The floor-to-ceiling window framed Hai City’s sleepless night.
In the heart of the downtown district, neon lights flickered, and an endless stream of cars crisscrossed, weaving the city’s golden veins.
Yan Xi’s cheeks burned crimson, her toes curling shyly.
She had only meant to try, but the actual sensation… was like riding a rollercoaster without tracks, a sailboat adrift in the vast ocean, stripped of its rudder and sails.
Something had spiraled out of control.
She had assumed Zhou Yanci would be gentle in such matters, as he always was. But only after experiencing it did she realize—it was madness.
Yan Xi was nearly shattered by the force, her nails carving bloody trails across Zhou Yanci’s broad back. Burying her face into the crook of his neck, she bit down on his collarbone, sobbing, “No more.”
At first, Zhou Yanci would heed her pleas, but soon he deliberately slowed his pace, teasing her, lingering at the entrance without plunging deeper.
The sudden surges of pleasure and abrupt emptiness tormented her in turns. Zhou Yanci nipped at her earlobe, sucking and murmuring, “Don’t you want it?”
Yan Xi burned with embarrassment, her face flushed to the roots of her ears. She had never imagined Zhou Yanci could be like this.
He carried her from the living room to the master bedroom.
His kisses remained tender, unhurriedly tasting her tongue—sometimes playful, sometimes light—yet his movements were relentless, conquering and claiming until the very end.
In her daze, Yan Xi heard Zhou Yanci whisper, “Xi Xi, don’t leave me.”
But his rhythm was too fierce. White light exploded behind her eyelids, drowning out his voice.
…
The next morning, Yan Xi was jolted awake by her alarm.
Since starting work at Xingyao, she had cultivated the habit of rising early, punctually clocking in at the company. But now, her body ached unbearably, especially her legs—as if she had scaled every mountain in a single day. She felt utterly spent, with no desire to move.
Reaching out, she grabbed her phone from the bedside table.
Half-asleep, her eyes skimmed the messages on the screen.
[Zhou Yanci texted me saying you’re not coming home tonight—what’s going on?!]
[Where are you right now?]
…
[Did Zhou Yanci force you?]
[You’re only twenty! You can’t stay out all night!]
…
[How far have you two gone?]
[Is that old man really that wild? Too busy to even reply?]
[You, you, you… I don’t even know what to say to you!!]
…
The screen was flooded with over thirty messages from Zhou Qingyu.
By the end, Zhou Qingyu had resigned herself to reality.
[…A grown daughter can’t be kept at home!]
[Make sure Zhou Yanci uses protection!]
[If he doesn’t, chop it off!]
Yan Xi hurriedly replied, but after much deliberation, she could only muster a timid response: [He did! I’ll definitely come home today!]
Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into an embrace.
Yan Xi gasped as her back met Zhou Yanci’s solid chest. His body was scorching, pressed tightly against her.
“You… didn’t go to work?”
She had assumed he’d left for the office already.
Zhou Yanci gripped her slender waist, holding her even closer.
“Don’t want to,” he paused. “I want every day to be like this.”
Yan Xi: !!!
“I can’t!”
Her petite frame was already weak from lack of exercise, and last night had nearly broken her. Once was more than enough.
Later, in the bathtub, she had seen the storm of desire in Zhou Yanci’s light brown eyes and knew he wasn’t satisfied.
Yet he had restrained himself, carefully cleaning her body without pushing further.
If he had, Yan Xi was certain she wouldn’t have been able to stand.
No wonder Zhou Qingyu had needed Pei Hanli to carry her off that private jet!
But Yan Xi never expected that even this simple embrace would make Zhou Yanci’s abdomen tense.
He sighed, and only then did she feel something pressing against her.
“Zhou Yanci, no…”
They were out of condoms!
“I know.”
His voice was low and husky, weaving around her ear like a deadly temptation. “Xi Xi, help me.”
He took her hand and guided it downward.
Yan Xi marveled at how scorching it was—even in November, it burned like a furnace.
Zhou Yanci’s breath grew ragged as he kissed her lips, tender to the extreme. His tongue traced the corners of her mouth, teasing her like the sweetest dessert.
When Yan Xi couldn’t suppress a moan, his tongue plunged deeper, claiming her breath with ruthless dominance.
Zhou Yanci loved kissing Yan Xi.
Unlike the primal urge of sex, kissing felt like an exchange of emotions.
It was heartbeat, it was affection.
So when Yan Xi shyly retreated but then cautiously met his tongue, Zhou Yanci’s heart soared. He could tell—she liked him.
…
In the end, they never made it to the concert.
It wasn’t that Yan Xi had stood Zhou Qingyu up. She had even changed and was ready to leave when Zhou Qingyu arrived at Zhou Yanci’s penthouse and saw the scattered love bites beneath Yan Xi’s shirt.
—Yan Xi’s skin was so fair that even the lightest suck left marks.
Zhou Qingyu couldn’t bring herself to drag Yan Xi along. If her collarbone looked like this, who knew how rough that old man had been last night?
So Pei Hanli happily stepped in, securing the companion ticket instead.
Delighted by this turn of events—and upon learning Yan Xi’s absence was due to Zhou Yanci’s doing—Pei Hanli had an epiphany.
He sent Zhou Yanci a whole box of condoms.
At the time, Yan Xi was still at the penthouse. Staring at the box, a question mark slowly formed above her head.
For a moment, she couldn’t tell whether the villain was trying to kill Zhou Yanci or her.
Never mind.
She should’ve known Pei Hanli only cared about Zhou Qingyu. He wouldn’t spare a thought for anyone else’s survival!
Yan Xi shuddered at the sight of the condoms. Once Zhou Yanci left for work, she pulled herself together and headed to Xingyao.
…
The following days passed uneventfully.
Soon, Zhou Qingyu’s birthday arrived.
In previous years, the young miss’s birthday had been orchestrated by Qu Yan. But with Qu Yan now in detention, Zhou Qingyu had no intention of inviting Zhou’s Father either. Instead, she entrusted the arrangements to Butler Yu and Aunt Zhang.
Both were long-time staff of the Zhou household, seasoned in hosting the family’s galas. A birthday party was child’s play for them.
Zhou Qingyu had already prepared her evening gown for the event, but Yan Xi hadn’t. So on the afternoon of the birthday, Zhou Qingyu first picked Yan Xi up from Xingyao, and the two headed to a styling studio together.
—Zhou Qingyu used to have her own styling team, but since she had stepped back from the spotlight and paused her entertainment career, she had disbanded the team, keeping only Little Meng as her personal assistant.
This time, their styling would be done at a professional studio—Blue Studio, a chain linked to the one they’d visited in Country F.
The designer from M stood respectfully to the side. "Miss, this is the gown prepared for you."
It was a limited-edition haute couture gown, the most luxurious tier from M's collection.
Zhou Qingyu's styling this time was quite bold—her hair dyed a soft golden hue, dressed in an extravagant European-style princess gown, adorned with a square-cut blue diamond necklace, another heirloom piece from M.
Compared to the young mistress's opulence, Yan Xi's outfit was much simpler. The designer had chosen a black strapless evening gown for her—a classic, elegant choice that was hard to go wrong with, one of M's staple pieces.
When the two stepped out of the dressing room together, the designer showered them with compliments—though all the praise was reserved for Zhou Qingyu.
Zhou Qingyu glanced at Yan Xi, visibly displeased. "Of course I know I look stunning, but do I really need someone else to dress plainly just to highlight how good I look?"
She pointed at Yan Xi. "I asked you to style her, but what is this?"
The designer broke into a cold sweat.
What was going on? Weren’t these wealthy heiresses supposed to be self-absorbed, believing themselves the center of the universe and expecting everyone around them to revolve around them?
The moment he saw the girl accompanying the young mistress, he had assumed she was just an entourage member. He deliberately kept her styling simple to make Zhou Qingyu shine even brighter. Why wasn’t she appreciating the effort?
The designer stammered, "It’s just that Miss Yan came unexpectedly, and we don’t have her measurements on file!"
Zhou Qingyu knew he was lying. She had long instructed M’s designers to record Yan Xi’s measurements, and the outfits brought for Yan Xi to try on today were all tailored to her proportions.
"Do you think I’m stupid?"
Just as Zhou Qingyu was about to lose her temper, Yan Xi quickly stopped her.
She was well aware of the designer’s little scheme, but she didn’t mind.
"You’re the star of the night! Why should I dress to outshine you? Simple is fine!"
Zhou Qingyu had no choice. If Yan Xi was fine with it, she couldn’t argue further.
Her own styling was intricate—the golden dye was temporary, and only part of her hair had been colored so far to preview the effect. The rest would be done soon, making her look even more dazzling.
Yan Xi’s makeup was straightforward too—just a light application would suffice.
So Yan Xi settled into a cushioned chair, letting the stylist work on her makeup, while Zhou Qingyu went to the other side to finalize her elaborate golden hairstyle.
...
As Yan Xi was getting her makeup done, a conversation drifted over from nearby—
"Zhou Yanci likes the innocent, delicate type! Your makeup should be fresh and natural!"
"Exactly! Keep it light—too much will leave a bad impression!"
Hearing the familiar name, Yan Xi subtly turned her head. Through the sparse indoor greenery, she spotted the two women getting styled next door.
She recognized them—they were the Fang family’s daughters.
The elder, Fang Ruoran, belonged to Qu Yan’s social circle and had recently married. The younger, Fang Shuyao, had been studying abroad and was around Yan Xi’s age.
The system popped up indignantly: [Host! She’s trying to steal your man! You and Zhou Yanci are already public—how dare they act like this!]
Yan Xi and Zhou Yanci weren’t celebrities, so their relationship wasn’t announced on social media like a star couple’s would be. Still, everyone in their circle knew.
Yan Xi thought this arrangement was fine.
But to others in high society, her relationship with Zhou Yanci was just child’s play. The elite world placed great emphasis on status and alliances. Right now, she was just a VP at Starlight Group—a high-ranking employee, but still a worker. When it came to marriage, Zhou Yanci would surely choose someone of equal standing.
Zhou Qingyu’s birthday banquet was the perfect social opportunity. Every year, without fail, there were people eyeing Zhou Yanci and Zhou Qingyu.
Zhou Qingyu had long declared she would marry no one but Pei Yubai, so fewer men bothered pursuing her. But Zhou Yanci… well, that was another story.
Yan Xi didn’t pay much attention, closing her eyes and letting the stylist continue.
Meanwhile, Fang Ruoran and Fang Shuyao noticed someone sitting nearby.
—Fang Ruoran had once seen Qu Yan as a rival, so she recognized most people associated with her.
She narrowed her eyes and quickly identified Yan Xi.
Fang Shuyao peeked over. "Sis, who’s that…?"
Fang Ruoran lowered her voice. "Yan Xi. Zhou Yanci’s girlfriend."
Fang Shuyao: !!!
"They’re together?"
Fang Ruoran scoffed. "So what if they are? I’ve looked into it—Yan Xi is the abandoned daughter of the Lin family. She only climbed this high by clinging to Zhou Qingyu. A woman with no background like her—Zhou Yanci would never marry her. She’s just a fling!"
Fang Shuyao pressed her lips together, silent.
She knew how high society worked. Love meant little in their world—marriages were alliances to strengthen businesses.
So Fang Ruoran’s words were nothing unusual.
But it still left a bitter taste in her mouth.
As the stylist worked on Fang Shuyao’s makeup, she idly scrolled through her phone.
A friend suddenly messaged her: [Shuyao, I heard your dad introduced you to Zhou Yanci?]
Fang Shuyao replied: [Yeah. I’m attending Zhou Qingyu’s birthday banquet tonight.]
Without hesitation, her friend sent a link—to a fan page dedicated to Zhou Yanci and Yan Xi’s relationship.
Though neither was a celebrity, their appearance on the travel show "Journey" had earned them a dedicated fanbase, who genuinely adored their chemistry.
The post her friend shared read:
[Zhou-Yan CP is the sweetest~]
[Every time I watch the clip of Zhou Yanci rushing to save Yan Xi without hesitation, I’m convinced he’s head over heels for her!]
[Rumor has it—they’re already dating!]
[Wow! Starry-eyed.jpg]
[Really really really?!]
The user who leaked the news soon posted a photo—blurry, slightly reflective, as if taken of a laminated picture. But it was unmistakably Zhou Yanci and Yan Xi, wearing silly frog headgear, posing for a playful snapshot.
[Is this really our cool, reserved Zhou Yanci?! Give me back the aloof CEO!]
[Hahaha I think it’s adorable! Don’t you think the way he looks at Yan Xi is just so tender?]
[+1+1+1! Where’s this from? Recent? Sugar overload!]
The netizen who leaked the information replied, "I went to a small shop I frequently visit today and saw this photo on their photo wall! The shop owner said it was taken yesterday! Because the two people are very attractive, she remembers it vividly!"
Furthermore, Yan Xi didn't want to take pictures at first, thinking the headpiece was ugly, but Zhou Yan Ci, upon hearing it was a couple's photo, took the picture without hesitation!
Oh wow~ Brother's little secret!
OMG, I'm so into this! (or) OMG, I'm shipping it! (or) OMG, I'm head over heels for this!
So sweet! Together! Married!
I'm going to lock them in a room! Lock the door! I've swallowed the key!
The original poster replied: [I went to a small restaurant I frequent today and saw this photo on their wall! The owner said it was taken just yesterday! She remembered them clearly because they were so good-looking!]
[Also, Yan Xi initially refused to take the photo, thinking the headgear was ridiculous. But the moment Zhou Yanci heard it was a couples’ photo, he agreed instantly!]
[Ohhh~ Look at his sneaky little move!]
[I’m melting! So sweet!]
[So sweet! Be together! Get married!]
[I’m locking them in a room together! Throwing away the key!]
Fang Shuyao stared at the leaked photo on her phone, her fingertip brushing over Zhou Yanci's face. Despite it being a silly, comical picture, the more she looked, the more appealing he became.
Her best friend messaged her again: "Babe! I know Zhou Yanci is a hot commodity, but it's time to defend your love! We can’t let another woman snatch him away!"
Fang Shuyao gritted her teeth and replied: "Yeah!"
While Fang Ruoran went to pick out a dress for Fang Shuyao, the latter seized the moment to approach Yan Xi. She wanted to ask—what exactly was going on between those two?
Was Zhou Yanci just playing around with Yan Xi? Was marriage really off the table?
"Yan—"
Just as she reached Yan Xi, Zhou Qingyu returned, her golden hair dazzling under the lights, paired with a haute couture gown that made her look like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.
"I'm ready! Let’s head to the hotel!"
Yan Xi, having just finished her makeup, stood up as well. Neither of them noticed Fang Shuyao standing nearby as they linked arms and walked off.
Fang Shuyao’s heart sank. Refusing to give up, she chased after Yan Xi and Zhou Qingyu all the way to the entrance of Blue Studio, where a stretch limousine was parked. Zhou Yanci leaned against the car door, dressed in a sharp suit.
Fang Shuyao’s eyes sparkled.
Wow! So handsome! How can Zhou Yanci be this good-looking?!
Zhou Yanci glanced down at Yan Xi, his gaze full of affection, before opening the car door like a perfect gentleman.
Only when Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi approached did he notice Fang Shuyao lurking behind the studio door.
Zhou Qingyu shot her a knowing look. She was well aware of the dynamics in high society—the Fang family’s intentions toward Zhou Yanci were no secret.
"Stop staring," Zhou Qingyu teased. "You’ve got quite the fan club."
Zhou Yanci was familiar with Fang Shuyao too. Zhou Corporation had business ties with the Fang family, and her father had been subtly pushing her toward him lately.
"I’ll handle it."
Zhou Qingyu climbed into the limo first.
Yan Xi followed, but just as she was about to step in, Zhou Yanci stopped her.
"Where’s the bracelet I gave you?"
Yan Xi thought for a second. "It’s back at the Zhou residence!"
Something that expensive—of course she wouldn’t casually wear it out.
Zhou Yanci sighed, pulling out the red diamond bracelet from his pocket and fastening it around her wrist.
Yan Xi hesitated. "Do I have to wear it all the time?"
"Wear it," he insisted. "If anyone asks, tell them it’s from me."
He was tired of people dismissing his relationship with Yan Xi as child’s play—as if he wasn’t serious about her. A bracelet worth hundreds of millions ought to shut them up.
Yan Xi ducked her head. "Got it."
Then she slipped into the limo.
Once Zhou Yanci joined them, the car sped off, leaving Fang Shuyao still hidden behind the studio door, her eyes shining like stars.
Her phone camera had been recording the entire scene. Without hesitation, she clicked the link her best friend had sent her and uploaded the video to the CP fan page.
At that moment, fans were still dissecting the frog-head photo, debating how far the couple had progressed. Fang Shuyao’s post instantly grabbed everyone’s attention.
"Doubt no more! Zhou-Yan is REAL! He gave her a red diamond bracelet—that’s not just pocket change! How can anyone say he’s not serious?!"
Fang Shuyao’s account, "My CP is Super Sweet," already had over 10,000 followers.
The moment she posted, fans swarmed in:
"Aaaah! Sweetie posted new content!"
"Not fanart—actual footage! Look at the way he looks at her! I’m melting!"
"They’re definitely together~!"
"I knew it! Go get her, Zhou Yanci! Marry her! Do it 365 days a year—I know you’ve got it in you!"
Fang Shuyao’s heart overflowed with hearts.
Witnessing the sweetness in person was so much better than scouring livestreams for crumbs! Zhou Yanci was so handsome, and Yan Xi was so adorable! Together, they were absolute perfection!
Forget high-society matches—this was true love!
Fang Shuyao had nearly squealed out loud earlier but held back, afraid of being labeled a weirdo. Online, though, she couldn’t contain herself.
She bombarded her best friend with messages—
"So sweet! I’m obsessed!"
"He put the bracelet on her himself!"
"I knew the way he looked at her in that variety show meant something! They were probably already secretly dating!"
"Aaaah! And when I peeked at Yan Xi just now, I saw a red mark on her collarbone! That’s a hickey, right? RIGHT?!"
Her best friend was just as hyped: "But didn’t your dad want to set you up with Zhou Yanci? You’re not the only one—these high-society parties are basically matchmaking events!"
"Zhou Yanci is in danger!"
Fang Shuyao declared righteously: "Over my dead body! I’ll protect their love! No one’s getting between them!"
"Shuyao!"
Fang Ruoran’s voice rang out from inside the studio. "Why are you by the door? Time to change!"
The limo was long gone. Reluctantly, Fang Shuyao returned to her sister’s side.
"Jie, are there a lot of people trying to set Zhou Yanci up tonight?"
"Of course!" Fang Ruoran said. "So you’d better dress to impress—don’t let those little vixens get ahead of you!"
Fang Shuyao clenched her fists. "Yeah!"
No way was she letting anyone ruin her OTP!
.
The birthday banquet was held at one of Zhou Qingyu’s private estates, grand and lavish.
At the entrance, clusters of vibrant roses adorned the arched gateway, lining the red-carpeted path all the way to the manor doors.
Though the party hadn’t officially started, many guests had already arrived.
Zhou Qingyu couldn’t be bothered with hosting—that was Butler Yu and Aunt Zhang’s job. As the guest of honor, she’d show up when she pleased.
On the villa’s open-air balcony, Zhou’s Father sipped tea with old friends at a carved mahogany table.
More than a few hinted at marriage alliances:
"Old Zhou, Yanci’s 27 now—time to settle down, eh?"
"My daughter Shuyao—you held her as a baby! She just graduated and returned from abroad. She’s 22, a good match for Yanci!"
"After the Pei family scandal, thank goodness Qingyu didn’t end up with Pei Yubai! My nephew’s 26—perfect for her..."
Zhou’s Father chuckled diplomatically. "The kids have their own minds. I can’t control them!"
His friends huffed.
Sure, play the hands-off dad.
No one knew what was going on with Zhou Qingyu, but weren’t they all well aware of Zhou Yanci’s situation? Were they really going to let him marry some naive little girl? Yan Xi had no background whatsoever!
Some people tried to fish for information, curious about who would ultimately inherit the Zhou family’s power.
Previously, everyone had sided with Zhou Yanci because he was the CEO of Zhou Corporation. But this year, after Zhou Corporation aggressively acquired Meng Corporation—with Zhou Qingyu serving as Meng Corporation’s chairwoman—Zhou Yanci’s advantage had vanished. Nothing was certain anymore.
Yet Zhou’s Father remained evasive. "Does it really matter who inherits the Zhou family’s power? My children are united, a harmonious family! There’s no need to draw such clear lines."
The old-timers around him chuckled politely but scoffed inwardly.
Harmonious?
Did he think they were fools?
Zhou Qingyu and Zhou Yanci weren’t even born from the same mother. They’d been at odds for over a decade, ready to throw hands whenever they met. How could those two possibly get along?
That sly old fox—not a word of truth from him!
As the group continued their aimless chatter, a stretch limousine pulled into the estate.
The doorman respectfully opened the car door.
Zhou Yanci stepped out first.
Broad-shouldered and long-legged, dressed in a sharply tailored suit, he was a sight to behold. Many socialite daughters couldn’t help but glance his way.
Then, Zhou Yanci shielded the top of the doorframe as Yan Xi emerged from the limo.
Though many looked down on Yan Xi for her lack of connections, they had to admit—the girl was stunning. Even in a basic M-brand evening gown, she exuded an innocent yet alluring charm.
No matter. Her lack of background was her greatest weakness. A minor character like her wasn’t worth worrying about.
After the two stepped out, everyone naturally assumed the doorman would close the door. But to their shock, a third person climbed out of the limousine.
Her golden hair shimmered, her vintage princess gown flowed elegantly, and her full set of blue diamond jewelry sparkled under the lights—she looked like a fairy-tale princess from another world.
The crowd gasped.
Zhou Qingyu?
Wasn’t she supposed to be at odds with Zhou Yanci? How could she have arrived in the same car as him? Had they not torn into each other inside the limo?
Zhou’s Father took a leisurely sip of tea, grinning. "Didn’t I tell you? Our family gets along just fine! Why won’t you believe me?"
