Only I Understand His Gentle Heart - Chapter 96.2

After hearing Tang Yu’s reassurances, the Tang family felt relieved. They figured this time, he might be serious enough to discuss marriage. Tang Yu’s mother, already smiling brightly, quickly dismissed Zhou Ying from her thoughts. She made a mental note to ask Assistant Gao later who exactly this girl from the “Tang family” was.

A month could feel both long and short. While Tang Xin remained with the crew for filming, time seemed to fly.

She and Tang Yu stayed in touch daily, their conversations initiated as always by Tang Yu sending her red envelopes. Tang Xin, ever diligent, happily chatted with him. The best part? She made money while doing so! It was way easier than writing scripts, leaving her both delighted and richer.

Eventually, she calculated the total amount of red envelopes Tang Yu had sent her—about 100,000 yuan.

That could buy her several designer bags!
The thought made her grin from ear to ear.

Tang Yu, on the other hand, often found himself missing her terribly after just a few extra words. Occasionally, he’d ask, “When are you coming back?”

Tang Xin would reply nonchalantly, “When filming wraps up, Mr. Tang.”

One morning, after sending her a red envelope, Tang Yu video-called Tang Xin.

Tang Xin jumped at the sudden call, quickly sitting up in bed. She ran her hand through her messy hair before darting to the window to check her reflection in the glass. Only after ensuring she looked presentable did she answer the call.

Tang Yu’s face appeared on the screen, and he immediately chuckled. “Rich Girl, your face looks rounder again. Overfeeding yourself isn’t good. Come back soon, or you’ll turn into a pig.”

Tang Xin’s hackles rose. “You’re the pig! Big pig-headed jerk!”

How annoying. She had gained two pounds—horrifying!

Tang Yu, “…”

“Alright, fine. I won’t call you fat.”

“Hmph.”

Tang Xin plopped back onto her bed. With Ming Zhu occupied in the bathroom, she felt free to lounge and chat.

Tang Yu stared at her face on the screen. Her soft cheeks, framed by dimples that peeked out whenever she pursed her lips, made his fingers itch. He really wanted to poke her. Tang Xin noticed his silence, her eyes fixed on his annoyingly handsome face. “Hey, why aren’t you saying anything?”

Tang Yu smiled. Somehow, that made him look even better.

“I miss you,” he said softly. “Come back soon, alright?”

Tang Xin’s heart skipped a beat, warmth blooming within her chest. Actually… she kind of missed him, too. She bit her lip, looking at him, but didn’t agree or refuse.

“Click.”

The bathroom door opened.

Tang Xin immediately ended the video call.

Tang Yu, “…”

He stared at the disconnected screen, his lips twitching. This habit of hers—hanging up so abruptly—would have to be fixed someday.

Ming Zhu glanced at Tang Xin, noticing her lingering smile.

Recently, she had often caught Tang Xin grinning to herself for no reason. Ming Zhu could easily guess it had something to do with Tang Yu. Though Tang Xin hadn’t mentioned anything, Ming Zhu didn’t press her. After all, Tang Yu had once pursued Ming Zhu, and she wasn’t sure if Tang Xin harbored any unspoken awkwardness about it.

There was still some time before Counterterrorism finished filming, but Ming Zhu noticed Tang Xin’s thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

She approached her and asked, “Do you want to return to the country early?”

Tang Xin blinked. “Why?”

Ming Zhu raised an eyebrow, her smile teasing. “To go home and date, of course.”

Tang Xin. “…Who said I’m dating anyone? I’m not.”

“Really?”

“…”

Afraid of saying too much and ending up embarrassed, Tang Xin laughed nervously, dodging the topic altogether.

That night, however, she found herself unable to sleep.

She kept replaying Tang Yu’s voice in her head, “I miss you.” Then her thoughts drifted to that fiery kiss before he left. Flustered, she grabbed a pillow and covered her face. Why was she even thinking about that big pig-headed jerk? Stop thinking! Stop!

Three days later.

Tang Xin booked a flight back to the country.

She deliberately didn’t tell Tang Yu.

It was 8 p.m. when Tang Xin’s flight landed. As soon as she retrieved her luggage, her phone started ringing. Pulling it out of her bag, she froze for a moment at the caller ID: “Big Spender Tang” A familiar feeling of anticipation bubbled in her chest.

She answered while scanning her surroundings.

“Rich Girl, turn to your left, and you’ll see me.”

“…”

Tang Xin’s heart raced with excitement, though she tried to keep a straight face. Pushing down the urge to smile, she dragged her suitcase and turned left. Just a few steps later, she spotted Tang Yu, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers. He looked ridiculously handsome, drawing the attention of every woman who passed by.

Tang Yu hung up and walked toward her, his lips curled in a slight smile.

Tang Xin stopped and stowed her phone in her bag, tilting her head to look up at him. “How did you know I was coming back?”

“I put a tracker on you,” Tang Yu replied leisurely, raising an eyebrow. “No hug for me?”

“…Who do you think you are? Why should I hug you?”

Tang Xin huffed and dragged her oversized suitcase past him, her attitude brimming with pride as if her imaginary tail was wagging high in the air.

Tang Yu chuckled softly, walking over to take her suitcase. “Let me.”

Tang Xin immediately replied, “Okay, thank you, Mr. Tang.”

Tang Yu smiled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “Don’t get too smug, Rich Girl.”

“I’m not!”

She was clearly delighted, though. Her imaginary tail could almost wag itself off.

With one hand on the suitcase and the other pulling Tang Xin’s hand, Tang Yu started leading her out of the airport.

Tang Xin protested, “Hey, hey, hey—don’t get ahead of yourself! I haven’t agreed to be your girlfriend yet. Why are you holding my hand like it’s no big deal?”

Ignoring her, Tang Yu tightened his grip and continued walking.

At the car, Tang Yu stowed her luggage in the trunk and, without skipping a beat, ushered Tang Xin into the passenger seat. Once she was seated, he rounded the car and got into the driver’s seat.

Tang Xin turned her head to glare at him, her eyes filled with silent protest. Tang Yu leaned over abruptly, cupping the back of her head and kissing her. Tang Xin’s eyes widened in shock. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, his tongue slipped in, deepening the kiss.

Tang Yu’s kissing skills…

They were intoxicating.

Tang Xin struggled at first, but she soon gave in, retaliating by biting him lightly.

Tang Yu immediately took control, pressing her into the seat with one arm wrapped around her securely. Men clearly had a natural advantage in moments like these. Tang Xin let out a few muffled protests before succumbing entirely. By the end, she was pliant, her body soft as she sat in his arms.

When the fiery French kiss ended, Tang Yu released her and smirked. “Not just holding hands—I’ll kiss you whenever I want.”

Tang Xin, “…You scoundrel.”

Tang Yu leaned back in his seat, looking ahead as he started the engine. “So what if I’m a scoundrel? I’ve already kissed you anyway.”

“How are you so shameless!” Tang Xin exclaimed, fuming. She turned to glare at him, reaching out to pull at his ear.

Tang Yu glanced at her. “Stop messing around. I’m driving.”

Tang Xin sulked and withdrew her hand reluctantly. “Fine. I’ll pull your ear once you stop the car.”

Tang Yu, “…”

What was wrong with her?

“Hungry?” he asked.

“Hmm… The airplane food was awful.” Tang Xin rubbed her stomach, thinking about how she’d gained weight. Her once-flat belly now had a little softness to it. Western meals clearly weren’t for her—she could eat hotpot and barbecue for a week straight without gaining an ounce before!

Finally being back home felt great…

She needed to lose weight soon. Otherwise, if she and Tang Yu ever took things to the bedroom, he’d tease her for being chubby.

“I’ll take you to eat something. What do you want?”

“Hotpot!”

Tang Yu chuckled. “Alright.”

They returned to the same hotpot restaurant as before. By the time they arrived, it was past nine, but Tang Yu had called ahead to reserve their spot. The restaurant normally closed at 10:30, but everything was already prepared, even the same private room where Tang Xin had confessed last time. The bubbling hotpot sat on the table, steam rising enticingly.

Tang Xin dropped her bag and immediately started eating. Biting into a piece of beef, she sighed happily, “Hotpot is what I missed the most.”

Tang Yu lazily responded, “Oh? I thought you missed me the most.”

Tang Xin nearly choked.

She turned her head to glare at him. “You’re overthinking it.”

Tang Yu chuckled but didn’t argue. He continued swishing slices of meat in the bubbling hotpot and placing them into her bowl. Tang Xin ate for a while before realizing that he hadn’t taken a single bite himself. Feeling her belly, she noted she had already eaten quite a lot. If she ate any more, her stomach might actually round out. She set her chopsticks down.

“Are you full?”

“Mm.”

“There’s more. Keep eating.”

“…”

Tang Xin eyed the freshly cooked meat he’d just placed in her bowl. Unable to resist, she picked her chopsticks back up.

Another ten minutes passed before Tang Xin finally put her chopsticks down for good. She didn’t dare eat another bite. Reaching for the button to call the server and settle the bill, she felt Tang Yu’s hand press over hers.

“No rush,” he said, his gaze steady on her. “Let’s talk for a bit. Right here. Let’s resolve this tonight.”

Tang Xin blinked, her expression confused. “Hm?”

She had eaten so much she was feeling a little drowsy.

Tang Yu leaned back in his chair, taking her hand and resting it on his leg as he shifted slightly toward her. “Rich Girl, are you really not going to be my girlfriend?”

Tang Xin tilted her head, her smile bright and playful. “Why should I be your girlfriend?”

Tang Yu, “…”

He wanted so badly to pinch her cheek.

She could outplay him at every turn.

“You like me, don’t you?” Tang Yu exhaled softly as he looked at her. “Hm? Are you really saying no to dating me?”

Tang Xin huffed, lifting her chin with mock arrogance. “You haven’t even confessed. Why should I agree?”

Tang Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he pulled her closer. Tang Xin, caught off guard, lost her balance and ended up sitting on his lap. Before she could stand up, his arms held her firmly in place.

He leaned into the crook of her neck, nuzzling her gently. “Rich Girl, I like you. Be my girlfriend, hmm?”

His hair brushed against the delicate skin of her neck, tickling her unbearably.

Tang Xin’s cheeks flushed bright red. “Let me go first!”

Tang Yu chuckled and, surprisingly, loosened his hold. Tang Xin scrambled to her feet and stepped back, glancing down at him with a sweet, teasing smile. “Alright, I’ll think about it.”

Tang Yu’s expression darkened instantly. He had a bad feeling about this. “How long will you think about it?”

Tang Xin grinned. “Don’t be impatient! You took over a month to decide before coming to say yes to me. I should take my time too. Didn’t you call me Feisty Queen?”

“Feisty Queens never suffer losses!”

Tang Yu, “…”

Damn that “Feisty Queen never suffers losses!”

🎭 Behind the Curtain with Kliraz: Sweet Talks and Spicy Sparks! 🎭

Let’s talk about hand-holding and lap-sitting! (๑˃ᴗ˂) This chapter highlights a classic clash of traditional boundaries and playful modern romance. The physical intimacy—like holding hands—was once reserved for formal relationships or even after marriage. But today, it’s common in public, especially among younger couples, though elders might still raise an eyebrow! Compare that to France or Italy, where hand-holding can signify flirtation even before the first date, or Japan, where PDA is still rare but hand-holding is the most acceptable display of affection.

Speaking of cultures, Tang Yu’s lap move screams dominance meets vulnerability. In many cultures, this gesture shows emotional closeness and physical trust. It’s worlds apart from, say, a formal bow in Japan or the reserved side-hug in Britain. But it aligns with Brazil or Spain, where physical proximity signals confidence and romantic intention. ¡Caliente!

Behavioral science adds spice—Tang Yu’s playful persistence taps into reciprocity psychology. The more he invests emotionally (and physically, like pulling Tang Xin closer), the more she feels compelled to match that energy. Sneaky, but effective!

Now spill your secrets—how much PDA is too much for you? Can you imagine your crush pulling a Tang Yu move? Share your thoughts! (¬‿¬)