Chapter 16 : Don’t Hide, I Won’t Touch You

This kiss came so suddenly that Jiang Yunshu froze, clutching his shirt tightly and forgetting to close her eyes.  

His prominent nose brushed against her, and all she could see was his magnified face. The sensation of his thin lips was vivid, and the rich aroma of alcohol filled her senses.  

Fu Chengze deepened the kiss, prying her lips open and exchanging their breaths intimately.  

Jiang Yunshu’s ears and cheeks flushed a faint red, her mind spinning as if submerged in a feverish fog.  

Although the two hadn’t kissed many times before, a kiss as deep as this had only happened on the night of their wedding, when both were tipsy.  

“Chengze…”  

Feeling his large hand caressing her lower back, Jiang Yunshu pressed her palms against his chest, using some force to push him away.  

“No… the child, we have the child…”  

Fu Chengze released her, his gaze lingering on her reddened eyes. Tilting his head, he exhaled a heavy breath and buried his face in her neck to steady his breathing.  

Jiang Yunshu’s heart pounded furiously, her breaths uneven and labored.  

His warm breath landed on her neck in waves, sending a tingling sensation that made her instinctively shrink back.  

Fu Chengze whispered near her ear, his voice husky, “Don’t move. I won’t touch you.”  

Only after a while did Fu Chengze finally let go of her.  

“Do you still want the hangover tea?” Jiang Yunshu asked, glancing at the half bowl of hangover tea left on the table.  

Fu Chengze shook his head. “No.”  

Jiang Yunshu reached out to help him up. “Then let’s go to bed.”  

Fu Chengze took her hand. “I reek of alcohol. I’ll sleep on the couch.”  

Jiang Yunshu noticed his coherent speech and logical tone, entirely unlike someone drunk. Meeting his deep, not-quite-clear eyes, she felt a surge of warmth in her chest, her face flushing uncontrollably again.  

After speaking, Fu Chengze got up, walked to the sofa, and lay down, one hand resting on his forehead as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.  

Jiang Yunshu brought over a thin blanket to cover him, then lingered to look at his sleeping face.  

His features were tranquil and distant, his sleep relatively undisturbed.  

Turning off the main light in the room, Jiang Yunshu changed clothes and went to shower.  

The sound of the water trickling down brought her thoughts drifting far away, recalling the first night she and Fu Chengze had been intimate.  

It was the third day after their wedding, and Fu Chengze accompanied her to visit her family.  

The relatives were all enthusiastic, pouring drinks one after another. Fu Chengze skillfully responded to the elders’ questions while drinking glass after glass.  

She had also drunk some that night but, knowing her poor alcohol tolerance, didn’t dare overdo it.  

When the banquet ended and they entered their room, they each bathed and lay down to rest.  

She couldn’t recall how it all began that night.  

All she remembered was Fu Chengze embracing her from behind in the darkness. Damp warmth touched her neck and earlobes, and his large, warm hands lifted her nightgown, tracing up her slender waist. His breath grew heavier.  

Her loose nightwear was quickly removed.  

It was the first time she saw his eyes filled with desire, and she felt like she was drowning, her breathing rapid and her heart racing.  

He leaned closer to her face, lowering his head to kiss her.  

Their breaths mingled, the rich aroma of wine flowing between them, igniting a shared passion.  

The quiet bedroom was filled only with the sound of heavy breathing.  

“Is this okay?” he asked, seeking her consent.  

Jiang Yunshu, feeling dazed, let out a soft hum under his intense movements.  

Gathering herself, she replied in a trembling voice, “It’s… okay.”  

Although she had prepared herself, when the moment came, she still felt nervous.  

The first time was undoubtedly painful. Lost in the haze of heat, she clutched his arm helplessly, tears sliding from the corners of her eyes.  

Fu Chengze adjusted his breathing and held her in his arms, soothing her.  

The next attempt went much smoother. The pain subsided, replaced by an indescribable sensation.  

Her lingering sounds of pleasure were proof of her growing passion.  

They spent a long time together that night, and when it ended, she was utterly exhausted, quickly falling into a deep sleep.  

Remembering this, Jiang Yunshu splashed her face with water.  

Lately, she had been dealing with severe morning sickness, which had suppressed her appetite, let alone any other desires.  

But Fu Chengze’s sudden kiss tonight had stirred something within her.  

It was probably due to elevated hormone levels.  

After drying her hair, Jiang Yunshu pushed open the bedroom door, walked lightly to the bed, and slipped under the blanket.  

She turned off the bedside lamp and, in the moonlight, gazed at the man sleeping soundly on the sofa. Only when her eyelids grew heavy did she slowly close her eyes.  

—  

The next morning, Jiang Yunshu came out after washing up to find Fu Chengze already sitting on the sofa.  

She approached him and asked, “Why are you up so early? How are you feeling? Does your head hurt?”  

Fu Chengze rubbed his temples and looked up at her, his gaze flickering.  

Though he had drunk a lot last night, he hadn’t blacked out and remembered everything clearly.  

Jiang Yunshu felt a little uneasy under his gaze, memories of the previous night flooding back. She avoided his eyes awkwardly.  

Fu Chengze stretched his neck. “I’m fine. My head doesn’t hurt.”  

Jiang Yunshu nodded. “That’s good. Go take a shower now.”  

Fu Chengze hummed in acknowledgment, glancing at the thin blanket on the sofa. He said, “Thank you for taking care of me last night.”  

Jiang Yunshu smiled faintly. “I just covered you with a blanket.”  

Fu Chengze stood up to fold the blanket, but Jiang Yunshu took it from him. “Let me do it. You go take your shower.”  

The sunlight outside was lovely. A small part of the window was open, and a gentle breeze lightly swayed the curtains.  

When Fu Chengze finished his shower, a white towel draped around his neck, he walked out while drying his hair. He saw Jiang Yunshu sitting by the bed, looking at her phone.  

Walking over, his gaze fell on the jade and diamond brooch on the table.  

Jiang Yunshu noticed his eyes and explained, “This was something mom bid for at an auction and gave to me.”  

Fu Chengze nodded. “I saw you wearing it yesterday. The orchid design is unique.”  

“I think so too,” Jiang Yunshu replied. “It’s one of a series of brooches representing the Four Gentlemen plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. The other three have already been bought by other collectors.”  

Fu Chengze paused his movements. “Do you like it a lot?”  

Jiang Yunshu nodded. “I’ve seen the images in the auction catalog. Each one is unique and elegant. I originally thought of contacting the other collectors to see if I could bring the set together. But then I realized they must love the brooches too, and I didn’t want to take away something they cherish. Collecting is about destiny. Besides, one of the buyers was anonymous, so it would be difficult to reach them anyway.”  

Fu Chengze listened to her with quiet attention, his gaze lingering on her face before he nodded.  

There was a knock at the door. Jiang Yunshu stood to answer it and found someone sent by the old Lady Fu to call them for breakfast.