Loving someone defies all self-control; even knowing it's impossible, one can only conceal it deep within, never to be spoken aloud.
The tent was utterly silent, while the other, though equally quiet, was anything but still.
The distance between them was sufficient to mask any sounds from each other's tents.
Gu Lili lay trembling, overwhelmed by the relentless force behind her.
Her face pressed into the pillow, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, yet he showed no signs of weariness.
Neither spoke a word, each absorbed in their own role.
As the climax neared, Gu Lili could no longer suppress a soft moan, her breath hitching in her throat, spurring him to quicken his pace.
Afterward, she lay spent, murmuring, "Haven't you noticed the way Shi Xiaotian looks at Liang He? There's something off about it."
"Who doesn't see through a woman's little schemes?" He wiped himself clean before lying beside her, brushing a kiss against her cheek. "She's in love with Liang He."
"I don't think Liang He has realized it."
Long Yubei replied, "Love is blind. Whether he sees it or not hardly matters—Liang He would never be with her. He doesn't mix business with pleasure, and his family is strict. Ours, being in commerce, is more flexible, but his has ties to both business and politics. Every married relative—parents, cousins—has wed someone of equal standing, without exception. If that girl has any sense, she'll bury her feelings and stay by his side. If she confesses, he might distance himself entirely."
"True enough," Gu Lili conceded. "I doubt she'll ever speak up."
Propped on his elbow, he gazed at her sidelong. "Knowing Liang He, his taste doesn't run toward plain simplicity. He prefers sophistication—striking, captivating women."
"And you?" she asked. "What's your type?"
"Yours."
"Then it's only a matter of time before you fall for me."
He shot her a wry glance. "Don't be so sure. Fondness and love are worlds apart."
Her laughter rang out, bright and unrestrained.
Dawn had broken by the time Liang He stirred.
The soft patter of rain seeped into his awareness.
The scent of a woman lingered—Shi Xiaotian slept facing him, and for a moment, he was disoriented.
Only then did he realize he'd fallen asleep in her tent.
He remained still, studying her serene, delicate features in slumber.
After a long moment, he finally rose.
When Shi Xiaotian awoke, she found him seated at the tent's entrance, scrolling through his phone. "Good morning, Liang Ge."
"Not really."
"Why not?"
"Why didn't you wake me last night? Or move to my tent?"
She paused mid-brush, her tone even. "You were the one who fell asleep here. I didn't wake you because you seemed peaceful. This is my tent—why should I leave just because you stayed?"
Liang He had no retort; the words had slipped out thoughtlessly.
Once the rain lightened, staff arrived with umbrellas. The four of them departed, leaving the tents to be dismantled and returned to the villa.
Breakfast passed quietly.
They adjourned to the billiards room.
Gu Lili, unfamiliar with the game, received instruction from Long Yubei—a pretense he exploited to flirt with her shamelessly.