The two of them strolled leisurely like this, until they reached the seaside behind Yun City University. It was early summer, and at the university's beach, many young men and women were reveling in the romance and joy brought by this season and their youth. They lit fireworks, their laughter and cheerful voices blending with the endless sea in the distance, where crystal-clear waves shimmered under the starlit sky. The stars and moon above added to the breathtaking beauty of the scene.
The silhouettes of the man and the petite woman together exuded an unparalleled harmony, their delicate figures leaving the most enchanting marks on the romantic beach at night.
"Wow, so handsome!" As the two passed by a group of young men and women, a flock of love-struck girls across from them couldn't help covering their mouths in astonishment when they laid eyes on Gu Jingchen. A few of the girls even abandoned their fireworks without hesitation, trailing closely behind the pair, their infatuation growing more pronounced.
"..." Though he truly was handsome, watching others fawning over Gu Jingchen didn't feel all too pleasant. Shang Xixia's flawless face showed a fleeting hint of bewilderment before quickly returning to normal. She forced the corners of her mouth into a semblance of a smile, but even she could sense how strained it looked.
"I never realized before that being handsome could have its perks,"
Gu Jingchen's inner monologue brimmed with amusement. Every nuance of Shang Xixia's reaction was caught by his hawk-like gaze. Clearly, the little one wasn't entirely indifferent toward him. This realization set his heart racing, his excitement barely contained!
"Big brother, can I have a photo with you? I want to show the whole world that such a handsome man exists!" After much shoving and encouragement, one of the girls finally mustered her courage to approach Gu Jingchen with this request.
"Sure!"
The man had initially wanted to refuse. Having lived for twenty-eight years, he'd always kept a low profile. He wasn't the kind of "central heating" that existed to keep others warm, nor a watering can designed to nourish them. All his emotions and love were solely reserved for the petite woman beside him.
"Love not only requires unwavering devotion, but also the occasional well-timed provocation." With this thought, the mischievous man curved his thin lips into a slight grin before readily agreeing to the girl's request.
"Men are all the same. They act so composed on the surface, yet they can't resist gravitating toward attractive young women."
Indeed. While Shang Xixia stood politely to the side, wearing a faint smile as she watched the young girls eagerly take photos with the handsome man, her inner thoughts spiraled uncontrollably. Though her lips curled upward involuntarily, she remained oblivious to the faint sourness creeping into her heart.
"It seems that winning the heart of the girl I like requires not just romance strategies but also an understanding of psychology and even Sun Tzu's Art of War!"
The man, who had been closely observing Shang Xixia's expressions, couldn't help but lower his strikingly handsome face into a subtle smile. His lips twitched upward with an air of smug, almost irrepressible glee.
After leaving the beach, they wandered through the campus of Yun City University for quite some time. Eventually, the man lifted his strong arm to check the time on his diamond watch. Midnight was fast approaching.
"I'll see you home," he said. Despite his reluctance to part, his soft-spoken voice, imbued with a touch of quiet elegance, broke the silence as his lips quirked in a faint smile.
"Alright. Goodnight, Brother Jingchen." The girl nodded. Her long eyelashes drooped slightly, failing to hide the blush adorning her ethereal face. Shang Xixia hadn't realized how quickly time had passed. Playfully pouting her soft lips, she gave a shy smile.
Under the moonlight, Gu Jingchen gazed at the beguiling face of the girl he loved. Seeing her adorably charming demeanor tested every ounce of his self-control, barely restraining his urge to pull her into an embrace. Simply watching her was enough to fill his heart with warmth, his handsome face radiating the softest of smiles. His deep, dark eyes overflowed with unspoken affection. He watched her until she disappeared into the dormitory, then finally turned and walked toward his car with steady steps.
Driving his Maybach, Gu Jingchen returned to his luxurious apartment in the city center. After a shower, he lay on his bed with a brooding expression, tossing and turning restlessly. Unable to fall asleep, he took another cold shower, but it was futile. In the end, he gave up on sleep altogether and headed to Lai Le Bar, where he settled in a private room on the second floor.
Lai Le Bar was owned by the Xie brothers. Strictly speaking, it wasn't a traditional business establishment. While the first floor served the public, the second and third floors were entirely restricted, meant solely for the brothers' personal enjoyment.
"Boss, why aren't you asleep yet?" Tonight, only Gu Jingyu and Xie Qikan were at the bar. The two men were lounging on the sofa. Gu Jingyu wore a white shirt with two buttons undone, paired with khaki trousers and a matching belt. His slender waist and long legs exuded an understated sophistication, laced with a touch of restraint. Xie Qikan, in contrast, donned a black shirt and matching trousers, with three buttons undone. Holding a glass of wine between his elegant fingers, he sipped absentmindedly, oozing a languid sexiness tinged with a hint of rebellion. His sharp brows and eyes were inscrutable, revealing neither melancholy nor restlessness.
"Hmm, not sleepy." Gu Jingchen replied indifferently, his face still carrying traces of gloom. Could he tell them that after sending Shang Xixia home, he couldn't stop thinking about her?
Could he admit that he couldn't sleep because her image lingered in his mind every time he closed his eyes? Her radiant beauty, her dazzling smile, the faint dimples at the corners of her lips that exuded a lily-like purity—everything about her made his heart ache with longing. Even her scent, so fresh and intoxicating, felt etched into his soul. She was as radiant and delicate as a dewy petal, her presence utterly captivating.
Sometimes, the man's handsome features would twist into a self-deprecating smile as he couldn't help but wonder: Once they were married, with his boundless energy, how would his delicate little woman keep up?