Chapter 24

Response

Qi Shanglan casually closed the door behind him and took a step closer to Lin Qianyou. He looked down at her, his expression serious as he said, “Give me an answer now.”

Lin Qianyou stared at him, her mouth slightly open, not knowing what to say. How could he be so impatient? Was he really in such a hurry?

“Why aren’t you speaking?” Qi Shanglan asked, his brow furrowing.

“Weren’t you going to give me a week to think about it…” Lin Qianyou’s voice was soft.

“A week is too long. I regret it.” Qi Shanglan stepped closer again, forcing Lin Qianyou to back away slowly. “If I like you, I like you. If I don’t, I don’t. I want you to answer me right now.”

The scent of alcohol wafted toward Lin Qianyou, and she kept backing up until her back hit the dining table, leaving her with no place to go.

Instinctively, she placed her hands on Qi Shanglan’s chest, alertly saying, “Don’t be impulsive! I have security cameras!”

Security cameras?

Qi Shanglan glanced up at the ceiling in the living room and noticed the cameras.

“What are you thinking? I just want a clear answer.” Qi Shanglan said helplessly. He couldn’t stand his own behavior, feeling like a madman, and he had clearly scared her.

But what else could he do? He truly felt like he liked her, and he needed a definite answer, a clear response. He couldn’t wait even a second longer.

Lin Qianyou was beautiful, cheerful, and optimistic, and countless men liked her. She had many fans, both young and old. She would have many male friends who were close to her, and Qi Shanglan was just one of them, perhaps the most insignificant one.

Thinking about this, Qi Shanglan furrowed his brows even more. He couldn’t stand seeing Lin Qianyou laughing and chatting with other men. He didn’t like how she wore revealing clothes and paraded around in front of other men. He liked it when she grabbed his arm in fear, when she casually placed her hand on his shoulder, when she smiled brightly at him, when she rubbed her shoulder against his back, and even when she spoke, her lips moving constantly.

But it seemed like she only saw him as an ordinary friend, just like she treated other people. Once she started dating, other men would claim her lips, enjoy her fragrance, snuggle in her arms as she told them funny ghost stories, and kiss her as they made love.

Damn it, Qi Shanglan would never allow it, and he didn’t believe she felt nothing for him.

“Lin Qianyou, dare you say you don’t feel anything for me?” Qi Shanglan asked, his brows knitted.

His suddenly impatient tone left Lin Qianyou a little confused. She awkwardly laughed and said, “I think you’re drunk. How about lying down and sleeping for a while?” She gestured to the sofa in the living room.

“Lin Qianyou.” Qi Shanglan grabbed her wrist and pressed it on the dining table, his tone serious as he said, “I’m not drunk. Don’t change the subject.”

Lin Qianyou was pinned down and dared not move. She nervously swallowed and smiled, saying, “You’re so handsome, anyone would feel something for you.” She smiled.

Qi Shanglan: “…”

“Lin Qianyou, one word—are we dating or not?” Qi Shanglan didn’t want to beat around the bush. He had no patience to play games with her. “If you refuse, I don’t mind relentlessly pestering you until you agree.”

Lin Qianyou: “…”

He only gave her one word to choose from, which was clearly “date.”

When did Qi Shanglan become so impatient? He wasn’t like this when they first met.

She had always thought he was a cold and quiet person, but she didn’t expect him to be so straightforward when it came to feelings.

But to say that she felt nothing for him would be a lie.

The first time she saw him, she thought he was handsome, well-built, with a well-defined face, broad shoulders, and long legs—he was the kind of guy any woman would take a second look at, especially her, a self-proclaimed flirt.

Having lived for twenty-three years and being in the entertainment industry, she had seen so many handsome men, but she still had to admit that Qi Shanglan’s type was exactly her style.

Thinking about it this way, maybe she really did like him?

But wait, she was an entertainer—dating was a taboo. The video that went viral today was a reminder of that.

Fortunately, the video was said to be AI-generated, otherwise, she would’ve been criticized again.

“Qi Shanglan,” Lin Qianyou said cautiously, “I’m an artist, so dating is not really a good idea.”

“I don’t mind a secret relationship.”

Qi Shanglan was genuinely at a loss. Damn it, when did he become this shameless?

Lin Qianyou was momentarily speechless. Qi Shanglan didn’t mind a secret relationship? What’s the difference between that and an affair? Does he really like her this much? Is he willing to be her secret lover?

“Do you… really not mind?” Lin Qianyou asked.

Qi Shanglan nodded. “Mm, I don’t mind.”

Damn, he really had no boundaries. It was insane. He was done for.

“Then… should we give it a try? But we can’t go public.”

Qi Shanglan nodded again. “Mm, okay.”

If it’s a secret, then it’s a secret. If there are no boundaries, then so be it. Qi Shanglan accepted it.

“Then…” Lin Qianyou rotated her wrist. Only then did Qi Shanglan release her. “Should I make you a cup of honey water?”

“Mm, okay.” Qi Shanglan complied with her instructions.

“Then you sit here first.”

“Mm, okay.” He obediently sat down.

Lin Qianyou made a cup of honey water and walked over to sit down. She glanced at Qi Shanglan, and he was looking at her too. But for some reason, Lin Qianyou couldn’t shake the feeling that the situation was very awkward.

So just like that, they became a couple?

It felt so unreal.

The two of them stared at each other, but neither spoke. The only sound in the room was the TV playing a variety show.

It wasn’t until she burned her hand on the honey water that Lin Qianyou snapped back to reality. “It’s hot. Let me blow on it.” She leaned over the cup and gently blew on it, her hair falling and covering her face from the side.

Just as she was about to brush her hair behind her ear, Qi Shanglan’s hand reached up ahead of hers to move her hair back behind her ear.

Lin Qianyou stopped blowing, and for a moment, she slowly turned her head to look at Qi Shanglan.

The light above them cast shadows across his well-defined face.

What a handsome face.

Lin Qianyou sighed.

“What are you looking at me for? Why did you stop blowing?” Qi Shanglan raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Oh, nothing, nothing.” Lin Qianyou quickly turned her head back and resumed blowing on the honey water.

“Here, the temperature should be just right.” Lin Qianyou pushed the honey water towards him. Qi Shanglan took it, said “Thank you,” and tilted his head back to drink it.

Lin Qianyou silently watched him drink. In just a few seconds, his Adam’s apple moved up and down five times.

How could someone even make drinking water look so sexy?

Lin Qianyou sighed again.

“Do you want more? I can make you another cup?” Lin Qianyou asked.

“No, I’m good. It’s getting late. You should rest early. I’ll head back now.” Qi Shanglan stood up, preparing to leave.

Lin Qianyou had no reason to stop him, so she said, “Okay, take care on your way back.”

Qi Shanglan gave a brief “Mm” in response, opened the door, and took a step out.

However, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned around, and said to Lin Qianyou:

“How about… a kiss?”

“Ah?” Lin Qianyou widened her eyes and then said, “Oh, okay, okay.”

Isn’t it normal for couples to kiss? Thinking this, Lin Qianyou stepped forward and lightly kissed Qi Shanglan on the lips, standing on tiptoe.

It was a quick, light kiss like a dragonfly touching the water, but it made Qi Shanglan incredibly happy. He hadn’t expected Lin Qianyou to take the initiative.

At this moment, even the sound of the TV seemed to disappear. All he could focus on was her.

“Lin Qianyou, who taught you to kiss like that?”

The door behind them was shut again, and before Lin Qianyou could react, Qi Shanglan grabbed the back of her head and kissed her deeply.

Their lips and tongues met, sweet and intoxicating.

Hot, burning, and intense, it lasted for a long time in the quiet night.

Qi Shanglan finally pulled back from her lips, a strand of silver glistening from her.

The two of them were dazed, breathless, and stared at each other for a long time.

His body ached, urgently needing release.

Qi Shanglan’s hand was still on the back of Lin Qianyou’s head, and the rise and fall of her breath was a lethal temptation to him.

Should he leave now?

No, he couldn’t bear to leave. He just wanted one more kiss, and then he would go.

So, Qi Shanglan leaned in again, but unexpectedly, Lin Qianyou suddenly stepped back. Her breathing was unsteady, and she raised her hands to block him. “No, it’s too late. You should go home…”

She frowned slightly, and Qi Shanglan didn’t press any further. He looked at her for a while before slowly lowering his hand from the back of her head. “Okay, then you should rest early.”

“Mm.” She whispered softly.

Qi Shanglan pushed open the door and stepped out. Just as he was about to close it, Lin Qianyou suddenly called his name. “Qi Shanglan.”

“Mm?” Qi Shanglan raised an eyebrow, thinking she had something to say.

But instead, Lin Qianyou stepped forward again and planted a quick kiss on his lips, just like before.

“Be careful on your way back. Remember to text me when you get home.”

The sweet fragrance from her body surged into his nose and lips again, making her the most tempting presence of the night.

“Not being public doesn’t mean I won’t take responsibility. I will treat this relationship seriously,” she said again.

Qi Shanglan’s brain buzzed, and he couldn’t comprehend what she said. All he could focus on were her lips, the very same lips he had just kissed.

“I’m an artist, so it’s inevitable that I might get involved in rumors with other male artists, but I will keep work and life separate. I hope you don’t mind,” Lin Qianyou paused, then continued, “I’ve never been in a relationship before, so I might not be very good at it, but I’m serious, and I hope you are too.” After speaking, she gazed at Qi Shanglan, waiting for his response.

On this hot summer night, the two restless hearts slowly drew closer.

“Mm, I understand. I’m serious too,” Qi Shanglan said.

His serious tone and solemn expression made Lin Qianyou unable to hold back a smile.

“Mm, I know. You should go home now,” she said, suddenly smiling.

Qi Shanglan’s furrowed brow relaxed, and he slowly helped her close the door, not forgetting to say “Good night.”

Back at home, Zou Ying had left the living room light on for him, and while changing his shoes, Qi Shanglan lowered his head to text Lin Qianyou: I’m home.

She quickly replied: Mm, rest early. Good night~

Seeing her message, Qi Shanglan couldn’t help but smile.

“Shanglan? Why are you so late?” Zou Ying asked him from beside the tea table. “Wasn’t it your turn to be on duty today?”

Qi Shanglan’s younger brother, Qi Shangxing, who was playing a game, also poked his head out and asked, “Bro, did you go out to do something heroic again?”

“No, just a last-minute thing,” Qi Shanglan said as he finished changing his shoes and walked over. “Why aren’t you two asleep at this hour?”

Zou Ying looked at the test papers on the tea table and felt a headache coming on. “It’s because of your brother. He did so badly on this exam, I’m too embarrassed to attend his parent-teacher meeting. What a shame.”

“What do you mean bad! I’m in the top ten of the class!” Qi Shangxing argued, dissatisfied.

“Your brother’s still number one in the class. What are you so proud of?” Zou Ying didn’t hold back in criticizing him.

“My brother focuses solely on studying, okay? He doesn’t have any entertainment life. He’s never even been in a relationship. That’s what I call a ‘lonely king’ who goes straight for a Ph.D.,” Qi Shangxing said, rambling.

Hearing this, Qi Shanglan glanced at him impatiently. “Who told you I’ve never been in a relationship? What do you know about love at your age?”

Zou Ying, not yet understanding what Qi Shangxing meant, asked, “What’s a ‘lonely king’ and ‘straight for a Ph.D.’? What does that mean?” But Qi Shangxing didn’t have time to explain to Zou Ying. He threw the game controller aside and excitedly asked Qi Shanglan, “Bro, you’ve actually been in a relationship?!”

Qi Shanglan nodded, replying coldly, “Mm, just started.”

“Ah?” Both Qi Shangxing and Zou Ying were shocked, their mouths wide open in surprise.

Qi Shanglan sat down on the sofa and replied to Lin Qianyou: “Good night.”

“Didn’t you say this morning that you hadn’t won her over? But now you’re saying you have?” Zou Ying put down the papers she was holding and asked Qi Shanglan.

Qi Shanglan kept his eyes on the phone screen and merely responded with a faint “Mm.”

Zou Ying, excited, got up from the floor and sat next to him on the sofa, asking, “So, she agreed to be with you already?”

Qi Shanglan turned off the phone screen, stood up from the sofa, and was heading upstairs. “She agreed, but we can’t go public.”

“Can’t go public…” Zou Ying seemed to be deep in thought. “Well, if it’s not public now, there will be a day when it is. When are you bringing her over to our house to sit?”

“I’ll ask her later, see when she’s free.” Qi Shanglan said as he began to walk upstairs.

“Mom, who’s my brother’s girlfriend? Why can’t it be public? She’s not trying to scam him for money, is she?” Qi Shangxing was very curious. Having a new sister-in-law who couldn’t be made public made Qi Shangxing even more eager to know.

“She said it can’t be public, so what are you worrying about? Go fix your mistakes.” Zou Ying said, dismissing him.

“Is she a big celebrity? Why else would it not be public?” Qi Shangxing speculated.

“Stop guessing. It’s none of your business. Focus on fixing your mistakes. I’m going upstairs to sleep.” Zou Ying yawned and went upstairs.

Upstairs in the bathroom, Qi Shanglan took a cold shower as usual.

The wound on his lower abdomen had already healed and formed a scab. His finger lingered on the dried blood, not moving for a long time.

So what if he was hurt? The one who caused it was the one responsible for it. The pain was worth it.

Water trickled down his wet hair, flowed over his slightly curved lips, and finally fell onto the straight sword beneath, yet it couldn’t shake it in the slightest.