Chapter 50

Pei Qingci’s breath brushed against her face, causing a ticklish sensation.

Sheng Qingli felt dizzy from his kiss and stood on tiptoe to respond, mumbling, “Where are we going for the date?”

Before Pei Qingci could reply, Sheng Qingli seemed to remember something, pushed him away from another impending kiss, and fluttered her long eyelashes, saying, “If it’s just the two of us on a date, have you considered the feelings of Sister Lin and Brother Rong?”

Pei Qingci: “…”

He lowered his gaze, watching Sheng Qingli’s worried expression, and said softly, “Let’s not go to crowded places.”

Sheng Qingli raised an eyebrow, “The suburbs?”

“A resort.” Pei Qingci kissed her lips again and spoke in a low voice, “It’s Mr. Yu’s property, so we don’t have to worry about being seen.”

Hearing this, Sheng Qingli’s eyes lit up, “Sounds good!”

“Have you agreed?” Pei Qingci confirmed, his lips barely brushing against her cheek.

Feeling his warm breath, Sheng Qingli teasingly said, “How could I not agree to Mr. Pei?”

Pei Qingci made a sound of affirmation, lightly biting her lower lip, his Adam’s apple rolling slightly, his gaze deepening, “Then I’ll come over?”

He affectionately rubbed his nose against hers, “Get some rest.”

Pei Qingci’s words seemed like a hint.

Sheng Qingli’s ears turned slightly warm, her eyelashes trembling, “What time do we leave?”

“We’ll leave after you wake up.” He wanted to have some time alone with Sheng Qingli, but she needed to be well-rested first.

After finalizing the date for the next day, Pei Qingci didn’t overly demand anything from Sheng Qingli at the hotel; he just kissed her for a little longer before returning to his room.

After he left, Sheng Qingli touched her flushed cheeks and slowly climbed into bed to sleep.

---

The next day, Sheng Qingli woke up naturally at ten-thirty.

After waking up, she sent a message to the person in the next room: “I’m awake.”

Pei Qingci: “Here.”

Sheng Qingli smiled while holding her phone and thought for a moment before asking, “Are we staying over there tonight?”

Pei Qingci: “Do you want to stay?”

How should Sheng Qingli respond to that? Saying yes seemed too forward, while saying no felt a bit off.

Sheng Qingli suspected that Pei Qingci was doing it on purpose, intentionally putting her in a difficult position.

After three seconds of thought, Sheng Qingli replied, “I’ll check tomorrow’s schedule.”

Pei Qingci: “I’ve checked.”

Sheng Qingli: “?”

Pei Qingci: “We have an afternoon shoot tomorrow.”

Sheng Qingli: “…Oh.”

Pei Qingci: “Oh?”

Sheng Qingli: “I’ll get ready.”

Pei Qingci: “Okay, no need to rush.”

She didn’t reply to that message.

Putting down her phone, she opened the wardrobe, took out an outfit for tomorrow, and grabbed a clean nightgown. After packing her clothes, Sheng Qingli’s gaze shifted to the items on the bedside table that she needed to buy.

After struggling for a while, Sheng Qingli gave up on bringing her tools of the trade to the hotel.

After simply packing her things, she sent a message to Pei Qingci: “You go ahead.”

They naturally couldn’t leave together.

Pei Qingci: “Are you hungry?”

Sheng Qingli: “Not really. I won’t eat here.”

Pei Qingci: “Okay.”

Twenty minutes later, Sheng Qingli pretended to be calm as she walked out of the hotel holding a loose, oversized bag.

Fortunately, from the moment she left her room until she reached the parking lot, she didn’t encounter any acquaintances.

Her phone had a photo of the license plate number sent by Pei Qingci.

Raising an eyebrow, Sheng Qingli followed his directions and found a black SUV.

After opening the door and getting in, she glanced sideways and asked, “This car… it wouldn’t be prepared by Mr. Yu, would it?”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow and smiled, handing her the breakfast he had bought in advance, “My girlfriend is really smart.”

“…”

Sheng Qingli was amused, “Is that what you call smart?”

Pei Qingci made a sound of agreement, looking into her bright eyes, “Smart.”

The two exchanged smiles, and Sheng Qingli took the sandwich, “Shall we go now?”

Pei Qingci nodded, reaching up to buckle her seatbelt, unable to resist kissing her first, “Good morning, Ms. Sheng.”

Sheng Qingli smiled, feeling a bit pleased, “Mr. Pei, it’s already noon.”

Pei Qingci readily adapted, “Then, good afternoon, Ms. Sheng.”

The car had anti-peep film, and it was a taller SUV, so neither of them worried about being seen.

As they drove from the city to the suburbs, Pei Qingci quickly got on the highway.

After finishing her sandwich, Sheng Qingli drank a cup of coffee that Pei Qingci had prepared and suddenly remembered to ask, “Did you tell Brother Rong?”

Pei Qingci: “No.”

Sheng Qingli blinked and pondered for a few seconds before saying, “I should probably let Sister Lin know, so she can be prepared.”

Pei Qingci nodded, pausing for a moment to say, “It won’t be a problem.”

Sheng Qingli felt that the two of them couldn’t be that “lucky,” but it was better to be cautious.

She sent a couple of messages to Lin Lin to inform her.

Sheng Qingli received her ellipsis reply.

Sheng Qingli: “We’re going to the suburbs, to the resort villa opened by Pei Qingci’s friend. He said it’s very safe.”

Lin Lin: “…Does Xiang Rong know about this?”

Sheng Qingli honestly replied, “He didn’t say.”

Lin Lin: “Okay, I feel somewhat comforted.”

Her artist is still relatively obedient.

Sheng Qingli chuckled, “Don’t worry, we’ll be careful.”

Lin Lin: “I’m not too worried. I trust Mr. Pei.”

If he didn’t have some certainty, Pei Qingci wouldn’t suggest going out. Lin Lin still trusted him on this point.

Moreover, they have heavy filming tasks right now, so going out for a little relaxation is a good idea.

Thinking of this, Lin Lin reminded, “Just have fun when you get there, don’t feel pressured.”

Sheng Qingli: “Got it, thank you, Sister Lin.”

After chatting a bit, Sheng Qingli put away her phone and turned her head to look out the window.

They had already gotten on the highway, and the view became broad and bright.

After staring out the window for a while, Sheng Qingli turned to the person beside her, “Want to listen to music?”

Pei Qingci glanced at her and replied, “Feel free, Ms. Sheng.”

This isn’t Pei Qingci’s car, so the song Sheng Qingli wanted wasn’t there.

She took out her phone, connected to Bluetooth, and played a song they both liked. The moment the prelude started, Sheng Qingli suddenly remembered the last time she was on the highway with Pei Qingci.

At that time, it wasn’t too different from now.

But they were familiar yet strange back then.

“Pei Qingci,” Sheng Qingli called him.

Pei Qingci: “Hmm?”

“Do you still remember last time—” Before Sheng Qingli could finish, Pei Qingci responded, “I remember.”

He looked at her, “What do you want to ask?”

“That song, was it intentional?” Sheng Qingli pressed on.

Hearing this, Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow, “Not really.”

“Not really?” Sheng Qingli was puzzled.

Pei Qingci replied honestly, “I’ve been listening to it.”

Over the years, he often listened to it.

He would listen when he missed her, when he felt frustrated, and when he found a moment to relax amidst his busy schedule. Every time he listened, memories of being together would flash in his mind: lying on the grass at the mountain top watching the stars, waiting for sunrise in the tent.

Like a slow movie, he would occasionally press the “play” button to loop through those moments.

Upon hearing this, Sheng Qingli slowly responded with an “Oh.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow, looking straight ahead, “Is that all?”

“I don’t know what else to say for now,” Sheng Qingli replied candidly.

Pei Qingci smiled and changed the subject, “You can take a nap for a while. We still have an hour to go.”

Sheng Qingli nodded, “I was afraid you’d be bored, so I wanted to chat with you.”

She said she would keep him company.

But after just a few minutes of chatting, Sheng Qingli’s eyelids began to droop. Gradually, she tilted her head and fell asleep.

When they exited the highway, Pei Qingci glanced over at her and smiled helplessly.

---

The resort villa is situated in a prime location, hidden among the mountains.

If Pei Qingci hadn’t brought her here, Sheng Qingli would never have imagined that it was such a hidden gem.

When Pei Qingci’s car drove in, someone came out to greet them.

“Brother Pei.” A middle-aged man in a suit walked to the car and said softly, “Please park the car over there. The area in front of the hot spring courtyard has been cleared, so no one will come by.”

Pei Qingci nodded, speaking in a calm tone, “Thanks.”

The man smiled, “Mr. Yu has instructed that you and your friends enjoy yourselves. If you need anything, just give me a call.”

Pei Qingci acknowledged him.

Until they arrived at the independent hot spring courtyard where they would be staying, Sheng Qingli hadn’t gotten out of the car.

As the car entered the courtyard, Pei Qingci got out first, walked around to her side, and opened the car door for her, saying calmly, “Ms. Sheng, you can get out now.”

Sheng Qingli handed her hand to him and jumped out of the car.

She instinctively looked around, her eyebrows lifting slightly. Just as Pei Qingci had said, she really didn’t have to worry about being photographed here.

The house they were staying in was independent, surrounded by walls that were taller than Sheng Qingli, so the inside was completely shielded from view. Outside, one could only catch a glimpse of the house’s roof, and from the inside, they could only see the lush branches outside.

Noticing her gaze, Pei Qingci asked, “How is it?”

“…I like it,” Sheng Qingli said honestly, “It’s very special here.”

Pei Qingci nodded, “It’ll be even prettier after it snows.”

Sheng Qingli’s eyes brightened, “You’ve been here when it snowed?”

Pei Qingci nodded.

He had come once and thought that he should bring Sheng Qingli here when he had the chance; she would definitely like it.

Looking at it now, Pei Qingci’s intuition was correct.

“When was it?” Sheng Qingli asked curiously.

Pei Qingci: “The year before last.”

He went to the trunk to get their luggage and said softly, “If you like it, we can come back when it snows this year.”

Sheng Qingli pondered seriously, “We might not have time when it snows this year.”

Both of them have movies releasing at the end of the year, and they might not even be able to go home for the New Year. They would have to promote their films.

Pei Qingci paused for three seconds, “There’s always next year.”

They still have plenty of time.

Sheng Qingli nodded, “Next year works.”

The two took their luggage and entered the house.

At first glance, Sheng Qingli noticed the hot spring pool inside. It was too cold outside, and soaking in the hot spring was undoubtedly the best way to relax in winter.

“Why didn’t you tell me in advance that there’s a hot spring here?” Sheng Qingli looked at Pei Qingci with a resentful gaze.

Pei Qingci raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I forgot.”

He really had forgotten.

Sheng Qingli said, “I didn’t even bring my swimsuit.”

Pei Qingci responded with a slight pause, “We can have someone deliver it.”

He told Sheng Qingli that the building they had just entered had shops and restaurants. Many guests who came to this area for leisure bought food and items there.

Upon hearing Pei Qingci’s suggestion, Sheng Qingli reluctantly agreed, “Then get the prettiest one.”

Pei Qingci replied, “Understood.”

Pei Qingci took care of the arrangements while Sheng Qingli walked around the room.

The room was spacious, and the living room was wide and comfortable, even featuring a kitchen. Overall, it had a slightly Japanese hot spring style but incorporated many elements of Chinese gardens, with a unique design.

After walking around, Sheng Qingli took out her phone and snapped a few photos to send to Li Yuwei: “I’ll come here to play after I finish up.”

Li Yuwei replied: “?”

Li Yuwei: “Did you go on a date?”

She had been quite busy lately and hadn’t paid much attention to Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci’s experiences in the production team.

Sheng Qingli: “Yes!”

In front of Li Yuwei, Sheng Qingli was less reserved.

Li Yuwei: “I’m envious!”

Sheng Qingli chuckled, “I’ll invite Teacher Li to come play next time.”

Li Yuwei: “Noted. You two enjoy your time together; I won’t disturb you too much.”

Sheng Qingli: “… Goodbye.”

After making plans with Li Yuwei, when Sheng Qingli returned to the living room, Pei Qingci had already called the resort staff to deliver food.

When the food was delivered, Sheng Qingli deliberately avoided the staff.

However, she was just being overly concerned; this was Yu Tingyun’s property, and the staff at the hot spring resort were all professionally trained. They wouldn’t, and wouldn’t dare, to gossip or discuss the guests.

After having lunch for more than an hour, Sheng Qingli felt a bit tired.

She lazily slumped onto the sofa and poked Pei Qingci’s arm, “Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci lowered his gaze. “Are you sleepy?”

“A little bit,” Sheng Qingli replied. “I just want to sleep once I relax.”

Recently, she hadn’t been getting enough sleep while filming in the production team. Once relaxed, Sheng Qingli just wanted to nap anywhere.

Pei Qingci understood; he smiled slightly and quietly asked, “Do you want me to keep you company?”

Their eyes met, and Sheng Qingli’s long lashes fluttered, her cheeks flushed. “… Just for sleeping together?”

Pei Qingci lowered his lashes and pulled her up from his lap, gently saying, “If you want something more than just sleeping together, that’s fine too.”

Sheng Qingli was choked by his words, puffing her cheeks. “I want just sleeping together.”

Doing something inappropriate in broad daylight didn’t seem quite right.

Pei Qingci didn’t speak.

After carrying her into the room, Pei Qingci glanced at her clothes and asked gently, “Do you want to change?”

“… Yes.” Sheng Qingli wouldn’t be able to sleep without changing into pajamas.

Pei Qingci found her some sleepwear.

When he brought it over, Sheng Qingli intended to reach for it but was refused.

He looked deeply into her eyes, neither hurried nor slow, and said, “I’ll help you change.”

“…”

If she had known that having Pei Qingci help her change clothes today would be so torturous, Sheng Qingli would have firmly refused.

However, many things have no “what if.”

This wasn’t the first time Pei Qingci had helped Sheng Qingli change clothes, but… previously, he had dressed her only after things had progressed, when Sheng Qingli wasn’t fully aware.

Today was different.

Both of them were clear-headed and slightly excited.

Sheng Qingli could feel the warmth of Pei Qingci’s fingers and palm.

He pinched the edge of her clothes and pulled off the knitted sweater she was wearing, revealing skin softer and fairer than snow. Sheng Qingli’s breath hitched, and she could clearly sense Pei Qingci pausing for a few seconds.

Then, his rough fingertips slid to her back, his palm moving from her shoulder blades down to the metal clasp.

A faint sound broke the silence in the room.

Sheng Qingli’s heart raced, instinctively raising her hand to stop him, but Pei Qingci held her wrist.

The two pieces of clothing fell to the side, unnoticed.

Sheng Qingli’s wrist was captured in Pei Qingci’s grip at the moment her clothes came off, while his other hand effortlessly supported her heaving chest, which she wanted to cover.

…

“Pei Qingci…” Feeling the warmth of his palm, Sheng Qingli called out to him, somewhat impatiently.

Pei Qingci paused, gently responding, his lips moving towards hers, “Do you want to continue?”

He held her most sensitive area, his palm covering it as he gently kneaded.

Sheng Qingli’s vision was blocked by him; she could see nothing.

She instinctively closed her eyes, feeling his lips and hand, her heart racing like a drum, her lashes fluttering, her body swaying unsteadily.

“I want…”

Pei Qingci had only helped her take off her top for the moment.

After receiving her consent, Pei Qingci’s hand moved from above down to the button of her jeans.

Sheng Qingli was wearing a pair of tight jeans that perfectly wrapped around her slender legs.

The sound of the button echoed, followed closely by the sound of the zipper.

The afternoon suddenly felt interminable.

“Unfair…” After an unknown amount of time, Sheng Qingli muttered softly.

Pei Qingci chuckled deeply, holding her in his arms, “What’s unfair?”

Sheng Qingli opened her eyes and looked at his clothes, saying, “This.”

How could he still be so neatly dressed?

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingci took her hand. “Then help me.”

They were very much about reciprocity.

At this point, Sheng Qingli had nothing to feel shy about.

She had Pei Qingci sit comfortably and then got up to straddle him, focusing intently on the buttons of his shirt.

Pei Qingci lowered his gaze, his eyes fixed on her.

The scene was excruciatingly difficult to endure, stirring emotions in Pei Qingci that he struggled to articulate.

Sheng Qingli’s skin was very fair, even whiter than the heavy snow he had seen two years ago.

Her whiteness contrasted sharply with his black trousers, a clear light and dark juxtaposition that oddly evoked feelings of intimacy in the quiet forest.

In fact, the image was enough to make one’s throat dry.

Sheng Qingli moved slowly, and Pei Qingci felt the torment acutely. He swallowed hard for what felt like the umpteenth time, his voice becoming hoarse. “…Why so slow?”

Sheng Qingli wouldn’t admit to him that it was intentional; she simply wanted to see him struggle on the edge of losing control.

She wanted to see how long he could hold on.

“The buttons are too small,” Sheng Qingli offered as an excuse.

After a brief silence, she accused Pei Qingci, “Mr. Pei, you’re pressing against me.”

Pei Qingci responded with a hum, his gaze deeply fixed on her. “I can’t help it.”

Sheng Qingli was left speechless, her ears heating up. “It’s your…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Pei Qingci interrupted, slightly lowering his head to rest against her forehead, saying, “It only listens to you.”

“…”

Hearing this, Sheng Qingli felt a bit shy; her lips moved as she tried to say something more, but Pei Qingci, unable to wait any longer, kissed her lips instead, his voice low and raspy. “Ms. Sheng, how about we soak in a hot spring this afternoon?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he didn’t wait for Sheng Qingli’s reply and carried her toward the hot spring pool.

The hot spring quickly filled with water, and beads of water clung to Sheng Qingli’s body, making her look even more enticing than before.

Once the pool was filled, Pei Qingci reduced the water flow to keep it at a gentle stream.

As they moved, the two didn’t separate at all.

Before entering the pool, they were already stirred with feelings.

Pei Qingci was quite familiar with Sheng Qingli’s body, and she felt the same about him.

The hot spring water relaxed their pores and made Sheng Qingli feel comfortable.

The water occasionally rippled, undulating.

Water splashed over the edges of the pool, getting everything wet.

Sheng Qingli was held in Pei Qingci’s arms, listening to his heartbeat.

Her hands wrapped around his neck, she let out a muffled sound of effort as her breathing became uneven.

“Feeling uncomfortable?” Pei Qingci noticed something was off and asked softly.

Sheng Qingli shook her head, murmuring, “It’s a bit…full…”

She felt full.

Pei Qingci understood and stopped moving around.

He leaned down and kissed her lips, encouraging her to relax and feel comfortable.

After a while, he seemed to sense something and chuckled softly. “Ms. Sheng…”

Sheng Qingli responded vaguely, “Wh-what?”

“It seems like there’s a lot more water in the pool.”

Hearing the implication in his words, Sheng Qingli flushed all over. “You…”

She felt a mix of embarrassment and anger. “Then you should go out.”

Pei Qingci smiled, coaxing her. “I’m just praising you for being impressive.”

Sheng Qingli’s face was red, and she didn’t want to talk.

After a few seconds of silence, she pushed him gently, saying softly, “It’s… it’s okay now.”

Pei Qingci understood, placing his hand on her waist, holding her close to his chest, and then pushed her in further.

Once fully inside, Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but gasp.

Quickly, Pei Qingci covered her lips with his.

The water in the hot spring stirred once more with clear waves.

The water flowed, warm and soothing.

As he listened to Sheng Qingli’s soft sounds, Pei Qingci swallowed hard, biting her earlobe as he praised, “You’re amazing, baby.”

“…”

---

After soaking in the hot spring, Pei Qingci carried the weak and exhausted Sheng Qingli back to bed.

The person behind seemed unsatisfied, embracing her and continuing to kiss her.

As the room fell quiet, it was already five in the afternoon.

Sheng Qingli drowsily fell asleep, and when she woke up again, it was dark outside. The bed was empty, and after a moment of pause, she reached for her phone on the bedside table to send him a message: “Did you go out?”

Less than a minute after sending the message, a well-dressed Pei Qingci appeared at the door.

He walked towards her holding his phone, his expression one of satisfaction. “Why are you awake so early today?”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

Sheng Qingli asked, “What time is it?”

She hadn’t really checked the time before.

Pei Qingci replied, “Six-thirty.”

He pulled Sheng Qingli up from the bed and softly asked, “Are you hungry?”

Sheng Qingli said, “A little.”

She leaned against Pei Qingci’s chest lazily, saying, “I don’t want to move.”

Pei Qingci chuckled and picked her up. “What do you want to eat?”

Sheng Qingli tilted her head to look out at the dark window. “Are you going to cook?”

Pei Qingci understood; she craved the food he made.

“What do you want to eat? There are ingredients in the fridge,” he said, accommodating her.

Sheng Qingli replied, “I kind of want some hot soup noodles.”

“Okay,” Pei Qingci agreed.

He lifted a hand to pinch her cheek. “Put on a coat?”

The room was warm, but wearing a thin nightgown would still make her susceptible to the cold.

Sheng Qingli nodded.

The two of them left the room, and Pei Qingci went to cook noodles while Sheng Qingli settled into the sofa.

Next to her was a script brought by Pei Qingci to pass the time, and Sheng Qingli picked it up to read.

After a while, Pei Qingci called her.

Sheng Qingli got up and walked to the dining table, resting her chin on her hand, and said, “I don’t really want to go back.”

Pei Qingci chuckled lightly, then asked, “After finishing this movie, do you want to take a long vacation for yourself?”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback, looking up at him, “Do you have any plans?”

“Depends on you.” Pei Qingci’s plans could follow Sheng Qingli.

Sheng Qingli thought seriously for a moment, “If there isn’t a particularly satisfying script, then I’ll take a vacation for myself.”

Pei Qingci replied, “Sounds good.”

The two chatted while eating, creating a warm and sweet atmosphere.

After they were full, Sheng Qingli wanted to go out for a walk. They couldn’t just stay cooped up inside.

Though staying in wasn’t too bad.

The evening at the hot spring resort was beautiful, with lovely vintage street lamps lining the cobblestone paths.

Star lights twinkled on the trees.

The two changed their clothes, put on masks and hats, and stepped out of the courtyard, encountering no one on the way.

“This place is so beautiful at night,” Sheng Qingli marveled.

Pei Qingci agreed, intertwining his fingers with hers, “There are pretty places in Beicheng too. When we return, I’ll take you to see them.”

Sheng Qingli raised an eyebrow, “Sounds great.”

She emphasized, “It’s best to go when it’s snowing.”

That way, they could watch the snow indoors.

Pei Qingci agreed to her suggestion.

After wandering around the courtyard for a while, Sheng Qingli felt a bit cold, so they turned back.

Once they returned to the warm house, Sheng Qingli felt completely relaxed.

It was still early, and they weren’t in a hurry to rest.

After thinking for a while, it seemed there wasn’t much to do.

Sheng Qingli suggested watching a movie.

They snuggled on the sofa to watch a film, and Sheng Qingli picked a foreign romance that she liked.

At first, everything seemed normal. But as the movie took a steamy turn, the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed.

When passion reached its peak, neither of them wanted to waste their exclusive time together.

In a moment of heat, Sheng Qingli took the initiative to hug the man in front of her, feeling their hearts beat in sync because of each other’s presence.

If time allowed, Sheng Qingli truly wanted to stay here for a few more days.