One couple + both leads’ first time + sweet romance + flirtatious tension + the male lead has been plotting for years / secret crush comes true + the female lead’s take on marriage-first, love-later
A calculating, devoted, modern-Chinese-style gentleman merchant × a naturally alluring teahouse proprietress
The day after learning about her childhood betrothal, Shen Yuqiao resolutely goes to break it off, never imagining her fiancé would be the young master of a merchant family who has recently been eyeing her tea plantation.
At that evening’s banquet, she means to play along, go through the motions, and part ways. But an accident turns their pretend romance into reality.
Outside, the rain falls harder and harder. Inside the room, the air grows thick with desire.
Shen Yuqiao hooks an arm around Shang Zhe’s neck and kisses his Adam’s apple, her breath as sweet as orchids. “I’m so hot. Will you help me?”
Shang Zhe’s breathing catches. He gazes into her eyes, the veins standing out on his hand as he fights to restrain himself.
His eyes brim with tenderness, and his voice is rich and resonant. “Qiaoqiao, you’re the one who asked for this.”
Afterward, Shen Yuqiao comes to her senses and guiltily lifts her skirt to sneak away. But the moment she steps out, she runs into that refined, dignified figure.
“Awake?”
His collar hangs half open as he sits by the fireplace, a scarlet ember glowing between his fingers.
Shen Yuqiao gives an awkward, girlish laugh. “Mr. Shang, you’re still here... Um, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”
Shang Zhe puts out his cigarette and slowly walks toward her. He leans down, tilts his head, and speaks with a hint of amusement. “Miss Shen, are you really so heartless? You use me and then hurry to leave, pretending nothing happened?”
Only later does Shen Yuqiao learn that his long-laid plans conceal a secret crush that has lasted ten years...
It's beautiful, the writing is really impressive
It's super beautiful. I really like the teacher's writing style. Zhuhuo 😳