Gu Chengyu carried the girl who had melted into a puddle of spring water in his arms, walking steadily out of the dance studio and back to the large bed in the master bedroom.
He carefully tucked her under the down comforter before lying down beside her, his long arm pulling her snugly against his chest.
Su Qianqian was like a thoroughly tamed kitten.
Her delicate face nestled against his sweat-dampened chest, her seaweed-like hair strewn messily across the pillow.
The exposed skin of her shoulders still bore faint, ambiguous red marks.
Her eyes were closed, long lashes damp and clinging together, fluttering slightly with each shallow breath.
She seemed still lost in the storm of passion from earlier, unable to fully regain her senses.
Gu Chengyu looked down at her—softened, boneless, and radiating allure—and felt a surge of pride and satisfaction.
One large hand idly stroked the smooth, delicate curve of her back.
Beneath his palm, her slender frame trembled occasionally, unable to suppress the lingering aftershocks—both endearing and maddeningly enticing.
"Still not recovered? So delicate?"
He chuckled, his voice rough with post-coital laziness, brushing his lips against her temple. "Can’t handle being spoiled by me?"
Su Qianqian lacked the energy to retort, only nuzzling against him like a kitten with a soft, muffled whimper.
They lay quietly entwined, savoring the warmth of intimacy.
Gu Chengyu’s hand traced the contours of her back, memorizing the silk of her skin and the delicate wings of her shoulder blades.
After a while, Su Qianqian seemed to regain some strength.
She shifted slightly, extending a slender, porcelain hand to grasp Gu Chengyu’s other palm.
Assuming she wanted something, he let her guide him—only to freeze when she slowly, hesitantly, pressed his large hand against her soft, flat stomach.
The heat of his palm seared into her skin, sending an unfamiliar flutter through her.
"Mr. Gu…" Her voice was soft and hoarse, laced with exhaustion and a hint of grievance as she lifted her dewy almond eyes to his.
"You’re always like this—so rough, never careful."
She bit her lower lip. "If this keeps up… what if… what if there’s a baby?"
Her delicate brows furrowed, her expression pitifully vulnerable. "I don’t want to take those pills."
"I’ve heard they make you feel awful. But I’m so scared…"
She burrowed deeper into his embrace, seeking refuge.
Gu Chengyu listened to her fragile complaints, feeling the way her small hand pressed his firmly against her stomach.
A primal, possessive satisfaction surged through him, flooding his veins.
"A baby?"
He laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest, equal parts teasing and darkly pleased. He nudged her forehead with his chin. "Would that be so bad? A soft little thing like you—adorable."
"No!" Su Qianqian shook her head frantically, like a startled kitten.
Her voice trembled, sweet and pleading as she pressed closer. "No, no! Mr. Gu… I don’t want a baby yet… I still want to act… I haven’t even gotten into S University yet… I…"
She listed her dreams, growing more distressed until she finally hid her face against his neck, nuzzling in protest. "Please… not yet…"
Gu Chengyu’s heart melted at her fearful, stubborn little display.
He adored this side of her—fragile yet willful.
With a low chuckle, he tightened his hold.
"Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing."
His voice was indulgent, his hand stroking her stomach absently before his gaze darkened at the memory of their recklessness.
"Silly girl, worrying over nothing."
He paused, his tone casual yet laced with the arrogance of the elite. "Families like ours—no, all the top-tier dynasties, politicians, and old money—play hard in private."
"The pressure of the day demands release at night."
"And men like me, with power and wealth, are no exception. We indulge in the finest pleasures."
"Not just us—even the society wives and heiresses who’ve agreed to ‘discreet arrangements’ live for pleasure."
"But while we play, one rule is absolute."
He scoffed, disdain sharp in his voice. "The mother or father of any child must be meticulously chosen. Equal in status."
"Those high-society women think the same way."
"No one wants to be trapped by some schemer’s ‘accident,’ left with a bastard to explain away."
Su Qianqian understood.
She didn’t ask if, in his eyes, she too was one of those "unworthy" women.
She already knew the answer.
Gu Chengyu, oblivious, continued, his logic unshakable.
He kissed her earlobe.
"Years ago, a consortium of families funded a top-tier private hospital. Their research yielded a solution."
"A universal treatment—no side effects, no impact on future fertility."
"Just one injection every three months. Eliminates the risk at the source."
"Everyone in our circle uses it. Convenient."
"And it’s patented internationally. Anyone with enough money can access it."
He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze—unaware of the tenderness in his own eyes.
"So nothing will happen."
"With me, you’ll never need those harmful pills. Never fear an unwanted child."
His voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Su Qianqian gradually relaxed, like a soothed kitten curling trustingly against him.
Gu Chengyu savored her reliance, holding her tighter, his chin resting atop her head.
She was still just a girl. He wouldn’t let her bear that burden yet.
What he didn’t mention was the scandal that birthed this innovation.
Over two decades ago, women at a high-end club conspired to sabotage protection.
They fled abroad to birth their "accidents," then returned to blackmail their way into families—chaos ensued.
The elite, wary of traps, poured resources into a foolproof solution.
Now, most who used the injections discarded traditional methods—but he never did.
Even with the women he entertained rigorously vetted, caution was second nature.
The Gu family had over a dozen illegitimate heirs scheming in the shadows.
She was his first exception.
Partly because his household had none.
Secondly, because she was simply too delicate and alluring—even if he had one at home, he’d likely be so entranced by her that he’d grow impatient, lacking the restraint to... bother with such things.
Besides, he’d already made up his mind: even if he didn’t marry her, he’d at least give her a child, ensuring no one would dare treat her with disrespect.
