Volume 1, Chapter 6: The First Kiss

Rong Shaoqin lowered his eyes slowly. Within his field of vision lay the dark-haired head of Sang Haining. Her natural curls were fluffy and faintly fragrant, making her palm-sized face appear even more delicate and petite. Although it was merely a simple hug, it was likely the closest they had been since they married a year ago. It was also the first time Rong Shaoqin had felt just how petite and slender a girl could be. Her waist was so soft and slim that his two hands could easily span it.

Rong Shaoqin pushed her away gently, a rare look of discomfort crossing his usually indifferent face. "I'm going to take a shower."

"Okay." Having just received 800,000, Sang Haining’s almond-shaped eyes curved into crescent moons. Her full, red lips were curled into a pleased arc, and she looked entirely obedient. It was clear she was very happy. It was just an ordinary gift and a simple hug; she was truly easy to please.

Rong Shaoqin’s work-related exhaustion vanished inexplicably. He tugged at his tie. "If you’re hungry, have the staff make you something to eat."

Sang Haining nodded. Once Rong Shaoqin went upstairs, she sent a message to Shen Chuyi: "Crisis averted."

Shen Chuyi: "What’s the situation?"

Sang Haining: "I don't know."

Shen Chuyi: "This paycheck isn't easy to earn. Your boss is a bit temperamental; he seems hard to please!"

The two chatted for a moment, and seeing the time, Sang Haining hurriedly sent a message: "Time for 'work,' talk later."

Shen Chuyi: "Working the night shift? [Image: A yellow-faced emoji]"

Sang Haining sent her a sticker of a character being kicked and spitting blood, then headed upstairs. Pushing open the bedroom door, she found the room draped with heavy curtains, yet brightly lit inside. Because Rong Shaoqin was sensitive to the cold, the room was always kept warm, sometimes even stuffy. The bathroom door was left ajar, with steam seeping out.

Following the damp water marks on the floor, Sang Haining saw Rong Shaoqin sitting on the sofa, clad only in a bath towel around his waist. He leaned back casually, his semi-nude body relaxed. The robust V-taper of his muscles dipped into his lower abdomen, stripping away his usual refined demeanor and replacing it with a wild, rugged handsomeness. Although Sang Haining had never been moved by Rong Shaoqin, she had to admit that among all the men she had ever met, his features and bone structure were the most striking.

She walked behind him and took the initiative to pick up a dry towel, wiping his damp, soft hair. It was then that she noticed he was holding her notebook. It contained observations she had made over the year of their marriage regarding Rong Shaoqin’s preferences. When they had first married, Rong Shaoqin was indifferent to her. After they registered the marriage, he rarely came home, mostly living at the company. To keep her grandmother and his grandmother from worrying, Sang Haining had used their brief moments together at home to carefully observe his habits, then looked after him thoughtfully, gradually easing the relationship between them.

While she was lost in thought, his low, magnetic voice sounded by her ear. "How did you know I hate the dark?"

Sang Haining lowered her eyes, meeting his gaze. "Because you always keep the lights on when you sleep at night."

Rong Shaoqin’s dark, calm eyes rippled. He turned to look at Sang Haining. She was wearing a bespoke white shirt and a traditional pleated skirt, looking both intellectual and elegant. The bright light cast over her head made her skin look as transparent and lustrous as white jade, and her lips were like dewy roses, glistening and moist.

Rong Shaoqin placed his heavy palm on the back of her hand, his voice deep and raspy. "Come here."

Sang Haining moved around to face him. She was about to ask what was wrong when, in the next second, she was pulled into the man’s embrace. A controlling force from behind pushed her, forcing her to stumble forward and kneel on either side of his legs. Immediately after, her slender nape was gripped in his palm, and she felt a dry, crisp sensation against her lips.

Sang Haining was slightly stunned, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes. After a three-second pause, she obediently rested her hands on his broad shoulders. The man's kiss was domineering and lingering, a humid heat where fire and water merged. Sang Haining bit her lip and tilted her head back, her slender neck arching in a fluid curve.

At the critical moment, Sang Haining said, "I'm on my period."

All the ambiguity came to an abrupt halt. Rong Shaoqin buried his face in her neck, breathing heavily, and calmed down in less than a minute. He let go of Sang Haining and said with a calm expression, "I'll buy some next time."

Sang Haining understood what he meant. He did not reject having relations with her, but he still had no intention of having children with her. Sang Haining was easy-going. "Okay."

In truth, for her, the most reassuring state for this marriage—which was destined to be short-lived—was one devoid of any emotional or sexual entanglement. However, since Rong Shaoqin had suddenly taken an interest, as his legal wife, she would not intentionally resist. Fortunately, since he didn't want her to bear his children, she felt temporarily at ease. After all, if they had a child, it would be a lifelong, unbreakable bond even if they divorced later.

Sang Haining sighed and got up to tidy the messy sofa. Once Rong Shaoqin came out of the bathroom and lay in bed, Sang Haining began, as usual, to gently massage his throbbing temples.

Suddenly, her phone rang. It was a call from the Rong family estate. Rong Shaoqin answered. On the other end was Grandmother Rong’s weak voice: "I’m sick. You and Haining should come home tomorrow to see me."

Rong Shaoqin said helplessly, "I check the security cameras every day. You've been jumping around the estate all day; you aren't sick at all."

Grandmother Rong dropped the act entirely, her voice loud and full of energy. "I don't care. If you don't bring Haining to see me, I’ll hang myself at the front door."

The tenth of every month was the day Grandmother Rong habitually tried to brainwash Rong Shaoqin into wanting children. Sang Haining, serving as a bystander, only needed to hand Grandmother Rong water at the right time. Only Rong Shaoqin suffered immensely. But since it was his own grandmother, he had no choice but to spoil her. He had no option but to agree.