The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the Li estate. Li Tian decided to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, enjoying the tranquility that came with the early evening. As he walked, thoughts of his recent tournament success and his complicated relationships danced in his mind.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through his reverie. "Well, if it isn't the illustrious Li Tian!"
Li Tian turned to see Liu Mei standing a few steps away, her smile radiant against the backdrop of blooming flowers. She looked as enchanting as ever, her long hair cascading down her back, framing her delicate features. He felt a rush of nostalgia wash over him at the sight of her.
"Liu Mei! It's been a while," he said, a smile spreading across his face. He stepped closer, taking in her familiar presence.
"It has," she replied, tilting her head slightly. "I heard about your exploits in the Rising Star Tournament. Third place, huh? Not too shabby for a bastard child."
Li Tian chuckled, appreciating her teasing nature. "Thanks! But you know, the real challenge lies ahead."
They continued to chat, catching up on the events that had transpired since they last saw each other. Liu Mei shared stories of her training and family, and Li Tian recounted the chaos of the tournament and the new fiancée he had gained.
As the conversation flowed, Liu Mei's playful demeanor shifted slightly. "So, do you have any women beside you now? I imagine there must be a line forming after your victory."
Li Tian felt a flicker of honesty rise within him. "Yes, I do."
He noticed the slight change in her expression—a mix of surprise and something deeper, perhaps a tinge of sadness. The moment hung between them, heavy with unspoken emotions.
"Ah, I see," she said, her tone teasing yet edged with melancholy. "A man like you must be quite popular. Can't blame them, I suppose."
"Liu Mei…" he began, searching for the right words. "It's not what you think. I've got a lot going on, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you."
Her gaze softened, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Really? What do you mean?"
Li Tian took a deep breath, steeling himself. "What if I asked you to be my woman? I want to keep you happy, to share my life with you. It doesn't have to be complicated."
Liu Mei's eyes widened, surprise written all over her face. "You want me to…?"
"Yes," he confirmed, stepping closer, closing the distance between them. "I know things are a bit hectic with my life right now, but you're someone I genuinely care about. I want you by my side."
The air crackled with tension as Liu Mei processed his words. Slowly, a smile broke across her face, this time warmer, softer. "I… I'd like that. I really would."
Li Tian grinned, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Then it's settled. You're mine, Liu Mei."
They found a secluded corner of the garden, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. Li Tian turned to Liu Mei, his heart racing. "You really mean it, don't you? About being with me?"
Liu Mei nodded, her gaze unwavering. "I do. I've wanted this for a long time."
Emboldened by her confession, Li Tian stepped closer, the warmth of her body inviting him in. He gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers grazing her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Liu Mei's breath caught, and their eyes locked in a moment filled with unspoken desires.
"Can I kiss you?" Li Tian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Liu Mei's heart raced. "Yes."
Slowly, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his. The kiss was soft at first, testing the waters, but it quickly deepened as both of them leaned into the embrace, their hands exploring each other's backs. The world around them disappeared, leaving only the warmth of their bodies and the intoxicating sensation of being together.
As the kiss continued, Liu Mei wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Li Tian responded by drawing her against him, feeling the softness of her body meld into his. The connection was electric, igniting a fire within them both.
Breaking the kiss, he pressed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. "Liu Mei…"
Her eyes sparkled with desire as she whispered, "Tian."
With a surge of confidence, he led her to a nearby bench hidden beneath a canopy of vines. They sank onto the seat together, their bodies instinctively finding comfort in one another. Li Tian held her close, their lips meeting again, more passionately this time, as the weight of their longing poured into the kiss.
As the night deepened, the air around them filled with soft whispers and gentle touches, signaling the shift in their relationship. Liu Mei's hands roamed, exploring the contours of Li Tian's body, while he held her tightly, reassuring her that this moment was theirs alone.
In the sanctuary of the garden, surrounded by nature's beauty, they embraced their desires. The kiss became heated, breaths quickening, and in that cocoon of intimacy, they crossed the threshold into a new chapter of their relationship—one that would bind them together in ways they had yet to fully comprehend.
Eventually, as the moonlight bathed them in a silvery glow, it became clear that their connection had evolved into something deeper. They leaned into each other, lost in a world where they were no longer just friends but partners, ready to explore the uncharted territories of love and intimacy together.