Ending

The sky was tinted with hues like orange, the twilight casting a gentle glow as it spilled down. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the private villa reflected shimmering spots of light.

Jiang Xiao followed Zhou Qishen into the villa and looked around curiously. The first thing that caught her eye was the living room. It was obvious that Zhou Qishen had carefully considered her previous suggestion. The style was dominated by her favorite warm colors, simple but not without a sense of design.

Jiang Xiao wasn’t fond of excessively large houses, and the three-story villa seemed just right for her. Its advantage lay in its excellent location and picturesque views, situated in a bustling area within the Second Ring Road, making it extremely convenient no matter where one needed to go. Zhou Qishen’s words confirmed this point.

“It’s only about a fifteen-minute drive from here to your company.” Holding her hand, Zhou Qishen led her further inside, explaining the layout of the space as they walked. “That room over there is for Wangcai. If you’d like, we can raise a few more dogs or cats in the future.”

“The second floor is for leisure and guest rooms, while the third floor is our private space. Shall we go to the second floor first or head directly to the third?”

Listening attentively to his words, Jiang Xiao thought for a moment before saying, “Let’s go directly to the third floor.”

As she listened to Zhou Qishen’s explanations, it seemed he knew every detail of the house like the back of his hand. Unable to help herself, Jiang Xiao asked, “Have you been here before? You seem very familiar with it.”

Zhou Qishen turned to look at her, smiling as he replied, “I was involved in the design of this house.”

Jiang Xiao was momentarily stunned, realizing that his previous words about planning their future together were not just talk. The phrase “for a lifetime” seemed to hold genuine meaning for him.

Realizing this, Jiang Xiao fell silent suddenly, feeling somewhat distracted even as they toured the bedrooms.

After finishing the tour of the bedrooms, Zhou Qishen leaned against the open window and gently led her to sit on a single sofa beside him. He spoke leisurely, “I didn’t ask for your opinion earlier because I didn’t want you to worry. If there’s anything you want to change or are not satisfied with, I can have it redesigned.”

During this period, Jiang Xiao was busy with filming. Even if Zhou Qishen asked for her opinion, she would only say it was good. She didn’t want to bother with anything and liked these “surprises.” Others arranged everything properly, and she enjoyed the benefits.

Suddenly, Jiang Xiao snapped back to reality and caught a glimpse of the rosy glow reflected in Zhou Qishen’s eyes. She blinked, lowered her gaze, and smiled lightly, “I really like this house. It’s pretty much perfect in every way. There’s nothing I’d want to change.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qishen’s slightly anxious heart slowly settled down. He continued with this topic, “I estimate we can move in next month. When do you think you’ll be ready?”

“I need to think about it…” Jiang Xiao had previously suggested cohabitation to boost their public image. Her intentions were purely innocent. However, since their relationship had changed, the concept of living together had also changed.

Now she realized that the master bedroom was designed for a married couple, which implied that Zhou Qishen wanted to sleep in the same room with her.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiao rolled her eyes and, without much confidence, spoke up, “Um, could you arrange a room for me on the second floor?”

As soon as the words fell, the air fell silent.

Zhou Qishen stared at her, understanding the implication behind her words. He raised an eyebrow in confusion, “Hmm?”

His tone carried a hint of warning, but soon he restrained his emotions and said in a calm voice, “You don’t want to share a room with me?”

He stared at her intensely, hoping her answer wouldn’t be what he feared. But fate had other plans.

“Yes…” Jiang Xiao was intimidated by his strong gaze and involuntarily backed down. Thinking it over, there was no need to sleep separately after everything they had done.

Mid-sentence, Jiang Xiao changed her tone, “What I mean is, could you arrange a dressing room for me on the second floor? I have quite a lot of clothes…”

This was true because of the sponsors and various brands sending her clothes, jewelry, and cosmetics every year. Their wardrobe couldn’t possibly fit them all. They needed to find a larger room.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qishen’s deep eyes flashed with a slight surprise. He hadn’t expected her to change her mind again. Pausing for a moment, he said, “I’ve already considered this. The room is ready.”

Jiang Xiao sensed his subtle expression and nervously touched her nose. Actually, this wasn’t the most important thing. This issue was just an excuse to divert her thoughts. What she really cared about…

As the atmosphere grew tense, Jiang Xiao stood up from the sofa, walked straight to Zhou Qishen, lifted her delicate hand, grabbed his collar, and tremblingly spoke, “Zhou Qishen, I have a question for you.”

After speaking, Jiang Xiao took a deep breath. Without waiting for Zhou Qishen’s answer, she continued, “Do you like me?”

Zhou Qishen’s jawline tensed suddenly, his eyes turning into a turbulent sea of ink. After a moment, he gently replied, pulling her close, “Xiaoxiao, I thought I had made it pretty obvious.”

Jiang Xiao blinked, feeling somewhat regretful at this non-answer answer. Reluctantly, she echoed, “I just want to confirm.”

But the next moment, the man’s low and firm voice echoed in her ears, “Xiaoxiao, I like you.”

Adrenaline surged through Jiang Xiao uncontrollably, stimulating her brain nerves. For a moment, she forgot how to react, just tightening her grip on his collar, her fingers gradually tightening, but trembling.

Expected yet still pleasant.

“And you? Do you like me?” Zhou Qishen asked in a deep, careful voice, despite his anxiousness.

Looking into his eyes filled with undeniable affection, Jiang Xiao clung to his neck with her arms, admitting without hesitation, “Of course, I do.”

She had long seen Zhou Qishen’s feelings. As he said himself, he had made it too obvious, as if he had deliberately forced her to see through his intentions.

Because of this, there were moments when Jiang Xiao couldn’t understand his true intentions. Until the appearance of that painting and its background, and his unreserved display of affection, she slowly sank into the river of love he had laid out.

She definitely liked him. It was just that promising a lifetime seemed too heavy for her. So she had never dared to break through that window.

But now, breaking through it didn’t seem so important anymore.

In Jiang Xiao’s view, the most important things a man could offer in love were two: wealth and virtue.

He took care of everything for her, his virtues were unquestionable, and as for wealth, he would give it to her as he said.

Life was long, and there were still many considerations to be made. Besides, it was too difficult to stay in tune without hurting the relationship during cohabitation.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but bite her lip, staring straight at him as she began to make demands, “No cheating, follow my lead, and be at my beck and call. Can you do these three things?”

Zhou Qishen reached out to hold her waist, chuckling, “Are you laying down the law with me?”

Jiang Xiao didn’t realize that her previous words were laying down the law. Now thinking about it, it did seem like she was setting conditions. After a while, she pouted and said, “Sort of. After all, it’s best to be clear about some things when we’re going to live together in the future.”

“From the moment we met until now, which of the things I said haven’t I done?”

“But what about in the future?” Jiang Xiao remained unfazed.

“Once I’ve made up my mind about something, I won’t let go. Besides, Xiaoxiao, aren’t your requirements for your husband a bit too low?” Zhou Qishen released her hand and brushed Jiang Xiao’s hair gently tousled by the breeze, reminding her with a smile, “These three things are the most basic requirements for a husband.”

Jiang Xiao frowned, stubbornly saying, “In this house, I’m in charge. Whatever I say goes, and you have to listen to me.”

“This…” Zhou Qishen’s smile deepened.

“What’s the matter, you don’t want to?” Jiang Xiao’s eyes darkened.

“Xiaoxiao, you just said a second ago that you’re the boss in this house. How could I have any objections?”

Seeing his cooperation, Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but mutter, “That’s more like it.”

As soon as the words fell, the two looked at each other and smiled.

*

Unknowingly, a month had passed since moving into the new house.

The photo shoot Jiang Xiao and Zhou Wenting did for Omega became a huge hit, achieving great success. Invitations from major fashion brands around the world kept coming. Meanwhile, Jiang Xiao also successfully wrapped up her scenes in “The Legend of Zhu Xi,” and her career was going smoothly.

At the end of September, after attending the wrap party in Hengdian, Jiang Xiao hurried back to Beijing.

“Goodbye, Sister Xiaoxiao.”

“Goodbye.”

Waving goodbye to Xiao Zhang, Jiang Xiao walked towards her home with her suitcase. As soon as she opened the door, Wangcai, her dog, ran over to greet her with its short legs.

Jiang Xiao bent down to touch its little face, then headed straight to the second-floor walk-in closet without lingering.

After showering and washing her hair, she applied her makeup and restyled her hair, finishing everything just before Zhou Qishen got off work.

She didn’t tell Zhou Qishen that she was coming back today, intending to surprise him.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, Jiang Xiao felt a rare shyness. Her snow-white face blushed a little, and she didn’t dare to look directly at herself dressed like this.

But she finally overcame her inner fear and nervousness, turning off all the lights in the room and quickly erasing any signs of her return.

According to her understanding of Zhou Qishen, he would first take a shower and change into casual clothes before going to the study to handle some company affairs when he got home. So, Jiang Xiao didn’t dare to shower in the bedroom but did so in the guest room to avoid leaving any water stains.

Taking her phone, she headed to the study to wait for Zhou Qishen. This was the best choice because he would definitely come to the study, and from its position, she could observe downstairs. If Zhou Qishen came home, she would know immediately.

Jiang Xiao timed it perfectly and finally saw Zhou Qishen.

From above, she could only see Zhou Qishen’s attire. As usual, he wore a white shirt, his suit casually draped over his arm, and his neatly tied tie was now loose, adding a touch of casualness to his formal suit.

Jiang Xiao listened carefully for any sounds in the house, trying to discern Zhou Qishen’s movements but couldn’t hear anything.

Frustrated, she sent Zhou Qishen a message: “What are you doing?”

He replied quickly: “Getting ready to shower. You?”

Jiang Xiao was relieved that things were as she expected and quickly typed: “Lying in bed, not doing much.”

Zhou Qishen: “Miss me?”

Jiang Xiao: “Of course not.”

Zhou Qishen: “Well, I miss you.”

Caught off guard by his flirting, Jiang Xiao’s already restless mood made her face heat up even more. She felt the study was a bit stuffy, so she tried probing: “After the shower, are you going to the study room?”

Zhou Qishen: “Probably not.”

Seeing the change in plans, Jiang Xiao sent a question mark: “?”

Zhou Qishen: “I want to stay in the room and video chat with you.”

One sentence successfully choked Jiang Xiao, who quickly dismissed his idea: “I’m a bit tired today and want to rest early. Let’s skip the video call.”

After a long silence, Zhou Qishen finally said: “Then rest early. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

Jiang Xiao: “Okay.”

After sending the “okay,” Jiang Xiao turned off her phone, anxiously waiting in the study. She was afraid that any random movement would make a noise, so she carefully found a chair to sit on.

The cold leather chair made Jiang Xiao shiver when it touched her bare thighs. Looking down, she saw her short skirt barely covering her thighs, making her blush even more.

The more she looked, the more nervous she became, even wanting to back out. This kind of “surprise” was quite awkward and could end in embarrassment.

As she hesitated, she heard Zhou Qishen’s voice outside the door.

“Send me the East City project file again.”

His voice was calm, seemingly talking about work on the phone.

Jiang Xiao, startled like a frightened bird, regretted her impulsive decision. With no way to escape, she froze for a few seconds before rushing to lock the study door.

On the other side, Zhou Qishen’s hand reached the door handle. After trying twice and realizing he couldn’t open the door, his brows furrowed.

Soon, he realized something and said to the person on the phone, “Xiaoxiao? Are you back?”

Surprised that he guessed it was her so quickly, Jiang Xiao had no choice but to respond: “Yes, it’s me.”

“Is this a surprise for me?” Zhou Qishen’s voice hinted at a slight rise.

It was more of a shock than a surprise.

Jiang Xiao, feeling embarrassed, tried to send him away: “Go to the room and wait for me. I’ll be up soon.”

Once he left, she could change her clothes in the walk-in closet before meeting him.

Sensing something unusual in her tone, Zhou Qishen paused but didn’t expose her. Following her suggestion, he said: “Okay, I’ll wait for you upstairs.”

Soon, Jiang Xiao heard his footsteps. Thinking he had left, she gathered her courage to open the door, only to be stunned at the sight in front of her.

Two steps away, Zhou Qishen stood in loose black-and-white loungewear, arms crossed loosely over his chest as he leaned against the railing. His usually calm black eyes darkened the moment they landed on her, filled with a hint of obscurity and danger.

Zhou Qishen’s gaze traveled up and down, taking in every detail, both appropriate and inappropriate.

Her stunning face, with features so striking they bordered on aggressive beauty, looked enchanting. Her eyes were clear and cool, but now they shimmered like a startled fawn’s, brimming with water. She wore a thin, gauzy lavender slip dress that clung to her, captivating his attention.

Her raised hand covered a swan-like neckline, and the sight of the waves swelling between her fingers drove Zhou Qishen mad. Not to mention the tantalizing scene further down.

Jiang Xiao met his gaze for a moment before his unabashed lust scared her into retreating half a step. Realizing what she was doing, she tried to close the door, but Zhou Qishen’s words stopped her: “If you wore this for me, why are you trying to escape?”

Though his words were reasonable, she was having second thoughts now.

“I wasn’t…”

“I have a key. You can’t escape.”

With that, he stepped closer, and her attempt to close the door was too late. He pulled her into his arms: “Very beautiful. I like it a lot.”

“Stop it. I’m dying of embarrassment,” Jiang Xiao said, raising her hand to cover his eyes, trying to block his gaze that made her feel so awkward and shy.

Soon, she felt the warmth of his lips. Zhou Qishen kissed her persistently, savoring her familiar scent.

Having missed him terribly after just a few days apart, Jiang Xiao quickly responded to his passionate kiss.

She cautiously tugged at his shirt, skillfully feeling for his abs, each touch igniting a spark.

Zhou Qishen seemed more excited than ever before. Every move and kiss conveyed his impatience to devour her completely.

The man’s assertiveness left Jiang Xiao mostly passively complying. However, just as things were progressing smoothly, an unexpected warm trickle made her eyes fly open, and she instinctively touched her chest.

When she raised her hand, the sight of a strange and abrupt red color startled her, forcing her to call a halt.

But Zhou Qishen, unaware, tried to continue.

Jiang Xiao had to speak up, “You… have a nosebleed.”

Zhou Qishen was stunned for a moment before instinctively covering his nose and tilting his head back to stop the blood flow. He hadn’t expected his excitement to cause such an accident.

“Beijing’s weather is just too dry…” he muttered.

Jiang Xiao pressed her lips together, suppressing a smile and graciously refraining from exposing his excuse.

After the brief interruption, Zhou Qishen chuckled softly, lowered his head, and kissed her tenderly. This kiss was filled with gentle affection, lacking the earlier passion but making her heart race even faster.

Outside, under a sky full of stars, their deep love for each other was witnessed.

°.✩┈┈∘*┈˃̶୨୧˂̶┈*∘┈┈✩.°

Ayalee: Hi guys. Yes, this is the end of the story. As of now the author has not updated any extra chapter. But I really really hope that the author will grace us with a few extra chapters in the future. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THIS NOVEL AND SUPPORTING ME!! ❤️

If you’re looking for other modern romance read, check this out:

Marriage Chronicles

I Confessed to the Male Lead’s Brother by Mistake

I Fell In Love with a Rich Man by Mistake

After Hugging the Wrong Boyfriend

Gentle Training for the Wild

Three Meals a Day