In TianTian's memory, the present...
Those seven days were the happiest days of my life... and yet, they were also the most agonizing.
A tear slowly slipped down the side of TianTian's face as memories of the past flooded her mind.
(In the Past)
Thud!
TianTian placed a piece of paper on the dinner table in front of LiMingHu, who was enjoying his morning coffee.
"What is this?"
LiMingHu picked up the paper and glanced at it. A smile appeared on his face when he saw how enthusiastic TianTian looked that morning.
"That... is the list of things we're going to do this week!" TianTian announced proudly.
She had spent the entire night preparing that plan. Well, perhaps the reason she couldn't sleep wasn't entirely because of the planning. The passionate kiss they had shared the previous night had certainly contributed to her sleeplessness.
"Hmm... Let's see..."
LiMingHu began reading the list.
Cycling together. Visiting a theme park. Going to a game arcade. Spending time at a library...
He suddenly froze.
Something about the list caught his attention.
Every single activity was something he used to do with his parents during his childhood.
Those were precious memories he hadn't revisited since losing them.
And now, TianTian was asking him to do all those things again.
For a moment, he didn't know how to react.
Seeing the sudden change in the Beast King's expression, TianTian began to feel uncertain about her plan.
She had deliberately chosen those activities, but not because she wanted to hurt him. Quite the opposite. She wanted to help him create new, happy memories to replace the sadness associated with the old ones.
But what if she was wrong?
What if revisiting those memories only made him hurt even more?
Still, TianTian believed that people could learn to remember their loved ones without being overwhelmed by sadness.
She herself had once experienced something similar after losing her grandfather.
At first, she had avoided anything that reminded her of him. But her mother had once told her:
"Grandpa will always be with us in our memories. If we throw away every memory of him just because remembering hurts, then he will truly be gone from our lives. That's why we should remember him with happiness. As long as we cherish those memories, he will always remain alive in our hearts."
Those words had changed the way TianTian viewed her loss.
Her family continued doing the things her grandfather used to enjoy with them. Gradually, the sadness became less painful, replaced by warmth and fondness.
And now, she wanted LiMingHu to experience the same thing.
"Yesterday... you promised you would do whatever I wanted," TianTian reminded him.
"Yes... I did promise."
LiMingHu hesitated.
He glanced at TianTian, whose eyes were still sparkling with excitement. He knew she had no intention of hurting him.
And somehow, despite his reservations, he simply couldn't bring himself to disappoint her.
He sighed before giving her a smile.
"Alright. Let's do whatever you want."
TianTian's face immediately brightened.
"Then let's start from the top of the list!"
And so began their extraordinary seven days...
Day One: Riding Bikes Together
TianTian had imagined a romantic scene straight out of a television drama.
A couple riding bicycles side by side, enjoying the breeze, exchanging sweet smiles...
How romantic!
Unfortunately, reality turned out to be rather different.
Unlike TianTian, LiMingHu possessed an extremely competitive personality.
Having not ridden a bicycle for such a long time, the Beast King initially looked rather awkward. His movements were stiff, and he struggled to maintain his balance.
His frustration was obvious.
Seeing this, TianTian couldn't resist teasing him.
She challenged him to a race and deliberately left him behind.
Well, it wasn't every day she had the opportunity to defeat the mighty Beast King!
Naturally, she enjoyed every second of it.
However, her victory didn't last long.
Once LiMingHu regained his cycling skills, he quickly caught up with her and raced ahead, leaving TianTian far behind.
He even laughed at her!
That was enough to awaken TianTian's competitive spirit.
Soon, both of them were racing seriously, completely forgetting that they were supposed to be enjoying a romantic couple's outing.
Yet, strangely enough, they were having the time of their lives.
When they finally reached the seaside, TianTian stopped her bicycle.
LiMingHu, who had ridden quite a distance ahead, noticed that she was no longer following him. He turned around and rode back to her side.
He gave her a curious look.
"I'd like to watch the waves for a while. Do you mind?"
LiMingHu simply nodded.
TianTian took off her shoes and ran barefoot towards the shore, her excitement evident in every step.
"It's so beautiful!" she shouted.
LiMingHu watched her for a moment.
Yes... it is beautiful.
But he wasn't looking at the waves.
To him, TianTian was even more beautiful than the scenery before them.
She eventually sat down on the sand, and LiMingHu joined her.
"My family used to love going to the beach during holidays," TianTian began cheerfully. "When I was little, I often played in the sand or played beach ball with my brothers. It was so much fun!"
She continued sharing her childhood stories, completely immersed in the happiness of those memories.
LiMingHu, surprisingly, listened attentively.
It wasn't until she finally stopped talking that TianTian realized she had been the only one speaking.
Feeling a little embarrassed, she turned towards him.
"How about you? Do you have any memories of coming to the beach?"
LiMingHu searched through his memories.
Unfortunately, he couldn't recall much compared to TianTian's wonderful childhood experiences.
There was one particular memory, though. He remembered accompanying ShuShu on holiday. She had always loved the sea, but because of her fragile health, she easily became exhausted. On one occasion, she had nearly drowned if he hadn't rescued her in time.
It wasn't exactly a pleasant memory he wanted to share.
"Not really. I was too busy to come here. Besides, there's not much you can do at the beach when you're alone."
TianTian suddenly felt a little guilty for talking so enthusiastically about her happy family memories.
Without saying anything, she leaned her head against LiMingHu's shoulder.
"Maybe next time, you can join my family's vacation. It'll be fun."
"Really? With your entire family? Including your brothers?" LiMingHu chuckled. "Doesn't that sound like you're trying to throw me into the sea?"
"Oh, come on! My brothers aren't that bad!" TianTian protested. "Once they get to know you, I'm sure they'll like you... Well, as long as you're nice to them."
LiMingHu laughed at her rather uncertain tone.
"Yeah... Maybe."
He smiled, imagining what it would be like to bring TianTian back to meet her brothers someday.
Perhaps he would even have to bring her back as his wife.
Wife?
The thought suddenly struck him.
Marriage?!
What a ridiculous idea!
His smile gradually disappeared.
TianTian immediately noticed the change in his expression. Without giving him time to retreat into his thoughts, she suddenly splashed seawater onto his face.
The unexpected attack caught the Beast King completely off guard.
He turned towards her, only to find TianTian laughing brightly.
"You always look so serious!" she shouted over the sound of the waves. "Sometimes, it's okay to stop thinking and just have fun! Just enjoy the moment!"
LiMingHu stared at her for a second.
Then, somehow, her words seemed to wash away whatever worries had occupied his mind.
She was right.
For once, he didn't need to think about anything else.
He just wanted to enjoy this moment with her.
And so, the two of them returned to being mischievous children.
LiMingHu retaliated by splashing water at TianTian before chasing after her along the shore.
It was a perfect picture of two lovers enjoying a carefree afternoon at the beach.
Eventually, TianTian became exhausted and collapsed onto the sand.
LiMingHu lay down beside her.
Both of them burst into sincere laughter.
"Hahaha! Seriously, you're the toughest little bunny I've ever met!" the Beast King teased.
"Of course I am! Even my brothers can't catch me easily!" TianTian retorted. "And by the way, don't call me a little bunny! I'm not a little bunny!"
She sounded indignant, although there was no real anger in her voice.
"You are. You're such a tiny girl, just like a little bunny. Even your punches feel like little bunny punches..."
LiMingHu continued speaking while gazing at the sky.
Perhaps because he was so happy, he suddenly felt an unusual urge to speak honestly about something he had been wondering for a long time.
He chuckled softly.
"But... there's something I've always wondered about, TianTian."
"What?"
"How can you be so brave?"
TianTian turned towards him.
"You challenged me the very first time we met. You're never afraid to argue with me, and you never seem willing to obey me either!" He chuckled. "Honestly, it's been incredibly frustrating. Why aren't you afraid of me?"
TianTian didn't answer immediately.
The truth was, she had been afraid of him.
Very afraid, actually.
But once she had made the decision to confront the Beast King, and the more she got to know the man behind his intimidating appearance, the less frightened she became.
Finally, she smiled.
"Why should I be? You're just an ordinary man. You're not a god, LiMingHu! You're just... just a tiny little kitten inside a giant beast's body!"
LiMingHu's eyes widened.
Then he burst into loud laughter.
"Hahahahaha! I'm a kitten?! Hahahaha! No one has ever called me a kitten before! Hahahaha! Only you... Only you would dare to say something like that!"
It was true.
Nobody had ever dared to compare the mighty Beast King to a kitten. If anyone else had said such a thing, they would probably have regretted it immediately.
But TianTian...
Somehow, she was different.
LiMingHu continued laughing before suddenly adding:
"...And that's why I love you so much."
The words came out so naturally.
So effortlessly.
As though they had simply been waiting for the right moment to escape from his heart.
I love you so much.
TianTian froze.
Her heart began beating wildly.
She couldn't find a single word to say.
LiMingHu also went silent.
Only then did he realize what he had just said.
He turned towards TianTian, whose eyes were wide with surprise.
Looking into those beautiful eyes, he suddenly understood something.
Yes... I love this girl.
I really do love her.
There was no more room for doubt.
He leaned over her, gazing intensely into her eyes.
"I... I love you."
It wasn't quite like a confession.
It was more like he was finally admitting the truth to himself.
And before TianTian could respond, he lowered his head and kissed her passionately.
As for TianTian...
The girl who was usually so alert to everything happening around her...
This time, she simply surrendered to the moment.
Enchanted by his unexpected confession, she forgot about everything else and allowed herself to be carried away by the passion of his kisses.
Again and again.
Until LiMingHu finally released her lips and continued gazing into her eyes.
His expression was intense, almost as if he were silently asking her something.
TianTian could almost read his thoughts.
I want you, TianTian. I want all of you.
His eyes seemed to be asking for an answer.
But TianTian shook her head firmly and gently pushed him away.
Not here...
LiMingHu's expression changed.
A fleeting disappointment crossed his face.
He sighed and slowly stood up.
TianTian immediately felt guilty.
She didn't want him to misunderstand her.
So she stood up too, surprised him with a quick kiss on his cheek, and whispered:
"Maybe... later."
Her cheeks turned crimson.
Before LiMingHu could respond, she hurried towards her bicycle.
For a moment, the Beast King remained frozen.
Then, as the meaning of her words finally sank in, a delighted smile spread across his face.
He quickly rushed towards his bicycle and caught up with her.
This time, they rode side by side.
Just like the romantic couple TianTian had imagined earlier that morning.
That Evening...
After returning home, both of them decided to take a shower.
LiMingHu finished first.
And apparently, the Beast King had absolutely no intention of forgetting TianTian's little promise.
Wearing nothing but a towel around his waist, he settled himself comfortably on TianTian's bed and waited.
Impatiently.
When TianTian finally stepped out of the bathroom, she was utterly surprised to find him there.
What is he doing here?!
During her shower, she had been struggling with a serious dilemma.
She couldn't understand what had possessed her to say those words at the beach.
She had secretly hoped that LiMingHu hadn't heard them clearly, or perhaps hadn't understood what she meant.
Because, despite everything, she was still nervous.
Terribly nervous.
She wanted him. There was no denying that.
The thought of being intimate with him had made her heart race more than once.
But this was her first time.
She had absolutely no experience with such things, and she didn't know what to expect.
Would everything be alright?
Would it hurt?
Would she be able to handle it?
Most importantly, once she crossed that line, there would be no returning to the way things had been before.
And now...
The Beast King was sitting on her bed, looking entirely too comfortable.
He smiled at her, clearly expecting her to come closer.
TianTian, however, remained standing near the bathroom door.
LiMingHu noticed her hesitation.
His smile gradually faded.
He got up from the bed and approached her slowly.
The closer he came, the more nervous TianTian became.
Until he was standing just one step away from her.
"Do you... not want to?" he asked gently.
Although his voice was calm, TianTian could detect a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
She felt terrible.
After all, she had been the one who had suggested it.
And she had to admit that she wanted it too.
She was simply frightened.
LiMingHu studied her expression for a moment before sighing.
"It's alright if you don't want to. I won't force you."
He wanted her badly.
More than he cared to admit.
Yet, strangely enough, he found himself able to restrain the Beast within him.
He would rather fight his own desires than make TianTian do something she wasn't ready for.
His words warmed her heart.
Perhaps it was that tenderness that finally gave her courage.
Slowly, she raised her hands and placed them against his broad chest, which was still wrapped in bandages.
"It's... my first time," she whispered.
She lowered her head against his chest, unable to look him in the eyes.
"Just... please be gentle with me."
Her face was probably as red as a tomato.
For a moment, LiMingHu simply stared at her.
Then his expression softened.
He gently lifted her chin and kissed her forehead.
"Don't be afraid, TianTian. I'll take care of you."
And with those words, he carefully carried her into his arms and laid her down on the bed.
What followed was a night of tenderness, passion, and discoveries neither of them had experienced quite this way before.
LiMingHu kissed her gently at first, taking his time to reassure her and allowing her to become comfortable with his touch.
His kisses gradually grew more passionate, but whenever he sensed her hesitation, he slowed down and gave her time.
For TianTian, everything was unfamiliar.
Every touch brought a new sensation, making her heart race and her cheeks burn.
She was shy, nervous, and occasionally embarrassed by how openly the Beast King expressed his affection.
Yet, beneath all that nervousness, there was also happiness.
She was finally allowing herself to become closer to the man she loved.
And LiMingHu...
For a man who had always been accustomed to having everything under his control, this was a different kind of experience.
He wanted to cherish every moment with her.
To make her feel loved.
To make sure that this night would become another precious memory they could both treasure.
As they held each other close, he whispered against her ear:
"I love you, TianTian."
TianTian closed her eyes.
"I... love you too."
Those words were enough to make the Beast King's heart overflow.
He kissed her again, holding her as though he never wanted to let her go.
And that night, their relationship crossed a new threshold.
For TianTian, it was an unforgettable first experience.
For LiMingHu, it was the discovery of a happiness he had never imagined he could find.
When TianTian finally thought the night was over, however, she discovered something rather alarming.
The Beast King was still looking at her with a mischievous smile.
"Are... are we done?"
LiMingHu chuckled.
"Done? We've only just started."
"Wh-what?!"
He pulled her into another embrace.
"LiMingHu!"
"Hmm?"
"You're really a beast!"
His laughter filled the room.
And their night of love continued, accompanied by TianTian's occasional protests and the Beast King's endless affection.
By the time morning arrived, TianTian was completely exhausted.
She had never imagined that the mighty Beast King could be so... tireless.
What a terrifying beast!
And so, their first day together ended with a memory that neither of them would ever forget.
Little did TianTian know...
Those seven days would eventually become the most precious memories she would ever have.
And perhaps, the most painful ones, too.