This matter was finally settled amidst a tumultuous upheaval within the Wang family, in a manner that bordered on the tragic.
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Zhou Qiqi, on the other hand, was much calmer.
After finishing her meal and taking a shower, Zhou Qiqi sat in front of the sewing machine by the bed. The "clack-clack-clack" sound of the sewing machine was particularly clear in the quiet room.
The weather has been getting colder day by day lately; even wearing just a single layer of clothing, it feels like the wind is seeping into your bones.
She specially asked the factory for extra thick fabric today, and right now she's bent over, rushing to make thick pajamas for the family of three.
He seemed quite focused on his work, and his stitches were even and dense.
But in reality, I found myself glancing past the slightly wobbling head of the sewing machine toward the desk.
Shen Huaichuan sat under the lamplight, his back straight, his military jacket draped over the back of the chair, wearing only a neatly pressed military green shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing his strong and smooth lines.
He was focused on writing a report, the pen tip making a soft scratching sound as it glided across the paper. His profile was clearly defined in the glow of the desk lamp, showing his calm and focused demeanor.
Zhou Qiqi forced herself to look back at the sewing machine, but after a while, she couldn't help but look at it again.
He wrote with a calm and unhurried posture, his pen moving at a steady pace, as if he were completely unaware of her slightly guilty probing.
His inaction only made Zhou Qiqi more uneasy, and she almost sewed the fabric crookedly.
She hadn't forgotten the bet she made with him earlier, which she had lost decisively.
How infuriating... How could he guess so accurately? Could it be that he understands Sister Mei's thoughts even better than she does?
Zhou Qiqi's needlework suddenly stopped, and the needle tip almost pricked her finger.
She muttered to herself, but her ears began to burn uncontrollably.
It's only right to accept the consequences of a bet, but when I think of Shen Huaichuan's low, smiling, and meaningful words last night, and the almost meltingly hot breath in the darkness, I feel a pang of sadness.
Zhou Qiqi's heart was pounding like a drum, and her mind was racing with wild thoughts...
She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't notice at all that the rustling sound of writing suddenly stopped.
Shen Huaichuan closed the report book, and the pen cap clicked softly as he put it on.
He stretched his shoulders and neck, his bones making a slight cracking sound, before slowly turning around and precisely catching sight of the figure behind the sewing machine who seemed to be working diligently but was actually tense all over.
A knowing yet slightly mischievous smile played on his lips, and his deep eyes shone brightly under the light.
He stood up, his tall figure casting a long shadow on the floor, and walked towards her step by step, silently, yet with an undeniable sense of oppression.
By the time Zhou Qiqi realized what was happening, the shadow had already descended, enveloping her and the sewing machine.
The "clattering" of the sewing machine stopped completely, leaving only the soft breathing of the two people in the room, alternating between light and heavy breaths.
Shen Huaichuan's voice was deep, with a hint of barely perceptible hoarse laughter, and it was crystal clear in the silence.
"Qiqi, shouldn't the accounts be settled by now?"
Zhou Qiqi's heart skipped a beat. She tried to remain calm, her fingers unconsciously clutching the hem of her newly sewn garment, and she kept her voice as businesslike as possible.
"What account? The factory hasn't settled the payment yet, Deputy Factory Director Zhang said..."
Before she could finish speaking, she felt that he could see her slightly reddened ears clearly, and her forced composure instantly crumbled by half.
Shen Huaichuan chuckled softly, a sound like a feather brushing against her heart.
He leaned down, bracing one hand on the sewing machine table, trapping her in the small space between himself and the machine. His warm breath brushed against the stray hairs on her forehead and her sensitive earlobe.
"Playing dumb?"
His voice was closer and lower, with an all-knowing certainty, and his warm breath sprayed on her skin, causing a slight shiver.
"You lost our bet."
The last three words, spoken lightly, struck Zhou Qiqi's heart like a hammer, shattering her feigned composure.
She felt her cheeks burning hot, and she almost dared not look up at his face, which was so close to hers.
"...Okay!"
Zhou Qiqi suddenly raised her head, trying to cover up her panic with a louder voice, and tried her best to maintain the last bit of "prestige".
"Tell me your requirements! I, Zhou Qiqi, keep my word!"
The smile in Shen Huaichuan's eyes deepened, carrying a hint of darkness.
He reached out, his long, strong fingers calloused, and gently pinched her delicate chin, lifting it with a gentle yet irresistible force, forcing her gaze to meet his burning eyes.
His gaze was like a hook, locking onto her firmly. His voice was extremely low, each word laced with burning ambiguity, so direct that Zhou Qiqi could hardly breathe.
"You know what I'm asking for..."
His gaze swept across her face, finally settling on her slightly parted, alluring lips, his intentions obvious.
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