White Lotus 28

…Huo… Huo Dabo?

Xiao Zexing was really a devil for coming up with such a mind-blowing and soul-stirring nickname!

 

Tang You subconsciously glanced at Huo Xunan's face.

Facing her childhood crush, she couldn't bring herself to call him "Dabo" no matter what.

 

Xu Mao, on the side, choked and bent over while coughing incessantly.

 

After coughing enough, he hunched over and laughed, resembling a cooked, spicy crayfish.

 

Huo Xunan broke the deadlock and still remaining courteous, he said, "If we're talking about it seriously, the age difference isn't much. How can you call me Dabo? It's better to call me Ge."

 

Xiao Zexing glanced at him and said, "Are you also planning to call me Second Uncle like Yuyu?"

 

Huo Xunan met his gaze and smiled knowingly, then turned to Tang You and said, "What your Second Uncle said makes sense. We mustn't mess up the generational hierarchy."

 

Tang You: "Huh?"

 

Did she really have to call her childhood crush "Huo Dabo"?

 

Other people were called wife fans, girlfriend fans, daughter fans, and mother fans. What did that make her?

 

Niece fan?

 

Tang You was astonished.

 

"But calling someone Dabo does sound a bit unpleasant." Huo Xunan smiled as he looked at Xiao Zexing. "Why don't we compromise and lower the hierarchy a bit?"

 

Tang You hesitated and instinctively looked at Xiao Zexing. "Then what should I call you?"

 

Xu Mao was about to speak up with a smug smile when Xiao Zexing caught his eye and immediately made the gesture of zipping his mouth shut.

 

Xiao Zexing calmly said, "Call me Zexing-ge or Xing-ge, whichever you prefer."

 

At this moment, an incredible thought popped into Tang You's mind.

 

If she really called Xiao Zexing "Ge," then should Xiao Weijing call her Aunt? What should Tang Xiao call her?

 

Huo Xunan smiled. "That sounds good."

 

Tang You suddenly had a feeling of betraying her teachers and ancestors, while  feeling compelled to say, "Zexing-ge."

 

Xiao Zexing casually picked up a strawberry and handed it to her lips, smiling, "Wouldn't it have been better if you did this earlier? You don't have to see me as an elder."

 

The strawberry was very sweet.

 

Tang You chewed slowly, staring blankly at Xiao Zexing for several seconds.

 

No, he was different from Jiang Chenting.

 

Although both were called "Ge," they were still different.

 

However, she found it difficult to explain exactly where the difference lay.

 

Huo Xunan smiled and asked Tang You about her studies, she temporarily set aside her doubts and answered his questions.

 

Throughout the night, Tang You never stopped chatting happily with Huo Xunan.

 

Even Xu Mao's words weren't as important to her anymore.

 

Before leaving, Huo Xunan not only took a photo with her but also exchanged contact information.

 

Tang You was so excited that she almost thought she was dreaming.

 

After all, when she imitated the postures of the heroes in movies during her childhood, she never imagined that one day she would actually get the contact information of her male god!

 

Xiao Zexing remained quiet the whole time and didn't stop her communication with Huo Xunan.

 

It was only when they were leaving that he casually asked her, "Do you like that type of person, like Xunan?"

 

Tang You was momentarily stunned by his question, "What do you mean?"

 

"Isn't he your childhood crush?" Xiao Zexing asked.

 

Tang You excitedly nodded, "Yes, yes! I can't believe Second… Xiao Xing-ge is actually friends with him."

 

Xiao Zexing didn't show any emotions. "From childhood to adulthood, Xu Nan has always been popular with the opposite sex."

 

Tang You vigorously nodded, "Definitely! He has so many, many fans!"

 

"I'm not familiar with wife fans." Xiao Zexing absentmindedly smoothed out a stray strand of hair on her head and smiled. "But Xu Nan's wife is currently in China."

 

Caught off guard,Tang You doubted her own ears. "Huh?"

 

Xiao Zexing smiled and continued, "Xu Nan has been keeping his marriage hidden for three years, fearing that the outside world would disturb his wife, so he has never made it public."

 

Tang You: !!!

 

Her childhood crush was already married.

 

After being married in secret for three years, no wonder he hadn't had any new work for such a long time and hadn't appeared in public…

 

Seeing Tang You's stunned expression, Xiao Zexing chuckled, "Why do you have such a surprised expression? Is it hard to believe?"

 

Tang You mechanically nodded. "It's a bit sudden."

 

Although she wasn't a fanatical fan, hearing this mind-blowing gossip about her male god was still shocking.

 

Xiao Zexing loosened his tie and casually mentioned, "Xunan got married at the same age as me."

 

Tang You agreed: "Indeed, Ge is not young anymore. It's time for him to get married."

 

Xiao Zexing waited for her to continue, but Tang You focused on looking out the window and didn't say another word.

 

After arriving at the hotel, Tang You absentmindedly put down her handbag and walked into her room.

 

Xiao Zexing leaned down, picked up her abandoned bag from the couch, and placed it neatly on the shelf, saying, "Youyou."

 

Tang You turned around blankly and asked, "What's wrong?"

 

Xiao Zexing carefully fastened the clasp on her bag and smoothed it out, while patting it flat. "Tell me, do you still dislike Xu Mao?"

 

Tang You fell silent for a moment and nodded, "Mm."

 

Although Wang Yunquan was the planner and executor of the entire incident, it wouldn't have happened without Xu Mao's orders.

 

"Come here," Xiao Zexing asked. "What do you think?"

 

"After all, he seems to be your friend," Tang You slowly walked to him, choosing her words carefully: "If I really make things difficult for him or don't give him a way out, it would ultimately be hard on you, right?"

 

"In that case, you don't need to forgive him anymore." Xiao Zexing smiled and gazed at her, saying, "You don't need to consider 'saving face for me.' Do whatever you want to do without worrying about how it affects me."

 

Tang You stared at Xiao Zexing intently.

 

Unlike Huo Xunan, who was once a carefree and unrestrained wanderer, he now exuded a gentle and refined aura.

 

But Tang You found it difficult to describe Xiao Zexing with fixed terms.

 

He was unique.

 

None of those words were suitable to describe him.

 

"Xu Mao's lesson is more than just this," Xiao Zexing patted her head gently, "Just like today when you called me Zexing-ge, I will support you."

 

Tang You couldn't help but ask, "There's one more thing I want to ask you."

 

"Go ahead."

 

"If it wasn't me that day, but someone else sent to your bed by Wang Yunquan, what would you have done?"

 

Xiao Zexing calmly replied, "I would have asked the waiter to remove them."

 

Tang You was stunned and instinctively retorted, "But you stayed in the room for a long time that day, and you should have heard the sound of running water… You were planning to come and see."

 

Before she could finish speaking, she saw his foot heading in the direction of the bathtub.

 

It was definitely not the gesture of someone trying to chase someone away.

 

Xiao Zexing chuckled, "I knew it was you before you spoke."

 

Tang You was puzzled. "How did you know?"

 

Xiao Zexing paused for two seconds before tactfully saying, "Besides you, there probably wouldn't be any adult woman wearing children's underwear with carrots and bunnies on them."

 

That seemed about right.

 

Tang You's filming tasks were completed early, so she booked a flight back to her home country.

 

Xiao Zexing still had some unfinished business and stayed behind.

 

To Tang You's surprise, Yang Mingwei also wanted to accompany her back to her home country.

 

Tang You had to explain to Yang Mingwei, "I don't have any other projects now, so you don't need to come back with me."

 

Yang Mingwei smiled and said, "Mr. Xiao instructed me to be your assistant for the next half-month."

 

Helpless, Tang You proposed a compromise: "How about this? You can drop me off at the airport; the flight goes directly to West Jing Airport, so you don't need to worry about safety issues."

 

"Mr. Xiao said it's necessary to ensure your safety at home," Yang Mingwei insisted on accompanying her. Tang You couldn't help but surrender in defeat. "I believe you were sent by Second Uncle to spy on me."

 

Tang You and Yang Mingwei couldn't help it, but what Tang You never expected was that she would encounter the Cherry Elementary School Girl again on the return flight.

 

Her seat happened to be across the aisle from Tang You.

 

As soon as she saw Tang You, the Cherry Elementary School Girl's eyes lit up, and she greeted her with a smile, "Yu—"

 

Before she could pronounce the "ko" sound, Tang You hurriedly approached and covered her mouth, saying, "Don't call me by that name; let's talk properly."

 

The Cherry Elementary School Girl stuck out her tongue and looked at Yang Mingwei behind Tang You, understanding the situation: "Is the one behind you your boyfriend? He's quite handsome."

 

"No," Tang You said, "Don't talk nonsense; he's my assistant."

 

The Cherry Elementary School Girl still had a "I understand, I understand" expression.

 

Tang You couldn't be bothered to argue with her on this matter. She tilted her head back, put on an eye mask, and closed her eyes to rest.

 

When they arrived at West Jing Airport, it was already 3 p.m.

 

 

Yang Mingwei carried Tang You's luggage and walked beside her. Just as they were leaving the exit, the Cherry Elementary School Girl next to them raised her phone with a smile, seemingly live-streaming.

 

The Cherry Elementary School Girl had just signed a contract with a live-streaming platform, committing to five hours of regular streaming each day. Recently, she was in a competition with another similar female streamer to attract popularity and viewership by any means necessary.

 

However, the Cherry Elementary School Girl couldn't compete with someone who had been stationed on the platform since its inception, and her fan base was not as stable. When she became anxious, she couldn't help but resort to some provocative actions, such as live-streaming during the S&C shoot. Although she didn't mention the brand name, she deliberately showed glimpses of a few clothing items from the brand, sparking discussions.

 

Now, the Cherry Elementary School Girl had set her sights on Yuko, who had always been low-key and never showed her face.

 

Yuko's face! And with her boyfriend, it would be such an attention-grabbing topic.

 

Making a quick decision, the Cherry Elementary School Girl immediately started a live stream. She saw Yuko walking past, pretending to casually bump into her.

 

She didn't want to ruin her relationship with Yuko.

 

She couldn't be too obvious about it.

 

"I just got off the plane," Cherry Elementary School Girl said sweetly. "The fruit supplied by X Airline was delectable, um…"

 

Just as she was about to reach Tang You, her heart raced.

 

She was just waiting for Yuko to appear in the frame and, coincidentally, meet again.

 

Right before she was about to capture the moment, a large hand took her phone from her, covered the camera, and ruthlessly closed the live stream. After doing everything, the person looked at her with a displeased expression and said, "Madam, please be careful not to expose others' privacy."

 

The Cherry Elementary School Girl was angry and couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean?"

 

Yang Mingwei handed her the phone and said, "Exactly what it means."

 

Tang You heard the argument, and she lazily turned her head.

 

The Cherry Elementary School Girl seemed a bit aggrieved. "Yuko, why is your boyfriend so fierce?"

 

"Firstly, he's my assistant." Tang You removed her headphones and looked at the Cherry Elementary School Girl with a cold and proud gaze. "Secondly, I know what you're trying to do by starting a live stream at this time; I advise you to give up on that idea; not everyone in the world is your mother and obliged to indulge you."

 

The Cherry Elementary School Girl didn't expect Tang You to have such a sharp tongue and was shocked, releasing her grip.

 

Tang You didn't look at her, and walked away quickly.

 

The Cherry Elementary School Girl was even more foolish than she had imagined.

 

So foolish that talking to her made Tang You feel her IQ and EQ plummet at a rate of one point per second.

 

Feeling irritated, Yang Mingwei made a phone call to inquire about the location of their driver. Tang You stood idly by, waiting. Suddenly, she heard someone call her name in a deep voice, cutting through the music in her ears: "Tang You."

 

Tang You turned around, squinting her eyes as she looked into the sunlight.

 

It was Xiao Weijing and Wen Ling, one behind the other.

 

Wen Ling didn't look well; she had lost weight since the last time they met. She still had a bandage wrapped around her wrist, which was particularly noticeable.

 

Tang You felt like she should have checked the almanac today to see if it was inauspicious for travel.

 

Why were they both coming her way?

 

With the patch that Miao Jiaxi had prepared in advance, Tang You now knew better than to naively think that these two had come to give her money.

 

Tang You removed her headphones once again.

 

To show respect for the idiots, she specifically removed both of them.

 

After all, Xiao Weijing's eyes didn't seem to be in good shape, so maybe his ears weren't either.

 

Xiao Weijing looked at Tang You with a complex gaze.

 

They hadn't seen each other for some time.

 

But Tang You looked especially radiant today in her pale yellow dress, high ponytail, and with her unstoppable vitality.

 

The sunlight hit her face, accentuating her translucent white skin.

 

Her gentle and weak expression had disappeared completely.

 

Why didn't he notice before that she had such a beautiful and determined side?

 

Tang You asked, "What brings you here?"

 

Xiao Weijing snapped out of his daze slightly; his face tensed. "Mother asked me to pick you up for dinner."

 

Tang You raised an eyebrow and looked at Wen Ling beside him, smiling. "Together with Miss Wen? Did something happen between you and Miss Wen, inviting me over for a drink?"

 

"Not really," Xiao Weijing couldn't help but explain. "Wen Ling is now my assistant; we're just friends."

 

Oh.

 

Tang You lowered her gaze and looked at Wen Ling's wrist, silently smiling.

 

Truly a "heroic sacrifice," she had been so pitiful when she called before, and now she had quickly found a way out.

 

Tang You shrugged and said, "Well, that's a pity. I really thought you two were a good match."

 

Xiao Weijing didn't detect the sarcasm in her tone.

 

He was just surprised by Tang You's gesture.

 

This posture couldn't be described as graceful; even when Wen Ling did it, she was quite casual, like a man. But when Tang You did it, it exuded a free and beautiful spirit.

 

Clean and straightforward.

 

"But," Tang You smiled, "Considering we were engaged once, let me remind you that the person beside you is no good bird."

 

Wen Ling didn't expect her to be so blunt; she looked embarrassed but kept her mouth shut.

 

It was rare for Xiao Weijing to not be provoked. He actually appreciated Tang You's straightforwardness at this moment and couldn't help but laugh, "Why?"

 

Tang You didn't say anything further; she just looked at Xiao Weijing with a look of pity and said, "If you had half the brain your Second Uncle has, you wouldn't ask such a foolish question."

 

Xiao Weijing's smile froze.

 

After Yang Mingwei finished his call, he smiled and informed Tang You, "Miss Tang, the driver is waiting downstairs."

 

Tang You walked away, taking a few steps before turning back, she waved at Xiao Weijing with a smile, and said, "Stupid donkey, goodbye."

 

Stupid donkey, Xiao Weijing: "…"

 

He realized too late that Tang You was no longer doing these things to catch his attention.

 

It seemed that Tang You really didn't like him anymore.

 

This realization left Xiao Weijing feeling empty.

 

It was as if someone had forcefully poked a tiny hole in his heart, and a hollow wind blew through it.

 

Wen Ling called out to him, "Lao Xiao?"

 

Xiao Weijing was forcefully pulled out of his daze.

 

Looking at Wen Ling's anxious expression at the moment, he remembered Tang You's words, and a sense of unease arose in his heart. But as soon as he thought about Wen Ling crying and saying that she almost lost her life to save him, he couldn't find any words to say.

 

In the end, Wen Ling saved his life.

 

She was willing to risk her own life to bring him back to shore.

 

Just this alone was enough for Xiao Weijing to take responsibility.

Xiao Weijing said, "It's nothing. You go back first; I won't take you to the hospital today."

Wen Ling's face turned pale, and she weakly nodded in response.

 

On the way back to the old mansion, Xiao Weijing sat in the back seat, completely absent-minded.

 

He couldn't help but keep thinking about the smile Tang You had before she left.

 

It seemed like she had truly let go.

 

But he seemed to be affected.

 

This emotion was terrible.

 

After returning to the country from France, Xiao Weijing had seriously considered the issue of marriage.

 

In reality, Tang You wasn't as unbearable as he had imagined. He could marry her and gradually teach her. But Xiao Zelin had reminded him that personality was important and difficult to change. Additionally, Xiao Zelin said he would help him break off the engagement.

 

One thing led to another, and it became the current situation.

 

Pushing open the door, as soon as Xiao Weijing took off his coat, he saw Zhao Manlan eagerly approaching.

 

Xiao Weijing naturally understood his mother's intentions.

 

Xiao Weijing looked tired and said, "Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't bring Tang You with me. She refused to come with me and disappointed you."

 

Zhao Manlan smiled and punched him hard in the chest. "You foolish child, you've done so many stupid things and still have the audacity to come back. You've already surprised your mother enough."

 

Zhao Manlan had great strength, and Xiao Weijing winced in pain.

 

Xiao Lao Ye, sitting on the couch, raised his head and looked at this scene of motherly love and filial piety, coldly snorting, "You brought this upon yourself."

 

Zhao Manlan was a little anxious. She turned around and anxiously looked at Xiao Weijing, speaking hesitantly, "Old Master, now that Weijing knows he was wrong, can you help persuade Tang You to come back home? Let's all have a meal together; what do you think?"

 

"Not a good idea. Don't have such thoughts again. Weijing and Tang You aren't suitable. No fate, only separation," Xiao Lao Ye vetoed decisively. "I've already chosen someone for Tang You. It depends on whether she's willing or not."

 

Zhao Manlan frowned and glared at Xiao Weijing with frustration.

 

Coincidentally, Xiao Zelin walked in and only heard the last sentence. He laughed, saying, "Dad, you're only thinking about Tang You. It's time to help Zelin choose someone too. He's not young anymore. You can't let him remain single forever, right?"

 

Xiao Lao Ye took off his glasses and said, "No rush. Once Tang You's marriage is settled, Zelin's turn will come soon."

 

Having returned from France, Tang You instantly returned to her usual lazy lifestyle.

 

But she encountered another difficult situation.

 

Huo Xunan sent a message, inviting Tang You to be the leading actress in the promotional MV for his new movie theme song. The compensation was generous, but there was one requirement: underwater shooting.

 

The promotional video's theme was a mermaid.

 

However, Tang You was afraid of going underwater.

 

When Tang You received the invitation from Huo Xunan, she excitedly agreed without hesitation.

 

Now, seeing the detailed shooting requirements, she was stunned.

 

It was an honor to participate in the MV promotion of her childhood idol's new movie.

 

But she didn't dare to go into deep water.

 

Tang You had just received the invitation and was overjoyed, but now she was at a loss.

 

It was likely an instinctive response, said Tang You's psychologist, who had also suggested this treatment method. However, Tang You always got scared as soon as she tried it.

 

But the thought of working with her childhood idol…

 

Tang You put down her chopsticks and said, "We can give it a try."

 

Meng Yunqiu took a sip of tea and elegantly set down her teacup. "Coincidentally, Zexing just returned to the country, and he's on vacation these days. Why don't we let him help you?"

 

The words "Zexing ge" almost slipped out, but Tang You forcefully held them back: "Does Second Uncle know how to swim?"

 

Meng Yunqiu smiled as she looked at her. "He has more than enough skills to teach you, this little one."

 

Meng Yunqiu was a typical woman of action.

 

The next afternoon, Tang You stood trembling in a swimsuit at the edge of the swimming pool.

 

It was Xiao Zexing's swimming pool.

 

The pool was large and had separate shallow and deep areas. There was a shallow area around the edge, with a depth of 1.4 meters, while the central area was much deeper, with a depth of two meters.

 

Tang You saw Xiao Zexinh's body for the first time.

 

No, that statement was a bit ambiguous. To be precise, it was the first time she saw Xiao Zexing in swimming trunks.

 

His physique was even better than she had imagined. He was naturally tall, and combined with his dedication to exercise, his muscles had smooth contours, and he didn't lack a single one.

 

There were a few long and slightly ferocious-looking scars on his back, but they didn't detract from his handsome appearance. Instead, they added a touch of wildness.

 

Huang Xinyou instinctively transformed into Ding Dang Miao, her gaze lingering for ten seconds before blushing and averting her eyes.

 

Xiao Zexing instructed the servant to bring hot milk and personally handed it to Tang You.

 

Their fingers unintentionally touched.

 

Tang You trembled slightly.

 

Why did her mind suddenly become filled with inappropriate thoughts after such normal physical contact?

 

Her small ears turned red, and her fair neck also blushed.

 

Her swimsuit was a red two-piece, accentuating her snow-white skin and slim waist without a trace of excess flesh, and her legs were slender and clean.

 

Xiao Zexing averted his gaze. "What are you thinking about?"

 

I'm thinking about your beautiful body.

 

Of course, she couldn't say such words. Tang You focused on her breathing and tried to cover up her embarrassment by showering him with compliments. "I didn't expect Brother Zexing to also be able toswim. You're truly capable."

 

"It's not that I can do everything."

 

"Huh?"

 

Xiao Zelin calmly stared at a pigeon flying across the sky. "I can't bear children."

 

Tang You: "…"

 

You're absolutely right.

 

If you could bear children, that would truly be admirable.

 

Tang You finished a whole glass of hot milk before cautiously sitting by the edge of the swimming pool and dipping her little feet in.

 

If it was a shallow area, she could still stand.

 

Xiao Zexing had already gotten into the water, and seeing her cautious appearance, he smiled. "Forget it,  if you're scared, we won't—"

 

"It's okay," Tang You said, staring at the water's surface. "I want to give it a try."

 

It wasn't out of stubbornness.

 

She wanted to try it once.

 

Tang You gripped the railing next to her while trembling, and started walking down.

 

The water reached her chest, and that feeling of breathlessness resurfaced.

 

Xiao Zexing remained by her side, just in case.

 

Tang You was completely in the water now.

 

The water was cool.

 

Thank goodness.

 

Tang You felt okay. She carefully tiptoed—

 

Her body instinctively moved faster than her brain's reaction. Her arms naturally extended, and her feet lightly kicked.

 

She still felt uneasy. As long as her eyes and nose were submerged, the suffocating feeling of being choked at the neck returned, but it was okay.

 

Tang You felt she could endure it.

 

She pursed her lips and, as if burning her bridges, ventured further into the deep area.

 

Xiao Zexing followed her into the water.

 

Tang You didn't look at him, holding her breath. However, as soon as she reached the deep area, that uncontrollable sense of fear surged again. With her lungs running out of oxygen, her face turned pale, and she couldn't control the trembling. She subconsciously wanted to escape.

 

Tang You's hand trembled, and her body involuntarily sank, unable to touch the bottom with her tiptoes, intensifying her fear.

 

She was terrified and couldn't help but call out, "Brother Zexing!"

 

Just as her trembling voice left her mouth, the person beside her reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist.

 

Xiao Zexing held her with one arm, steadily guiding her back to the edge of the pool, saying, "Don't be afraid."

 

Tang You subconsciously held onto his neck tightly, pressing herself against him. The deeply buried fear made her cling to Xiao Zexing.

 

It was like clinging to a piece of driftwood in the deep sea.

 

Tang You was afraid of death. She had reached the center of the pool, where it was deeper—two meters deep. Even if she stood up, her feet wouldn't touch the bottom. She was now even more terrified, trembling and clinging to Xiao Zexing.

 

It was purely a survival instinct.

 

Even if someone gave Tang You a swimming pig right now, she would embrace it without hesitation.

 

Gender consciousness, propriety between men and women—none of that mattered when it came to one's life!

 

Xiao Zexing, who was being embraced, suddenly stiffened.

 

Being held tightly, with warmth and softness in his arms, the unintentional touch of her softness against his hardness, the faint scent of vanilla milk lingering in his nose, while Tang You trembled as she called out to him, "Brother Zexing…"

 

The absurd dreams from the past gradually became a reality at this moment.

 

She couldn't help but tighten her arms.

 

Finally when they reached the shallow area, that timespan of less than a minute felt longer than a year.

 

It was a gentle and sweet torment.

 

Xiao Zexing's muscles tensed as he tried to make her stand. "You, be good; don't hold on so tightly."

 

Tang You, who was completely consumed by fear at this point, ignored the shallow and deep areas.

 

Leaving her here meant drowning her!

 

She held onto Xiao Zexing, her eyes and lashes wet with water, looking at him helplessly.

 

She seemed like someone crying after being bullied.

 

How was she so easy to bully and so easy to deceive, just like a little rabbit?

 

If he had malicious intentions, what if he deceived her and ate her up?

 

Would she plead with him for mercy in the same way?

 

Xiao Zexing's Adam's apple moved slightly, his gaze deepening. Still holding her, he effortlessly swam towards the shore, pressing against the rock wall.

 

His fingers touched the railing, and Xiao Zexinh held onto her waist, while forcefully placing her on the second step of the ladder.

 

Tang You finally felt some relief, but before she could take a breath of fresh air, Xiao Zexing pressed against her.

 

Tang You widened her eyes. "Zexing—"

 

She sat on the step of the ladder, her hair and body soaked with water, while Xiao Zexing stood in the pool, one hand pressing against her back and the other caressing her cheek. Without hesitation, he sealed her lips with his own.

 

Tang You's hands were still resting on his scorching shoulders, forcing her to lower her head as her back was held firmly, pressed closely against him.

 

It wasn't gentle and tender like their first kiss; it was fierce and frightening, as if he truly intended to devour her.

 

Being held like that hurt.

 

But she couldn't make a sound.

 

Three minutes later, Xiao Zexing finally let go.

 

Three long minutes.

 

Tang You's brain went from shutting down in the water to slowly restarting.

 

She snapped out of the fear of imminent drowning, only to fall into panic once again due to this untimely kiss.

 

Xiao Zexing used his fingertips to stroke her cheek, his thumb still pressing against her soft lips, gently outlining their shape.

 

It was as if he were savoring the plunder that had just taken place while restraining himself from devouring her in one gulp.

 

Tang You's voice trembled. "Brother Zelin?"

 

Xiao Zexing's breathing was still unsteady, and his voice was hoarse. "See if you can breathe properly now. After trying artificial respiration, can you breathe better now?"

 

No.

 

Brother Zexing.

 

If only your hands were a bit more disciplined, or if you put away your weapon, or if only she wasn't being pinned down, that reason might have sounded more convincing.

 

Taking a deep breath for two seconds, Tang You asked, "Brother Zelin, do you have any shame?"