Chapter 80, Side Story 10 (Normal World Ending)

Ling Wei looked into his eyes, which were so close to hers, and saw her reflection in them, along with lingering emotions and bewilderment.

“If what you just said is true,” her voice was slightly hoarse from the kiss, “would I need to find a bodyguard who’s on guard 24/7 as my boyfriend to be considered good?”

Before he could answer, she continued, "I am responsible for my own life. I know what I want and what I don't want."

"I like you."

"So, how about we become a couple?"

Qu Mingyuan was stunned. He looked at her blushing but extremely serious face, and at the unwavering light in her eyes. His heart felt as if it were being lifted up by the softest cloud.

His hand, which was on her waist, suddenly tightened, pulling her closer to him.

...

Butler Zhou stood in the shadows of the corridor a little distance away, unconsciously holding his breath.

He didn't mean to spy; he just happened to stumble upon this scene in the living room when he turned back.

The gentleman, who was always impeccably dressed and had a composed demeanor, exuding a calm aura even at home, was now leaning over and holding Miss Ling tightly in his arms.

He placed one hand firmly on her lower back, through her ill-fitting, oversized housekeeping dress, while his other hand gently rested on the center of her slender back, as if gathering a handful of moonlight.

He was kissing her.

It wasn't a fleeting kiss, but a quiet and focused one. The soft light cast a gentle glow, outlining the figures of the two embracing. The patter of rain outside the window added to the tranquility of the corner.

Butler Zhou lowered his eyes, silently took half a step back, and completely disappeared into the darkness behind the corner.

Ling Wei was only wearing that thin housekeeping uniform; the blanket she had been wearing earlier was nowhere to be found. At first, she could feel a slight chill in the air as she sat in the corner.

But the chill was quickly receding.

Her waist, supported by his palm, radiated an undeniable warmth through the rough fabric. The heat traveled up her spine, making her limbs feel weak.

She unconsciously leaned down, pressing herself deeper into his embrace, like a small animal seeking warmth in winter, wanting only to be wrapped up so tightly.

When their lips finally parted slightly, their breaths mingled, carrying a moist warmth.

Ling Wei glanced around the spacious and bright living room, her eyelashes fluttered, and she let out a soft, whimpering sound through her nose:

"Is this... not a good idea?"

How about we go somewhere more private?

Qu Mingyuan heard her words and understood another meaning. He gently rested his forehead on her shoulder, calming his slightly disordered breathing.

When he spoke again, his voice was low and hoarse:

"Yes, it was me... who went too far."

Ling Wei thought to herself, "Wow, he really did want to continue in the living room."

I never would have guessed... the wild Director Qu.

Qu Mingyuan was unaware of her inner grumbling. He placed a kiss on the top of her head, his voice regaining its usual calmness, though still somewhat low and hoarse: "I'll arrange it."

What arrangements are in place?

Are there any other brilliant ideas?

Ling Wei blushed as she watched him loosen his grip on her slightly, then reached for the intercom next to the sofa.

She didn't listen carefully to what he was saying on the phone; her gaze lingered on his profile as he spoke.

The warm light outlined his handsome features, from his brow bone to the bridge of his nose, and then to his slightly parted lips. Occasionally, when he lowered his eyes, his gaze would naturally fall on her.

Even though he was just doing his job, a warm feeling would silently well up in his eyes whenever his gaze swept over her.

Ling Wei picked up a nearby cushion, buried her burning face in it, and looked at him with only her bright eyes showing.

Coming tonight was the right decision.

Proactive people enjoy life first, hehehe...

She was immersed in a kind of excited anticipation until Qu Mingyuan hung up the phone. Ling Wei threw away the cushion, sat up straight, looked at him with bright eyes, and subconsciously stretched out her hands to him.

Come on! I'm ready!

Qu Mingyuan reached out, but instead of picking her up as she had expected, he firmly grasped her hand and gently pulled her.

"Everything is ready." He helped her to her feet. "You should get some rest."

Ling Wei nodded: "Okay, okay, get some rest..."

etc.

The subject seems a bit off?

She was led by him in a daze to a spacious and bright guest room. Butler Zhou was already waiting outside the door, holding a stack of brand-new, soft clothes, from the inside out, and even matching slippers.

Ling Wei stood at the door of the guest room, blinking as she looked at Qu Mingyuan, who was clearly preparing to leave.

...That's it?

What about my boyfriend, whom I just started dating?

...Come back!!!

One month later.

The online discussions about Zoothys' transformation gradually subsided, and the studio steadily advanced its new plans. Wen Shulan estimated that everyone had adjusted well, especially a member who had reported her relationship with her. This member must have been riding high this month, so she once again called a meeting with everyone.

In the conference room, the others were in good spirits, even Lu Xiaoxiao, who was the most nervous, had a hint of eagerness in her eyes. Only Ling Wei had a gloomy and low mood.

Wen Shulan raised an eyebrow: "Hey, what's going on? You seem to be...didn't you reach an agreement?"

Ling Wei forced a smile, her voice flat: "No. Dating is really interesting, so much fun, hehe."

Everyone: "..."

This is clearly a very problematic situation.

Wen Shulan couldn't pretend not to see it, so after the business was finished, she kept Ling Wei behind alone.

As soon as the door closed, Wen Shulan crossed her arms and looked at Ling Wei, who was slumped dejectedly on the conference table: "Tell me, what's going on? Don't tell me there's some earth-shattering scoop waiting for me to deal with. If there really is, just tell me now so I can figure out a solution."

Ling Wei buried her face in her arms, her voice muffled: "No... what kind of gossip could there be..."

Wen Shulan waited patiently.

Sure enough, after a few seconds, Ling Wei slowly sat up straight, her fingers digging into the edge of the conference table, her voice barely audible.

"Um... Aunt Wen, I have a friend..."

Wen Shulan: ...Here we go again.

She leisurely picked up her teacup, gesturing for Ling Wei to continue.

Ling Wei rattled off her description, while Wen Shulan listened calmly, occasionally sipping her tea. Once she finished, he slowly put down his cup and concluded, "Oh, so he's your friend's boyfriend, and doesn't... have any intimate conversations with your friend?"

This is too blunt. Ling Wei's eyes darted around.

Is your friend's boyfriend older than her?

Ling Wei nodded repeatedly.

"How much bigger?"

“…Ten years old.” Ling Wei’s voice was a little softer.

Wen Shulan's red lips curved slightly, and a knowing smile flashed in her eyes. She was quite qualified to speak on this matter.

"Then you... oh no, your friend has asked the right person." She leaned forward slightly, her voice low, carrying a hint of knowing mystery. "Listen carefully, older men, especially those who are successful in their careers and used to being in control, sometimes overthink things and have more concerns. They might not say it, and may even act exceptionally restrained and polite, but deep down, they might be hoping the other person will take the initiative. In these situations, you need to... #*^&s..."

As Ling Wei listened, it was as if she had opened the door to a new world.

Finally, Wen Shulan patted her on the shoulder and said, "It will definitely work."

Ling Wei: "".