Then, one night, that rhythm was disrupted. She had been studying late. After a shower, feeling thirsty, she went downstairs for a drink. That’s when she encountered Zhong Lin.

She was just three steps from the bottom of the stairs when she saw him. She froze, her body tensing with nerves. They were so close, escape was impossible. Zhong Lin noticed her apprehension. His eyes, which had lingered on her bare legs, now moved to her chest, drawn to the fullness beneath the thin silk of her nightgown. Two perfect mounds, the peaks subtly visible despite the fabric. He noted her flushed skin, the faint sheen of moisture, the clear evidence of a recent shower.

Aware of his intense gaze, Jiang Yi felt increasingly uncomfortable. She pressed her thighs together, her shoulders hunching slightly. “You’re back,” she murmured, her voice soft and trembling.

Her voice, like everything else about her, was uniquely captivating. Zhong Lin’s throat tightened.

“Yes,” he replied. “Still awake?”

Jiang Yi’s fingers twisted together. “I… I was thirsty. Getting some water.”

Zhong Lin stepped aside, clearing the way. Jiang Yi hurried past, holding her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn’t dare look back, rushing towards the refrigerator. Forgetting about getting a glass, she grabbed a bottle of cold water and took a few large gulps. As the cool liquid slid down her throat, she caught the faint scent of alcohol. Instantly, every nerve ending was on alert. Her back stiffened, sensing a presence closing in.

She turned, facing his broad chest. Her heart hammered against her ribs. “You…” she began, her voice barely a whisper.

Her words were cut short. He gripped her chin, forcing her head up. His eyes, dark and predatory, met hers. She instinctively recoiled from the danger she saw there.

Zhong Lin stared at her lips, now even more pink and inviting after being moistened by the water. His thirst intensified.

“Ever been kissed?” he asked.

Jiang Yi stared back, her eyes wide with apprehension and uncertainty. She shook her head.

He leaned closer, his voice a low, husky murmur. “Neither have I. Want to try?”

Before she could react, his lips covered hers, leaving no room for refusal.

Jiang Yi’s eyes widened in shock. In that instant, he deepened the kiss, his tongue invading her mouth, exploring with a possessive urgency. Finally understanding what was happening, she whimpered, struggling to push him away.

He tightened his grip on her waist, pulling her against him. His other hand cupped the back of her head, preventing her escape. In her struggle, the water bottle slipped from her grasp and crashed to the floor. Neither of them noticed.

Jiang Yi’s strength drained away, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She leaned against him, her senses overwhelmed by his scent and the sound of his harsh breathing.

“Breathe,” Zhong Lin said, breaking the kiss but remaining close, his eyes, darker than before, fixed on her flushed cheeks and glistening eyes.

As if suddenly awakened, Jiang Yi gasped for air, her eyes wary. She tried to pull back, but his arm remained firmly around her waist.

“Don’t move,” he said, his fingers lightly squeezing her hip.

The touch sent a shiver down her spine, her legs weakening. Then she felt something hard pressing against her lower abdomen.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked up at him.

Zhong Lin bent his head, intending to kiss her again. She jerked her head back, avoiding his lips.

He paused, then slowly straightened, his hand sliding down to her bvttocks, pressing her against him as he moved his hips, the hard ridge of his arovsal rubbing against her through the fabric.