Chapter 30: May I Use My Hands?

Twenty minutes later, the rain outside intensified. Tang Yuan stood by the window and took off her coat, revealing a form-fitting white shirt underneath; she was feeling rather warm.

If she couldn't make it back tonight, it would be a major problem. For the past two years, she had never spent the night away from home. She called Chen Meng to coordinate their stories, just in case Shen Zhou asked about her whereabouts.

"Didn't Yansheng tell you he was going to such a remote place?" Chen Meng sounded puzzled. "I remember him saying he would remind you."

"He probably forgot. He's at a script reading now, and the rain is too heavy. I expect to get home very late, and it’s a four-hour drive. I’m just worried Shen Zhou will ask."

"If that husband of yours actually bothers to ask, I'd be shocked. He's probably off in some lover's bed."

Tang Yuan curled her lip, feeling even hotter. Could she be running a fever? After hanging up, she heard a sound at the door and assumed it was Fu Yansheng.

But the man who strode in was hurried. "Looks like the drug is working. Tessa, big brother is here."

Tang Yuan frowned, but before she could turn around, the man lunged at her.

"What are you doing?!"

Brother Duan’s face was twisted in excitement. Up close, the woman was even more beautiful; he couldn't believe Fu Yansheng kept such a stunner by his side—he really knew how to enjoy himself.

"What do you think? I’m here to help you. You must be feeling terrible right now, right?!"

Tang Yuan did indeed feel miserable. Her whole body was itching with an indescribable, burning sensation.

"Get out!"

She snatched a vase from nearby to throw at him, but the disparity in their strength was too great, especially since she was drugged.

"No one is coming to save you. Don't count on that Fu Yansheng; Qianqian is stalling him. Once tonight is over, you’ll be my woman, and you’ll live in luxury with me!"

At the entrance of the script-reading hall, Song Qianqian was indeed blocking Fu Yansheng. She lifted her chin. "I need to talk to you about something."

As a popular young actress, her willingness to chat with an unknown actor like him was a blessing. Fu Yansheng looked at the calculation in her eyes and stepped past her to leave.

Song Qianqian was furious. "Do you really want to be blacklisted by my boyfriend?"

Fu Yansheng ignored her. She had been standing with that Brother Duan earlier, looking secretive and clearly plotting something.

He arrived at his room to hear the sound of something heavy hitting the floor. Pushing the door open, he found Tang Yuan holding a stool, while Brother Duan was on the ground, clutching his head and groaning.

Seeing him return, Tang Yuan relaxed her grip and slumped against the wall, gasping for air. Fu Yansheng lifted Brother Duan, threw him out into the hallway, and slammed the door shut, locking it tight.

Tang Yuan’s forehead was drenched in sweat; she had been holding on by sheer willpower, and now she collapsed in the corner.

"Yansheng..."

Fu Yansheng strode over and placed her on the bed. Seeing her flushed cheeks, he realized she had been given something malicious. Tang Yuan’s mind was a blur; her vision was hazy, and she felt agonizingly uncomfortable.

Fu Yansheng dampened a towel with cold water to wipe her face, but the fleeting coolness only made her crave more. She reached out and grabbed his fingertips. He paused, looking into the chaotic depths of her eyes.

The rain outside hammered against the windows, a relentless drumming. The air in the room, however, felt like boiling water. Nearby, her phone lit up, the caller ID displaying two words: "Husband."

Fu Yansheng slowly pulled his fingers away and resumed wiping her face in silence. Tang Yuan sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I’m so hot."

He didn't dare move, feeling only the warmth of her breath against his ear and lips. He turned his head away, lowered his lashes, and tried to soothe her with the damp towel.

Tang Yuan seemed to snap back for a second, her hands fumbling blindly toward the bedside table. "Is there water? I'm thirsty."

He retrieved a bottle of mineral water from his bag and sat on the edge of the bed. Placing one hand behind her head to lift it, he fed her the water. But her consciousness was fading, and her mouth kept missing the bottle, causing water to stream down her chin and soak into her shirt, leaving transparent stains.

She drank a little but remained delirious, her forehead slick with sweat. As Fu Yansheng leaned over to place the bottle back on the table, she grabbed his collar and pulled him down.

Her lips pressed against his.

It was fragrant. It was intoxicating, much like the rhythmic downpour outside.

"I feel so bad... help me..."

Her tone was pleading; she likely had no idea what she was saying. Fu Yansheng’s body went rigid. He slowly pushed her away. "There’s a bathtub here. I’ll go run some cold water."

He stood up to head to the bathroom, but as soon as he moved, his wrist was caught by a small hand. Her skin was burning. That heat climbed up his arm like a flame, and with a sudden tug on his collar, she pulled him back.

Fu Yansheng’s face was cradled in her palms, and her lips attacked his again. He kept his mouth tightly shut, feeling her tongue urgently exploring. Finally, he turned his head away, staring at the rain hitting the glass, and said hoarsely, "Don't do this."

Tang Yuan was dissatisfied that the spring she had just found had disappeared, so she forced his head back. "Don't hide."

She continued to kiss him, even as she heard him say, "You're not in your right mind, I..."

His fingertips were caught in her grip, held tight. His entire body was taut. He could hear her soft, whimpering pleas, like a pitiful, docile animal. His fingers, hanging at his side, trembled slightly. After a long silence, he asked, "Would it be okay if I used my hands?"

Her face was impossibly red as she buried her head against his neck. He smelled wonderful—like fresh grass, with a sense of youthful innocence.

Fu Yansheng’s hand moved slowly to her waist, still seeking her consent. "Is that okay?"

Outside, a clap of thunder shook the house. He looked down at her, his eyes complex and heavy with emotion.