Top-tier celebrity's nightly pampering, the abstinent doctor loses control and spoils her.

Half an hour later, Lu Er sat dejectedly in the passenger seat. Thinking about leaving tomorrow, even the hot pot didn't taste good anymore.

Stealing a glance at Song Jingmo, who was focused on driving, her profile was both cold and handsome, and she felt a pang of reluctance in her heart.

"Song Jingmo..." Lu Er's voice was muffled, "I'm going to Washington tomorrow, and I'll probably be very busy for the next few months..."

Song Jingmo looked straight ahead and gave a soft "hmm" to indicate that he understood.

Lu Er felt even more aggrieved, like an abandoned kitten, and muttered softly, "It'll take a long time..."

The tone was as if he were about to be exiled to the frontier.

The car was quiet for a moment. Song Jingmo seemed to sigh silently, his voice softening.

With a reassuring tone: "Work is important. I can come see you when I have time."

These words were like watering a wilted plant, and Lu Er instantly perked up. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Song Jingmo: "Really? You'll come to see me?"

She leaned closer, taking advantage of the situation, and said, "Could you please reply to my messages a few more times? Don't just say 'uh-huh,' 'oh,' or 'I'm busy,' okay? I'll miss you so much..."

Song Jingmo's softest spot was touched, and he compromised, saying, "I'll reply as long as I'm not busy."

"You're the best!" Lu Er was so happy she almost jumped up from her seat. If she hadn't been wearing a seatbelt, she probably would have already pounced on her and hugged her.

The two arrived at the upscale hot pot restaurant that Lu Er had carefully selected. The environment was elegant and the privacy was excellent.

However, as soon as she entered the lobby and saw the people walking over from the other side, Lu Er's smile froze.

Lu Chen was dressed in a well-tailored haute couture suit, his face cold and stern, while Luo Bingbing held his arm, elegant and poised.

Lu Er subconsciously tried to loosen her grip on Song Jingmo's hand, but the moment her fingertips moved, she gripped it even tighter.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled Song Jingmo forward: "Big brother, sister-in-law."

Lu Chen's sharp gaze swept over Lu Er and Song Jingmo's clasped hands, and his expression instantly darkened.

With his usual imposing manner: "What do you mean by this? Are you trying to rebel?"

Lu Er raised her head, her eyes no longer darting away as before, but filled with an unprecedented determination and a hint of barely perceptible grievance.

"Brother, I've never dared to compete with you since I was little, and I've never even thought about taking anything from you. It seems like I've never been worthy of having anything I particularly want."

Facing Lu Chen's displeased expression, she said accusingly, "Now that I've finally found someone I like, why are you taking away even this simple right?"

"I've never even considered the Leng Group or the Lu Group. But Song Jingmo, I must have him, and no one can stop me."

These words were so powerful that not only Lu Chen and Luo Bingbing were stunned, but even Song Jingmo's body trembled almost imperceptibly.

The gaze directed at Lu Er's profile was filled with shock and an overwhelming sense of heartache.

Luo Bingbing was the first to react, gently smoothing things over: "Alright, alright, Achen, Xiao'er is having dinner with her friends, don't spoil the fun."

He then winked at Lu Er and Song Jingmo, "Xiao Er, you two should go eat, don't delay us."

Lu Er didn't say anything more, grabbed Song Jingmo, and turned to leave.

As soon as she entered the private room, Lu Er's prickly demeanor vanished instantly, and she returned to being the carefree, cheerful little sun.

Picking up the menu, he enthusiastically ordered: "Beef slices, shrimp paste, tripe, and beef aorta—I want them all!"

Looking at the person's feigned ease, Song Jingmo felt a surge of tender heartache.

He knew that beneath Lu Er's seemingly carefree and unrestrained exterior lay a sensitive and love-starved heart.

The hot pot was quickly served, the exquisite little copper pot bubbling and steaming, filling the air with a wonderful aroma.

Lu Er cooked a slice of tender, fatty beef and naturally offered it to Song Jingmo's lips, her eyes sparkling: "Try it, see if it's good?"

Song Jingmo looked at the chopsticks being offered to his mouth, and his movements froze almost imperceptibly.

She turned her head away and said in a low voice, "Put it in the bowl, I can do it myself."

Lu Er's hand holding the chopsticks froze in mid-air, and the smile on her face faded.

He stuffed the slice of beef directly into his mouth, and before Song Jingmo could react, he leaned in and accurately captured her lips.

"Huh!" Song Jingmo's eyes widened in astonishment.

With a domineering air, Lu Er used the tip of her tongue to pry open the person's slightly cool lips and passed the slice of fatty beef, which was fragrant with sauce and piping hot.

Finally, there was a kiss that smelled strongly of hot pot, forceful yet trembling.

Lu Er stepped back slightly, her breathing a little rapid, her eyes slightly red: "I already know about the occupational exposure."

Song Jingmo's body stiffened abruptly, and he looked up at Lu Er.

"You've been avoiding me and pushing me away lately. Is it because of this that you won't agree to be with me?"

Song Jingmo remained silent, his thick eyelashes drooping down, casting a small shadow under his eyelids.

After a long pause, he gave a barely audible "hmm": "That's part of the reason."

Upon receiving confirmation, Lu Er felt as if her heart was being soaked in lemonade, incredibly bitter.

Thinking back to that post on WeChat Moments, roses will eventually wither.

It seems that it was not just a love confession, but more like a hidden sigh, a concern about the uncertainty of the future.

Lu Er felt a pang of sadness and pain in her heart, but her tone was firm yet gentle: "Roses will wither, but that's okay, I can send you a new bouquet every day."

"That way, your roses will never wither."