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As for negotiating with Tang Yu, the time wasn’t right yet. For now, the two were quite content with their secret relationship. Lu Zhixing’s home had a fingerprint lock. That night, before sending Tang Dingding back, he added her fingerprint to the system.
After finishing, Lu Zhixing tilted his chin at her: “Wanna try it out?”
Tang Dingding’s eyes brightened: “Can I really come and go as I please?”
“Why not?” Lu Zhixing couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re my girlfriend—what do I have to hide from you? I’d be thrilled if you came over every day.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she pressed her finger against the lock—it opened instantly.
Lu Zhixing smiled: “Good. This will make things more convenient. If I’m not around to let you in, you can just come in and wait for me. You’re free to touch anything in the house—no restrictions, okay?”
Tang Dingding nodded obediently: “Okay.”
Back when she was still in high school, her brother Tang Yu had moved out and given her a spare key, but she always had to give him advance notice before visiting. She couldn’t just barge in, and he never entered her room without permission either.
At 24 years old, this was her first time being in a relationship—and her first time having so many privileges at her boyfriend’s place.
In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, Tang Dingding was mostly on break but frequently went out. Sometimes she wouldn’t return until around 10 p.m. One morning during breakfast, Zeng Wan asked curiously: “Dingding, what have you been up to these past few days?”
Tang Dingding sipped her milk, pretending to be calm: “It’s all because of Shen Fei. Since I’ve had some time off, she’s planned a bunch of gatherings and even parties at night.”
A lie. These past few days, she’d been with her boyfriend.
Shen Fei did love to party.
Zeng Wan didn’t suspect a thing and shook her head: “You’ve finally gotten some rest—don’t tire yourself out playing.”
“I won’t. Look, I’ve even gained three pounds.”
“You call that gaining weight?”
Zeng Wan wasn’t satisfied. Tang Dingding had lost several pounds before, and they’d mentioned how looking slimmer would make her appear better on camera. Being a female celebrity… wasn’t easy.
Tang Dingding blinked, thinking about how she’d need to go out again tonight. Her mother spoke first: “Your eldest cousin is having a birthday tomorrow—we’re hosting it at home. How about we go shopping together this afternoon? It’s been a while since we’ve gone out as mother and daughter.”
Tang Dingding glanced at her and smiled brightly: “Sure.”
After breakfast, she informed Lu Zhixing that she wouldn’t be coming over that evening.
In the afternoon, after waking up from a nap, Tang Dingding accompanied Zeng Wan to go shopping. They browsed through a luxury boutique, and Tang Dingding bought her mother a necklace. Zeng Wan glanced outside and sighed: “Look at this—you can’t even shop with me without drawing a crowd.”
Outside the store, sure enough, there were people peeking in, speculating whether she was Tang Dingding.
Tang Dingding felt somewhat helpless. She loved her job, but it came at the cost of her freedom. She had even tried disguising herself, but apparently, it hadn’t worked. Leaning against Zeng Wan’s arm, she coaxed sweetly: “Let’s go have afternoon tea then—it’s quiet there, no one around.”
The café was indeed tranquil, with each table separated by screens, offering private spaces.
Zeng Wan sat elegantly upright while Tang Dingding placed their order. When the server left, opening the screen momentarily, someone outside caught sight of them. Both parties froze for a second. Huo Chendong smiled at her: “Dingding.”
Tang Dingding beamed: “What a coincidence, Brother Huo. Are you here with Aunt Lin?”
Standing beside Huo Chendong was a woman around Zeng Wan’s age—his mother. Zeng Wan looked up in surprise: “Oh, you’re here too?”
Zeng Wan and Huo’s mother were old acquaintances, and their close relationship was one reason why the two families were so close, as well as why Huo Chendong had such a good rapport with Tang Yu and Tang Dingding. Since they’d bumped into each other, it only made sense to sit together.
After everyone settled down, Huo’s mother smiled: “Chendong rarely has time to accompany me these days—he’ll be leaving soon.”
Zeng Wan sighed: “And Dingding’s become an actress now…”
Tang Dingding pouted playfully: “Mom…”
Huo Chendong gazed at Tang Dingding, smiling faintly but saying nothing.
As the two ladies chatted, Huo’s mother glanced at Dingding, her smile warm: “Dingding looks wonderful these days—more beautiful and capable than ever. Not like our Chendong… But he’s settled down now—at least, that’s what I hear.”
Huo Chendong hadn’t dated anyone in about a year. Whether he had female companions or not remained unknown, but there hadn’t been any rumors.
Zeng Wan seemed to anticipate what Huo’s mother was about to say and smiled, dismissing Tang Dingding: “Dingding, go tell them I’d like to take some pastries home.”
Tang Dingding nodded: “Alright.”
As she stood up, Huo Chendong followed suit: “I’ll come with you.”
The two walked together as if by unspoken agreement, heading to the secluded courtyard at the back. The outdoor seating area was empty—after all, no one wanted to sit outside in winter. Tang Dingding turned to Huo Chendong, her smile still in place: “Brother Huo, did you want to say something to me?”
She wasn’t wearing a coat, so Huo Chendong draped his over her shoulders. He lowered his gaze, his emotions complex: “Mm.”
Tang Dingding pursed her lips: “I know what you’re going to say, Brother Huo…”
“Dingding, I haven’t been in contact with anyone for a year. I… won’t be like I used to be. If you’re willing, in the future, it’ll only be you.”
After saying this, Huo Chendong’s expression dimmed slightly. Deep down, he already knew—
It was probably too late.
A year wasn’t long. She had liked him for many years, even when he was at his worst.
Tang Dingding paused briefly, then smiled: “Brother Huo, I already have a boyfriend. You know him—Lu Zhixing.”
Huo Chendong’s face paled, his jaw tightening as he stared at her, as if even breathing had become difficult.
Tang Dingding fell silent for a few seconds before lifting her head again, her smile returning: “Brother Huo, someday you’ll meet someone special too—someone you’ll want to marry and start a family with, just like my brother. I wish you happiness.”
With that, she took off the coat and handed it back to him.
Then she turned and walked away.
Huo Chendong stood rooted to the spot, letting the cold wind whip around him. His cheeks stiffened, and his heart felt hollow and icy. Memories of last year’s birthday floated through his mind—the night when the young girl had chased him to the street corner, asking who he’d chosen. She’d said it would be the last time she’d ask.
He remembered Tang Xin’s birthday that night—how she had cried while smiling, blessing him.
He should have realized then.
Some things, once missed, could never be reclaimed.
That last time—perhaps it truly was the final chance.
No second chances.
When she returned, Zeng Wan looked at Tang Dingding and asked: “Dingding, do you have someone you like now?”
Tang Dingding: “….”
Zeng Wan sighed: “If you do, give it a try. If you don’t want to tell us, let your brother vet him. If he approves, there shouldn’t be any issues.”
Clearly, Huo’s mother had mentioned Huo Chendong earlier. She had always liked Dingding.
Tang Dingding gave a vague response: “Alright, I’ll tell you all later.”
After some thought, she reassured her mother: “Mom, don’t worry—I’m not thinking about Brother Huo anymore.”
Only then did Zeng Wan feel completely at ease.
Two days before the Lunar New Year, Lu Zhixing reluctantly gave in to Old Feng and hosted another gathering at his place. Tang Xin also showed up—keeping it a secret from Tang Yu. Tang Dingding sat with her on the couch and whispered: “Aren’t you afraid Brother will get mad?”
Tang Xin laughed: “What’s there to be afraid of? What can he possibly do to me?”
She cleared her throat.
Tang Dingding stifled a laugh behind her hand.
That evening, the men were in charge of cooking. Old Feng and Old Yuan were both skilled in the kitchen—after all, they were middle-aged men with families and children. Lu Zhixing didn’t hesitate to leave the kitchen entirely to them, lazily leaning against the doorframe with his hands tucked into his pockets, watching casually.
Old Feng glanced back at him and whistled: “You’ve been single for years, finally finding someone at 32—and you landed a treasure like Dingding. Quite a bargain, huh?”
Old Yuan chimed in with a snort: “Director Lu, why don’t you just marry into her family?”
Lu Zhixing chuckled lazily: “Don’t be jealous.”
Suddenly, someone tugged lightly on his sleeve.
He turned around to see Tang Dingding peeking into the kitchen. “Do you need help?”
Old Feng and Old Yuan both choked on their words. Lu Zhixing took her hand and laughed softly: “No need. Let them handle it.”
Tang Dingding was led by him to the living room, where the others teased her until her face turned bright red. Lu Zhixing remained calm, pulling her down to sit beside him. He glanced at Tang Xin and the others, then smiled: “Shall we watch a movie?”
Lu Zhixing picked out a film for them to watch.
That night, after everyone had left, Tang Dingding helped Lu Zhixing tidy up the house. She cleaned the living room while he emerged from the kitchen. The weather was too cold for a walk outside.
Lu Zhixing lounged on the sofa, pulling Tang Dingding onto his lap. Out of nowhere, he dropped a casual bombshell: “My parents know about you.” Tang Dingding’s legs went limp in shock as she stared at him wide-eyed. He chuckled and ruffled her hair. “They wanted to set me up with someone, but I told them I already have a girlfriend. Don’t worry—they haven’t asked me to bring you home yet.”
It hadn’t been long since they’d officially gotten together, and their relationship was progressing quickly enough. Any faster, and it might reach a stage that made her uncomfortable. But Lu Zhixing didn’t intend to hide anything from her—he simply wanted to prepare her in case they ran into his parents unexpectedly or if paparazzi caught them someday.
Tang Dingding relaxed, fearing he might misunderstand, and moved closer to hug him. “My parents still don’t know yet. I feel like once adults find out, things get more stressful.”
Lu Zhixing gazed at her, his voice gentle: “What are you afraid of? Afraid they’ll pressure us to get married?”
Tang Dingding paused, suddenly reminded of their age gap. Lu Zhixing was eight years older than her—32 this year. Her brother, who was 30, was even getting married soon. What about him…? Her expression shifted subtly, but she wasn’t overly conflicted.
Lu Zhixing leaned over and kissed her softly. “Don’t be nervous. At my age, marriage does make sense, and my parents have hinted at it too. But Dingding, there’s no need to feel pressured. Being together isn’t just about getting married or having kids.”
Tang Dingding tilted her head to look at him, her heart melting completely. No matter how anxious she felt, he always managed to calm her within seconds. With a mischievous smile, she teased: “Then what is it for?”
When two people love each other, naturally, thoughts of marriage will arise.
Lu Zhixing lowered his head, his chin brushing against her temple as he whispered into her ear: “Being happy together is enough. If we’re not happy, a marriage certificate would only be a mockery. Dingding…”
Her voice was barely audible: “Hmm?”
The next moment, his breath brushed against her ear. He kissed her earlobe lightly, then tilted her chin up with his fingers, covering her lips with his own.
Their kiss grew intense, and they collapsed onto the sofa, their breathing growing heated. Tang Dingding felt a ticklish sensation on her waist, her heart pounding wildly, almost dizzying her. Lu Zhixing looked down at her, his eyes darker and deeper than ever before, and chuckled softly: “I’ve thought about it—I won’t deny that I want to marry you someday. But not now. You’re still young, and bringing up marriage now would be too much. When you’re ready, whether it’s in two, three, four, or five years—it’s fine…”
“But don’t wait too long,” he murmured, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his voice teasing. “I’m afraid I’ll grow old and lose my charm, unable to compete anymore.”
All traces of shyness and tension were forgotten.
Tang Dingding couldn’t help but laugh, giggling for a long while before finally feeling moved. She wrapped her arms tightly around his tense back and whispered softly: “Director, don’t underestimate yourself. You’re so handsome—you’ll stay that way until you’re sixty. No, seventy!”
Lu Zhixing glanced down at her and smiled.
Tang Dingding looped her arms around his neck and initiated another kiss.
The movie played on, reaching an especially loud and chaotic scene, but the two of them seemed oblivious. Their kisses and soft gasps were drowned out by the noise. Amidst it all, Lu Zhixing heard her whisper, almost inaudible: “Besides you, I don’t think I’ll meet anyone else I’d want to marry.”
So, if she ever wanted to get married, it would only be with him—Director.
By the time the movie ended, Lu Zhixing lifted her up, helping her straighten her clothes. Catching sight of her crimson-tinted earlobes, he chuckled: “Shall I take you home?”
Tang Dingding lowered her head: “Mm…”
After returning home, while showering, Tang Dingding noticed one of the buttons on her lingerie had come undone. Her face flushed bright red.
Director Lu could be quite naughty when he wanted to be.
________________________________________
After the Spring Festival passed, Tang Dingding became increasingly busy. Interviews, brand events, commercial shoots, and memorizing new scripts filled her schedule. Her secret relationship with Lu Zhixing remained well-hidden, and for three consecutive months, they weren’t caught by the paparazzi.
In early April, the film festival was approaching.
Three blockbuster movies had exploded last year, two of which were produced by Shiguang Entertainment, including A Dream Made Just for You . This film was sure to receive nominations, including for Tang Dingding.
Lu Zhixing said: “The Best Newcomer Award is practically in the bag.”
Even Tang Yu agreed.
If both of them said so, it was practically guaranteed.
Han Bing had already prepared an acceptance speech for her. After reading it, Tang Dingding smiled and set it aside. She cared about winning, of course—if she did, it would be great. After all, the movie was already completed. If she didn’t win, it would mean she still had room to grow, and there would be other opportunities.
What troubled her now was that the awards ceremony fell on Lu Zhixing’s birthday.
What should she give him?
She hadn’t decided yet.
If she won, she could gift him the trophy…
Of course, that would be an additional present.
She asked in their group chat: “Sister Huan, Sister-in-law, I need advice! What should I get Director for his birthday?”
You Xiaohuan: “Still calling him ‘Director’?”
Tang Dingding: “I can’t seem to stop…”
Lu Zhixing had told her she could call him whatever she wanted—even “Director” sounded special coming from her. Her Director.
Little Rich Girl: “What to give him? Yourself, of course. A lamb entering the tiger’s den.”
Tang Dingding: “….”
You Xiaohuan: “Sure, you’re not that young anymore.”
Tang Dingding: “….”
Her face reddened slightly. Over the past few months, they’d spent a lot of time alone together, growing increasingly intimate. She could sense Lu Zhixing’s restrained impulses, but wouldn’t moving too fast be inappropriate? Besides, he hadn’t brought it up, so being too forward might not be ideal.
Little Rich Girl: “You’re 24—you’re allowed to have a sex life.”
Tang Dingding: “….”
After a while, Tang Dingding and You Huan noticed that Tang Xin had suddenly disappeared from the chat…
Tang Dingding suddenly had a bad feeling.
Tang Dingding: “Sister-in-law?”
Tang Dingding: “Sister-in-law?”
Little Rich Girl: “….”
On the other end, Tang Xin’s phone was in Tang Yu’s hands. The man stood by the bed, looking down at her with an inscrutable expression, his face shifting through emotions before settling into cold indifference. “Dingding and Lu Zhixing? Since when?”
Tang Xin had been so engrossed in chatting with them that she hadn’t noticed Tang Yu approaching.
Once again, they were caught.
But… the one who was going to suffer most this time was Little Lamb.
She forced a smile: “It was just before the New Year…”
Desperately trying to defend both Tang Dingding and Lu Zhixing, Tang Xin hurriedly explained: “Isn’t Lu Zhixing wonderful? He’s talented, handsome, and knows how to take care of people. Dingding is pretty and adorable—they’re such a perfect match. He treats her incredibly well, exceptionally well.”
Tang Yu let out a cold laugh.
He tossed her phone back to her and picked up his own to call Tang Dingding.
Meanwhile, Tang Xin quickly sent a message to the group chat.
All Tang Dingding saw was a single line: Your brother knows…
The next second, her phone rang.
Startled, her hand trembled as she answered. Her brother’s cold voice came through: “You like Lu Zhixing?”
Tang Dingding murmured softly: “Mm… Brother, he’s really good. This time, you probably won’t oppose it, right? He doesn’t have any scandals…”
“Really? What about the ones with Tang Xin before?”
“…That was just movie hype! The fans made it up.”
“You believe that?”
Tang Xin rolled her eyes at his stubbornness. From behind him, she discreetly poked his side, her eyes darting around as she fiddled with the sash of her bathrobe. Tang Yu turned his head, narrowing his eyes at her in warning.
Two minutes later—
The call abruptly ended without warning.
Tang Dingding stared blankly at the disconnected phone, utterly bewildered.
________________________________________
The next day, the four of them met at the private dining restaurant. Lu Zhixing and Tang Dingding arrived twenty minutes early. She glanced at Lu Zhixing and whispered nervously: “Are you nervous?”
Lu Zhixing poured water for both of them and looked at her: “Not nervous.”
Tang Dingding didn’t believe him: “Really?”
Lu Zhixing drank half a glass of water, leaned back in his chair, and chuckled softly: “A little, I suppose. After all, your brother is a capitalist, and you’ve always listened to him since you were young. But… thankfully, you’re obedient—I should thank him for that. I don’t think he’ll strongly oppose us. It’s just awkward because I’m two or three years older than him…”
Tang Dingding: “….”
So, Director, is this what’s making you uneasy?
Before she could say anything, the door to the private room opened.
Tang Yu and Tang Xin walked in, both wearing white shirts, looking bright and strikingly compatible. Tang Dingding softly called out, “Brother.” Tang Xin secretly winked at her, signaling her to relax.
And Tang Dingding did feel reassured.
Lu Zhixing smiled calmly and handed over the menu: “Go ahead and order.”
Tang Xin didn’t hesitate, quickly selecting dishes. Casually bringing up a topic, she said: “The film festival is coming up soon. Speaking of which, we’re all winners here—me as the screenwriter, you as the director, and Dingding as the lead actress…” She paused here, her eyes sparkling as she turned to Tang Yu, smiling brightly. “And you’re the most impressive of all—you make the most money, President Tang.”
Tang Dingding: “….”
Tang Yu’s lips twitched slightly, his tone indifferent: “From last night till now, you’ve been praising me nonstop. Aren’t you tired?”
Tang Xin: “….”
Tang Dingding couldn’t help but giggle softly. She stole a glance at her brother and whispered shyly: “What Sister-in-law said is right. In the future, our family will have everything—a screenwriter, a director, an actress, and a producer. A complete set!”
Tang Yu: “….”
Lu Zhixing: “….”
Tang Xin burst into laughter: “Exactly! A family should be complete like this!”
“One big happy family? You’ve only just started dating—are you planning to get married?” Tang Yu frowned and looked at Lu Zhixing.
Lu Zhixing smiled: “Dingding is still young. We’re taking things at a pace that makes her comfortable. If one day she’s willing, we’ll definitely get married.”
Tang Yu glanced at Tang Dingding, whose face was flushed and visibly nervous. He had once said that Tang Dingding was allowed to date as long as two conditions were met: first, she liked the person, and second, the person had good character—and of course, their financial background couldn’t be too bad either. Because of the filming and proposal video collaboration, Tang Yu had grown quite familiar with Lu Zhixing. His reputation in the industry was solid, and after investigating, Tang Yu hadn’t found any bad habits. Aside from being a few years older, Lu Zhixing was indeed a good match.
“Don’t you think you’re a bit older than her?”
“Eight years—it’s not too much, is it?” Tang Xin interjected, “Besides, Director Lu is older than you. Technically, he’d even have to call you ‘Brother.’”
Everyone fell silent for a few seconds.
Tang Dingding softly added: “Yeah…”
Lu Zhixing remained composed, smiling as he looked at Tang Yu: “That’s true. If you don’t mind, I can start calling you that now.”
Tang Yu glanced at him, emotionless: “Forget it. For now, I don’t want a brother-in-law.”
At the dinner table, Tang Yu casually observed the interaction between the couple across from him. Suddenly, he thought that perhaps Tang Xin was right. A mature and caring man might suit Dingding better. Most importantly, this was someone Tang Dingding truly liked.
When they parted ways, Tang Yu wanted to say a few more words to Tang Dingding, but Tang Xin dragged him away. She muttered discontentedly: “I never realized until now—aren’t you a bit of a sister-complex? She’s already grown up. It’s normal for her to live with her boyfriend. Why are you meddling so much?”
Tang Yu: “….”
His concern for Tang Dingding was perfectly normal. How was that being overly protective?
At that moment, Tang Dingding and Lu Zhixing were already sitting in the car. She blinked and looked at Lu Zhixing: “Hmm… Does this mean Brother has agreed?”
Lu Zhixing leaned down and kissed her softly: “Probably.”
________________________________________
After this incident was resolved, the film festival was fast approaching. Tang Dingding saw that Tang Xin had bought Tang Yu a watch. Tang Yu already had many watches, each costing millions. Suddenly, she remembered that Lu Zhixing only had three or four watches, the most expensive one being worth just over 500,000 yuan—not nearly as extravagant as Tang Yu’s collection.
Oh, except for the one Tang Xin had given him.
In the end, Tang Dingding ordered a pair of diamond-studded couple’s watches.
As Lu Zhixing’s birthday gift.
As for You Huan and Tang Xin’s suggestions…
She felt a little shy.
What if Lu Zhixing brought it up?
Thinking about the heated look in his eyes during their intimate moments, she realized she probably wouldn’t be able to refuse him.
________________________________________
On the day of the film festival’s opening ceremony, Tang Dingding walked the red carpet on Lu Zhixing’s arm. Tall and slender, with skin like porcelain, a fresh and elegant demeanor, and naturally exquisite beauty, she immediately drew a lot of attention.
Behind them followed the rest of the film crew. During the photo session, Lu Zhixing took the opportunity to glance down at Tang Dingding, a smile playing on his lips: “Nervous?”
Tang Dingding took a deep breath, looked up at him, and smiled faintly: “Not too bad.”
This was her first time walking the red carpet, and Han Bing had spared no expense… Every item on her was exorbitantly priced.
That day, photos from the actresses’ red carpet appearances were put up for voting on Weibo.
The photo of Tang Dingding walking arm-in-arm with Lu Zhixing was placed on the front page.
“Tang Dingding! She’s amazing—beautiful, elegant, and from a good family. Tang Yu is so handsome, and his sister is no less impressive. Unlike those plastic surgery faces, she’s naturally stunning! Absolutely gorgeous!!!”
“Goddess Lu Zhuning! I’m also rooting for Tang Dingding!!!!!!”
“Have you all noticed? Tang Dingding and Lu Zhixing look so perfect together…”
“I noticed too! Dingding and Director Lu really suit each other. And if you watch the videos… their gazes toward each other feel different—like they’re looking at lovers.”
“You guys should watch more videos… It seems like they might have developed feelings during filming?”
Sometimes, it’s undeniable that netizens have sharp eyes. Even the slightest hint of affection can be magnified endlessly online. With Tang Dingding nominated for Best Newcomer, her popularity skyrocketed to the top three.
Of course, there were haters who claimed she only got the nomination because of her family connections and that the award was rigged in her favor.
That evening, during dinner with the film crew, Tang Dingding was shocked when she saw the rampant speculation on Weibo. Seriously?
The paparazzi hadn’t even made a move yet, but the internet sleuths had already cracked the case?
Lu Zhixing glanced at her phone and promptly confiscated it. “Don’t pay attention to any of that.”
Tang Xin chimed in with a cheerful smile: “As long as there’s no concrete evidence, you can deny everything.”
Tang Dingding: “….”
Concrete evidence? Like not pulling the curtains?
She refused to think about it.
Han Bing also gave specific instructions: “Don’t focus too much on what’s happening online these two days. Let’s wait until after the awards ceremony.”
Tang Dingding wasn’t someone who cared much about others’ opinions anyway. She handed her phone over to Lin Lin and stopped paying attention to the online chatter.
________________________________________
On the night of the awards ceremony, Tang Dingding unsurprisingly won the Best Newcomer Award. She gracefully ascended the stage, lifting her dress slightly as she accepted the trophy. Standing under the brightest spotlight, radiant and dazzling, she smiled and said: “There are many people I want to thank, especially my director. He saw something in me and made me the lead actress of this movie…”
My director…
To others, it was just an ordinary phrase.
But Lu Zhixing caught the brief pause after the word “my.” He understood what she meant—my director.
Her director.
Her Lu Zhixing.
Dressed in a sleek black suit, he lounged casually in his seat, his gaze tenderly fixed on the bright and shining girl on stage. She was his girl.
After the ceremony ended, the two didn’t return to the hotel. Under the cover of their assistants, they quietly slipped away.
The car stopped at the entrance of an upscale residential complex—this was one of Lu Zhixing’s properties in Shanghai. Tang Dingding, having had three glasses of wine, had flushed cheeks. Wearing a baseball cap and an oversized hoodie that concealed her features, she was led upstairs by the man.
As soon as they entered, they pressed against the door and kissed passionately. Her cap fell off, and her soft, jet-black hair cascaded down. In the moonlight, her face glowed with porcelain-like clarity, her eyes sparkling like stars. She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered sweetly: “Director, happy birthday.”
Lu Zhixing kissed her softly, murmuring: “Having you makes me happy.”
See? This old man sure knows how to say romantic things!
After indulging in their intimacy, Lu Zhixing let her go take a bath.
Tang Dingding spent over half an hour in the bathroom. When she emerged, wearing a nightgown, her cheeks were flushed. Lu Zhixing stepped out of another bathroom, glanced at her, and froze. The girl’s gaze was soft and shy, igniting a sudden warmth in his heart. Slowly averting his eyes, he belatedly realized—
Earlier that afternoon, she had asked him: “Director, can we not stay at the hotel tonight?”
He had thought she simply didn’t want to stay at a hotel, so he brought her here, even arranging for housekeeping to tidy up beforehand.
After all, he never expected the little lamb to be so bold.
He tossed aside the towel he’d been using to dry his hair, wearing a neatly tied bathrobe.
Standing before her, he chuckled softly: “You sleep in the master bedroom?”
Tang Dingding bit her lip: “…Okay.”
A moment later, she looked up at him. “What about you?”
“I’ll sleep in the guest room.”
With such a beauty in front of him, he was going to sleep in the guest room?!
She was momentarily stunned, feeling a bit disheartened: “Alright…”
Lu Zhixing escorted her to the door, leaned down to kiss her lips lightly, and chuckled softly: “Goodnight.”
Tang Dingding felt even more dejected: “…Goodnight.”
The bedroom door closed.
Silently, Lu Zhixing slipped out of the apartment with his phone, just in case she called him. Fifteen minutes later, when he returned, Tang Dingding hadn’t contacted him. Hands tucked into his pockets, he knocked on the door, startling her as she hesitated in bed, wondering whether to call him.
“Dingding, are you asleep?”
Her heartbeat quickened. She scrambled up to open the door and was surprised to see Lu Zhixing fully dressed.
In the next moment, the man pushed his way in and scooped her up bridal-style. Startled, Tang Dingding clutched his clothes tightly, biting her lip as she shyly looked at him. She found herself pinned gently onto the soft bed, his deep, dark eyes gazing intensely at her. He kissed her soothingly, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his voice low and hoarse: “Dingding, are you scared?”
Tang Dingding: “….”
He knew everything…
Shy and flustered, she curled up in his arms, feeling hot and weak. At this point, she could only muster the courage to whisper: “No.”
“I love you, Director.”
She suddenly remembered that she rarely confessed her feelings.
Amidst their passionate embrace and heated moments, Lu Zhixing whispered softly into her ear: “I love you.”
________________________________________
Early the next morning, just as dawn broke—
Tang Dingding suddenly woke up. She had dreamed a dream.
A not-so-good dream.
When she opened her eyes, still dazed, she realized—the dream was reversed.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly sat up and, in the dim light, pulled on her nightgown. She wanted to use the restroom but nearly stumbled as her legs gave out beneath her. A hand shot out from under the covers, pulling her back into his embrace. Tang Dingding collapsed against his chest, leaning back into his arms as he propped himself against the headboard. His voice, rough from sleep, asked: “Where are you going?”
Tang Dingding blushed, whispering shyly: “To the restroom.”
Hearing this, he moved to lift the covers, ready to get up. “I’ll come with you.”
Tang Dingding glanced at him, mortified, and quickly stopped him: “No, no, I’ll go by myself.”
When she returned from the restroom, a sliver of morning light peeked through the curtains. Unable to resist, she walked over and pulled them open slightly. The faint glow of dawn illuminated the room—it was going to be a beautiful day. Rubbing her eyes, she thought sleepily.
Turning around, she saw the man leaning against the headboard, already awake and watching her. Despite the dimness of the room, she could clearly see the depth of emotion and intensity in his eyes.
Remembering the events of the previous night, her face turned crimson, and even her toes curled involuntarily.
Lu Zhixing reached out his hand: “Come here.”
Unable to help herself, she smiled and walked over, burrowing into his embrace.
“Director, thank you.”
Thank you for mistaking her for someone else back in university—but ultimately choosing her, transforming her into the Tang Dingding she was today.
<The End>
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