Editor and proofreader: Oceanblue

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At first, Gu Shenyuan’s touch was gentle as he pressed his lips to Ye Qingyun’s, savoring the sweetness and softness.

Ye Qingyun felt the delicate pecks on his lips and grew a bit self-conscious. But he didn’t back away; instead, he tightened his arms around Gu Shenyuan’s neck, moving closer to return the kiss.

When Ye Qingyun took the initiative, he felt Gu Shenyuan pause slightly.

What was it? Did Gu Shenyuan not enjoy being proactive and only wanted Ye Qingyun to passively receive, maintaining absolute control?

Yet that thought was soon dispelled.

For as if provoked by Ye Qingyun’s boldness, Gu Shenyuan’s hand tightened on the back of his neck, and his other hand gripped Ye Qingyun’s chin, becoming more possessive and intense. His breathing grew heavier.

Ye Qingyun parted his lips slightly, his territory quickly overtaken, yet he continued to respond softly, conveying his happiness and delight.

However, the more he responded, the more he seemed to incite Gu Shenyuan. Gu Shenyuan’s movements became more assertive, his hand moving from Ye Qingyun’s neck to his waist, pulling him close as though he wanted to merge their bodies.

Ye Qingyun could feel that Gu Shenyuan’s initial touch had been somewhat unpracticed, allowing him to respond in kind. But soon, Gu Shenyuan’s level of expertise escalated rapidly, leaving Ye Qingyun dizzy, leaning into him for support.

“Enough… take it easy,” Ye Qingyun murmured, trying to turn his face away to breathe, only to have his chin gently but firmly tilted back by Gu Shenyuan as their lips met again.

Ye Qingyun’s response was like a spark, leading Gu Shenyuan to throw all his reservations aside and focus solely on one thought: leaving his mark on Ye Qingyun.

The kiss grew more intense until Ye Qingyun was genuinely light-headed, nearing the point of passing out. Only then did Gu Shenyuan finally release him.

Ye Qingyun wiped away the tears the kiss had brought out onto Gu Shenyuan’s clothes, then leaned against him, listening to Gu Shenyuan’s thundering heartbeat.

He felt a hand gently stroking his hair at the back of his head, the quiet atmosphere gradually grounding him.

“Qingyun…” Gu Shenyuan’s voice was noticeably huskier than before, as if he had more to say but simply sighed instead.

Ye Qingyun, sensing a certain shift in Gu Shenyuan, said pointedly, “You’re pressing into me.”

Gu Shenyuan murmured, “…Yes.”

Ye Qingyun was also feeling a bit of a reaction, but he considered it normal. After all, they were two single men in their twenties who were attracted to each other; wasn’t a spark of chemistry in a moment like this natural?

Still, Ye Qingyun found the situation tricky. He wasn’t sure if he should let things go further just yet, especially without any prior preparation.

After considering for a moment, Ye Qingyun concluded they should wait before taking such an important step, saying, “I’m feeling it too. It’s uncomfortable, right? Let’s take a break and cool off for a bit.”

Gu Shenyuan didn’t release him; instead, he held him even tighter. As he felt the unusual sensation in Ye Qingyun’s body, his drifting heart finally settled.

Would someone face a person they neither liked nor had feelings for respond this way?

He wasn’t sure about others, but he knew he wouldn’t.

A physical response doesn’t lie. Even if Ye Qingyun’s feelings weren’t as strong as his own, or he still liked someone else a bit more, as long as there was a glimmer of hope, that was enough.

He would seize it, determined to give Ye Qingyun the best of everything he had. He wanted Ye Qingyun to see that no one else could match him, either in terms of conditions or in how well he’d treat him.

Ye Qingyun patted Gu Shenyuan’s back, then grumbled, “Is this your first kiss? Why are you better at it than me?”

Although it was also his first kiss, they started on the same level—so why did Gu Shenyuan progress so much faster?

This was the first time Ye Qingyun had lost to someone in learning speed, and he felt a bit of frustration.

Gu Shenyuan chuckled. “Because it’s with you, so of course I’ll learn quickly. I want you to feel good.”

Ye Qingyun couldn’t find the words, frustrated that a technical-minded person like him was no match for Gu Shenyuan, the normally reserved “aloof flower,” when it came to sweet talk.

After a brief pause, Gu Shenyuan asked, “Among the people who’ve kissed you, where would you rank me?”

Though asking pained him, if he was going to be the best Ye Qingyun had experienced, he needed to know. At the very least… he had to be better than Pu Tian.

Ye Qingyun gave him a light punch, grumbling, “What rank do you want? Last place!”

“Hmm.” Gu Shenyuan’s expression was unreadable as he leaned in for another kiss. “Then, should we practice more?”

Half-willingly, half-coerced, Ye Qingyun found himself practicing again.

Gu Shenyuan didn’t know when to stop; Ye Qingyun was soon gasping for air, finally managing to reclaim his mouth.

By now, Ye Qingyun fully understood that Gu Shenyuan was jealous, amused, and annoyed by his needless jealousy.

“how about This time?” Gu Shenyuan asked.

Ye Qingyun sincerely praised, “First place, you’re number one now—amazing.”

Gu Shenyuan: ‘…’

Improving that much in such a short time was unbelievable, but Ye Qingyun’s dismissive answer showed he just didn’t want to hurt Gu Shenyuan’s feelings.

Ye Qingyun teased, “If you’re both in first and last place, shouldn’t you reflect on why that is? Gu Shenyuan, you can’t just lose half your IQ as soon as we start dating!”

Startled, Gu Shenyuan finally understood.

He was the first… and only person to have kissed Ye Qingyun.

His mind went blank for a moment, and his fingers trembled slightly.

As foolish as Pu Tian may have been, at least he hadn’t sullied Ye Qingyun’s firsts. Gu Shenyuan knew he was different; he would give Ye Qingyun everything, and Ye Qingyun’s firsts… would belong to him alone.

Noticing something unusual, Ye Qingyun felt a strange warmth on his back. It wasn’t a burning sensation but a peculiar kind of warmth—almost like a heated liquid drawing a design on his skin.

“Something’s off,” Ye Qingyun said, scratching his back. “Could you check it out? Did something bite me?”

Gu Shenyuan watched as Ye Qingyun lifted his shirt, revealing an intricate tattoo on his back, deep red against his pale skin, forming a mysterious and captivating pattern.

The tattoo, spiraling around his slim waist and disappearing below the waistband, made him even more alluring.

“Anything strange?” Ye Qingyun asked innocently.

Gu Shenyuan took a deep breath. Those markings weren’t just decorations; when one partner felt intense emotions, the tattoo would activate, heightening Ye Qingyun’s sensitivity.

“Nothing unusual,” Gu Shenyuan replied. “Just my tattoo. The heat will fade soon.”

Ye Qingyun, puzzled, responded, “A tattoo that heats up? That’s convenient! No need for a heater in winter.” But sensing something deeper, he asked, “Does it do anything else? It feels kind of strange.”

“Yes,” Gu Shenyuan replied, looking at Ye Qingyun’s trusting gaze. He hesitated but eventually lowered his eyes and gently adjusted Ye Qingyun’s shirt back down, replying softly, “Don’t ask now. You’re not ready for that yet. But one day… I’ll show you.”

Gu Shenyuan didn’t want their first time to rely on the tattoo’s effects. It was a solemn moment, and he wanted Ye Qingyun to focus on him entirely, without any distractions.

Nothing strikes a man’s pride more than hearing he “can’t handle it,” especially in front of the person he loves. Irritated, Ye Qingyun retorted, “Why can’t I handle it? I can! Let me try!”

As if to further provoke him, Ye Qingyun wrapped his arms around Gu Shenyuan’s neck, urging him to give it a go. With each movement, Gu Shenyuan’s gaze grew more intense. Finally, Gu Shenyuan ran his fingers over Ye Qingyun’s lips, and in the next instant, Ye Qingyun felt as if the tattoo on his back had come alive, igniting sparks across his body.

Barely half a minute later, Ye Qingyun was already breathless, collapsing into Gu Shenyuan’s arms, panting in surrender.

Damn, these city protagonists play on another level—he’d lost!