The spacious backyard of the hotel had been transformed into a series of private Japanese-style courtyards.
At five in the afternoon, the sunlight slanted westward.
The two arrived at the private hot spring.
Steam rose in wisps from the thermal waters as Gu Chengyu stretched his arms along the edge of the pool. His upper body was sculpted with defined abs and smooth, powerful back muscles, like a resting predator—languid yet coiled with latent energy. Beneath the water, only a pair of black swim trunks clung to his lean hips, accentuating his taut waistline and hinting at an impressive silhouette.
A wooden tray floated nearby, carrying a chilled pot of plum wine and two delicate crystal glasses.
Tilting his head back, eyes closed, he thought of the young woman changing in the room. Time seemed to crawl.
Finally, the wooden door slid open with a whisper.
Gu Chengyu’s eyes snapped open, and he turned his head slowly.
Su Qianqian stood under the eaves, wrapped tightly in a white bathrobe, the belt cinched firmly around her waist, the fabric covering her down to her calves. Barefoot on the cool wooden floor, her almond-shaped eyes darted away, too shy to meet his gaze in the water.
"Come here," Gu Chengyu commanded, his voice rougher than usual, laced with a magnetic pull that sent shivers down her spine.
Su Qianqian hesitated, inching forward in tiny, reluctant steps until she reached the pool’s edge.
The steam blurred her vision, but she could still make out the striking contours of his body beneath the water. Her pulse quickened.
"Take it off," he ordered, his gaze burning into her.
Her fingers twisted nervously around the robe’s belt. After a long pause, she whispered, "Can’t I just keep it on? I’ll soak like this..."
Gu Chengyu scoffed, his arm shooting out to seize her wrist in a firm grip. With a slight tug—
"Ah!" Su Qianqian gasped, her feet slipping as she tumbled helplessly into his arms.
Water splashed wildly around them.
The warm spring soaked through her robe, weighing it down uncomfortably.
"How are you supposed to enjoy the water like this?" he murmured, his nose brushing against the stray hairs at her ear, his breath scorching.
"Shy now? Weren’t you the one who promised to let me unwrap my gift?"
Su Qianqian buried her face in the crook of his neck, shaking her head slightly.
"Let me go first..."
"No."
Gu Chengyu chuckled darkly, his large hands working methodically at the soaked knot of her robe.
The wet fabric resisted, his fingers inevitably grazing her soft skin in the process.
"Stop..." Su Qianqian squirmed uselessly, only to be pulled tighter against him.
At last, the belt loosened.
He peeled the damp robe from her shoulders and tossed it aside.
Now clad only in her swimsuit, her delicate frame was laid bare before him.
Gu Chengyu’s breath hitched, his gaze darkening dangerously.
His eyes raked over the curves hugged by the flimsy fabric—the gentle swell of her breasts, the dip of her waist, the flare of her hips, and those slender legs...
Every inch was more devastating than he’d imagined.
Su Qianqian trembled under his scrutiny, instinctively raising her arms to cover herself.
"Don’t," Gu Chengyu growled, capturing her wrists. His voice was ragged.
He leaned in, murmuring almost reverently, "Qianqian... you’re breathtaking."
"I’m going to buy out this brand and have their designers make more just for you."
As he spoke, he pressed a kiss to her fluttering lashes, then the tip of her nose, before finally claiming her lips.
By the time they parted, both were breathless.
Gu Chengyu rested his forehead against hers, his thumb tracing her swollen lower lip, his eyes blazing with hunger.
"You promised me two days ago you’d wear this for me."
"I am wearing it..." she protested weakly, still trying to shield herself with her arms.
"Not enough."
He pulled her arms away, his voice a low, intoxicating rumble. "It’s just us here. What are you afraid of?"
Under the open sky, with nothing between them but steam and water, Su Qianqian couldn’t relax.
Sensing her unease, Gu Chengyu exhaled sharply and released her momentarily.
He reached for the crystal glass on the tray and poured a measure of plum wine.
Instead of drinking it himself, he brought it to her lips.
Thinking it was just a sweet beverage, Su Qianqian took a small sip—tangy, fruity, with a hint of spice. Delicious.
Gu Chengyu watched her throat move as she swallowed, his eyes growing heavier.
Unable to wait, he downed the rest in one gulp before cupping the back of her head and kissing her again.
"Mmph—!" Su Qianqian’s eyes flew wide.
The taste of plums flooded her mouth as he shared the wine with her.
She swallowed slowly, but some escaped, trailing down her chin, over her slender neck, and disappearing into the hollow of her collarbone.
When he finally pulled away, Su Qianqian slumped against him, dazed and panting.
Her inhibitions melted away as she weakly thumped his chest. "I could barely breathe... and now I’m dizzy," she mumbled, unaware it was the alcohol rather than his kisses clouding her mind.
Gu Chengyu studied her flushed, pliant expression, his gaze possessive.
"My beautiful Qianqian," he murmured. "Be good... let me look at you properly."
...
