Chapter 207: Encounter

Two figures were visible from a distance. Gu Qichen stopped when he saw them clearly. A small marble table sat on the balcony. Xia Yangyang lay asleep on it, while Gu Zhaohan sat beside her, holding a script. He remained motionless, his gaze fixed on Xia Yangyang's face. An inexplicable feeling welled up in Gu Qichen as he witnessed the scene. He then saw Gu Zhaohan gently lower his head and softly kiss Xia Yangyang's cheek.

From Gu Qichen's vantage point, he clearly saw their faces. Xia Yangyang slept soundly, unaware of what was happening. Gu Zhaohan's lips barely touched her cheek; his eyes were closed, his eyelashes fluttering. He gripped the script so tightly it was bent out of shape, his trembling fingers betraying his restraint, endurance, and hidden pain.

Gu Qichen observed this from a dimly lit corner. His eyes darkened, becoming unfathomably black. He slowly clenched his fist, then turned and left.

Xia Yangyang awoke to Gu Zhaohan. Dazed, she asked, "What happened?"

Gu Zhaohan replied, "Wipe your drool. How can a girl have such a bad sleeping posture?"

Xia Yangyang wiped her cheek, but found no drool. "Did I fall asleep? Where were we in the script?" she asked.

"Go back to sleep," Gu Zhaohan said. "No use cramming at the last minute."

Xia Yangyang agreed; they had rehearsed extensively. Lifting her head, she noticed Gu Zhaohan's flushed face. She placed her hand on his forehead: "What's wrong? Your face is red. Are you running a fever?"

Gu Zhaohan stepped back, avoiding her touch. He looked flustered: "I'm fine. I'll go to my room." He quickly left.

Xia Yangyang remained on the balcony, puzzled. What's wrong with Gu Zhaohan? He's so temperamental! she thought. Could he be sick?

Returning to her room at ten o'clock, Xia Yangyang felt surprisingly alert. She wondered about Gu Qichen. He had said he would return tonight, but changed it to tomorrow. She wondered if he was lying or simply too busy with his responsibilities at Shengyuan Group. She sighed, feeling she had no right to complain, but she missed him.

After hesitating, she called Gu Qichen. After a long silence, his deep voice answered, "What do you need?"

Xia Yangyang faltered. His voice was cold, like ice shards. He never spoke to her like that before. Flustered, she said, "Nothing much. I just wanted to ask what you were doing."

Gu Qichen's icy voice replied, "I'm in a meeting."