This kiss, with her tacit permission, was no longer gentle and restrained.

Too close.

The bedroom was silent and still. Sheng Sui blinked slowly in confusion, only her own suppressed and panicked breathing remaining in her ears, her palms sweating.

Zhou Shiyu lay on his side beside her, his thin lips brushing against her hair several times as if by accident, his burning breath falling on her neck in rolling waves, ambiguous and tender.

Only under her palm did the violently beating heart betray the man’s current emotional turmoil.

“Sheng Sui.”

A slightly hoarse low voice rang beside her ear, the breath across her earlobe bringing waves of tingling. Sheng Sui couldn’t help but turn around, seeing Zhou Shiyu still had his eyes closed. The oppressive feeling brought by their close distance dissipated considerably, and she couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

“Tonight, that you came to find me on your own initiative,” Zhou Shiyu’s gentle voice was always the best comfort, “I’m very happy.”

Sheng Sui’s hands were most prone to getting cold at night. Now warmed by the man’s large palm, she lowered her eyes: “But it seems like I keep causing you trouble.”

As soon as the words fell, the man so close suddenly opened his eyes. Without the obstruction of his glasses, Sheng Sui could finally see emotions other than gentle refinement in his dark eyes.

It seemed like tenderness, and also like he was trying hard to restrain something.

In the end, Zhou Shiyu only raised his hand to carefully tuck the slipped down duvet around Sheng Sui, half-encircling her in his broad arms:

“No one gets married to learn how to be independent.”

Seeing her dazed gaze, Zhou Shiyu’s dark eyes moved slightly before closing again. Like coaxing a child to sleep, he patiently patted her back: “And being needed by you is also a very happy thing.”

“……”

People who have been alone and lonely for too long will especially treasure hard-won warmth.

Her body no longer rigid, Sheng Sui’s gaze traced her husband’s handsome features. Pressing her lips together with slightly curled fingers, she silently moved a bit closer toward Zhou Shiyu, waiting for the man’s heartbeat to gradually return to steady.

Amid their intertwined breathing, she softly called: “Sir.”

“Mm?”

“Actually, I lied during the day,” surrounded by the reassuring cold woody fragrance, Sheng Sui slowly closed her eyes. “Embracing doesn’t make one unable to breathe.”

But it does make one feel long-lost happiness.

Unlike the expected insomnia, Sheng Sui slept soundly and peacefully that night, waking up naturally in the morning even later than usual.

As consciousness returned, she drowsily looked at the unfamiliar environment before her, the wide half of the bed beside her empty.

Sluggishly remembering, she had moved to Zhou Shiyu’s house last night.

Enticing cooking aromas drifted from outside the door. Sheng Sui was about to sit up when she discovered that her cotton pajamas had somehow rolled up, exposing her flat stomach, and even her pair of rounded peaks were half-hidden, half-revealed.

At 6:30 in the morning, she suddenly blushed completely.

Her sleeping posture wasn’t too bad, except for one thing – no matter how she fell asleep each night, when she woke up in the morning, she would always find her clothes rolled upward. Pajama tops and nightgowns were all victims.

Usually sleeping alone didn’t matter, but last night’s move was hurried and tense, and she hadn’t thought about the pajama rolling issue before bed.

She had even slept in Zhou Shiyu’s arms – wouldn’t that mean her entire chest was pressed against him—

Not daring to think further, Sheng Sui desperately closed her eyes, burying her head deep into the pillow in defeat, trying to escape the painful reality.

The sound of the door opening rang out. Zhou Shiyu entered the room to see the just-awakened person wishing she could wrap herself completely in the quilt, but neglecting the back while covering the front. The hem at her lower back rode up with her movements, revealing a section of soft, supple waist with an enticingly curved line.

“Good morning.”

Without changing expression, he averted his gaze and walked to the bedside to pull the quilt corner over, covering that eye-catching patch of snow-white skin, asking: “How many grams of carbohydrates do you usually eat for three meals a day?”

Sheng Sui was still immersed in shame. Hearing the sudden question, she obediently answered before coming back to her senses: “Are you… preparing breakfast?”

“Just making something simple,” Zhou Shiyu didn’t dwell on this question. “Do you want to sleep a bit more, or get up to inject and eat in twenty minutes?”

Type 1 diabetic patients’ living habits differ from normal people. They need to inject insulin before meals in advance, and the amount of carbohydrates consumed each meal must be precisely calculated. Even the most common foods like rice, steamed buns, bread and pastries that raise blood sugar quickly must be consumed sparingly.

Sheng Sui’s breakfast had been the same for ten years – two slices of whole wheat bread as the main food, paired with a cup of whole milk, plus boiled vegetables and eggs.

Simple and light, but nutritionally complete. Since she was always casual about eating, she had long grown accustomed to plain fare.

The enticing aroma from outside made Sheng Sui guess that Zhou Shiyu’s “just making something simple” probably meant ordering a lavish takeout delivery that was reheated and plated after arrival.

After all, it was breakfast her husband thoughtfully ordered. Even if it contained foods that raised blood sugar, she should treasure this thoughtfulness.

Thinking this way, Sheng Sui closed the bathroom door to prick her finger for blood sugar testing and inject insulin, then carefully wrapped the bloodied test strips and needle tips in paper.

She didn’t throw the paper into the trash can by her feet, but instead walked out of the bathroom and placed it in the inner compartment of her handbag on the vanity.

During high school dormitory life, to prevent others from discovering her illness, Sheng Sui would very carefully hide the paper-wrapped needle tips and test strips. This had long become subconscious behavior.

After putting away the paper package and changing clothes, she left the bedroom. Seeing the busy figure of the man in the dining room, she was suddenly stunned.

She could never have imagined that Zhou Shiyu would get up early to cook personally, and it even looked like very complex food.

On the marble counter, transparent bowls contained finely chopped carrots, scrambled eggs, chives, shrimp paste, and wood ear mushrooms, mixed with seasonings and stirred evenly before adding scallions to remove fishy smell.

The filling was scooped out by the man with a porcelain spoon and placed on thin hand-rolled wonton wrappers.

Zhou Shiyu took deveined prawns with tails from another bowl, layering them over the colorful filling, then wrapping the thin skin closed and placing the large shrimp dumplings in a steamer before lighting the fire.

The entire sequence was completed in one smooth motion.

Seeing clearly that the man held slow-digesting whole wheat flour rather than refined white flour, Sheng Sui suddenly felt that Zhou Shiyu’s meticulousness had reached a terrifying degree that even she, as the patient, couldn’t match.

She had been ill for thirteen years, and this was the first time in her life she would eat steamed dumplings made from whole wheat flour.

Hearing her footsteps, Zhou Shiyu put on gloves and opened the lid of the clay pot simmering on low heat, ladling a bowl of winter melon and mushroom soup for her: “Have some soup first to warm your stomach in the morning.”

Sitting down at the dining table, Sheng Sui first looked at the thick, tender warm soup before her, then watched the man bring over cut grapefruit—

If she remembered correctly, grapefruit was also one of the most diabetes-friendly fruits.

Sheng Sui noticed a food scale placed beside the kneading board. After a few seconds of speechlessness, she was so shocked she forgot to use honorifics:

“You… didn’t weigh the fruit and steamed dumplings, did you?”

Calculating carbohydrates was simple but tedious – weighing the total food, then calculating total carbohydrates based on carbohydrate content per hundred grams, finally adding up carbohydrates from all foods to get total carbohydrate intake per meal.

Faced with her utter amazement, Zhou Shiyu remained understated: “Just casually weighed them.”

White steam rose from the hot soup before her, making Sheng Sui feel momentarily dazed.

Stir-frying, steaming shrimp dumplings, and making soup – it wasn’t even 7 AM yet. These dishes would require getting up at 5 AM to prepare.

Being overwhelmed with favor couldn’t adequately describe her current feelings. Sheng Sui stammered for a long time, only thinking of one possibility: “Do you usually get up this early to cook too?”

“Occasionally,” Zhou Shiyu carried away Ping’An who was trying to climb onto the counter, bringing out the shrimp dumplings from the steamer. “I’m only good at cooking among housework. I’m not very good at cleaning.”

Hearing there was finally something she could do, Sheng Sui eagerly volunteered: “I can help with that.”

“Good, don’t overwork yourself,” Zhou Shiyu saw her soup bowl was nearly empty, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Want more?”

Sheng Sui rarely ate so much for breakfast. The hot soup warmed her body, the grapefruit was refreshingly sweet, and the shrimp dumplings burst with juice when bitten. Even under Zhou Shiyu’s instruction that she could only eat 8 shrimp dumplings, she secretly ate two more.

After eating her fill, she volunteered to wash dishes: “It’s the weekend today. Do you want to rest a bit more? Last night—”

The embarrassing memory of her pajamas rolling up in the early morning suddenly emerged. Sheng Sui lowered her head to scrub the pot, her voice like a mosquito: “I didn’t do anything strange last night, did I?”

“No.”

The decisive denial made her sigh in relief. Sheng Sui was just feeling grateful for the man’s kindness when she saw Zhou Shiyu, who had been leaning against the wall, walk to her side and bend down to roll up her sleeves layer by layer, his low voice ambiguous and mischievous: “However—”

“I should be able to buy bras for Mrs. Zhou by myself now.”

“……”

So much for being considerate – it was all fake!

Both had the weekend off from work. After lunch, Sheng Sui wanted to return to the rental to pack for moving, and Zhou Shiyu also had work to handle at the company.

The man still parked at the residential complex entrance, not insisting on personally escorting Sheng Sui upstairs, only calling shortly after she got out of the car.

Sheng Sui answered puzzled: “Sir?”

“I have a dinner engagement tonight and will be home late,” Zhou Shiyu’s voice was deep through the receiver. “I left without bringing keys, so I might need you to help me open the door then.”

The Aston Martin was still parked across from the complex. Sheng Sui originally wanted to say she could bring him the keys, but then thought she would probably be home earlier.

So she agreed: “Okay.”

The call fell silent afterward. She thought Zhou Shiyu had something to say, but after a few seconds, he hung up.

Returning to the rental, Sheng Sui brought out large storage boxes to organize her belongings.

She sorted things by frequency of use, categorizing and packing them properly. When she occasionally stood up to survey the surroundings, she always had a feeling like a world away.

She had lived here for over three years – was she really just going to move away like this?

Half an hour later, hurried footsteps sounded outside, followed by Xiao Ming bursting through the door excitedly, beaming with smiles.

Seeing Sheng Sui packing, she quickly pulled her away: “Baby, we don’t need to move – Zhang Tao has been thoroughly dealt with!”

Sheng Sui was confused.

“Not long after I got home yesterday, I received a call from Zhang Tao’s supervisor, apologizing for his sexual harassment.”

“The supervisor told me not to worry,” Xiao Ming held Sheng Sui’s hands, unable to hide her excitement. “He said they sent Zhang Tao to another city overnight yesterday, and will dispatch him to Africa in a week – it’s even more satisfying than firing him!”

When asked about the reason for suddenly dealing with Zhang Tao, Xiao Ming wasn’t very clear either. She heard it was because the company had a new project launching, and if the sexual harassment incident escalated, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Sheng Sui still felt something was off.

If they really wanted to deal with Zhang Tao and avoid trouble, firing him on the spot would undoubtedly be the optimal solution. Why first transfer him elsewhere, then send him abroad? Wasn’t that more like protecting him?

This elaborate operation seemed more like trying every means to get him away from Shanghai as quickly as possible.

The incident escalated so quickly and was resolved so swiftly – Sheng Sui felt it was related to Zhou Shiyu again. But last night she had only mentioned a friend encountering trouble, never discussing Zhang Tao’s name, not even mentioning that Xiao Ming was the victim.

How could it trace back so far?

She was probably overthinking.

With the bad guy finally punished, Xiao Ming cheered: “Now that Zhang Tao is gone, we can continue living in this place!”

She had stayed at her cousin’s house last night. Although the living conditions were much better and rent-free, not being with Sheng Sui still felt lonely.

Xiao Ming excitedly planned to eat hotpot tonight to celebrate, but saw Sheng Sui sitting on the bed in a daze, staring absentmindedly at the half-packed cardboard box, her face full of hesitation.

“Why the long face?” She moved forward to pinch Sheng Sui’s soft cheeks. “Let’s go to the supermarket later. We don’t need to move anyway—”

“…Xiao Ming.”

Two voices fought in her head. Sheng Sui dismissed her mixed thoughts and made up her mind, apologizing: “I might still have to move out.”

Zhou Shiyu had even organized the closets at home for her to move in, obviously assuming she would stay long-term.

If she came to the man when she needed him and left after using him, what exactly was she treating Zhou Shiyu as?

Xiao Ming couldn’t understand: “Why? Still security concerns?”

“Actually, I stayed at my blind date’s house last night.”

Hearing Xiao Ming’s sharp intake of breath, she steeled herself to continue: “If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be living there from now on.”

Sheng Sui didn’t mention that the so-called “blind date” was Zhou Shiyu because she clearly knew how much Xiao Ming longed for Cheng He’s investment. She simply had no right to interfere, nor did she think Zhou Shiyu would change his mind for her. Being honest would only give Xiao Ming false hope.

Xiao Ming was stunned with her mouth agape for a long time, but also saw that Sheng Sui didn’t want to discuss the man’s identity. Full of confusion, she finally asked a completely unrelated question.

“Can I ask why you didn’t choose my brother?” Xiao Ming quickly explained, “No other meaning, I just feel my brother is a decent person with a house, car, and annual income in the low millions. The key point is he really likes you.”

She didn’t dare say the latter half – in Xiao Ming’s heart, as long as her brother persisted long enough, Sheng Sui would eventually achieve a happy ending with him.

“I can’t reciprocate his feelings,” Sheng Sui was always firm on emotional matters. “His kindness to me makes me feel guilty, like I’m using someone’s feelings for my own benefit.”

Xiao Ming probed: “Then, with that blind date, don’t you have even a little bit of affection?”

“We suit each other’s needs regarding marriage.” Sheng Sui could only answer her this way.

She and Zhou Shiyu had only known each other for a few short days – could they have love?

Sheng Sui didn’t think so, or rather, compared to passionate but brief love, she needed more respectful and enduring companionship.

Xiao Ming understood love even less than she did. Regardless, she still dragged Sheng Sui to the supermarket, saying moving was fine, but she must accompany her for hotpot tonight.

The supermarket was bustling with people. After hearing about Sheng Sui’s blind date process, Xiao Ming took two boxes of beef slices from the refrigerated cabinet and sighed: “I don’t know why, but after hearing you describe it, I feel he’s too perfect.”

“His upbringing must have been very good.” Sheng Sui tried to analyze.

“No matter how good the upbringing, any normal person would have some flaws. Even Captain America has shortcomings. Can you name even one tiny flaw in your guy?”

Xiao Ming stroked her chin, squinting to describe: “It feels to me like he’s intentionally only showing you his good side.”

Sheng Sui sometimes felt this way too.

Undoubtedly, Zhou Shiyu was refined and gentle, always available when called, and would actively change his original lifestyle according to her preferences. He was so perfect that she couldn’t refuse, couldn’t find fault, and at the same time couldn’t imagine otherwise.

“Whatever, only a perfect man deserves our precious Sui.”

Naturally optimistic Xiao Ming waved her hand, linking arms with Sheng Sui: “Since he treats you so well, you should reciprocate – aren’t you best at making flower tea? Make some for him daily.”

Sheng Sui’s cooking skills were limited. Her only expertise related to food and drink was tea brewing.

Xiao Ming made a good point. Since they formed a family, there was no reason to let Zhou Shiyu give unilaterally.

After returning from the supermarket, while Xiao Ming called her for dinner in the kitchen, Sheng Sui was still in the bedroom looking through her glass tea jars, trying to find suitable flower tea to brew for her husband.

Placing the various jars into storage boxes, as Sheng Sui was about to leave, her phone on the desk suddenly vibrated – it was a call from Zhou Shiyu.

“How’s the packing going?” The man didn’t have noisy background sounds, apparently having found a quiet place on purpose. “If there’s a lot of stuff, I’ll come pick you up after you finish.”

But her moving progress was basically zero – only the tea was organized. Sheng Sui was too embarrassed to say she had wasted time, declining: “No need to pick me up. I’m not moving today.”

The call was quiet for a few seconds. Zhou Shiyu’s voice was slightly hoarse: “Okay.”

Sheng Sui had some thoughts about giving him a surprise, asking softly: “What time will you be back today? I have something I want to tell you.”

Another stretch of silence from the other end. For the first time, Zhou Shiyu hesitated about her request: “Does it have to be today?”

“…Is that not okay?”

Hearing the woman’s careful probing, Zhou Shiyu lowered his eyes, his calm voice: “It’s okay.”

Sheng Sui seemed to want to say more, but a female voice suddenly rang in the background, urging her to hurry and eat.

A dial tone sounded, ending the call.

Tossing the white phone into his pocket, Zhou Shiyu stood at the end of the high-end restaurant corridor, his dark eyes deep and cold as he looked down at the city nightscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Neon lights and wine, men and women of all kinds, each bustling about for their largely futile lives.

What matter required waiting until he returned home to discuss in person?

Probably only that she wanted to move back.

Zhou Shiyu lazily leaned against the cold white wall, his eyes behind the lenses flickering as he wondered whether his release of information about dealing with Zhang Tao was equivalent to personally pushing her further away.

If he had only quietly dealt with Zhang Tao and built an impenetrable wall of silence, would Sheng Sui have anxiously depended on him for a while?

He should have been more despicable from the start.

Remembering her red nose tip in the cold wind outside the police station last night, Zhou Shiyu suddenly lowered his head and smiled, part self-mocking, part helpless.

Still couldn’t bear to.

Forget it.

“Isn’t this our newly married Mr. Zhou?”

A casual teasing voice came. Zhou Shiyu heard it but was too lazy to turn around, only seeing a pair of black pointed leather shoes enter his field of vision, followed by Liang Xubai’s lazy voice in his ear:

“They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Why does Mr. Zhou look like he’s in a bad mood?”

Pretending emotions in front of Liang Xubai was undoubtedly asking for ridicule. Zhou Shiyu removed his glasses, his distinct fingers pinching the bridge of his nose, his voice cool: “You’re talking a lot of nonsense tonight.”

“This isn’t therapy, don’t be so resistant to me.”

Liang Xubai stood lazily across from the man with a smile, hands in pockets, his naturally alluring peach blossom eyes drawling: “So tell me, is the Mrs. Zhou that’s been the talk of circles these past two days the same person you spent three years on desensitization therapy for?”

“……”

Snapping his fingers, Liang Xubai leaned forward slightly, slowly approaching to look into Zhou Shiyu’s eyes: “Or is she the white moonlight first love you’ve secretly loved for thirteen years and finally won?”

“Oh, I forgot – these two are the same person.”

“……”

Zhou Shiyu expressionlessly raised his eyelids, meeting Liang Xubai’s interested peach blossom eyes.

After a few seconds, he slowly straightened up, his thin lips parting slightly: “So, did you give away those flowers?”

“……”

His smile freezing momentarily, Liang Xubai raised an eyebrow and said boredly as he stood up: “Mutual destruction, huh? Fine, I surrender.”

“Secretary Chen said you want to continue therapy,” Liang Xubai asked curiously. “Why are you suddenly so cooperative?”

“I’m married,” Zhou Shiyu said calmly. “I need to ensure nothing goes wrong.”

Liang Xubai frowned thoughtfully for a few seconds, then smiled: “Sorry, psychologists aren’t gods. Can’t do that.”

Too lazy to deal with his nonsense, Zhou Shiyu put on his glasses and returned to the private room with Liang Xubai, one after the other. Everyone present except Qiu Si stood up to greet them.

After Zhou Shiyu sat in the main seat, the middle-aged man across from him hurriedly raised his glass and stood: “I was just telling Xiao Qiu about Zhang Tao’s matter. I really thank Mr. Zhou for the guidance.”

Zhou Shiyu quietly waited for the man to drain his glass in one gulp, then said gently: “Being able to cooperate with a company that values women’s rights is Cheng He’s honor.”

“The letter of intent will be delivered within three days.” Without standing, Zhou Shiyu picked up his tea cup, touched it lightly to his lips for a small sip, and smiled slightly. “I don’t drink well, so I’ll substitute tea for wine. Please forgive me.”

Hearing Zhou Shiyu’s agreement, the middle-aged man immediately beamed with joy. He didn’t care whether it was wine or tea, only regretting he couldn’t kowtow in gratitude.

Tonight’s gathering was originally for networking among industry contacts. Qiu Si had little interest in this, only curious about Liang Xubai beside him, leaning over to ask: “You’re the second son of the Liang family, right?”

“How does a psychologist end up playing around with Zhou Shiyu?”

Glancing at Zhou Shiyu who remained composed at the center of attention, Liang Xubai mysteriously raised an eyebrow, his peach blossom eyes curving: “Because we’re both crazy.”

“Crazy people naturally play together.”

When the clock passed 8:30, Sheng Sui couldn’t help but call Zhou Shiyu.

The man had informed her in advance he’d be late, but the optimal evening tea time was around 8:30, having warming and digestive effects. Much later would not only reduce effectiveness but might also cause insomnia.

She knew clearly she could brew it tomorrow morning, but passing through the dining room on her way home, Sheng Sui thought of that sumptuous breakfast and couldn’t wait to do something for Zhou Shiyu.

Holding the demanding Ping’An in her arms, she waited as the call went unanswered, feeling inexplicably nervous with anticipation.

Nearly a minute passed before Zhou Shiyu finally answered.

Sheng Sui immediately sat up straight on the sofa, trying not to sound too eager: “Are you coming home soon?”

“Not yet.” Perhaps it was her imagination, but Zhou Shiyu seemed particularly taciturn tonight. After a few seconds, he asked, “Are you in a hurry?”

“I’m not in a hurry.”

Denying it verbally, but as Sheng Sui watched the clock hands on the wall continuously moving, words suddenly escaped without passing through her brain: “I just want to see you soon.”

This sounded too much like a confession. Sheng Sui’s ear tips heated up, and she quickly corrected: “I, I mean, I’m waiting for you to come home.”

“……”

It was getting worse. Sheng Sui decided to stay quiet.

Zhou Shiyu was amused by her thoughtless words, his low laughter vibrating gently in Sheng Sui’s ear through the receiver: “Then open the door.”

Sheng Sui was stunned.

She called just as Zhou Shiyu arrived home – what a coincidence.

Putting down Ping’An, she quickly walked to the entrance to open the door. Sure enough, Zhou Shiyu stood outside, tall and upright, carrying two large plastic bags filled with cat snacks and canned food.

“I’m going on a business trip tomorrow. Ping’An will have no one to care for him at home.”

Zhou Shiyu changed shoes and entered, speaking first: “If you’re not in a hurry to move out, could you stay and look after him for a few days?”

The man’s smile was gentle, his tone and expression as usual, but Sheng Sui felt his emotions were tense at this moment.

“I can,” the plastic bag handles left red marks on Zhou Shiyu’s hands. Sheng Sui reached out to help him carry one, saying softly:

“But I had no intention of moving out.”

Zhou Shiyu placed the plastic bags on the counter, opening cabinets, saying calmly: “This afternoon on the phone, you said you weren’t planning to move.”

His movements paused slightly as he lowered his head with a smile: “I thought maybe I wasn’t taking good enough care of you.”

“No, no!”

Sheng Sui didn’t know how he could think this way. She hurriedly turned and ran to the living room to bring over the cardboard box filled with tea jars, proving: “I didn’t pack moving stuff this afternoon – I was organizing tea leaves.”

“Didn’t you just recover from a fever? I thought maybe I could do something for you.”

She wasn’t eloquent, her face slightly flushed with anxiety, afraid that speaking slowly would make Zhou Shiyu sad again: “I wanted to wait for you to come home early so I could brew some tea for you.”

Under her husband’s calm and gentle gaze, Sheng Sui took the prepared golden chamomile, chrysanthemum and jasmine flowers in proportion and placed them in a tea cup, then poured in just-boiled hot water to steep, just waiting fifteen minutes for brewing.

“This is three-flower tea. It’s very effective for clearing heat and detoxifying.”

Much ado about nothing – after explaining, Sheng Sui realized she had hurriedly called Zhou Shiyu home just to drink a cup of tea costing single digits.

Zhou Shiyu’s increasingly dark eyes behind his lenses were unreadable. Sheng Sui’s voice grew smaller: “Thank you for today’s breakfast. I really liked it—”

Before she finished speaking, Zhou Shiyu strode toward her with long legs. As Sheng Sui instinctively leaned back, he bent down, instantly compressing the distance between them to the minimum.

Rich cold woody fragrance swept over her. Sheng Sui’s eyes reflected the man’s suddenly magnified figure. As her breathing stopped abruptly, two burning lips covered hers.

Zhou Shiyu was kissing her.

Afraid her lower back against the counter would hurt, even while kissing, the man didn’t forget to use his arm to embrace her slender waist as protection.

After a brief taste, Zhou Shiyu pressed against Sheng Sui’s moist, soft lips, responding in a low voice: “…Thank you. I like it very much too.”

Whether the flower tea, or her clumsy yet sincere approach.

Her brain felt like scrambled paste. In her daze, Sheng Sui thought Zhou Shiyu hadn’t even tasted the flower tea she brewed – how could he so easily say he liked it?

Amid her chaotic heartbeat, she heard Zhou Shiyu ask again: “Yesterday’s words about improving a little each day – do they still count?”

Unable to understand what this had to do with the kiss just now, Sheng Sui nodded obediently in confusion: “They count.”

Her docile and soft appearance was truly heartwarming. Zhou Shiyu’s dark eyes deepened, his hands tightening as he easily lifted her onto the counter with one arm.

As Sheng Sui gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, the man looked up and approached again, pressing against Sheng Sui’s smooth forehead, pushing his luck:

“I want to hear you call my name.”

Sheng Sui’s eyes held a hint of mist, not refusing her husband’s request: “Zhou Shiyu—”

She had clearly been obedient, yet Zhou Shiyu sealed her lips again.

Unlike the first time, this kiss with her tacit permission was no longer gentle and restrained.

Like a beast hibernating within the refined man finally awakened, in just a few seconds of pushing and nibbling, Sheng Sui felt she would be devoured completely the next second.

This was Sheng Sui’s first attempt at kissing. Her body felt drained of strength – to survive, she could only lean all her weight on Zhou Shiyu’s shoulder, helplessly yet intimately trembling and depending on him.

She was kissed until breathing became difficult, pleadingly murmuring softly, calling “Sir” over and over, hoping for even a moment’s mercy from the man.

“Wrong,” Zhou Shiyu’s thin lips finally retreated slightly, lovingly stroking Sheng Sui’s hair, his voice hoarse and deep. “Sui Sui, I want to hear you call my name.”

Pausing, he repeated his request: “Just once, is that okay?”

The man’s behavior was despicable, yet his gentle tone made one sink. Sheng Sui’s hands still gripped his collar tightly, her fingertips pale, only to be coaxed into compliance once again:

“…Shiyu.”

“Mm, I’m here.”

Hearing the satisfactory answer, Zhou Shiyu still unsatisfied dropped another feather-light kiss, watching the slight grievance in Sheng Sui’s emotional watery eyes, amusement flickering in his own.

“Are you angry?”

“I clearly said it right,” Sheng Sui thought this man was truly bullying, protesting in a small voice. “You don’t keep your word.”

Remembering she disliked others drinking, Zhou Shiyu hadn’t touched a drop tonight, yet felt more intoxicated than ever, nearly drowning in her soft, warm breath.

He suddenly felt being a scoundrel had its benefits, so he raised his hand to gently touch her reddened, slightly swollen lips, chuckling softly: “Mm, unscrupulous capitalists are like this.”

“So that last kiss was practice in advance for better progress tomorrow.”