My whirlwind marriage partner is a wealthy CEO

Chapter 278 What happened to us last night?

As if sensing her thoughts, Tan Haoyu gently stroked her back, as if coaxing a child to sleep.

"If you like, we can come often in the future."

These words, like a pebble thrown into water, stirred ripples in Zhu Ziqing's heart, prompting her to think about the future of the two of them.

Lost in thought, Zhu Ziqing slowly fell asleep in Tan Haoyu's arms.

On the horizon, the red sun slowly climbed, showering down its myriad golden rays without reservation. The whole world was awakened by this light, becoming ever brighter.

Tan Haoyu subconsciously looked down and found that Zhu Ziqing had fallen asleep in his arms at some point. Her breathing was even and soft, and her cheeks were flushed with a faint blush, like peach blossoms in full bloom in spring, breathtakingly beautiful.

Tan Haoyu's gaze softened, and an irresistible impulse surged within him. He slowly leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Zhu Ziqing's lips.

Zhu Ziqing's body trembled slightly before she drifted back into a sweet dream.

Tan Haoyu gently picked up Zhu Ziqing, his steps elegant and steady, as if he were performing a solemn ceremony.

Before long, they arrived at the small villa in the resort.

In the room on the second floor, Tan Haoyu carefully placed Zhu Ziqing on the soft bed.

Just as he was about to leave, Zhu Ziqing's small hand suddenly gripped his sleeve tightly and refused to let go.

Tan Haoyu smiled helplessly, then lay down next to Zhu Ziqing, put his arm around her, gently patted her back with his other hand, and whispered softly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here, I will always protect you."

After Zhu Ziqing fell into a deep sleep, Tan Haoyu's thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the past.

I remember the first time I came to Jinquan Mountain Villa, Zhu Ziqing was like a happy little deer, running and playing on the beach, her laughter echoing in the sea breeze.

The second time they came, they embraced under the moonlight and made a vow to stay together for life.

Now, Tan Haoyu longs to be as close to Zhu Ziqing as he used to be. But he knows that Zhu Ziqing hasn't fully opened her heart yet, and he must restrain himself, not frighten her, and even more so, not hurt her.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhu Ziqing slowly woke up. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Tan Haoyu's handsome face so close to hers. Startled, she gasped and rolled backward uncontrollably, her whole body burning with embarrassment.

"What's with the big reaction so early in the morning?" Tan Haoyu teased, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Are you trying to ask if anything happened between us?"

Zhu Ziqing was so embarrassed that she buried her head deep in the pillow.

Seeing this, Tan Haoyu teased her on purpose: "What was going to happen has happened."

Zhu Ziqing suddenly raised her head, glared at Tan Haoyu, and pinched him: "I'm not stupid, of course I know whether it happened or not."

"Oh dear, I'm hungry," Zhu Ziqing said pitifully, rubbing her stomach. Tan Haoyu patted her head affectionately: "Go wash up first, I'll go prepare dinner now."

After washing up, Zhu Ziqing went downstairs to the kitchen. The scene before her surprised her greatly: Tan Haoyu, wearing an apron, was busy at the stove, looking very domestic.

"I didn't expect you could cook," Zhu Ziqing couldn't help but exclaim. Tan Haoyu turned around and smiled, "The food will take a while, have something ready to eat first."

As Zhu Ziqing watched Tan Haoyu's busy figure, a familiar warmth welled up in her heart. In a daze, she felt as if someone had done the same for her before, but that image was fleeting, like a flash in the pan.

Tan Haoyu's thoughtfulness and perfection captivated Zhu Ziqing. Yet, at the same time, her heart was filled with unease. Given the vast difference in their social status, was there another "Zhu Ziqing" residing in Tan Haoyu's heart?

"I learned to cook after I got together with you," Tan Haoyu said while stir-frying the dishes.

However, Zhu Ziqing's doubts did not completely dissipate after hearing this, and a trace of worry still lingered in her eyes.

Zhu Ziqing walked lightly up behind Tan Haoyu and asked softly, "Do you need me to lend a hand?"

While skillfully stirring the vegetables in the pan, Tan Haoyu smiled without turning his head and said, "My dear lady, you just sit back and wait for dinner to be served. All you have to do is eat."

These words, though heartwarming, sent a chill down Zhu Ziqing's spine. She couldn't help but wonder if Tan Haoyu's gentleness was the same kind of daily treatment he once gave to the deceased "Zhu Ziqing."

But in an instant, she made up her mind that even so, she would hold on tightly to this tenderness and thoughtfulness.

"I still want to help you cook," Zhu Ziqing persisted.

Tan Haoyu turned off the stove, turned around, gently placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked at her intently: "No need, I just want to take good care of you. You just need to wait and enjoy my cooking."

Zhu Ziqing blushed slightly and sat down at the table, picking up a pastry and eagerly anticipating Tan Haoyu's dinner.

Tan Haoyu took a moment to look through the kitchen window and saw Zhu Ziqing eating snacks.

Sunlight streamed down her hair, casting a soft glow that instantly filled Tan Haoyu's heart. He silently vowed that no matter what happened, he would never let anyone or anything separate them.

After dinner, Tan Haoyu drove Zhu Ziqing home.

The car came to a smooth stop downstairs. After Zhu Ziqing went upstairs, Tan Haoyu went to a spot where he could clearly see her room window.

Seeing the light on in Zhu Ziqing's room, Tan Haoyu felt a sense of peace.

Not long after, Zhu Ziqing drew the curtains, and then the lights went out. Tan Haoyu's heart tightened; disappointment and worry instantly welled up inside him.

After much hesitation, Tan Haoyu finally dialed Zhu Ziqing's number. As soon as the call connected, he said eagerly, "Ziqing, I miss you."

"I didn't expect you to call." Zhu Ziqing's voice carried a hint of surprise.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep tonight. Could you talk to me for a while?" Tan Haoyu's voice was low, with a hint of pleading that was barely perceptible.

Zhu Ziqing was silent for a moment, then said half-jokingly, "Even President Tan can't sleep? Okay, I'll chat with you for a while."

As they chatted, Zhu Ziqing suddenly changed the subject: "Did you ever try to coax Mrs. Tan like this before?"

Upon hearing this, Tan Haoyu fell silent. He worried that his answer would make Zhu Ziqing jealous, or even hurt her.

"Haha, just kidding! Look how nervous you are." Zhu Ziqing's playful laughter broke the awkwardness.

"Please don't hang up, okay?" Tan Haoyu said earnestly.

"I can't guarantee I won't accidentally hang up," Zhu Ziqing muttered.

"It's okay, I won't hang up, I'll stay with you." Tan Haoyu's voice was firm yet gentle.

Zhu Ziqing softly hummed in agreement, and the two said goodnight to each other.

Tan Haoyu leaned against the car and lit a cigarette. Amidst the swirling smoke, he gazed silently out the window at Zhu Ziqing.

Hearing Zhu Ziqing's even breathing over the phone, confirming that she had fallen asleep, Tan Haoyu felt a sense of peace.

For him, guarding Zhu Ziqing on this quiet night was the greatest happiness.