Chapter 117
It was clear that Ye Zhi wasn’t looking forward to anything, nor was he particularly enthusiastic, but Huo Youcheng didn’t mind. He knew Ye Zhi’s nature was reserved, not overly warm or cheerful. He had lived cautiously for so long, like a bird raised in a cage; even if the cage door was opened, it might not fly out immediately.
But Huo Youcheng was confident.
As long as he treated Ye Zhi with sincerity and affection, he believed he could make him smile.
“Rest assured, I won’t touch you until you’re truly ready,” Huo Youcheng had promised after their argument that night. He had kept his word, refraining from forcing himself on Ye Zhi. Instead, he occasionally hugged and kissed him, treating him with a surprising level of gentleness and care.
Ye Zhi was relieved.
After confessing his feelings to Huo Youqiao, facing his husband had become increasingly difficult. Even though he no longer loved Huo Youcheng, they were still married. Any intimate act with someone else before their marriage was officially over would be considered cheating.
Despite Huo Youcheng’s numerous infidelities, Ye Zhi couldn’t bring himself to feel justified.
Huo Youqiao seemed to share this sense of guilt. Their relationship remained at kissing, never going further, but they still found opportunities to be alone together.
For instance, when Huo Ran needed to go to school, Huo Youqiao would offer to drive them to the bus stop. After Huo Ran boarded the bus to kindergarten, Huo Youqiao would propose driving Ye Zhi back. In the car, he would lower the middle partition, creating a private space in the backseat.
The car was well-insulated; once the partition was down, even sounds were blocked, leaving the driver unaware of what happened behind.
Despite Huo Youqiao’s immaculate appearance, with his perfectly styled hair and impeccable suit, there was an urgency in his demeanor when he was with Ye Zhi. As soon as the partition dropped, he would lean in.
Ye Zhi, initially embarrassed and nervous, had gotten somewhat used to being held on Huo Youqiao’s lap. The first time, he blushed deeply, anxious and ashamed, fearing they might be seen. Now, though he still felt embarrassed, his own desire made him raise his chin, his lips slightly parted, almost inviting the kiss.
Without wasting words, they kissed passionately, eagerly exploring each other. Ye Zhi, who had never known such intensity in himself, responded fervently, wrapping his arms around Huo Youqiao’s neck, wanting to merge into his embrace.
The drive was short. The car’s windows, coated with special material, allowed those inside to see out without being seen. As they pulled up, Huo Youcheng’s car, having just left, saw his brother’s car and honked a greeting, stopping beside them.
Startled, Ye Zhi quickly moved away, settling in another seat, his face flushed and lips still wet. Huo Youqiao, though momentarily flustered, regained his composure. He lowered the window, revealing both himself and Ye Zhi to Huo Youcheng.
“Big brother, you brought Ye Zhi back?”
Huo Youqiao replied, “It’s cold and windy, and I had time, so I brought him back.”
Huo Youcheng laughed, “Maybe I should get up earlier next time and take Ranran to kindergarten myself, so Ye Zhi doesn’t have to.”
Huo Youqiao smiled, “If you can manage to wake up.”
“If Ye Zhi asks, I’ll get up. Alright, I’m off to work. Ye Zhi, wait for me for dinner tonight.”
Ye Zhi responded softly, “Okay.”
His heart was pounding, but once Huo Youcheng drove off, he began to calm down.
Despite the fear and anxiety of being discovered, they couldn’t resist these moments of intimacy—in the car, by Huo Ran’s bathroom door, even in the kitchen…