In the evening, the car did not head back to the apartment in the city center, but instead drove towards a private hot spring retreat.
The environment here was tranquil and secluded, rarely open to the public on ordinary days.
Su Qianqian had dozed off for a while. When she woke up, she found the car had already stopped. Outside the window were pavilions and towers in an antique style, shrouded in the twilight, serene and warm.
"Where is this?" She rubbed her eyes, her voice still soft and drowsy.
"You're tired, so soak in the hot spring to relax. It's quiet here, no one will disturb us." Gu Chengyu got out of the car first, then very naturally reached out his hand to help her out.
Su Qianqian looked at him, acting as if his earlier outburst on set never happened, and found it somewhat amusing, but in the end, she didn't refuse.
He led her to a private courtyard.
Inside was a natural hot spring pool, steaming with warmth, adorned with ornamental rocks and emerald bamboo.
"Go change. I prepared something for you." Gu Chengyu released her hand and pointed to the changing room nearby.
When Su Qianqian came out after changing into a pretty swimsuit, Gu Chengyu was already soaking in the pool.
He leaned against the edge, his arm resting casually on the bank. Water droplets trailed down his firm chest and arms, inexplicably sensual.
Seeing her come out, he swallowed hard, suppressing his desire, and simply stretched out his hand towards her. "Come here."
Su Qianqian, barefoot, placed her hand in his palm.
With a slight pull, he drew her into the pool.
The warm spring water enveloped her entire body, washing away the fatigue from days of filming.
Su Qianqian let out a comfortable sigh, like a cat being petted, leaning lazily against him.
Gu Chengyu naturally wrapped his arm around her waist, letting her settle more comfortably against him.
Neither spoke, simply enjoying the warmth of the moment.
After a while, a playful mood suddenly struck Su Qianqian.
She secretly scooped up a handful of water and, while Gu Chengyu had his eyes closed resting, gently splashed it on his face.
Gu Chengyu opened his eyes. Water droplets rolled from his eyelashes. He looked at Su Qianqian, who was grinning like a little fox beside him, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes.
He could feel the young woman's good mood at this moment. She was charming and happy, not like the delicate, pitiable fragility from when she first met him, nor the obedient softness and distance that came later, but her true, spirited and willful self.
"Being naughty?" He raised an eyebrow, tightened his arm, pulling her into his embrace, and lowered his head to nuzzle her cheek with his nose.
Su Qianqian dodged. "Serves you right for being so fierce this afternoon. You scared everyone and delayed the filming schedule."
Her words carried a coquettish tone, more like she was acting spoiled.
Gu Chengyu's eyes darkened. He lowered his head to kiss the corner of her lips, his voice low. "My fault. I won't do it again."
His straightforward apology actually gave Su Qianqian pause.
She looked up at him, saw the affection in his eyes, and felt a complex mix of emotions.
Suppressing these feelings, she avoided his gaze and teased, "Well, since you know you were wrong, will Young Master Gu still interfere with my filming in the future? Like, for kiss scenes?"
Gu Chengyu caught her small hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed her fingertips, his gaze dangerous. "Interfere? Of course I will."
Seeing Su Qianqian about to glare at him, he immediately added, with a hint of playful defiance, "But I can compensate."
"I'll reimburse the crew ten times whatever the loss is."
As he spoke, he leaned closer again, his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling, his voice grown hoarse. "Qianqian, you know I get terribly jealous. Don't make me angry, alright?"
Seeing his expression, both domineering and aggrieved, Su Qianqian couldn't help but laugh softly. Her eyes sparkled, charming and lively. "So tyrannical."
"Only with you." Gu Chengyu chuckled softly. Looking at her smiling face so close, the emptiness that had plagued his heart for over half a month was finally filled.
He couldn't help but lower his head and gently captured her lips.
The kiss was tender and lingering, filled with the cherishing and attachment of something lost and regained.
After a slight moment of surprise, Su Qianqian didn't move, neither responding nor refusing.
The steam from the hot spring made one's head feel dizzy, and his embrace was too warm and reliable, letting her temporarily forget those worries and calculations.
When the kiss ended, both were slightly breathless.
Su Qianqian leaned against his chest, her face flushed, her eyes glistening.
Gu Chengyu held her, his chin resting against the top of her head, savoring the warmth and softness in his arms, and sighed with contentment.
