She was enveloped by the man's scent—a mix of lemon-scented aftershave and the faint aroma of white wine.
Ning Yuxuan didn’t have the energy to discern the remaining notes.
Xie Zhiyan’s lips were already pressed against hers.
Her mind went blank in an instant.
Her eyes instinctively fluttered shut, her hands flailing briefly before finally clutching the hem of his shirt.
At first, the kiss was almost polite—Xie Zhiyan’s lips moved slowly against hers, testing, occasionally pulling back just enough to let her breathe.
Ning Yuxuan’s heart was pounding so hard she could barely stand it.
Then, the kiss grew more demanding.
His mouth moved over hers with deliberate intensity, as if determined to steal every last trace of oxygen from her lips.
She could hardly breathe, her legs weakening beneath her.
Her fingers tightened around his shirt, gripping the fabric desperately, unconsciously tugging downward—as if that alone could keep her from collapsing.
Suddenly, Xie Zhiyan pulled back half an inch.
His voice was rough, laced with dark amusement. "Trying to strangle me?"
Ning Yuxuan stared at him, her brain utterly frozen.
Xie Zhiyan reached down and wrapped his hand around hers, prying her fingers loose with a gentleness that belied his strength.
With a slight tug, he guided her hands to his back.
"Hold me like this," he murmured.
Her lashes trembled.
She didn’t nod or shake her head—didn’t even have time to respond before his mouth claimed hers again.
A new wave of heat surged between them.
...
By the time the kiss finally ended, Ning Yuxuan could barely stand.
Her entire weight leaned into Xie Zhiyan, her arms no longer just resting against his back but now looped around his neck, clinging to him for balance.
He was the only thing keeping her upright.
Xie Zhiyan was the first to break away, though their breaths remained tangled in the quiet of the night.
Ning Yuxuan couldn’t calm down.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her hands still hooked behind his neck. "Xie… Xie Zhiyan."
"Hm?"
"Did you… lie to me?"
His voice was low, rough. "About what?"
She inhaled deeply, but her breathing remained uneven. "You—you’ve really never kissed anyone before?"
He had kissed her until her entire body went weak, leaving her without the strength to even lift her head and meet his eyes.
All she could see was the sharp line of his jaw, the pronounced curve of his Adam’s apple.
"I didn’t lie," Xie Zhiyan’s voice rumbled above her. "You’re the only one."
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
Her thoughts were too scattered for coherence. She spoke purely on instinct. "Then why… why are you so good at it?"
"Am I?" A low chuckle escaped him.
Pressed against his chest, she felt the vibration of his laughter.
"Maybe because…" Xie Zhiyan’s voice was slow, deliberate. "I’ve wanted to do this for a long time."
Countless times, he had imagined pulling her into his arms like this, claiming her mouth with the same relentless hunger.
And countless times, he had forced himself to hold back.
After a moment, Ning Yuxuan’s breathing steadied slightly—though her heart still hammered wildly.
His words sent a fresh wave of heat rushing to her cheeks.
Even without seeing herself, she knew her face must be flushed crimson.
"You…" she muttered weakly. "What kind of things do you think about all day?"
Xie Zhiyan: "Don’t you think about them too?"
Ning Yuxuan: "I—"
She couldn’t bring herself to deny it.
When he kissed her, she had felt weightless, euphoric—dizzy with the rush of dopamine.
But admitting that out loud? Impossible.
She quickly changed the subject. "Earlier… why did you check your watch?"
Xie Zhiyan: "You said you needed to be home by ten."
He glanced at his wrist again. "Last time I checked, it was 9:35. Now it’s 9:46."
Ning Yuxuan’s mind was still hazy. "Oh…"
So they had been kissing for… ten minutes?
Her gaze drifted past him to the villa across the street, its entrance illuminated by a single lamp.
"It’s almost ten," she said, reluctantly pulling her hands from his neck. "I should probably—"
Xie Zhiyan caught her wrist mid-motion, his fingers circling it firmly.
Ning Yuxuan squirmed. "You—"
Xie Zhiyan: "There’s still over ten minutes left."
Ning Yuxuan: "But…"
Before she could protest further, he tugged her closer and dipped his head again.
"Mmph—" Her weak struggles were futile.
Still recovering from the last kiss, she was helpless against the renewed pressure of his mouth.
Her wrists remained locked in his grip, suspended in the air.
Without the support of his body, her legs trembled even more.
Ning Yuxuan wanted to ask him to let go—to let her hold him like before.
But Xie Zhiyan gave her no chance to speak, swallowing every soft whimper that escaped her lips.
Pleasure radiated from where their mouths met, spreading through her entire body. She was melting, yet still straining to stay upright.
When he finally pulled back just enough to let her breathe, she gasped out, "C-can you let go of my hands? Let me… hold you like before…"
Her voice came out embarrassingly soft, almost pleading.
But she truly couldn’t stand like this much longer.
At her request, Xie Zhiyan paused.
A second later, he guided her arms back around his neck without a word.
Ning Yuxuan barely had time to exhale in relief before his lips crashed into hers again.
...
An eternity later, they finally separated.
The only sound between them was their ragged breathing.
Ning Yuxuan shot Xie Zhiyan a glare—though with her strength spent, it looked more like a pout than a reprimand.
She had never realized before just how… intense he could be.
Noticing her expression, Xie Zhiyan chuckled and pulled her back into his embrace.
Ning Yuxuan buried her face against his chest, their bodies pressed together through the thin fabric of their summer clothes.
Then she felt it—the unmistakable evidence of his desire.
Any protest died on her lips.
Even if she lacked firsthand experience, she knew exactly what it meant.
When they kissed earlier, she had a vague sensation, but all her attention was focused on the press of lips and teeth, leaving no room for other thoughts.
Ning Yuxuan didn’t dare speak.
Seeing this, Xie Zhiyan let out a low chuckle.
"Relax," he said. "I won’t do anything to you here."
Her cheeks burned. "Then… could you let me go first?"
Staying pressed together like this would only make things worse…
Xie Zhiyan’s voice was rough. "No need. Just let me hold you for a while."
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
She knew that squirming now would only escalate things.
So she stayed still, melting into his embrace.
A soft laugh came from above her. "Why so obedient all of a sudden?"
Ning Yuxuan pressed her lips together, refusing to answer.
He was teasing her on purpose. She was just afraid he’d lose control.
After a quiet moment in his arms, her breathing finally steadied.
She couldn’t help asking, "Xie Zhiyan… what time is it?"
Her cheek rested against him, and she felt him shift slightly—probably checking his watch.
A moment later, he replied, "Ten-oh-two."
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
His tone was so indifferent that it took her two full seconds to process—
"It’s past ten already?"
She pushed against Xie Zhiyan’s chest, and this time, he didn’t hold her back.
Free from his embrace, she looked up at him accusingly. "Why didn’t you tell me?"
"I just noticed," Xie Zhiyan said smoothly. "I couldn’t exactly check the time while kissing you."
For a moment, she was at a loss for words.
She pulled out her phone to check.
The good news was that no one had called—including Ning Fei.
If her mother had been waiting anxiously, she definitely would have called to hurry her along.
Ning Yuxuan turned to Xie Zhiyan. "I should go back…"
Xie Zhiyan: "I’ll walk you to the door."
It was only a few steps away.
She shook her head. "No need."
His brow lifted slightly. "Why not?"
She bit her lip.
She was afraid he’d kiss her again.
Xie Zhiyan saw right through her, his lips curving. "Don’t worry. No more kisses today."
After a pause, he added lightly, "Otherwise, I might not be able to stop myself from keeping you here."
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
Ignoring him, she turned and walked toward the house.
Xie Zhiyan followed close behind.
At the doorstep, she hesitated.
Then, against her better judgment, she turned to look at him.
The light above the door illuminated his face.
His expression was gentle now, none of the earlier intensity or possessiveness visible.
But Ning Yuxuan hadn’t forgotten how he’d treated her just moments ago.
Her lips still tingled slightly—all thanks to this seemingly composed man in front of her.
And yet, Xie Zhiyan acted as if nothing had happened, bidding her goodnight.
He reached out, lightly tapping her forehead. "May I?"
Ning Yuxuan stayed silent.
He hadn’t asked for permission earlier when he kissed her.
After a brief pause, she nodded.
His lips brushed her forehead, warm and tender.
She instinctively closed her eyes.
A few seconds later, he pulled away.
Ning Yuxuan slowly opened her eyes.
"Goodnight."
…
When she stepped inside, a single lamp lit the living room—left on by her mother, no doubt.
The villa was quiet. Ning Yuxuan changed her shoes soundlessly and tiptoed up the stairs, careful not to make a noise.
Passing by Ning Fei’s bedroom on the second floor, she paused.
After a moment’s hesitation, she crept to the door and pressed her ear against it.
Faint, even breathing came from inside. Had her mother really fallen asleep already?
Normally, Ning Fei would wash up around ten but then read for a while, not going to bed until ten-thirty.
But they’d just returned from Jiangcheng, and the trip had been exhausting. Maybe she’d gone to bed earlier than usual.
Ning Yuxuan wasn’t sure how to feel.
She should be glad—her mother’s insomnia must have improved if she was sleeping so soundly.
But in the past, no matter how late Ning Yuxuan came home, Ning Fei would always wait up for her.
Had her mother grown more trusting of her… or of Xie Zhiyan?
After listening for a few more seconds, she was about to leave when—
Footsteps sounded from inside the room. Ning Fei had gotten out of bed.
A second later, the door opened.
"Yuxuan?" Ning Fei looked surprised. "Why were you standing outside without saying anything?"
Ning Yuxuan blinked.
"I wanted to check if you were asleep," she admitted. "Did I wake you, Mom?"
Ning Fei smiled. "No, I just finished reading and was about to sleep."
Ning Yuxuan: "Then… did you hear me coming up?"
Ning Fei: "No."
Ning Yuxuan: "Then how did you know I was here?"
Ning Fei chuckled. "Maybe mother’s intuition. I thought you’d be back around now, so I came out to check."
Her gaze flicked to the wall clock—10:07.
Ning Yuxuan felt a twinge of guilt.
She’d promised to be back by ten but was a few minutes late.
She’d never broken a promise to her mother before.
But Ning Fei didn’t mention it, only studying her face for a moment.
Ning Yuxuan: "…What is it, Mom?"
"Nothing." Ning Fei smiled. "Did you have a good time today?"
Ning Yuxuan hesitated. "What do you mean?"
Ning Fei’s gaze softened. "Anything. Is there something you’d like to tell me?"
Meeting her mother’s eyes, Ning Yuxuan suddenly felt a wave of calm.
When she was little, she’d told her mother everything.
When she received her first love letter, she hadn’t hidden it—she’d brought it straight to Ning Fei, eager to show it off.
When she was confessed to for the first time in middle school, she’d rushed home to tell Ning Fei immediately.
She’d never kept secrets from her mother.
Until later… when the distance between them grew.
But that was in the past now.
For a moment, Ning Yuxuan missed those childhood days when she’d shared everything with her mother without hesitation.
After a pause, she said, "Xie Zhiyan gave me a gift."
Ning Fei smiled.
"What kind of gift?" she asked gently.
Ning Yuxuan touched the necklace around her neck. "This."
Ning Fei had noticed it earlier. "It’s lovely," she said warmly.
Remembering Xie Zhiyan’s words, Ning Yuxuan asked, "Mom… did you already know he was going to give this to me?"
Ning Fei shook her head: "Zhiyan asked me what kind of jewelry you like, so I picked a few of your favorites from childhood and sent them to him. But I don’t know what he ultimately chose."
Ning Yuxuan pouted: "When did he ask you? Why didn’t you tell me beforehand?"
Ning Fei smiled gently: "He wanted to prepare a surprise for you, so of course I couldn’t spoil it."
Ning Yuxuan chatted with Ning Fei for another ten minutes.
They talked about the flowers and breakfast, about the ring she bought for herself, about the private jet and the restaurant they dined at in the evening, and finally about the butterfly video Xie Zhiyan had prepared for her.
Of course, she conveniently omitted the part that had happened at the doorstep earlier.
Ning Fei listened warmly, nodding occasionally.
Hearing her daughter describe the day, she could almost feel Ning Yuxuan’s happiness radiating through her words.
The fact that her daughter was willing to share these moments with her was her greatest joy.
And knowing how thoughtful Xie Zhiyan had been, she felt even more at ease.
When Ning Yuxuan finally wound down, Ning Fei said softly, "Alright, Xuanxuan. You must be tired after such a long day. Go take a shower and rest. I’ll wake you up tomorrow morning."
Ning Yuxuan nodded. "Okay, Mom. You should sleep early too."
After exchanging goodnights, Ning Yuxuan returned to her bedroom.
There were a few unread messages on her phone.
Ning Shiyue: [How did today go?]
Ning Yuxuan chuckled.
So he was here to check on the results. She wondered how much of Xie Zhiyan’s surprise had been influenced by Ning Shiyue’s suggestions.
Ning Yuxuan: [Director Ning here to inspect his handiwork?]
Ning Shiyue had deliberately waited until late at night to message her.
He knew Xie Zhiyan’s surprise was planned for the evening, and after Ning Yuxuan accepted, the two would naturally spend some intimate time together.
He had estimated the timing carefully before finally giving in to curiosity and sending his inquiry.
Ning Shiyue: [Exaggerating, exaggerating. I only gave Zhiyan a few small suggestions. But that butterfly video—half the credit does go to me.]
He had once worked on dubbing for an animated film and had discussed 3D rendering and holographic videos with the director.
So when Xie Zhiyan mentioned wanting to create a video, Ning Shiyue suggested trying a naked-eye 3D effect.
Ning Yuxuan: [I really liked the video. Thank you.]
Ning Yuxuan: [Messaging me so late—don’t you have to wake up early tomorrow?]
Ning Shiyue: [I do. I’m going to sleep now. You and Mom have a show to record tomorrow, right? Get some rest too.]
Ning Yuxuan smiled. He really had just popped in to check on the results before vanishing again.
She took off her dress and tossed it into the laundry basket by the bathroom door, then stepped inside.
Facing the mirror, Ning Yuxuan’s gaze fell once more on the blue butterfly pendant around her neck.
Under the bright bathroom lights, the sapphire shimmered brilliantly, its radiance even more dazzling.
She couldn’t resist leaning closer to admire it.
But after a few seconds, her fingers, which had been tracing the chain, suddenly stilled.
Her eyes lifted, fixing on her lips.
She hadn’t worn any makeup that morning, just sunscreen.
Yet her naturally pale pink lips now looked noticeably darker—as if tinted with peach-colored gloss.
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
It suddenly struck her that when Ning Fei had opened the door earlier, her mother’s gaze had lingered briefly on the lower half of her face.
…Had she noticed the redness of her lips?
To confirm it wasn’t just her imagination, Ning Yuxuan took a photo of her reflection in the mirror.
Comparing it to past bare-faced selfies, her lips were undeniably a shade redder.
Growing up, her mother had always noticed even the slightest changes in her appearance faster than she did.
Once, as a child, she had secretly dabbed a tiny bit of Ning Fei’s lipstick on her lips, only to be caught immediately.
So there was no doubt—her mother had definitely noticed.
Ning Yuxuan tossed her phone onto the sink and cursed inwardly.
This was all Xie Zhiyan’s fault!
Their first kiss, and he had been so… forceful.
He had even lightly nibbled her lower lip a few times—honestly!
Realizing she was reminiscing about the kiss, Ning Yuxuan covered her cheeks with her hands.
No more thinking about that!
She averted her eyes from the mirror, unfastened the necklace, and carefully placed it in the jewelry box on her vanity.
Then she pulled the hair tie from her hair, finger-combing the strands before stepping into the shower.
Half an hour later, Ning Yuxuan emerged, her hair dried and dressed in a nightgown.
There was a new message on her phone—sent by Xie Zhiyan about fifteen minutes ago.
The wording was concise and calm: he had arrived home safely.
Followed by a simple "Goodnight."
Ning Yuxuan stared at those two words, as if trying to decipher some hidden meaning.
Of course, she found none.
A flicker of dissatisfaction rose in her.
After their first kiss, all he could send was this bland "Goodnight"?
As if she were the only one affected.
And now her mother had noticed too.
She tapped the plus icon in the chat, selected the photo she had taken earlier, and hit send.
Ning Yuxuan: [Look what you did.]
Ning Yuxuan: [You kissed me so hard my lips are red and slightly swollen.]
After sending those messages, she finally felt a little more balanced.
She took a sip of water, climbed into bed, and picked up her phone again.
Xie Zhiyan hadn’t replied.
Ning Yuxuan rolled onto her side.
He had only been home for about ten minutes—surely he wasn’t asleep yet?
Why was he ignoring her?
She absentmindedly opened the photo she had sent, zooming in to examine it again.
Ning Yuxuan: "…"
A realization struck her.
In that photo, she had been wearing a bra.
Since she had focused on her lips, the shot captured only her lower face and collarbones—nothing inappropriate.
But the lavender bra straps were visible.
Ning Yuxuan hesitated, then held down the message to recall it.
But the time limit for retracting had long passed.
After a few seconds, she tossed her phone aside and burrowed under the covers.
What was done was done. Since he hadn’t replied, she might as well pretend nothing had happened.
Today had already been full of embarrassing moments—what was one more?
Time to sleep!
…
On the other side of Beicheng.
Xie Zhiyan stepped out of the shower, towel-drying his hair.
A notification lit up his phone—a message from Ning Yuxuan.
He tapped it open, his gaze darkening slightly.
Then he opened the attached photo and stilled.
After a long moment, the man exhaled softly.
She really wouldn't let him have a moment's peace.
