It was unclear whether it was Gu Sinian's hot breath or the awkwardness of their situation that caused Qi Zhenzhen's cheeks to flush uncontrollably.
Noticing the blush on Qi Zhenzhen's face, Gu Sinian leaned closer.
Some things, even without prior experience, could be done instinctively. This was precisely how Gu Sinian felt at that moment.
With both of them exposed, any sense of shyness was cast aside. Qi Zhenzhen even felt a sense of anticipation, as this was her first time in both her past and present lives.
Qi Zhenzhen had mentally prepared herself to welcome Gu Sinian.
But—
Before Qi Zhenzhen could even comprehend what was happening, Gu Sinian rolled off the bed and scrambled to put on his clothes, then ran off.
Yes, ran.
In a panicked, hasty retreat.
Qi Zhenzhen pushed herself up with her arms, reached for her nightgown, and put it on. She glanced down at her legs and couldn't help but smile.
Gu Sinian crouched in the bathing room, looking utterly bewildered. He clenched his fist and pounded it heavily on the floor. He, he actually couldn't.
His body was clearly fine, so why couldn't he? What would Zhenzhen think of him on their wedding night?
Qi Zhenzhen slowly tidied herself up, contemplating whether to call out to Gu Sinian in the bathing room. She suspected he might spend the entire night there if she didn't.
"Husband," Qi Zhenzhen said from outside the bathing room, her tone laced with amusement, "are you planning to leave me to an empty room?"
There was no response from the bathing room.
Qi Zhenzhen leaned against the door. "Gu Sinian, are you too ashamed to face me after what just happened?"
"I..." Gu Sinian's voice was filled with dejection. "I didn't know I was like this before. I apologize."
Qi Zhenzhen burst into laughter. "You think you're sick?"
Of course, he was sick. If he weren't, how could he have... without even entering the room?
"Come out, and I'll talk to you," Qi Zhenzhen said, her smile fading as she became serious. "Even if you are sick, you can't hide. We know Luo Wanjing; we can get you treated. Besides, this might not be an illness..."
Qi Zhenzhen managed to coax him out. Gu Sinian walked with his head hanging, not daring to look at her.
"Here, look. This book says what happens to men experiencing it for the first time. See for yourself," Qi Zhenzhen said, pointing to the text.
Gu Sinian took the book skeptically and read it carefully. His expression shifted from gloomy to bright.
The book stated that men experiencing it for the first time, due to not knowing the proper way, would finish quickly.
So, this wasn't an illness? It was a normal phenomenon?
Gu Sinian's dejection vanished, replaced by an eager anticipation.
"Don't forget what you promised me. Be gentle, be light."
What followed was, naturally, a smooth progression.
At the same time, it proved a saying true: a man's promises in bed are worthless. While he was gentle at first, as the night progressed, it was largely driven by instinct.
The last thought that crossed Qi Zhenzhen's mind before she fell asleep was that she had brought this upon herself.
If she hadn't tried to guide Gu Sinian, would they have been sleeping peacefully by now?
Alas, there were no 'ifs'.
Waking up the next morning, Qi Zhenzhen was sore all over and didn't want to move.
Gu Sinian, on the other hand, looked content and energetic.
"My lady is awake?" Gu Sinian propped himself up on his elbow, gazing at Qi Zhenzhen with a smile.
The soreness in her body reminded Qi Zhenzhen of what she had gone through the previous night, and she naturally gave Gu Sinian a cold shoulder, turning her head away and remaining silent.
Gu Sinian noticed the marks on Qi Zhenzhen's neck and felt a pang of guilt. He had intended to be gentle last night, but once he started, he lost control. Ultimately, he had been too rough.