NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14: Charming Color
In the quiet of the night, Gu Ao finally returned home. "Gu... Gu Ao," Dan Dan Gu immediately jumped out of bed and walked to his side upon hearing the door open.
"What's the matter?"
"I..."
"Don't stutter."
"You... you said..."
"Dan Dan Gu, no stammering!"
"I... I don't want to go to high school, you promised..."
"This is non-negotiable."
"I..."
"If you want to stay with me, study properly." After saying this, Gu Ao ignored her and walked straight into the bathroom.
Later, wearing a bathrobe, Gu Ao pulled out a cigarette from his suit pocket and sat silently on the sofa for over half an hour. Dan Dan Gu tossed and turned in bed, occasionally stealing glances at him.
"Gu... Gu Ao." She timidly approached and sat beside him, "Don't be angry, okay? Let's... let's go to sleep."
She took his hand resting on the armrest of the sofa, holding it gently between her small hands, a gesture as innocent as it was intimate. Gu Ao slightly lifted his head, a smile playing on his lips, though whether it was happiness or anger was unclear.
Meeting those sharp eyes, Dan Dan Gu instantly released his hand, standing before him with a look of grievance, "It's... It's late, let's sleep..."
"Sleep?" Leaning lazily against the sofa, Gu Ao thought how she blushed at every moment; her timid nature exuded a fatal allure. He couldn't resist wanting to hold her, kiss her.
"I'll study hard... really," believing he was angry about this, Dan Dan Gu promised somewhat uncertainly.
"Afraid of me?" Extinguishing his cigarette, Gu Ao stood up.
"Yes... No... not..." Nodding, shaking her head, her face once again flushed hotly. In front of Gu Ao, she was always in a state of confusion.
Lifting her effortlessly, Gu Ao gazed at her rosy cheeks, his tone gentle yet alluring, "Does your body still hurt?"
"Eh... Yes... A little... Can we... tonight..." Slightly parting her lips, Dan Dan Gu shyly leaned her head against his chest.
"Tonight, I'll spare you. I'm going out, no need to wait for me." Placing her in bed, he bent down, affectionately kissing her blushing lips.
Watching his retreating figure, Dan Dan Gu breathed heavily, his warmth lingering on her lips...
A sleepless night, indeed, felt endlessly long. This translation adds nuances and details while preserving the original sentiment, enhancing the emotional depth and tension between the characters.