This time, compared to the last, it was much more delicate, and much more lingering.
He was no longer hurried or flustered, no longer driven by instinct. He savored every sensation.
Immersed in this incredibly intimate experience…
Just as he was about to delve deeper, the jarring ring of a cell phone broke the spell.
It was Gu Siyi's phone, resting on the nearby nightstand.
The ringtone persisted relentlessly. Gu Siyi was forced back to reality, whimpering, "I… I need to answer the phone…"
Xia Zhijun released her and picked up the phone. The caller ID displayed "Pei Pei."
He frowned and handed the phone to Gu Siyi.
"Are you asleep?"
"…Not yet."
"Me neither, I can't sleep! Su Han is drunk, sleeping like a log, and that brainiac Xue Bayi is probably dead asleep too. Let's play a game, let's team up!" Zheng Peipei's enthusiastic invitation echoed from the phone.
Gu Siyi glanced at Xia Zhijun. His sculpted form was bare before her eyes, his touch and warmth still lingering…
At a time like this… how could she play games?
Xia Zhijun, observing her, nodded.
Gu Siyi looked at him with questioning eyes.
After Zheng Peipei hung up, Xia Zhijun said, "Go ahead, play games with her."
"But…"
"But what?"
"We… this…" she hesitated, stammering, her face flushing as she finally finished, "Isn't it… not over yet…?"
Xia Zhijun looked at her with a playful smile. "You want to continue?"
Gu Siyi was incredibly embarrassed by his question, especially with that teasing glint in his eyes… Lowering her head, she mumbled, "Then I'll play the game."
Halfway through the game, Xia Zhijun became restless again.
"Hey… what… what are you doing…?"
"You play yours, I'll play mine."
Xia Zhijun leaned in, a mischievous glint and a hint of wickedness in his eyes.
"Don't… don't mess around…"
The game reached a fever pitch. Gu Siyi was playing as a support, a role crucial in team fights. However, Xia Zhijun's "misconduct" made her limbs feel like jelly and her mind foggy…
Her phone fell to the floor. She collapsed weakly, biting her lip, unable to control her rapid breathing.
As the escalating pleasure reached its peak, her mind went blank.
Xia Zhijun lay down, pulling her into his embrace, gently soothing her.
On the other end of the phone, due to Gu Siyi's sudden disconnect, their team lost its most important damage dealer. The team fight crumbled, and the enemy pushed straight through, destroying their base. Zheng Peipei sent a few messages to Gu Siyi on WeChat, but receiving no reply, she assumed Gu Siyi had fallen asleep mid-game and didn't bother her further.
Curled in Xia Zhijun's arms, Gu Siyi's breathing gradually evened out, but the flush on her face lingered.
Xia Zhijun gazed at her, her sweet and innocent appearance never failing to captivate him.
But under his gaze, she became even more shy, burying her head deeper into his chest.
Xia Zhijun gently stroked her hair, no longer teasing her, intending to let her rest properly.
They had a few more days together. Tonight's experience had laid a good foundation for their future intimacy.
After his previous unsuccessful attempt, he had studied numerous educational videos and articles. With his genius-level intellect, he grasped the concepts quickly, becoming thoroughly familiar with female anatomy.
He wasn't in a hurry now; the most important thing was to adjust her mood and comfort level.
Seeing her like this also brought him a different kind of satisfaction.
Xia Zhijun gently stroked Gu Siyi's hair. Between the lingering pleasure and exhaustion, soothed by his tender embrace, Gu Siyi drifted off to sleep.
The next day, as the four of them ate breakfast together, Zheng Peipei recalled last night's events, complaining to Gu Siyi, "How could you fall asleep mid-game? I can't believe it! We had such a good advantage, and they turned it around and beat us."
Remembering last night, Gu Siyi was instantly mortified, her ears turning red.
Just as she was about to say something, Xia Zhijun spoke, "After we go back to our rooms at night, we should all rest and not call each other. How do you know she wasn't asleep and you woke her up, forcing her to play games with you?"
"…" Zheng Peipei was speechless.
She had subconsciously assumed Gu Siyi hadn't been asleep…
Because when they shared a dorm, Gu Siyi used to stay up even later than she did.
Now that Xia Zhijun mentioned it, she realized she had been inconsiderate.
Zheng Peipei immediately asked Gu Siyi, "Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry, I didn't know."
Gu Siyi: "No… I was just about to sleep, a little sleepy."
Su Han patted Zheng Peipei's head, comforting her, "Just be more mindful next time."
Xia Zhijun, not as gentle as Su Han, added indifferently, "From now on, after we return to our rooms, we should all rest."
He didn't want a repeat of that sudden interruption for the next few nights.
That evening, Xia Zhijun specifically arranged a private dinner with Gu Siyi on the observation deck of the small villa.
The distant sea and sky merged into one, while candles and champagne created a romantic atmosphere.
Xia Zhijun took out a velvet box and handed it to Gu Siyi. "This is for you."
"A gift for National Day?" Gu Siyi smiled.
Like any young person, she enjoyed receiving gifts, and she happily opened the box.
A diamond ring lay nestled inside, sparkling brilliantly.
Startled, she looked up at Xia Zhijun. "Why are you giving me this?"
Xia Zhijun walked to her side, took the ring, lifted her hand, and slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly.
He crouched beside her, looking into her eyes. "I feel I should give you a token for what I've done."
"…" Gu Siyi looked at him questioningly, uncertainly asking, "Because of… that…?"
Xia Zhijun nodded. "As soon as we reach the legal marriage age, I will marry you."
Looking at his serious expression, Gu Siyi felt a mix of emotions, both touched and amused.
Raising her hand, she admired the sparkling diamond ring, teasing him deliberately, "Do you think you can tie me down with just a ring? Even if you want to marry me, I might not necessarily marry you. We're still young, so… that… was just a bit of fun."
"Just a bit of fun?" He frowned.
"Ah…" She felt a little guilty.
Xia Zhijun smiled, leaning close to her ear, his voice laced with a dangerous undertone. "Then I'll have to work harder to make you so happy you forget everything else."
"…" The images of last night flashed through her mind, and Gu Siyi felt uneasy.
But, at the same time, she couldn't help but… anticipate…
However, this night wasn't as comfortable as the last.
He was serious this time. The beginning was alright, but when the crucial moment arrived, all she felt was pain.
Xia Zhijun held her tenderly, offering comfort.
Tears welled up in Gu Siyi's eyes. Never one to be particularly sensitive to pain, she was defeated by this tearing sensation, her face paling.
Xia Zhijun's heart ached for her. Her discomfort greatly diminished the pleasure he had anticipated.
"I should have been gentler…"
"It won't hurt next time…"
"It's okay…" Gu Siyi hugged him. "It's alright… I'm willing."
After this intense experience, she realized that the last time hadn't been successful at all…
It was painful, truly painful, but bearable.
And within this pain, there was an indescribable, intense sense of belonging.
It was alright, she could endure it, for this deeper connection.
Gu Siyi relaxed, and Xia Zhijun relaxed along with her. They were adapting to each other.
Like a small boat on a vast ocean, tossed and turned by the waves…
Like venturing hand-in-hand towards the edge of the universe, exploring all that is known and unknown…
Like ascending to heaven, like descending into hell, whether climbing mountains or diving into the sea, they had each other's souls to rely on and bodies to borrow.
…
The next day, when Gu Siyi woke up, she was still sore, even walking was uncomfortable.
Sensing her discomfort, Xia Zhijun said, "Let's not go out today, just rest in the room."
"Staying in the hotel when we're here to have fun… feels strange…" Gu Siyi mumbled.
"Resort hotels are meant for relaxing, enjoying the food and the scenery," Xia Zhijun said. "I'll let Su Han know, so they can make their own plans."
Xia Zhijun called Su Han, who had the same idea. They readily agreed.
Su Han, a busy man, rarely had a chance to vacation. Zheng Peipei wanted to spend every moment with him, happily staying in the hotel until the end of time.
Xia Zhijun carried Gu Siyi to the bathroom for a soak.
After breakfast, he accompanied her on the sofa, playing games.
By the seaside, bathed in sunlight, they spent their time happily and leisurely.
Tired from playing, Gu Siyi nestled lazily in Xia Zhijun's arms, utterly content…
Squinting, she looked up at Xia Zhijun's handsome face, her ring-adorned finger tracing his features, a playful smile on her lips. "I must have been a really good person in my past life, done so many good deeds, accumulated so much virtue, to be able to snag you in this life."
Xia Zhijun picked up a nearby straw hat, shielding her from the glaring sun. "I was the one who pursued you."
"Oh… then why did you pursue me?" she asked with a beaming smile. Like a rescued child, she always wanted to hear these somewhat meaningless sweet nothings.
"Because…" he paused.
"Hmm?" Gu Siyi's heart was aflutter.
He said casually, "I'll tell you when you marry me."
"Ugh… so mysterious." Gu Siyi grumbled playfully.
Xia Zhijun spent two relaxing days with Gu Siyi until she felt no discomfort, could walk without pain, and gradually returned to her normal state. Only then did he feel at ease. During this time, their companionship and intimacy were as pure as it had been in high school. His kisses were light and brief.
That night, Xia Zhijun was swimming in the private infinity pool on the villa's terrace.
Gu Siyi was inside playing games with Zheng Peipei. Glancing up, she saw him swimming outside, his body exhibiting graceful and fluid movements.
She took a deep breath, feeling an indescribable… yearning.
After finishing a game, she changed into her swimsuit and jumped into the pool.
Ripples spread as she swam to his side and embraced him…
Xia Zhijun turned, his long, wet eyelashes blinking, a smile revealing two small dimples, innocent yet alluring, like a captivating little sprite.
He pressed her against the wall, his voice husky. "Are you alright now?"
"…Mm-hmm."
"No more pain?"
Understanding his implication, she nodded firmly.
Yes, completely healed. She wanted to experience again that profound connection, the merging of body and soul.
Meeting her clear and candid, passionate and expectant gaze, Xia Zhijun couldn't control himself and kissed her.
…
The eight-day holiday flew by, and when it was time to return, everyone felt reluctant to part.
Especially Zheng Peipei, who was so sad she cried on the plane. Because once they returned, she and Su Han would resume their long-distance relationship. Su Han comforted her, "Don't cry, I'll make time to see you."
Zheng Peipei choked back sobs. "Why do you have to be a celebrity… why does your work have to be so busy… I also want to be like Zhijun and Siyi, having a boyfriend with me every day… I miss you so much I can't sleep, I can only stare at your photos and videos… I don't dare tell anyone you're my boyfriend…"