Shen Congmo gazed at her face, his voice hoarse. "Do you truly understand what you're saying?"
"I do." With those two words, she leaned in and claimed his lips.
His pupils constricted, and with a trembling hand, he brushed the loose strands of hair from her cheek.
Closing his eyes, he deepened the kiss, their tongues entwining in a fiery embrace.
Since their separation, they had barely spoken, let alone met. Their encounters could be counted on one hand.
Yet neither had pursued another—an unspoken agreement, perhaps, silently acknowledged by both.
As their heated bodies melted into one another, two long-silent hearts trembled in tandem.
In that moment, neither thought of the past nor the future. Time itself seemed to halt.
Long Yubei and Gu Lili were driving back from Mount Xiliang to the city.
As they arrived at Qinyuan, Tang Qingli stepped forward with a report. "Young Master, someone has come looking for you these past few days. She claimed to be an old acquaintance, but said she didn't have your number."
"Did she leave a name?"
"She only said her surname is He. She mentioned she's been back from overseas for two or three months."
Long Yubei's expression darkened. "A woman?"
"Yes. She was wearing a mask and sunglasses—couldn't make out her face."
"I see."
Gu Lili instinctively withdrew her hand from his palm. With a teasing chuckle, she said, "Oh my, an international beauty at your door… sounds like the makings of a romantic entanglement. Could it be that mysterious ex of yours who vanished without a word?"
Long Yubei reached out and reclaimed her hand, clasping it firmly. "Even if it is, I'm a married man now. What difference does it make?"
Gu Lili pulled her hand away once more, then leapt lightly onto his back. He caught her reflexively.
"Husband, carry me."
Under Tang Qingli's stunned gaze, Long Yubei carried her away, their figures slowly retreating.
Was it just his imagination, or had their relationship progressed at lightning speed?
What on earth happened during that week-long honeymoon?
…
Later, they nestled together in the living room as the head chef brought them two cups of coffee.
Gu Lili handed one to him and took the other for herself.
"Is your ex-girlfriend really surnamed He?"
"Yes."
"If she's really here to win you back, how would you deal with that?"
He took a slow sip, answering calmly, "There's nothing to deal with. A breakup is a breakup."
Her heart eased, just slightly. Though they were married now, she knew very well they had little emotional foundation.
If anything had been established over these days, it was an exceptionally harmonious sex life.
Emotionally, it was impossible to build real depth in such a short time.
Even love at first sight needs time to deepen and take root.
But he hadn't fallen for her at first sight—he'd fallen for her body.
What he desired had always been her flesh, not her soul.
So Gu Lili made a quiet vow to herself: if this marriage were to endure, it must be a partnership of hearts.
She had found her purpose. "I'm going to make you fall in love with me."
"I already have," he replied, placing a deliberate emphasis on the word have.
She understood all too well—they were not speaking of the same kind of love.
"I mean something else."
"You want me to love you in spirit?" He chuckled, though his eyes remained untouched by warmth. "That won't be easy."
Gu Lili met his gaze squarely. "You're my husband. My goal is to stay by your side for the long haul. And if we are to walk that road together, the best way is for you to love me, and for me to love you. I will do my utmost to make you love me. And at the same time, I will learn to love you, too."