Chapter Sixty-Three: A Romantic Proposal

Huo Lingtian drove with a dark expression, his face unreadable. Yet the oppressive atmosphere in the car made it clear to anyone familiar with him that he was in a foul mood. Unfortunately, Rong Qing was completely absorbed in her soft seat, her fingers flying across her phone screen, punctuated now and then by a few delighted giggles.

With a sudden screech, the car came to a halt. “We’ve arrived!” Huo Lingtian grumbled, his mood sour. Seeing that innocent, bewildered look on the little rascal’s face, all his irritation melted into helplessness. Ah… Who could blame him for taking in such a troublesome little imp?

Rong Qing stepped out, tilting her head to gaze up at the Empire Tower, its lofty silhouette reaching into the clouds, majestic and imposing. The next moment, she was unceremoniously dragged inside by the man. The Empire Tower was the second tallest building in X City, opulent and lavishly decorated, known as the most luxurious hotel in the world. Only honored guests with invitation cards could enter; men wore formal suits, women donned evening gowns. Yet Rong Qing, in her casual hip-hop attire, appeared brazenly out of place among the elegant elite. The man beside her showed no embarrassment; instead, he exuded a relaxed, indulgent affection.

Huo Lingtian led Rong Qing through the gilded, resplendent lobby, her quick little steps barely keeping up with his stride.

“Hey, hey… Where are we going?”

Huo Lingtian stopped, turned, and growled at the little rascal, “To see a movie!”

What? In such a luxurious, high-society venue, just to watch a movie? Not only did Huo Lingtian’s aura and status make such an activity seem beneath him, but the idea of the mighty CEO watching a romance film in the dim light, his expression intense, was enough to make anyone tremble.

Rong Qing awkwardly shook off his hands, fidgeting, “I don’t want to!”

Oh my! Huo Lingtian’s expression darkened further. He wasn’t trying to initiate some grand romantic gesture—watching a movie was supposed to be a staple of couplehood, a romantic setting he’d finally decided upon. Yet this little rascal refused! Heaven help him; his head was beginning to ache again. This was more torturous than negotiating billion-dollar contracts.

“Baby… be good. I’ll take care of everything today,” Huo Lingtian stroked her hair softly, his expression gentle, tender as water. He wrapped his arm lovingly around her waist, coaxing her with affectionate words.

Rong Qing’s cheeks flushed, her whole body tingling from the sweetness of his “baby.” Lost in her daze, she was led up to the high-definition, 3D cinema on the upper floor.

Seated in the vast, dark theater, the enormous screen played the latest international blockbuster. Scattered couples sat in the luxurious space, the tranquil environment heightening the impact and effect of the film. Huo Lingtian leaned against her, calm and composed, sitting at her side. That domineering yet familiar presence made her feel secure.

The high-definition screen and immersive surround sound showcased the newest international hit. Even before its release, the film had garnered global anticipation, with Hollywood’s biggest stars joining the cast, their performances reaching new heights. The emotional depth, the precision of the action, the professionalism—all far surpassed domestic films. It was Rong Qing’s first time watching a movie in a theater, judging the acting, absorbing the characters’ images, the unique rhythm and feeling unlike anything she’d experienced before.

She watched with rapt attention, focusing on learning from the performances, applying what she gleaned to her own acting. Her bright, star-lit eyes were so captivating, her unparalleled concentration and seriousness deeply attracting the man so besotted with her.

“Mm~ ah… lighter…” Heavy breaths and the passionate embrace on the screen made Rong Qing’s face burn. She glanced at the man beside her; his deep eyes, calm as a still well, were now surging with emotion, locked onto her for who knows how long, as if she were the very center of his universe, nothing else able to draw his gaze.

Caught by such intense, possessive eyes, Rong Qing’s face blushed, her ears reddened, the man’s scorching palm warming her waist. “Mm~” The film’s passionate kiss and moans sent waves of forbidden excitement through her nerves, each surge more dizzying.

“Mm~” The man finally couldn’t hold back, his fierce, burning kiss capturing her lips. Huo Lingtian dominated her space, ravishing every inch of her territory. In the darkness, with the stimulation from outside, their hearts beat wildly, bodies entwined so closely they could almost hear each other’s heartbeat—thump, thump, thump… until they reached perfect harmony.

Huo Lingtian released Rong Qing, his gaze locked tenderly onto her, gentle as water, indulgent and unrestrained. His large hand caressed her delicate face, etching every inch into the deepest recesses of his heart. Amid the noisy film, their hearts connected in a silent understanding, warmth spreading between them.

After the film ended, Rong Qing’s cheeks were still flushed, her sharp words and feisty demeanor replaced by a softer, unique charm. In the top-floor luxury restaurant, Huo Lingtian had cleared the entire floor, soothing piano music wafting through the air, candlelight illuminating her blushing face and the passionate, dominant man beside her.

The violin played a gentle melody, the candlelight deepening the air of intimacy. Huo Lingtian’s gaze lingered; just looking at her was enough. He served her throughout the meal, personally slicing her steak, refilling her empty glass. She chewed slowly, savoring the gourmet food, while he watched her with eyes full of tenderness. Words were unnecessary—their understanding was seamless.

Rong Qing happily finished a steak, two pieces of foie gras, and patted her round belly, contentedly squinting her eyes. Huo Lingtian’s plate, meanwhile, remained mostly untouched.

Clap, clap… Huo Lingtian applauded, and from a side room, a French dessert cart adorned with hearts was wheeled in. Exquisite cakes crafted from classic recipes—smooth chocolate, light cream, rich cheese—all irresistible to the palate; fresh, juicy mango, ruby-red strawberries, cool, proud blueberries, fragrant caramel milk. Rong Qing’s mouth watered at the sight.

She had been eager to try them but now regretfully patted her full stomach, looking pitifully at the aromatic French cakes. Her brows alternately relaxed and furrowed, her eyes conflicted as she waged an internal battle.

Huo Lingtian, watching amused, finally offered a helpful hint: “Don’t worry, these use the latest fat-free technology and select ingredients. You won’t gain weight.”

Sure enough, the greedy little rascal’s eyes lit up with excitement. She eagerly scooped out a small bite, her pink tongue lightly touching the brown chocolate—silky, subtle, tinged with strawberry’s freshness. Rong Qing closed her eyes in satisfaction, savoring the tempting flavor, chewing carefully before swallowing. Her naughty tongue accidentally licked the shiny spoon, and Huo Lingtian’s tender gaze deepened, becoming hot and intense, as if he wanted to devour that unsuspecting sweet “dessert” in one bite.

The sound of swallowing only heightened Huo Lingtian’s thirst, his gaze burning, each inch of skin tormenting her.

“You want some too? Here.” Rong Qing held out the shiny spoon, puzzled by the man’s longing look. She only had one cake, but she was kind enough to share it with him.

She was definitely doing this on purpose! Huo Lingtian’s gaze grew fierce; he wanted… he truly wanted to devour the rascal right in front of him!

His eyes darkened, but his resolute lips finally curved into a charming, sly smile. Staring at Rong Qing, his voice hoarse and low, he said, “Feed me…”

Boom! Rong Qing’s fading blush returned, flooding her cheeks. Dizzy from his seduction, she wondered if this really was the stern, unyielding Huo Lingtian—he seemed more like a wolf set on seducing her, so… alluring.

“Qing, hurry up, I want it!” (Heavens, what a wicked phrase! Don’t get the wrong idea now. Hehe…)

Rong Qing, trembling, scooped a large piece with her spoon—one she’d already used—and brought it temptingly to his lips. Huo Lingtian took it from her soft hand, his eyes half-closed with teasing intent, making ambiguous, seductive noises as he chewed. Whether he used a domineering, forceful approach or a gentle, “slow-cooking” strategy, she could handle it easily. But she hadn’t expected him to deploy seduction, fully leveraging his charm, leaving her helpless, unable to resist, step by step falling into the big bad wolf’s embrace.

By the end of the meal, she’d been fed right into Huo Lingtian’s arms. When Rong Qing finally came to her senses, she blushed deeply and darted out of his embrace, shooting him a fierce glare. Alas, her glare lacked any real force, instead conveying a lingering affection that made Huo Lingtian’s mood soar.

Rong Qing, face still red, wanted to escape the strange circle. Luckily, the place was empty; otherwise, she would have died of embarrassment! Before she could leave, Huo Lingtian pulled her up the stairs, heading to the rooftop.

“Oh my god!” Rong Qing gasped, covering her lips, her eyes filled with disbelief and surprised happiness.

Spread before her was a sea of flowers—roses of every color blooming in profusion. Crimson roses burned like fire, white roses stood proud and cold, blue roses shone with an enchanting brilliance, all breathtakingly beautiful. They surrounded her in a floral ocean, the night breeze carrying waves of rose fragrance. Across the Empire’s rooftop, rose branches swayed alluringly, whispering the most moving words of love.

Huo Lingtian held the dazed girl close, his tall frame sheltering her from wind and rain, her pillar and strongest support. “Nine roses mean forever, ninety-nine mean eternity, nine hundred ninety-nine mean everlasting love. Then this whole garden of roses—doesn’t it mean I love you, for a lifetime, until forever?”

He turned the spellbound Rong Qing toward him, gazing into her eyes, and spoke those words of love.

“Qing, I love you. Marry me.” Huo Lingtian knelt on one knee, his back straight, eyes full of deep emotion. He kissed her hand, like a prince riding into her dreams.

Bang! Brilliant fireworks exploded overhead, colors illuminating their faces, sincere and precious. On the Empire Tower’s rooftop, the grand fireworks encircled the two in the sea of flowers—passion, romance, tenderness…