"Lou Yuming..."
Song Xi reached out to tug at his sleeve, but the man was unmoved, instead pulling his clothes free.
Such a proud tsundere.
Did he think she was out of options?
Song Xi deployed her ultimate move: throwing herself into his arms.
She cupped his face with both hands, and he half-heartedly turned his head, leaning into her touch.
Their eyes met, his obsidian gaze fixed on her with a quiet intensity.
"Smile for me," Song Xi tried to cheer him up.
Lou Yuming snorted, "Do you think I'm here to perform for you?"
Song Xi then engaged him in a little skit, "So, how much does this handsome young man need to be paid for you to crack a smile?"
She was quite adept at coaxing.
She knew how much the word "young" would sting a man nearly ten years her senior.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Lou Yuming's mind, but he feigned composure, "I'm afraid you can't afford it."
Song Xi laughed and leaned into his embrace, then pretended to pull away, "Really, that expensive? Then perhaps not."
"You tease me and then want to run?" Lou Yuming flipped over, pinning Song Xi beneath him, his dark eyes deep.
Song Xi feigned innocence, "It's too expensive, I don't have the money."
"However," she leaned in and kissed him, "I can offer this as an exchange."
Where had she learned these little tricks to please him? Yet, for Lou Yuming, they were quite effective.
He loved it when she acted cute and soft, like a little kitten.
"Not enough," his voice deepened unconsciously.
Song Xi kissed him again.
Lou Yuming's gaze intensified, and he shook his head.
"Don't push your luck!" Song Xi said, but she still leaned in willingly. This time, however, the man was faster, cupping the back of her head and deepening the passionate kiss.
"Mmm..."
"You started this."
Lou Yuming carried her to the bed. Song Xi had no time to escape as her ankle was firmly grasped. She cried out, "After tossing and turning all night, aren't you tired!"
He leaned down and kissed her, "Who says I'm not young."
...
Song Xi deeply experienced his "youth." When it came to stamina, Lou Yuming showed absolutely no signs of being a middle-aged man.
Song Xi, delicate and weak, finally surrendered.
When she woke up again, it was already two in the afternoon.
The man was fully dressed and sitting on the sofa, projecting an air of refined roguishness.
Song Xi lazily rolled her eyes, hypocrite!
*Knock, knock—*
A knock sounded at the door. Song Xi thought it was the food delivery and was about to get up, but Lou Yuming commanded, "Lie down!"
Song Xi's heart fluttered with a mix of apprehension and flattered disbelief.
No way, no way, was he going to personally feed her in bed?
That would be too much...
Just as Song Xi was both anticipating and rejecting the idea, Lou Yuming said, "Coming."
Shao Cheng handed over the bag. He thought Song Xi was still asleep and spoke without reservation, "I told you to go easy! Is it serious? Will medicine help, or should you go to the hospital?"
"She's not going."
On the bed, Song Xi burrowed into the covers in embarrassment.
Shao Cheng heard the movement and froze, his mouth opening but no sound coming out, "She's awake?"
Lou Yuming nodded slightly.
Shao Cheng quickly closed the door, "Why didn't you say so earlier! Right, has her fever broken?"
Lou Yuming glanced at him, "Why are you so concerned about her?"
"She's a patient! Are you going to be jealous about that too? So petty!"
Lou Yuming's face darkened, his eyes showing displeasure.
"Where is that kid from the Feng family now?"
Shao Cheng replied, "He waited outside the swimming hall all night yesterday. He found out Song Xi had already left. That kid was so angry he smashed the place!"
Lou Yuming's tone was ominous, "Quite the temper."
"He's the only heir of the Feng family, and he hangs out with Zhang Qi, so of course, he has a temper."
Lou Yuming's cold eyes lowered, and he said lightly, "Did you find out why he's causing trouble for Song Xi?"
"We found out last night. If I didn't want to disturb you two—"
The teasing remark was swallowed back as Lou Yuming gave him a look.