was the growing pain he couldn't escape as a boy. Like a vine, she gradually consumed him, leaving fine stretch marks all over him.

He had forgotten how it began. He only remembered that he could never take his eyes off her. He felt each throbbing, bone-deep ache with clear but numb awareness, yet he was powerless to do anything about it.

Was it unbearable, or was it something he craved? He resisted it, yet was enthralled.

Later, Lin Xi left.

At the tattoo shop, Chen Du hesitated again and again before finally choosing to cover up those stretch marks.

But when she returned, he realized they could still be seen beneath the layers of dark green ink.

He had nowhere to hide from her. For years, he had been like a dog, begging her for a touch and a little pity.

*“Innocent puppy” x violent, heartless, cold woman. The male lead is sexually inexperienced and has never been with a man. He has a secret crush.

*No blood relation, and they aren't on the same household registration.

Theme: Learn to accept the pains of growing up.