Their bodies were still tangled together in the warm water, breathless and trembling from the intense pleasure that had just consumed them completely. The wild heat had finally faded, leaving behind a deep, lingering warmth and a sense of utter fulfillment. Jun Hao slowly withdrew, lifting Yan Jingshu effortlessly into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms tightly around his neck, resting her head against his shoulder, completely spent but radiating a soft, blissful glow. She didn’t speak a word; she simply closed her eyes, breathing in his scent, perfectly content to be held by him like this forever.

Jun Hao carried her out of the pool, water dripping from their bodies onto the warm stone floor. He walked straight toward the private facilities connected to the changing rooms—a spacious, luxurious bathing area designed for comfort and privacy, part of the same suite near the pool. The air inside was warm and filled with the faint, clean scent of soap and flowers.

He set her down gently, and they proceeded to wash and refresh themselves. It was a quiet, intimate process. There was no rush, only a soft, lingering affection in every movement. They helped each other dry off, the touches gentle and reverent, as if they were afraid that moving too fast would break the beautiful moment they had just created. Once clean and refreshed, they put back on the elegant clothes they had worn earlier for dinner.

As they walked out of the pool area and began moving through the grand hallways back toward the main living quarters, Jun Hao looked around at the magnificent surroundings, then turned his gaze to the woman walking gracefully beside him.

"You know..." Jun Hao began, his voice soft and filled with sincerity. "I am really, truly happy being here. Honestly... being here with you is probably the most enjoyable thing I have ever experienced. It really is."

He paused for a moment, a faint, reluctant smile touching his lips as he continued.

"But... I think I should head home now. It has already been quite a long while, hasn’t it? I’m worried my family might start getting anxious or wondering where I am. Plus, I actually have some personal matters I need to take care of and finish up."

The moment the words left his mouth, the bright light that had been shining in Yan Jingshu’s eyes dimmed instantly. Her expression, which had been so soft and full of joy just seconds ago, fell. A look of quiet disappointment and sadness washed over her face—subtle, dignified, but clear enough for him to read perfectly. Her shoulders dropped slightly, and she looked at him with that silent, pleading look. She didn’t want him to go, but she would never voice a complaint or try to force him to stay.

Jun Hao saw the change immediately. He chuckled softly, stepping closer to her and patting her arm reassuringly, amused yet touched by her silent reaction.

"Hey... why the long face?" he teased gently, trying to lighten the mood. "Come on, it’s not like I’m moving to another country or going away forever where we can never meet again. Relax, alright? In a day or two, we can meet again just like this. It’s easy, right? Just call, or message... and I’ll be here. It’s not the end of the world."

Yan Jingshu looked up at him, her eyes still holding that lingering sadness, but she nodded slowly, accepting his words. She knew he was right. She didn’t say anything in return, just let out a soft breath and gestured for him to follow her.

They arrived at her private residence suite. It was a spacious, magnificent room, elegant and refined in every detail. While Yan Jingshu went to her master bedroom to freshen up and tidy herself, the head butler had already carefully packed Jun Hao’s belongings. Inside the large suitcase were not only his original clothes—the simple attire of a therapist—but also the brand-new, high-quality outfits Yan Jingshu had bought and prepared specially for him earlier. Everything was arranged neatly and respectfully.

When she returned, Yan Jingshu walked straight up to him and pulled him into a long, tight embrace. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart, holding onto him as if she wanted to merge her body with his, as if this hug could keep him there a little longer. Jun Hao hugged her back just as tightly, stroking her hair softly, understanding everything she couldn’t say.

"Alright then... I’ll be going now," Jun Hao said softly as they finally pulled apart. "I’ll see you soon."

Yan Jingshu nodded silently. "I will escort you to the front."

She walked beside him all the way through the long corridors and grand halls until they reached the main entrance of her private residence. This was an area usually bustling with activity. Dozens of staff members—maids, servants, parking attendants, and her personal elite bodyguards—were standing respectfully in formation along the path and at the doorway. They stood straight, heads slightly bowed, maintaining discipline and order, but everyone was silently aware of the presence of the man who held their Young Mistress’s heart.

Out front, the car was already waiting. It had been brought around perfectly to the entrance by the parking staff, gleaming under the lights, ready to depart.

Jun Hao adjusted his coat and took hold of his suitcase. He turned to face Yan Jingshu one last time, smiling warmly at her, ready to say his final goodbye before turning toward the car.

But just as he shifted his weight to leave, Yan Jingshu suddenly reached out and caught his arm. Before he could react, she stepped close, tilted her head up slightly, and pressed a soft, clear kiss right onto his cheek.

Jun Hao froze instantly. His eyes went wide, and he stood there completely stunned.

He wasn’t shocked by the kiss itself—far from it. But right here, right now... surrounded by all these people. Her maids, her servants, her most trusted bodyguards, all her subordinates and staff were standing in plain sight, watching them.

Yan Jingshu was a billionaire. She was a woman of immense status, power, and prestige. Her image was one of coldness, dignity, and absolute authority. Everyone knew her as the untouchable, high and mighty Young Mistress who never showed weakness or affection publicly to anyone. Yet here she was, disregarding all status, all dignity, all the rules of her world, and completely ignoring the presence of dozens of employees... just to kiss him goodbye.

She didn’t care about her image. She didn’t care about what they might think or say. She only cared about him.

Jun Hao felt a rush of emotion surge through his chest—warmth, surprise, and a deep, profound sense of being moved and cherished. He felt his ears turn slightly red, a mix of happiness and embarrassment washing over him.

He leaned closer to her, lowering his voice to a whisper, teasing her even though his heart was overflowing with warmth.

"Hey... hey... are you crazy? You’re the Boss here, remember? You’re their leader... don’t you feel embarrassed doing this in front of your subordinates? Everyone is watching..."

Yan Jingshu pulled back slightly, her expression changing in an instant. The soft, loving look vanished, replaced immediately by a cold, frosty, and intimidating glare. She slowly turned her head and swept her sharp, piercing gaze across the entire line of servants and bodyguards standing nearby. Her eyes were like ice, commanding and terrifying.

She didn’t say a word, but her eyes spoke a clear warning: Whoever dares to have an opinion, whoever dares to look too closely, whoever dares to even think about this... will regret it.

The moment that cold gaze fell upon them, every single person—from the lowest maid to the captain of the security team—instantly lowered their heads even further, staring at the floor, trembling slightly. They held their breath, not daring to make a sound, not daring to look up, terrified that they might be noticed or mistaken for someone who had "seen too much". The atmosphere turned stiff and tense in a split second.

Satisfied that her message was received, Yan Jingshu turned back to Jun Hao. Her expression softened instantly, returning to that quiet, tender affection reserved only for him.

Jun Hao couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking his head in amusement. He reached out and gently patted the top of her head, smoothing her hair down affectionately, finding this contrast between her fierce protectiveness and her love for him incredibly cute and touching.

"Alright, alright... I get it. No need to be so fierce and scary to everyone just for me," he said with a warm, indulgent smile. "I’m going now. Be good, okay?"

Yan Jingshu nodded slowly, her eyes following his every movement. She stood perfectly straight, elegant and beautiful, but her gaze was filled with deep, lingering longing, following him as he walked toward the car.

Jun Hao placed his bag inside and got into the vehicle. Before he closed the door completely, he looked back one last time. Yan Jingshu was still standing there at the entrance, motionless, her eyes locked onto his face, looking as if she wanted to follow him right into the car.

The car slowly pulled away and began to drive out of the private residence grounds. Jun Hao sat back in the seat, looking out the rear window. He watched her figure slowly getting smaller and smaller in the distance, still standing there alone at the entrance, watching him leave until he was completely out of sight.

Jun Hao smiled softly to himself, touching the spot on his cheek where her kiss still felt warm. He knew then, more clearly than ever, that no matter how far apart they were physically, or how many days passed before they met again... his heart, and hers, were already bound together completely.

END OF Chapter 157