novelraw Chapter 506: Can This Heart Be Held Back?
Chapter 506: Can This Heart Be Held Back?
Around 11 a.m., sunlight streamed through the mall’s vast glass dome, casting a warm glow.
Century Plaza was bustling with people, lively and vibrant.
On both sides of the wide corridor, shops lined up in dazzling rows, brand signs glowing brightly under the lights.
Wearing a color-block hoodie, Tang Song looked fresh, sunny, and youthful, forming a stark contrast with Xie Shuyu’s mature elegance and fashionable poise.
The two walked side by side down the mall corridor, instantly maxing out the head-turn rate.
“Thanks, Sister Shuyu.” Tang Song tilted his head slightly, breathing in the alluring fragrance of the female CEO.
Xie Shuyu gave a gentle smile, her voice soft yet composed. “Why so polite with me? I’m your girlfriend—this little favor is nothing. I’ve got some connections in Quancheng, I’ll take care of it for you.”
She wasn’t the aloof type. On the contrary, her high emotional and intellectual intelligence always let her read the room with precision, and use just the right words to achieve her goals.
Hearing her reply, a broad smile appeared on Tang Song’s face. “Alright then, I like the sound of that.”
As he spoke, Tang Song reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, feeling her soft, slender curves, pulling her a little closer.A sense of contentment swirled in his chest—his mood instantly lighter.
Xie Shuyu’s body tensed slightly but then gently pushed him away. “Don’t mess around—we’re in public.”
Tang Song lightly squeezed her hand and whispered teasingly, “Sister Shuyu, you’re being so sweet today—I kinda want a taste.”
“You…” Xie Shuyu’s fair chest rose and fell slightly. She wanted to refuse, but worried Tang Song would be unhappy, so she could only mutter, “This isn’t the place.”
Seeing the female CEO acting both adorable and reserved, Tang Song couldn’t resist. He suddenly stopped in his tracks, leaned in, and kissed her.
Her soft, full lips were warm and sweet. Looking at her dignified and graceful face, Tang Song playfully winked.
His move was quick and bold—so sudden that it caught Xie Shuyu completely off guard. She froze for a few seconds before realizing what had happened.
Just as she was about to react, Tang Song quickly pulled back. “Told you—you’re sweet.”
“Enough.”
Noticing the glances from people around them, a faint blush rose on Xie Shuyu’s cheeks as she turned and casually walked into a store.
That fleeting brush of lips felt like a current running through her body.
With her back to Tang Song, she couldn’t help raising her hand and gently touching her lips.
In truth, she didn’t completely reject such intimacy.
It’s just that she was used to maintaining distance—and in public, she preferred to stay composed and proper.
Tang Song’s boldness gave her a kind of unexpected thrill.
“Looking to buy a phone?” Tang Song stepped to her side and waved his Huawei Mate X3 in front of her. “You know, the one I’m using now was a gift from you—still works great.”
Xie Shuyu looked at the foldable phone in his hand, and the corners of her lips lifted.
Her mind flashed back to a few months ago, at that private banking event. She had casually picked out a few high-end phones to give to VIP clients—this Mate X3 was one of them.
Because she had a bit of a soft spot for him, she gifted him one, thinking she might rope him into joining her company in the future.
She then looked up and realized the store she’d casually walked into was, coincidentally, a Huawei flagship store.
“Looks like your phone doesn’t support 5G. The Mate 60 just dropped, and it has satellite communication too. I’ll get you one—consider it an upgrade.”
Tang Song smiled. “Well, if we’re upgrading, why not get matching ones? Couple phones. What do you think?”
Xie Shuyu paused, then nodded. “Alright. Let’s do that.”
Next, Xie Shuyu pulled his arm and brought him over to the display.
They discussed and picked for a while. Due to limited supply, only bundled versions were available, and there weren’t many models in stock.
In the end, they bought two Mate 60 Pro+, with a pile of accessories.
Xie Shuyu swiped her card directly—cool and smooth as always.
Once again, Tang Song felt that pampered-by-CEO kind of love and couldn’t help but give her another kiss in return.
After buying the phones, the two headed straight to a Japanese restaurant on the top floor of the mall.
Xie Shuyu expertly ordered for both of them—seared beef, sushi, tempura, chawanmushi...
The food arrived quickly. They chatted as they ate, the conversation ranging from work to life to personal hobbies.
Xie Shuyu, for once, let herself relax. Occasionally, Tang Song’s cheeky remarks even made her laugh out loud.
Ring ring— The phone rang.
Xie Shuyu glanced at the caller ID. After a moment’s hesitation, she picked up.
“Mm, go ahead.”
“How wide is the impact? Do we have a backup plan?” The most update n0vels are published on NoveI(F)ire.net
“Got it. Follow up as soon as possible. Call me if anything else comes up.”
She hung up, and they had only exchanged a few more words before her phone buzzed again. The screen lit up.
It was a message from her assistant, Xiaomin.
Xie Shuyu quickly typed a reply.
Soon, the screen lit up again, one message and call after another disrupting the moment.
Xie Shuyu looked down at her screen, her brows furrowing slightly, as if weighing something in her mind.
After a while, she took a deep breath and, with great willpower, put her phone on silent and tucked it into her bag.
“There’s a minor issue at the new store, but it’s already handled. No worries—let’s keep going.” She looked up, her tone calm.
Tang Song smiled and nodded. “Alright.”
After lunch, the two strolled around the mall for a while.
Tang Song suggested watching a movie and immediately bought two tickets—for a lighthearted romantic comedy.
Inside the dim theater, the scent of popcorn filled the air.
After finding their seats, Tang Song leaned over to whisper in her ear, “Sister Shuyu, do you like movies?”
His warm breath brushed against her earlobe, making Xie Shuyu shiver slightly. “They’re okay. I used to watch a lot when I was younger.”
“You’re still young now—and beautiful. Your smile is stunning.” Tang Song took the chance to kiss her on the cheek, continuing to tease the female CEO. “Come on, smile for me.”
“Stop being cheeky!” Xie Shuyu shot him a glare, grabbed a couple of popcorn kernels and shoved them into his mouth, then sat up straight. “The movie’s starting.”
In the dim light, her lips curled ever so slightly. A thin blush spread across her snow-pale cheeks—barely noticeable.
Crunch—crunch—
Tang Song munched on the popcorn and flipped up the armrest between them, slipping his arm around her back and pulling her into his embrace.
Xie Shuyu gave a token struggle, then didn’t resist anymore.
The movie began, the story unfolding on the big screen.
Xie Shuyu leaned into Tang Song’s chest, feeling the warmth and steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Born in ’91, she had never been in a relationship before, but she was still a normal 90s kid who had watched Meteor Garden, It Started with a Kiss, Full House…
She’d had her share of teenage crushes and daydreams.
She tilted her head slightly, glancing at Tang Song’s handsome profile, her gaze growing a little distant.
She had never imagined she’d end up dating someone seven years younger.
Just then, Tang Song turned his head.
Their eyes met. A moment later, warmth spread across her thigh—a hand gently rested on her leg, slowly caressing.
It felt nice. Gentle.
Xie Shuyu turned back toward the screen, focusing intently on the movie—though her body trembled ever so slightly from time to time.
She’d always been like this—carrying a subtle grace and reserve.
Even when kissing, she kept her teeth closed and never took the initiative, just letting him kiss her.
Now, this indulgence and silent consent, paired with her elegant CEO demeanor, gave Tang Song a surge of indescribable satisfaction and a sense of conquest.
He gently applied a bit more pressure, feeling the firm elasticity beneath the sheer stockings, a strange thrill washing over him.
The movie ended. The lights came back on. Around them, the audience began to get up and leave.
Xie Shuyu glanced down at her newly bought stockings and sighed helplessly. “Do you even know? They’re almost starting to pill.”
“Sorry, Sister Shuyu. I’ll be more careful next time. But…” Tang Song paused and once again looked at her legs, “your legs are really beautiful. I couldn’t help myself.”
That was the honest truth.
At 175cm tall, Xie Shuyu had the perfect supermodel legs.
The very first time he saw her, it was those long, fair legs that caught his attention.
Now that he had the chance to get close, of course they’d become his top target.
Xie Shuyu seemed amused by his words. She nudged him with her elbow. “Let’s go. We should head out.”
“Mm.” Tang Song took her hand and walked out with her.
Outside the theater, Xie Shuyu casually glanced around while talking about this and that, her steps now more relaxed than before.
Tang Song didn’t tease her further and simply accompanied the CEO as they strolled around aimlessly.
He knew—for a woman like Xie Shuyu, who was always decisive and efficient, putting her phone on silent and allowing her time to be “wasted” on something as trivial as wandering around was already a kind of compromise.
In other words, he was steadily conquering her.
Looking at the woman who always played the “older, wiser” role in front of him, Tang Song couldn’t help but smile brightly.
As night gradually fell, colorful lights lit up along the pedestrian street.
Instead of going to a restaurant, they strolled along the street, stopping at various snack stalls.
Xie Shuyu only took small bites—one or two of each thing—and the rest all ended up in Tang Song’s stomach.
Whenever they got tired, they’d find a random shop to sit and rest for a bit.
7:30 p.m.
Xie Shuyu checked the time on her wrist for the third time and said gently, “You should head back now. There are lots of trucks on the road to Jing County—it’s not safe if it gets too late.”
“It really isn’t safe.” Tang Song smiled. “How about I stay in Quancheng? We could find a hotel together?”
Xie Shuyu raised an eyebrow, lips curving into a smile. “Next time. Make sure you book in advance.”
“Oh? How far in advance?”
“Not telling you. Guess yourself.” Xie Shuyu tapped him lightly on the chest with her fingertip, as if warning him not to push his luck—though it felt more like a tease.
Tang Song caught her hand—not with force, just a steady hold.
Noticing his slightly heated gaze, Xie Shuyu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear,
then smoothly changed the subject. “Alright, let’s go back. Drive carefully.”
The evening breeze gently swept by, lifting her hair in soft arcs beneath the neon lights—stunning and heart-stirring.
Tang Song held her fingers, looked at her graceful face, then slowly lowered his head and kissed the length of her fair neck.
“Ah!” Xie Shuyu let out a soft gasp, her body immediately tensing, a wave of tingling sensation spreading through her like a jolt of electricity.
It was like countless feathers brushing lightly across her neck—shudder-inducing.
She quickly pushed him away and blushed. “What are you doing...”
“Nothing. Just wanted to kiss you.”
Xie Shuyu took a deep breath, calming her racing heart. “Don’t kiss my neck—it makes me uncomfortable.”
Ever since Qixi Festival, she’d realized her neck was especially sensitive.
Just the lightest touch from Tang Song would elicit an immediate reaction.
But as someone with very strong self-control, she quickly adjusted her mindset and regained her usual composed and elegant demeanor.
Tang Song didn’t reply. He simply smiled and took the CEO’s hand, walking back into the mall contentedly.
Just as they stepped into the first-floor atrium of Century Plaza, the loud commotion hit them all at once.
There was clearly some kind of event going on—looked like a big one.
It was the mall’s peak traffic hour, and the place was packed with people, bustling with energy.
Xie Shuyu tugged Tang Song to take a side route. Her gaze brushed over a prominent Winnie the Pooh plush on a shelf, and her steps unconsciously slowed.
The plush stood about 80 to 90 centimeters tall, with a round belly embroidered with a golden “Pooh”—its silly, lovable look absolutely adorable.
Sensing her reaction, Tang Song stopped and followed her gaze. “You like that plushie?”
Xie Shuyu smiled awkwardly. “It’s alright. Just thought it was cute.”
When she was little, she’d loved watching Winnie the Pooh. She even had a similar-sized plush at home. She couldn’t help glancing at it a few extra times.
“Wait here.” Tang Song let go of her hand and walked over to the shelf. He turned to the staff. “Hi, how much for this?”
The staff was a young girl with freckles. She blushed a little when he approached and explained, “That’s not for sale. It’s a special prize for our mall event.”
“Oh? What event?”
The girl pointed to a red stage nearby. “October 1st Special Event—Princess Carry Challenge. If the guy can successfully carry his female partner in a bridal-style hold and hold it for a specific time, they can win a prize. Hold for 15 minutes and you get the big plushie. Hold for 30 minutes and win first place—you’ll get a gold pendant!”
Tang Song’s eyes lit up. He turned to Xie Shuyu. “Sister Shuyu, how about we give it a try? We’ve got nothing else going on right now. Hold for 10 minutes and you get the plush you want.”
“No need, I was just saying. Let’s go check out the street stalls instead. Besides, you can buy that plush in any store—no need to bother with this.”
She found the whole event childish—not something fitting for her age or status.
“This is different. It’s got meaning.” Tang Song chuckled, leaning in to whisper, “And you’re so light—piece of cake.”
Before she could protest, he took her hand and led her toward the sign-up area.
Watching him walk ahead, thinking about his intent, she finally gave in.
A small wave of sweetness bubbled in her chest.
The two of them were striking individuals—immediately standing out from the crowd.
Some guys looked at the tall, sexy, and refined woman beside Tang Song, eyes burning with envy.
After registering, the staff gave them a number and explained the rules.
More than ten minutes later, the host began the countdown. “Three, two, one!” The event began.
Tang Song bent down slightly, wrapped his arms securely around Xie Shuyu’s waist and legs, and effortlessly lifted her up.
“Ah!” Xie Shuyu yelped, her body going stiff as her hands instinctively clutched his shoulders.
A wave of self-conscious embarrassment surged through her as everyone’s attention locked on them, her face flushing red.
“Sister Shuyu, wrap your arms around my neck. Don’t be so distant.” Tang Song teased, squeezing her thigh as he adjusted his grip.
She really was light—slim and long-limbed, like holding a feather.
“Don’t move around!” she muttered with a glare, then looked around at the other contestants. Most were holding each other intimately—some even being shamelessly flirtatious.
Compared to them, she felt oddly stiff and out of place.
After a moment’s hesitation, she pressed her lips together and finally, slowly lifted her arms to wrap around his neck.
After all, anyone who could build everything from scratch like she had was bound to have a competitive heart.
In that moment, the two of them clung to each other in a closeness they had never shared before.
Xie Shuyu could clearly feel Tang Song’s firm arms and strong muscles, feel the strength and warmth radiating through the fabric.
Their eyes met in midair, and Tang Song made no attempt to hide the blazing passion in his gaze. That deep look seemed to melt her entirely.
Then, he released his left hand, holding her legs with just one arm. With his freed right hand, he smoothly took the handbag from her grasp.
His movements were clean and fluid, displaying immense core strength.
The pair had already been drawing attention, but Tang Song’s one-armed “princess carry” instantly made them the center of the spotlight. Cheers erupted all around, and the energy in the room hit a new peak.
Some girls looked at Tang Song with eyes practically turning into puddles. Even the host couldn’t help but chuckle and tease them a little.
Xie Shuyu’s cheeks flushed red. She buried her face in Tang Song’s chest, trying to hide from the gazes coming from all directions.
Thump thump thump—the sound of her heartbeat echoed in her ears.
She had never felt such intense excitement or impulse.
Her once mature and rational heart seemed to be reawakened, infused with the vibrancy and color of youth.
Time slipped by in that subtle atmosphere. Around them, other contestants gradually gave up.
Tang Song maintained a steady stance throughout, holding her with one arm. Beads of sweat began to trickle from his forehead.
Cheers and applause rose and fell.
When the host finally called out, “15 minutes achieved!” Tang Song gently, carefully set her down.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he cupped her elegant, beautiful face, breathing heavily, and sealed her lips with a deep kiss.
The kiss carried the taste of salt from his sweat and a surge of intense hormones, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
The defenses of reason began to collapse.
Xie Shuyu wrapped her arms around his waist, responding clumsily yet earnestly.
Their lips and teeth moved gently, their bodies and hearts in sync.
Her vision blurred. All she could hear was her own heartbeat, and the distant cheers of the crowd.
Can a heart like this be stopped?
It was a mountain crashing down.
A tidal wave.
An army charging in full force.