Chapter 153: Chapter 154: Blinded by Lust

Gu Qichen paused. He hadn't expected the usually reserved Xia Yangyang to act so boldly in public. Her face flushed crimson with shyness after their kiss. She quickly returned to her seat, pretending nothing had happened.

But Gu Qichen leaned in again. "Honey," he murmured, "I think there's sauce on my mouth."

Xia Yangyang glared at him. This man…

Clearly, teasing had consequences. She reluctantly wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Gu Shengyuan couldn't contain himself. "You two, get a room! We have guests." He said this, but inwardly, he was pleased.

After dinner, Xia Liangdong chatted with the elder in the study. Liu Ruyan and Gu Mingzhu discussed the latest Chanel dresses in the living room. Gu Qichen and Gu Zhaohan conversed in the courtyard.

Xia Weiwei approached Xia Yangyang. "Xia Yangyang, were you laughing at me earlier?"

"Don't jump to conclusions," Xia Yangyang replied. "Gu Qichen served you the beef brisket, not me. If you want to blame someone, blame him."

"He wouldn't have done that without your prompting!"

"Xia Weiwei, I haven't the energy to deal with you."

Xia Weiwei sneered. "I bet you're afraid. You're Mrs. Gu now, but it won't last. When I take your place, I'll repay your humiliations tenfold."

"Xia Weiwei, stop acting foolish. Gu Qichen won't like you."

"Don't be ridiculous! If you can be Mrs. Gu, why not me? What am I lacking? Men are fickle. Are you so sure he won't stray?"

"He won't. I trust him." Xia Yangyang said firmly. She had chosen to trust him from the moment he publicly defended her.

Xia Weiwei laughed. "All men are the same. I don't believe he can resist temptation. Mark my words, he'll fall for me eventually."

Xia Weiwei's threats held no sway over Xia Yangyang. She knew Gu Qichen's ex-girlfriend, Shen Manbing. Compared to Shen Manbing, Xia Weiwei paled in comparison. Ignoring Xia Weiwei, Xia Yangyang went to Gu Qichen's bedroom.

She remembered the room from the elder's birthday party—especially the large glass window dominating one wall. The memory of their passionate encounter sent a blush to her cheeks.

Xia Yangyang surveyed the room: black, white, and gray décor; a simple layout; a large bed and a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf; minimal clutter. Purely Gu Qichen's style.

She idly browsed the books when the door opened. Gu Qichen entered. He approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist. "What are you looking at?" he asked gently.

Xia Yangyang showed him the book cover: "A Brief History of Time."

He calmly took the book. "Oh? Is it good?"

She’d only been browsing. His breath brushed her lips. Pinned against the bookshelf by his arms, their eyes met, the atmosphere thick with unspoken desire. Xia Yangyang realized men could be seductive, too—especially Gu Qichen at that moment.

Swayed by his charm, she kissed him playfully. "Not as good as looking at you!"