Chapter 43

When Zhen Bao came out of the hospital, the moment she saw Fu Ming Shi, she suddenly heard the conversation with her roommates ringing in her ears.

"How about it, isn't President Fu coming over tonight?"

"No, he has a dinner party tonight."

"He's obviously lying to you. He says he's not coming, but he'll surprise you with a late night visit. I bet you a milk tea he does."

All three roommates bet that Fu Ming Shi would come, but the facts proved that she, who believed Fu Ming Shi, was the most foolish.

"Didn't you say you weren't coming?" Pulled into his arms, Zhen Bao lowered her head and mumbled. Fu Ming Shi had come, and she wasn't unhappy about it. She just thought about how her roommates would definitely laugh at her when she returned to the dormitory that night. Zhen Bao just wanted to...hit him once. If he was coming, why did he have to lie to her?

"Fu Ming Shi promised you he wouldn't come, but I'm Shi Ming right now." Fu Ming Shi sat in the car seat and looked at his fiancée askance. "Did you guess I would come?" Otherwise why did she take off her makeup?

Zhen Bao shook her head and said in a muffled voice, "The makeup was too thick. I took it off after the phone call." She could be vain, but she couldn't bring herself to go out and meet classmates doing part-time work wearing such thick makeup. It wasn't just that she didn't want Fu Ming Shi to see it.

Fu Ming Shi took out his cell phone and turned on the screen. "It looks quite nice, innocent without makeup, and glamorous with it..."

"Delete it." Zhen Bao quickly covered his phone screen, not allowing him to look any further.

Fu Ming Shi laughed and clasped her hand. Just when Zhen Bao thought he would be stubborn and insist on not deleting it, Fu Ming Shi looked into her eyes and said something completely irrelevant: "I asked Auntie Wang to prepare dinner. Let's go eat there first, then go see a movie afterwards."

There were stars in his eyes. Zhen Bao was bewitched by him and nodded blankly.

Fu Ming Shi rewarded her with a kiss, then rode his bike to take her back to her dorm to grab her things.

Qian LeLe and the two others were watching a movie in the female dormitory when they heard the sound of Zhen Bao opening the door. The three girls were greatly surprised. After Zhen Bao closed the door, Jia Xiao Yu said dejectedly, "I didn't see that coming. Turns out President Fu is a righteous gentleman. He said he wouldn't come, so he didn't. And I thought he would turn into a big bad wolf CEO tonight."

Fan Xuan stroked her chin, reflecting on the past: "Could it be that my makeup skills need improvement?"

After finishing the spicy sticks in her mouth, Qian LeLe had the final say: "President Fu has been single for nearly thirty years. How could an ordinary person compare willpower with him?"

Zhen Bao pretended to be deaf. She first put her bag on the table, then pulled out two tissues in a row, as if she was going to the bathroom. When she reached the bathroom door, she suddenly opened the door to the dorm room across the hall and explained while fleeing without looking back: "I'm going to watch a movie."

Before her voice faded, the door was already closed.

She had run so fast that Jia Xiao Yu and the other two looked at each other in dismay, only able to figure out the meaning after a while. Jia Xiao Yu moved the fastest. She was the first to leave her seat and rush to the balcony, with Fan Xuan and Qian LeLe close behind. After waiting about a minute or two, the figures of Fu Ming Shi and Zhen Bao appeared below.

What righteous gentleman? He was clearly just a lustful tyrant CEO!

Jia Xiao Yu deliberately coughed loudly.

Zhen Bao was startled and looked up to see the three big heads.

Zhen Bao's face grew hot. She quickened her pace without realizing it. Fu Ming Shi looked up to see his fiancée's roommates. He smiled, then raised his hand to cover Zhen Bao's ear. Noticing Fu Ming Shi's actions, Jia Xiao Yu let out a shriek, "I can't stand it anymore! I just can't!"

How could President Fu torment her so?

Running back to the dormitory, Jia Xiao Yu indignantly sent Zhen Bao a message: Can you please keep your man in check?

By now, Zhen Bao had reached the main road. Hearing the notification sound, she took out her phone and saw the content. She laughed and handed it to Fu Ming Shi to look at, curious what he would reply.

Zhen Bao didn't know how to respond.

So Fu Ming Shi took the phone and typed: What's it to you?

Jia Xiao Yu blinked three times, then decisively turned off her phone.

After getting into the passenger seat, Zhen Bao turned her head to pull on the seat belt. When she turned her head back, two gift boxes suddenly appeared in front of her, one pink and one white, both printed clearly with brand logos that she had seen when browsing counters with Fan Xuan that afternoon.

"I had my assistant pick these out. Try them first, and change to another brand if you don't like them." Fu Ming Shi placed the boxes on her lap and enjoyed Zhen Bao's silly, stunned expression for a moment before nonchalantly driving off. Zhen Bao opened one gift box and found it was indeed a makeup set.

She was starting to understand Fu Ming Shi's intentions, and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I don't know how to put on makeup."

"You can learn." Fu Ming Shi glanced at her. "With your ability to self-study, this shouldn't be too difficult."

Zhen Bao had no words. She just looked at the two high-end makeup kits, reluctant to waste them. She whispered, "I'll use these after I've learned how." Jia Xiao Yu had bought some cheap ones online that afternoon specifically for practicing.

"There are two more sets left, enough for you to practice with." Thinking she wanted to stall for time, Fu Ming Shi's eyes flashed cunningly. "After dinner I'll watch you practice. I've already found tutorial videos."

He had come fully prepared. Zhen Bao puckered her lips. "Aren't we going to watch a movie?"

Fu Ming Shi smiled. "If you really want to see one that badly, you can watch at home after putting on makeup. The effect won't be any worse than at the theater."

So going to see a movie was just an excuse after all. Zhen Bao turned her head away, ignoring him.

Fu Ming Shi put on music, light and cheerful melodies, matching his mood.

Zhen Bao watched scenery pass by the window for a while, then slowly lowered her head to read the makeup instruction manual, thinking she should start learning now to avoid embarrassment in front of Fu Ming Shi later.

Back at the villa, Hei Dan and Yue Liang rushed over to fawn. Auntie Wang was also very fond of Zhen Bao and set the table happily. Feeling pressured by having to put on makeup later, Zhen Bao didn't find this meal as tasty as before. She hurried upstairs before Fu Ming Shi had even put down his chopsticks, tightly shutting the bedroom door.

She could let Fu Ming Shi see what she looked like after the makeup was done, but the process was out of the question.

Opening Fu Ming Shi's laptop, she found makeup tutorials already waiting on the desktop. Zhen Bao looked over the various cosmetic tools again, then washed her face and slowly started learning according to the tutorial. The eye makeup was too tricky, so Zhen Bao wanted to skip over it, but remembering how Fan Xuan had praised her for a face that barely needed any makeup, especially for the eyes and lips, she patiently studied it.

She would put some on, wash it off, and repeat, not knowing how much time passed before Fu Ming Shi knocked on the door.

Zhen Bao checked the time - 9:30 PM.

"Open the door," Fu Ming Shi urged her.

"Give me ten more minutes," Zhen Bao said softly.

Fu Ming Shi had no choice but to lean against the door and wait for her.

Zhen Bao could let Fu Ming Shi see the finished look, but the process was out of the question.

After finishing her eyes and tidying her brows, looking at her own pink lips, Zhen Bao followed Fan Xuan's matching tips and chose a rose red from the tube lipsticks Fu Ming Shi had prepared. With everything drawn, Zhen Bao walked farther to check herself in the mirror. She didn't think she looked as nice as Fan Xuan's makeup, but it did seem a bit more beautiful than without.

Fu Ming Shi started knocking again.

Zhen Bao was flustered by his urging. She quickly tidied the dressing table, then slowly went to open the door, lowering her head as soon as it opened, not brave enough to show Fu Ming Shi.

Fu Ming Shi first squeezed in, then closed the door behind him. Next he pulled Zhen Bao into his arms and tilted up her chin.

Zhen Bao panicked and closed her eyes.

She was a beauty. As long as she wasn't too clumsy, no matter how amateurish, she wouldn't look ugly. But seeing Zhen Bao's beginner work, Fu Ming Shi still couldn't help laughing. If Fan Xuan's makeup skills were an 8 out of 10, Zhen Bao's attempt here probably wouldn't even pass with a less attractive model.

However, her lips were very tempting, reducing her innocence and adding allure.

Fu Ming Shi gently caressed the corners of her mouth. A full minute passed before he finally let go, kissing her forehead. "Let's go watch the movie first."

Zhen Bao breathed a sigh of relief, but deep down she felt a little disappointed. He had gone to so much trouble to make her put on makeup, so why didn't he even give a word of critique after she did? It was as if she had diligently completed a test paper only for him to collect it without another glance, leaving her hanging.

Going downstairs, Zhen Bao tried hard to find any subtle clues in Fu Ming Shi's expression or speech, but they were the same as usual. She couldn't judge from his behavior how many points she had earned for her makeup. But Zhen Bao's attention was soon absorbed by the Hollywood blockbuster Fu Ming Shi had chosen. The dim living room, the gripping plot - Zhen Bao's mind followed along, forgetting everything else.

When the movie finally ended, Zhen Bao still felt a tinge of unfinished business, leaning into the sofa and speculating, "There's probably a sequel, right?"

Fu Ming Shi nodded absently, glancing at his watch. 11:30 PM.

The corners of his mouth turned up. As if just realizing, he asked her, "What time does your dorm building lock the doors at night?"

Zhen Bao was jolted awake from her daze. She reached to feel her pants pocket -

When Zhen Bao touched it, she remembered that her cell phone was left in the bedroom. She anxiously asked Fu Ming Shi, and found out that it was already past the dormitory building's curfew time. Zhen Bao was extremely annoyed. Fu Ming Shi pulled her into his arms to comfort her, his voice low and inexplicably soothing, "It doesn't matter if you don't go back, I'll take you to school tomorrow morning."

Zhen Bao was feeling down, "What will they think if I don't go back to the dormitory?" "You stay here during the holidays, they would have gotten the wrong idea already even if they wanted to." Fu Ming Shi held up her face and said with a smile.

Zhen Bao pursed her lips.

Fu Ming Shi kissed her on the nose and said, "Silly girl, what era is this, no one cares about those things. As long as two people are in love, even if you go back to the dormitory every night, do you think others won't think in that direction? For things like that, if one really wants it, the location is not limited to the bedroom."

This was too much information, too dirty. Zhen Bao's mind buzzed as she realized they didn't have to be in a bedroom.

Her face was noticeably warmer. Fu Ming Shi moved closer, tempting her, "What are you thinking about?"

Zhen Bao suddenly realized the danger. She tried to shake her head as naturally as possible while attempting to pull down the big hand he had on her face, "Then, let's sleep early."

"Okay." Fu Ming Shi readily released her face and accompanied her upstairs.

When they reached the third floor, Fu Ming Shi sent Zhen Bao to the door.

"Good night." Fu Ming Shi leaned down and habitually gave her a goodnight kiss.

Zhen Bao closed her eyes to let him kiss her. After Fu Ming Shi finished kissing, she also bid goodnight and turned to push the door. She had just walked in and didn't have time to close it yet when Fu Ming Shi suddenly grabbed her hand. Zhen Bao's heart jumped, and she nervously looked back.

"Forgot something." Fu Ming Shi pulled her out and pressed her against the wall, his dark eyes fixed on hers.

"What is it?" Zhen Bao didn't dare to breathe.

Fu Ming Shi stroked the corner of her eye, then went down to her lips. His gaze was attentive, as if appreciating a beautiful jade. He just looked without saying anything. The naked fondness in his eyes made Zhen Bao even more nervous. She had complained earlier that he didn't react when she put on makeup, but now that he was reacting too much, she was also afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself.

After gazing at her for a while, Fu Ming Shi finally spoke, full of meaning, "You look more mature with makeup on."

Mature...

Did mature mean he could devour her?

Zhen Bao didn't want to be mature. She wanted to say something to break the strong pheromones he was emitting, but before she could even open her rose-colored lipstick coated lips, Fu Ming Shi's kiss had already relentlessly pressed down, hot and urgent.

Zhen Bao was powerless against him. Ever since their first kiss, she couldn't withstand his passion.

It wasn't like she didn't try to resist, but the more she pushed him away, the tighter he would hold her. With just one hand around her waist, it was as if he could lift her up. Zhen Bao simply gave up, hoping Fu Ming Shi would release her after having his fill like before. But as they kept kissing, the man suddenly lifted up her legs, pressing her completely against the wall.

With both feet hanging in midair, the fear of falling down at any moment made her subconsciously hug his shoulders. Fu Ming Shi took the chance to kiss her while slowly walking towards the bedroom. When the door closed and the lock clicked, she was startled awake and heavily leaned against his shoulder, breathing heavily.

Fu Ming Shi turned around and pressed her against the door, his dark eyes staring at her unabashedly.

Zhen Bao guiltily avoided his gaze.

Fu Ming Shi pressed his forehead against hers and said hoarsely, "Say goodnight and I'll leave immediately."

He wanted her, but he wouldn't force her. As long as she said the safe word, tonight would end here.

Zhen Bao understood what he meant.

How should she choose?

She could hear his still uneven breathing by her ear, feel his solid chest in front of her. He was so strong, easily lifting her up so high. It seemed like he wanted to kiss her, his face slowly drawing near, so hot, even hotter than his hands. His lips were about to touch hers...

"Say goodnight." Fu Ming Shi had his eyes closed, urging her to end this, his lust-filled breath lingering by her lips.

Zhen Bao couldn't get the words out. His lips were so close she only needed to tilt her head a little to kiss him.

"Say it." As if knowing her yearning, Fu Ming Shi shifted even closer to her red lips.

Zhen Bao saw his Adam's apple move, saw his loosened shirt collar, saw a small black mole just below his left clavicle...

"Thirty seconds left." Fu Ming Shi held her with one hand and used his left hand to unbutton the second button of his shirt. His fingertip inadvertently brushed over that black mole. Fu Ming Shi only felt hot. He didn't know Zhen Bao was watching, but he heard her swallow.

Fu Ming Shi's movements stilled as he raised his head to see her tightly shutting her eyes, both cheeks flushed, as if drunk.

His gaze shifted from her quivering eyelashes to her luscious red lips. Fu Ming Shi gave her one last chance, "Feng Bao, if you don't say anything, I'll keep going."

Zhen Bao turned her head, exposing a large swath of blushing cheek and neck.

Fu Ming Shi's eyes tightened as he kissed her lips again, even more urgent than before, so urgent that Zhen Bao couldn't even reciprocate, simply letting him take the lead. As they kept kissing, Fu Ming Shi held her with one hand again, using his freed hand to roughly rip open all the shirt buttons, changing hands midway and throwing the shirt onto the floor.

Zhen Bao's hands inevitably touched his shoulders and back. She quickly pulled away as if scalded, but sandwiched between him and the door, she could only rely on this man until he suddenly shifted their position, carrying her towards the big bed in the middle of the room.