You are my heartbeat

Shen Ning looked at him. "He didn't say anything like that. He just showed me about your scandal and also mentioned that maybe you didn't do it on purpose."

Qin Yuheng looked at her deeply. "Ah Ning, do you know? Whenever I say something about Mu Chen, you always defend him. 'He isn't like this, he isn't like that, he won't do anything like that.'" He paused, his voice lowering. "Do you trust him more than me?"

Shen Ning frowned, her patience thinning. "Why are you taking the conversation in another direction?" She reached for the car door, ready to step out and return to the dorm.

But Qin Yuheng moved quickly, his deep voice holding her in place. "Don't go."

Before she could react, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and guided her gently onto his lap. His embrace was firm but full of warmth, his forehead pressing against hers. His voice softened as he admitted, "I was wrong."

Shen Ning turned to face him, cupping his face. "I am not angry with you. I didn't misunderstand you either. I was just... jealous when I saw those photos."

Shen Ning leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a feather-light tease. Qin Yuheng froze for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. Then, he pulled her into his lap, one arm circling her waist, the other cupping the back of her neck to bring her closer.

The kiss started soft but quickly ignited into something deeper, more desperate. His lips parted hers, his tongue slipping inside to taste her sweetness. She gasped softly, her hands clutching his shoulders, feeling the hard planes of his chest beneath her fingers.

Qin Yuheng tilted his head, angling the kiss for more access, his lips moving against hers with an urgency that sent shivers down her spine. His hands roamed, one sliding to the small of her back, pressing her closer against him, the other hand tangling in her hair.

Her lips responded eagerly, her soft moans swallowed by his demanding kisses. The car's confined space filled with the wet, passionate sound of their lips meeting and parting. His teeth grazed her lower lip, tugging it gently before diving back into her mouth, his movements both tender and wild.

Shen Ning patted his chest gently, breaking the moment, her breaths coming in short grasps. "I have to go back now. The dorm gate will be closed soon." She said, her cheeks flushed and voice low.

Qin Yuheng rested his forehead against hers, unwilling to let the moment end. "Ah Ning," he murmured, his voice a soft plea, "Will you come back tomorrow?"

Shen Ning cupped his face, brushing her thumb against his cheek. "Yes," she said softly, her lips curling into a small smile. She leaned in to place a gentle kiss on his cheek before slipping out of his arms.

As she opened the car door, he reached for her hand, giving it a brief squeeze. "Be careful on your way in," he said, his deep voice laced with lingering affection.

Shen Ning glanced back at him before stepping out, her heart feeling lighter than before. "You too. Go home and get some rest."

Qin Yuheng watched her disappear through the gate, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The lingering warmth of her kiss and her words stayed with him, filling the void left by her absence.

When Shen Ning returned to her dorm room, her friends turned to her with playful smirks.

"What?" she asked, feigning innocence.

Yun Xi crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. "The battle must've been intense."

Lu Nan chimed in, her voice full of teasing. "Shen Ning, your lips are swollen."

Shen Ning's cheeks flushed crimson. "I bit them accidentally."

"We totally believe you," Yun Xi teased, erupting into laughter.

Shen Ning buried her face in her pillow.

------

The next day at Beijing Medical College...

The class teacher stood at the podium, scanning the room with a stern expression. "I hope everyone has submitted their assignments. After today, no late submissions will be accepted. Don't come asking for extensions-rules are rules."

Rong Yu and her group exchanged panicked glances. Their assignments weren't finished yet!

Yun Xi sneered. "Heh! Some people."

Yun Xi exchanged a knowing glance with Shen Ning and whispered, "Karma always finds its way."

Shen Ning suppressed a smile but seeing Rong Yu's arrogance crumble was oddly satisfying.

-------

That evening, when Qin Yuheng returned home, he paused in the doorway. Shen Ning was curled up on the sofa, watching TV, a soft glow from the screen illuminating her relaxed figure.

His usually cold expression softened as he took in the sight of her. Without a word, he walked over and sat beside her.

Shen Ning turned to him with a small smile, standing up to help him remove his coat.

As she leaned in to take it, Qin Yuheng suddenly reached out, wrapping his arms around her waist. Shen Ning froze, startled by the unexpected intimacy.

He buried his face against her stomach, the coolness in his body melting away as he held her close. His voice was low, almost muffled. "Ah Ning... I'm home."

Shen Ning chuckled softly, her hands instinctively moved to gently stroke his hair. "Welcome back," she said, her voice full of warmth.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The sound of the TV played faintly in the background, but the warmth shared between them filled the room.

Finally, Qin Yuheng looked up, his gaze meeting hers. "Stay like this... just for a little longer."

Shen Ning's lips curved into a tender smile, her fingers brushing lightly against his temple. "Alright."