12-year age gap / older man and young woman / an older man's irresistible charm
At her father's private banquet, Zhen Yi meets a man twelve years older than her.
He holds his wineglass lightly, his expression detached, calmly navigating the world of fame and fortune among the capitalists.
Raised to be proper and obedient, Zhen Yi decides to rebel for once. She presses her red lips to the rim of his glass, where he has just drunk, and says, "Sleep with me."
Cheng Yuxing sees through her childish attempt at seduction. He cups a hand around his cigarette and lights it, his face expressionless.
"Are girls your age all this bold?"
Zhen Yi falls silent for a few seconds. "...Then name your price."
The man gives a faint laugh.
"Kid, I'm your father's friend. By seniority, you should call me Uncle Cheng."
His low voice sinks into her ears, and Zhen Yi's heart skips a beat.
-
A month later, her father is transferred for work and asks Cheng Yuxing to look after her.
While they live under the same roof, he always respects the boundaries of an elder, taking thorough and meticulous care of her in every aspect of daily life.
But the rebellious streak in Zhen Yi never goes away.
She never wanted to be a good girl.
Cheng Yuxing glances at the girl who's just come back from a bar, wearing a camisole and hot pants.
Irritated, he closes his eyes and rubs the bridge of his nose.
"Zhen Yi, focus on your studies."
"No."
The man looks up.
Zhen Yi rises onto her toes and leans close to his lips. "Uncle Cheng, don't you know where my thoughts are?"
Cheng Yuxing calmly moves away from her. "There's a full twelve-year age gap between us. I could never think of you that way."
-
Later, her father comes home, and Zhen Yi moves out of Cheng Yuxing's place.
Life returns to how it was before, and she puts those days behind her.
Until they meet again at a birthday party.
The stern, composed man blocks her path. "Well, look at you, pretending you don't know me."
Zhen Yi takes a soft breath.
Cheng Yuxing: "Don't act cute."
Zhen Yi: "?"
Cheng Yuxing leaves bite marks on her neck and begs her humbly. "Yiyi, could you spend a little more time thinking about me?"
Theme: Life is beautiful.
