Turn Back and Find Redemption

Zhao Jin never expected that she'd see Xu Anli again at a class reunion, just after her divorce and return to single life.

At the time, Xu Anli is handsome and refined, tall and graceful, leaning against the railing of a long corridor amid the glittering bustle, half in light and half in shadow. Blurred lights fall across his striking face, his collar hangs open to reveal his collarbones, and a cigarette glows between his fingers. His eyes are hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses. As he exhales smoke, his solitary figure seems desolate.

Zhao Jin steps outside to sober up, but only manages to sober up her thoughts. Memories of the past come rushing back. Fueled by the alcohol and some inexplicable urge to prove herself, she walks up to Xu Anli, snatches the cigarette from his fingers, and, the moment he looks at her, casually blows a cloud of white smoke into his face.

"Xu Anli..."

Her red lips part as she calls his name in a soft voice, each syllable teasing and openly seductive. Her misty eyes are both provocative and alluring.

"...want to kiss me and see how it feels?"

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees the person who'd been hiding in the shadows to watch them. Their face turns deathly pale, and they flee in a miserable hurry.

She gives a mocking curl of her red lips and is just about to get up and leave when a powerful hand clamps around her waist.

The man's Adam's apple moves almost imperceptibly. His hand is scorching against her, yet tender. Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze pins her with a dangerous intensity.

"You're so clumsy even when you flirt. You use me and then plan to toss me aside, hmm?"

His warm breath brushes her face. Suddenly sober, she feels a rush of fear.

*

Xu Anli is a well-known dreamboat in their circle. Everyone says he's devoted to his career, cool and chaste. Countless admirers pursue him, but over the years not one has managed to get close. He's the very picture of someone who wants nothing from the world.

Until someone accidentally sees him pin Zhao Jin firmly against a doorway, eyes bloodshot. Years of yearning and an overwhelming love ignite in the humid, scorching hallway as he kisses the woman in his arms again and again, fierce and out of control.

Only Xu Anli knows just how many years this kiss has been delayed...

*Clear-eyed beauty x scheming, calculating man

*Imperfect characters, happy ending

*Reunion after years apart + groveling redemption + melodrama + love rival

(Copy of the blurb saved on November 15, 2023)

Theme: You are always worthy of being loved.