C18 I Don't Want to Take a Cold Shower

Huo Niannian's mind flashed back to dinner when Grandpa had insistently filled Gu Tingshen's cup with several extra servings of Deer Velvet Mountain Medicinal Wine, a tonic known for its kidney-boosting and virility-enhancing properties. Now, it seemed the wine's effects were taking hold.

She had been worried that the potent drink might provoke an immediate response from Gu Tingshen, especially in the presence of Gu Yufei. The thought of Yufei potentially seducing him sent her into a panic.

By a stroke of luck, Uncle Zhang was passing by at that moment. Huo Niannian quickly seized the opportunity, asking him in a shy murmur, "Uncle Zhang, which room will Tingshen and I use tonight?"

Uncle Zhang, delighted they were staying, cheerfully informed her, "The Young Master has his own room. It's on the east end of the second floor, and he's already had the pillows and bedding arranged."

Once Uncle Zhang had left, she lingered on the staircase and sent Gu Tingshen a text: "I'm in your bedroom. Come quickly."

Under the influence of the Deer Velvet Wine, Gu Tingshen was feeling hot and bothered, haunted by the memory of Huo Niannian bathing in his tub the night before. He was uncomfortably tense, as though his blood was reversing course.

Her text was a godsend.

His blood began to flow freely once more, surging through him with a newfound force.

Gu Yufei, noticing Gu Tingshen's departure, clutched at his hand. "Elder Brother Tingshen, where are you going? Niannian hasn't brought the teacups yet..."

"I'm a bit dizzy; I'm going to lie down in my room," he replied.

Gu Yufei stood up and clung to his waist. "I'll come with you..."

Despite his tipsiness, Gu Tingshen's mind was clear enough to feel a strong aversion to Gu Yufei's advances.

He firmly extricated himself from her grasp, his voice cold and detached, "Yufei, I've always regarded you as a sister, and you know that very well."

Gu Yufei slumped back onto the sofa, her gaze locked on Gu Tingshen's stern, frosty expression. A wave of fear washed over her; she had never seen him like this before.

For the first time, she doubted her mother's decisions. What if Gu Tingshen came to utterly loathe her?

Besides, Gu Zifan and Huo Niannian were probably in the throes of passion by now. All she needed to do was bring Gu Tingshen to them later, and her goal would be achieved.

With this in mind, Gu Yufei lowered her head and apologized to Gu Tingshen.

Gu Tingshen spared her no more than a fleeting glance. His steps faltered, a result of the excessive antler wine he had imbibed, as he swayed his way to his bedroom on the second floor.

Upon Gu Tingshen's entrance, Huo Niannian let out a sigh of relief and quickly guided him toward the bathroom, advising, "I did some research online. You've drunk a lot, and you need to drink water to help metabolize the alcohol. If you're feeling too hot, a cold shower might help alleviate that."

She then led him into the spray of the shower.

Gu Tingshen's gaze fixated on Huo Niannian's creamy neck and her lively, cherry-like lips. His eyes darkened with a surge of desire as he pressed her against the wall, his breath tinged with ardor caressing her face.

In that moment, Huo Niannian realized that Gu Tingshen was not the docile patient she thought she was tending to, but rather a lion on the verge of losing control, his strength easily overwhelming her.

Huo Niannian attempted to push him away, her voice laced with warning, "Gu Tingshen, what are you doing? Pull yourself together!"

But he was beyond reason, his voice a low, husky murmur of pure seduction, "I don't want a cold shower. I want you..."