Li Tingyan and Lin Chi initially considered their relationship nothing more than a matter of mutual benefit.
They met in a small bar when Li Tingyan was at his lowest point. The love of his life was getting married the next day, and he was invited merely as a guest, not the groom.
Lin Chi, on the other hand, was entirely motivated by physical attraction.
Li Tingyan’s physique and face were exactly to his liking, making him single-mindedly desire a night of passion.
What was supposed to be a one-night stand inexplicably continued.
In the hotel, Lin Chi lay on the bed, letting Li Tingyan help him with his shirt collar.
Li Tingyan, half-kneeling on the ground, held his ankle. Despite being a distinguished gentleman of high status, he was willing to do these trivial tasks for Lin Chi.
Yet, as the sunlight hit his face, his eyes remained calm and unruffled, like a deep, serene lake.
Lin Chi’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.
….
Much later, Lin Chi despairingly realized that he had indeed fallen for Li Tingyan.
This was unacceptable.
Turning a casual fling into true love was a recipe for disaster.
Moreover, for someone like him, a king of the nightlife, to fall for a virg*n was even more ridiculous and laughable.
He immediately wanted to escape.
But after just one day of trying to flee, he was personally caught by Li Tingyan in a crowded nightclub. Ignoring his protests, Li Tingyan carried him directly to the car.
Gentle and refined top × sexy and flamboyant former playboy now smitten bottom
What truly impresses me is the MC's independence; I genuinely admire his character. The friendship between him and Yu Nian is adorable and heartwarming. As for the ML, initially, I expected a stern demeanor, but he turns out to be gentle, like a leaf carried by the wind, mirroring the MC. Despite his past heartbreak, his love for the MC feels organic and seamless. Watching his character development is a delight, as he grows throughout the story.
The main couple is simply perfect - their flaws complement each other, creating an intriguing dynamic. Together, they seem to complete one another, like a broken vase that becomes even more beautiful when pieced together. I can't express enough how much I adore their relationship.
One of the novel's remarkable aspects lies in how the characters confront and overcome their painful pasts, fears, and insecurities. When they come together, they bring out the best in themselves, showcasing growth and resilience. This transformative journey is a true testament to the power of love and self-discovery.
It's true that they aren't in a committed relationship, but when you make such an agreement, it's crucial to stick to it. Despite this issue, I appreciate the storytelling, particularly how LC expressed his feelings without dragging it on. His decision-making throughout the story was strong, leading to their eventual conclusion.
What surprised me was discovering that the same author wrote "Easy to Deceive," featuring familiar names. I almost double-checked if there were any recurring characters, it was such a pleasant surprise!
While I understand bellus11's point about the "runaway" trope, I don't think it quite fits in this case because the trip abroad was prearranged. It would have been better if the breakup happened in person, but I agree that it served a purpose in the plot. The male lead was uncertain of his feelings during the confession, and the MC giving him space to sort things out seemed fair, considering the complexity of the situation.
What I appreciated was the resolution, particularly how both characters openly admitted their intense feelings for each other without any shame. Overall, the story had a satisfying ending, and I enjoyed the mutual obsession between them.
PS: I would love to read a story about Xi Zhiwei and what transpired between him and his ex. (:(