10 Containing Warmth

—Why not ask her?

A flicker of surprise crossed Wen Shuhan’s brow.

The question had inexplicably landed on her shoulders.

Looking up again, Sheng Fan had already run back and stood before her.

The little playboy’s face was full of anticipation, as if silently pleading, “Tell me quickly, tell me quickly, you two must be just ordinary friends, right?”

Before Wen Shuhan could answer, he had already assumed so and began painting an optimistic picture: “If you’re just ordinary friends, then can I also pick you up and drop you off every day? After all, we’re friends too!”

“...” Her patience was running dangerously low. “We—”

“Don’t worry!” Sheng Fan interrupted firmly. “Anyway, as long as you’re still single, I’ll keep chasing you and protecting you.”

Wen Shuhan sighed silently.

No, this couldn’t go on any longer.

She had to put an end to his hopes completely, not letting him waste time on something hopeless.

“Sheng Fan, I have a boyfriend.”

At those words, Sheng Fan froze on the spot.

“Ah...” He suddenly understood, forcing a bitter smile as he rubbed the back of his head. “So you two are a couple, no wonder...”

Wen Shuhan hadn’t even said who the boyfriend was, yet he had jumped to conclusions on his own.

She could only go along with the misunderstanding, cautiously lowering her voice: “But you have to keep this a secret, okay?”

A flush warmed Sheng Fan’s nose. Gritting his teeth, he forced out a smile: “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it to myself! I won’t chase you anymore. You have to be happy with him...”

After speaking, he turned around and angrily rubbed his face.

Damn it, he felt like crying.

Wen Shuhan breathed a sigh of relief.

Sheng Fan was stubborn but actually a decent person—she just didn’t like him.

The sooner he gave up, the better. Otherwise, she would feel guilty wasting his time.

—Beep.

An ear-piercing car horn urged her onward.

Snapping back to reality, Wen Shuhan hurried toward Chen Yansi’s car.

She opened the door, got in, and calmly buckled her seatbelt.

“All set, let’s go.”

Several seconds passed, but the McLaren’s engine remained silent.

Chen Yansi tapped the steering wheel slightly, glancing sideways at her.

His deep gaze silently traced her delicate features, a loose smile tinged with an indifferent scrutiny.

“Wen Shuhan.”

“Are you using me?”

The air suddenly froze.

“What did you say?”

She feigned ignorance while inwardly baffled.

Did he have an extra ear? He had just caught that whispered remark.

Chen Yansi’s lips curved suddenly as he leaned closer, gripping her wrist firmly without asking.

The sudden proximity startled her.

Caught off guard, her soft fingers, now restrained, awkwardly brushed against his ear.

The touch was cool; the delicate contours of the ear cartilage were clear.

His thick, short black hair prickled slightly against her fingertips, rebelliously tangling.

The half-warm twilight streamed into the car, and in the suspended silence, they held each other’s gaze.

Chen Yansi stared indifferently, his thumb tracing the slight protrusion of her wrist bone.

Her breathing faltered. “What’s wrong?”

He smiled faintly without revealing intent: “Feel it—do you have an extra ear?”

“...” Even a trivial thought like that he could see through.

Feeling guilty, she withdrew her hand and whispered an explanation: “I was just saying that, trying to make him give up.”

“Oh, so without my consent, you’ve made me your boyfriend for no reason.” His eyes darkened with interrogation. “Wen Shuhan, is this how you repay favors?”

She nearly choked. “No, don’t take it seriously. I really just said it casually.”

“Oh.” Chen Yansi paused thoughtfully, his tired, hoarse voice sounding like a threat. “Then should I tell him you’re lying?”

“...” Her eyes widened. “No! If you’re unhappy, I’ll apologize. Even if you’ve helped me, I’ll repay you properly—”

Before she could finish, Chen Yansi leaned in again, the distance between them vanishing, their breaths suddenly colliding.

She tried to retreat but was pulled forward by his hand at the nape of her neck.

Their breaths nearly touched.

After so long, it was that almost-kiss moment.

Her ears flushed. “You—”

“Don’t speak.” Chen Yansi lowered his head slightly, their foreheads touching. Suddenly, with a hint of amusement, he drawled, “Did you notice? He’s spying on us.”

Wen Shuhan’s breath caught, and her gaze shifted quietly toward the window.

Sure enough.

Not far away, Sheng Fan was skulking near a small flowerbed.

He still hadn’t given up, tearfully peeking out from behind the bushes, determined to see if they were really a couple.

Wen Shuhan felt exhausted once more.

Chen Yansi’s breathing deepened slightly, accompanied by a dry, mocking “tsk.”

“If you’re going to use me with ill intent, then I’ll reluctantly sacrifice myself and play along.”

“?” Why did it feel like he was twisting the truth?

Before she could react, his cool lips brushed against the corner of her mouth—a touch neither quite a kiss nor not.

Wen Shuhan froze, unconsciously clutching his soft black silk shirt.

Intimate memories surged, her heartbeat clear and steady.

Three seconds passed, and he didn’t pull away.

Instead, he slowly traced her lip’s edge with a deliberate, practiced touch—ambiguous yet tender.

His breath was long and mingled with a low, husky panting, wrapping around her.

Her throat felt dry, defenses beginning to crumble.

The lowered car window framed this moment perfectly.

As if claiming territory, Chen Yansi cupped her cheek gently and kissed her with utmost tenderness; a blush bloomed beneath her eyes.

Not far off, Sheng Fan truly looked like he was about to cry.

Chen Yansi kissed her half-seriously, half-playfully, while his other hand reached back decisively, pressing the button to raise the car window.

The space was completely sealed off. He slightly pulled back.

In the dazed gaze they shared, she caught the restless desire flickering in his eyes, as if he was about to unleash a wild, unrestrained passion.

His broad, heated palm slowly slid downward, fingertips stroking her neck’s side as he murmured, “Wen Shuhan, the first time.”

Her reaction lagged slightly; her breath slowed, eyes glazed, voice trembling: “First time what?”

He spoke softly, “The first time you don’t have to pretend you’re strangers in front of others.”

His words snapped Wen Shuhan fully back from the haze.

She glared at him sullenly, but it had little effect—more like a tickle.

She turned her face aside. “Enough. He believes it now; no need to keep pretending.”

“Pretending?” He scoffed. “Who said I’m pretending with you?”

Wen Shuhan’s heart tightened, suddenly at a loss for words. “You just said that yourself!”

“Got any proof?”

Chen Yansi reverted to his mischievous self, gripping her chin firmly, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“Wen Shuhan,” he said with interest, “I took you seriously.”