The rooms at the Special Operations Base in City C had exceptional soundproofing and protection against radio and electromagnetic interference, making eavesdropping or spying impossible.
After throwing Chen Lie out, only Huo Shaoheng and Gu Nianzhi remained in the room. Given Gu Nianzhi was barely conscious, Huo Shaoheng was effectively alone.
He sat rigidly in his military uniform on a white hardwood sofa, his long legs clad in military boots stretched out in front of him. His eyes remained fixed on the bed.
Night deepened. No lights were on, and thick velvet curtains hung motionless from ceiling to floor, completely blocking the outside world.
The bed opposite him was neatly made with crisp, ivory-striped Egyptian cotton sheets—selected by Gu Nianzhi herself. Although indifferent to luxury, Huo Shaoheng never objected to her choices. She had impeccable taste, always choosing items perfectly suited to his preferences.
Even the memory foam pillow was her thoughtful choice, supposedly beneficial for his neck.
But now, unexpectedly occupying his bed, was Gu Nianzhi herself—a vulnerable, intoxicating presence.
Huo Shaoheng lit another cigarette without smoking, letting it burn slowly between his fingers until it extinguished itself. The room filled with smoke, prompting him to activate the air purifier remotely.
Finally tossing the cigarette pack onto the coffee table, he leaned back heavily, sighing deeply. From his pocket, he drew out a zippo lighter—another gift from Gu Nianzhi—and flicked it repeatedly, its brief flames illuminating his handsome yet cold profile in the darkness.
Silence enveloped everything except for Gu Nianzhi's intermittent, soft whimpers.
A sudden glow from his phone screen broke the darkness. A message from Chen Lie flashed:
"Monitor her heartbeat carefully. Notify me immediately if it spikes—I'll send someone over right away."
Frowning deeply, Huo Shaoheng smashed the phone, tossed aside the lighter, and rose decisively. He approached Gu Nianzhi, sitting gently at the edge of the bed.
He lightly tapped her cheek, his voice rough and low, "Are you suffering? Do you need relief?"
Gu Nianzhi, utterly lost in delirium, instinctively turned toward the alluring masculine scent.
Huo Shaoheng, his eyes adjusted to the darkness, observed her flushed, enticing face and hazy, unfocused eyes. Swiftly grabbing another silk Hermès scarf from the bedside, he covered her eyes and tied it firmly behind her head.
Blinded, Gu Nianzhi sank further into disorientation, sensing a strange familiarity in this helplessness.
Huo Shaoheng stroked her feverish cheek, now slick with sweat. Realizing there was no turning back, he took a deep breath, stood, and swiftly undid his belt and uniform buttons, tossing them aside methodically.
Discarding his boots and uniform, he walked to the bathroom wearing only his underwear. The sound of rushing water soon followed, his muscular silhouette visible through the frosted glass.
After showering, Huo Shaoheng emerged with a towel around his waist, his muscular figure reminiscent of a Greek deity. His strong physique, clearly defined muscles, and powerful legs exuded strength.
Water droplets trailed from his hair to his muscular chest as he stood beside the bed, watching Gu Nianzhi struggle restlessly, her clothes disheveled and revealing flushed skin.
Expressionless, Huo Shaoheng removed the towel, leaving only his dark boxer briefs. Sitting on the bed, he gently pulled her closer.
Sensing his presence, Gu Nianzhi desperately pressed against him. Without hesitation, he lowered his head and kissed her softly, tasting her eager response. Her urgent kisses soothed her torment, and she drew even closer.
Surprised by his own reaction, Huo Shaoheng's brows knitted tightly. His rigorous training had always protected him from temptation, yet now his control faltered unexpectedly.
Frustrated yet resolved, he lay down beside her, plunging the room back into darkness. Gu Nianzhi, driven by instinct, urgently moved toward him again.
Tenderly caressing her hair, Huo Shaoheng whispered hoarsely, "Forgive me. This is only to help you through this."
Gu Nianzhi, drowning in sensation, leaned desperately into his embrace, craving closeness, her body aflame, her heart racing in sweet agony.