Breathing Is Harmful

Older, gentlemanly, mature man x clear-headed, slow-to-warm beauty

Beijing circle | Ten-year age gap | Possessive pursuit | An old flame reignited

Pei Zhengming, the head of the wealthy Pei family, was born at the top of the pyramid. Those outside his social class couldn't catch even a glimpse of how deep his connections ran.

But in those years, everyone in Beijing's elite circles knew that Pei Zhengming had a young girlfriend. He practically held her in the palm of his hand, cherishing her beyond measure.

Growing up in that world, though, some people believe that dating is fine, but marriage is out of the question. Others advised him, "If you like her, keep her by your side. Don't bring her out into the open." The usually composed man nearly fell out with his family over her.

Just as the standoff dragged on, Zhu Ci dumped him and disappeared without a trace, turning Pei Zhengming into the biggest laughingstock in Beijing.

/

Years later, Zhu Ci returns to China and follows her elders' wishes, working and going on blind dates as expected. As long as a marriage is a good match, she doesn't care whether she likes the person.

There are many guests at her engagement party.

Through the crowd, a figure walks straight toward her and blocks her path, leaving her nowhere to go. The people around them privately assume that the powerful Mr. Pei has come to settle old scores. This should be quite a show.

But Zhu Ci smiles warmly and politely asks the elder beside her who the distinguished guest in front of her is.

Pei Zhengming looks at her with a brooding gaze. "You don't recognize me?"

With a hint of apology, Zhu Ci explains, "I'm sorry. I had surgery a few years ago and have forgotten a lot of things."

Pei Zhengming smiles at that, but his gaze is full of possessiveness.

Just as it was back then.

/

Later, Zhu Ci's fiance needs a favor from Pei Zhengming, so he brings her along to host a banquet for him. But Pei Zhengming never shows up, and Zhu Ci disappears too.

In a private room, just one door away.

Pei Zhengming pins Zhu Ci against the door and bites her lip viciously. No matter how she struggles, she can't break free.

The moment someone knocks, Zhu Ci bites his lip until it bleeds.

Pei Zhengming brushes his fingertip over the blood on his lip and smiles without warmth. A soft click sounds in the cramped room. As the latch springs open, he kisses her again.

"Why are you hiding?"

"This way, he can watch us kiss."

Reading notes:

* Both are virgins, happy ending, slow burn

* The title is from Karen Mok's song Breathing Is Harmful

* The views expressed by supporting characters do not represent the author's views

* The fiance in the blurb is part of a misunderstanding. He is not the heroine's fiance, they were never officially together, and there are no romantic feelings between them.

Theme: Love and growth happen at the same time.