Warmth amidst chaos

Xu Jingli bent down again, capturing Chen Mumu's lips in a kiss that stole the very air from her lungs.

It was hot, consuming—filled with all the unsaid words, the suppressed emotions, the longing he had bottled up since the moment they were forced apart.

For a brief moment, Chen Mumu froze, overwhelmed.

But then, she melted.

She let him in, responding with just as much fervor, clinging to him as if he were the only thing keeping her grounded.

Her fingers curled into his shirt, holding on for dear life as waves of heat coursed through her.

His arms tightened around her, as if he never wanted to let go.

By the time they finally parted, Chen Mumu was breathless.

She exhaled sharply, realizing only then that she had been holding her breath.

Her wide, dazed eyes searched Xu Jingli's, only to find him already staring at her—his gaze dark with emotion, unwavering, intense.