The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the city beyond the windows. Warm light from the lamp pooled over the sofa, softening the edges of everything, and on it lay Sunny, still half-dreaming. Her lashes fluttered gently, like the wings of a resting butterfly.
Gu Ze Yan's heart had never beat so wildly.
He hadn't meant to do it. When he leaned down just now, stroking her hair, his lips had brushed against hers—just a soft, stolen kiss. But the moment their skin touched, he lost all sense of boundary.
Now, frozen, he tilted back slightly, guilt and fear rising in his throat.
"I just…" he began, searching for an excuse, any excuse.
But then her eyes opened slowly, deep and clear, not startled, not angry. Instead, her voice was soft, almost teasing—
"Gu Ze Yan."
He froze at the sound of his name, low and sweet on her lips.
She looked at him steadily, a faint curve appearing on her mouth. And then she whispered:
"I want full service."
Before he could even process those words, she reached up, grasped his collar, and pulled him down.
Her lips pressed against his firmly.
Gu Ze Yan's breath hitched, his eyes widening for a fraction of a second—then everything inside him melted. He let out a low sound, wrapping his arms around her, responding to the kiss with a hunger he had suppressed for too long.
Their lips moved together—slow at first, then deeper, faster, as if making up for all the stolen glances, the quiet longings, the unspoken words.
Her hand trembled against his chest, but her kiss was steady, decisive. His hand cupped her face, thumb stroking her cheek as if she were made of porcelain he dared not break.
The world shrank until it was just the two of them, breath mingling, warmth surging.
When they finally broke apart, foreheads pressed together, both panting lightly, Gu Ze Yan refused to let go. His arms tightened around her waist, unwilling to release even an inch.
"Sunny…" he whispered her name again and again, like a prayer.
And then—
Rumble.
Her stomach growled loudly.
Silence.
Qing Yun's eyes widened before she burst into laughter, cheeks flaming. "Oh no…"
Gu Ze Yan blinked, momentarily stunned, then let out a helpless laugh himself. He brushed her hair back, exhaling. "You're unbelievable."
"Alright," he said, finally letting her sit upright, "I'll feed you before you starve to death."
He pulled her up, guided her to the dining table, and headed into the kitchen.
Qing Yun sat there, still catching her breath from the kiss, watching him move with ease as he boiled noodles, chopped vegetables, cracked eggs. He looked handsome even in the simplest tasks, sleeves rolled up, movements sure and confident.
The aroma of broth soon filled the air.
They sat down together, steam rising between them from two bowls of simple noodles.
Qing Yun picked up her chopsticks and tasted the broth. Her eyes lit up instantly. "It's good!"
Gu Ze Yan's lips quirked into a smile, relief and pride flashing across his face. "Eat more."
When she peeled her own boiled egg, he frowned, snatched it from her hand, and peeled it himself before placing it neatly in her bowl.
Qing Yun laughed, eyes curving. "You're too much."
"You should get used to it," he said matter-of-factly, chopsticks tapping against hers gently as if sealing a promise.
After dinner, Gu Ze Yan cleared the dishes despite her protest. "You sit," he ordered firmly. "No more working tonight."
Qing Yun sighed, curling on the sofa, watching him with a faint smile. For all his arrogance, he was strangely meticulous—every spoon washed, every dish dried.
When he returned, the two of them sat side by side, warm light surrounding them.
Qing Yun's voice lowered. "About Wei Ran… at the park—it wasn't what you think. It was closure, not a beginning."
Gu Ze Yan's gaze sharpened, but he stayed silent, letting her continue.
She exhaled softly. "That part of my life ended that night. I just wanted him to let go."
Gu Ze Yan's hand found hers, gripping tightly. His voice was low, steady, almost fierce:
"I don't care about him anymore. You're mine."
Qing Yun huffed a faint smile. "You sound childish."
"I am, when it comes to you," he muttered.
Her smile softened, a trace of warmth flickering across her eyes.
Gu Ze Yan suddenly leaned closer, his gaze burning.
"No more contract," he said firmly. "I want you for real. Stay by my side—not because of money, not because it's a job. Because I'll give you everything. Everything you want, everything you need."
Qing Yun lowered her eyes, hiding the emotions swirling within. Her lips curved, but she said nothing.
At last, she stood, smoothing her clothes. "It's late. I should go home."
She turned toward the door—only for his hand to shoot out, catching hers.
She stumbled and fell onto his lap, startled. His arm wrapped firmly around her waist, steadying her before she could tip back.
Her breath caught. His face was so close—so close her nose brushed his, their lips only inches apart.
His voice was low, rough, brushing against her lips like a secret.
"Stay here tonight."
And then his mouth captured hers again.
This time, the kiss was slow, unhurried, lingering—less of a storm, more of a vow. His lips traced hers with devotion, as if memorizing her.
Qing Yun's hands clutched his shirt. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the warmth that wrapped around her.
And in that moment, the world outside disappeared.
There was only them.
Only him.
Only her.
Only this kiss that rewrote the terms of everything between them.