Chapter 16: Faltering at the Crucial Moment

From the moment Su Wan spoke, she realized she had misspoken. She had assumed that since Qin Yi’s legs were numb and he couldn’t walk, that aspect of him would surely be affected as well.

But she had underestimated Qin Yi—and underestimated a man’s pride when it came to proving himself capable.

Qin Yi’s eyes darkened as he narrowed them, fixing his gaze on Su Wan.

His legs might be immobile, but his waist was fine—and a strong one at that.

“Capable or not? Why don’t you just try and see for yourself!” His voice was low and unreadable, neither anger nor amusement betraying his words. The hand resting on Su Wan’s waist tightened with an unmistakable edge of danger, as if daring her to utter a single “no.” If she did, he might punish her on the spot.

Su Wan cleared her throat, trying to mask her awkwardness.

“I—I didn’t mean it like that, I…” As she spoke, Qin Yi pulled them even closer, the force so strong it seemed as though he wanted to fuse her into his very being.

They were so close now, just barely avoiding direct contact. Their breaths mingled, and their rapidly beating hearts echoed in the silence, both panting slightly.

Su Wan felt warmth creeping over her, tugging at her collar to reveal the delicate curve of her neck. Qin Yi’s eyes lingered on that pale skin, deep and intense.

His hand instinctively brushed the nape of her neck, pressing her ever closer. In a husky voice, he whispered near her ear.

“Who told you I’m not capable? Hmm?”

His low, teasing tone sent electric shivers down Su Wan’s limbs, tingling with a soft, thrilling numbness.

The warmth of his breath grazed her neck, causing an involuntary shiver that made her clutch at his flesh.

Men seemed to have an innate skill in these matters, aided by their thick skins—Qin Yi being no exception.

His large hand moved away, leaving behind marks on Su Wan’s skin.

“N-no one… I didn’t mean to…” Her whole body trembled as she spoke, her voice unexpectedly sultry.

Su Wan was inexperienced, unaccustomed to such provocations.

She was a delicate young woman, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Back at school, she had quietly liked Lu Xing, though she never knew if he felt the same. They were never a couple, not even holding hands.

Though she had fantasized about confirming a relationship with Lu Xing someday, that day would never come.

She was now Qin Yi’s wife, and Lu Xing was no longer her destined partner.

In this life, there was no chance left between them.

Young love is often fervent and persistent, but Su Wan had forced herself to slowly let go.

She refused to fall into helplessness again over something doomed from the start. After enduring so much bitterness, she wanted to taste a little sweetness.

“Not focusing at a time like this, hmm?” Qin Yi’s hand tightened, his dangerous voice resonating in Su Wan’s ear, causing her to gasp sharply.

Snapping back to reality from the sudden sting, she realized her clothes were half undone, and her face burned with embarrassment.

“You’re the one not focusing.” Qin Yi bit her shoulder lightly, the slight pressure carrying a hint of punishment. Su Wan whimpered softly and her body relaxed.

(Can’t write this, can’t write this...)

Their bodies radiated heat, and though Su Wan was flustered and fearful, she stubbornly refused to admit defeat.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a glow over her determined face. “I’m not unfocused… I just wonder why you seemed incapable at first…”

Qin Yi’s eyes darkened to an inky black.

“At first is at first. Now is now…”

“Mm…” Su Wan felt like a fish roasted over a fire, parched and dry. She licked her lips with a coquettish glance, lowering her eyes to look at Qin Yi, not even understanding her own state.

The faint, unique scent of a young woman lingered between them, making the very air thick with unspoken desire. Qin Yi’s breathing grew heavier, his inner restlessness mounting.

Su Wan tried to hold her tongue, but her whispered plea, “Put me down…” was cut off as Qin Yi’s hand curled around the back of her head, pulling her closer. Their lips met, and his grip around her waist tightened.

She was forced to surrender step by step, her heart pounding like a drum, struggling to resist.

Qin Yi deepened the kiss, his voice hoarse.

“Don’t move…”

One hand held Su Wan captive while the other tore away the obstructive clothing. Just as they were about to bare their souls to each other,

Su Wan gasped urgently, pressing her hand against Qin Yi’s rogue fingers. “Stop, stop…”

It was like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, chilling him through and through. Yet she still refused!

His endurance was trained, and though the arrow was already drawn, he restrained himself, pausing to look at Su Wan with narrowed eyes.

“I—I have my period.”

Flustered and hurried, Su Wan scrambled to put her clothes back on, biting her lip as she climbed off him.

“What…?”

“My period’s here…”

Her face flushed as she practically fled the room for the bathroom, leaving Qin Yi to sigh wearily.

They had been ready to stand guard, alert and vigilant, but at the crucial moment, this unexpected mishap left a bitter frustration simmering within.

After changing her sanitary pad, the cold breeze brought Su Wan back to full awareness. Thinking of what had just transpired, her cheeks flamed again.

When she returned, the sultry atmosphere in the room had lessened. Qin Yi looked at her with a forlorn gaze, and Su Wan’s heart stirred. She rarely saw such emotional fluctuation from him.

At that moment, he appeared like a child denied candy, throwing a small tantrum. Su Wan couldn't help but smile inwardly, surprised to see this softer side of the usually stern and unyielding Qin Yi.

Though they had come close, they had at least been honest with each other. Su Wan lacked Qin Yi’s boldness and said nothing, avoiding his gaze awkwardly as she lay down beside him.

Qin Yi stretched out his long arm and pulled her into his embrace.

Pressed close against his chest, she listened to his strong heartbeat, feeling an unexpected peace settle over her.

Qin Yi’s hand moved toward Su Wan’s abdomen, causing her to tense instantly and reflexively block him.

Unexpectedly, his warm palm began to gently massage her lower belly, a comforting warmth flowing from his hand into her.

The pain that had been twisting her abdomen eased in an instant.

“I’ve heard women get cramps when this happens,” Qin Yi said softly.

Su Wan’s heart warmed. The tough, stoic Qin Yi was so attentive and tender. She nuzzled into his embrace, responding with a cat-like softness.

“Mmm~.”

Qin Yi paused, playfully taking Su Wan’s hand and placing it somewhere… Su Wan shrank back in shock.

“If you stir me up, you’ll have to help cool me down sooner or later…”

Su Wan stiffened, her mind instantly wandering into mischief.

“I—I’m already like this, you beast!”

Qin Yi chuckled heartily at her flustered reaction while continuing to massage her belly.

“If you like it, I’m good for anything.”

“You’re shameless…” Su Wan pouted, feigning anger, lightly punching him with a small fist and staring at him with an exaggerated look of grievance.

Her little strength was more like a tickle to Qin Yi, who feared pushing her too hard lest she refuse to let him eat meat in the future.

He stroked her back soothingly, calming his little fiery wife, his voice husky as he spoke.

“Alright, alright, I was wrong. Let’s sleep. I’m not interested in fighting a bloody battle tonight.”