When a muffled roll of thunder, dulled by the soundproof windows, made its way indoors, she came back to herself and opened her eyes. Sheng Qianchi was holding her face, kissing her lips with deep passion. He whispered softly in her ear, "Jiayin, I love you." Gu Jiayin was as serene as a lily in the drizzle, allowing herself to be picked. She squinted slightly, feeling the gentle affection being tenderly bestowed upon her lips, the man’s handsome face so magnified it blurred, while the scent of his clean, mint-like masculinity filled her nose. In his grasp, she was soft and alluring, a moist ambiguity spreading from her lips, covering her charming face. The large hand at her waist grew tighter and tighter, inch by inch pressing her into his embrace. The hand cupping her cheek gently caressed her skin, roaming tenderly between her face and neck, sending shivers like electric currents down her spine. She could clearly feel his breath trembling lightly with emotion. Her lips were exquisitely outlined by him, and involuntarily, she began to slowly respond. Her response ignited an even greater passion in him; he suddenly pressed her tighter into his arms, lifting her into the air. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. "Let’s go to the room." he said. As if unwilling to waste a single second, he kissed her while walking, his burning lips brushing over the corners of her eyes, her brows, the tip of her nose, her cheek, beside her ear, beneath her jaw... He carried her back to the second floor, but instead of returning to their original bedroom, he took her to another room, kissing her multiple times before setting her down. "Take a shower," he said, "I’ve prepared clothes for you." Gu Jiayin felt a bit confused; his fervor just moments ago made her feel as if he wanted to devour her, yet at this moment, he actually stopped. He even prepared clothes. She suddenly thought of those thin, blush-inducing fabrics hanging in specialty shops, and in an instant, her cheeks and ears turned crimson like fire. She lightly bit her lower lip. Do all men like women to dress that way for them? Sheng Qianchi included? She hadn’t experienced much in terms of intimacy, couldn’t adjust, and didn’t want to do so. Perhaps guessing her thoughts, Sheng Qianchi chuckled lowly, "What are you thinking about to be this red?" Gu Jiayin felt a bit annoyed suddenly and turned away, not looking at him, "Sheng Qianchi, don’t overdo it." He didn’t answer but turned and walked into the dressing room. A few seconds later, he returned, holding a dress, his smile like shimmering water under warm lights. "Is asking you to wear a wedding cheongsam overdoing it?" The teasing in his voice deepened; Gu Jiayin felt even more embarrassed, her eyes turning to the neatly folded red cheongsam in his hands, suddenly unsure what to say. Sheng Qianchi smiled, gazing down at the charmingly beautiful woman, his voice soft like feathers, "Even though you didn’t agree to be my Mrs. Sheng, today is our first night together; I still want to give you a simple wedding atmosphere." He placed the cheongsam in her hands. "Put it on after your shower." He then said, "I had it rushed last night; wear it for a while. When we get married, I’ll definitely have an international master personally tailor your wedding dress." Gu Jiayin looked at the red cheongsam; it was said to be rushed, yet she could tell it was made with great care. Its exquisite fabric and unique design made it a treasure. Definitely the work of a famous designer, reaching collectible level quality. It turns out he started preparing for tonight since last night. She didn’t know what to say, only truly felt deeply cherished and loved. Sheng Qianchi leaned in, leaving a kiss on her lips, "I’ll shower in another room and come fetch you later." Gu Jiayin carefully showered, then changed into the cheongsam Sheng Qianchi prepared for her. Every measurement was perfect. Slim, graceful, alluring. She dried her hair while looking in the mirror, pinning it up with a crystal hair clip, revealing her elegant neck. Gazing at herself in the mirror, her cheeks suddenly burned red; she would soon become his woman, and the thought made her heart race. The steamy bathroom made her a bit uncomfortable. So, she turned and left the bathroom. Sheng Qianchi hadn’t come back yet. Although the bedroom was large, on such a rainy night, the air was cool, yet she felt hot and headed to the floor-to-ceiling window for some air. Outside the window, the rain was raging, lightning striking through the dense threads of rain. Looking down, the mountain road was misty, a haze of rain and fog. Streetlights along the mountain road emitted a faint glow in the haze. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ Novᴇl_Fire(.)net Rainwater streamed down the glass window in rivulets. Gu Jiayin stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, her slender fingers rubbing her flushed cheeks, hoping the cold between her fingers could ease the heat on her face. Thinking that Sheng Qianchi would come in soon, embrace her and engage in the most intimate act, she couldn’t suppress the heat rising from her heart. The heat spread, reaching her cheeks, clouding her mind. This time was different from every time he flirted with her; he was going to fully possess her. Feeling overwhelming congestion, she reached out and opened a small slit in the window. Cold wind seeped in mixed with the rain’s dampness, blowing on her face, taking away some of the heat from her shyness and frustration. The rainy glass reflected her figure, a beautiful face, graceful posture, pale neck, long legs, like a painting, making her the most beautiful scenery in it. Suddenly, outside the villa’s gate, a dark green vehicle made her mind clear in an instant. A coldness pierced her heart. The car belonged to Pei Nianchen. He had actually followed her to Shuiyunjian. In the storm, thunder, and lightning, the car was exceptionally quiet, with no headlights turned on, and no one got out, just quietly parked in the rain. Though she couldn’t see clearly, she could sense him sitting inside, watching her. She could imagine his gaze and expression right now, sense his helpless and desolate mood, and recalled the gunshot wound on his shoulder. The girlish shyness in her heart slowly cooled down, sourness rising uncontrollably. She knew today was difficult for him; he was also distressed, torn between family and love, his heart making the most painful choice. Family and love couldn’t both be fulfilled; even the toughest man would be torn apart. He was her Brother Nianchen; she never blamed him for anything. At this moment, her heart ached for him. Scenes from their youth flashed through her mind; staring at the lonely car on the mountain road, her slender fingers instinctively curled up. The cold wind brushed her face, its chill soaked into her heart.