Chapter 79: Too Fast
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Before Gu Qingcheng could utter a word, Huo Sicheng pressed on, his tone serious, “I implore you to choose your questions wisely.”
A playful grin formed on Gu Qingcheng’s lips. “What’s got you so apprehensive?” A shadow crept over Huo Sicheng’s eyes.
“What’s the meaning behind your inquiry?
“Are you scared I’ll start calling you ‘eunuch’ again?” Gu Qingcheng’s smile grew radiant, her words dripping with mischief. “Next time, kindly complete your thoughts. Don’t leave them hanging, expecting me to fill in the blanks. I’m no mind-reader, you know. How am I to discern your inner musings?” Seeing Gu Qingcheng’s smile, Huo Sicheng’s mood lifted.
His lips curled slightly, a faint light breaking through his previously somber demeanor.
“I just wish you wouldn’t pose questions that place me in precarious positions.”
Gu Qingcheng shook her head. “No, I simply wanted to ask you about Ji Sisi and the viral rumors today.”
“What do you want me to do?” Huo Sicheng inquired, “I’m certain you have something in mind.”
Gu Qingcheng let out a snort. “Can you suddenly read my thoughts now? Do I have ‘mind-open’ written across my face?”
“If I could read your mind, we wouldn’t have as many disagreements,” Huo Sicheng lamented, a touch of helplessness in his voice.
He wouldn’t have misinterpreted the situation between Qin Jun and Gu Qingcheng at the Imperial Arts entrance, avoiding all that ensuing conflict.
With watery eyes, Gu Qingcheng regarded Huo Sicheng. “Given that we’ve decided to pretend the past never happened, why not just set me free? Ji Sisi can keep her job at Huo Corporation, and I’ll handle the situation between Qi Shaoze and me.”
“Are you suggesting I let Ji Sisi remain in Huo Corp?” Huo Sicheng was taken aback. “You were furious about Ji Sisi and me. Why the sudden change of heart?”
It wasn’t just that she was angry at Huo Sicheng; she also began doubting him.
Gu Qingcheng looked at Huo Sicheng earnestly. After a moment, she spoke softly, “I don’t hold any resentment against Ji Sisi. My anger has always been directed towards you. Ji Sisi might have tried to allure you, but she wouldn’t have succeeded if you weren’t interested. Ultimately, it’s your fault.”
Huo Sicheng’s gaze flickered. He reached out and gently held Gu Qingcheng’s delicate hand, his thumb caressing her palm tenderly.
“I know, ” he admitted, acknowledging that the viral rumors involving Ji Sisi were his biggest blunder. “It won’t happen again.”
Feeling the warmth of Huo Sicheng’s touch, Gu Qingcheng’s heart eased.
However, a pang of jealousy surged when she remembered his betrayal. Suppressing her bitter envy, she reached out and willingly clasped his larger hand.
“Alright.”
Witnessing Gu Qingcheng holding his hand, Huo Sicheng’s eyes, bright as stars, shimmered. His gaze turned even softer, radiant with the joy of seeing her smile.
“Qingcheng…” He murmured her name in a husky, gentle voice, laced with an indescribable tenderness.
Gu Qingcheng’s heart skipped a beat. Huo Sicheng’s gaze felt so warm and tender, as though he had cherished her for years.
She stood transfixed, her heart racing.
A mesmerizing charm exuded from him. She was captivated.
Leaning in, Huo Sicheng drew Gu Qingcheng closer. Their breaths mingled, their lips nearly touching.
A minuscule movement was all that separated them from a kiss.
Her heart raced wild in her chest.
His heart danced, exultant that he finally held her, not just in marriage but in her embrace.
Desire surged through his veins, but he exercised restraint.
His eyes smoldered with desire as they fixed on Gu Qingcheng. In a heartbeat, he could be kissing her.
Her pulse quickened in response. Huo Sicheng’s breath enveloped her, the warmth of his lips tangible.
Unlike previous encounters, this kiss was tender and cautious.
She succumbed, closing her eyes, lost in his embrace.
Huo Sicheng, bright-eyed, watched as Gu Qingcheng surrendered to the moment, her eyes closed.
The desire to kiss her consumed him.
He leaned in, sealing their lips with a touch.
Heat rose, their surroundings charged with a magnetic allure.
Only when the need for air became pressing did Huo Sicheng release her.
Before him stood Gu Qingcheng, cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling like dew-kissed petals. A breathtaking sight that refused to release his gaze.
Fiery.
The room felt ablaze, the flames of passion surging within him.
Yet he managed to curb the primitive urge, restrain it.
“Qingcheng…” He murmured, his voice laced with years of longing.
Caught in a daze, Gu Qingcheng met his gaze, entranced by the desire gleaming within.
“Yes,” she responded, her voice a tremor of emotions as she leaned, pliant, against him.
Huo Sicheng’s arm encircled her waist, the other hand intertwining their fingers.
“Sleep has evaded us since last night. Shall we retire for some rest?”
Blushing at his suggestion, Gu Qingcheng felt her heartbeat race even faster.
Huo Sicheng’s teasing had effectively dispelled her drowsiness.
His invitation stirred her thoughts.
She had agreed to try again, to give them a chance, but the prospect of sharing a bed was daunting.
“I…” She bit her lip, searching for an excuse.
Huo Sicheng sensed her hesitation, his body tensing.
Terrified she might misunderstand, Gu Qingcheng hastened, “You do realize I’m all over the news today? I need to talk to Qi Shaoze. Nothing more, and nothing will happen between us. You…”
“Alright,” Huo Sicheng interjected gently, “Should I drive you there?”
“No need. I’ll drive myself,” Gu Qingcheng declined.
“Speaking of driving…” Huo Sicheng’s grip on her tightened, concern clouding his eyes. “Can you promise me not to speed like that again?”
Gu Qingcheng met his gaze, her eyes locked onto his.
His gaze, as if capable of stealing her soul, held her captive, refusing to let go.
She stood, momentarily stunned, finally snapping back after a pause. She inquired softly, “Why do you ask?”
“Last time, you raced with Gu Mei,” Huo Sicheng reminded her, his tone laced with worry. “I saw.”
She had even driven perilously close to a cliff’s edge—a thought that sent shivers down his spine.
“You were checking on me? How dare you invade my privacy like that!” Gu Qingcheng’s voice rose, anger flaring. Accusingly, she chastised him, “Let this serve as a reminder: we’re bound by a year-long contract. Don’t think you have carte blanche to control me. If you push me, I won’t hesitate to divorce you once that year’s up!”
The mention of ‘divorce’ stiffened Huo Sicheng’s handsome features.
She still harbored emotions for him. Otherwise, divorce wouldn’t be on the table.
One year—his chance to determine whether they’d share a lifetime together; his future hinged on this timeframe.
Bittersweet feelings surged, yet he understood Gu Qingcheng was holding back, a change from her previous fiery temperament. He felt a mixture of flattery and joy; this newfound control over her emotions was an important step toward acceptance.
He heaved a sigh, grateful for their growing connection.
“I didn’t intend to pry,” he reassured, attempting to soothe her, “It was out of concern for your safety. Someone alerted Chu Yu about your reckless driving, and that’s how I came across the racing footage.”
His efforts at consolation caused Gu Qingcheng’s anger to dwindle, replacing itself with a renewed surge of warmth.
After calming herself, she questioned Huo Sicheng, “Why would someone inform Chu Yu?”
Huo Sicheng found himself at a loss.
He couldn’t admit that, for safety’s sake, any potential mishap had to be reported to him.
In doing so, he had essentially investigated her.
“As for not investigating you,” he offered an explanation, “it was due to your speeding and dangerous driving. Someone alerted Chu Yu, and that’s how I saw the video.”
Astonishment colored Gu Qingcheng’s features. “You did your research? How dare you, Huo Sicheng! How could you invade my privacy like that?” Her tone was accusatory, her anger reborn. She pushed him away, livid, “Let me remind you: I value my privacy.”
Huo Sicheng recognized her outrage, understanding it stemmed from her privacy being invaded.
“And you claim you didn’t hire anyone to look into my affairs,” Gu Qingcheng seethed. “Listen carefully: I need my space.”
Huo Sicheng knew that he’d erred in delving into her matters.
But he also couldn’t reveal the truth: her safety meant he needed to be informed.
“Apologies,” he offered genuinely, eager to placate her. “I promise it won’t happen again. Just vow you won’t drive recklessly.”
Quelling her temper, Gu Qingcheng eyed Huo Sicheng. “Alright.”
Returning to her room, she retrieved her phone. Qi Shaoze had made numerous calls, but with Huo Sicheng present, she refrained from returning them. Instead, she asked Huo Sicheng to take her to the garage.
Observing her change in demeanor, a bitter pang surged through Huo Sicheng’s heart.
He knew Qi Shaoze had contacted her.
Regardless, the contract bound her for a year. She belonged to him, not Qi Shaoze.
As he watched her car drive away, his hand instinctively moved to his chest, the sensation a curious blend of bitterness and warmth.
Their marriage… their first time as a harmonious couple.
No—this marked the first occasion they shared warmth since their youthful connection. It was a memory he’d etch into his heart.
Gu Qingcheng sped away from Wanmei Villa, dialing Qi Shaoze’s number and demanding, “Qi Shaoze, explain why we’re trending together..”
