Chen Huaixu, carrying a bag, switched on the lights and gently led her inside by the hand. The apartment's decor was distinctly him: a minimalist palette of black, white, and gray, devoid of warmth. Yan Zhen toured the space with keen interest, Chen Huaixu trailing behind her. She paused at a closed door, reaching for the knob, when his voice, slow and measured, drifted from behind. "This is my bedroom."

Yan Zhen quickly withdrew her hand. Feigning a cough, she said, "Respecting your privacy, I won't go in."

"What's there to be afraid of? Starting tonight, this is your room too." He opened the door. "Want to take a look?"

"No." His gaze, as he leaned against the doorframe, felt charged with an unspoken current. She sensed that stepping across that threshold would be like being swallowed whole.

"As you wish." Seemingly unhurried, Chen Huaixu stepped inside. "I'll go shower."

"Huh?" Yan Zhen was taken aback. "You're going to shower? What about me?" What kind of host leaves their guest unattended to take a shower?

He feigned contemplation, then offered a solution. "Then why don't you join me?"

Yan Zhen blushed. "Shameless!"

He chuckled, reaching out to gently pinch her cheek. "Baby, wait for me. I'll be quick." He then disappeared into the room.

Yan Zhen stood there, face flushed crimson. Logic told her this was the perfect opportunity to escape. Chen Huaixu was in the shower, his car keys were by the entrance, she recognized his car, and she could easily drive away. Even without the car, Floating Light Gardens was within walking distance. If she left now, she could avoid whatever was about to happen. While perhaps a little naive, Yan Zhen wasn't foolish. They'd shared intimate moments, and now they were alone in his apartment. His gaze had been so possessive; his intentions were crystal clear.

Chen Huaixu was testing her, giving her a chance to refuse. He didn't want to force her.

Yan Zhen stared at her toes, fingers twisting the strap of her purse. The sound of running water echoed from the bedroom's bathroom. She suddenly recalled Chen Huaixu's naked form at the mountain resort, and her ears burned.

After a moment of hesitation, she took a step forward.

When Chen Huaixu emerged from the shower, the bedroom was silent, the living room empty. It felt exactly the same as any other night when he was alone. He stood still for a moment, then sighed softly. Had he been too forward? Had he frightened her away?

He turned towards the walk-in closet, assuming she hadn't gone far and intending to grab a jacket to escort her home. But as he slid open the closet door, he saw a slender figure with her back to him, examining the full-length mirror.

He stopped dead in his tracks.

"You're done?" Yan Zhen turned, facing him. "Why is your closet so big? Did you have it specially remodeled? And you barely have any clothes. All this empty space… are you saving it for—"

"Baby," he interrupted.

Yan Zhen's words caught in her throat. Meeting his openly desirous gaze, her cheeks burned. She tightened her grip on her purse strap and shyly looked away.

He stepped closer, lowering his head. "I gave you a chance. I can't let you go now."

After a long pause, Yan Zhen softly murmured, "Okay," her earlobes tinged with pink.

He cupped her face in his hands, lifting her gaze to meet his. They stared at each other in silence for a long moment, then he slowly lowered his head and captured her lips.

Returning his kiss, Yan Zhen asked breathlessly, "...Should I take a shower first?"

"No." He swept her into his arms. "I can't wait."