Chapter 112: When Love Runs Deep

The sudden kiss struck like a storm, catching Jin Xishan completely off guard. Unable to resist the temptation any longer, she forgot to think, and didn’t want to think—she simply instinctively embraced him tighter, then tighter still.

What followed was a passionate and intense kiss, as if the entire room was suffused with a warm, tender glow.

After finally pulling apart, they exchanged smiles—an intimate connection blossoming between them, brimming with feelings that transcended separation.

“Hurry and eat; the food’s getting cold!” Jin Xishan’s words carried a hint of reluctance, yet arrived at just the right moment.

Liu Qingshan chuckled, “Can you really eat? I don’t have much appetite anyway. It’s better to just drink some wine—it feels more satisfying!”

Jin Xishan returned a knowing smile. “Then let’s drink. But I want to hear you sing—the song ‘Courage.’”

“So, you really like that song?”

“Yes. It expresses everything I’ve felt inside—worries, hopes, and above all, confidence in the future.”

“But I remember you refused to be with me before.”

“What? That wasn’t refusal—just some concerns about our future at the time. Your song perfectly captured how I felt then, and it truly gave me great courage.”

Liu Qingshan began to hum softly, while Jin Xishan leaned against him, slowly joining in the chorus.

Unnoticed, tears streamed down her face. Letting Liu Qingshan gently wipe them away, she whispered, “I don’t care anymore. I intend to give you the rest of my life.”

Her words seemed less for him and more a quiet confession to herself.

Liu Qingshan understood—her soft murmurs were a farewell to the past, a way to more easily embrace the love that awaited in the years ahead.

In that atmosphere, they played the recently recorded demo through the speakers.

There was no denying it: all five songs’ melodies were exquisitely beautiful, truly touching the heart of Jin Xishan, who had completely opened herself up.

She kept her eyes glistening with tears, repeatedly pouring out her tender feelings to Liu Qingshan’s ear.

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Curled tightly in his arms, she occasionally sang softly along with the melody. At that moment, their emotions surged so strongly that they forgot everything else around them.

The wine in their glasses slowly vanished, warmed by their body heat. At some point, unfinished words were drowned out by passionate kisses filled with longing.

They greedily breathed in each other’s scent, exploring every corner with intensity. Their hearts pounded uncontrollably...

After a long while, they lay side by side in the spacious bedroom, a chaotic scattering of clothes strewn across the thick carpet.

Jin Xishan’s graceful figure intertwined playfully with Liu Qingshan’s, her breath whispering sweet, lingering fragrance in his ear after the heat had passed.

“Shanzi, will you still call me ‘Sister’ from now on?”

Liu Qingshan laughed hoarsely. “That’s fine. My background makes me crave nurturing and care—a bit like longing for motherly love. Is that a little weird?”

Jin Xishan’s laughter rang out, charming and light. “Not at all. I am indeed a few years older than you, and I like caring for you like a mother would. Beyond your strong physique, your emotional needs are the most genuine. I can’t help but want to take care of everything for you from now on.”

“Didn’t I say not to mention age anymore?”

“All right, I won’t say it again. But there’s something I’ve been holding back in my heart—I don’t know if I should say it now.”

“Go ahead, just say it.”

“We’re living together now. Inevitably, reporters will notice. How do you plan to handle that?”

Liu Qingshan understood her worries well—such concerns were natural for any woman, a kind of anxious awareness about the unknown future.

For ordinary people, this wouldn’t be a big deal—‘let it be’ would suffice.

But for two public figures, the approach had to be carefully considered, especially since it could affect their careers.

Both possessing strong idol qualities, revealing their relationship too soon could have a huge impact on their rapidly rising careers.

“I’ve thought about this for a long time. Whoever asks, I’ll just give vague answers. The more ambiguous, the better we can keep our original momentum, I think.”

“Aren’t you afraid other women will stay away because of that? I know men—once the honeymoon phase is over, they start thinking about other women!”

“Ha! Sister Xishan, that might happen with others, but I’m an exception. Not that I’m flattering myself—I just have very high standards for my partner. Once I’m sure, my feelings won’t change. That’s just how I am.”

“How can I trust you enough?”

“Simple. If you want, we can register our marriage quickly—I’m almost 22 anyway.”

Jin Xishan laughed happily. “Didn’t anyone tell you the legal marriage age in our country is 18? Aren’t you afraid I’ll force you to register with me there?”

Liu Qingshan chuckled. “I said, whatever you want, I’m all for it!”

“I’m just teasing. I know the next few years are crucial for our development—I won’t hold you back for this. Besides, I’ve heard men here say ‘At thirty, one stands firm.’”

“‘At thirty, one stands firm’? That basically doesn’t apply to me. Why? Because I’m not even 22 yet, and my plan is long-term—to become a mega star in Hollywood. I don’t have the patience to wait that long!”

The phrase traditionally means that by around thirty, a person establishes a stable set of values and principles for life.

Liu Qingshan deliberately twisted it a bit to show that his ambitions went far beyond just forming values—he intended to be the very best in his field.

For an actor, achieving a superlative status domestically is already extremely difficult; to do so globally, especially at the start of a career, is almost a dream.

He was subtly reminding Jin Xishan that the road ahead would be long and arduous, requiring corresponding sacrifices—such as frequent separations.

Jin Xishan, a very intelligent woman, could discern the meaning behind the sudden seriousness in his expression.

She smiled and said, “I don’t doubt your ambition surpasses even my imagination. I can also feel your earnest intentions through your words. Don’t worry—I entered this industry years before you and understand the price of dedication.”

“You didn’t wonder why I took a roundabout way to say all this instead of telling you straight?”

“Honestly, I didn’t. You probably didn’t want to break the warm mood we have right now, did you?”

Jin Xishan countered with a smile.