As for appearance, that's even easier to explain. It's human nature to be attracted to beautiful people; that's perfectly normal. But these aren't romantic love. True romantic love is love at first sight, a sudden flutter of the heart, an irresistible desire upon seeing someone. It's not about liking someone because they're perfect, but about knowing they're imperfect yet still being irresistibly moved.

Shen Qinghe's gaze gradually deepened. He couldn't hear her long-winded speech; he only saw her cheeks flushed and her cherry lips glistening with moisture. Unconsciously, he had leaned forward, his breathing becoming rapid, his warm breath brushing against her cheek.

"How do you know... I don't have these?" His voice was terribly hoarse.

Meng Zhao was startled to realize that Shen Qinghe had gotten up and was standing in front of her at some point, his arms bracing against the armrests of her chair, completely trapping her between the chair and his chest. At the same time, the surging emotions in Shen Qinghe's eyes made her heart tremble. The suppressed desire in his eyes was so naked, as if it would devour her if she got any closer.

"Shen Qinghe, you..." She sobered up considerably in an instant, hurriedly reaching out to press her hand against his chest. The strong heartbeat beneath her palm sent shivers down her spine. "You're drunk."

"Heh." Shen Qinghe chuckled softly, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "I haven't touched a drop of alcohol today."

Instead of backing away, he moved even closer, his high, straight nose almost touching her burning cheek. "Can you hear that? That's the sound of a heartbeat." His voice was deep and husky, carrying a seductive power. "The sound of a heartbeat beating for you."