Chapter Three: You Could Be My Model

After a long separation, when lovers reunite, their feelings for each other always heat up rapidly. Su Rouxue’s face was radiant with a satisfied smile as she rested her cheek on Natsuki’s shoulder.

It was only their first day meeting again, yet she was overwhelmed with happiness in this moment. She savored every second of being by Natsuki’s side.

“Natsuki, I think you look even better than when we first met!”

Men need encouragement, especially men who are deeply in love. She glanced at her phone; it was 12:50. She remembered clearly that when Natsuki walked out of the bathroom, it had been about 12:20.

With each interaction, she felt her passion for Natsuki grow even stronger. She admitted to herself that in her thirty years of life, she had never loved someone so intensely—despite the fact that he was a full twelve years younger than her.

Two weeks had passed since they last saw each other. She had imagined countless scenarios for their reunion, and naturally, this was one of them: being able to dote on this warm and adorable young man, to fulfill his needs whenever he wanted her—unless there was some special circumstance, she would never refuse him.

Afterwards, the two of them nestled together in quiet intimacy.

Once Natsuki had composed himself, he cheerfully changed his clothes and led Su Rouxue out of the hotel to find a place to eat.

“School is about to start in a couple of days. We don’t really need to keep staying at a hotel. How about coming to my place tomorrow?” Su Rouxue suddenly suggested as they walked along the street.

“To your place? Really!?” Natsuki was both surprised and a little nervous. This relationship really was like riding a rocket from start to finish.

“If you’re not comfortable with it, we can keep staying at the hotel. But in that case, I’ll pay for the rest of our stay,” Su Rouxue said with a gentle smile, eyes fixed on the scenery ahead, not looking at Natsuki who was gazing at her intently.

“Heh, you’re so thoughtful. If you trust me that much, of course I’d love to. But I’m the guy in this relationship—how could I let you be the one to pay? Even if we stay at the hotel, I should cover the expenses,” Natsuki said, gripping Su Rouxue’s hand tightly. He remembered her mentioning during their trip that her hands and feet were always cold, regardless of the season. Yet since meeting him, she’d begun to feel warmth in her palms.

Strictly speaking, this warmth was something Natsuki had brought into her life.

“That’s not right. Who says the man has to pay more in a relationship? You’ve just started university—whatever money you have comes from your family anyway, doesn’t it? A healthy relationship means facing everything together and sharing all burdens.”

“And don’t forget, you’re dating your ‘big sister’ here. In some ways, shouldn’t I be the one supporting you, not the other way around?” Su Rouxue blinked her luminous eyes and turned to look into Natsuki’s.

Her tone was sincere, and her gaze pure and clear.

Her words warmed Natsuki’s heart once again. He felt incredibly lucky; not once had he ever felt the slightest distance between them because of their twelve-year age gap. A woman as intelligent and gentle as her was a rare find in this day and age.

He truly had found a treasure!

Natsuki was overjoyed. As she looked at him so earnestly, he felt he had to do something—so he leaned down and kissed her swiftly.

“It’s wonderful having you,” he said, his face beaming. He knew exactly why he loved the woman before him so deeply, and he owed no one an explanation.

“Oh, can you show a little restraint? There are so many people around,” Su Rouxue said with a small frown, then turned to walk side by side with him once more.

“We should be proud of our relationship! What’s wrong, are you shy?” Natsuki teased, grinning at her.

Su Rouxue didn’t reply; instead, she pinched his arm hard.

Soon, they found a charming local restaurant, ordered a few dishes, and ate their fill. Afterwards, neither knew quite what to do, and with the heat outside so oppressive, they decided to return to the hotel.

Su Rouxue went to the bathroom to wash her hands. When she came out, she found Natsuki had already taken off his clothes and was lying naturally on the bed. She sighed softly, “We can’t really spend the entire afternoon in the room, can we?”

“Ah… no, of course not,” Natsuki replied, a little embarrassed. He hadn’t meant anything by it—he just instinctively stripped down and jumped onto the bed after returning.

Thinking for a moment, he suggested, “It’s really hot outside. How about we go see a movie together, and then grab some cold drinks afterwards?”

“That sounds good. You really shouldn’t spend all day lying in bed…” Su Rouxue replied.

“Alright, alright,” he said.

“These days, the temperature just won’t drop. If there’s nothing you especially want to do, would you like to be my model? I’ve got a couple of paintings I want to create.”

Model?

Natsuki’s eyes widened at her words.

“Are you asking me to sacrifice myself for art?” he joked.

Seeing his expression, Su Rouxue quickly explained, “I mean serious artwork!”

“Of course. Did you think I imagined you painting something else?” Natsuki laughed.

“Well, if you want me to, I guess I could. A natural figure study would be even more valuable, you know!”