Chapter 154/155: The Unblinking Capitalist

Gu Qichen's eyebrows twitched. This was the second time today Xia Yangyang had kissed him. Afterward, she avoided his gaze, shy and embarrassed. She wondered if she was being too forward and couldn't decipher the emotions in his deep eyes. Did he dislike her boldness?

Feeling awkward, she forced a smile and tried to pull away. Before she could succeed, Gu Qichen scooped her up, not in his usual princess-style lift, but pinning her against a bookshelf, holding her waist. She gasped and instinctively wrapped her legs around him. He pulled her closer, holding her buttocks. Their position was intensely intimate; they could feel each other's heartbeats and the heat of their bodies through their clothing. Before she could react, he kissed her again—a long, lingering kiss.

They ended up entangled on the bed. At the height of their passion, a knock came at the door. Xia Yangyang tensed, trying to push him away, but he wouldn't stop. She felt a mixture of overwhelming passion and mounting anxiety as the knocking continued. This level of abandon was new to her, a rule-following girl. She reached her peak amidst the thrill. Then, everything faded, leaving her feeling peaceful and blissful, as if floating in warm water, like a child in her mother's arms.

Gu Qichen gazed at her, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead gently. He watched her rosy smile, unwilling to miss a single expression. Half an hour later, they emerged from the room.

Xia Yangyang showered, changed into fresh clothes, and regained her composure, though the blush on her cheeks remained, like fiery clouds. The housekeeper had knocked three times: once to summon them to the living room for fruit (at Gu Mingzhu's request); a second time, for the elder Gu to discuss something with Gu Qichen; and finally, to announce that guests were leaving.

Xia Liangdong was departing as Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen came downstairs. Gu Mingzhu asked, "What were you two doing up there so long? We've been calling you."

Xia Yangyang's face flushed crimson, and she subtly pinched Gu Qichen. He remained calm, replying casually, "Some urgent company matters required immediate attention. We were delayed."

Gu Mingzhu complained, "You're a workaholic like your father, always thinking about money! Is money everything?"

Xia Liangdong said, "Ah Chen is ambitious—that's a good thing."

Xia Yangyang marveled at Gu Qichen's flawless lie, perfectly suited for a shrewd businessman. Xia Weiwei, however, noticed the hickeys on Xia Yangyang's neck, a clear indication of their activities in the room.