Xia Yuqing suddenly laughed, her eyes sparkling as she reached up and poked Lu Jinchen's nose.
"Don't be angry," she teased.
Her lightheartedness only made his chest burn hotter. Instead of calming down, he grew even more irritated. In the next instant, he caught her chin between his fingers and pulled her closer, crashing his lips against hers.
The kiss wasn't gentle—his teeth nearly caught her lips.
"Ow!" she hissed, pushing at his chest, her cheeks flushing. "What are you doing? Are you a dog?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he leaned back in, softer this time, his tongue brushing gently across her lips. The sudden change made her sigh. She held his shoulders and whispered, "Listen to me."
"No," he said firmly, his voice low and unyielding. "You are not allowed to take your life so lightly. Not under any circumstance."
