Chapter 230: Chapter 230: The First Time

On Gu Qinghuan’s side, a heartfelt farewell was also unfolding.

Zhong Luoning and Ming Ruxue clung to her, crying their eyes out. Even little Youran understood she was about to leave, and couldn’t bear to part with Dabao and Beibei.

Dabao and Beibei were the first friends and companions Youran had ever had. The three of them spent every day together and had long grown used to each other’s presence. Now, having to separate was truly a bit cruel.

Youran’s illness had already improved greatly, especially after taking the Zhuxie Flower. The shackles in her body had been completely removed, and she would only get better from here on out. With that, Gu Qinghuan could finally be at ease.

Zhong Luoning might look delicate, but she was strong at heart. Otherwise, she couldn’t have cared for the sickly Youran for years after her marriage fell apart, never giving up. Deep down, she carried the Zhong family’s pride and resilience.

So Gu Qinghuan wasn’t too worried about her.

Ming Ruxue was also clear-headed, knew what she wanted, and was good at handling people and situations.

The one Gu Qinghuan worried about most was her silly little brother.

After helping him pack, she called Gu Lanting aside.

“Lanting, you’re a man now. When you’re out in the world, you need to think about the consequences before you act. Don’t just rush in on impulse.

Right now, your most important task is to study hard and finish your high school courses. Don’t think about anything else.

I’ve already arranged a path for you after graduation. Uncle Zhang has some connections—he owes me a favor and promised to help you get a job as a library assistant. When the time comes, you can work while continuing your studies. Don’t give up on your books.”

Looking at her younger brother, who was now much taller than her, Gu Qinghuan felt a surge of emotion.

Who could have predicted that one day, in a strange world, she’d gain a biological little brother and worry herself sick over him?

Gu Lanting frowned. “Sis, I don’t want to work at a library. I want to find a job myself.”

He disliked the idea of working at a library, thinking it wouldn’t earn him much. He wanted to go straight to a big factory or a good company after high school, make lots of money, and take on the responsibility of supporting the family.

A library job would only be enough to support himself.

Gu Qinghuan shot him a glare, making him shudder.

“You’re not even listening to your sister anymore?”

Gu Lanting lowered his head and fiddled with his shirt hem, muttering, “I’ll listen to you about everything else, just not this.”

To him, a man should earn money and support his family. That was his lifelong conviction.

Gu Qinghuan sighed.

“I’m not saying you can’t make money, but you can’t put the cart before the horse.

To tell you the truth, I’ve received some secret news—there’s a good chance the college entrance exam will be reinstated in the next couple of years. The chaos in Huaguo over the past years has left us with a severe shortage of intellectuals, so restoring the exam is inevitable.

I want you to work at the library so you’ll have a good environment for studying, so you don’t put down your books. Always be prepared. If the opportunity comes, you’ll be able to soar.

Opportunities are for those who are prepared. It’s up to you whether you can seize it.”

Gu Lanting was stubborn and set in his ways. Gu Qinghuan was afraid he’d pretend to agree but secretly do as he pleased, so she had to reveal part of the secret she knew.

Gu Lanting’s eyes widened. “Sis, really? There’s really a chance the college entrance exam will come back?”

“It’s absolutely true. If not this year, then next year. In any case, big changes are coming to Huaguo! Only our family can know about this—don’t tell anyone else, understand?”

“Of course, I’m not stupid!”

With this news, Gu Lanting finally accepted his sister’s arrangement willingly.

He promised he would never give up his studies just to make money.

Only then was Gu Qinghuan satisfied.

As for Ming Ruxue, Gu Qinghuan also reminded her that her parents would help arrange her future, so she didn’t need to worry too much.

As for Zhong Luoning’s future, Gu Qinghuan didn’t need to worry either—after all, there was still Xiao Zhuo.

After their goodbyes, the others deliberately left the main room to Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huai’an, the young couple.

The two locked the door and entered the space together.

As soon as they arrived, Gu Qinghuan felt herself pulled into an embrace.

Xu Huai’an’s kiss was so hot it felt like it would burn her, desperately searching for something.

She tilted her head up to meet him, their lips locked in a passionate, fiery kiss that quickly ignited.

Before they knew it, they’d reached the big bed in the villa.

Xu Huai’an let her go, hesitating, not daring to make a move.

Gu Qinghuan gave him an encouraging look and kissed him, not giving him a chance to refuse.

Xu Huai’an finally stopped hesitating and kissed her even more deeply.

At last, the two became truly husband and wife, tossing and turning in a whirlwind of passion.

For Gu Qinghuan, it was her first time in both this life and the last. She had no experience and broke out in a cold sweat from the pain.

Xu Huai’an was also a complete novice. Though clumsy, together they managed to fumble through this milestone.

“Did it hurt?” Xu Huai’an asked gently.

“It hurt like hell!” Gu Qinghuan pouted.

“It’s all my fault. I should have been more careful. I hurt you,” Xu Huai’an said guiltily.

But inside, he was overjoyed. Finally, he and Gu Qinghuan were truly husband and wife.

He picked her up and carried her to the bathroom.

Gu Qinghuan felt boneless, letting Xu Huai’an do as he pleased. The earlier passion had left her exhausted, a clear reminder of the vast difference in stamina between men and women.

Xu Huai’an seemed completely fine, while her legs were still trembling and she was too weak to move, letting him wash and tend to her as he liked.

As he washed her, Xu Huai’an’s mind wandered. After tasting the sweetness, he found it truly addictive.

His big hands kept wandering over her, and Gu Qinghuan shot him a playful glare, making his stomach clench and a certain part of him react instantly.

Suddenly, he noticed a patch of bruises on her chest and immediately sobered up.

Her skin was so delicate that he’d accidentally left marks. He’d have to be more careful in the future.

He got up to fetch some ointment. Gu Qinghuan, lying on the edge of the tub, looked at him in confusion.

Wasn’t he just in the mood? She thought he’d want to go another round in the tub, but he suddenly walked away.

Xu Huai’an returned with the ointment, carefully washed her clean, then dried her off inch by inch, his gaze pure and reverent, with not a trace of desire.

Gu Qinghuan deliberately teased him, placing her hand somewhere suggestive.

“Want to go again?”

Xu Huai’an picked up the ointment and, as he applied it, said softly, “You’re not feeling well. Let’s let you off for today. There’s always next time.”"

"Chapter 231: You Really Are Wonderful