Nangong He had no interest in answering such irrelevant and utterly boring questions.
He swept a cold glance over Qiao Xi and said expressionlessly, “There’s no need for me to explain so much to an idiot. Move aside.”
After speaking, he placed a hand on Qiao Xi’s shoulder and pushed her hand away.
He thought he hadn’t used much force, but because he was drunk, his strength was no longer fully under control.
Qiao Xi staggered from the shove. Her body swayed, and with a thud, she fell backward onto the steps, her head knocking against the railing behind her.
A flicker of change crossed Nangong He’s eyes, and he bent down, intending to help her up.
Unfortunately, the person before him reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, practically ready to jump up on the spot.
“Don’t touch me!”
Since she herself insisted on not being touched, Nangong He naturally wouldn’t force the issue.
He quickly stepped back, giving her space.
Qiao Xi had not expected there to really be someone in this world who could take her words that literally. Her body wobbled, and she slipped right off the steps, falling directly into his arms.
A piercing pain shot through her ankle. Her face instantly turned pale, and even her voice trembled. “Nangong He, you bastard…”
Though the man before her remained cold-faced, he still reached out and caught her.
Curling his lips in mockery, Nangong He said lightly, “You told me not to touch you, yet you threw yourself into my arms and now you’re cursing at me?”
Before Qiao Xi could reply, he steadily lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the room.
Her waist was soft, and a faint fragrance drifted from her body. Combined with the subtle contact between them, Nangong He’s ears couldn’t help turning slightly red.
He and Xiao Chuyin had been together for quite some time, but Xiao Chuyin was the proud and restrained type who never threw herself at him, so the two had very little physical intimacy.
This was the first time he had been in such close contact with a woman, and even his movements were somewhat stiff.
Qiao Xi only felt as though a steel band were wrapped tightly around her. Uncomfortable, she twisted slightly, only to be met the next second with the man’s rough reprimand.
“Don’t move!”
After tossing her onto the bed, Nangong He turned and left.
Qiao Xi curled her lips. “With that kind of personality, the fact that he could even get married is already heaven taking pity on him. No wonder someone ran away from the wedding…”
“I can hear you.”
Nangong He’s deep voice sounded from the doorway as he walked back into the room carrying medicine for bruises and sprains.
Pulling over a chair and sitting by the bed, he said indifferently, “Don’t overthink it. I just don’t want people misunderstanding me for domestic abuse when you go outside.”
As he spoke, he grabbed Qiao Xi’s calf and pulled her injured ankle toward himself.
Qiao Xi had already stretched her leg out, but hearing his words instantly darkened her expression. “That won’t be necessary. I’m not the type to slander people over something like this. I’ll do it myself!”
She struggled suddenly, trying to break free from Nangong He’s grip, but accidentally kicked his cheek in the process.
Nangong He’s face darkened, a shadow falling over his handsome features.
He had always hated ill-timed resistance the most.
His hand tightened abruptly. With a harsh pull, he dragged Qiao Xi straight from the foot of the bed toward him.
Her legs were long, slender, and exceptionally slim. Nangong He’s hands could easily encircle her calf.
Caught completely off guard, Qiao Xi was yanked forward and ended up sitting directly on Nangong He’s lap.
To keep her balance, one hand grabbed his collar while the other wrapped around his neck.
The distance between them was dangerously close; even their long eyelashes seemed almost ready to brush against each other.
The atmosphere turned awkward, tinged with something strangely subtle.
Qiao Xi had an excellent figure—a slim waist, long legs, and fair skin that unconsciously drew attention.
Yet she also possessed strikingly cold and glamorous features. When she wasn’t speaking, she looked as frosty as ice, giving off a contradictory allure that seemed both inviting and rejecting at the same time.
Qiao Xi could clearly feel that, under the effects of the alcohol, Nangong He’s breathing was gradually becoming heavier, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly.
He lowered his eyes, and beneath his long lashes, his gaze seemed to carry traces of tenderness. Qiao Xi almost forgot to react.
Such charm, such a night…
It really did seem like the perfect moment for something to happen.
Nangong He lifted a hand and gently clasped the back of Qiao Xi’s neck, his gaze deepening…