First, then, love.

The morning sunlight filtered through the lace curtains of the French windows, casting dappled patterns of light.

Shu Yao was awakened by a dull pain in her chest.

My nasal passages are clearer now, but my throat is still dry and my head feels dizzy.

She instinctively tried to stretch, but found herself unable to move.

My limbs felt like they were locked up by something.

A warm, refreshing scent with a hint of mint enveloped her.

Where their skin touched, there was a scalding body temperature, like a small stove that never goes out.

Shu Yao suddenly opened her eyes.

Before me lay a solid, wheat-colored chest.

The skin has a distinct texture, carries the fresh scent of shower gel, and is mixed with the aroma of male hormones.

Her face was pressed against the other person's chest, and she could clearly hear the strong, powerful heartbeat coming from his chest.

Shu Yao's mind went completely blank for a moment.

She stiffly turned her neck and looked up.

He Zheng was still asleep.

His brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were having an unpleasant dream. His jawline was sharp, his thin lips were tightly pressed together, and his long, thick eyelashes cast a small shadow under his eyelids.

The cold, unapproachable aura that usually keeps strangers at bay softened a bit in the dream, becoming more approachable and warm.

Shu Yao's gaze slowly moved downwards.

It fell on me.

Her arms were still tightly wrapped around He Zheng's waist.

Her legs straddled his thighs even more domineeringly, clinging to him like a koala.

The champagne-colored silk nightgown was wrinkled from last night's commotion, and the neckline had slipped down, revealing a small patch of fair skin on her shoulders and chest...

Basically similar to... half-naked?!

He Zheng's hand was firmly gripping her lower back, with considerable force, as if afraid she would run away.

"!!!"

Shu Yao's cheeks flushed bright red, almost to the point of bleeding, and she quickly raised her hand to hang the bra strap on her shoulder.

Memories from last night flooded my mind like a tidal wave.

A snowy wonderland in my dreams.

Like a moth drawn to a flame, she nestled into He Zheng's arms.

Shu Yao felt like dying.

What is she doing?!

Yesterday, he righteously declared that "crossing the line is like being a dog," but not only did he cross the line himself, he also threw himself into her arms and clung to her so tightly!

And why are the clothes... half off?!

Good heavens!

This is absolutely terrible!

She held her breath and carefully tried to remove her hands and feet from He Zheng's body.

The movement was as light as a feather.

However, just as her hand was about to loosen its grip on He Zheng's waist...

The thick, iron arm around his waist suddenly tightened.

He Zheng didn't open his eyes at all.

On instinct, he gripped the back of her head with his large hand.

Press down hard.

He forcefully pressed her head, which she had just raised halfway, back down onto his chest.

His chin brushed against the top of her head, his stubble brushing against her forehead, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Stop fooling around."

A man's voice rang out in the bedroom in the early morning, thick with drowsiness and a nasal tone.

Extremely sexy.

"Just five more minutes of sleep," he muttered.

The vibrations in her chest were clearly transmitted to Shu Yao's face through the thin fabric.

Shu Yao was pressed against his chest and couldn't move.

She didn't even dare to breathe properly, her hands frozen in mid-air, unsure whether to let go or retract them.

It's too hot in bed.

He Zheng casually bent one leg, the silk quilt already kicked up to his calf.

Shu Yao's gaze followed his flat stomach and subconsciously swept downwards.

Just one glance.

My breathing stopped for a moment.

His pupils dilated suddenly, as if he had seen a ghost, and his blood rushed to his head with a "whoosh".

The gray, loose-fitting, pure cotton athletic pajama pants don't really have a defined shape, and the fabric is soft.

At this moment, between her legs.

They arrogantly set up an exaggerated tent.

Not just a little bit.

It is very large, extremely large.

The silhouette is distinct, the size is astonishing, and the fabric is stretched to its limit, as if it is about to tear at any moment.

The morning's reaction was vividly displayed in the young, vigorous, and physically strong SWAT team captain—simple, brutal, and undisguised.

Shu Yao has lived for twenty-four years. Although she has a wealth of theoretical knowledge thanks to her best friend's influence, she has zero practical experience. Her ex-boyfriend, Gu Jinzhi, is a mild-mannered intellectual. Even when they hug, they are always polite and respectful. How could he have such a strong visual impact?

Is this even human?!

Shu Yao felt her throat go dry and swallowed hard.

The temperature of her face instantly soared to boiling point, turning so red it looked like it was about to bleed, and even her breathing became scorching.

Just then.

He Zheng unconsciously turned over, wanting to hug her even tighter.

The movement of her legs stirred her pajama bottoms, and that monster brushed against Shu Yao's thigh.

"Hmm!"

Shu Yao cried out in surprise, as if she had been electrocuted, and jerked back, forcefully pushing away his hard chest with both hands.

This is too big a move.

He Zheng was finally fully awakened.

He opened his eyes, his dark pupils reflecting the languor of just waking up and a hint of annoyance at being disturbed.

He lowered his eyes and looked at the woman who was huddled on the edge of the bed like a bright red shrimp.

Follow her terrified, uneasy gaze downwards.

He Zheng raised an eyebrow, his face showing no embarrassment or awkwardness.

He even casually adjusted his posture, his long legs slightly apart, leaning against the headboard, displaying himself in a more relaxed manner.

"What are you looking at?" His voice was hoarse and irritating, with a hint of roguishness. "Normal reaction, never seen it before?"

Shu Yao was so angry she was about to burst into flames; her heart was pounding wildly in her chest.

"You scoundrel! Shameless!"

Shu Yao's face turned even redder, the redness spreading from her cheeks all the way to her ears, and even her neck was tinged with a thin layer of red.

He Zheng smiled as he looked at her helpless expression.

He reached out and put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. "Who's the one who snuggled into my arms?"

Shu Yao's heart skipped a beat.

She hurriedly looked away, not daring to look at him, her eyes darting away to the other side of the bed.

There, three huge cushions lay sprawled haphazardly on the carpet, looking utterly disheveled.

The "Chu River and Han Border" she meticulously constructed last night.

Now it seems like a huge joke.

"I...I didn't mean to." Shu Yao's voice was barely audible, with a thick nasal tone and a hint of barely perceptible panic. "It's...it's too warm here. I couldn't stand the cold last night..."

She tried to justify her actions, but her tone became increasingly weak.

He Zheng raised an eyebrow, a playful smile curving his lips.

"Oh?"

He drew out his words, his voice laced with obvious mockery, "Didn't they say that crossing the line makes you a dog?"

Shu Yao's face turned even redder.

She bit her lower lip, steeling herself and stubbornly retorting, "I...I was sleepwalking! Yes! Sleepwalking! I don't know anything!"

The excuse was so lame that even she herself didn't believe it.

He Zheng chuckled softly.

"laugh."

A deep laugh emanated from his chest, making Shu Yao's cheeks tingle slightly.

He patted her lower back gently, the gesture carrying an undeniable sense of reassurance.

"Okay, sleepwalking."

He didn't expose her lie, but went along with her, his tone indulgent, "Does that sleepwalking puppy still want to hug me?"

Shu Yao: "..."

She immediately struggled to climb out of his arms, "Who wants to hold you! I want to get up!"

"Don't move." He Zheng pressed her down. "Your cold isn't better yet. Lie down for a while, and I'll go cook you some porridge."

Shu Yao paused for a moment and stopped struggling.

She looked up at him and found that He Zheng's eyes were serious, without the slightest hint of teasing.

"You can cook porridge?" she asked instinctively.

Yesterday's fried egg already surprised her, but now she can even cook porridge?

He Zheng raised an eyebrow. "It's not difficult. Just learn from the videos. It's simpler than defusing a bomb."

That same phrase again.

Looking at his serious expression, Shu Yao suddenly felt a surge of indescribable emotions.

It's a little sweet, a little warm, and a little... funny.

She stopped struggling and lay obediently in his arms, but her cheeks were still burning hot, and she dared not look at him again.

He Zheng didn't say anything more, but tightened his arms and hugged her even tighter.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, bathing the two of them in a warm glow.

The bedroom was filled with a faint scent of tuberose and a refreshing mint aroma, creating a comforting fragrance.

The three cushions on the carpet still lay there all alone.

But that so-called "Chu River and Han Border" was never mentioned again.

Some defenses, once breached, never need to be rebuilt.

*

Half an hour later.

After washing up, Shu Yao changed into a well-tailored black business suit dress, applied exquisite makeup, and wore bright red lipstick. She exuded a powerful aura, as if she had donned a layer of armor to conceal her inner panic.

Push open the door and walk out.

In the living room, the sun was shining brightly. On the balcony, the cat was gnawing on a bone, while the cat was sharpening its claws on the cat tree.

In the open kitchen, the coffee machine is running, making a "buzzing" grinding sound.

The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air.

He Zheng had already finished taking a cold shower and changed into a dark gray casual sweatshirt and black cargo pants.

He stood tall and straight, carrying two cups of freshly made black coffee, as he walked to the island counter.

He pushed one of the cups to the spot where Shu Yao usually sat.

"Come here, have some coffee." He said in a flat tone, as if the absurd and hormone-fueled scene from that morning had never happened.

Shu Yao walked over, her eyes darting around, refusing to look at her lower body, her gaze fixed on the steaming cup of coffee.

I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip.

Bitter, but refreshing.

The two were separated by the island platform, and neither of them mentioned what happened that morning.

"I went to a meeting at the bureau this morning and will go back to the brigade this afternoon." He Zheng stood to the side, drinking his own glass, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Oh," Shu Yao replied listlessly.

She glanced down at her Cartier watch on her wrist; it was almost time.

I'm going to work.

She picked up her bag from the bar stool, turned and walked to the entryway, where she changed into high heels.

He Zheng watched her back, his gaze lingering on her shapely, rounded curves accentuated by her bodycon skirt.

Drive carefully on the road.

"understood."

The door closed, shutting out the aroma of coffee from inside.