Lin Zhitang guessed that Lu Ming’an would not be returning to the room anytime soon.
She removed her makeup and hair accessories, washed her hair and took a thorough bath, then changed into her pajamas. Only then did she finally feel relaxed.
After drying her hair, Lin Zhitang sat before the dressing table, absentmindedly combing through her long hair.
Her eyes were unfocused, her thoughts drifting somewhere far away.
Downstairs, the banquet had ended, and the guests gradually departed.
Father Lu, Mother Lu, Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt all returned home as well. Tomorrow at noon, the Lu family would come over again to eat together.
Tonight, aside from the newlyweds Lin Zhitang and Lu Ming’an, only Old Master Lu remained in the old residence.
The second floor had four rooms—three bedrooms and one study. Old Master Lu occupied the largest master bedroom, while Lin Zhitang and Lu Ming’an’s bridal chamber was arranged in the biggest room besides the master bedroom.
Tap tap tap…
The sound of footsteps outside pulled Lin Zhitang back to reality.
The footsteps drew closer and closer.
Each step seemed to strike directly against her heart. She knew those footsteps belonged to Lu Ming’an.
The footsteps stopped outside the door. The next second, the room door opened, and Lu Ming’an stepped inside.
Lin Zhitang rose from before the dressing table and turned to look at him, panic and helplessness flashing in her eyes.
Lin Zhitang had already bathed. Her thick waist-length hair draped over both shoulders, her cheeks flushed pink. Dressed in a red nightgown, her skin appeared even fairer and more radiant.
Lu Ming’an’s deep eyes locked tightly onto Lin Zhitang, like a hunter staring at his prey.
Stopping before her, Lu Ming’an bent slightly, pressing his forehead against hers.
The man’s tall figure enclosed her delicate waist within his powerful arms.
They stood extremely close.
“Tangtang, I’m very happy today.”
“I’m very happy too.” Lin Zhitang’s face burned hot. She wrapped her arms around the man before her, her soft voice filled with joy.
Suddenly, Lin Zhitang sniffed twice like a little puppy against him. “Ming’an, you smell bad.”
Though Lu Ming’an still retained some rationality and clarity, he was indeed different from his usual restrained and composed self. Otherwise, he would not have acted this way the moment he entered.
“I’ll go bathe. Tangtang, wait for me.”
“Mhm.” Lin Zhitang answered shyly.
Once Lu Ming’an took his pajamas and went into the bathroom, Lin Zhitang hurriedly clutched her chest. Her heart felt like it was about to leap out.
How useless. Why are you this hopeless?
Lin Zhitang patted her flushed cheeks, then kicked off her shoes and lay down, her eyes fixed toward the bathroom.
Lu Ming’an quickly took a cold shower. After bathing, he regained much of his clarity. When he came out, he saw Lin Zhitang obediently waiting for him.
Lu Ming’an braced both hands beside Lin Zhitang’s head and leaned his forehead against hers.
“Tangtang, is it okay?” Lu Ming’an’s voice was low and magnetic.
“Mhm.” The heat that had barely subsided on Lin Zhitang’s face instantly flared up again. Had they not been so close, Lu Ming’an might not even have heard her response.
The moment he heard her answer, Lu Ming’an lowered his head impatiently.
In the dimly lit room, the shadows of the entwined couple reflected upon the wall.
The intense closeness left Lin Zhitang’s mind hazy and unable to think.
Lu Ming’an gazed at the little girl beneath him. Her eyes were watery, her cheeks lightly flushed pink.
Lu Ming’an was the type who looked lean in clothes but muscular without them—defined abs, a strong mermaid line, veins protruding from his sturdy arms, exuding raw strength.
“Be gentler…” Lin Zhitang’s voice sounded soft and sweet.
Lu Ming’an lowered his head, trailing kisses to her ears, neck, and further downward.
Lin Zhitang could feel the man’s large hand against her back. His palms, rough from years of handling guns, were covered in thick calluses, making her whole body weak.
“Mmm…” Lin Zhitang’s voice turned soft and tender, but the next second she bit down on her lip, refusing to make another sound.
“Tangtang, be good.” Afraid she would hurt herself biting her lip, Lu Ming’an soothed her with gentle kisses.
His fingertips carried scorching warmth as he carefully wiped away the crystal tears threatening to spill from the corners of her eyes.
So fragrant. So soft. So delicate.
Lin Zhitang felt like a tiny boat floating upon the sea, drifting endlessly back and forth.
The night deepened. The bright crescent moon hung high in the sky, faint moonlight spilling through the window onto the floor.
The voices of man and woman intertwined together for a long, long time.
By the time everything ended, it was already late into the night. Exhausted, Lin Zhitang curled up in Lu Ming’an’s broad embrace.
Lu Ming’an’s callused hand gently stroked the back of her head, fingers threading through her hair, while his other hand lightly patted her back, helping calm her uneven breathing.
The young girl’s fair skin was covered in bluish-purple marks, evidence of just how intense things had been earlier.
Her delicate body could no longer withstand a second round tonight. Lu Ming’an closed his eyes briefly.
No rush. There was still a lifetime ahead of them.
“Tangtang, I’ll carry you to wash up.” Lu Ming’an’s satisfied voice was full of love and tenderness.
Her porcelain-white face was dyed with an alluring blush.
Lin Zhitang was already so sleepy she no longer knew north from south. She did not even hear what Lu Ming’an said and only burrowed deeper into his chest.
Lu Ming’an kissed her lovingly and carried her to clean up.
After leaving the bathroom, Lu Ming’an carefully laid the sleeping Lin Zhitang back onto the bed and tucked the blanket around her. The moment her head touched the pillow, she fell into an even deeper sleep.
Once Lu Ming’an finished tidying up, he returned to bed. Naturally, Lin Zhitang rolled herself into his arms. Holding such a warm, soft beauty in his embrace, he felt utterly content.
The two fell asleep wrapped around one another.
The next morning, warm sunlight streamed through the window. Beneath the red blanket, the tall figure and petite figure clung tightly together.
The room still carried traces of last night’s intimate atmosphere.
Lu Ming’an slowly opened his eyes, his gaze settling upon the little girl in his arms. He had exhausted her yesterday; she was still sleeping soundly now.
After last night, Lin Zhitang had transformed from a girl into a woman, and a trace of seductive charm now lingered between her brows.
Lu Ming’an’s Adam’s apple bobbed twice involuntarily. Sure enough, even his “brother” had woken up.
He lowered his head to kiss her, then relied on over twenty years of self-control to restrain himself before getting up to wash and leave the room.
When Lin Zhitang woke up, she found herself alone in the room. She got out of bed, but her legs instantly went weak, nearly causing her to collapse onto the floor.
A second before she fell, she was swept into a broad chest.
“Tangtang, are you okay?” The moment Lu Ming’an entered and saw the scene, he nearly frightened himself.
“It’s all your fault. If not for you, how would I almost fall?” Though her words sounded angry, her tone resembled coquettish complaining instead.
“Yes, yes, all my fault. Then let me carry you to wash up as punishment, alright?” Lu Ming’an kissed the corner of her lips and coaxed her patiently.
“Fine.” Lin Zhitang actually wanted to walk on her own, but her legs felt as limp as noodles.
Her already flushed cheeks became even redder, like ripe apples.
After Lin Zhitang washed up, Lu Ming’an brought over the breakfast he had been keeping warm for her. “Tangtang, eat a little first. Lunch will be ready soon.”
“Mhm. Where’s Grandpa?” She had woken up so late—everyone definitely knew what happened last night. She absolutely did not want to go downstairs. The longer she could hide, the better.
“Grandpa went to play chess with Grandpa Zhang. Nobody’s home.” Old Master Lu had indeed gone out to play chess, though he had already returned.
Mother Lu and Tian Jiaojiao had arrived long ago as well. It was simply that Lu Ming’an knew the little girl would definitely feel embarrassed right now, so he told her a small comforting lie.