Chapter 33: A Different Kind of Kiss

The next morning, sunlight slanted through the gaps in the curtains and touched the foot of Li Yan’s bed. He woke up slowly, taking a few minutes to fully gather his senses.

After getting up and freshening up, he changed into a light-colored T-shirt and casual trousers, then took out the gift he had set aside for Gangan from the cabinet: two packs of local desserts from Green Island City and a silk scarf. The scarf was not expensive, but its pattern was soft and delicate. He had chosen it for her specifically during his travels, hoping she would enjoy the taste of the treats and add a touch of refinement to her daily life.

He ate the fried buns and pickled vegetables his mother had left for him—a simple, home-cooked meal that was neither too salty nor too bland, just the taste of home. With his small bag packed and the gift in hand, he headed out.

He hailed a taxi outside his apartment complex to go to Gangan’s place. In the car, the driver made small talk about the weather and the recent traffic congestion in the city center, to which he responded offhandedly, not saying much. His mind was already occupied with the impending farewell.

Twenty minutes later, he arrived at Gangan’s building and sent her a message: "I'm here. Waiting for you downstairs."

Gangan replied quickly: "I'm coming right down."

Before long, she stepped lightly out of the building. She was wearing a light pink casual short-sleeved top and loose cotton trousers, with a hint of light makeup, looking fresh and natural.

Li Yan held up the bag: "I brought you some local desserts from Green Island City, and a silk scarf."

Gangan approached, a faint fragrance drifting with her, and smiled as she took the bag: "Thank you!"

Having only recently established their relationship, Gangan was still a bit shy. They stood side by side in the shade of the trees, the breeze carrying the scent of grass and trees.

Li Yan looked at her with a hint of melancholy caused by their upcoming parting: "I’m leaving for Chengdu the day after tomorrow. I’ll rent a place first, then look for a car, and explore the city a bit. Didn't you say before that you wanted to visit me? You should come after a while, once I’ve settled in."

Gangan lowered her head: "I hate that you're leaving so soon. But I know you have your plans, and it’s good to go ahead and get things ready." There was reluctance in her voice, but also support.

"I'll find time to go to Chengdu and spend some time with you..."

Li Yan nodded: "I'll be waiting for you."

He reached out and gently held her fingers. Gangan’s face flushed slightly, but she did not pull away. Suddenly, her cheeks reddening further, she whispered: "Why don't you come upstairs for a while? There’s something else I want to show you."

Li Yan did not hesitate and nodded: "Okay."

They entered the elevator. The atmosphere was quiet, not with awkwardness, but with a hazy sweetness.

Gangan’s apartment was a two-bedroom unit, decorated in a fresh, artistic style. The beige sofa and natural wood coffee table in the living room made the space feel warm and inviting. She placed the gift bag on the coffee table and turned to face Li Yan, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead, her lips parting as if she were about to speak.

Li Yan stepped forward gently and took her into his arms. She did not draw back, simply lowering her head so that her forehead rested against his chest. Li Yan felt the softness of her hair, which carried a faint, sweet scent. He raised a hand to stroke her back, looking down at her with a gaze that was tender and filled with lingering reluctance.

Gangan’s eyelashes fluttered as she looked up at him, the distance between them no more than a few centimeters. Without further words, Li Yan leaned down and kissed her lips.

Her lips were soft and warm. At first, they trembled with shyness, but she soon relaxed, closing her eyes slightly to respond. The kiss was gentle, unhurried, yet filled with a sweetness that made his heartbeat quicken. His hand moved down to rest on her waist, feeling her slightly nervous breathing. His other hand cautiously moved toward her firm, rounded hips.

Under the thin fabric, Gangan’s figure felt delicate and soft. When Li Yan’s palm rested upon her, her body gave a slight shudder. She was startled, yet she did not push him away. Instead, she let out a soft sound, her face turning crimson, and she proactively wrapped her arms around Li Yan’s neck.

They stood there in the living room, the occasional sound of children laughing and bicycle bells drifting in from outside, contrasting with the intimacy within. Though shy, Gangan did not wish to refuse, and she shifted her posture slightly to bring her body closer to his. Her breathing grew shallow, her chest rising and falling, and a warm, indescribable current filled the air.

Li Yan felt her response and slowed his pace, the kiss shifting from passionate to lingering. Gangan responded with a hint of shyness, occasionally parting her lips to breathe, allowing their rhythms to intertwine. In that moment, their reluctance and anticipation melted into a silent, tender warmth.

After a while, Li Yan let go, resting his cheek against her forehead, and chuckled softly: "Are you shy?"

Gangan nodded slightly, her voice as thin as a mosquito’s: "Yes, a little..." Her tone was not one of rejection, but of sweet embarrassment.

Li Yan raised a hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear: "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

Gangan bit her lower lip and whispered: "It’s okay, it was just... a bit sudden."

They shared a smile, and the atmosphere softened. Li Yan held her as they sat on the sofa, and he reached over to the coffee table to take a sip of mineral water. Gangan leaned against him, resting a hand lightly on his arm.

"Tell me as soon as you arrive. I’ll come over to keep you company; my schedule is flexible anyway," Gangan said softly.

"I will. I’ll definitely send you my location and photos of the apartment. You can choose a good time to visit," Li Yan replied.

They chatted for a while longer about future plans. Li Yan explained that he would rest at home tomorrow, fly out the morning after, and contact an agent to look at properties as soon as he reached Chengdu. Gangan nodded from time to time, not mentioning their earlier intimacy, though a blush still lingered on her face, making her look all the more beautiful.

By evening, Li Yan stood up to say goodbye: "I should head back. I’ll have a good rest at home tomorrow and fly the day after. Don't worry."

Gangan nodded: "Okay, I'll wait for your news."

At the door, they shared another brief, gentle kiss, like a soft punctuation mark.

"Take care on your way," she whispered.

"I will." Li Yan picked up his bag and left with a smile.

Walking out of the complex, he breathed in the fresh air. His heart was heavy with reluctance, yet filled with anticipation for the future. His life in Chengdu now had an extra reason for warmth, and the image of Gangan remained soft and sweet in his memory.

Gangan was different from the girls he had been with before. This difference was reflected not only in the long period of ambiguity they had shared, but also in the way Li Yan treated her, and the gentle way she treated him.

When he returned home, the sky was already dark. Seeing his relaxed expression, his parents smiled and said, "Rest up well at home tomorrow, and you're flying the day after, right?"

Li Yan nodded: "Yes, the ticket is booked."

His mother reminded him to stay safe, while his father told him to focus on finding a place to live and not to rush into buying a car. Li Yan agreed to everything.

That night, sitting at his desk, he thought of the gentle, fervent kiss from the afternoon. He smiled, turned off the light, and went to sleep. He would rest at home tomorrow, and fly to Chengdu the day after. A new life was slowly unfolding before him.