Gu Xingchuan crouched next to Song Yi, tilting his head to get a better look. Song Yi’s breathing was even and steady. His hairspray had worn off, and a few strands of hair fell across his cheeks, giving him a soft appearance. His glasses were slightly askew on his straight nose, and his posture was peaceful, making him look like a well-behaved cub.

The silence was so complete that Gu Xingchuan could hear his own heartbeat. He hesitated, then gently patted Song Yi’s cheek. “Go to bed. Sleeping like this will give you a cold.”

Song Yi stirred slightly, his eyes half-open. “No need, I should go home.”

“It’s too late,” Gu Xingchuan insisted, pressing down on Song Yi’s shoulders. “You’ll sleep at my place tonight.”

Song Yi was reluctant to spend the night, even though they had shared a bed before. It was one thing to come over for a home-cooked meal, but staying the night at Gu Xingchuan’s place felt like a major step. It was a situation he wasn’t eager to embrace.

He tried to get up from the sofa but found himself unable to move against Gu Xingchuan’s strength. After struggling for a while, he finally grumbled, “Don’t move me around like this.”

Gu Xingchuan looked down at him, reached out, and playfully pinched his cheek, leaving a small indent on his smooth skin. “I’ll move you if I want to. What’s the problem?”

Song Yi was initially in a good mood, but this playful gesture annoyed him. However, with his cheeks being pinched, he couldn’t find the words to respond.

Rabbits bite when they’re anxious, so Song Yi decided to retaliate. He turned his face sideways and tried to bite Gu Xingchuan’s hand, but Gu Xingchuan seemed to anticipate the move. The moment Song Yi opened his mouth, Gu Xingchuan kissed him forcefully, his intense breath overwhelming and cutting off Song Yi’s air.

Song Yi was momentarily stunned as if struck by lightning.

Unlike the hurried kiss in Seaside City, the atmosphere now was charged, and Gu Xingchuan’s focused kiss made the situation even more confusing. Song Yi could see Gu Xingchuan’s eyelashes fluttering close by, feeling a mix of anger and bewilderment.

He pushed against Gu Xingchuan’s shoulders, trying to pull away. His face was flushed with both rage and embarrassment. Wiping his damp lips, he spat out, “What’s wrong with you?”

His face was flushed, and his lips, now redder from wiping them, made his appearance even more striking, stirring up emotions in those who looked at him.

Gu Xingchuan, savoring the moment, licked his lips with satisfaction. With a serious expression, he said, “I’ll prove it. I can do more than just move my hands and feet; I can use my mouth too.”

Song Yi, still catching his breath, grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at Gu Xingchuan. “You’re a disgusting hooligan!”

He didn’t want to think about those two nights, but Gu Xingchuan’s every intimate gesture forced him to recall them.

—