CHAPTER 81: BEAUTIFUL GIFTS FOR HER

"Ohh... so that’s how it is when hard," Jin Yuexin said, her voice soft—almost innocent... or maybe not? Zhao Yiming honestly couldn’t tell anymore.

He shut his eyes, trying to suppress the heat creeping up his face. His cheeks were already red, burning with embarrassment.

But what unsettled him more was how calm she was. Not a hint of awkwardness, not even a shy glance away. No, she looked utterly captivated—like she was studying a sculpture, not a man.

It made everything feel even more humiliating.

’This is too much, but at least she is amazed by it...’ he shrugged. ’ But did I... did I already pass the hard mode?’ he thought, praying for the system to chime in. But no—nothing.

And to make matters worse, Yuexin wasn’t done. Her fingers twitched like she still wanted to touch him again, her curiosity far from satisfied.

But before she could reach out, Zhao Yiming finally spoke, his tone low but serious:

"Miss Yuexin... you do know you can’t just keep touching a man like that and expect to walk away without consequences, right?"

That made her freeze.

She blinked up at him, startled, and then looked down. Her body stiffened, and her hands, which had just moments ago explored him like an artist studying a rare subject, now trembled at her sides.

"...I’m sorry," she whispered. Her voice was barely audible, like a child caught sneaking candy. "I didn’t mean to... I didn’t know..."

She looked genuinely shaken, her shoulders curling inward as if preparing to be scolded.

Zhao Yiming sighed. Damn it, how could he stay mad when she looked like a kicked puppy? But still, she need to learn boundary.

"It’s okay," he said gently.

"Really. Just—poking and touching someone like that... it’s not something you should do so casually. Please don’t do it again."

He paused, then raised a brow and added with a playful smirk, "Unless, of course, you’re willing to let me touch you the same way you touched me."

At that, Yuexin’s head shot up. Her entire face turned pink in an instant. She clutched her sketchbook to her chest like a shield and rushed back to the canvas, hiding her face behind it.

"I-I-I... you can go now!" she squeaked, her voice flustered and panicked.

Zhao Yiming couldn’t help but grin. He calmly began getting dressed again, taking his time as he watched her from the corner of his eye.

She hadn’t peeked out once since running off. She was completely hidden now—like a turtle retreating into its shell.

As he buttoned his pants, the familiar chime finally echoed in his mind:

---

[Ding!]

[Quest Completed: Hard Mode Passed!]

Technically 19 minutes and 55 seconds... but the God of Richness & Love is feeling generous and gave you a 5-second mercy bonus!

[Rewards: $2,500 | 1,500 AP | +10 Affection (Jin Yuexin) | +15 Lust (Jin Yuexin)]

[New Perk Unlocked!]

[More Stamina, More Fun]

You can now hold your libido longer, and your stamina increases by 25% during sexual activity with your partners!

[Message from the God of Richness & Love:]

["So what do you think, bro? Innocent... or~?"]

---

’Tch... still teasing me, huh?’ Zhao Yiming sighed, brushing his fingers through his hair.

He turned one last time toward the canvas, only to catch Yuexin subtly peeking at him from behind the edge.

Her face was still flushed, her wide eyes following him with a quiet intensity—as if unsure whether to run or keep watching.

"I dont know which one is she, but she sure is weird..." he murmured to himself with a helpless chuckle.

Zhao Yiming stepped out of the room, doing his best to act like nothing had happened. His expression calm, his gait steady. But the moment he reached the nearby restroom, he darted in, locking the door behind him.

"...Shit," he muttered under his breath, splashing cold water on his face. His heart was still pounding, and the dragon between his legs hadn’t entirely calmed down. "That was too close..."

It took him a few minutes to settle himself, and once he was presentable again, he made his way back to the living room where Su Meilin waited, casually flipping through her phone as if nothing had happened.

They made polite farewells to Aunty Liu, and Zhao Yiming threw a final glance at the quiet studio room before closing the door behind them.

He still hadn’t moved into the new apartment unit he’d bought—partly because he hadn’t told Su Meilin yet, and partly because... well, things were getting too complicated lately.

But if he did move... deep down, he wanted to bring Su Meilin with him. After what happened with her husband... he felt a sense of responsibility.

And more than that... he genuinely cared for her.

As Zhao Yiming unlocked the door, they were met by a pleasant surprise in the living room: neatly stacked gift boxes. About twenty of them, all beautifully wrapped in distinct colors.

Purple for Su Meilin, golden for Luo Yanyu, green for Lihua, and a few more... each labeled and personalized.

"Wow," Su Meilin said, eyes wide. "Are these all for... me? Or—wait—don’t tell me these are for other women too?"

Zhao Yiming laughed awkwardly. "It’s just you here now, isn’t it?"

Before she could probe further, he quickly reached for one of the purple boxes and opened it.

Inside, nestled in soft silk, was a simple but beautiful jade bracelet. It shimmered under the light—translucent green, smooth, and cool to the touch.

"I’ve always wanted to give you this," he said softly, taking her hand and slipping the bracelet onto her wrist.

The jade caught the light as she lifted her hand to look at it, eyes glistening. For a moment, she didn’t speak.

Then, with a quiet voice filled with emotion, she whispered, "The last time I had jade like this... my mom gave it to me. I was just a kid. I had to sell it back then just to survive..."

A bittersweet smile touched her lips as a tear rolled gently down her cheek. "Thank you, Yiming... this means more than you know."

She hugged him tightly, burying her face into his shoulder.

Zhao Yiming held her close, rubbing her back gently. "I should be the one thanking you, Meilin. I never thought anyone would like me for real... not until I met you."

She leaned back, narrowing her eyes in playful disbelief. "Liar. With that face? There’s no way I’m the first."

"I swear you are," he grinned, hands still on her waist. "First one I ever really cared to win over."

Their lips met in a soft, slow kiss. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t greedy—just warm, comforting, and honest. When they finally pulled away, Meilin traced a finger down his chest, her voice turning shy but suggestive.

"...Do you want to continue this in the bedroom?"

He smirked, already sliding his arms under her legs and back. "Of course. I haven’t had my dessert yet."

With a playful squeal from her and a wicked grin from him, Zhao Yiming carried her toward the bedroom, the jade bracelet on her wrist catching one last glint of light before the door shut behind them.