She could still remember the days when Mu Chen had been the center of her world when her feelings for him had been undeniable. But now, with Qin Yuheng beside her, those past emotions felt distant, like something she had long left behind.
She glanced at Shen Qiao and said quietly, "Please thank him for me."
Shen Qiao nodded, her eyes grateful. "I will." There was a moment of silence, she added, her voice barely audible, "I'm glad you accepted it, Sister."
-----
By the time the guests left, it was nearly eleven o'clock. The Qin family departed, and the Shen family was waiting for their cab.
Shen Ning approached her mother with a soft smile. "Mom, why are you staying at a hotel? Come to our place instead."
Mother Shen hesitated, glancing at Father Shen. "But—"
"Ah Yu already asked the housekeeper to prepare rooms for you," Shen Ning interjected.
Her mother's gaze shifted to Qin Yuheng, her reluctance clear. The last time both of them visited to Shen family, they had suggested Shen Ning reconsider her marriage right in front of him, the husband. Now, staying at his house felt awkward.
Sensing their hesitation, Qin Yuheng stepped forward with his usual calm demeanor. "Mom, Dad, come to our home. Hotels can't compare to the comfort of a proper house."
Father Shen nodded, breaking the silence. "Alright, let's go then."
A warm smile appeared on Qin Yuheng's face. "Good. Wang Xu will drive you there. Ning and I will follow in another car."
---
When Shen Ning and Qin Yuheng arrived at Moon Villa, Mother Shen and Father Shen had already retired to the guest room prepared for them. Shen Qiao, too, had gone to bed in the adjacent room.
The villa was expansive and thoughtfully designed. The ground floor housed the kitchen, a spacious living room, a private gym, and a serene piano room. The first floor was dedicated to guest rooms, while the second floor held the master bedroom and their respective study rooms.
Back in their master bedroom, as soon as they stepped inside, Qin Yuheng began unbuttoning his suit jacket.
Shen Ning set her purse down on the bedside table.
Qin Yuheng sat on the bed and pulled Shen Ning onto his lap, his hands gently resting on her waist. "Happy 21st birthday, Ah Ning," he whispered, his voice soft and affectionate.
Shen Ning, feeling unusually shy tonight, hugged his neck, burying her face against his shoulder. She had confessed her love for him in front of so many people earlier, and it still made her feel a little embarrassed.
Qin Yuheng chuckled, brushing her hair back gently. "My Ah Ning is only 21, and here I am, already in my late twenties," he said with a playful smile.
Shen Ning looked at him, eyes softening. "Why do you talk about your age like this? As if you're so old to me!"
He sighed dramatically, but his eyes were full of affection. "I'm just worried you'll get bored of me."
Shen Ning's expression grew serious, her hands gently cupping his face. "I'll never get bored of you," she said with unwavering certainty. "I think one lifetime isn't enough. I want you forever."
Her words lingered in the air, and Qin Yuheng's heart swelled at the depth of her affection. But then she added, her voice soft but earnest, "If you care so much about your age, you need to take care of yourself. Stay healthy and live longer than me. I don't want to be the one left behind."
Qin Yuheng was taken aback, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "Ah Ning..." he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
He kissed her forehead gently, pulling her closer. "Why don't you see what Miss Xu gave you?"
When Xu Xie whispered to Shen Ning, he already somewhat guessed the thing inside.
Shen Ning's ears turned pink. "Why are you so eager to see the gift?"
"Hmm… Didn't Miss Xu say it was something we'd both like?" He took the bag from her, passing it over with a knowing smile. "Go ahead, open it."
Shen Ning hesitated, her face flushing deeper when she pulled out the contents. It was transparent lingerie.
Qin Yuheng grinned wickedly. "Miss Xu is quite thoughtful."
"Only you would like it!" Shen Ning quickly shoved the gift back into the bag, her cheeks burning.
"I planned a surprise for you today, yet you're not giving me a return gift?" he said, feigning a pout.
"I..." Shen Ning was speechless, caught between laughter and embarrassment
He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Come on. Don't be shy. We... have already done so many things."
Shen Ning, flustered, dashed into the bathroom with the lingerie. After wearing it, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. Damn it! It's so revealing!
She tugged at the straps, unsure if she was more embarrassed by how it looked or how it made her feel.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the bathroom door, her face flushed, avoiding Qin Yuheng's gaze as she stepped out.
Qin Yuheng walked over with a sly grin.
Without a word, he lifted her by the waist and carried her toward the bed. As he gently laid her down, he retrieved the condoms from the nightstand, his eyes darkening with desire. He glanced at her curling his lips into a hungry smile and whispered, "Forget about sleeping tonight!"
Shen Ning's eyes widened. "You— mmph!"
(♡ω♡ ) ~♪