Returning to the Cloudtop Apartments.
Gu Chengyu hadn’t spoken a word the entire way back, his oppressive aura suffocating.
Once inside, he immediately pulled Su Qianqian to the spacious living room sofa, pressing her shoulders down to make her sit.
He, however, remained standing.
Looming over her, his tall frame cast a shadow that completely enveloped her. Beneath his dark gray shirt, his chest rose and fell slightly, the remnants of his anger still evident.
"Su Qianqian."
His voice was dangerously low, thick with suppressed fury. "Look at me."
Nervous under his intense gaze, Su Qianqian instinctively lifted her head, her doe-like eyes timidly meeting his.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous tonight was?"
Gu Chengyu’s voice suddenly sharpened, like a volcano finally erupting after long restraint, laced with rage and lingering fear.
"That kind of place! Those kinds of people! And you dared to go alone? Hmm?"
He leaned down, bracing his hands on the armrests of the sofa, trapping her between himself and the cushions.
His phoenix eyes churned with stormy emotions, boring into her. "You didn’t answer your phone! Didn’t reply to my messages!"
"If Ling Wei hadn’t been sharp—if I hadn’t gotten there in time—that bastard’s hands would’ve been all over you! Do you understand?"
The more he spoke, the angrier he became, veins throbbing at his temples. "What have I always told you? Hmm?"
"Report to me first if anything comes up. Were my words just background noise to you?"
Su Qianqian shrank under his scolding, the fear and grievance she’d suppressed in the private room now resurfacing under his relentless reprimand.
Her nose stung, her eyes instantly welling up again. Her lips trembled, and tears began to fall in quick succession.
Her voice was soft, choked with tears and indignation.
"Wah… You’re yelling at me again."
"I was so scared… That Producer Li, his smile was disgusting, and his hands were greasy like pig trotters…"
"I almost threw up."
"And you’re not even comforting me, wah…"
As she cried, her delicate fingers timidly tugged at the hem of Gu Chengyu’s shirt, like a pitiful little kitten seeking solace.
The sight of her tears punctured his fury like a balloon, deflating most of his anger, leaving only a dense ache in his chest and a helpless frustration.
Damn it!
He’d been furious, ready to teach her a lesson she wouldn’t forget.
But seeing her like this—teary-eyed, trembling, and so utterly wronged—her words about how disgusted she’d felt stabbed at his heart, leaving it tender and sore.
Gu Chengyu raked a hand through his hair in frustration, exhaling heavily.
Straightening up, he released the oppressive stance and sat down beside her with resigned surrender.
The sofa dipped under his weight as he pulled her into his arms, settling her sideways on his firm thighs. Though his movements were rough, the arm around her waist held her tightly—an unyielding claim of possession and protection.
"What’s with the crying now?"
His tone was still gruff, but noticeably softer, even carrying a hint of clumsy coaxing.
"Now you’re scared? Now you feel sick? Where was this awareness earlier?"
As he spoke, he wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb.
"I didn’t know it would be like this…"
Su Qianqian buried her face in the crook of his neck, the familiar scent of him calming her slightly as she sniffled and defended herself in a small voice.
"Brother Wang said the role was good, so I just wanted to try…"
"I didn’t know… didn’t know they’d be so awful."
A shudder ran through her as she recalled those greasy hands.
Feeling her tremble, Gu Chengyu’s heart melted completely.
He tightened his hold, resting his chin atop her soft hair, his voice low, torn between exasperation and adoration.
"Stupid girl!"
"Next time something like this happens, you call me immediately, got it?"
"No more dinners with anyone unless I approve. Even if the heavens invite you, you don’t go!"
"Mhm." Su Qianqian nodded against his chest, her voice muffled and nasal.
"And one more thing."
Gu Chengyu cupped her face, forcing her teary eyes to meet his, his gaze deadly serious.
"Remember this—you’re Gu Chengyu’s woman."
"In this city, this country, hell, the entire world, there’s no place you have to go where you’ll suffer even a second of discomfort."
"If anyone dares to make you uneasy, I’ll make them regret being born. Understand?"
His words were arrogant, domineering.
Su Qianqian stared into his eyes, seeing nothing but fierce protectiveness. Sniffling, her cheeks still damp, she nodded obediently, her voice sweet and reliant.
"I understand. Chengyu is the best~"
"Don’t be mad anymore, okay?"
"When you’re angry, I get scared~"
The way she called his name—soft, pleading—was impossibly endearing.
And her words were music to his ears.
Of course he was the best.
Who else could spoil and shield her like he did?
Unconsciously, the corners of Gu Chengyu’s lips lifted at her coaxing.
He leaned down, capturing her delicate lips in a kiss that was both punishing and tender.
"You’re too good at sweet-talking me. I’m completely helpless against you."
As for teaching her a lesson?
That could wait.
What else could he do with this reckless, delicate girl in his arms except cherish and protect her?
Besides, if anyone dared lay a finger on her, it only meant one thing—her man wasn’t powerful enough yet.
He needed to reflect on where he’d fallen short, allowing tonight to happen.
