Chapter 253: Be Gentle

Faced with the allure of a female star, even iron would melt.

“Ah, it hurts.”

Fang Zhou had just started massaging, and Qiao Sisi immediately cried out in pain.

“Alright, I’ll be gentler.”

He smiled helplessly, lightening his touch.

“Is this better?”

“Mm, it’s alright.”

Qiao Sisi lay on the sofa, a warm bottle on her abdomen, her leg being massaged, eyes closed in a mixture of pain and enjoyment.

At this moment, she was like a queen meant to be served, not needing to lift a finger, with countless servants ready to cater to her every whim with just a glance.

This reminded Fang Zhou of the past few years, watching her on TV, lively and spirited, gaining more fans and rising in popularity.

He was truly happy for Qiao Sisi, after all, that was his biggest motivation when they had broken up.

Seeing her soar high, he felt a sense of pride.

“Move up a bit.”

Her sweet voice pulled Fang Zhou out of his reverie, and he obediently shifted his hands up as instructed.

“Higher.”

Fang Zhou’s hands had reached just below her knees. Any further, and he’d be massaging her thighs.

The smooth texture under his fingers felt like high-quality mutton-fat jade, soft and bouncy, addictively pleasant.

Qiao Sisi seemed unaware of the dangerous nature of her request, simply enjoying her ex-boyfriend’s service with her eyes closed.

“Um, maybe that’s enough.”

Realizing things were getting out of hand, Fang Zhou felt a sudden tension.

This can’t go on.

He decided to end the massage, gently placing her leg down and standing up.

“Get some rest. I’ll head out now.”

He turned to leave, showing no hesitation.

This action infuriated Qiao Sisi.

She opened her eyes, staring at his back with a tone filled with grievance, “Would you only notice me if I were in unbearable pain?”

Her voice was low and hoarse, tinged with vulnerability, a stark contrast to her usual spoiled princess demeanor.

Especially now, with her pale face and bloodless lips, her eyes glistened with unshed tears, making her look like an abandoned kitten waiting stubbornly in the rain for its owner to return.

This strong contrast easily evoked sympathy.

Fang Zhou paused, turning back to her, puzzled. “You didn’t even finish the tea I made for you.”

“I did drink it.”

“But not all of it.”

“I was afraid you’d leave if I finished it.”

Qiao Sisi blurted out her true feelings, immediately feeling embarrassed. She turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze.

This made her feel defeated, like a prisoner following the enemy general’s orders.

And Fang Zhou was that enemy general.

Her honesty hit Fang Zhou hard, a part of him crumbling, memories attacking him.

“Fang Zhou, Fang Zhou, I’ll come find you after I finish filming tomorrow, okay?”

“Fang Zhou, why did you wait for me in the rain? You must be sick now! Get well soon, don’t infect me!”

“Fang Zhou, my show where I play the fifth female lead is airing tonight at eight, don’t forget to watch!”

Qiao Sisi had always been strong-willed and competitive, not wanting to lose in anything.

Except, when it came to expressing her feelings for him.

Since their reunion, she had confessed numerous times.

And each time, Fang Zhou had kept her at a distance, which would make anyone feel sad.

Especially now, during her period, making her even more vulnerable.

“Alright, I’ll stay with you a bit longer.”

Fang Zhou stepped back, sitting on the sofa again, tapping his leg, looking patient.

Qiao Sisi suddenly smiled, realizing she might have been approaching things wrong before.

Fang Zhou seemed to respond better to softness rather than toughness.

But it didn’t matter; she would make him accept it.

She took out her phone, saying she needed to make a call in her room, leaving Fang Zhou to his devices.

With nothing else to do, Fang Zhou picked up the magazine again.

This time, he noticed that the woman who had greeted Qiao Sisi in the elevator was also in it.

She had a cute, schoolgirl style, with a doll-like face that was quite charming.

The cover named her as the new goddess of otaku, “A Chu,” prominently displayed.

Qiao Sisi didn’t give Fang Zhou much time to read. She soon returned from her call.

Understanding her sensitivity, Fang Zhou naturally didn’t linger on the magazine.

But he did note that she was from Weifang, Shandong.

Coincidentally, Qiao Sisi was also from Weifang, Shandong.

Such a small world?

Well, it made sense; similar backgrounds could mean some common traits.

This thought quickly slipped from Fang Zhou’s mind.

“I’m so sleepy.”

Qiao Sisi walked over, sitting next to Fang Zhou, resting her head on his shoulder, looking exhausted.

She hadn’t slept all night, so it was impressive she lasted this long. Anyone else would have crashed immediately.

To be honest, Fang Zhou was also tired, but this wasn’t a suitable place for him to sleep.

If he did fall asleep here, he might not make it out intact.

“Go ahead and sleep.”

Since he had decided to stay, Fang Zhou figured he might as well make her comfortable, letting her lean on him.

After all, it wouldn’t cost him anything.

“Alright.”

Her docile compliance gave Fang Zhou an otherworldly feeling.

She wasn’t forcing herself to chat or doing anything strange?

That was the weirdest part.

After half an hour, Fang Zhou finally settled Qiao Sisi comfortably on the sofa and prepared to leave, he realized the problem.

Why couldn’t he open the door?

It was just a simple smart lock.

Qiao Sisi had used her fingerprint to open it earlier, so why couldn’t he open it from inside now?

Fang Zhou was at a loss. No wonder Qiao Sisi felt so comfortable sleeping; she knew he couldn’t open the door.