His voice was deep, close to her ear. His breath grazed her skin, and their position was so intimate that it made her slightly stiff and flustered.

She thought back over the events of the day—his actions seemed to follow a clear pattern.

He was like a seasoned hunter, patient and methodical, gradually leading her into the trap he had set. Meanwhile, the oblivious her hadn’t even realized what was happening.

By the time she finally understood, he had already locked his arm around her slender waist and gently pulled her into his strong embrace.

He lowered his head and kissed her, pressing his warm, dry lips against hers, shifting and grinding.

It wasn’t exactly gentle—his intentions were clear, and his aggressive approach made it impossible to ignore the possessiveness in his breath and the sharp glint in his eyes.

But, to say it wasn’t gentle would be unfair—he was strong, kissing her so forcefully that she struggled to catch her breath, yet his movements were still soft. His hand rested on her lower back, not crossing any boundaries.

Even though, at this point, the mall was almost empty.

Yu Xi had never been kissed like this, especially not by a mature man with such a strong presence.

She could barely stand, her body melting into his, relying on him as she pressed against his chest.

Their breaths mingled as his tongue slipped into her mouth, cold yet somehow burning. He kissed her until her cheeks ached, her eyes clouded with a film of moisture.

Her breathing was erratic, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

But suddenly, Shen Shu pulled back, gently taking her hand and leading her out of the mall.

Yu Xi, still bewildered, looked at his calm, handsome profile. After walking for a while, as if sensing her thoughts, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “We can’t continue. I’m afraid I’ll lose control and take you right here.”

Yu Xi blushed deeply at his blunt words.

Sometimes, she really admired him. With his refined and handsome face, he could unexpectedly say such crude, intimate things.

On the way back, there was little conversation between them. Yu Xi kept her head down, counting the stones on the sidewalk.

But she could feel his gaze fixed on her.

It was intense, composed, and unreasonably direct.

Though she didn’t turn around, she could feel that if she lagged behind even a little, she would end up crashing into his chest.

Once they entered the residential complex and got into the elevator, Yu Xi watched the floor numbers rise.

In the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Shen Shu in his black sweater. The high collar clung to his long neck, his jawline sharp, exuding an air of coldness and aloofness.

When they first met, she thought he was rather aloof. But now, she silently wondered to herself.

He was far more alluring than those men who fawned over women.

Even though he was dressed so neatly, the mere glance he gave could make one’s heart race and mind wander.

The colder he appeared, the more it stirred her curiosity.

“What’s that look? Are you badmouthing me in your head?” He suddenly caught her gaze and questioned her.

Yu Xi was startled and quickly shook her head.

Her expression was so fake, though. She really wasn’t good at lying.

Shen Shu let out a chuckle, not looking at her. Yu Xi sighed in relief, but just as she thought the moment had passed, he suddenly leaned down and kissed her again, this time with a forceful and domineering energy.

Like a tornado, he enveloped her completely.

Yu Xi had no choice but to endure, her heart pounding, her hand pressed into a fist against his chest.

She wriggled slightly in his embrace, feeling something was off. It was as if she had just taken a sauna, her body drenched in layers of sweat.

Ding The elevator arrived.

He let go of her before the doors opened.

Yu Xi paused for a moment, taking a few seconds to steady her breathing, then followed him out.

This night was destined to be a sleepless one.

Yu Xi took a long bath, the thoughts in her mind tangled and chaotic, impossible to sort out.

Confusion about the unknown, and uncertainty about what was to come.

When she finally finished and came out of the bathroom, she saw Shen Shu sitting at the bed, reading a book.

He had finished his bath and changed into a deep blue robe. His hair was slightly damp, and his dark, narrow eyes, which usually gleamed with intensity, were now concealed behind his glasses. She had seen him in meetings before. His gaze was captivating, sharp, and cold, enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine with just one glance.

His words were like the edge of a knife, precise and cutting to the heart of the matter.

But now, that metaphorical knife was sheathed, and she couldn’t feel any of its sharpness or pressure. Only then did she dare to quietly admire his handsome face.

She had never been so bold as to study him like this before.

He was truly very handsome, especially when he wasn’t being intimidating.

As she moved, her foot accidentally bumped into a nearby coat rack. She hurriedly reached out to steady it.

Shen Shu was slowly flipping through a book. Hearing the sound, he lifted his head and gave her a smile. “Finished your bath?”

Yu Xi’s steps faltered as if her feet had grown roots. Her face turned red.

She had the feeling that there was something hidden in his words. She wasn’t sure if he had figured out that she had been stalling her bath on purpose.

When she didn’t move after a while, he casually patted the spot beside him. “Come here.”

His tone was gentle but left no room for refusal.

It took her a moment, but eventually, she walked over slowly.

Almost as soon as she got near him, he reached out and grabbed her hand, gently pulling her into his embrace.

Looking down at her from his height, he pinched her chin and asked, “Are you avoiding me? Am I scary?”

Yu Xi shook her head.

How was she avoiding him? It was clearly him who had been busy and had no time to look at her.

Shen Shu studied her expression carefully. After a moment, he suddenly let out a soft chuckle. “Yu Xi, did you already know what I wanted to do to you?”

Yu Xi’s face turned crimson.

He hadn’t done anything yet, but just looking at her like this made her feel breathless and out of control.

“Never had a boyfriend before?” He whispered in her ear, his breath warm and close, almost like the term “ear-to-ear contact”.

She had never understood that phrase before, finding it cheesy and strange. But now, being held like this, so close to him, she realized how narrow-minded she had been before.

Held by such a handsome and mature man, her heart was racing uncontrollably.

She didn’t even know where to put her hands and feet.

Part of her was nervous, but another part of her… She bit her lip.

“I’m asking you, have you ever had a boyfriend?” Shen Shu’s question was not harsh but more like a casual inquiry.

She shook her head, blushing.

“Not even kissed?” He pressed on.

“…”

“Then let’s try it?”

She didn’t know how to respond, her face so red it felt like it might bleed.

“If you don’t answer, I’ll take it as you agreeing.” He smiled and, with a gentle, slow motion, as if unwrapping a long-awaited, beautiful gift, he leaned in.

But the closer they got, the more he restrained himself, guiding her step by step, igniting her desires.

Yu Xi trembled, feeling like a little deer lost in a forest, her eyes misty with helplessness.

She looked so delicate and pitiful, a sight that stirred temptation and ignited destructive urges.

Shen Shu took a deep breath, caressing her chin, but didn’t rush. Instead, he studied her carefully. After a while, he finally leaned down and gently kissed her lips.

She shivered slightly as his soft lips touched hers. His tongue slid in slowly, gently prying open her teeth, and explored further.

Her taste was delightful, fresh and sweet, like a ripe, juicy peach.

He struggled to maintain his gentlemanly composure, but his natural, powerful side began to show. He took over, pushing into her, but he tried his best not to overwhelm her.

Yu Xi felt like a small boat tossed by a giant wave, helpless and lost, with her soft sounds drowned by his lips.

Their breaths mixed, frantic and disordered.

She was so fragile, so delicate, that he had to hold back, though it was becoming increasingly difficult.

When he lifted her and placed her on the bed, it felt like he was holding a delicate doll. Her wide eyes looked up at him, dazed, her expression adorably clueless.

Her skin was pale, like milk, and her slender ankles looked delicate and fragile in that way that made her seem so beautiful.

He took her hand, lifted it, and kissed it again. Her eyelids fluttered, closing, her lashes like delicate butterfly wings in motion.

He wanted to devour her, but instead, he gently placed his lips on her cheek, her earlobe, his gaze following her confused and almost pained expression.

Her hair was so smooth and black, spilling over her fair skin, tangled in the red satin sheets, creating an intoxicating fragrance around them.

There were so many surprises, but it also felt like a crime.

He covered her eyes, later tying a blindfold with his tie, not allowing her to see him.

“Yu Xi, don’t be so nervous. You’re making me nervous too.”

Even at a time like this, he had the leisure to joke with her. She couldn’t tell if she was nervous or frustrated. Every muscle in her body was tense, her thoughts swaying in the chaotic tide.

When she was shy, her whole body flushed, not just her face.

Shen Shu seemed to particularly enjoy the sight of her pale skin tinged with pink. The more she tried to avoid him, the more he wanted to look. He even turned on the desk lamp and studied her closely, saying, “Yu Xi, why is your skin so thin?”

Unable to bear it, she pulled his hand, as if pleading, and he finally relented, turning off the light.

Later that night, snow began to fall, softly tapping against the cold glass window.

The snowstorm wasn’t small, and soon a thick layer had built up on the windowsill.

A single glass pane separated the cold from the warmth inside, creating a cozy, spring-like atmosphere.

Yu Xi didn’t sleep well that night. The first half was sore and exhausting, as though she had been run over by a steamroller, her body drenched in sweat. In the second half, she finally fell asleep in Shen Shu’s arms, holding onto the blanket.

Her back was pressed against his chest, and she could hear his strong heartbeat vibrating in her ears, gradually calming her heart.

The next morning, she woke up in the sunlight.

Rubbing her eyes, she found the blanket beside her was empty. She struggled to get up, but the clothes she was wearing had been changed, and she didn’t feel the discomfort she had expected. She felt dry and refreshed.

There were only two people in the room, so it was clear who had helped her wipe her body and change her clothes.

She cupped her face in her hands, feeling the heat in her palms.

The sheets were damp with sweat, and the satin fabric was easily wrinkled. After being pulled and tossed around throughout the night, the creases had accumulated.

She sat for a while before putting on her slippers and stepping onto the floor, still feeling a little sore.

However, she wasn’t overly delicate. After a quick wash in the bathroom, she made her way to the dining room.

Breakfast was already set on the table, and Shen Shu was sitting on one side reading the newspaper. He was very tall, sitting upright yet relaxed, with his legs naturally crossed within his suit pants.

The morning sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating one of his shoulders. His long fingers casually turned a page of the newspaper. With his half-closed eyes, his skin appeared pale and refined, giving him an air of elegance.

Shen Shu had a tall and straight nose, and his thin lips were sharply defined. When he wasn’t speaking, they were pressed together slightly, giving him a sharp, distant look. His eyes, in the backlight, were a faint amber color, adding to his cold demeanor.

Yu Xi had always been intimidated by him. Every time she saw him, she was reminded of their first meeting, when he had scolded her without hesitation, making her heart tighten.

She couldn’t help it; his presence was overwhelming.

As if sensing her gaze, Shen Shu looked up from his newspaper and smiled, “You’re up?”

His tone seemed gentler than usual.

Although he hadn’t done anything, Yu Xi still felt embarrassed under his gaze. She lowered her head and nodded.

“Come sit.” Shen Shu put down the newspaper and served her a bowl of millet porridge.

Bread, steak, and fried eggs were in a warming tray, ready to be eaten. The milk had been heated as well.

“I forgot to ask, would you like coffee or milk?” He paused as he was pouring the milk, then turned to ask her.

Yu Xi walked over to sit opposite him and typed on her phone: [Milk.]

Shen Shu chuckled lightly, “I guessed as much.”

He inserted a straw into the milk and placed it in front of her.

Yu Xi: “…”

What was this? Why did he put a straw in her milk… Did she look that childish?

It seemed so, despite everything that had already happened…