Only I Understand His Gentle Heart - Chapter 96.1

At the far end of the hotel corridor, the restroom was nearly empty. The two of them stood pressed together tightly, and ten minutes had already passed.

Tang Xin wobbled unsteadily several times. Finally, Tang Yu simply lifted her up and set her down on the cold marble countertop. The icy chill sent a shiver through Tang Xin, and she instinctively struggled. However, Tang Yu pressed close to her again, his tall frame enveloping hers. In the restroom mirror, their entangled reflections painted a vivid scene of raw passion, intense enough to leave anyone breathless.

It would be a lie to say she wasn’t moved.

Tang Xin’s head was spinning, her thoughts muddled from his relentless kisses. Her entire being felt dazed until a startled gasp from behind brought her crashing back to reality.

Tang Yu immediately pulled Tang Xin into his arms, shielding her. He turned his head, his ears noticeably red, and even his gaze held a faint flush. Outside the restroom door, a couple with striking blue eyes stood frozen in surprise. The young man quickly stammered, “Sorry, we didn’t mean to disturb you…”

Tang Xin’s face turned beet red. She pushed Tang Yu away hastily and slid off the countertop, her feet unsteady as she touched the floor.

The blue-eyed couple looked visibly uncomfortable but didn’t leave. Instead, they separated and entered the men’s and women’s restrooms on either side.

Tang Yu ran his tongue lightly over the corner of his lips, his eyes trailing down to Tang Xin. His fingers brushed her flushed cheeks as he chuckled softly. “You’re burning up.”

Tang Xin quickly glanced up at him. Catching sight of the redness on his ears, she couldn’t resist tugging on one, her curiosity piqued. “Wow, Mr. Tang, your ears are so red. Are you shy?”

He grabbed her hand and held it firmly in his own, his tone calm as ever. “No. It’s just a physiological reaction.”

Tang Xin froze. “…???”

Physiological reaction? What did red ears have to do with that?

Her eyes drifted downward before she could stop herself, and sure enough… there seemed to be a noticeable bulge.

Tang Yu let out a low sigh, his expression exasperated. He pinched her chin lightly and tilted her face back up to meet his gaze. His lips curved into a teasing smirk. “What are you staring at? A curious cat?”

Tang Xin’s cheeks flared an even deeper shade of red. She quickly turned her head, looking anywhere but at him, and muttered under her breath, “I just glanced. That’s still better than you being a complete pervert…”

“Right back at you.”

“Hmph.”

Recalling the couple who had walked in earlier, Tang Xin felt her embarrassment swell again. What if they bumped into them after they came out? She hurriedly pushed Tang Yu aside and dashed out of the restroom without a second glance.

Though he didn’t manage to drag her back, Tang Yu didn’t mind. He had gotten his fill of amusement and felt quite satisfied. Taking a deep breath to clear his thoughts, he pocketed his hands and strolled lazily after her.

Tang Xin turned back to glare at him. “I’m going upstairs first. You wait and come up later. Don’t let anyone see us together.”

Tang Yu snorted lightly. “What’s there to be afraid of?”

Tang Xin huffed. “We can’t let the crew see us together. I’m going first, and you’re not allowed to follow me.”

“You’re acting like a Feisty Queen, Rich Girl. Do you think you own this road?”

“You just took advantage of me! At a time like this, shouldn’t you be fulfilling my every demand?”

“…”

Not only was Tang Xin domineering when it came to love, but she also had a warped sense of romance. She was a Feisty Queen through and through.

Tang Yu realized there was no winning an argument with her. After all, this Feisty Queen had a way of cornering him with every word. Without another word, he walked over, grabbed her hand, and started pulling her along. “Let’s go, Feisty Queen.”

Tang Xin planted her feet firmly, trying to resist. But Tang Yu’s strength was overwhelming, and in one swift motion, she was dragged forward. She flailed her arms, lightly hitting him as she protested. “Tang Yu, you’re the real tyrant! Just because you’re the boss and rich doesn’t mean you can out-bully me! I’m telling you—”

Tang Yu turned his head to interrupt. “If you keep nagging, I’ll carry you.”

Tang Xin immediately shut her mouth.

There was no point. She couldn’t beat him in strength, and she certainly couldn’t beat him in wealth. She felt like a helpless underdog and pouted as she grudgingly wriggled free from his grip. “Fine, I’ll walk myself…”

Tang Yu turned to glance at her and suddenly found the situation amusing. How had their relationship turned into something this silly? He had never felt this way before, but it was surprisingly refreshing. A small, warm smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he reached out to pinch her cheek lightly.

Tang Xin immediately reacted, grabbing his ear in retaliation.

Tang Yu sighed inwardly. This Feisty Queen never let anything go.

“Tang Xin,” he called, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

“What?” She glared at him warily.

“I’ll make sure your legs go weak next time.”

“…”

Another shameless comment! Tang Xin’s face flushed crimson as she glared up at him, but Tang Yu wore a smug, half-smiling expression, completely unbothered by the audacity of his words.

Just as Tang Xin opened her mouth to retort, her gaze fell on the hotel lobby entrance. A few members of the crew walked in. She immediately pursed her lips and quickly walked away.

She wasn’t going to waste time arguing with a shameless man.

The crew members were part of the logistics team and clearly weren’t privy to any gossip about Tang Yu and Tang Xin. Seeing the two of them walk in one after the other, they greeted Tang Yu with a respectful “Mr. Tang” and smiled politely at Tang Xin without a hint of suspicion.

The group entered the elevator together.

Tang Xin found herself pressed into the corner as Tang Yu stood beside her, deliberately close.

Tang Yu’s room was booked on a floor higher than Tang Xin’s. As the elevator ascended, he kept his eyes on the changing floor numbers before leaning down. His voice dropped to a low murmur, audible only to the two of them. “Want to come to my room for a chat?”

Tang Xin froze as a shiver coursed through her, tingling right down to her fingertips. Her ears turned red, and she quickly glanced around to ensure no one else could hear him.

Tang Yu, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction, leaned closer and pressed, “Hmm? Coming or not?”

Tang Xin, “…”

Chat? Yeah, right! A single man and a single woman, just after he had taken liberties with her. Did he really expect her to believe they’d simply chat? Only an airheaded fool would fall for that!

Not her!

Tang Yu shifted tactics, his tone softer but no less provoking. “I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Tang Xin couldn’t resist firing back. She turned her head, her lips curling into a sweet but sarcastic smile. “Mr. Tang, I wish you a smooth journey tomorrow. You must be very busy, handling a thousand things at once. I truly appreciate all your hard work.” She darted a glance at the elevator’s display. “Oh, look, here’s my floor. Goodbye, Mr. Tang!”

Tang Yu’s lips twitched as he watched her step out. He replied in a tone neither warm nor cold, “Alright. I’ll call you when I’m back.”

The subtle drama instantly perked up the tired crew members, who exchanged glances full of curiosity and intrigue as they turned to look at Tang Xin.

Tang Xin, “…”

Her expression stiffened. With a quick smile, she exited the elevator and walked away without looking back.

Tang Yu had definitely done that on purpose!

When Tang Xin returned to her room, Ming Zhu was busy editing the storyboard. Feeling guilty, Tang Xin grabbed some clothes and darted into the bathroom. Once inside, she stood before the mirror, staring at her reflection.

Her lips were a little swollen after being kissed relentlessly by Tang Yu.

She pursed them slightly, her cheeks burning red.

Tang Yu still hadn’t said he liked her.

She had given him the opportunity to say it, too.

Next time, she thought stubbornly, he’d have to say it 99 times before she’d agree to anything!

After taking a long shower, Tang Xin stood in front of the mirror again. Her reflection was glowing with a healthy, radiant flush. Her eyes sparkled, and her skin looked more vibrant, as if she were a woman touched by the sweetness of love. She nodded in satisfaction.

“Ah, Tang Yu’s leaving tomorrow,” she thought. A faint trace of reluctance stirred in her heart.

The next morning, Tang Yu left for the airport early. Before boarding, he sent Tang Xin a message.

[Rich Girl, I’m heading back. Take care.]

[Oh.]

[Just “oh”? That’s all you have to say?]

[Mr. Tang, I wish you a smooth journey home. Work hard and bring prosperity to your employees. I still want to make money, you know.]

[…]

Tang Yu stared at his phone and couldn’t help but chuckle. He sent her a red envelope through the messaging app. When Tang Xin accepted it, she replied with a bowing emoji and a message.

[Thank you, Boss! You’re such a generous patron. I like this side of you the most.]

[If you like it so much, then be my girlfriend.]

[…]

Tang Xin flopped onto her bed, her heart pounding. Her face burned as she buried it into her pillow.

Ming Zhu emerged from the bathroom, lifting the edge of Tang Xin’s blanket. “You’re going to be late. Hurry up.”

Tang Xin gave a nonchalant “Oh,” and calmly climbed out of bed.

She decided not to bother with that rich man for now.

A week after Tang Yu returned to the country, he visited the Tang family villa. During dinner that evening, his mother suddenly asked, “By the way, do you remember Zhou Ying?”

Tang Yu glanced at her indifferently. Whenever his mother asked if he remembered someone, it usually meant she wanted to set him up on a blind date. He responded flatly, “I don’t remember.”

His mother smiled warmly. “That’s perfect, then. This weekend is her father’s birthday. They’ve reserved a banquet hall at the hotel to celebrate. Why don’t you come along? You can meet her. She’s three years younger than you, just returned from abroad, and she’s very pretty. If the two of you hit it off…”

She rattled on enthusiastically, praising Zhou Ying from head to toe as if she were the perfect match.

Tang Yu’s expression remained impassive. Once his mother finished, he said, “Mom, I won’t be attending the banquet. You and Dad can go without me. As for finding a girlfriend, don’t worry about it. I already have one. I’ll bring her home to meet you sometime. She’s far better than anyone else you can find.”

His mother froze for a moment, a mix of surprise and delight flickering across her face. But there was also a trace of worry. “Whose daughter is she?”

“She’s from the Tang family.”

“Same as us? Her surname is Tang?”

“…I mean, what does she do? What’s her family background like?”

Tang Yu’s younger sister, Tang Xiao, grinned mischievously and chimed in, “I know! She’s one of the writers at his company. That qipao-obsessed beauty! I’ve seen her before, and I even heard rumors about her… I’ve seen pictures too. She’s absolutely gorgeous—way prettier than anyone Mom has been talking about!”

Tang Yu glanced at his sister, his voice calm. “Where did you hear that?”

Tang Xiao giggled. “A little while ago. But from what I heard, she hadn’t agreed to date you back then… Did the qipao beauty finally say yes? Wow, big brother, you’re impressive!”

Impressive, my foot.

That was ages ago.

Tang Yu’s brows furrowed slightly. “It’s not her.”

Tang Xiao blinked in confusion. “Huh?”

Their parents exchanged glances, unsure what to make of their exchange. Tang Yu’s father finally spoke up. “So, who is it then? Do you really have a girlfriend?”

“Yes,” Tang Yu said firmly. “And the qipao… that’s all in the past. Let’s not bring it up again. I’ll introduce my girlfriend to you eventually, and I’m sure you’ll love her.”

He finished his meal and set his chopsticks down.

His mother hesitated, clearly wanting to ask more questions. Before she could, Tang Yu turned to her with a gentle smile. “Mom, don’t meddle too much. You’ll scare her off. She’s quite shy.”

His mother responded with a distracted “Oh,” still uncertain, and scrutinized his expression. “Are you serious? You’re not just making this up?”

Tang Yu sighed with a trace of exasperation. “I’m serious.”

His parents decided to tentatively believe him.

Tang Xiao eyed him skeptically. “Does this girlfriend of yours share your values?”

“She does.”

Tang Yu’s tone was firm, though his thoughts betrayed him: What values? Like hell, we have matching values.

But it didn’t matter. He liked her.

His values had been thrown to the dogs.