Chapter 48: No Kissing Without Permission

The next morning, Qiao Xi was the first to wake. Lying on her side, she gazed at Fu Yancheng’s sleeping profile beside her.

His normally cold and stern features seemed softened in sleep.

Her gaze unconsciously drifted to the back of his head, where a faint scar could be glimpsed amidst his hair.

A pang of pain pricked her heart.

Unable to resist, Qiao Xi reached out and gently traced the scar with her fingertip.

A warm, broad hand covered hers, fingers enclosing her gently.

Fu Yancheng didn’t open his eyes.

He simply drew her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

His Adam’s apple moved; his voice, thick with sleep, was lazy and hoarse—a low, seductive sound.

“Good morning, Mrs. Fu.”

A blush rushed to Qiao Xi’s cheeks, her heart skipping a beat.

Memories of last night’s passion flooded her mind—he had tormented her endlessly, from bed to sofa, to the bathroom, to the study desk...

It was only when she cried out in pain that he finally relented.

This man was like a starving wolf.

She’d bitten him several times in vain, leaving his back scratched and marked, but he didn’t utter a sound—instead, he became even more fervent.

She gently withdrew her hand. “Go back to sleep a bit longer. I’ll make you breakfast.”

But as soon as she got out of bed, her legs gave way and she collapsed.

Fu Yancheng quickly scooped her up, holding her tightly in his arms. “Rest a while longer.”

His broad hand caressed her waist and pale thighs.

Soon, his lips found hers again, the kisses lingering and intense, and once more sparks kindled into flames.

With last night’s experience, Fu Yancheng was even more adept, every kiss landing on her most sensitive spots.

Broad daylight, and this man was still...

Qiao Xi hadn’t the chance to resent him before he swept her away again, lifting her into ecstasy.

Three hours later.

Fu Yancheng finally bathed her clean and carried her downstairs for breakfast.

He fed her in his arms, and Qiao Xi obediently opened her mouth.

If she didn’t eat soon, she’d surely faint.

After the meal, Fu Yancheng smiled in satisfaction.

He leaned in to kiss her lips, but Qiao Xi pushed him away quickly.

“Fu Yancheng, stay away from me.”

She glared at him in mock anger.

Fu Yancheng responded with a devastatingly charming smile.

“I just wanted a kiss, Mrs. Fu. What are you thinking about?”

“No more kissing,” she declared imperiously, afraid she’d lose control again like this morning.

Fu Yancheng gazed at her spirited display, his eyes deepening with affection.

“All right, all right. We’ll continue tomorrow,” he coaxed softly.

Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the rising intimacy in the kitchen.

“I’ll get the door!”

Qiao Xi seized her chance, slipping from his embrace and running to the entrance.

She composed herself, opened the door, and found Susu smiling at her.

Her gaze, however, was involuntarily drawn to a brand new, shiny red sports car parked outside.

The car’s bold color brimmed with taste and style—especially suited for a woman.

“What’s this...?” Qiao Xi looked at Susu, puzzled.

Susu smiled, stepping aside respectfully. “Madam, this is what President Fu arranged for you.”

At that moment, Fu Yancheng strolled leisurely to the door.

His tone was casual, yet indulgent. “Do you like it?”

Qiao Xi turned to him in surprise.

“It’s for you,” Fu Yancheng said, his deep voice gentle. “Your old car was involved in an accident—bad luck. This one is new and safer.”

He paused, adding, “A token of compensation, too.”

Looking at the car and hearing his words, Qiao Xi felt a surge of emotion.

She mumbled softly, “...It’s too extravagant.”

“Mrs. Fu deserves the best.”

Fu Yancheng turned her to face him, his gaze earnest and profound.

“Wherever you want to go, take this car. I’ll be more at ease. Susu will handle the keys and paperwork.”

He looked down at her, his voice tender but firm. “No refusing.”

Warmth and gratitude filled Qiao Xi’s heart.

She turned, stood on tiptoe, and pressed a gentle kiss to Fu Yancheng’s cheek.

Her voice was soft. “Thank you, darling. I really like it.”

Fu Yancheng was clearly pleased with her initiative; the smile in his eyes deepened.

He pulled her close, lowering his voice suggestively, “A verbal thank you isn’t enough...”

“Mrs. Fu, you can show your gratitude properly tonight, hmm?”

Qiao Xi shot him an exasperated look.

Susu, ever discreet, left the keys and registration, nodding at Fu Yancheng. “President Fu, all the paperwork is done. I’ll return to the office now.”

Fu Yancheng acknowledged her with a hum.

Qiao Xi glanced at the keys in her hand, feeling a sweet warmth inside.

After breakfast, she smiled at Fu Yancheng. “I’d like to try the new car. I’ll drive myself to the office—no need to see me off.”

Fu Yancheng raised an eyebrow, watching her excitement, and nodded.

“Very well. Drive carefully and let me know when you arrive.”

“Got it!”

In high spirits, Qiao Xi slid into the driver’s seat, familiarized herself with the controls, and drove the striking red sports car to Fu Group’s headquarters.

She parked at the building’s entrance, preparing to get out, when a familiar figure caught her eye.

It was Lu Yanzhi.

He was leaning against a black sedan, seemingly waiting for someone.

Qiao Xi’s heart tightened involuntarily, suspicions about him rising anew.

She took a deep breath, composed herself, and got out of the car.

Lu Yanzhi clearly noticed her and the gleaming new sports car at her side.

A gentle, harmless smile appeared on his face as he approached.

“Qiao Xi.”

His gaze landed on the new car. “A new car? It’s beautiful—suits you very well.”

“President Lu...thank you.”

Qiao Xi pressed her lips together.

Lu Yanzhi turned to his car and retrieved several high-end gift boxes, filled with precious supplements and health products.

He handed them to Qiao Xi, his tone natural and sincere.

“I was abroad on business a few days ago and happened upon these supplements, which are especially good for older people. I picked up a few.”

“Your mother’s health has always been delicate—she needs to take good care. I thought of delivering these myself, but didn’t want to be presumptuous, so I’ll trouble you to give them to her instead.”

His explanation sounded perfectly reasonable, his attitude sincere and free of flattery.

The tension in Qiao Xi’s heart suddenly slackened.

So... he was worried about her mother’s health?

He’d even brought gifts from abroad?

She realized she’d doubted him unfairly before—even suspected his motives for saving her...

Guilt surged within her, washing away her earlier doubts.

Qiao Xi quickly accepted the gifts, her face filled with genuine gratitude and apology.

“President Lu, you’re too kind... I really shouldn’t accept...”

Lu Yanzhi’s smile grew even more gentle and magnanimous. “It’s nothing—just a small favor.”

“As long as your mother gets better, that’s all that matters.”

The more considerate and generous he appeared, the more Qiao Xi felt she’d been petty and suspicious.

“Thank you so much, truly, President Lu.”

Qiao Xi thanked him again, earnestly.

“Hurry inside, or you’ll be late.” Lu Yanzhi took his leave with perfect courtesy.

Arms full of supplements, Qiao Xi watched his retreating figure, feeling moved and self-reproachful.

Lu Yanzhi slid into the driver’s seat, and the smile vanished from his face.

He stared straight ahead, eyes cold with calculation—a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor.

He dialed a secure number, his voice devoid of warmth. “The bait has been cast.”

He paused, a chilling curve to his lips.

“Proceed to make contact with Qiao’s mother. Remember, make it look natural.”

He ended the call.

Through the car window, Lu Yanzhi glanced up at the towering Fu Group building, a steely glint of ambition in his eyes.