Chapter 78: Eat (BGM: In Flames)

Handsome and intelligent, powerful yet gentle, always close by and attentive. For a time, she believed she might have become the protagonist of a fairy tale.

Until the arrangements for work were made clear, until the true plans were spoken aloud, until she caught the scent of another woman on him, until he openly declared he would never have just one woman—those secret threads of her heart, slowly concealed, were drawn out again, pulled and stretched ever more.

Now, she was cornered by this young man she could not refuse, forced to confess her feelings. Tao Zhiming stopped, took her shoulders in his hands, and looked into her eyes: “Runa, you will be happier than ever before. Only when I am sure your whole heart belongs to me can I feel at ease letting you be part of my life.”

Runa Onodera gazed blankly ahead; at that moment, she finally saw in his eyes the look of appreciation and affection, and a longing that seemed like an invitation.

To be part of... his life?

She suddenly grew weary of her old life, tired of being alone—it was simply too exhausting...

She couldn’t leave anyway; her life had no light, and she was already nearing the age when youth begins to fade.

Runa Onodera looked at him with a simple gaze—the way a man looks at a woman.

Just like... those carefree moments of the past.

The burdens in her heart began to crack and shatter; her heart beat faster, as if it had returned to the days when she was still young.

In her current state, how many people would treat her with such seriousness, invest so much in her?

Even though he had plenty of money, that beautiful bank clerk—wasn’t she younger and prettier than herself?

Most importantly, he had rushed home this afternoon and left again, saying he had done something violent. Yet, in such a tense moment, hadn’t he spent the entire morning and evening with her?

Perhaps his true feelings were not as cruel as the words he spoke last night.

Suddenly, she was certain: when they bought the necklace and clothes that morning, the look in Tao’s eyes was not only for work.

Her heart raced all the more, urging her forward.

Biting her lip, Runa Onodera drew a deep breath and said, “Take me with you!”

...

The night in Tokyo was enchanting, but the person entering the room drew the curtains and shut it away.

Runa Onodera didn’t have time to admire the view from the window of this top hotel; she could only stand at the entrance, breathing rapidly.

Tao Zhiming approached her steadily, exuding overwhelming pressure.

She was seven years older than him, yet in his presence, she felt like the little girl who couldn’t control her racing heart.

The main light of the room shone on his face, first illuminating a bright smile.

Then, the outline of his body was traced by light, but his face blurred, and Runa felt as though she were staring into an abyss.

Until he reached the entryway, where a dim lamp softened his features.

His face was so young, so beautiful, yet she couldn’t help but step back.

Her movement was halted instantly. Runa’s arms were straight at her sides, feeling the strength of his arm around her waist.

She clenched her teeth, her eyes already closed.

In the room, only her own suppressed breathing could be heard, along with the lingering silence.

“Such a beautiful flower... shouldn’t just wither away.”

His voice, tinged with regret, sounded. Runa Onodera trembled and opened her eyes, seeing him gazing intently at her.

“But... to become even more beautiful, it needs much nourishment.” Tao’s voice grew softer, “First... relax.”

As he said, Runa relaxed.

But soon, it felt like an indescribable torment, a drug that blurred awareness and stripped away strength while awakening desire.

Her mouth could finally breathe, and she heard his words at her ear: “Let me see the most beautiful you.”

“...Hm?” Runa asked in a daze.

“Wait for me.”

Tao Zhiming licked his lips, released her, and went into the bathroom, turning on the shower.

Runa gradually regained some clarity, her heart pounding wildly.

She watched as he picked up the bottle of red wine provided by the hotel, opened it directly, poured it into a glass, and looked at her, saying, “A beauty deserves fine wine.”

He took a sip, then brought it to her lips.

Runa, confused, instinctively opened her mouth, and the cool, slightly tart wine touched her tongue.

Tao smiled and stepped back, leaning against the door with his glass: “Courage gained. Runa, I want to see.”

His demeanor left Runa at a loss.

How could she... just open the bathroom and let herself stand before him...

But the heat in his gaze stirred something deep within her—a rush of excitement and pleasure at breaking free and indulging.

“I know, inside... is beautiful.” Tao pointed with a hand, “Runa, be proud.”

Runa felt he was a conductor, a born leader, yet his commands in her ears made her happy.

Tao’s eyes sparkled, and he took another heartfelt sip of wine, his lips curving.

The scene before him was like a flower blooming for one person only, opening in slow motion.

The concealing leaves were peeled away, white petals stretched, crimson fruit grew at its fullest, the core hidden among golden filaments, the necklace bought that morning glittered in the valley.

She shed all protection with her own hands, growing bolder, though she still couldn’t just stand there unmoving.

This flower sprouted legs and hurried, trembling, into the mist.

Tao shifted position, continuing to admire her with burning eyes.

The beauty stands by the water.

The reeds grow thick in the mist, clear dew flows among them, inviting one to swim upstream...

...

Much later, Tao Zhiming sighed contentedly to himself.

This dish was truly delicious.

Paired with good wine, it was perfect.

Because of the wine, the dish was completely intoxicated.

She could no longer hide the wine in her heart.

Perhaps it had been aged too long, its fragrance overflowing, its mellow strength endless and abundant.

Tao was surprised to find her tolerance was low, but her capacity was vast.

So he became a robust vintner, drawing out every drop.

Tao’s fingers slid gently: “Are you happy?”

“...Like a dream.”

“Have you dreamed of me?”

“...Yes.”

“Dreams should be bold, a little wild.”

Runa Onodera’s feelings for him had transformed entirely. She lifted her lovely face, rested it on his chest, and looked at him.

Tao’s eyes were bright.

At least for now, he belonged only to her.

At least for now, his heart was wholly here.

“Miko... always wakes so punctually. Tonight... I don’t want to go back.” Runa bit her lip and stared at him.

Tao raised a hand and slapped the curve: “You still want to leave? I haven’t had my fill!”

With that slap, Runa felt herself...

The water shimmered in her eyes: “I... haven’t had enough either...”

Tao found this wonderful.

Her gaze now was the most intoxicating.

From body to soul, she had completely surrendered.

In her eyes burned the urge to give herself wholly, alongside the joy of being desired and conquered by a powerful man.

Tao Zhiming stretched out comfortably: “Come, eat.”

But Runa Onodera was bolder, reaching out to gently caress his face.

How could she let such a man be taken by someone else?

Even if she couldn’t stop it, she would make sure that while he was by her side, he was thoroughly satisfied!