[COD] Newbie's Rise to Power

Look him straight in the eye and then respond to him.

My response was, "I need...you need me."

The core of the phrase "I need you, you need me" is an equal relationship of need and dependence, but in your eyes it is also a dependence relationship dominated by you.

His needs are only valuable when you need them.

And when he no longer needs you, you no longer need him either.

You and he need each other, but you are not controlled by him. This is the state you need, a state without being anxious about gains and losses.

Upon hearing this, Keegan suddenly revealed a faint smile.

"yn, you're just like a fish in the deep sea, elusive and cunning."

"But... I like you just the way you are."

ch.223: Strawberries and Oranges

This is the first time Keegan has ever used the word "like" to express his feelings for you.

This is also a signal that he is backing down in this standoff between you.

In return for his kindness, you should also make some concessions.

"Yes, if you're willing to stay in the deep sea for the fish, she'll naturally come closer to you and become dependent on you. And then..."

You grab his wrist and bring his hand to your lips...

"Kiss your fingers."

As you spoke, you left a faint, warm mark on his cold little finger.

She looked up at him with expectant eyes.

So, are you willing?

Keegan curled his fingers slightly, reached out and touched your cheek. The soft touch made him linger, but his tone remained calm.

"How many people has this fish been close to, and how many times has it kissed fingers?"

You stated without any hesitation: "A free fish has the right to choose who it wants to be close to."

When dealing with him, you can't be the slightest bit timid or hesitant; even if you're in the wrong, you have to be assertive!

You have now gained the upper hand, and you cannot show any weakness before achieving complete victory.

Moreover, only those who are afraid of losing will feel nervous, while those who want to win will only feel excited!

But being too assertive is also not good, as it will make the other person feel that their feelings are not valued.

So you tilted your head slightly, affectionately nuzzled his hand that was stroking your face, and smiled:

"But you're the first person Xiaoyu has ever kissed..."

Be gentle and considerate, make him feel special, and satisfy his need to be favored.

You're not sure if this will work, but it's the most defensive approach you can think of right now.

When there isn't enough confidence to win, defense is also a strategy, at least it can maintain the current balance.

Finally, it depends on whether his feelings for you are deep enough to lead him to indulge you.

If you can't accept it, then it's a pity, and you'll have to give up even if you're reluctant.

if...

"I'm so happy that my kid is becoming more and more comfortable with me."

Keegan chuckled softly, offering a gentle compliment.

You respond with a compliment: "You taught me very well; I gained a lot of experience."

You raised an eyebrow at him, but you didn't expect that, did you? You tried to checkmate him but ended up being checked instead!

Keegan nodded: "Good boy, you have a lot of talent."

You raise your hand and place it on the back of his hand, making a final tentative move.

"Then, would you be willing to continue teaching me?"

Would you like to stay by my side?

Keegan's hand, which had been resting on your cheek, slowly moved his thumb to your lips and gently pressed it.

His eyes were deep, but his tone remained gentle.

"Of course, I can teach you a lot more."

Of course, I want to have more of you.

Once you get the answer, the sound of victory rings in your mind!

In my heart, I was also moved by his concession.

"Then I will study hard."

You open your mouth and respond to him.

Open and close your lips, and move the tip of your tongue as you pronounce the sound.

I accidentally touched his fingertip.

It made his eyes look dull.

He pressed down with his thumb, and as you opened your mouth, it accidentally landed on your warm, wet spot.

But after you instinctively take a light bite, it immediately moves away!

He lowered his eyes and looked at the light on the pad of his thumb.

Then he raised his hand and pressed it to his thin lips, shifting the light.

This action surprises you, yet you can't help but feel a flutter in your heart.

"Kid, strawberry or orange, which do you like?"

He suddenly spoke up and asked.

You were startled, and then a memory surfaced in your mind.

A faint blush rose to her cheeks, and she lowered her eyes, avoiding his gaze.

"Anything is fine."

Keegan gave a soft "hmm," then reached out...

Close your eyes...

His hand reached past you and into the pocket of the coat hanging on the door.

When you hear the rustling of clothes behind you, open your eyes immediately!

Keegan took his hand out of his pocket and held a small, pink, rectangular package.

"Is it...candy?"

You asked, puzzled.

After all, the shape of this packaging makes it look like an ordinary candy.

Keegan nodded as he unwrapped the candy.

"For our first time, I hope to bring you sweet memories."

After saying that, he put the candy in his mouth and then lowered his head...

The sweet strawberry flavor first lingers around your nose before being shared with you.

The cool, moist strawberry is put into your mouth, and its sweet taste explodes on your tongue as you swallow its rich juice.

The sweet-smelling flesh, as it was passed from one fruit to another, became even sweeter with each interaction...

It took a long time before you finished eating that strawberry candy.

As you parted, your sweet breath sprayed onto the face of the person in front of you.

And he, in a deep, seductive voice that exuded fragrance, said to you:

"From now on, every time you recall this time with us, it will taste like sweet strawberries."

Your lips are sticky from the sugar stains, and your heart is soft with sweetness.

"Keegan, you're really cheating."

You made a comment that wasn't particularly offensive.

Keegan suddenly raised a faint smile, which seemed to contain a hint of malice.

"This isn't a foul, it's a scheme, a plan to make you never forget my scheme."

It is indeed hard to forget. After all, how many people would deliberately eat candy in front of their partner before kissing and say something like that?

However... it is indeed sweet.

Keegan takes your hand, gently places a sweet scent on the back of your hand, and then looks at you with a serious gaze.

"Kid, I'm going to take a shower now. The door is right behind you. You can leave if you don't want to."

You look at him in surprise, surprised that he would still give you a choice at a time like this.

He lets go of your hand, and as he turns away, he leaves behind a casual remark, not a demand for you to stay.

"But I hope I can still see you when I come out."

You stood there watching him disappear into the bathroom, until you heard the sound of water coming from inside.

Should I leave?

Although you implicitly acknowledged the relationship through your vague words.

But are you really ready to take things a step further with him?

As time passed, the sound of water in the bathroom finally stopped.

A while later, the bathroom door clicked open.