Because the study door wasn't locked, Gu Yan walked in naturally.
Just when he was about to speak and startle Yan Qingqiu, she suddenly raised her head. Gu Yan froze, thinking he had been discovered.
But when he looked closer, he noticed something.
Yan Qingqiu's face was a little pale, probably because she had been too tired in recent years and had been living under constant mental pressure.
Although the original novel didn't describe how Yan Qingqiu grew up, Gu Yan could easily imagine it if he put himself in her shoes.
The Yan family had been destroyed, and all responsibilities and hopes were placed on the genius Yan Qingqiu. She had to find her enemies, while at the same time preventing them from finding her before she was strong enough to resist.
She had to work hard to improve herself every single day.
How much pressure must she be under?
For some reason, Gu Yan's heart ached for her.
Although she was about the same age as him, she was already carrying the heavy burden of reviving her family and seeking vengeance.
Yan Qingqiu hadn't noticed Gu Yan's arrival. She let out a small sigh and leaned back in her chair.
Her hand rubbed her temples. "Tsk… it's almost past my break time. Fortunately, it's not too late."
She was about to continue reading.
But suddenly—
A warm and comfortable sensation spread across her shoulders.
Big hands had landed there, pressing gently yet firmly with a massage technique so perfect it felt unreal.
"Who?!"
Yan Qingqiu was shocked. Could it be… her enemies had found her?!
Just as she was about to struggle up, a familiar voice came.
"Qingqiu, don't panic. It's me, your good husband—Gu Yan."
Gu Yan smiled as he explained, his hands still working her shoulders.
A moment ago, he had spent 10 pure love points to buy [God-Level Massage Technique].
Yes, the system had updated itself when he woke up, and he was very satisfied with the new changes.
As for why it was so cheap, the system's explanation was:
[Purchasing massage for your pure love partner!! You've truly moved the system!! A special 0.0001 discount for you!!]
Gu Yan almost wanted to curse.
Hey! Don't most systems suck away their host's points like vampires? Why is mine acting so generous all of a sudden?
But since it benefited him, he decided not to complain.
"Good… good husband? You?"
"Bah! Who cares whose husband you are! Let me go!" Yan Qingqiu snapped. "Don't disturb me while I'm reading!"
Her heart, which had been tense just moments ago, finally calmed when she realized it was only this fool.
Thinking quickly, she understood why she hadn't heard the door open. Ling'er must not have closed it properly this morning.
I'll have to lecture him about this later!
"My baby Qingqiu, I don't like the way you're talking." Gu Yan chuckled.
"Besides being your good husband, who else could I be?"
"Also, I'm not disturbing you. I just noticed how stiff your shoulders were, so I decided to use my Qingqiu-Baby Exclusive Massage Technique to help you relax."
Gu Yan had one principle in mind—
I had to be shameless! Otherwise, how could I ever win over a girl like Yan Qingqiu? Start with the little things. Gradually sneak into her heart. Wait a minute… why does this sound like I'm just her licking dog?! No, no, no! What bootlicker?! If I'm licking, then I'm licking the biggest boss in the original novel! That makes me a Wolf Warrior, okay?!
Gu Yan snorted inwardly at his own joke.
In truth, he didn't think of himself as a bootlicker. He simply wanted to take care of Yan Qingqiu. After all, she was his wife. Even though he hadn't fully fallen in love yet, he had a good impression of her, and the system said she was his destiny.
Since they were already married, why shouldn't he play the role of a husband early on? Besides, he understood her hardships and why she act this way.
When Yan Qingqiu heard Gu Yan's shameless addresses, her hair practically stood on end.
"Qingqiu Baby?? Exclusive Massage Technique??"
Her heart beat wildly in a mix of embarrassment and anger. She gritted her teeth.
"You! Don't call me that, you bastard!"
"Oh? Then what do you want me to call you, Qingqiu baby?"
Gu Yan deliberately changed the topic as he continued massaging her shoulders.
"The stiffness in your shoulders obviously comes from sitting at your desk all day."
"It's tough to stay still and read for so long."
"Look, if I press right here…"
Seeing him try to divert her attention, Yan Qingqiu immediately snapped back.
"I told you not to call me Qing—ah!"
Her words caught in her throat.
Yan Qingqiu froze. A blush spread across her cheeks at a speed visible to the naked eye.
She immediately clapped her hands over her mouth.
Wha… what was that sound?!
Why did I… moan?!
Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Only now did she realize—thanks to Gu Yan's massage, her body, which had been cold from getting up early, was slowly warming.
Her sore shoulders were also loosening up, the ache fading away.
She sneaked a glance behind her, her voice hesitant.
"You… um… you really know how to massage?"
She sounded unconvinced, but her body betrayed her.
Gu Yan's hands made her feel like she was floating. The god-level massage really lived up to its name.
Gu Yan leaned down, his face close to hers. Calmly and shamelessly, he whispered into her ear.
"Yes, Qingqiu. Now you believe me, right?"
"I learned this especially for you."
The heat of his breath against her ear sent her heart racing. She jerked her head away and straightened up, forcing her tone into a cold one.
"You! Don't get so close to me!"
"Our relationship isn't that good!"
Gu Yan only smiled. He slowly withdrew his hands from her shoulders.
The sudden loss of comfort made Yan Qingqiu blurt out unconsciously:
"Why did you stop?"
But then she quickly regained herself. She couldn't let Gu Yan have the upper hand.
Snorting softly, she sat up straighter.
"Finally you know the distance between us. Since you understand, hurry and go back."
But the next moment—
Gu Yan tugged her back into the chair, leaning her against it once again. He chuckled softly.
"Qingqiu, don't be so hasty. After a shoulder massage, the next step is the head massage. It's even more relaxing."
His hands moved to her temples and began pressing gently.
"Let go! I don't want your dirty hands touching me!" Yan Qingqiu pretended to resist.
But Gu Yan saw right through her. He only pressed more firmly.
"I won't let go. I'll keep pressing."
"You—!"
Yan Qingqiu stiffened, but then stopped struggling. She gave in, pretending as if she had no strength to resist.
Inside, though, she sneered.
Hehe, Gu Yan, I admit your massage is… well, a little comfortable. But you've miscalculated. I'll just use you to restore my body and mind, then take over your Gu family with an even stronger hand. This is all your fault! Hehehe~~
As these thoughts ran through her head, her body relaxed, and she allowed herself to enjoy the massage. The corners of her lips even curved up slightly.
[Ding! Massage your love interest, points +5]
[Ding! Skin contact with the object of pure love, points +1]
[Ding! Make your love partner feel comfortable, points +10]
Hehehe~~ so many points~~~
On Gu Yan's side, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl upward.