Chapter 513: Extra: Gu Nian - Midsummer Echo (1)

“Stop, stop…”

In the dim room, two figures were tangled together on the sofa.

Jiang Qingli leaned back, unable to take any more. She pressed her foot against Gu Nian’s shoulder to push him away, her fingers unconsciously grasping for something at her side.

Her fingertips brushed against the curtain, and a few blinding rays of morning light spilled shakily into the room.

The scenery outside zipped past the window.

Jiang Qingli gasped, but the young man’s long, slender fingers thoughtfully closed the gap, blocking any possibility of being seen.

“Shh, darling.” Gu Nian crawled closer on his knees and gently placed a finger on her lips. “Someone might see us…” he whispered.

Jiang Qingli still hadn’t recovered from his earlier frenzy. She braced herself with her hands behind her, taking a moment to catch her breath.

Her breathing hadn’t yet steadied when she saw the fervent passion swirling in Gu Nian’s eyes again.

Jiang Qingli grabbed his rabbit ears and pulled him back a little, her breath hitching. “You know someone might see, yet you still won’t behave. All you do is cause trouble.”

“I just thought it would be more exciting to say that.” Gu Nian’s mind went blank for a second when she glared at him, but he recovered a few moments later, smiling with brazen confidence. “You know as well, darling, the glass is one-way. No one can see what we’re doing…”

As he spoke, he actually pulled the curtain open a crack.

Light fell into the room, illuminating the young man’s face.

He cupped Jiang Qingli’s face. His eyelashes were long and curled, and his pink eyes sparkled as he wheedled, “Darling, it’s still early…”

The moisture on his lips glistened in the sunlight.

‘He’s doing this on purpose.’

‘Definitely on purpose.’

But with that exquisitely handsome face of his, he was completely irresistible.

Gu Nian knew full well his face was exactly Jiang Qingli’s type, and he was an expert at using this to his advantage. He twitched his rabbit ears, playing the part of a poor, obedient boy.

“Darling, you said stop, so I stopped. I was a good boy, wasn’t I? Don’t I deserve a little reward?”

“I haven’t seen you in a month. I missed you so much…”

“Darling, female master, wifey…”

He cycled through the names, his voice slightly hoarse, as he gently nuzzled his nose against hers.

Jiang Qingli’s grip on his rabbit ears began to loosen.

Seeing his chance, Gu Nian immediately seized it. He swept her up into his arms, his fingers slipping under the hem of her nightgown to trace a path up her spine.

Feeling the person in his arms tremble, Gu Nian’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk.

‘See? I knew it.’

‘She missed me too.’

Gu Nian caressed Jiang Qingli’s cheek with one hand. He was about to lower his head for a kiss when he remembered what he had just been doing.

‘I need to rinse my mouth.’

Gu Nian quickly got up.

Just as he entered the bathroom, there was a knock on the door.

Jiang Qingli sat up, pulled over the central control screen next to her, and turned off the soundproofing.

Through the door, Assistant He’s voice sounded. “President, we will be arriving at Twelve Cities Station in one hour. Also, the stylist is ready and waiting next door.”

After the award ceremony, in addition to her classes and handling Melt Star Association affairs, Jiang Qingli had also gradually become involved in politics.

Assistant He had been personally selected for her by the Emperor. She was the second daughter of one of the Emperor’s confidants and had an outstanding resume.

A few years older than Jiang Qingli, Assistant He was methodical and organized in handling her duties.

Jiang Qingli said, “Alright, I’ll be there shortly.”

Assistant He asked, “Will you be having breakfast in the styling room, or will you be joining Mr. Gu in the dining car?”

“I’ll eat in the styling room,” Jiang Qingli said after a moment’s thought. “There isn’t enough time.”

“Understood. I’ll go make the arrangements.”

Jiang Qingli got up, went to the walk-in closet to change into a formal suit, and splashed her face with cold water in the other bathroom. Then she knocked on the door to Gu Nian’s bathroom. “Nian.”

“Darling, I’m coming!”

Gu Nian raised his voice over the PITTER-PATTER of the water. She didn’t have to guess; after rinsing his mouth, he must have decided he wanted to be even cleaner and was taking his third shower of the morning.

“You’re going to wash your skin off,” Jiang Qingli said with a laugh. “I’m going to get my hair and makeup done. When you’re finished, just go straight to the dining car for breakfast.”

“…So soon?” Gu Nian’s voice was full of frustration. “But we woke up so early…”

Jiang Qingli’s face flushed. They had woken up early, but he had been messing around for far too long.

Although he was disappointed, Gu Nian never interfered with Jiang Qingli’s important business. He called out, “Go on, darling. I’ll be fine.”

…

The room next door wasn’t large and had been converted into a styling room.

When Jiang Qingli entered, the stylist was already waiting, all their tools laid out and ready.

After she sat down, the stylist began to work on her hair while Assistant He brought in breakfast and confirmed the day’s itinerary with her again.

A few days ago, the Imperial Academy had started its summer break.

Jiang Qingli had planned this trip to the Twelve Cities.

Besides checking on the current situation of the children at the orphanage, she had also brought the results of Yuan Shimo’s recent work on bionic prosthetics.

He had used new, affordable materials as substitutes, lowering the price without affecting performance. The plan was to first custom-make a batch for some orphans in the Lower District with less severe disabilities to test their effectiveness.

Jiang Qingli remembered a few outgoing children from an event at the orphanage last year who had been very receptive. She had mentioned them to Assistant He before the trip and wondered how they were doing now.

Assistant He said, “The director has already asked them. None of them are opposed. Once we arrive, technicians will record the data and transmit it to the First District. The prosthetics should be finished in about half a month.”

Jiang Qingli nodded.

Assistant He then asked, “President, the venue for tomorrow night’s charity gala has been booked. The City Lord said they will arrange transportation for you.”

Jiang Qingli said, “That won’t be necessary. We’ll use our own people.”

Half a month ago, when the City Lord of the Twelve Districts heard about Jiang Qingli’s plan, he immediately offered his support, proposing to first host a charity gala within the district and invite socialites to raise funds.

The socialites, naturally, wouldn’t refuse.

They weren’t actually interested in helping orphans, but with the project on the verge of success, they all wanted to earn a good reputation.

Jiang Qingli disliked schmoozing, but since someone was willing to donate, there was no reason to refuse the money.

However, she didn’t want to get too close to them, lest she be used by someone with ulterior motives or be the subject of media slander.

“Understood.” Assistant He knew what she meant. She hesitated for a moment, then began, “In that case… will you only be bringing Mr. Gu to the event?”

Jiang Qingli glanced at her. “Do you have someone else to recommend?”

For this trip to the Lower District, Jiang Qingli had only brought one Beast Husband, Gu Nian.

Assistant He said quickly, “Marshal Xie’s residence isn’t far from here.”

“Assistant He, I know you’re considering all the angles, and it’s true that Marshal Xie’s status and prestige are higher than Gu Nian’s.” Jiang Qingli finished the last bite of her breakfast. “But Gu Nian is also my Beast Husband. I told you last night that he would be my escort, and I won’t be changing my mind.”

Meeting her clear gaze, Assistant He felt the awkwardness of being seen through. “I’m sorry, I…”

“No need to apologize. Just don’t let it happen again.” Jiang Qingli patted Assistant He’s shoulder before leaving. “I’m going to get some fresh air.”

Her tone was no different from usual, and there was even a slight curve to her lips, yet it placed immense pressure on the other woman, who wouldn’t dare overstep again.

After Jiang Qingli left, the stylist saw Assistant He looking crestfallen and said, “Assistant He, you were just looking out for Miss Jiang’s reputation. To be honest, I also wonder what’s so great about that Gu Nian… he has a lowly background, is dirt poor, and has nothing but his perfect looks. Can it be that Miss Jiang only likes him for his face?”

“Don’t speak nonsense,” Assistant He said sternly. “The President is not so shallow. Mr. Gu must have some extraordinary qualities!”

But as she said that last sentence, she lacked conviction.

The stylist scoffed. “Extraordinary qualities? You mean he’s especially good at sweet-talking her in bed.”

Assistant He left the styling room. Jiang Qingli hadn’t gone far, and just as the assistant was about to catch up to apologize again, a door suddenly opened. A hand with well-defined knuckles grabbed Jiang Qingli’s wrist and pulled her into an embrace.

The ring finger of that hand wore a silver ring. It was Gu Nian’s hand.

Before the door closed, the young man’s smiling, velvety voice could be faintly heard. “Darling, the zipper’s stuck. Help me…”