More than half a month later.
The night grew deep, and the Cloudtop Apartments were enveloped in tranquility.
During this time, Gu Chengyu had almost poured all his efforts into caring for Su Qianqian, prioritizing her in everything. He had spoiled her to the point of fostering a bit of willfulness; she would get upset at the slightest disagreement. Gu Chengyu accepted it all, becoming increasingly skilled at coaxing her.
In fact, he secretly took pride in it. The more he spoiled her, the better. That way, who else but him could ever handle her?
Though, most of the time, the young woman was still sweet and compliant. Sometimes he even regretted that her nature was too gentle; he wished she would be a little more demanding.
Their pattern of interaction was no different from that of a passionately in-love couple. However, because Su Qianqian had never relented and agreed to reconcile, they still slept in separate rooms.
Every night, after bidding each other goodnight, Gu Chengyu would watch Su Qianqian close her door before returning to his own room.
On this particular night, as usual, Su Qianqian said softly to Gu Chengyu in the living room, "A-Yu, goodnight."
However, just as she turned to enter her room and was about to close the door, a large hand gently pressed against the narrowing gap.
Su Qianqian turned back in surprise to see Gu Chengyu, who had somehow followed her to the doorway.
His eyes were deep-set, his gaze so profound it made her heart flutter uneasily.
"Qianqian," he called her name in a low voice, sounding hoarser than usual.
"Hmm?" she responded, sensing something unusual about him.
Not giving her much time to think, Gu Chengyu pushed the door open, stepped inside in one stride, and gently closed it behind him with a backward hand.
Then, he bent down and effortlessly scooped her up into his arms.
"Ah!" Su Qianqian let out a soft gasp, wrapping her arms around his neck. "What are you doing?"
Gu Chengyu didn't answer. He simply carried her the few steps to the bed and laid her down gently.
He sat down beside her, turning slightly to cage her beneath his shadow, his burning gaze fixed on her.
Su Qianqian sank into the soft bedding, looking up at the man's face so close above her. The turbulent emotions swirling in his eyes made her heartbeat suddenly erratic, and her cheeks began to flush uncontrollably.
She flustered, trying to sit up. "It's very late, you should go back to your room..."
But Gu Chengyu reached out, gently pressing on her shoulder to keep her from rising.
He lowered his head, his warm breath brushing her lips, his voice tinged with grievance. "Qianqian, how much longer do I have to wait?"
His palm slid down from the strap of her nightgown, caressing her rounded shoulder.
"I'm suffering," he murmured lowly, restless and impatient, burying his face in the crook of her neck seeking solace.
"I think of you every day... so much it aches." He captured her small hand, guiding it down to touch his taut abdominal muscles and the unmistakable evidence of his desire.
Su Qianqian tried to pull her hand back, but he held it firmly in place.
Her body went weak, and her face flushed red.
"Don't..." Her voice was thin, trembling with shyness, her eyes darting away, unable to meet his overly direct and fervent gaze.
But Gu Chengyu wouldn't allow her to escape.
He lowered his head, found her soft lips, and kissed her.
Su Qianqian was kissed into a daze, her mind blank. All she could do was cling to his shoulders, bearing the onslaught of his surging emotions.
After who knows how long, he finally released her lips slightly. Their breaths mingled, both ragged.
Gu Chengyu rested his forehead against hers, his eyes locked on her dazed, watery ones, his voice hoarse beyond recognition. "Qianqian, tell me, is it okay?"
"Don't send me away anymore, alright?"
His kiss descended again, this time much gentler, brushing over her brow, eyelids, the tip of her nose, before finally capturing her slightly parted, tender lips once more.
Su Qianqian responded to his kiss with naive clumsiness.
A low, satisfied sigh escaped the man's throat.
He held back no longer, slipping off her shoulder strap and turning to cover her body with his own.
...
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