"These are basically all the tools we'll need for this week." Lin Shengxi yawned from across the ocean, glancing at the time. "Bro, why are you up so early? With Yan-ge back, I thought you two would take it easy. Instead, you’re both waking up even earlier."
He teased, "Do you know what companies both here and abroad call you two now?"
Summer had arrived, and dawn came earlier. Jiang Suizhi sat up, pressing the curtain switch. Sunlight gradually spilled into the bedroom, illuminating his face, which still carried traces of drowsiness.
Lowering his gaze, he asked indifferently, "What?"
"The Black and White Duo," Lin Shengxi burst into laughter. "Back when Yan-ge was alone at the company, everyone already felt the pressure. Then you took over, and not only did the workload double, but the psychological strain did too. Now that you two are working together—one playing good cop, the other bad cop—everyone’s bouncing around like rubber balls."
Lin Shengxi wasn’t exaggerating.
No one had expected Jiang Yan, who was once declared dead, to return to Jiang Corporation completely unscathed.
Back then, the Jiang family had publicly announced that Jiang Yan died in a car accident. But in reality, only the Jiangs had attended his funeral. Even close allies like the Lin family hadn’t been allowed to see the body.
So when Jiang Yan suddenly reappeared, few found it strange.
After Jiang Yu also died in a car accident, the Jiang family’s atmosphere had changed entirely. In the business world, everyone had their own secrets—when dealing with powerful families like theirs, people knew better than to pry.
The real problem was that Jiang Yan was now working alongside Jiang Suizhi.
Every company that had dealt with the brothers, whether domestically or internationally, had nothing but complaints.
One of them would sit there with a smile, chatting so amiably that you’d feel like you were floating on air—until you realized all the benefits had somehow ended up in his pocket. The other was like an icy-faced executioner, making it clear that if you didn’t agree, extreme measures would follow.
No one walked away from negotiations with those two without sweating bullets.
Rumors had always said the brothers had their own strengths, but the industry’s current consensus was simple—they were both scoundrels.
On top of the Jiang family’s unshakable domestic influence, they also had ties to a powerful British family.
Every time Lin Shengxi thought about the composition of this family, he found it mind-boggling.
Leaving aside Yan-ge and Suizhi, take Le Qing and Le Yang, for example.
They had only known each other for two months, yet Le Yang had been willing to change her nationality for Le Qing—even going so far as to register their household under the same name.
Given Le Yang’s family’s status in the U.K., this should have been impossible.
But Le Yang was the only daughter of her branch, and having been blind since childhood with fragile health, her family had spoiled her rotten. Their open-mindedness only made it easier.
After learning that Le Yang had met Le Qing, formed an instant bond, and even had her blindness and lifelong heart condition miraculously cured, her family raised no objections. They even treated Le Qing as one of their own.
Lin Shengxi didn’t know the full details, but after Le Qing and Le Yang took the kids back to the U.K. once, their status skyrocketed. British media speculated that Le Qing was a secret love child.
Honestly, if Lin Shengxi had a daughter who’d been sick for over twenty years and suddenly gained an amazing sister, a husband, and adorable kids, he’d be overjoyed too.
And so, the two families became an unstoppable alliance.
Le Qing and Le Yang stayed out of corporate affairs, focusing on their passions. Meanwhile, Jiang Yan and Jiang Suizhi—those two rogues—left every business partner gnashing their teeth, even if they came out on the losing end.
As for others’ opinions of him, Jiang Suizhi couldn’t care less.
Did they think he was running a charity?
Money was meant to be made—how else was he supposed to buy nice things for his wife?
"Bro, you should take a break once in a while," Lin Shengxi advised sincerely. "You’ve only been dating for a few months. Workaholic tycoons always end up digging their own graves."
Not that he was gossiping, but his Suizhi-ge’s relationship had trended nationwide after he was caught sneaking into his girlfriend’s room in the middle of the night. The sheer audacity was appalling.
Lin Shengxi sighed. "Yan-ge has an excuse—he’s got a wife and kids waiting for him at home."
Annoyed by the nagging, Jiang Suizhi cut in, "Do you not have work to do?"
The other end immediately fell silent before Lin Shengxi muttered, "I’m just saying. Isn’t Le Qing coming back from her business trip today? You should spend more time with her."
Jiang Suizhi, who had been about to hang up, frowned. "How do you know that?"
"Huh?" Lin Shengxi sounded confused. "I’m in London. She said she’s stopping by before heading back to China to drop off some things for her parents. She even brought me a gift. You didn’t know?"
Her parents in the U.K. were also Le Yang’s. Lin Shengxi clicked his tongue. "No wonder they dote on her like their own. She makes a special trip every time she goes abroad."
All he got in response was Jiang Suizhi’s icy, "Hanging up."
Lin Shengxi stared at his phone before it dawned on him. "...Wait, don’t tell me Le Qing didn’t inform him about her itinerary."
No wonder the man was so grumpy—left to brood alone like a neglected husband.
Not that Jiang Suizhi had much chance to brood. To this day, he still hadn’t earned the right to a "shared room."
Le Qing took care of everyone. Even when traveling to the U.K. with Le Yang, she made sure to express gratitude to Le Yang’s parents for their years of care, treating the elders with endless patience.
But when it came to him? He wanted to accompany her, yet her schedule was even more packed than his.
They barely saw each other once a month.
Lin Shengxi’s words echoed in his mind: Workaholic tycoons always end up digging their own graves.
But what about workaholic models?
The young CEO basked in the sunlight for a long while before reluctantly dismissing the dangerous thought.
He had a feeling that if he ever pushed Le Qing to that point, she’d probably resurrect herself before the hearse even arrived—and he’d never catch her again.
After finally winning her over, why would he risk it?
Did he not want his wife anymore?
Hearing faint noises outside his room, Jiang Suizhi quickly schooled his expression. Without changing out of his sleepwear, he strode out and opened the door.
The next second, he locked eyes with Jiang Yan, who had also just stepped out of his room—equally disheveled and bleary-eyed.
With the family growing larger, everyone’s living arrangements had shifted. Jiang Yan wanted to live with his wife and child, but Le Yang preferred staying with her sister and the kids.
As for Jiang Suizhi, he also wanted to live with his wife, but clearly, he didn’t yet have the rightful privilege to do so. Le Qing, however, always sided with the children and her sister, never sparing a thought for his well-being.
In the end, it was Old Master Jiang who made the decision—everyone would move back to the Jiang family home. After all, there were plenty of rooms, and each person could have their own private space. As for how many people actually slept in each room, that was up to their own ingenuity.
Under the same roof, it would at least be lively.
Jiang Yan was initially resistant, but he never expected that Jiang Suizhi—who had always avoided staying at the old family home—would be the first to agree. Not only that, but he insisted on taking the room directly across from Jiang Yan’s.
Later, Jiang Yan realized this was a tactic called "mutual destruction."
Since Jiang Suizhi couldn’t hold his own wife, he spent his days glaring at Jiang Yan like a grudge-holder, ensuring neither of them had peace. He even lectured Jiang Yan with gems like, "Mature love doesn’t require constant cuddling."
Which philosopher came up with that life motto?
Meanwhile, their wives happily bonded with the kids, enjoying their sisterly camaraderie, while the two men started each day scowling at each other before heading to work, radiating resentment.
Still, Jiang Yan only pretended to indulge his little brother’s childish antics. After all, he could still sneak cuddles with his wife.
Unlike someone whose wife was always traveling for work, leaving said someone to glare at his older brother every morning.
Pathetic.
Absolutely pathetic!
With all that energy to wake up early, he might as well go to the 8 a.m. meeting!
At this moment, the two locked eyes in silence for a few seconds before declaring in unison:
"Today’s your turn for the 8 a.m."
"Are you miscalculating?" Jiang Yan took a step back into his room, planting himself firmly inside. "It’s Friday. Odd days are yours, even days are mine."
Contrary to Lin Shengxi’s assumption of workaholic CEOs rising early to grind and outcompete, these two only woke up at dawn to argue over who had to attend the morning meeting.
Though they had a rule—"Mondays, both attend; odd days for the brother, even days for the younger"—plans often changed due to "unforeseen circumstances."
For example, if the kids needed their uncle or dad to take them to school.
Or if Jiang Yan had secretly cuddled with his wife the night before, guilt would drive him to volunteer for the 8 a.m. shift.
Or if one of them had been exhausted from business trips or late-night meetings, the other would go to the office without complaint.
But today, Jiang Yan felt he’d been well-behaved. There was no reason for him to go.
"You’re only 26," Jiang Yan lectured with a frown. "You should be hustling. How can you slack off? How will you build a future for your wife? How will you set an example for your niece and nephew?"
The more he spoke, the more convinced he became. "No wonder they’ve been refusing to get up for school lately—it’s your bad influence!"
Jiang Suizhi gave him a flat look, then pulled up a video on his phone and hit play.
Jiang Yan’s voice droned on in the recording until a child’s sleepy voice piped up: "Daddy, An’an’s ears are tired."
Meanwhile, the older child was already face-planted into the bed, fast asleep, while Jiang Yan—still wide awake—rambled on with a picture book, his storytelling veering wildly off-track.
"Maybe reflect on yourself first," Jiang Suizhi said mildly, pocketing his phone. "Don’t think using the kids as an excuse lets you stay the night."
"..."
Someone, please shut him up.
"That’s beside the point. Today, I need to take the kids—"
"Le Qing’s coming back today," Jiang Suizhi cut in.
Jiang Yan swallowed the rest of his words.
Fine. No reasoning with a man who hadn’t seen his wife in half a month.
Jiang Yan raised a brow. "Then you take the kids. Le Yang can drive me."
A true elite CEO always has a contingency plan.
For Jiang Suizhi, this was a minor compromise—at least he wouldn’t have to watch those two flaunt their happiness in front of him.
With the matter settled, he turned to change into his work clothes.
Not going to the office just meant working from a different location.
Dressed and ready, the two descended the stairs—only to find the house empty.
"Where is everyone?" Jiang Yan asked Sister Wang.
"The old master’s new ride arrived," she said. "He’s taking the kids to school on it. They’re probably in the garage now."
Ride?
Definitely not something an eighty-year-old should be operating.
The brothers headed to the garage, where two sidecar motorcycles now sat. The kids, already helmeted, were each seated in one.
Modified vehicles like these were rarely street-legal domestically, and letting the kids ride pillion was too risky. So Old Master Jiang had simply ordered two—one for each child. After all, the family never lacked people to chauffeur them.
Early summer weather was perfect for a breezy ride, and the timing couldn’t be better.
"Dad! Uncle!" Little Le Jia waved, her tiny helmet bobbing. "Look at these cool bikes!"
Custom-sized, with a blue one for her brother and a pink one for her—parked neatly in their miniature parking spots.
Meanwhile, Old Master Jiang, also helmeted, looked eager to rev the engines.
"I’m not good at breaking bad news," Jiang Suizhi said dryly. "You do it."
"..."
Jiang Yan wasn’t exactly known for his tact either. He glanced at his wife for backup—only to find her already helmeted, eyes gleaming with more excitement than the old man’s.
Right. She used to race.
Jiang Yan shuddered at the thought of her someday taking the kids on tricycle joyrides down mountain roads.
Would the winner get a juice box?
He hurried over, intercepting her before she could zoom off with their daughter. "Le Yang, drive me to work today!"
Le Yang’s light-colored eyes lazily flicked to him. "Don’t you have legs?"
"Mom’s taking An’an," Little Le’an declared, clinging to her mother. "Dad can go by himself. He’s not three."
"Uncle’s taking you today," Jiang Yan tapped her helmet. "And Auntie will pick you up tonight."
An’an perked up instantly. "Auntie’s back?!"
"If you let Mom drive me," Jiang Yan whispered, "Otherwise, Uncle will hog her all to himself."
Behind him, Jiang Suizhi scoffed. "Is whispering a family trait?"
Did they really think no one could hear?
Whatever. No point arguing with love-struck idiots.
Taking matters into his own hands, Jiang Suizhi approached Old Master Jiang. "Get down, or I’ll film this and send it to your precious daughter. Let her see how you ‘defy the heavens’ at your age."
Riding a motorcycle with a cane? The only people in this house who nagged more than Jiang Yan about health were Le Qing.
Old Master Jiang could argue with Jiang Yan, but against Le Qing? Not a chance.
After staring wide-eyed at his great-grandson for a few seconds, the old man finally took off his helmet and said, "When you get back from school, Great-Grandpa will take you for a ride in the garden."
"Okay."
Though Le Yang really wanted to ride the bike, considering Jiang Suizhi hadn’t seen Le Qing in half a month, he reluctantly gave him this chance and got off, then climbed onto another motorcycle, patting the back seat. "I’ll ride this one to take you to work."
This instantly reminded Jiang Yan of his own experiences with his wife back in the day. Without a second thought for his expensive suit or neatly styled hair, he immediately hopped on and dutifully put on his helmet.
"You also forgot last night’s goodnight kiss. Today, it’s double."
Le Yang gave a perfunctory peck on his own hand before lifting Jiang Yan’s helmet and slapping it onto his head. "So talkative just to go to work."
Sitting beside her uncle, the little girl glanced at her mom and dad, then back at her uncle.
The latter lowered his gaze, adjusted her helmet, and crushed her hopes outright. "I’m not giving you a kiss."
"Auntie gives An'an kisses," the little girl pouted.
"Mm," Jiang Suizhi nodded. "Later, you can ask Auntie to kiss you twice."
An'an, curled up in her little seat with her round head, asked, "Why twice?"
"Because she’ll be kissing you for me too."
"Huh?" The little girl frowned. "That’s not the same."
"It is," Jiang Suizhi said, putting on his helmet. After a moment’s thought, he picked up a larger one and set it aside, then raised a brow. "I’ll pay her back later."
What?!
If Auntie kisses her for Uncle, does that mean Uncle has to kiss Auntie back?
The world of adults is so complicated.
In the end, Jiang Suizhi and Jiang Hechang each rode a bike to drop the kids off at kindergarten. The moment the kids went inside, Jiang Suizhi swung his leg back over his bike.
Jiang Hechang eyed his outfit, which didn’t exactly scream "office-ready." "You’re not going to work today?"
"Day off," Jiang Suizhi said, securing his helmet. "I’ll drive over to pick the kids up tonight. We won’t be back for dinner."
Sounded like he wasn’t even planning to pick them up himself.
Jiang Hechang found this guy utterly unreliable. "You’re seriously going to pick up Le Qing on this thing?"
"Yep."
"Are you out of your mind? Who’d want to ride on this with you?"
The only response was Jiang Suizhi’s silent retreating figure, leaving Jiang Hechang fuming. Honestly, what did Le Qing even see in him?!
By the time Le Qing’s plane landed, it was already past noon. The moment she turned on her phone, Jiang Suizhi’s call came through right on cue.
The exhaustion from the past half-month suddenly melted away, even before she saw him. She chuckled. "Timing’s impeccable."
"Had to be, or I’d miss you," Jiang Suizhi huffed. "Especially since someone made a detour to London to deliver gifts without telling me. I had no choice but to camp out at the airport all day."
Clearly, Lin Shengxi had snitched.
Le Qing laughed. "It was just a layover. A quick stop."
At first, she’d only wanted to live quietly with her sister. But after hearing about how her parents had doted on her all these years, a strange sense of gratitude had taken root in Le Qing’s heart.
Then Le Yang had said, "Remember what I told you before? We’d be adopted by the same family. We’d always be together."
Because of those words, Le Qing had followed her to England, meeting the parents who’d raised Le Yang in this life.
What she’d thought would be hard to explain was accepted without question.
To them, after years of searching for cures and specialists, what wasn’t there to believe now?
So they’d welcomed Le Qing without hesitation—after all, they’d always treated her like their own.
As for Le Yang returning to China, they had no objections. Their only wish was for their children to be happy and healthy. Besides, flights between London and China weren’t a hassle. Once work eased up, they’d move back too.
Though Le Qing wasn’t yet close to them, relationships took time. She’d care for them as her own parents, just like Le Yang did.
She was about to placate Jiang Suizhi, who clearly felt neglected, when she looked up and saw him waiting at the exit, phone in hand, eyes locked on her.
After a brief pause, Le Qing said nothing.
She walked straight to him through the crowd, hung up, and studied him for a moment before suddenly rising on her toes to kiss him. "Won’t happen again."
Another kiss. "Better now?"
Jiang Suizhi slowly lowered his phone. "You really want me to answer that here?"
Le Qing could practically hear his unspoken words: You really want me to do something here?
Knowing him, she didn’t dare challenge that. So she took his hand, hoping to ease his mood. "We’ll talk at home."
Talk.
Jiang Suizhi’s mind filled in the blanks—she was still willing to indulge him.
Hmph. What did Lin Shengxi know about love? This was love.
Spotting Jiang Suizhi’s chosen ride outside, Le Qing examined the helmet for a long moment, laughing uncontrollably. "Is this for picking up the kids?"
The bike was adorned with princess stickers. She had no issue with the bike itself—it was just impossible to imagine Jiang Suizhi, with his usual demeanor, willingly riding something so cute.
Instead of answering, he asked, "Like it?"
"Yeah," Le Qing admitted. "It’s adorable."
Compared to the other vehicles at home, this one might not be the most expensive, but it felt warm and sweet.
She loved that.
Jiang Suizhi took the helmet from her, stealing a kiss on the lips before placing it on her head, then pressed another to her forehead. "This one’s An'an’s. Next time, kiss an extra one for me."
So particular about the locations.
"I have a lot of luggage," Le Qing realized after putting on the helmet. "This won’t fit."
"Someone will take it home," Jiang Suizhi said dismissively.
"We’re not going home?" Le Qing blinked.
"You like it, don’t you?" Jiang Suizhi started the engine. "Let’s go for a ride."
She’d assumed he meant some scenic route, but the further they went, the more familiar the path became. "Are we going to Mingzhang Garden?"
They hadn’t been back since moving to the old family house.
With Le Yang and Le Qing living together, plus the kids and Sister Wang, Le Yang hadn’t given Jiang Yan a chance to move in. After a few days of Jiang Yan staying across the hall at Jiang Suizhi’s place—and the two of them arguing for half an hour every morning before work—they’d all agreed to relocate.
There probably wasn’t much left here, and Le Qing wasn’t sure why he had come back.
“We’re going back to this home today,” Jiang Suizhi said. “Right now, it’s date time.”
Le Qing’s face flushed slightly at his words.
Since they had gotten together, they had never really gone on a proper date. Between their busy work schedules, the children, and other responsibilities, there had never been time.
Forget dates—even at the Jiang family home, Jiang Suizhi would only sneak into her room like a mouse at night after everyone had gone to bed, and only when the two children weren’t sleeping with her.
Most of the time, they would just talk and share some quiet moments before Le Qing would shoo him back to his own room.
“How are we going to date?” she asked curiously.
Weren’t couples supposed to go out for meals and watch movies?
Le Qing didn’t have much experience with this, and the idea of a proper date felt a little unfamiliar.
“You’ll find out soon,” he replied.
When Jiang Suizhi finally parked the car, he didn’t immediately take Le Qing upstairs. Instead, he first brought her to the supermarket they used to frequent and bought some groceries.
Le Qing laughed. “Are we cooking for ourselves?”
“I’ll cook for you,” Jiang Suizhi said, carrying the bags as they walked back slowly.
They looked just like any other couple strolling home together, as if they had been living this way for years.
For people like Le Qing and Jiang Suizhi, who had never really had a home growing up, no amount of wealth could compare to the contentment they felt in this moment.
“Before Jiang Yan went to pick up the kids and Le Yang, he said he’d give us a new home,” Jiang Suizhi mentioned, holding her hand with his free one. He smiled. “This morning, when they all left for work together, I think this was the kind of life he wanted.”
Le Qing’s heart softened. “Jiang Yan really did make it happen.”
“What about me?” Jiang Suizhi asked.
“You?”
“Apart from this big family, would you be willing to have a little home with just me?” He lifted their joined hands slightly. “Like this.”
Le Qing paused.
It almost sounded like a proposal—but not quite.
Before this, she had been so focused on building a life with her sister’s family that she had never really stopped to think about having a home with Jiang Suizhi alone.
It wasn’t that she didn’t love him. From the moment they got together, she had been prepared to spend the rest of her life with him. But because she had always seen him as part of the children’s family—and therefore her own—she had never considered the idea of a home with just the two of them.
Noticing her distraction, Jiang Suizhi gently pressed her fingertips and asked casually, “What are you thinking about?”
“What our little home would be like,” Le Qing answered without thinking.
Jiang Suizhi stopped walking and turned to face her. His gaze lingered on her slightly dazed eyes, a slow smile spreading across his face as he toyed with her fingers. “What kind of home do you want?”
Le Qing actually took a moment to think seriously about it.
She liked peaceful, quiet days—just the two of them living a simple life together, going to work, coming home, eating, sleeping. They could share happiness or bicker like they had at the airport.
“Nothing too special, I guess,” she said.
“Mm.” Jiang Suizhi nodded. “Nothing special, except for you and me.”
Le Qing smiled warmly. “If you put it that way, it does sound nice.”
She looked up at him. “Jiang Suizhi, are you proposing to me?”
“No.” He interlaced their fingers again and tugged her forward, tightening his grip slightly as he asked softly, “When would you like to be proposed to?”
Le Qing blinked. “On a bright, sunny morning, with you appearing alongside the sunlight.”
He hadn’t proposed, and she hadn’t accepted.
But in his question, she was already part of the answer.
And in her answer, it was “you and the sunlight.”
Jiang Suizhi turned his head slightly, his gaze tracing the serene lines of her face.
“Am I forgiven now?” Le Qing asked.
He pretended to think for a moment. “Not yet.”
“Aren’t you being a little greedy?”
“Loving someone means never being satisfied.”
This time, they didn’t return to their old place but went to Jiang Suizhi’s home instead.
Since he had bought this place, Le Qing had never actually been inside—though the children often came over to play.
She glanced around. The apartment was neat and orderly, clearly cleaned regularly, but it felt a little empty. It reminded her of when she had first arrived in this world—until they set the groceries on the table, bringing some life into the space.
Le Qing pressed her lips together. So this was where Jiang Suizhi had lived all this time, alone.
With just two doors closed, his world had been cold and quiet.
For over twenty years, this was how he had lived.
After putting everything away, Jiang Suizhi took off his apron and turned to find her standing at the kitchen doorway, looking as pitiful and adorable as when the kids used to sulk there. He stepped forward and gently cupped her face. “Are you about to cry?”
“I’m not crying,” Le Qing said, grabbing his hand.
“Jiang Suizhi,” she called softly.
“Hm?”
“I’m willing.”
It took him a second to realize what she meant.
She was answering his earlier question—whether she would be willing to build a new home with him, just the two of them, like this.
After a long pause, he sighed quietly and muttered, “Here we go again.”
Before Le Qing could ask what he meant, he added, “How can you be like this?”
She recognized this phrase—it was what Jiang Suizhi always said when he was helplessly giving in to her.
She teased, “Can’t handle it?”
Seeing her playful mood, Jiang Suizhi smiled and kissed the soft glow in her eyes. “Tired from the long flight?”
“Not really,” Le Qing answered reflexively. “I slept on the plane.”
Jiang Suizhi nodded, then set the apron aside. He pulled her into his arms, one hand cradling her face before sliding up to trace the curve of her ear, drawing her closer. Just before his lips met hers, he murmured, “Good.”
By now, Le Qing had developed a conditioned response to his kisses. Without thinking, she looped her arms around his neck.
Jiang Suizhi always kissed her with a fierce urgency, as if he wanted to devour her—and she had long since grown used to it.
The first time he had pinned her against the fridge, she hadn’t known whether the humming in her ears was from the refrigerator or her own dazed mind, but it had left her dizzy and addicted.
She really loved the way Jiang Suizhi kissed her, as if he was claiming her.
By the time her legs gave out, Jiang Suizhi lifted her and carried her to the dining table, settling her on his lap. One hand gripped her waist, pulling her flush against him, while the other cradled the back of her neck.
The deep, intense kiss slid from her lips, the scorching touch grazing her cheek and earlobe before descending further. He caught the delicate curve of her slightly arched neck, leaving behind a crimson mark—his exclusive claim.
Though it was summer and the air conditioning hummed in the room, Le Qing’s back prickled with an uncomfortable sheen of sweat beneath her thin clothes. Her hands pressed against Jiang Suizhi’s shoulders, her breaths growing heavier. She wanted to say enough, as she had before, but the moment she parted her lips, he silenced her with an even fiercer kiss.
Everything burned.
The heat flushed her eyes red, and Jiang Suizhi’s darkened gaze mirrored the same intensity.
Unlike before, he no longer kissed away the tears at the corners of her eyes. Instead, he watched her like a masterpiece, studying her with a greedy fascination—only to press harder, coaxing more tears from her.
Le Qing’s spine stiffened as his fingers traced every inch of her, possessive and deliberate.
“Jiang Suizhi…” she gasped.
“I’m here.” He pulled her closer, their bodies melding, offering her the safest embrace. “Always here.”
From the dining table to the bathroom, she found herself perched on the cold countertop again, the contrast of icy marble and searing skin sending shivers through her.
Drowning in the raw desire in his eyes, just as she had described, she saw him bathed in the warm glow of the bathroom light—like sunlight itself had manifested in his form.
Her damp lashes finally fluttered shut, surrendering to the chaos of her thoughts, sinking, tumbling into the depths.
In the haze, she heard Jiang Suizhi’s voice, tender and relentless, calling her name.
“I’ll love you forever,” he murmured. “Like the first light you see when you wake.”
Always rising at the same time—always there the moment she opened her eyes.
