I Want to Kiss You

"Can we cancel this pose?" Huo Xingzhou finally spoke, unable to bear seeing Qiao Xi so uncomfortable.

The photographer, however, stood firm, shaking his head resolutely. "Absolutely not. It would ruin the integrity of my work! Wedding photography is a cohesive series, and your parents have already signed the agreement. During the shoot, I have full creative control."

Such exceptional material was not something he could let slip by.

Du Juan nodded in agreement. "Xingzhou, this photographer is someone I specifically booked. He's incredibly professional! His photos have won numerous international awards."

Though she admitted silently that he was a bit peculiar.

Unlike most professionals who treated clients like royalty, this photographer was notorious for his demands, insisting that everyone follow his instructions.

That's what gave a gold-medal photographer his confidence.

Qiao Xi tugged at Huo Xingzhou's sleeve, her voice soft. "Mr. Huo..."

She was so embarrassed.

The thought of passionately kissing him in front of their elders made her want to find a hole to crawl into.

"At the very least, can we clear the room?"

Huo Xingzhou's voice was cold and commanding, like a winter frost spreading over still waters.

"Brother! No way!" Huo Sixiao cried in dismay. She had already prepared her phone to record a keepsake video.

Du Juan chuckled and patted her daughter on the shoulder. "Sixiao, let's step out for now."

"Mom!"

"Come on, let's go."

Du Juan grabbed her daughter's arm with one hand and her husband's with the other, ushering them out. The photographer, understanding the mood, gestured for the rest of the crew to leave as well, leaving only an assistant to help.

The studio quieted considerably.

"Qiao Xi, look at me," Huo Xingzhou said softly. "Everyone's gone now."

She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her posture straight, her entire body taut with nerves.

"I can't do this," she whispered, her tone full of frustration.

"Yes, you can," he replied firmly.

His dark gaze softened as he recalled the passion she had shown that one night.

"This is just a formality," he added, his voice steady. "Let's get through this. It's what our family wants, and Grandma probably hopes to see these photos too. I'll make sure the photographer sends the originals to your phone later."

Qiao Xi hesitated, biting her lip, but eventually nodded.

Her clear, trusting eyes gazed up at him. Only Huo Xingzhou knew the turmoil he was suppressing within.

If he didn't want to do something, no one could force him.

"All right, enough whispering! Groom, I've cleared the room for you," the photographer called out, clapping his hands. "Get ready. Kiss like you mean it, and I'll snap the perfect shot. When I call 'cut,' you stop."

He adjusted his camera and took position.

Huo Xingzhou placed his hand gently against Qiao Xi's cheek. He looked at her exquisite features, her shy, doe-like eyes, and her full, rosy lips.

He leaned in.

His lips brushed lightly against hers.

Qiao Xi stiffened, clutching the fabric of his sleeve. Forced to tilt her head back, her long, elegant neck was fully exposed.

Obediently, she closed her eyes.

Then, his kiss deepened, turning intense and consuming, as if he were a storm overwhelming her senses.

It was fervent.

Burning.

The spark coursed through her, igniting an embarrassing yet undeniable longing.

Qiao Xi's body trembled, her nerves tingling all the way down her spine like an electric current. She could hardly keep her balance, and Huo Xingzhou tightened his grip on her, one hand cradling the back of her head as the kiss intensified.

So much for being the dignified gentleman of Haicheng—beneath the polished surface lay the soul of a predator.

From the moment she had appeared in her wedding dress, his gaze had been drawn to her slender figure, her bashful demeanor, and the delicate allure she unintentionally exuded.

His thoughts had spiraled to an unrestrained desire to strip away the layers and uncover the real her.

Amid the repeated clicks of the camera shutter, Huo Xingzhou gave in to indulgence during this fleeting moment.

Qiao Xi, overwhelmed and nearly breathless, found herself succumbing to the heat between them. Her sense of reason and shame drowned in the torrent of emotions.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the kiss ended.

Qiao Xi's cheeks were flushed a deep crimson, her eyes shimmering like ripples on a spring lake.

"We got plenty of shots of that pose," the photographer teased with a sly smile. "You two can choose your favorites later. Let's move on to the next outfit."

Qiao Xi was escorted to change into another dress. The rest of the shoot progressed more smoothly and predictably, much to her relief.

By the time the photoshoot wrapped up, evening had fallen.

"Just one more session for the family portrait, and we're done," the photographer announced cheerfully.

The five members of the second branch of the Huo family gathered against a red backdrop, all smiles.

"Everyone, say 'cheese' on three!"

Huo Sixiao grinned mischievously. "I found saying my sister-in-law's name makes me smile too!"

Qiao Xi.

Huo Xingzhou repeated it silently to himself, and a subtle smile graced his lips.

Indeed.

Qiao Xi's almond-shaped eyes curved beautifully as she smiled, her expression radiant.

Click.

The moment was captured perfectly.

"At last, we're finished! Sister-in-law, shall we grab dinner tonight?" Huo Sixiao asked with boundless energy, seemingly unaffected by the long day.

Exhausted, Qiao Xi shook her head under her thick makeup.

"She's tired. We'll head home," Huo Xingzhou said simply.

"Okay, we won't disturb you two lovebirds. Drive safely," Du Juan reminded them as they left.

Huo Xingzhou nodded and helped Qiao Xi out of the studio.

Back at the car, in the quiet and dimly lit interior, the air grew heavy with unspoken tension.

The heated kiss from earlier replayed vividly in their minds. Qiao Xi unconsciously licked her lips, still tasting the lingering sweetness of the moment.

Huo Xingzhou lowered the partition between the driver and the backseat, turning off the interior lights to plunge the space into darkness.

"Mr. Huo?" Qiao Xi asked hesitantly.

"Dr. Qiao, your prescription worked wonders," he murmured, his voice low and husky.

She looked at him in confusion.

He leaned closer, his tone dropping further. "I want to kiss you again."

"Mr. Huo..."

"Dr. Qiao," he interrupted, his voice like a seductive whisper, "help this patient, won't you?"

Before she could respond, he pulled her into his arms.

In the pitch-black car, their kiss deepened, their emotions spilling over.

The flashing lights outside and the occasional sounds of traffic punctuated their heated embrace, heightening the intensity of the moment.

By the time the car arrived at their villa, it was past nine.

Qiao Xi, adjusting her disheveled appearance, said with feigned calmness, "Mr. Huo, I think... you don't need to add any more medicinal herbs."

"I don't feel completely cured yet," he replied, his lips curling into a smirk.

"You'll heal naturally once your legs are fully recovered," she muttered, overwhelmed by embarrassment.

Having pushed her far enough, Huo Xingzhou nodded with a hint of amusement.

"Alright, I'll listen to you," he said, his tone teasing yet tender.

In the quiet of the night, he allowed her some peace—just for now.