Shen Zhenbang collected the empty cans and spoons into a tray and placed them on the dining table outside.
It was exactly nine o'clock when the lights-out signal was sounded in the military dependents' area, and the main lights in the house were already off.
He took a flashlight, found Qin Peilan's medicine in his luggage, and watched his wife take the medicine before the elderly couple lay down to sleep contentedly.
After taking a shower, Shen Huaichuan dried his wet hair and immediately noticed two empty purple clay pots on the dining table, along with a used spoon next to them.
He felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that his parents had finished the Sichuan pepper stewed pears that Qiqi had sent.
He was about to tidy up and go wash when he looked up and saw Zhou Qiqi coming out of Zhouzhou's house, carrying a small tray with three purple clay pots on it.
Two of the cans were open and empty, indicating that Qiqi and Zhouzhou had finished theirs, leaving one can, which was clearly meant for him.
He quickly took it, a smile involuntarily spreading across his face.
"What about mine? Honey, you really miss me! Perfect timing, I felt a bit hungry after eating that bowl of noodles, I just wanted something hot that you made!"
Zhou Qiqi glared at him reproachfully: "Look at the way you're talking, as if I've been mistreating you! Starving you?"
"How could that be!"
Shen Huaichuan's hand naturally wrapped around her waist, and he leaned close to her ear, smiling as he whispered:
"It's because you've spoiled my palate by feeding me delicious food every meal that I can't stand bland noodles and crave your cooking!"
As he spoke, his warm breath brushed against Zhou Qiqi's ear, and as he watched her delicate earlobe quickly turn a thin blush, he felt a ticklish sensation in his heart and couldn't help but want to lower his head and kiss it.
Zhou Qiqi, feeling both shy and anxious as he held her waist, quickly used her hand to push against his approaching chest and whispered a reminder:
"Alright, stop joking around and hurry up and eat. After you finish, wash the jar so you can rest early."
Her in-laws live in the master bedroom, which is just a wall away. She's embarrassed; it would be so awkward if the two of them suddenly came out and bumped into her.
Shen Huaichuan seemed to see through her little scheme. Instead of letting go, he placed the tray on the table next to him.
He freed his hand, grabbed Zhou Qiqi's wrist, and pulled her towards the kitchen without saying a word.
"Hey? What are you doing..."
Zhou Qiqi struggled but couldn't break free. Not daring to raise her voice, she had no choice but to be half-pushed and half-pulled into the kitchen.
As soon as he entered, Shen Huaichuan gently closed the door behind him.
Shen Huaichuan pinned Zhou Qiqi against the cold wall, his tall figure looming over her. He cupped her face in one hand, his gaze burning with long-suppressed desire, and then lowered his head to kiss her.
Zhou Qiqi was startled by his sudden and bold action and instinctively put her hand against his chest.
But Shen Huaichuan's kiss was urgent and passionate, filled with deep longing, which quickly melted away her weak resistance.
She gradually relaxed, her arms softly climbing up his neck, responding awkwardly yet passionately.
Both of them are people who know their limits.
Previously in the hospital, with Qin Lei by their side and people walking around in the corridor at any time, they dared not have any intimacy that crossed the line, except for leaning on each other for warmth, for fear of being seen by others.
At this moment, in this small, private space, all restraint was thrown to the back of my mind.
In the darkness, their breathing was clearly audible, rapid and hot.
Shen Huaichuan's breathing grew heavier and his kisses deepened, almost as if he wanted to meld her into his own body.
He could feel the person in his arms getting softer and hotter, and the faint moans were scratching at his heart.
His pride in self-control was rapidly crumbling, and the clamoring desire within him was about to break free of the cage of reason.
But he still retained a sliver of consciousness.
The timing and the location were both wrong.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself away from those intoxicating lips, his forehead still pressed tightly against Zhou Qiqi's, his eyes closed, breathing heavily, his voice hoarse beyond belief.
"Qiqi, I'm so sorry you had to go through this today..."
His breathing was unsteady, his hot breath brushing against her cheek.
"My parents are both in poor health, and there are many things I can't say too harshly in front of them, for fear of upsetting them..."
His deep, husky voice became especially sexy with passion, and Zhou Qiqi felt a tingling sensation all over her body, her heart pounding wildly.
She tilted her head back, leaned in, and gently placed a light kiss on his lips.
Shen Huaichuan was almost driven to the brink of losing control again by her fleeting kiss.
His fists were clenched tightly, and his palms were sweaty.
Seeing his restrained and stoic demeanor, Zhou Qiqi felt a surge of tenderness and sweetness in her heart. Taking advantage of the moment, she crouched down and nimbly slipped out of his embrace, creating some distance between them.
Looking at the charming and beautiful woman in front of him, Shen Huaichuan had no way to deal with her and could only shake his head with a helpless chuckle.
Zhou Qiqi straightened her slightly disheveled clothes and hair, and said with a smile:
“Your parents didn’t make me suffer. I can understand their feelings. We live so far apart, and they don’t know many things, so it’s understandable that misunderstandings might arise. Actually, apart from being a little unhappy at the beginning, they didn’t do anything to me afterward.”
She paused, her smile fading slightly, and her tone becoming serious: "But that He Wanrou..."
Upon hearing He Wanrou's name, the lingering tenderness in Shen Huaichuan's eyes vanished instantly, his brows furrowing slightly as he said:
“I know this woman. She’s a nurse at the nursing home and has been taking care of my parents. When they mentioned they wanted to come over last time, they said they wanted to bring her along. I thought it would be good to have another caring person to look after them, so I didn’t object. But I didn’t expect… the things she said were so strange, like every word was directed at the two of us… I really don’t know what she’s after?”
Shen Huaichuan's tone was clearly confused and displeased, indicating that he had not yet fully grasped the key to the matter.
Zhou Qiqi was amused by his slow-witted appearance.
She stared at him, her eyes holding a hint of mockery and understanding, a half-smile that betrayed his true feelings:
"What's the point? Can't you see? It's you!"
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