The sun cast his shadow long, stretching towards Yan Zhen.

Enveloped in his shadow, she looked up at him, puzzled. He was looking down at her, his expression obscured by the backlight, but his gaze made her blush.

Was it because he was so handsome?

Yan Zhen's mind wandered.

Chen Huaixu made a soft "Hmm?" sound, as if prompting her.

She realized why he'd told her his name. She must have seemed rude for not using it. Gripping the cold juice, the coolness spreading through her, she offered a belated, "Thank you, Brother Huaixu."

"You're welcome." Having received the desired address, he turned and walked back towards the court. Soon, a mix of complaints and exclamations reached her.

"Dude, we asked for water and cola, what's with all this stuff?"

"Even milk? Chen Huaixu, did you buy out the store?"

Watching the lively scene, Yan Zhen looked at the juice in her hand. This brother, despite his cool demeanor, was surprisingly thoughtful.

Later, on the way home, she told Yan Zhao. He played with his phone, not looking up. "You must be mistaken. Chen Huaixu and 'thoughtful' don't belong in the same sentence. Girls at our school practically kill for his WeChat."

Really?

Yan Zhen looked at her phone. "Chen Huaixu" was clearly listed in her contacts. They'd added each other after the game.

Was it only so easy because she was Yan Zhao's sister?

As she got to know Chen Huaixu, she started showing her little quirks and temper. He accepted it all, yet didn't indulge her, often infuriating her. When she complained to others, they insisted Chen Huaixu would never act that way.

It was so strange.

This question lingered, even now.

Yan Zhen couldn't understand why the Chen Huaixu she knew was different from everyone else's.

A nip, almost a bite, on her neck jolted Yan Zhen awake. The slight pain and tingling sensation pulled her from the hazy dream. A low groan vibrated against her ear. "What were you dreaming about, baby? You're soaked."

Chen Huaixu's hand found the wetness between her legs, a casual rub producing a tell-tale squelching sound. Foreplay was unnecessary.

A moan escaped her before her mind fully caught up. "Brother Huaixu..." she murmured.

The slurred ending, laced with unconscious vulnerability, sent a shiver down his spine.

Unable to resist, he rolled on a c0ndom and pushed into her. Within moments, Yan Zhen was whimpering, overwhelmed.

Still half-asleep, she was spread and taken deeply. The wet sounds of their coupling filled the air, her core clenching around him, drawing a sharp intake of breath from Chen Huaixu as he thrust harder.

The intense, spreading ache brought her fully awake. She cried out involuntarily with each thrust, slowly opening her eyes to find him looking down at her, a strange expression on his face, like he was harboring some small resentment.

It reminded her of the time at the mountain hotel when he'd taken a drink for her.

The same look.

"Awake?" Chen Huaixu pulled out, flipped her over, and positioned her on all fours. His voice was low. "Let's begin."

Yan Zhen blinked sleepily. For some reason, she had a very bad feeling.