Yu Qing had been deliberately avoiding Xie Qing Ci recently.
Coinciding with Xie Qing Ci’s overwhelming company affairs, he found it difficult to spare much time to coax the young lady.
Although they lived right across from each other, Xie Qing Ci could never catch a glimpse of her.
He knew he had gone too far that night at Wenquan Mountain Villa.
Even though the young lady had consented, she regretted it immediately after speaking, yet Xie Qing Ci hadn’t given her a chance to change her mind.
Her anger toward him was justified.
But she couldn’t hide from him like this—without seeing her, he couldn’t focus on anything.
Zhou Chuan could clearly sense his employer’s mood growing darker by the day.
He knew it was because of Miss Yu, but he didn’t dare mention a word.
Such is the humble life of an employee.
That evening.
Xie Qing Ci attended a business dinner at Jinyun Tower.
When a waiter opened the door to serve dishes, he caught a fleeting glimpse of a familiar figure through the partially open door.
It was her.
Then, the tall figure beside the young lady made him completely lose his composure.
Without a second thought, Xie Qing Ci stood up and strode after her.
The other guests were bewildered, having never seen Xie Qing Ci act so improperly and out of character.
Zhou Chuan had no choice but to offer toasts while explaining that his employer had an urgent matter.
Yu Qing had originally made plans to go shopping with Bai Jiao Jiao today.
But Bai Jiao Jiao canceled last minute to see Gu Yu Bai instead.
Already dressed and made up, Yu Qing decided to meet with her designer friend Gavin, who had just returned from abroad.
Since Xie Qing Ci had given her so many jewelry pieces, she wanted to design a special accessory just for him.
Over dinner, they discussed many design ideas and finally settled on one.
They would wait for Gavin to draft the design, confirm it, and then begin production.
Having caught up with an old friend and finalized an important matter, Yu Qing was in high spirits and indulged in a few drinks.
As she stepped outside, the breeze made her slightly dizzy.
Just as Gavin reached out to steady her, a strong force shoved him aside.
Before Yu Qing could see clearly, she was pulled into a cool, familiar embrace.
“Who are you? Let go of Qingqing!”
Gavin didn’t recognize Xie Qing Ci and, seeing a stranger holding his friend, assumed he was harassing her.
Rarely had Xie Qing Ci been this furious; his chest heaved with rage.
“And who are you?”By now, Yu Qing was fully awake and, hearing the cold intensity in the man’s voice, realized how angry he was.”
She quickly interjected, “Gavin, this is my friend. It’s fine. You can go back first.”
Gavin was still uneasy—the man looked so fierce.
Yu Qing smiled reassuringly. “We really are friends. It’s okay. You should go take care of your work—I’m counting on you!”
It was the first time Xie Qing Ci had been so thoroughly ignored by the young lady.
He was both jealous and angry.
His arm tightened around her.
“Ouch—”
Once Gavin was gone, Yu Qing dropped her cheerful facade.
Unable to break free from the man’s firm hold, she tilted her head back to glare at him.
Xie Qing Ci, expression cold, carried her into the nearest private room and locked the door behind them.
“Xie Qing Ci—let me go!”
His grip hurt, and Yu Qing’s temper flared.
Xie Qing Ci sat her on the back of a sofa, his arm encircling her waist to prevent her from falling if she struggled.
“Baby—”
“I was wrong—”
“Don’t ignore me, alright?”
“Please, my treasure—”
Xie Qing Ci lowered his head, his hoarse whispers drifting beside her ear.
From time to time, he’d tilt his head to kiss her earlobe, her cheek, her neck…
Yu Qing’s already dwindling anger completely dissipated under the man’s nearly pleading entreaties.
When had Xie Qing Ci, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, ever been this humble in his life?
Naturally positioned high above others, aloof and proud, he had always been the one others sought to please.
When had he ever lowered himself to beg for reconciliation like this?
He could have been angry, could have demanded to know who that man was.
But he didn’t. He only wanted to earn her forgiveness.
During these days she’d been giving him the cold shoulder, not a single moment had passed without torment.
He’d rather the little lady vent her anger at him than leave him in this lukewarm neglect.
…
“Well… you can’t do this again—”
Yu Qing also knew she was the one who had initially agreed to that matter. Her anger was merely a fleeting embarrassment.
Now that the man had humbled himself to coax her like this, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything more.
Xie Qing Ci seemed not to have expected her response.
Still somewhat incredulous, he asked, “What did my treasure just say?”
Just as Yu Qing was about to speak, the man pulled her tightly into his embrace again.
“I promise, my treasure. Whatever you say.”
Xie Qing Ci’s arms trembled slightly as he held her.
Yu Qing noticed and wrapped her slender, pale arms around him in return.
The little lady’s exposed arms felt somewhat cold, and even after holding her for a long time, Xie Qing Ci found they hadn’t warmed up.
His brow furrowed slightly. “The night is chilly, and you always forget to wear a coat.”
As he spoke, he took off his own jacket and draped it over her.
Yu Qing obediently followed the man to the garage and got into his car.
“Treasure.”
“Hmm?”
“Let’s go back to the old residence, alright?”
Perhaps it was the possessiveness ingrained in the man’s nature.
Though Xie Qing Ci owned numerous properties, he stubbornly insisted on taking the little lady back to the old residence—to claim her there.
His treasure should belong to him in his own home, his own bedroom, his own bed.
Recently, when the little lady had gotten upset and returned to Yujiang Garden by herself, he had no choice but to buy the apartment across from hers just to be near her.
Now that he had finally coaxed her into a better mood, he naturally wanted to bring her back to his own territory.
Yu Qing naturally had no objections.
Only…
As soon as Xie Qing Ci got out of the car, he came around to carry her out.
She didn’t even have time to refuse.
The man strode quickly back to the bedroom.
Bang—
He kicked the door shut behind them.
Yu Qing was no innocent young girl. Recognizing the man’s intention, she let out a somewhat mischievous laugh.
Xie Qing Ci sat down with her on the soft couch—they hadn’t even changed out of their outdoor clothes yet, so it wasn’t appropriate to move to the bed.
“Treasure—”
The man’s voice was already strained low, yet it remained magnetic, stirring her heart.
“Help me take off my glasses, hmm?”
Yu Qing complied effortlessly, removing his glasses and placing them on the side table.
The next second.
A scorching, dominant kiss enveloped her.
It was as if Xie Qing Ci intended to reclaim all the kisses he had missed during their time apart.
He captured her lips, savoring them repeatedly, gathering their sweetness like nectar…
His large hands grew restless, roaming incessantly over her slender back.
Yu Qing had thought to stop him at the very beginning.
But she had missed him terribly, too.
Missed the comforting scent of cedar and cold elegance that clung to him.
Missed his broad, warm embrace.
Missed his lingering, passionate kisses.
…
She didn’t know how long they had been kissing.
Their breaths were both somewhat ragged.
Xie Qing Ci leaned his forehead against hers, panting heavily.
His low, husky voice was unbearably captivating: “Baby, is this okay?”
Yu Qing had been somewhat dazed by his kisses earlier, and only upon hearing his question did she finally regain her composure.
The young woman’s gaze was soft as water as she coquettishly replied, “No, we can’t.”
Xie Qing Ci thought she was still being shy.
He leaned close to her ear and coaxed her again.
“Baby, please.”
“Qing Bao, is it okay?”
…
Worried that he might truly lose control and act recklessly,
Yu Qing simply took his large hand and placed it on her lower abdomen.
“A Ci, do you understand now?”