Chapter 88: A Blaze Ignited by Dry Kindling

After leaving the company, Lu Qingli glanced back at the Lu Group building, his eyes filled with deep loathing, as if he despised the company—or perhaps himself. Once he calmed his emotions, he finally turned and walked away.

———

In the days that followed, Gu Zehuai and Wen Jiu barely saw each other, both caught up in the demands of their own work. Wen Jiu was often still sketching late into the night, while Gu Zehuai had to attend international meetings.

Soon, New Year’s Day arrived, and the two tacitly agreed it was time to set aside space for themselves.

On Friday night, they finally found a moment of respite. Neither had plans to go out; the thought of sharing a quiet evening at home together seemed equally delightful.

Wen Jiu teased Gu Zehuai, “I thought you’d still be working overtime. I was prepared to see in the new year all by myself.”

Gu Zehuai pulled Wen Jiu into his arms and said with a smile, “Work comes second. My girlfriend is always first.”

Wen Jiu found his words deeply gratifying and stifled a giggle behind her hand.

“That one line made you so happy? It seems your sense of humor is far too easy to satisfy. Clearly, it needs curing.”

Before Wen Jiu could figure out how he intended to “cure” her, Gu Zehuai’s lips silenced her.

A spark was all it took for passion to ignite.

Gu Zehuai carried Wen Jiu into the bedroom, their kisses growing ever more fervent and reluctant to break.

His hand slipped beneath her nightdress, slowly tracing the curve of her waist.

Desire overwhelmed them. Gu Zehuai’s hand wandered upward along her body, and Wen Jiu, swept up in the moment, found herself taking the initiative for once…

By the time they reached the peak of intimacy, all that remained between them was honesty and vulnerability.

Suddenly, Wen Jiu felt a sudden warmth spread beneath her and cried out in surprise.

Gu Zehuai lifted his head with difficulty, gazing at her. Embarrassed, Wen Jiu blushed and muttered, “My period just started.”

Gu Zehuai instantly stopped, climbed off her, and gently helped her with her nightdress.

Wen Jiu directed him to her apartment to fetch what she needed and a change of clothes. Gu Zehuai memorized her instructions and set off immediately.

Wen Jiu sat anxiously, not daring to move, though the sheets beneath her were already stained.

Gu Zehuai soon returned, handed her the necessary items, and carried her into the bathroom. “You can change here. Call me if you need anything—I’ll be right outside.”

Face flushed, Wen Jiu nodded and closed the bathroom door.

When she emerged in fresh clothes, Gu Zehuai was no longer in the bedroom. The moment she stepped out, the pungent aroma of ginger filled the air.

In the kitchen, Gu Zehuai was brewing ginger tea with brown sugar.

As Wen Jiu approached, he asked with concern, “Does your stomach hurt? Some ginger tea should help a bit.”

In truth, Wen Jiu always felt a dull pain in her abdomen during her period, so she often made herself some brown sugar water.

Once the tea was ready, Gu Zehuai urged her to sit and drink while he went to change the bedsheets.

Mouthful by mouthful, Wen Jiu soon finished her tea.

Gu Zehuai pressed her to return to bed and rest, then went to tidy up in the kitchen.

When he came back to the bedroom, Wen Jiu was still wide awake.

After getting into bed, Gu Zehuai wrapped his arms around her, one hand gently massaging her lower abdomen, trying to soothe her discomfort.

Wen Jiu wasn’t actually in much pain, especially with his warm hand easing her cramps.

After a while, Wen Jiu took Gu Zehuai’s hand, urging him to stop.

He misunderstood, thinking she was tired. “Ready for sleep? Then let’s sleep.” He drew her closer.

But Wen Jiu shook her head, released his hand, and let her own fingers drift down along the defined lines of his abdomen.

Leaning close, she whispered in his ear, “Let me help you…”

The moment Wen Jiu’s hand touched him, Gu Zehuai couldn’t help but gasp, “Jiujiu…”