Chapter 128: At Dawn, When a Man Is Most Unprepared for Defense

Since it was known that Lu Qingyue had moved in with her boyfriend, Zhou Tingting and Hu Qiuyue naturally wouldn't let any opportunity for gossip slip by.

Back when they were in their second year of high school during military training, many girls in their grade had been infatuated with the chief instructor. Unfortunately, that instructor was incredibly modest; whenever he came to inspect them, he was always impeccably dressed in his training gear, and no one had ever seen him reveal his muscles.

At the mere thought of this, Zhou Tingting was wide awake. A handsome man with muscles—how exciting! Since her best friend had already captured such a top-tier upperclassman, she must have already feasted her eyes on him. Zhou Tingting immediately pressed for details.

[Zhou Tingting]: So, what is our chief instructor actually like in terms of physique?

The question caught Lu Qingyue off guard.

[Lu Diandian]: How would I know what his physique is like! Forget about showing me, he won't even let me touch his leg!

Come to think of it, she found it strange herself. Even at home, Cheng Xingye was always bundled up tight, wearing a gray-blue loungewear set from head to toe, leaving her almost no chance to take advantage of the situation.

However, Hu Qiuyue and Zhou Tingting assumed she was just being shy and too embarrassed to make the first move.

[Zhou Tingting]: You’re living together now, of course you have to create your own opportunities!

[Hu Qiuyue]: Besides, just because he won't let you touch him, you’re just going to listen? Why are you so obedient!?

[Zhou Tingting]: Bring out that rebellious spirit of yours! Have you never heard of taking what you want by force?!

Once the two best friends started on this topic, they became fully energized, offering up all sorts of wicked ideas. In normal circumstances, Lu Qingyue would have debated them, but with Cheng Xingye sitting right next to her, she was busy discussing how to take advantage of him with her friends. It was completely out of character for her reserved and conservative persona!

People with a strong aura also have an intense presence. Catching a glimpse of the person across from her shifting, Lu Qingyue tilted her phone to hide it from Cheng Xingye’s line of sight before typing away.

[Lu Diandian]: Forget it... I don’t like to force things. After all, a melon forced from the vine isn't sweet.

Besides, she was only staying at his place to escape trouble; if she started coveting his body, wouldn't that make Cheng Xingye regret inviting a wolf into his house?

A moment later, a message popped up in the group chat.

[Zhou Tingting]: A forced melon might not be sweet, but it is thirst-quenching.

Lu Qingyue: "???"

Lu Qingyue: "..."

She suddenly felt that, actually, that might be true.

Just as she was hesitating over how to reply, she caught sight of Cheng Xingye standing up. Lu Qingyue instinctively turned off her screen and pressed the phone against her chest. In the moment the screen went dark, she saw the last message from Zhou Tingting:

[Zhou Tingting]: Early morning is when a man is at his most defenseless. I hope you notice and cherish it. That’s all the help I can give you.

Before Lu Qingyue could ponder why it would be the early morning, a faint shadow loomed over her. Startled, she looked up and immediately locked eyes with Cheng Xingye’s inscrutable gaze.

The air conditioner was running, and the enclosed space was already filled with his scent, which became even more pronounced as he leaned in close. Before she could react, he scooped her up into his arms.

Her train of thought interrupted, Lu Qingyue instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck for balance, though she was confused by his actions.

"Where are we going?"

Cheng Xingye held the petite, soft girl and looked up at the wall clock with a smirk. "Look at the time; obviously, we're going to sleep."

Lu Qingyue followed his gaze and realized it was already midnight. She had just been playing a game and chatting in the group, and time had slipped away unnoticed. Lu Qingyue was not someone who liked staying up late. Even during the high school entrance exam preparation period, she never went to bed past midnight.

So, she clung to his neck, allowing him to carry her toward the master bedroom. Cheng Xingye tucked the young girl into his bed, carefully smoothed the quilt, and turned on a small nightlight by the window. He took care of every detail, but instead of leaving immediately, he sat on the edge of the bed and gave her a meaningful look, appearing as if he had something to say.

Lu Qingyue immediately caught the signal; she sat up, hooked her arm around his neck, and gave his cheek a firm kiss before whispering, "Goodnight kiss."

Cheng