Xu Chengan’s throat tightened, and even his hand holding the chopsticks began to tremble slightly.
He had just picked up a dumpling when Lu Wan leaned in and took a bite from it herself.
As she pulled away, she accidentally—or maybe deliberately—nibbled on his chopsticks, a look of triumph on her face.
Xu Chengan froze for a moment, then continued picking up food as if nothing had happened. But only he knew that the moment the chopsticks touched his lips and tongue, he felt like he was going crazy.
A sly gleam flashed in Lu Wan’s fox-like eyes. Did this count as an indirect kiss?
Normally, Xu Chengan could finish a meal in about ten minutes, but today it took him almost an hour.
Yet he didn’t feel annoyed, nor did he think it was long—he even wanted to spend more time with her.
After the meal, Xu Chengan voluntarily washed the dishes. When he entered the kitchen, he was stunned by what he saw.
She had only cooked two dishes, yet he felt like she had prepared a full banquet.
Three pots, plus plates and bowls arranged neatly on the stove.
Xu Chengan curved his lips—next time, he should cook.
Even he was surprised by his own thought.
He actually wanted there to be a “next time.”
Lu Wan noticed that while she was cooking, Xu Chengan had organized the storage room—everything neatly stacked and easy to see.
Even the dress she had taken off yesterday was washed and hung up neatly, as if ironed.
How had he managed all this?
Clearly, he hadn’t touched her bedroom. He didn’t go in?
Shy… or hesitant?
After cleaning the kitchen and putting away the utensils, it was almost time for him to go to work.
Just as he stepped out of the kitchen and hadn’t yet said he was leaving, Lu Wan ran over and threw herself into his arms.
Xu Chengan instinctively opened his arms and caught her steadily.
Lu Wan hugged his strong waist, her face buried in his chest, soothed by the clean, soapy scent of his body.
She simply couldn’t help wanting to hold him.
Xu Chengan lowered his head, holding her arms gently—he didn’t use force, still extremely restrained.
“I have to go.”
His voice was low and hoarse, and the usual seriousness in his eyes was gone, replaced by a tenderness and subtle affection even he hadn’t realized.
Lu Wan’s expression darkened instantly. “So soon?”
It felt like they had only been together for a few minutes. Was he really leaving for work already?
“Mm!” Xu Chengan couldn’t bear to see her unhappy.
“Will you come tonight?” Lu Wan lifted her little face to him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Lu Wan, you can’t say things like that lightly,” Xu Chengan said seriously.
He knew she was bold, but did she understand what such words could mean for a man?
She was a young girl and could easily be taken advantage of.
“But I just miss you so much! I want to hug you, I want you to stay with me—could you come after work?”
“I have a mission tonight.”
“What mission?” Lu Wan’s mouth had spoken before her brain could stop her.
Xu Chengan pressed his lips together. Of course, he couldn’t reveal classified information.
He hadn’t come these past days because he had been busy, already at the final stage of the operation—no mistakes allowed.
Coming to see her at noon today had already been squeezing in time.
Lu Wan pouted in frustration. “Okay, I shouldn’t have asked… but if it ends early, could you come see me?”
Xu Chengan couldn’t bear to see her upset and gave a gentle hum in agreement.
Lu Wan was somewhat satisfied. Reluctantly letting go, as her body was about to leave his embrace, she suddenly lifted her arms and looped them around his neck.
Then she stood on tiptoe and pressed her soft, moist lips to his.
Unlike the light, fleeting kiss before, this time her warm, wet tongue lightly touched his lips.
Soft and tender.
Xu Chengan’s handsome, firm face seemed to crack, his heart shaken violently. The last shred of reason tried to pull her away, but with her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, he didn’t dare—and couldn’t bring himself—to use force.
His whole body felt like it was on fire, chest heaving like after a long run.
Still, he gently moved her snow-white arms from around his neck. Lu Wan breathed softly, her sharp, clear eyes clouded with a mist.
She felt Xu Chengan’s heat, dizzy and light-headed, like she was walking on clouds.
Pouting, Lu Wan acted spoiled: “This is the interest I collect in advance. If you don’t come, I’ll still kiss you.”