With a light snort, she turned and quickly walked toward the villa.
Zihuan’s thin lips slightly curled as he leisurely strolled toward the living room.
Gu Chunrong’s face soured at the sight of him, but she dared not speak harshly due to his status. Zihuan ignored her. He sat on the living room sofa, adjusted Bai Xi into a comfortable position nestled in his arms, leaned back against the chair, closed his eyes to rest, waiting for Ning Qinglin to finish his business and come out. This content belongs to Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Gu Chunrong cursed under her breath, "That damned girl, bringing any man home with her. Has it been centuries since she’s seen a man? Is her butt on fire that she’s still rolling in the sheets with men..."
Bai Lun frowned and glanced at Ning Zihuan with concern, speaking sharply, "What nonsense are you spouting? Keep quiet, don’t make us a laughing stock."
"What’s so funny about me? I think it’s your sister who’s a real joke, making the whole world know about her divorce as if she’s someone important. She’s completely lost face for the Bai Family. What would Mr. Pei think of us, how would he look at Xiangxiang?"
Zihuan’s lips curved in a smirk as he opened his eyes and glanced at Gu Chunrong. The scorn in his gaze made her heart skip a beat, and she found herself unable to utter another word.
In the bedroom upstairs, on a large bed.
The two embraced and whispered softly to each other, creating a very warm atmosphere.
Ten years of separation seemed to pour out all their longing and torment in one embrace.
Bai Ran nestled into his embrace, clutching at his waist, her tears flowing freely, "I really never imagined I could have a day . Qinglin, am I dreaming?"
Ning Qinglin sighed, bent down to kiss her forehead, and gazed deeply into her eyes, "It’s not a dream."
He took her hand and placed it on his chest, "Can you feel it? My heart beats fervently, forever only for you."
Bai Ran could no longer hold back, hooked her arm around his neck, pulled his head down, and kissed his lips.
Their kiss was lengthy and passionate, like wildfire, igniting them both.
After an unknown amount of time, they lay frank and open with each other. Ning Qinglin suddenly stopped, straightened her clothes, and with a smile, caressed her flushed cheeks, "Let’s save this for our wedding night, shall we?"
Bai Ran nodded, burrowing her head in his chest, "Okay...."
Ning Qinglin smiled, holding her with a sigh.
Bai Ran pursed her lips, feeling the abnormal stiffness beneath her, her eyes dimming, "These ten years... how did you cope?"
She didn’t believe a man could live the life of an ascetic monk for ten years. He was in the prime of his life; even if there had been women, wouldn’t that be normal? Despite feeling a twinge of sourness, she desperately told herself that she, a tainted woman, had no right to expect him to remain chaste for her.
Ning Qinglin smiled and took her hand, "It has always belonged only to you."
Bai Ran instinctively retracted her hand at the touch but Ning Qinglin grasped it firmly. She looked at him incredulously, "You...."
"I love you, Ranran. In this life, no other woman has aroused this primal urge in me. I only love you...." His voice trailed off, lost in emotion once more.
Tears welled up in Bai Ran’s eyes. What had she done to deserve such a devoted man? She resolved never to fail him again, a promise made in the depths of her heart.
"Qinglin, you don’t want this here. Let me take care of you," she said with a seductive smile, flipping over to pin him beneath her, and slowly sat up.
Ning Qinglin’s eyes narrowed, "Ranran...you...."
"Mmm...." He groaned softly, his body instantly weakened.
Outside the window, the banquet continued in full swing, but inside the bedroom, it was a heated, amorous affair.
Bai Ran was well-versed in love, far more experienced than the pure-hearted Ning Qinglin could match. It didn’t take long for him to surrender completely.
Ning Qinglin’s fingers gently traced her spine, "Ranran, I’m so happy."
Bai Ran slowly curved her lips into a smile and held him tight.
"The party is still going on downstairs, but we’re up here. Why don’t we go take a look?" Ning Qinglin was still a bit worried.
Bai Ran shifted slightly, "No, let’s not go. My brother and sister-in-law are watching over it; nothing will go wrong. I just want to be with you, not go anywhere."
Ning Qinglin caressed her smooth shoulder and said helplessly, "Alright, we won’t go anywhere."
Then, as if struck by a thought, he added, "If it’s not convenient for you to stay at home, why not move in with me? The university assigned me a house. Although it’s a bit small, it’s no problem for a family of three. I’ve saved some money over the years abroad, so we can buy another place. What do you think?"
The words "a family of three" stirred something in Bai Ran’s heart.