Chapter 468: Don’t Start Something You’re Not Going To Finish
The sky above Nexara's coast was clear, soft streaks of gold and pink stretching over the sea as the sun slowly dipped toward the horizon.
The waves were calm, rolling in and out in a steady rhythm.
Xu Qianghua didn't move much.
His legs were stretched out, one hand resting on the arm of his recliner, the other slowly swirling the last bit of tea in a glass by his side.
The sound of the sea, the salty breeze, and the distant cries of birds all blended together into something peaceful.
He almost forgot what stress felt like.
Almost.
Then the door slid open again, quietly this time.
He didn't look.
He already knew who it was.
Li Xinyue stepped outside barefoot, her dress fluttering softly around her legs, a folded blanket in her hands.
"I figured you'd be too lazy to move," she said, walking over.
"I'm not lazy," he said. "I'm recovering."
She snorted and dropped the blanket over his lap. "You've been 'recovering' for hours now."
"I'm on vacation."
"You've never taken a vacation in either life," she said as she climbed onto the recliner without hesitation and settled into his lap, straddling him.
Her tone was casual, her movements even more so. She rested her weight fully on him, sliding her arms around his neck like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Because it was.
Xu Qianghua didn't say anything right away. He just looked at her, one eyebrow raised slightly.
"You're comfortable."
"I should be. You're warm," she said with a small smile.
He rolled his eyes faintly but didn't complain. His hands moved around her waist, fingers resting easily on the curve of her back.
Li Xinyue leaned in, brushing her lips softly against his.
No urgency. No need to prove anything. Just a quiet, close kiss shared between two people who didn't need to explain themselves anymore.
When she pulled back, her forehead rested lightly against his.
"You didn't really tell anyone where you were going, huh?" she murmured.
"Nope."
"Even the elders?"
"They don't need to know every step I take," he said, eyes still half-lidded. "The world isn't going to fall apart because I took two days off."
She gave a quiet hum and shifted her weight a little more into him, her legs tucked neatly around his sides.
"Well, I suppose I'll forgive you this time," she said.
He smiled faintly. "Generous."
They sat like that for a while, not saying much. The quiet was comfortable.
Her fingers absentmindedly played with the collar of his shirt, tugging it just enough to expose the top of his chest. His heartbeat was steady beneath her ear.
"You've changed," she said after a moment.
"How so?"
"You're not tense all the time."
"I'm always tense," he replied, amused.
"Not like before," she said. "You used to walk like you were carrying the weight of the world. Now you just… walk."
Xu Qianghua didn't deny it.
"I guess it's because I'm not alone anymore."
She blinked and looked at him.
"You were never alone."
"I was," he said quietly. "Even with allies. Even with responsibilities. I had no time to stop. Everything felt temporary. Every piece felt like a lie."
His eyes drifted out to the sea.
"But now… there's still danger, but the world has changed. People are stronger. Families are more united. It's not all on my shoulders anymore."
She looked at him for a long moment, then leaned in again.
This time, her lips met his with more weight.
Not rushed. Not demanding.
Just close.
His arms wrapped around her, pulling her fully into him. The blanket slipped a little, and the teacup was forgotten.
When they broke apart, she didn't move far.
She stayed close, resting her cheek against his chest.
"I like this version of you," she whispered.
"I like it too," he said. "But it won't last."
She sighed but didn't argue.
"Then let's make it count."
They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, while the wind moved gently around them.
Time passed slowly.
His hand slid up along her spine again, fingertips tracing the edge of her shoulder blades. She didn't stop him.
Her breath deepened, her body fully relaxed into his.
Xu Qianghua leaned his head back, eyes closed, feeling the rise and fall of her body against his.
His hand moved again—slowly, teasingly—over the side of her dress. His thumb brushed higher now, until it grazed until he reached to her boobs.
She made a quiet sound but didn't pull away.
"Don't start something you're not going to finish," she murmured, her voice warm against his neck.
"I have no plans of stopping," he said softly, and his hand continued,
"I have no plans of stopping," he said softly, and his hand continued, trailing up and over the curves of her breasts, exploring the soft fabric, the warmth beneath.
A shiver ran through her.
He didn't rush, enjoying the moment. His touch was light, careful, and gentle. He wanted her to enjoy this.
And he did.
As much as she did.
Her lips pressed against his jaw.
Xu Qianghua could feel the tension building between them. Her hands found his hips and tugged, bringing him closer.
"Is that so?" she asked.
"Mhm," he nodded, his hands moving again, slipping under the edge of her dress, exploring the smooth skin beneath.
"Do you want to keep going?" he asked.
"Yes," she said. "Please."
So he did.
Their lips met, and their kiss was slow and lingering, full of desire. They took their time, exploring each other, enjoying the sensation of their bodies pressed together.
Xu Qianghua felt the pressure building between them, and he knew she did too. His hand slipped lower, tracing along the edge of her panties, and her breathing quickened.
She moaned, pressing her hips against his.
"Keep going," she said. "Don't stop."
He obeyed, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric, finding the spot where her panties were damp. He stroked her there, circling, teasing, and she gasped, arching her back.
"More," she breathed. "Please."
Her hand came up, tangling in his hair, pulling him closer.
Xu Qianghua responded immediately, sliding a finger beneath her underwear and pushing deeper inside her. She was wet and ready, and his fingers glided easily across her sensitive skin.