Volume One, Chapter 136: Unable to Resist, He Kissed Her Face Again.

Xu Zhi felt as if her whole body was ablaze. The room was silent, and even the faint rustle of fabric was magnified a thousandfold. Her delicate brows knit tightly together, her breath uneven, and her hands involuntarily reached out to grasp the man’s arm.

Liang Jinmo’s shirt sleeves were rolled up, his forearm slipping beneath her clothes. Seeing the redness at the corner of her eyes and the uncontrollable emotion on her face, he couldn’t help but lean in to kiss her cheek again.

Xu Zhi tried to hold back several times but failed; a low moan escaped her lips, and her body trembled uncontrollably. The man’s fingers explored gently. Overcome with shame, she wanted to bury her face into his chest, but he forbade it and resumed kissing her.

Dizzy and dazed, she resisted being led away but tentatively reached out to touch him. Suddenly, his breathing grew noticeably heavier.

Then she lost all restraint, uttering a short cry as her toes curled tightly. Her fingers clenched the sheets, creating a tangle of wrinkles. Sweat broke out all over her body, trembling uncontrollably.

She nearly gasped for air.

Her mind was a blur, like the lingering echo after fireworks fade. Her gaze was vacant as she looked at Liang Jinmo.

The man reached over to the nightstand, pulling out tissue to wipe his hands. His breathing still unsteady, he bent down to kiss her cheek again. Seeing her still trembling, he gently pecked her lips, his voice husky: “It’s alright... don’t be afraid.”

Xu Zhi had never experienced anything like this before. She glanced at his fingers, and only then did it dawn on her what had just happened. Her face flushed even hotter. She immediately turned over, facing away from him.

Liang Jinmo wiped his hands clean, then leaned down, brushing the sweat-matted hair from her face.

Xu Zhi buried her face deeper into the sheets.

Liang Jinmo sighed helplessly. “Are you a turtle?”

Still silent, Xu Zhi was mortified—she had clearly heard herself call out just now.

“Weren’t you the one who invited me first?” Liang Jinmo said. “Don’t say things like that so casually in the future.”

With that, he rolled off the bed and went to the bathroom.

What things? Xu Zhi’s mind whirled in confusion before she finally recalled what she had said earlier.

She had said she wanted him to feel good...

---

Out of that moment, those words sounded utterly beyond the limits she had set for herself. The more she thought about it, the more she felt ashamed, quickly slipping quietly out of bed to the bathroom to clean herself.

In the end, she hadn’t really done anything for him—it was he who had used his hand...

She dared not dwell on it anymore. After showering, she quietly tried to return to the spare bedroom.

But the man was already waiting for her there.

Seeing his face, memories flooded her mind, and she was too shy to meet his eyes.

Standing there like a guilty schoolgirl with her head bowed, Liang Jinmo found it amusing, though his heart softened uncontrollably.

He took her hand and led her back to bed. Xu Zhi still couldn’t bring herself to look at him, hiding her face against his chest like a tiny quail.

She was far too easily embarrassed. Her occasional bold words were just a fleeting thrill. But he liked it that way.

This image of her blushing and curled up in his embrace was his alone—no one else could see it.

She wanted to work, to grow strong, to stand on her own, but...

He wished even more that she would be like a delicate climbing flower clinging to him. Perhaps the thought was twisted; sometimes he wanted to lock her away, to keep her just for himself, never letting her leave.

He knew this was wrong. He restrained himself but couldn’t help pulling her tighter.

Xu Zhi was squeezed so tightly she could barely breathe. Finally, she could no longer hide like a shy turtle. “Brother Jinmo... it hurts.”

Startled back to reality, Liang Jinmo eased his grip.

Looking up, in the dim light, the man’s expression was inscrutable, but she sensed some hidden concern in his eyes.

She tilted her face to kiss his chin. “Let’s sleep. You have a business trip tomorrow.”

He was silent for a few seconds before softly replying, “Mm. Goodnight.”

The next day, Liang Jinmo set off with his team as planned.

This trip was deliberately arranged; Liang Zhenguo intended to temper Liang Jinmo’s arrogance.

In his position, considering what had happened at the engagement ceremony between Liang Jinmo and Xu Zhi, not breaking them apart forcefully was already a mercy.

He had his own considerations: Liang Jinmo and his team were highly sought after domestically, with rival companies trying to poach them. He couldn’t afford to lose Liang Jinmo, but he also had to ensure his compliance.

Since Liang Jinmo had acted on his own during the engagement, punishment was inevitable. This smart home exhibition competition was the perfect opportunity. Most likely, Liang Jinmo would return empty-handed, realizing there were others more skilled, and hopefully curb his sharp edges.

---

After a long day, Liang Zhenguo returned home, even more exhausted seeing his youngest son also being punished.

Today, Liang Muzi had fainted in his room—clearly from not eating for days.

He hadn’t even drunk much water.

The family doctor checked him and warned that if this continued, he would become dehydrated.

Fuwanwen came into the bedroom, eyes red, pleading with Liang Zhenguo, “Zhenguo, he’s your son. He’s lost so much weight these past few days... can’t you see?”

Liang Zhenguo’s face was stern. “I don’t care if he’s lost weight. What matters is that he shows remorse.”

Fuwanwen was nearly in tears. “What mistake do you want him to admit? It’s all Chen Jing’s fault. She threatened to kill herself to lure him away from the engagement. You don’t know how much he regrets it. He even wants to apologize to Xu Zhi in person.”

Liang Zhenguo interrupted coldly: “Stop. They’re uncle and niece-in-law now. They must never meet alone.”

Tears slipped down Fuwanwen’s cheeks. “I think he still has feelings for Xu Zhi and truly regrets it... I know they can never be together again, but he needs closure. Can’t he at least meet her and talk it out? Life has to go on. We can’t just watch him destroy himself, can we?”

Liang Zhenguo remained silent.

Wiping her tears, Fuwanwen said, “If you won’t help, I’ll have to find Chen Jing and see if she can persuade Muzi...”

Liang Zhenguo frowned sharply. “Are you out of your mind? Our family must never associate with the daughter of a corrupt official.”

Fuwanwen looked at him helplessly. “Then what do you want me to do? Muzi is starving himself. As his mother, I don’t want to live either...”

Fuwanwen had always been like this with Liang Muzi, and Liang Zhenguo had little hope for her to educate him. After some thought, he said, “If Muzi is willing to sincerely admit his mistakes and reflect, I might arrange for him to meet Xu Zhi. But only with me present. They will never meet alone.”

Just then, the door to the bedroom, half-closed, was pushed open from outside.

Both Liang Zhenguo and Fuwanwen looked up. Liang Muzi stood in the doorway.

Only a few days had passed, but his face was gaunt, his bones sharp, hollow eye sockets and dark circles making him look utterly defeated.

His voice was hoarse. “Dad, I was wrong.”

Looking at Liang Zhenguo with pleading eyes, he begged, “Please let me see Zhi. I beg you.”