"Are you tired?" Gu Chengyu's deep voice carried a hint of indulgence.
His large hand instinctively wrapped around her slender waist, while the other played with one of her delicate, pale fingers, his thumb brushing over her neatly trimmed nails.
"Mmm, a little," Su Qianqian murmured like a kitten, reveling in the intimacy.
She tilted her face up, her dewy almond-shaped eyes sparkling as she gazed at him with a touch of hopeful anticipation. "Young Master Chengyu, can I tell you something?"
"Hmm?"
Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow, taking in her obvious attempt to act cute and sweet. He was thoroughly enjoying it, though his expression remained composed.
"Brother Wang gave me an amazing opportunity today!"
Su Qianqian's voice brimmed with excitement. "It's a guest spot on a super popular live-streaming variety show."
"I’ll be staying at the filming base for a week starting next week."
As soon as she finished speaking, she immediately studied Gu Chengyu’s reaction, her small hand tightening around his waist.
The lazy smile on Gu Chengyu’s face faded slightly, his brows furrowing.
A week? Away from home?
He savored the way she clung to him now, so dependent and coquettish.
But inwardly, irritation began to simmer:
She’s just starting with a small show, and she’s already leaving for a whole week?
What if she actually becomes famous later? With endless filming offers and variety shows, wouldn’t she be running all over the world?
Would Gu Chengyu really have to spend his nights alone?
His gaze swept over the sheet music, scripts, and variety show materials she’d brought home, piled on the coffee table, fueling his frustration.
He had a photographic memory—one glance and everything was etched in his mind. Yet she had to painstakingly memorize every word, spending hours working diligently.
And hadn’t she mentioned wanting to apply to S University in the future?
Gu Chengyu felt his vision darken.
It was as if he could already see Su Qianqian’s packed schedule for the next few years:
Training, filming, variety shows, exams, school…
How much time would she even have left to nestle obediently in his arms like this, letting him caress her waist and toy with her fingers?
He almost wished he could split his photographic memory in half and give it to her.
Couldn’t she just finish her university courses in three months—no, one month?
Gu Chengyu’s mind was a tempest, conjuring one bleak scenario after another of being neglected by his career-driven girlfriend.
Unconsciously, his expression darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Su Qianqian, sensitive to his shifting mood, tightened her arms around his waist. Her voice softened further, sweet and pleading, laced with a pitiful whimper:
"Young Master Chengyu, just one week, okay~?"
"I promise to video call you whenever I have time, alright?"
"It’s a really rare opportunity. Brother Wang said it’ll be a huge boost for my career…"
She tilted her face up, leaning closer until her warm breath brushed against his jaw. Her shimmering eyes were full of hope, like a kitten waiting to be fed.
Gu Chengyu looked down at her and thought: Damn, she’s adorable. How could anyone be this perfectly, heart-meltingly cute?
Her soft, sugary pleas dissolved most of his irritation.
He let out a deep sigh, laced with resignation and indulgence.
His large hand pinched the soft flesh at her waist in playful punishment, drawing a delicate yelp from her.
"You heartless little thing."
He grumbled under his breath, though his tone had softened. "You’re just starting out, and already thinking of leaving Young Master Chengyu home alone? Hmm?"
Hearing the concession in his voice, Su Qianqian immediately seized the advantage.
She nuzzled her head against the crook of his neck, her voice sugary sweet. "I’d never leave you alone!"
"Young Master Chengyu is the most important to me!"
"It’s just a week, and I’ll be back to keep you company soon! Okay~?"
Gu Chengyu’s heart melted under her affectionate rubbing, his annoyance completely replaced by helpless fondness.
Fine. If she wanted it, he’d let her have her way.
Resigned, he tightened his arms, pulling her even closer against him. He rested his chin atop her soft hair, his voice muffled and tinged with complaint:
"Alright. Remember your promise—daily video calls."
He paused, then gave her small hand another squeeze, his tone a mix of mock severity and adoration. "If you dare forget, just wait and see how Young Master Chengyu punishes you!"
Su Qianqian immediately beamed, nodding vigorously in his embrace, her voice bright and sweet. "Mmm, I promise~"
She lingered in his arms a while longer before finally getting up to shower.
