The Surrogate Bride of the Colonel He

Chapter 165 - Maybe It's a Good Start

Instead of leaving the bathroom, Zuo Bo leaned against the wall, puffing one cigarette after another after the call ended.

Exhaling smoke intermittently, he sank heavily into introspection within the room.

After finishing his smoke, he stretched his stiff legs. Intending to depart after disposing of the cigarette butts, he hesitated, wary of the lingering scent on his body, opting for a refreshing shower and tooth-brushing before exiting with renewed vigor.

However, upon glimpsing Loong Shen's peaceful slumber, his resolve wavered. Brushing his hair from his forehead, he dispelled the bitterness in his heart, realizing that Loong Shen's serene rest would complicate matters further.

Zuo Bo refrained from approaching the bed, remaining stationary for a prolonged moment. Fumbling his pocket, he discovered he was clad in nightwear.

Helplessly smiling, Zuo Bo recognized his newfound penchant for smoking and attributed it, in part, to Loong Shen, perhaps seeking solace.

Although still lying in bed, Loong Shen was aware of Zuo Bo's presence nearby, eyes closed.

Burying his face in his arms, he sensed a discomfort in his breath. Upon awakening, he found Zuo Bo absent, enveloped by chilly air.

Zuo Bo swiftly noted Loong Shen's slight movement, attributing it to low room temperature and fearing a cold, he adjusted the thermostat.

After setting the remote on the cabinet, he contemplated sleeping on the sofa but hesitated, unwilling to disturb Loong Shen's peace.

Gazing at Loong Shen's back, Zuo Bo extended and retracted his hand, torn between the desire to embrace him and the fear of disturbance. His eyes betrayed myriad emotions as he opted to simply observe.

Unaware of Zuo Bo's inner conflict, Loong Shen, facing away, felt a pang of sorrow.

After a while, observing no further movement from Zuo Bo, Loong Shen assumed he had drifted off.

Anticipating Loong Shen's unconscious retreat, Zuo Bo paid scant attention, softly chuckling as he brushed Loong Shen's neck and planted a gentle kiss.

Loong Shen was momentarily stunned, surprised by Zuo Bo's tender gesture while still awake.

The haze in Loong Shen's heart dissipated as he leaned closer to feel Zuo Bo's presence. Zuo Bo, no longer hesitant, whispered in his ear, “Good night.”

Loong Shen's smile deepened, reciprocating the sentiment, drifting into slumber alongside Zuo Bo.

Upon awakening, finding no trace of Loong Shen, Zuo Bo realized Hee Jingyan had taken him back to the army for duty. Despite understanding, he felt a tinge of loneliness.

Longing for a smoke, he searched in vain. His phone interrupted his thoughts, pupils dilating, expecting a message from Loong Qi. To his surprise, it was from Loong Shen, accompanied by a picture and caption: “I smell bad and tossed it in the bin.”

Though simple, the message brought a sweet sensation to Zuo Bo. He smiled as he read it.

Perhaps, this is a good start, right, Loong Shen.