When Dai Chengfeng finally lifted Liu Erlong out of the water with a dry, soft towel and carefully dried her body and wet, long hair…
Liu Erlong felt like a peeled shrimp, her entire body tinged with a faint pink.
All her defenses and hesitations seemed to have been softened and dissolved by the warm water and his patient caresses.
Dai Chengfeng wrapped her in a cloth and carried her back to the bedroom, gently placing her on the bed covered with soft padding.
This time, he didn't give her any chance to retreat.
His tall frame followed, casting a shadow over Liu Erlong. His gaze was deep, the flames within reignited, now more intense but also more steady.
He leaned down, and his kiss fell again—not a test this time, but filled with undeniable possessiveness.
Liu Erlong only paused briefly before closing her eyes, reaching out her arms to encircle his neck, responding awkwardly and clumsily.
Perhaps she still couldn't sort out her feelings for him, but at this moment, she no longer wanted to think about those troubling questions. She just wanted to sink into this young, powerful embrace…
Dai Chengfeng also felt Liu Erlong's tacit consent and response, his actions becoming even more passionate.
His kisses rained down densely, while his hands gently held Liu Erlong's long legs…
Time passed, unknowingly.
Liu Erlong was drenched in fragrant sweat, as if pulled out of water, collapsing limply in Dai Chengfeng's arms, not wanting to move a single finger.
The evaporation of sweat completely dissipated the remnants of alcohol, making her mind exceptionally clear, though her body was utterly exhausted.
In the silence, only the intertwined sounds of their unsteady breathing could be heard.
Liu Erlong gazed at the blurred canopy above, her heart filled with complex, indescribable emotions.
She had never imagined that her first time would happen under such circumstances, given to this man much younger than her.
She suddenly chuckled lowly, her laughter tinged with self-mockery, absurdity, and an indescribable sense of relief.
She turned her head, looking at Dai Chengfeng's distinct profile in the darkness, and commented in a complicated tone:
"I've kept my body pure for so many years… and this first time… it actually went to you, kid… truly… thinking about it feels unbelievable."
Her voice still carried the hoarseness and slight laziness from their intimate encounter.
Hearing this, Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, his chest vibrating slightly.
He turned to his side, his arm still wrapped around Liu Erlong's smooth back, gently stroking it absentmindedly, the action full of possessive comfort and intimacy.
"Regretting it?"
His voice was equally hoarse, carrying the languor of satisfaction.
Liu Erlong was silent for a moment, then shook her head, burying her face deeper into his chest and mumbling:
"Not regret exactly… just feel… things in this world are truly inexplicable."
She paused, as if talking to herself or to Dai Chengfeng, "I thought… this life would just go on like this, never expected…"
"Never expected it would be me?"
Dai Chengfeng interjected, twirling a strand of her sweat-soaked hair around his finger.
"Mm."
Liu Erlong admitted honestly, "You're so much younger than me… I used to think of you as a promising junior, a trustworthy little friend, never thought it would…"
Lead to physical intimacy.
She didn't say the rest, but they both understood implicitly.
"Does age really matter?"
Dai Chengfeng's voice was calm, "To me, you're just Liu Erlong, a woman who needs care and love."
"The rest doesn't matter."
His words were simple and direct, yet like a warm current, quietly seeping into Liu Erlong's somewhat empty heart.
She had to admit that Dai Chengfeng's maturity and responsibility far exceeded his actual age.
By his side, she rarely noticed the age gap. Instead, she often felt securely supported by him, giving her a sense of security.
For a while, they were silent, just quietly embracing each other.
In the darkness, their body temperatures and breaths were clearly discernible.
The lingering aftermath of their intense lovemaking had not yet fully dissipated, and the air still swirled with ambiguous factors.
Dai Chengfeng's hand lingered on her smooth back, the calloused pads of his fingers rubbing against her skin, gradually bringing up another meaning.
Liu Erlong also felt the changes in his body and the increasingly hot breath on her forehead.
Her heartbeat involuntarily began to accelerate again, and a strange desire seemed to sprout deep within her body.
She should have been utterly exhausted after what they just experienced…
But an indescribable novelty and the completely different intimate experience brought by Dai Chengfeng made her, despite her shyness, secretly anticipate.
Dai Chengfeng lowered his head, accurately capturing her lips. This kiss was no longer a tempest but tender and lingering.
Liu Erlong responded awkwardly, unconsciously wrapping her arms around his neck.
After a long moment, their lips parted.
Dai Chengfeng's darkened gaze locked onto Liu Erlong's hazy eyes, his voice hoarse: "Is it okay?"
He was still seeking her consent.
Liu Erlong's cheeks burned, too shy to look at him. She buried her burning face in his neck, nodding almost imperceptibly, emitting a barely audible "Mm."
That sound acted like the most effective catalyst.
...
When everything returned to calm again, Liu Erlong almost instantly fell into a deep sleep, completely unaware of when Dai Chengfeng got up to clean them both or when he re-embraced her.
That night, she slept exceptionally deeply, without a single dream.
The next morning, the warm sunlight streamed through the window, waking the sleeping Liu Erlong.
She opened her eyes groggily, first feeling the soreness all over her body as if it were falling apart.
Memories flooded her mind, instantly making her wide awake, her cheeks blazing red.
She instinctively looked beside her; the spot was empty, leaving only a slight indentation and Dai Chengfeng's fresh, pleasant scent.
Faint sounds came from outside.
Liu Erlong tried to sit up, supporting her sore body. As soon as she moved, she couldn't help but sharply inhale cold air, her legs going limp, and she collapsed back onto the bed.
At that moment, the door gently opened, and Dai Chengfeng walked in carrying a tray with steaming porridge and small dishes.
Seeing Liu Erlong's awkward attempt to get up and then fall back, a trace of understanding and an almost imperceptible smile flashed in his eyes.
He quickly approached, placed the tray on a nearby low table, and firmly supported Liu Erlong's arm.
"Be careful."
His voice was gentle, carrying the magnetic quality unique to mornings. "I made some porridge; eat something first."
With his help, Liu Erlong managed to stand steadily. She looked up at Dai Chengfeng.
He had obviously washed and changed into a clean black robe, his hair neatly tied up, his expression as calm as ever.
Only his gaze towards her held a noticeable tenderness and intimacy.
Compared to him, she was a mess, her hair disheveled, her body aching, wearing only a thin undershirt…
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