Volume One, Chapter 9: The Bed or the Sofa?

“Ninth Master, I just wanted to help you…” The woman still wore a pitiful expression, her eyes gazing sincerely at the noble Ninth Master.

Qin Zhan, his face cold as frost, appeared all the more terrifying and formidable due to his pain. Supporting himself on the table, he rose and looked down from above: “With a face like that helping me, they’ve gone to great lengths to find you.”

Outside, Secretary Zhang signaled the bodyguards.

Two burly men entered, dragging the struggling woman out.

“Ninth Master…mmph.” Her mouth was swiftly gagged.

At last, silence returned. Qin Zhan’s expression was as dark as gathering storm clouds. He felt his head was about to split open, even his ears throbbed intermittently.

“Ninth Master, let’s go back first.” Watching the drama unfold, Li Qiuning easily reached him, her delicate hands supporting his arm.

Qin Zhan responded with a low sound, then, reversing his grip, clasped her hand tightly.

Li Qiuning noticed his natural movement, her hand completely enveloped by his palm, her own palm seeming to grow warm.

She dared not let her thoughts wander, guiding the Ninth Master away.

On the way back.

Qin Zhan sat on the opposite side of the back seat, head tilted, eyes closed, the twin brows tightly knitted, his handsome features betraying discomfort.

Quietly seated beside him, Li Qiuning watched with concern; his Adam’s apple bobbed occasionally, likely from the pain.

His refined, aloof air became even more captivating in his illness, his stature tall and elegant as bamboo, reclining on the leather seat, making one’s heart race.

Her hand was still held; Li Qiuning tried to withdraw but couldn’t. After a moment’s thought, she leaned in and whispered, “Ninth Master, let me massage your head. It might ease the pain.”

Qin Zhan slowly opened his eyes, seeing the girl so devotedly concerned: “Alright.”

Li Qiuning was surprised at his quick agreement. Earlier, another woman approached him to help, only to be dragged away mercilessly.

She always experienced something special with the Ninth Master.

Qin Zhan stared straight at her.

Li Qiuning felt a little embarrassed, guiding him to rest against her. Feeling his weight on her chest, she glanced down at the top of his head.

Her first thought: The Ninth Master’s hair is so thick—he’ll never go bald.

Her hands sought acupoints atop his head, especially at the temples, which she attended to with extra care.

As the car moved, Qin Zhan’s complexion improved. The softness behind his head made him feel feverish, as if there was a pleasant sensation inside his skull.

“Ninth Master, is this alright?” Li Qiuning couldn’t see his expression. After more than ten minutes of massage, had he fallen asleep?

Qin Zhan replied solemnly, “It’s better. In a while, I’ll trouble you to continue.”

Li Qiuning’s hands were aching, but as long as she could help him, it didn’t matter. Compared to how well he treated her, this was nothing.

“To be of help to the Ninth Master is all that matters.”

They returned to the Ninth Master’s residence.

Only then did Li Qiuning realize it wasn’t a hotel.

It seemed to be a private property.

Qin Zhan led her into the villa. “To conveniently fly around the world, I bought many homes. Staying in hotels too easily leaks information.”

Of course, the Qin family had their own national chain, but the hotel business model was too open to exploitation.

Li Qiuning marveled at the Ninth Master’s wealth and extravagance. Even as a temporary residence, a house this size in such a location would be extremely costly.

“I’ll take a shower first.” She was tired from traipsing about all day.

Qin Zhan rubbed his brow, letting her use the master bathroom, while he went to the guest room.

Over an hour later.

Li Qiuning finished and was about to seek the Ninth Master when he entered, clad in black pajamas.

His gaze fell on the freshly bathed girl: she wore a light silk nightdress, a camisole style, the close-fitting fabric highlighting her gently rounded belly.

Such a youthful, beautiful girl somehow blended innocence and maturity.

Under his gaze, Li Qiuning felt as if her blood was boiling. She tilted her head, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “Ninth Master, if the pain is unbearable, perhaps you should see a doctor?”

She was truly worried.

Qin Zhan approached, took her hand, and asked, “On the bed or the sofa?”

This…this…was really easy to misunderstand.

Li Qiuning’s cheeks flushed. She quickly glanced at his upright demeanor, feeling she was overthinking.

“The bed.” She only wanted the Ninth Master to be more comfortable, nothing else.

Really!

Qin Zhan said nothing more, watching her lie somewhat stiffly on the bed first, then removed his shoes and joined her, lying against her as in the car.

Only this time, the back of his head clearly felt the difference in what it rested against.

She wasn’t wearing a bra.

Realizing this, his body tensed; his mouth felt parched. Compared to his headache, thirst was now more urgent.

Li Qiuning only then realized the problem. She’d always slept without a bra, and since becoming pregnant, that part had grown heavier.

Yet his leaning against her was strangely comfortable.

The girl had already lived through one unforgettable night and knew how torturous the union of man and woman could be. Her hand rested on the Ninth Master’s temple, massaging.

Her fingers, scented with shower gel, were cool and firm, easing the pain in his head.

“Ninth Master, does this feel good?” Her voice was soft and sweet, stirring desire.

“Mm.” He suppressed his inner fire, his voice husky.

After a few minutes.

Qin Zhan, fearing he might press against her belly, ended up resting his head on her thighs instead.

Night deepened, the room’s lights dimming one by one.

The two nestled together, the atmosphere warm and intimate.

Li Qiuning’s hand grew so sore she could hardly continue; the Ninth Master seemed to have fallen asleep.

She dared not move, fearing to disturb his rare rest.

She too was drowsy, and after some hesitation, leaned against the pillow and drifted off.

The next day, long after dawn.

Li Qiuning finally awoke, but the man beside her was gone.

She’d slept so soundly, she hadn’t noticed when the Ninth Master left.

Recalling last night, her heart beat faster, embarrassed beyond measure.

After washing, she went downstairs and saw the distinguished man sitting on the sofa watching the news.

Noticing she was up, the Ninth Master asked Auntie to serve breakfast.

Qin Zhan rose, supporting her waist. “Didn’t want to sleep a bit more?”

After all, she had nothing pressing to do.

“I’ve slept enough, and I’m a little hungry.” Now, Li Qiuning was almost wholly compliant. In the past, she’d never let an older man touch her.

Now, she was used to such intimate contact.

Her body leaned softly into his embrace, like a spoiled kitten.