Chapter 27: The Most Beautiful Night

“Why are you running so fast? I’m not in a hurry,” Cui Hao said, reaching out to smooth Zhou Xiaoqi’s hair, which had become disheveled from her light jog.

“Hehe… I just didn’t want to keep you waiting,” Zhou Xiaoqi replied with a silly grin, rubbing her slightly chilled hands together.

Cui Hao took her hands in his, pressing them to his chest and wrapping them in his warmth. “The heater’s just been turned on in the car. You’ll warm up in a moment.”

Because of the darkness in the cinema, Cui Hao hadn’t gotten a good look at Zhou Xiaoqi’s outfit earlier. Now, under the dim lights of the car, he could finally see what she was wearing. Even in this faint light, her beauty shone through, undiminished.

Zhou Xiaoqi waved her hand in front of his face, snapping him out of his daze.

“What’s got you so absent-minded?”

Cui Hao glanced at her. “It’s your fault. Why did you have to dress so beautifully? It’s not even a date. And next time, you’re not allowed to wear something so revealing. If you must, only wear it for me.” At this moment, Cui Hao’s possessiveness was on full display.

Zhou Xiaoqi, however, pouted in protest. “That’s a bit much, don’t you think? Besides, I’m going to be an actress one day. If you won’t let me wear this or that, what about when I have to attend events or premieres? I can’t show up dressed like an old lady. What would people think of me?”

Cui Hao fell silent, as if he were seriously pondering her words. At last, he spoke slowly. “Xiaoqi, you have to remember that I’m your boss. I can have your manager arrange things. Anyway, I just don’t want anyone else looking at you. If I could, I’d keep you in my pocket and carry you everywhere.”

His earnest expression made Zhou Xiaoqi relax. She hugged him and laughed, “Hey, that’s abusing your power for personal gain.”

Cui Hao was unbothered. “Can’t help it, I am your boss after all. Besides, I’m just openly using my connections. You’re so naïve—one day someone might whisk you away and you wouldn’t even realize it.” He tapped her on the head as he finished.

“Oh, you always treat me like a child. I’m an adult now, okay? I can tell right from wrong!” Zhou Xiaoqi protested.

Cui Hao, wanting her to remember, retorted, “You sure have the nerve to call yourself an adult. You’re even more muddleheaded than a kid sometimes. Take our contract, for example. You didn’t ask a single question. If it were someone else, you’d help them count the money even if they were selling you off.”

Zhou Xiaoqi knew she was in the wrong, but couldn’t help but argue back, “That’s only because you know Ling Nan. I wouldn’t act this way with anyone else. Alright, alright… I know I was wrong. Let’s go home, shall we?” She realized she’d lose if the conversation continued, so she changed the subject.

Cui Hao let go of her, started the car, and drove off. But when Zhou Xiaoqi noticed the route, she asked, “This isn’t the way home.”

“No, I’m taking you to my private apartment,” Cui Hao replied. Zhou Xiaoqi immediately looked down, her cheeks flushed. She knew this day would come, just not so soon.

Before long, they arrived. Cui Hao led her into his private apartment—a place so secret that not even his secretary knew about it. Sometimes he just needed a space to himself, and this was his sanctuary.

The apartment wasn’t very large, about a hundred square meters, and the cool black-and-white decor made it feel even more austere.

Cui Hao took pajamas and a towel from the wardrobe and placed them on the bed. “No one’s ever been here before, so I don’t have any women’s things. You can wear my slippers, and here’s some sleepwear. The towel and toothbrush are new.”

When Zhou Xiaoqi heard that she was the first person he’d ever brought here, a warm feeling filled her heart.

After his shower, Cui Hao emerged with only a towel around his waist. Although Zhou Xiaoqi had already known he had a great physique, their relationship had changed since last time, and seeing his sculpted waist now made her blush even more.

“I’m done. Your turn. Be careful in there—don’t slip,” Cui Hao said, genuinely worried that her clumsy nature might lead to a tumble.