Chapter 148: Darling, I've Been an Adult for a Long Time...

After the second round of performances concluded, another wave of nationwide voting surged. Ling Ziheng's votes remained far ahead, and with the timely introduction of Yin Mier, there was no overshadowing or competition; instead, it sparked a fresh wave of goodwill.

The previously icy image was melting away—an impressive dual harvest of character and fortune.

Yin Mier's trending topics and performance clips were wildly shared across social media platforms like Weibo, reigniting the enthusiasm of longtime fans. This brought her endorsements and several variety show invitations. Xiaoyu beamed with delight, while Zhao Lei busied himself laying the groundwork for Yin Mier’s future path.

At home, Lin Zhiwei nestled in, watching Yin Mier’s soaring popularity with boundless excitement. Though preparations were meticulous, whether it would stir a thousand waves depended on Yin Mier’s performance on the collaborative stage.

Even Feather Girl treated her like a junior sister, promoting her alongside herself—clear evidence of the collaboration’s success, adding an intangible momentum.

Lin Zhiwei grinned as she scrolled through the comments. Ling Ziheng, having reviewed two documents, sat beside her, wrapping his large hand around her slender waist. His palm lingered there, but the little girl remained unfazed, continuing to smile foolishly. After a moment, she leaned in and muttered without a hint of coyness, “The results look good. That puts my mind at ease!”

“Your wisdom knows no bounds, my lady!” Ling Ziheng lowered his head, savoring the softness at her delicate neck. He gently lifted her hand—her wound had scabbed and peeled, faint flesh-colored marks still visible on her slender wrist. His heart ached.

Seeing him cling to her, Lin Zhiwei’s eyes sparkled. “My hand’s completely healed now. Tomorrow’s the weekend... how about... we go on a date?”

“Anything you wish,” Ling Ziheng said, fully aware of her little schemes and embracing them entirely. Whatever she desired, he would comply.

But once assured, she turned back to Weibo, casually chatting with Yin Mier on WeChat. Her ease stirred a jealous fire within him. Pulling her close by the waist, he kissed her passionately, greedily devouring her lips. His cunning tongue roamed freely, capturing every inch without a moment’s pause.

“Darling, slow down. Your enthusiasm’s overwhelming me,” Lin Zhiwei gasped, pushing lightly against the charming rogue.

Ignoring her plea, Ling Ziheng pinned her against the sofa, his heavy breath whispering temptation into her ear.

She laughed softly, stroking his flushed face, then cleared her throat. “Darling, um... today’s not convenient for me...”

His eyes brightened as he whispered near her ear, “Would a few days’ wait be alright?” His husky, low voice and burning heat almost set Lin Zhiwei aflame beneath him. Blushing, she avoided his intense gaze, responding awkwardly, “Uh, well... I might need to Google this skill first... I think it currently exists only in theory...”

Ling Ziheng gazed at her shy expression, desperate to consume the girl beneath him immediately. She truly knew how to ignite his desire. Controlling his urge, he held her close, trying to calm himself. “Weiwei, I can’t do this just yet.”

Blinking her large eyes, Lin Zhiwei was stunned by his remarkable self-control. Just moments ago... she felt sore from their contact. Hastily, she said, “Um... darling... holding it in too long isn’t good for your health... it could harm your kidneys!”

She nodded emphatically, recalling something she’d read online.

His face stiffened, turning ashen. Quickly, Lin Zhiwei added, “Actually... I heard... there are other ways to solve this...”

Ling Ziheng tensed, sealing her lips before she could continue mischief. The little girl knew quite a bit. He licked her lips, the sound of a belt clicking as he leaned in low, “Holding it in isn’t good, then I’ll teach you...”

After a long, long while...

Lin Zhiwei begged for mercy: “Darling... I think my injury’s not fully healed yet. Can we switch hands...?”

No one seemed to hear her...

...

When the man was finally satisfied, shirt open to reveal a firm, lean chest and chiseled abs, his face flushed, he kissed the stunned girl beside him. Lin Zhiwei snapped back to reality, muttering, “Ling Ziheng... can’t you be faster? My hand’s about to fall off...”

Ling Ziheng smirked. “Such strength cannot be rushed...”

Damn... Lin Zhiwei was utterly speechless. Casting a glance at the devilishly handsome figure beside her, she swallowed hard and resisted looking at him. At this moment, the man resembled a cat who’d just stolen a forbidden treat—content yet exuding a dangerous, wild aura.

Noticing a flicker in his eyes, Lin Zhiwei quickly saved herself. “I just saw there’s a wilderness survival-themed fair tomorrow. How about we go there for our date?”

Seeing the little girl’s terrified face was almost too much for Ling Ziheng. “Alright.”

“By the way,” Lin Zhiwei nestled against his chest, her warm breath against him, voice as soft as orchids, “when you said you couldn’t just now... was there a reason?”

Ling Ziheng assumed she’d heard but forgotten. The fleeting passion probably wouldn’t linger in her memory. Unexpectedly, she had taken it in deeply, storing it in her heart. Stroking her loose hair, hiding his inner turmoil, he said, “Weiwei, if your memories return, if there was someone you loved before... you might regret this...”

His voice, low and sharp as a thorn, pierced their hearts. He only spoke half the truth. His other concern was that the little girl might lose all current memories—that everything now could be a vain illusion. The past was her true life. He lacked the confidence to truly win her again. If the real her would never love him, then he was merely taking advantage of her vulnerability now.

Lin Zhiwei lifted her gaze. Her dark eyes were pure and clear, her delicate, fair face boldly radiant, momentarily leaving Ling Ziheng speechless. Then, the little girl responded calmly, “I thought you weren’t interested in me... turns out it’s just this trivial matter...”

She propped herself up, blinking her big eyes earnestly. “Darling, I’m already an adult.”

Ling Ziheng looked at her, puzzled.

“Ahem, meaning I’m responsible for my actions, whether or not I have amnesia. Also... if there was someone I loved before, no one’s come looking for me during these lost years. That means... there isn’t anyone.”

“But darling,” she glanced at him with feeling, “you thinking seriously for me is really manly!”

With that, she nestled her head against his chest.

Uh... now Ling Ziheng was at a loss for words. The clever little girl had dispelled his worries with a few words, but... the hint she just dropped...

He realized his desire was reignited by the little girl once more...

“I’m already an adult... responsible for my actions...” These words felt like a spell, stirring his most sensitive nerves.

Lin Zhiwei watched as the volcano she had barely calmed threatened to erupt again and instinctively shrank back.

Ling Ziheng helplessly cupped her small face to soothe her. “Weiwei, I hope to be your rightful man.”

Lin Zhiwei paused, eyebrow raised, replying, “Understood, you devil. Then I’ll wait for you to reach the pinnacle of glory and marry me.”

Ling Ziheng: “...” Had the roles been reversed?