Qiao Shu couldn’t bear to pull away from the kiss, fearing an awkward moment between them.

Tao Xinglai had no choice but to gently bite her tongue.

Qiao Shu hissed in pain.

Tao Xinglai’s face flushed red. “I… my lips are swollen.”

Qiao Shu furrowed her brows, trying to stay calm and composed.

Tao Xinglai glanced at her, accusingly saying, “You’re a girl. How can you be so forward? You just went ahead without asking for permission. And this isn’t the first time either.”

The last time was during Mengmeng’s first birthday party when Qiao Shu kissed him too—but it was just a quick peck, nothing like tonight’s lingering passion.

Qiao Shu stayed silent, pretending to be aloof, her eyes scanning the air.

Tao Xinglai scoffed, “You’re obviously nervous as hell. Your heartbeat is pounding so hard I can feel it against my chest.”

Qiao Shu gave him a faint glance. “That’s not your heartbeat. That’s your chest.”

Oh dear, memories were flooding back.

Qiao Shu looked at Tao Xinglai’s awkward stance and said, “You should fix yourself up.”

“Fix what?”

“Your pants.” Qiao Shu remained calm. “It’s okay to adjust your pants. It’s a normal physiological reaction. I understand.”

Tao Xinglai: “!!!”

The Best Actress sure knew a lot.

He muttered under his breath, “No need to adjust. I’m straight, not crooked.”

Qiao Shu: “….”

“All right, we’ve rehearsed the scene, eaten the chicken leg, and admired the night view. It’s time to head back.”

“Wait a moment.”

Qiao Shu called him back.

Tao Xinglai turned around. “What? Let’s get one thing straight—I’m not letting you grope me.”

Qiao Shu stood still, a bit of distance between them. Her tall, slender figure bathed in moonlight made her look ethereal.

“Can you… consider me? Let’s give us a try.”

Tao Xinglai silently counted—this was the third time she had expressed her feelings.

She was quite sincere.

At this moment, though Qiao Shu’s gaze appeared indifferent, her nervousness was unmistakable. After all, she was a girl.

She looked rather pitiful.

Tao Xinglai thought long and hard, using both his brain and heart, before responding cautiously, “I haven’t thought it through yet. To agree rashly would be playing with your feelings. Being such a scoundrel could land me in jail with the mayor prosecuting me.”

Qiao Shu looked at him with hopeful eyes, wanting to say something but holding back.

Tao Xinglai pursed his lips. “Actually, I don’t dislike you.” But he didn’t seem to like her that much either.

The unspoken latter half of the sentence didn’t need to be voiced; Qiao Shu understood.

She lowered her head again and softly said, “Think it over, then let me know.”

Tao Xinglai nodded absentmindedly. “Mhm!”

After dropping Qiao Shu off, Tao Xinglai couldn’t sleep that night.

Mainly because, at twenty-five years old, although many girls had liked him, he had never truly fallen for anyone.

Tao Xinglai felt that none of those girls compared to Jianxi.

Damn it, all thanks to Jianxi.

He was already wrapped in his blanket on the bed, spinning three hundred and sixty degrees.

At midnight, a man burdened with thoughts.

Tao Xinglai remembered the kiss on the mountainside. Her little tongue was slippery and left a taste of grilled chicken leg.

The more he thought about it, the hungrier he became, and the clearer his mind grew.

“Shit.”

Tao Xinglai’s waist tightened uncontrollably, and his hand involuntarily reached under the blanket.

What a long night. Have you ever seen a plane crash?

________________________________________

In the following days, life got busy.

Thanks to the interaction with Qiao Shu, Tao Xinglai gradually stepped into the public eye.

After winning the Best Actor award for that big youth film, life became extremely comfortable.

The company had already arranged a chauffeur-driven car for him. Li Xiaoqiang no longer relied on his monthly base salary of fifteen hundred yuan. His current commissions were enough to impress any girl.

“There’s an industry gathering tonight with producers and directors. Plenty of resources. The higher-ups want you to attend,” Li Xiaoqiang reminded him of the schedule. “We’ll depart at seven-thirty, and the banquet starts at eight.”

Tao Xinglai disliked socializing. “I want to take leave. My aunt is visiting.”

“Can you come up with a better excuse?”

“I’m not lying. My aunt really is visiting.”

In the afternoon, Tao Xihong called him, urging him to come home for dinner because their aunt from the countryside was visiting.

Li Xiaoqiang refused. “NO, you must attend this gathering.”

Tao Xinglai disliked socializing for good reasons.

Industry gatherings were boring, requiring constant forced smiles and flattery.

After a round of drinks, Tao Xinglai was already exhausted.

He retreated to the side lounge to rest and assess the situation.

He saw a young actress being led by her agent, almost toasting everyone in the room. Her face was flushed red, yet she forced a smile.

Tao Xinglai empathized, seeing a reflection of his early career self.

“It’s tough out there,” he murmured.

Just after his reflection, the actress approached him.

Led by her agent, “Xinglai, hello. My relationship with Brother Qiang is special. This is Su Qianqian, eight years younger, originally from Jiangsu, born in Changsha, Hunan.”

Good grief, this agent probably wanted to ascend to the heavens.

Tao Xinglai only cared about one thing: what kind of special relationship did he have with Li Xiaoqiang?

Considering how effeminate he looked, could it be…

Oh dear.

As Tao Xinglai imagined a grand drama, Su Qianqian’s soft voice pulled him back.

“Brother Xing, congratulations on winning the Best Actor award. I toast to you.”

A full glass of red wine—such a genuine child.

Her agent went to greet acquaintances, and Tao Xinglai quickly said, “No need to drink it. Pour it out. We’re all small fries here. No need to toast me. The wine is expensive.”

Su Qianqian smiled, revealing dimples. Her impression of Tao Xinglai soared.

He had absolutely no star attitude—so approachable.

Thus, they chatted idly for a while.

After the banquet dispersed, Tao Xinglai returned home, took a shower, and followed his nightly routine of indulging in internet addiction.

Scrolling through Weibo, oh, Su Qianqian had followed him?

Tao Xinglai clicked on her profile, filled with beautiful selfies and inspirational quotes.

Out of courtesy, Tao Xinglai followed her back.

Unexpectedly, Su Qianqian immediately posted:

[So happy! Brother Xinglai followed me. He taught me many life philosophies tonight, and our conversation was heartfelt. Thank you. I won’t disappoint your expectations. @Tao Xinglai]

“Holy crap, this girl is quite the scriptwriter.”

Tao Xinglai checked the comments, all of which read:

“Poor me and my girl.”

“Were you discussing Marx? Engels wouldn’t approve.”

“Light a candle for Qiao Shu.”

Tao Xinglai felt uneasy. What nonsense. He didn’t want any rumors.

After all, he was the mayor’s son, basking in sunlight, with no skeletons in his closet.

Tao Xinglai couldn’t be bothered to respond and turned off Weibo to sleep.

But just as he was about to drift off, his phone began ringing violently, startling him so much that he nearly had an accident.

“Who is it, calling in the middle of the night? Even Zhou Bagui isn’t as relentless as you.” Tao Xinglai grumbled as he picked up his phone. It was Qiao Shu calling.

He answered, “Aren’t you sleeping?”

Qiao Shu: “Tao Xinglai, are you trying to get yourself killed?”

She unleashed a torrent of scolding. Tao Xinglai was irritated. “The word ‘killed’ is so uncivilized. At least soften it by saying ‘not wanting to live anymore.’“

“When did you meet that woman?”

“Tonight.”

Qiao Shu’s voice was urgent, completely devoid of her usual composure. “Why were you talking to her?”

That statement didn’t sit well with him.

Tao Xinglai had his own temper and shot back, “Why can’t I talk to her?”

“You!” Qiao Shu was furious. After a brief pause, she managed to squeeze out, “You can’t treat me like this.”

“Funny.” Tao Xinglai thought she was being overbearing. “You’re accusing me first when we both know who started messing with whom. Use your smart brain and think about it.”

Qiao Shu didn’t respond.

Only her breathing could be heard, accusing him of his ruthless behavior.

Tao Xinglai wanted to prove to the heavens that he wouldn’t surrender. He continued to argue, “Men are unmarried, women are unwed. It’s normal for me to make friends. It’s not like we’re dating. Besides, you’re not even my anything.”

“How dare you say that!” Qiao Shu suddenly raised her voice.

Tao Xinglai was so startled that he almost dropped his phone.

“You never talk to me about life. You know I like you, yet you flirt with others.” Qiao Shu’s voice choked up, and she said pitifully, “You’re really terrible.”

These words made Tao Xinglai’s heart flutter.

He refused to give in. “What are you doing, interrogating me? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“What could you possibly do? If you do, I’ll blacklist her.”

“Heavens. So scary.” Tao Xinglai scoffed. “Even if you kill her, it has nothing to do with me.”

Through the phone, he could hear Qiao Shu suppressing her sobs.

Tao Xinglai sighed. “Alright, alright, I’m really afraid of you.” He softened his tone; after all, it was only right to pacify a woman.

“I’m not interested in her. She’s not as pretty as my sister, let alone compared to you.”

Qiao Shu reluctantly hummed in acknowledgment.

Tao Xinglai lay on the bed, propped his legs up, and admired his five-toed socks. “Qiao Shu, why do you like me? I may be handsome, but I’m also rich. How did you fall for me?”

On the other end, Qiao Shu was baffled by the logic of his question.

This Tao Xinglai must be a professional scribbler.

She hugged herself tightly; the night air was still quite chilly.

“Do you really want to know?”

“I can handle any praise.”

Qiao Shu curved her lips into a silent smile and gave an answer that was somewhat selfish but entirely truthful.

“Although you’re a bit silly, a bit idealistic, and a bit unrealistic,” Qiao Shu paused, took a shallow breath, and continued, “you live such a sunny life. And I… need that warmth. You know, my upbringing wasn’t great.”

But Tao Xinglai had grown up without worries about food or clothing, in a harmonious family. Jian Yanqing and Tao Xihong had raised him to be positive and full of energy.

Qiao Shu yearned for even a tiny bit of sunshine to make her shine.

After listening, Tao Xinglai fell silent for a moment before finally saying, “So, you want to use me for photosynthesis. My value is quite high.”

Qiao Shu chuckled softly.

Tao Xinglai’s heart ached gently along with her laughter.

“Do you really like me this much?”

Qiao Shu replied decisively, “I like you.”

“My family isn’t as wealthy as yours.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“My mom sells dishwashing liquid. Does that bother you?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“My dad, although a city management officer, earns a very low salary.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“And my sister works in family planning.”

Qiao Shu thought for a moment and said, “In the future, we won’t have more than one child. We’ll support her work.”

Such ideological awareness was impressive.

Tao Xinglai’s heart raced wildly, and he became incoherent. “If you appear at my house within two minutes, I’ll agree.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Li Xiaoqiang had mentioned that Qiao Shu had flown to Paris to shoot an advertisement.

This excuse was absolutely brilliant.

Tao Xinglai couldn’t help but give himself a thumbs-up. He was too clever.

At that moment, there was a sudden knock on the door.

Qiao Shu’s voice came through the phone simultaneously. “Open the door.”

Tao Xinglai: “?!?!”

Qiao Shu: “I’m at your doorstep.”

Holy crap! Tao Xinglai quickly rolled off the bed, ran barefoot without his slippers.

He twisted the doorknob and pulled it open with a “swish.”

Qiao Shu, holding her phone, waved it slightly. “Hi.”

Tao Xinglai was utterly confused. “Aren’t you in Paris?”

“The flight got canceled.” Qiao Shu said calmly, “You have to keep your word.”

Oh God, my eyes.

It burns.

Tao Xinglai slapped his forehead, then took a deep breath and looked up at Qiao Shu again.

A whirlpool of words formed on his tongue, but at the moment their eyes met, they were all swallowed back down.

A few seconds later, both burst out laughing simultaneously.

Tao Xinglai felt rather embarrassed. “You’re really something else.”

Qiao Shu’s eyes softened. “Surprised? Happy?”

Tao Xinglai couldn’t hold back and laughed again.

The atmosphere relaxed, and he stepped aside. “Come in.”

Qiao Shu joked half-seriously as she walked in, “Once I come in, I’m not leaving.”

Tao Xinglai: “That’s good. My rent is ridiculously expensive. You can split it with me.”

He closed the door and turned around.

Instantly, Qiao Shu pushed him against the wall.

Tao Xinglai licked his lips and whispered, “Let me taste it first. I brushed my teeth; it’s watermelon-flavored and quite tasty.”

“Is that so?” Qiao Shu’s long eyelashes were close, looking like little brushes.

She tilted her head up, approaching him, and said, “I don’t believe you.”

Tao Xinglai blinked. “Then try it yourself.”

That last syllable disappeared into Qiao Shu’s lips.

With the experience from the first time, this time they were adept, sparks flying everywhere.

Tao Xinglai’s hands became mischievous, as if playing a beautiful piano.

Qiao Shu sometimes frowned, sometimes bit her lip.

After a while, Tao Xinglai furrowed his brows and mumbled fuzzily, “What is this sticky stuff?”

Qiao Shu’s face immediately turned beet red.

Tao Xinglai’s hand on her thigh was practicing what it meant to ask ten thousand whys.

He suddenly realized, “Wow, the body is truly magical. The biology teacher didn’t lie to us.”

Qiao Shu buried her head in his chest. “What does the biology teacher have to do with this?”

Tao Xinglai hurried to comfort her. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Mine will be plenty soon too.”

Qiao Shu didn’t understand. “What will be plenty?”

Tao Xinglai nibbled her earlobe and said in a low voice, “Same as yours. What do you think it is?”

An hour later.

Qiao Shu’s cries grew louder. “Tao Xinglai, go find your biology teacher!”

“What can I do? The biology teacher doesn’t handle this!”

“Tao Xinglai, you bastard!”

“There are two of them. Didn’t you just have some earlier?”