When the seat was reclined and Cheng Zhinan drew closer, Xiang Yuan nearly lost her breath, realizing something was wrong.

She struggled to push him away. “I’m on my period lately…”

Cheng Zhinan shouldn’t have forgotten such an important matter. Why was he so urgent today, trying to kiss her right here?

Though bold by nature, her romantic experience was scarce.

Her experience with outdoor intimacy was absolutely zero.

As for something as thrilling as car sex, she had never tried it.

In this critical moment, Xiang Yuan even considered whether to add this scene to her comic.

Indeed, life imitates art more than art imitates life.

Before this, she had never thought of depicting such intense scenarios in her comics.

She truly was a dedicated comic artist.

Even now, she was thinking about delivering benefits to her fans.

In her daze, Cheng Zhinan’s kiss had already landed on her earlobe.

The small, fair earlobe was held between his lips, gently nibbled, causing a slight pain.

Xiang Yuan frowned slightly, about to protest, but he seemed to understand her objection and shifted to tenderly savoring it, lingering with tender affection.

Her earlobe grew damp, and her whole body felt like a wood incense flower adrift in the humid spring, its petals trembling precariously in the wind.

Perhaps fearing the other ear felt neglected, his slender fingers moved to play with the other earlobe, gentle yet unrestrained, making her entire being gradually succumb.

Xiang Yuan’s breathing grew increasingly rapid, both earlobes turning an unbelievable shade of red.

Cheng Zhinan slowly shifted his gaze, his lips hovering millimeters above hers without touching.

His breath was scorching as he told her:

“I know you’re on your period lately.”

With that, he thoughtfully adjusted the slipped strap on her shoulder.

His throat moved slightly, his lowered lashes concealing the emotions in his eyes.

During their earlier intimacy, Xiang Yuan’s strap had accidentally slipped, revealing her smooth, pale shoulder and a glimpse of spring scenery at her chest.

Cheng Zhinan possessed strong self-control, able to restrain himself even when desire was high.

He hadn’t planned to do anything with Xiang Yuan in the car.

His earlier behavior

was probably an involuntary lapse.

He withdrew in time and returned to his seat, as if the past few minutes were merely an illusion.

Xiang Yuan, however, was left gasping for air, unable to recover.

She glanced back at Cheng Zhinan.

He sat upright, even looking down to reply to a message.

So… it was over?

This man had stirred her up, then casually continued with his own affairs as if nothing happened.

But unfortunately, it was her period today, so she could do nothing but simmer in frustration, the restlessness in her heart refusing to dissipate.

When had Cheng Zhinan learned such skills?

Or had he been secretly improving behind her back.

This man who had given her his first kiss and first night had initially been somewhat inexperienced. After spending time adjusting to each other, he now seemed to have a natural talent in certain aspects.

After replying to the message, Cheng Zhinan said to Xiang Yuan:

“Let’s go home.”

Xiang Yuan grumbled discontentedly but had no choice but to follow him home.

It was her fault too.

She had acted on impulse earlier, wanting to tease him, forgetting that Doctor Cheng was also a vigorous young man.

Even though he usually displayed restraint, his needs and physical reactions were perfectly normal.

It seemed she should be more reserved next time.

Reflecting on this, Xiang Yuan thought about hurrying home to create.

–

On the day of the class reunion.
Ke Hang called Xiang Yuan early to share some news:

“I heard from others that Jiang Zixin is going today too.”

Xiang Yuan’s hand, which had been scrolling through webpages, paused. “Really?”

Ke Hang: “No doubt about it.”

Xiang Yuan: “You…”

Ke Hang cut her off with a warning: “Stop right there. If you dare suggest there’s something between me and her again, don’t blame me for getting angry.”

Xiang Yuan cleared her throat, wisely backing down.

“Who said I was going to mention that? I just wanted to ask which restaurant we’re meeting at for the class reunion.”

Ke Hang: “Platinum Elite Club.”

Xiang Yuan acknowledged with a sound, indicating she understood.

Ke Hang then asked: “Is your husband coming with you today?”

Xiang Yuan: “Why would he come to my reunion?”

Ke Hang chuckled lowly: “Didn’t you say last time that you’re husband-whipped?”

Xiang Yuan brushed him off impatiently, “Stop being sarcastic. When you get a wife someday, I’ll be the first to tease you about it.”

Seeing her mood shifting, Ke Hang quickly apologized and said he’d see her at the restaurant later.

The class reunion was still an hour and a half away.

Xiang Yuan casually got ready at home and headed out with her bag.

It had been a long time since she’d seen her high school classmates, with whom she’d been quite close back then.

Xiang Yuan was well-liked and could chat with anyone.

The reunion had been planned in the group chat for a while. Xiang Yuan had been lazy at first and didn’t participate in the chat, resulting in many people tagging her, insisting she had to come this time.

When she first heard Jiang Zixin would also attend, Xiang Yuan did hesitate for a long time. But later she thought, since they hadn’t been in touch for so many years, even if they met, they’d probably just not talk to each other nothing to worry about.

As she drove to the restaurant, Ke Hang happened to arrive at the same time.

They ran into each other at the entrance.

Ke Hang waved to her and glanced over her outfit for the day. Lighting a cigarette, he asked Xiang Yuan, “Did you dress up this nicely on purpose today?”

Xiang Yuan asked, “Why do you say that?”

Ke Hang: “Your rival is here too.”

“Overthinking it.” Xiang Yuan genuinely didn’t care much about Jiang Zixin’s presence; she just felt she should look presentable when going out.

Ke Hang walked in with her. “I heard Jiang Zixin has been doing well these past few years.”

“Really?”

“She came back from studying abroad with no financial pressure, and her father got lucky with an investment, making a huge fortune all at once. He even gave her a sum to invest, and now she’s her own boss.”

Xiang Yuan smiled faintly. “That’s great.”

“At the reunion today, try not to clash with her.”

“Don’t worry, we’re all adults now. Not that childish.”

With that, she pushed open the private room door and walked in.

Most of the high school classmates had already arrived, leaving only the two of them missing.

Ke Hang greeted everyone warmly as soon as he entered. After chatting around, he glanced toward the corner.

Jiang Zixin met Xiang Yuan’s gaze and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Long time no see.”

Xiang Yuan rested a hand on the table and returned the smile.

“Long time no see.”

Logically, past grievances should have been long forgotten.

But in Xiang Yuan’s over twenty years of life, there were few things that had made her seethe with hatred.

She and Jiang Zixin had been good friends in high school, and with Ke Hang, they formed an inseparable trio.

What should have been an unbreakable friendship was shattered by inexplicable jealousy, leading Jiang Zixin to sabotage Xiang Yuan in a painting competition. In the end, the two fell out completely.

For a while after their fallout, Ke Hang was caught in the middle, torn between them.

Later, rumors spread that Ke Hang was pursuing Jiang Zixin, and in a fit of anger, Ke Hang directly cut ties with her.

Over the years, Jiang Zixin had no contact with any of them.

This year, however, she was quite enthusiastic about the class reunion. It seemed she had ridden the coattails of her father’s success, appearing radiant and thoroughly content.

Believing she had the upper hand over Xiang Yuan, she carried herself with exaggerated confidence. Raising her glass, she walked over to Xiang Yuan and asked, “I heard you got married?”

Xiang Yuan nodded.

“Not long ago.”

Jiang Zixin remarked, “We’ve been classmates for so many years. Why didn’t you inform me about your wedding?”

Ke Hang, hearing this, nearly choked on his drink.

Xiang Yuan also found it absurd.

Their relationship was hardly close enough to attend each other’s weddings.

But in social settings, playing along was a basic skill.

Xiang Yuan clinked glasses with her and said, “I didn’t invite many unrelated people only some family and close friends. Don’t worry about it.”

Jiang Zixin’s expression stiffened, and she fell silent for a few seconds.

“…”

Ke Hang chuckled at this. “So, I’m considered a close friend?”

Xiang Yuan smiled faintly. “Yes.”

Jiang Zixin pretended not to hear their exchange. “Xiang Yuan, it’s been years since we last met, and you’ve grown even more beautiful. I wonder who your husband is. How about we all go out for a meal sometime?”

Judging by Xiang Yuan’s evasive reaction earlier, she assumed Xiang Yuan’s husband must be someone unimpressive.

The more Xiang Yuan tried to hide it, the more curious she became.

Xiang Yuan replied, “He’s usually very busy.”

Jiang Zixin pressed, “What does he do?”

Xiang Yuan answered, “He’s a doctor.”

Jiang Zixin’s expression flickered briefly, as if recalling something, but she quickly regained her composure. “Being a doctor is quite good. You have great taste I’m sure you picked a wonderful husband.”

On this point, Xiang Yuan didn’t humble herself.

“He is indeed wonderful.”

As the two exchanged words, Ke Hang listened nearby, rolling his eyes inwardly.

Jiang Zixin’s probing was merely an attempt to prove that Xiang Yuan’s life was worse than hers.

After all these years, this woman still hadn’t changed her ways.

Incorrigible.

No wonder Xiang Yuan had cut ties with her.

Xiang Yuan, however, paid no mind to her sarcasm. She continued chatting and laughing with those around her, completely disregarding Jiang Zixin.

While Jiang Zixin saw her as a thorn in her side, Xiang Yuan didn’t even consider her worthy of attention.

That was the difference between them.

Halfway through the reunion, Xiang Yuan’s phone buzzed.

It was a message from Cheng Zhinan.

CZN: 【Attending the class reunion?】

Yuanyuanyuanyuan: 【Yes.】

CZN: 【How much longer will it last?】

Yuanyuanyuanyuan: 【About another hour.】

CZN: 【I’m home. Once you’re done, I’ll pick you up. Send me the address.】

Yuanyuanyuanyuan: 【Okay.】

Xiang Yuan shared her location with Cheng Zhinan and resumed chatting with those around her.

She wasn’t oblivious to Jiang Zixin’s gaze she simply couldn’t be bothered to care.

Based on their earlier conversation, she guessed Jiang Zixin had already concluded that Xiang Yuan had married some old, poor man.

Xiang Yuan saw no point in arguing.

Jiang Zixin had always been arrogant and loved comparing herself to others.

Back when they were friends, Xiang Yuan had noticed this trait but assumed it stemmed from family issues causing her insecurity. However, she never expected Jiang Zixin to stoop so low as to use such tactics on her own friends.

Tonight, she had a few drinks but didn’t overindulge she still knew her limits.

Class reunions are best enjoyed in moderation drinking too much only harms the body.

By the time she was pleasantly buzzed, the reunion was winding down.

Some of the group suggested moving the party elsewhere, but Xiang Yuan shook her phone and declined, saying she had other plans.

Ke Hang asked her, “Tired?”

Xiang Yuan replied, “My husband is here to pick me up.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a car pulled up at the entrance.

Five minutes earlier.

Cheng Zhinan had texted her, saying he was almost there.

Ke Hang glanced back and noticed Cheng Zhinan was driving a black BMW M8. Given his family’s wealth, the car was surprisingly understated for him.

After all, everyone in S City knew the Cheng family was loaded.

The sleek car waited quietly by the entrance, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Hey, Xiang Yuan, is that your husband waiting in the car?”

Xiang Yuan turned to look.

Cheng Zhinan stepped out, leaning against the car door, his gaze fixed in their direction.

He had changed into casual clothes after work a light gray shirt paired with dress pants, his long legs particularly striking, his features sharp and well-defined.

A female classmate whispered in Xiang Yuan’s ear, “Xiang Yuan, your husband is so handsome.”

Xiang Yuan smiled slightly. “He’s alright. You get used to it after a while.”

The classmate added, “The car is gorgeous. I’ve seen it online must cost around two million, right?”

Xiang Yuan: “Mmm… roughly.”

“Impressive. I’ve never seen your husband before turns out he’s tall, rich, and handsome.”

Xiang Yuan: “He’s a doctor. He serves the people.”

The classmate covered her mouth with a laugh, envy in her voice. “You really know how to pick a husband. You landed a once-in-a-century catch.”

Xiang Yuan and her classmates stood clustered at the entrance.

It would have been rude for Cheng Zhinan not to come over and greet them.

He started walking toward them but then noticed a woman standing beside Xiang Yuan.

The moment Jiang Zixin saw Cheng Zhinan, she froze speechless.

People around her were already chatting about Xiang Yuan’s husband.

Only then did she realize Xiang Yuan’s husband was actually Cheng Zhinan.

Cheng Zhinan’s eyes swept indifferently past Jiang Zixin before he approached Xiang Yuan. “Let’s go.”

Xiang Yuan, sharp-eyed, noticed Jiang Zixin’s odd expression and tilted her head. “Do you two know each other?”

Cheng Zhinan weighed his words before replying earnestly, “We’ve met. Not close.”

To be precise, they really weren’t close.

Jiang Zixin had once pursued Cheng Zhinan, clinging to him persistently for a while, but it ended in failure.

Though Cheng Zhinan was hard to get, she consoled herself thinking a man with such an icy demeanor wouldn’t easily accept other women either.

But Jiang Zixin never imagined he would end up marrying Xiang Yuan.

Cheng Zhinan vaguely remembered her.

Jiang Zixin had pestered him for some time, becoming quite a nuisance.

Eventually, he had spoken bluntly, making it clear there was no chance of anything between them, and she reluctantly gave up.

Running into her today was unexpected.

Xiang Yuan studied their expressions, sensing something subtly off.
She held back for the sake of appearances but once inside the car, she pounced on Cheng Zhinan and demanded with feigned fierceness:

“Out with it are you hiding something about you and Jiang Zixin?”

She carried a faint scent of alcohol, her eyebrows furrowed fiercely like a kitten pretending to be fierce. Her angry expression wasn’t intimidating at all instead, it held a touch of endearing charm.

Cheng Zhinan gripped her wrist with one hand. “Let me explain first.”

Xiang Yuan narrowed her eyes at him. “If you don’t tell me the truth, I won’t let you off today.”

Cheng Zhinan fell silent for a long moment, his cool, detached gaze resting calmly on her.

“How exactly do you plan not to let me off?”

He had originally intended to communicate with her properly, but before he could say much, she was already getting angry. This made Cheng Zhinan curious about what she would do next.

He seemed exceptionally confident.

This inexplicably infuriated Xiang Yuan.

He actually knew the woman she despised the most who knows what history they might have shared behind her back.

The mere thought of it made her blood boil.

Drunk and emboldened, she deliberately threatened him, “Are you sure you want to test me?”

Cheng Zhinan remained silent.

Xiang Yuan felt stifled and frustrated.

This clueless man was about to oppose her again.

It was always like this he always acted so aloof and superior.
If he dared to provoke her, she would immediately go home and draw him into her comic, completely destroying his image.

But that wasn’t nearly enough.

Xiang Yuan was truly furious tonight.

Liquor emboldened the timid.

She bit her lip, reached out her hand, and did the boldest thing she had ever done.

Even the iciest of men had their vulnerabilities.

It wasn’t just Cheng Zhinan.

All men in the world were the same.

Grasping his weakness was equivalent to controlling him entirely.

Cheng Zhinan never expected Xiang Yuan to be this audacious.

His eyebrows furrowed, and he scolded coldly:

“This is absurd.”

“Let go.”

Xiang Yuan didn’t move, half of her body pressing against him.

The man took a deep breath, a strange blush creeping up his ears, and fine beads of sweat forming on the tip of his nose.

Cheng Zhinan lowered his gaze, his Adam’s apple bobbing several times.

He gripped Xiang Yuan’s wrist, his voice hoarse as he repeated:

“Be good.”

“Let go.”