"Okay, no problem. Do you want me to go with you tomorrow?" he asked.
"No, no need. Work is more important. You can just drop me off, or I'll take another car when I'm ready to go. There's no need to disturb yourself—I'm not a child," she replied, smiling at him sweetly. To her surprise, he smiled back the same way.
"Woah, I've never seen you smile so sincerely before. What got into you tonight?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't worry about it. It's late already, let's sleep," she chuckled, lying beside him with her back facing him. Her words left him pondering as he lay down beside her, pulling the duvet up to cover them both.
---
**Next Morning - 8:00 AM**
When Xiotan woke up, she was surprised to find herself enveloped in a warm embrace, Li Cheng's body pressed close to hers. His leg was intertwined with hers, and his hot breath fanned her neck. The intimacy felt both strange and unexpectedly comforting. It was unusual for him to still be in bed at this hour.
"Cheng'er, won't you be late for work? It's getting late," she gently tried to wake him, tapping his hand. But instead of waking, he tightened his hold on her.
That's strange.
"Cheng'er, come on, get up," she insisted, but he didn't listen. This time, his hand began to roam, sliding under her nighty to gently cup her breast. The sudden, tender touch made her gasp.
This was the first time he had ever touched her like this, and the warmth of her body drew him closer.
"Cheng'er… you need to wake up… it's getting late. Aren't you going to work?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. His response was a gentle pinch on her nipple, rolling it between his fingers.
"Ah… mm, Cheng'er… what are you doing?" she gasped again as he pinched a little harder.
Oh God, what is he doing? He needs to stop. I'm feeling… somehow, she thought to herself.
Li Cheng pulled her nighty down, exposing her breast fully. Instinctively, she tried to cover it with her hand.
"Don't do that. That's a bad habit," his deep voice hummed in her ear as he gently removed her hand and pressed her body closer to his, his hands exploring her smooth skin. He couldn't help but kiss her earlobe, trailing down to her shoulder as he rubbed her body gently. An overwhelming urge to touch her took over him.
His hand moved downward, his fingers brushing the edges of her panties. Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned her head slightly, their lips almost touching.
"What's wrong?" he asked, kissing her forehead, surprising himself with the affectionate gesture.
"What are you doing?" she asked softly, her voice trembling as she rubbed her nose against his. But instead of answering, he slipped his hand into her panties, making her clasp her legs together. He smiled at her reaction, his desire palpable.