September, the Imperial capital.
A heavy downpour had just passed, washing away the suffocating humidity. A cool breeze blew through the half-open window, rustling the dark brown curtains.
In a suite of an international hotel, the smell of wine lingered heavily.
A man, his long legs crossed, was seated on a sofa. His delicate and slender hands were on the waist of the petite girl next to him. He stared down at her as if he was a hawk, eyes as dark and mysterious as the tidal waters at night.
The young lady nestled against the man's neck and suddenly brought her lips up to his. She was clumsy, akin to a chicken pecking at grains, gently kissing him.
The man chuckled, "Not waiting till after the wedding?" His voice was deep and husky, coupled with an intoxicating allure. Yet his handsome facial features remained as calm as ever.
The young lady's eyes sparkled, she wanted to pull away, but was firmly held by him. His lips near her ear, he gently exhaled warm breath, causing her to retreat unconsciously. Her lively eyes, now covered with a thin layer of mist, and her jade-like cheeks, were now flushed a deep red, whether from the wine or shyness, it was impossible to tell.
Her head was slightly woozy, but she was very much aware of what she wanted. So, mimicking him, she wrapped her arms around him, her lips brushing against his, kissing him inch by inch.
She didn't have much time left, she had to make her move…
Adjusting her position, she moved closer to him, bent her head, and her soft lips touched his cheeks.
Suddenly, it was as though all the blood in his body rushed towards one direction, leaving no room for resistance.
"You're overestimating my resistance towards you. Even if you regret it now, it's too late!" The corners of the man's mouth lifted in a charming smile that could bewitch all. He gently lifted her waist with both hands, carried her to the bed, and leaned over.
A night of passion ensued!
**********
"Third brother, what are you daydreaming about?" Lu Fan noticed Shen Luoran standing by the window in silence, then gently nudged him.
Then he said, "Hurry in, the award ceremony is about to start."
Shen Luoran stood silently, his heart was pierced like a sword, an unendurable pain akin to stripping skin from bone echoed with every memory of that entwined night.
He didn't want to believe that the girl, as pure as a snow lotus of the Tianshan Mountains and clever in thought, disappeared suddenly after giving herself to him, and could no longer be found.
Shen Luoran frowned; his exquisite features wore a faint look of worry that disappeared in a flash. He snuffed out the cigarette between his fingers and turned slowly. The coldness in his voice was akin to rigorous ice, "Still no news?"
Lu Fan sighed, "It’s been ten months, like she evaporated from the world. Third Brother, you didn't do anything wrong that your sister-in-law found out about, which is why she's hiding from you, right?"
Inside the hospital
Xia Weiliang held the infant just born two days ago in her arms, her tear-filled eyes were blurred.
At this moment, the baby snuggled in its mother's arms, sleeping sweetly with a small, content smile curving at the corners of its mouth.
A young nurse entered pushing the door open, gazing at the baby with full envy. "Miss Xia, your baby is very beautiful, with skin just like yours, nearly transparent and exceptionally white, thick and curved eyelashes, he will definitely grow up to be a handsome boy."
Xia Weiliang took one last unwilling look at her son, lowered her head to kiss him again and again, and then handed the baby to the nurse. Her voice seemed to choke, "Could you please take him to the nursery for me? Later, his father will come to pick him up."
The nurse was a bit surprised. Since Xia Weiliang had been admitted to the hospital for more than half a month, no one had come to see her, not even during the delivery, let alone the father of the child. They, the nurses, had speculated that given her tender age and beauty, could she be a mistress? This could be why no family member wished to come!
The nurse came back to her senses, smiled and took over the baby, "Okay, I'll take him there first, and come back later to give you an injection!"
At this moment, the 22nd Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival was being broadcast live on TV.
The award presenter was announcing the list of contenders for the Best Actor Award. After screening a few film clips, in a solemn silence, he announced loudly, "And the Best Actor Award goes to... Shen Luoran!"
Thunderous applause filled the venue.
The camera switched to Shen Luoran in the audience. He was clad in a slim-fitting black suit, his face cold and elegant, hard, and clear. The pair of bewitching peach blossom eyes sparkled, and the depth of his gaze was like the vast sea, enticing yet impenetrable. He always gave off an impression of being gentlemanly yet unapproachable.
He rose, bowed respectfully, smiled politely, and only after buttoning his suit with his slender fingers, he ascended the award stage. Holding the trophy, he offered the official remarks of gratitude.
Xia Weiliang was stumped for a moment, and then tears welled up in her eyes again.
He was still as calm and composed as ever, his eyes revealing no emotions, polite yet aloof, even after winning the Best Actor, he remained unchanged.
She took out her phone, turned it on, and hundreds of messages abruptly appeared, causing her palm to tingle.
She scrolled through them, messages from Xia Han, Chu Su, her father, but mostly from Shen Luoran.
The camera on the TV continued to focus on Shen Luoran, following him until he left the stage.
Xia Weiliang found Shen Luoran's name in her phone contacts and dialed his number.