"Shao Teng, I...mmm..."
Her heart softened as a gentle feeling washed over her. This man could understand her conflicted feelings and was willing to give her time.
Just as she was about to speak, the man beside her wrapped his large hand around her waist. His soft, slightly cool lips pressed down on hers.
Rong Dai's heart raced as her breathing grew ragged. Her whole body felt like it was on fire.
The blood that had been dormant these past few days began boiling once more. Every inch of her was filled with an indescribable heat and tension, as well as joy.
She didn't resist, clumsily responding to him. She placed her slender hands on his solid chest, their breaths intertwining.
His kiss was gentle yet passionate, irresistible to her. The thrill and joy from such intimacy was ineffable.
In her past life, although she harbored feelings for the Emperor, his status was always lofty and unapproachable. All beings had to bow before him in submission.
Aside from their wedding night, unconstrained passion like this was absent in their thirty years of marriage. Even the intimate affairs between husband and wife followed protocol.
She had never truly experienced such thrilling intimacy with someone she cared for.
Shao Teng's kiss was long and sensual, not stopping until both were gasping for air, bodies burning with desire, her going limp in his embrace.
Only then did he reluctantly pull away.
If this continued, he was afraid he would lose control.
He was a normal man. Such intimacy with his woman naturally made him want more.
But they were in a ferris wheel.
Shao Teng regretted this a little. He clearly felt her willingness to let him have his way, if they kept going.
But their location...meant he had to endure a celibate lifestyle a while longer.
"Shao Teng, I, I..."
Rong Dai breathed heavily, face flushed, her thick dark hair slightly disheveled. Her red lips parted as the neon lights illuminated the dazed desire in her eyes.
"I'm willing to wait for you. There's no rush. I don't want you to force yourself. With me, just be yourself, no need for pretense."
Shao Teng said gently. His large hand still gripped her waist. Seeing her like this, his body screamed and roared with desire!
But he endured, not wanting to force her to satisfy him, especially regarding these matters.
Intimacy between husband and wife should happen naturally, when emotions run high and feelings are mutual, not just to cater to him.
He gently kissed her forehead. The ferris wheel reached its peak, granting an almost 360 view of the nightscape.
Rong Dai felt warm, as if the rising sun enveloped her heart.
She knew what would've happened if they were in the bedroom instead.
She was willing.
She sensed Shao Teng's restraint and patience. His patience warmed her heart. The tender bud that had been trampled suddenly sprouted again.
The couple held hands, simply enjoying this rare moment in the ferris wheel, some emotions need not be spoken to be felt.
After disembarking, the couple watched the lively crowds in the square. But both their hearts were calm.
This calm contained satisfaction and affection. Gazing at everything before them, all was beautiful.
At this hour, aside from people out for a late dinner, there were many couples in the square.
Naturally, many romantic gestures could be seen between the lovers around them.
"Sir, your lady is so beautiful. Buying her flowers will delight her!" A peddler holding a huge bouquet of vibrant red roses approached them, his words honeyed.
"I'll take eleven." Shao Teng held Rong Dai's hand and swiftly took out his phone to scan the code.
"That's too much. Bringing back such a huge bouquet..." In Rong Dai's heart was sweetness. Without her past status, she was just an ordinary woman.
Flowers were fatally alluring to women, like jewels.
"Madam, as I said, eleven roses represent a lifetime of devotion. Not too much at all, just right! It shows your husband's sincerity!"
The peddler beamed, immediately explaining.
Rong Dai could only watch helplessly as Shao Teng bought them before the peddler finished speaking.
"Last time was lilacs, a bit lacking this time. Next time I'll get you more." Shao Teng took the roses and handed them to her.
Rong Dai didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but said nothing more sentimental.
If both were destitute, buying flowers to express love would be extravagant indeed.
But money wasn't so tight between her and Shao Teng that they couldn't afford flowers. Spending a little on meaningful gestures to convey affection wasn't wrong in her eyes.
She had yearned for such things in her past life. Though suitors gifted her jade pendants and red beans instead of flowers, imbued with meaning.
But the Emperor had only gifted her a single hairpin, which she treasured.
Later she realized it wasn't thrift, but lack of feeling for her.
For Imperial Concubine Xi, he had even sent his personal guards all over the nation to find her fine things.
Only then did she know, his passion lay elsewhere, she just wasn't that woman.
The scent of roses filled Rong Dai with bliss.
Hand in hand, they walked like an ordinary couple through the square.
Rong Dai wouldn't have imagined the lofty business magnate would stroll the square, buying common flowers and snacks.
Cotton candy, candied haws, and sugar figures, they tasted it all.
Not until the crowds dispersed and the city's clamor settled, did they leave for home.
Unbeknownst to them, paparazzi had captured their every move that night.
After all, the verdict had surprised many, though some found it expected.
Many were waiting to gossip online.
That night, Rong Dai slept wonderfully. Upon waking, Shao Teng had not left, but watched her.
Her cheeks reddened instantly. "Why didn't you wake early today?"
"Wanted to look at you longer. I want to get to know you, understand you."
Shao Teng smoothly spoke sweet nothings, instantly accelerating Rong Dai's heartbeat as her cheeks flushed crimson. She swiftly got up.
"There's plenty of time. I'm not so easily figured out."
Face red, she haughtily said over her shoulder before hurrying to the bathroom in slippers.
Shao Teng smiled. Saying nothing, he too rose from bed.
Usually he wouldn't bother tidying up.
Recalling how she had tidied up earlier, he neatly made the slightly messy bed before heading to the bathroom.
