Chapter 23 His Self-Control

He was truly skilled, even pausing deliberately just before his lips were about to touch mine, as if to savor the sight of the blush spreading across my face.He was doing it on purpose—absolutely on purpose.

As time went on, I realized that when this man got serious, I had no control whatsoever.Throughout the entire process, I was swept along, drawn in, seduced, and dominated by him. I must have been under some kind of spell; otherwise, how could I have been so willing, so reverent, to rise on tiptoe and meet him halfway, letting him take over every inch of my defenses while still feeling it wasn't enough?

He was gentle yet restrained, even when the kiss grew passionate."Better than last time," he murmured, his eyes lowering as he noticed my bare feet. He scooped me up and carried me to the bed, whispering near my ear, "Were you so eager to see me that you forgot to put on shoes?"

My eyes were still hazy with moisture, and I hadn't fully recovered from the breathlessness of the kiss. My chest heaved dramatically.His gaze darkened, and his lips descended upon mine again. One hand held my waist firmly, while the other braced against the bed.My body arched slightly backward, my slender waist lifting.The posture was somewhat suggestive, but I was completely oblivious.

"Is this enough?" he asked softly, his voice a mix of tenderness and enticement as he continued to kiss me.His voice acted like a catalyst, making me tremble all over. Almost instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck, murmuring coquettishly, "Not enough."

In truth, the prey being so thoroughly ensnared was none other than me.A familiar sense of danger washed over me, making me feel increasingly overwhelmed. When I could barely hold on, I instinctively tried to push him away. But he tightened his grip on my waist and pulled me firmly against him."Shen Jibai..." I whimpered, my voice tinged with a sob as I struggled and pleaded.

He finally let go of me, his eyes tinged with a faint red hue. "Who was it just now who said it wasn't enough?"Perhaps seeing my panicked and flustered state softened his heart. He exhaled deeply, his entire body tense with restraint, his voice hoarse beyond recognition. "If you're scared, let go of me."

Only then did I realize that I had been clinging tightly to him the entire time.I quickly released him.He stood up, taking a few seconds to adjust himself subtly before letting out a helpless chuckle. "Miss Jiang, if you continue like this, I can't guarantee I'll have the same self-control next time."

I didn't dare to meet his gaze.He straightened up and stood by the bed, pulling me into his arms. Sitting barefoot on the bed, my face pressed against his firm chest.Even through his clothes, I could sense certain... obvious changes in his body.

"Lili, you can continue living as you used to. I'll take care of you and make sure I'm more generous than Old Jiang."Hearing this, I jumped up from the bed in an instant, my voice involuntarily rising by several octaves."What an insult! So I'm just useless now, huh? My dad can't afford me anymore, so you want to take over? What, are you going to keep me as your mistress?"

Shen Jibai's eyes were full of amusement, and his smile even carried a hint of... benevolence. He raised his hand to stroke my hair and gently reassured me, "Even if you are useless, you're my top-priority useless person. If Old Jiang wants you back in the future, I definitely won't give you up."

I was speechless. Although I had to admit that I'd been lying flat and accomplishing nothing for far too long, hearing it officially confirmed from his mouth was still a bit hard to swallow.I couldn't possibly remain useless forever, could I?Why hadn't I studied harder during those years abroad?

"Go to sleep early, be good. Old Jiang is still waiting for me upstairs," he said, stroking my hair as if coaxing a child reluctant to let their parents leave for work.

Hmph, so he had snuck down here behind my dad's back.I nodded reluctantly, seeing him off at the door with great reluctance.Just before leaving, he turned around and kissed me again.

"Two more minutes, baby," he murmured as he kissed me, coaxing softly. "Any longer, and Old Jiang will start worrying..."

The next morning, I woke up to find a text message with flight details. He had booked me a ticket to Bangkok."Old Jiang's company has smoothly entered the acquisition process. Since you're already out here, let's go explore nearby for a couple of days before heading back."

He was right. Once the new semester began, I wouldn't have this kind of freedom anymore.Wait a minute—something didn't feel right...This meant the two of us would be spending the night alone outside! Without Old Jiang as a third wheel!

Humans are such complicated creatures. When you can't have something, you're bold and fearless. But once you get it, you start hesitating. The shadow of Ye Jingzhan suddenly loomed over me... Was this all progressing too fast? At the critical moment, would I fail again?

Two days later, we bid farewell to Old Jiang.I felt a bit reluctant, even shedding a couple of tears before leaving.But my dad was overjoyed to hear that Shen Jibai was taking me back to China. He said, "You're a young girl; go back and focus on your studies and exams. What's the point of staying with an old man like me? I'm retired now and can play every day. Your life is just beginning, and you'll have to rely on yourself in the future. Without a degree, how will you find a boyfriend or get married?"

Shen Jibai stood to the side, smiling as he agreed with my dad.A few days ago, didn't he say I could stay useless forever? Now he's bringing up degrees?I pouted and climbed into the car.