Chapter 11: A Trip to Macau, Fake Becomes Real
That "What are you doing?" text message from Shanghai was like a stone dropped into the lake of Su Lingwan's heart, the ripples lingering for a long time. But in the following days, Huo Linshen returned to his usual rhythm, and the contact became regular and pragmatic, as if that late-night greeting was just an illusion on her part.
Su Lingwan also attributed the inexplicable heartbeat that night to the fragility and illusion of the late night, and tried hard to suppress it. Only occasionally, in the blank space of the design draft, he would unconsciously write those few words, and then quickly cross them out, as if to erase some evidence.
As the production of the "First Look" collection entered its final stages, Selina reminded her that she needed to start preparing for the Paris Fashion Week show, which would be her brand's debut on the international stage and a significant event. Under pressure, she practically lived in the studio.
Huo Linshen came to the studio in person that day. He seemed to have come straight from an important meeting. He was wearing a crisp dark suit and had a strong aura, which was somewhat out of place in this artistic space.
"Get ready. We're going to Macau City tomorrow." He placed a document on her desk piled with design drawings. It was a letter of intent for a new, top-tier resort in Macau. "There's a business reception and I need you to attend. By the way, let's discuss your brand's entry into their shopping arcade."
A businesslike tone and impeccable reasons.
Su Lingwan raised her head from the design draft. There was a slight dark spot under her eyes, but her eyes were clear: "Aocheng? Tomorrow? But here I am..."
"Selina will take over the follow-up work and won't delay your progress." Huo Linshen interrupted her, his eyes sweeping across her slightly tired face. "You need to rest, and you also need to expand your channels. Macau is a good starting point."
He had considered it all, and she couldn't find any reason to refuse, both professionally and personally. Furthermore, being able to introduce her brand to Macau's top resort was truly an excellent opportunity.
"Okay." She nodded in agreement.
The next evening, they arrived in Aocheng. On the plane, Huo Linshen spent most of his time processing documents, occasionally exchanging a few words with her about the resort's positioning and clientele. His suggestions were precise and constructive. Su Lingwan discovered that, beneath that cold exterior, Huo Linshen's business acumen and vision were truly impressive.
The cocktail reception, held in the resort's iconic glass-domed ballroom, was a truly luxurious affair. Huo Linshen was undoubtedly the center of attention, and Su Lingwan, holding his arm, greeted the guests. She wore a pale pink, off-the-shoulder dress, her makeup exquisite, and her demeanor elegant. Standing next to Huo Linshen, they looked like a perfect match. Many people approached to offer compliments, praising Huo's discerning taste and his girlfriend's beauty and talent.
Huo Linshen still had that indifferent expression on his face, but he did not deny the compliments. Occasionally, he would turn his head to look at her, his eyes deep and difficult to read.
Halfway through the cocktail party, Su Lingwan felt a little stuffy and used the excuse of going to the bathroom to temporarily leave the center of the hustle and bustle. She walked slowly along the thick-pile carpeted corridor, trying to get some fresh air.
At the corner of the corridor, an obviously drunk man staggered over. Seeing Su Lingwan, his eyes lit up and he approached with a strong smell of alcohol: "Miss... you don't know me. Are you alone? Would you mind having a drink?"
Su Lingwan frowned, took a step back, avoided his outstretched hand, and said coldly: "Sorry, I'm not familiar with you."
But the man refused to give in and continued to move forward: "Don't be so cold, let's be friends..."
Before he finished speaking, an arm powerfully wrapped around Su Lingwan's waist, pulling her back. In an instant, she fell into a warm, solid embrace. The familiar scent of cedar enveloped her, dispelling the nauseating smell of alcohol.
Huo Linshen appeared behind her at some point. His expression was stern, and his eyes were like ice-hardened blades. He swept towards the drunkard and said in a low voice, but with a chilling sense of oppression: "Get lost."
Just one word, and the drunk man sobered up instantly. He recognized Huo Linshen, his face turned pale, and he crawled away, apologizing.
They were the only two left in the corridor.
Huo Linshen's arms were still tightly wrapped around Su Lingwan's waist, with a certain force, as if he wanted to embed her into his body. His chest was pressed against her back, and through the thin fabric, she could clearly feel his steady and strong heartbeat, and... the unusual warmth coming from him.
Su Lingwan's heart was beating wildly because of the shock and his sudden approach, and her cheeks flushed uncontrollably. She tried to break free, but his arms tightened.
"Huo..." She started to speak, but her voice got stuck in her throat.
Huo Linshen lowered his head, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive ears and neck, bringing a shudder. His lips were almost touching her ears, his voice low and hoarse, with a hint of imperceptible tension:
"Next time, don't walk away alone."
His tone was commanding, yet mixed with a kind of worry that was almost fearful.
Su Lingwan was frozen, trapped in the narrow space between his embrace and the wall, unable to move. The surroundings were so quiet that they could hear the intertwining of their breathing. The air seemed to be on fire, the ambiguity suffocating.
She could feel the warmth of his body, smell his refreshing and charming scent, and hear her own heartbeat like a drum. He was too close, so close that it exceeded all the boundaries of the agreement.
Huo Linshen stared at her profile, so close. Under the light, her curled eyelashes fluttered gently like the wings of a frightened butterfly, and her fair skin was stained crimson, like the finest rouge. The faint scent of gardenias on her body, mixed with the champagne from the party, created a bewitching and arousing allure.
His eyes finally fell on her slightly parted lips, which were glistening with moisture.
He had seen those lips pursed stubbornly before, and had also seen them raise their lips in a bright smile. Now, they were so close, as if silently inviting him.
The string of reason was stretched to the extreme at that moment.
He knew this was overstepping his bounds. He knew it violated the original intent of the agreement.
However, starting from that uncontrollable text message in Shanghai, starting from the warmth she gave him on the rainy night, starting from the smile on the carousel that made his heart palpitate...some things have long been out of control.
He didn't want to restrain himself anymore.
Huo Linshen's eyes darkened, and the hand around her waist suddenly tightened. He raised his other hand and stroked her cheek. The burning temperature of his fingertips forced her to turn her head and face him.
Su Lingwan was forced to meet his eyes, which were as deep as a whirlpool. In them were surging strong and dangerous emotions that she could not understand, making her flustered, but... unable to look away.
"Huo Linshen..." She called his name unconsciously, her voice trembling slightly.
This sound was like a spark that lit the fuse.
Huo Linshen no longer hesitated, lowered his head, and accurately captured her lips.
“Hmm…”
Su Lingwan suddenly opened her eyes wide and her mind went blank.
His kiss wasn't gentle, but rather a long-suppressed, powerful, predatory, and possessive desire. It started with a tentative touch, then deepened into a deeper assault, refusing to refuse and overwhelmingly overbearing. His scent completely overwhelmed her, and the touch of their lips felt soft yet scorching, the slight intoxication of champagne and his own refreshing scent intertwined into a dizzying experience.
Su Lingwan subconsciously tried to push him away, pressing her hands against his solid chest, but it was like an ant trying to shake a tree. His arms locked her in his arms like an iron hoop, and he kissed her even deeper, his tongue prying open her teeth and entangled with her.
The force of resistance gradually dissipated amidst the unfamiliar, intense tingling sensation between her lips and teeth. The hand pressing against his chest gradually lost strength, finally falling helplessly and grasping the collar of his suit instead, like a drowning man grasping at driftwood.
She closed her eyes, her senses magnified infinitely, leaving only his hot breath, his strong kiss, and the reassuring scent on him.
This kiss went off the script and beyond protocol.
It was real, hot, filled with unmistakable desire and...something deeper, more complex.
It was unknown how long it was until Su Lingwan felt the air in her lungs was about to be squeezed out and let out a slight whimper, and then Huo Linshen slowly let go of her.
His forehead rested against hers, his breathing still rapid and hot, his deep eyes locked tightly with her misty and bewildered eyes, filled with lingering emotions and a hint of... a dark glow of fulfillment.
Su Lingwan's cheeks were flushed, and her lips were slightly swollen from his kiss, glistening with an alluring moisture. She panted slightly, her mind still confused and unable to think.
Huo Linshen raised his hand and gently stroked her slightly swollen lips with his fingertips, his movements filled with an unprecedented intimacy and possessiveness.
He looked into her eyes, his voice low and hoarse, with the laziness of afterthought and an unquestionable declaration:
"Now, it seems like the fake has become real, Su Lingwan."
Su Lingwan's heart trembled violently because of his words.
Fake play...real action?
She stared at him blankly, and saw her own equally confused reflection in his deep eyes.
There were footsteps and voices coming from the other end of the corridor.
Huo Lin took a deep breath and stepped back slightly, but his arms were still possessively around her waist, half-embracing her somewhat limp body. He smoothed her slightly messy hair, his movements natural, as if he had done it a thousand times.
"Go back." He whispered, his tone regaining some calmness, but the undercurrent in his eyes had not subsided.
Su Lingwan let him hold her in his arms and walked back to the noisy banquet hall.
The ambiguous space in the corridor behind me seemed like an isolated dream.
The remaining touch on her lips and his words just now reminded her very clearly——
Some boundaries, once crossed, are difficult to turn back.
This game that started with interests completely went off track in the dimly lit night of Macau and headed towards the unknown, dangerous and fascinating deep waters.
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