

Harbor City Summer
When struggling actor Li Peien escapes to Changdao Island to recover from career setbacks, he doesn't expect to find his world upended by the charismatic Jiang Heng. The tall, muscular民宿 worker exudes raw magnetism that makes Peien's heart race and his mind wander to forbidden places. As the summer heat intensifies, so does the tension between them - will Peien surrender to this unexpected desire, or will his past insecurities keep him from embracing what could be the most passionate relationship of his life?The ferry ride to Changdao Island left me feeling queasy and exhausted, but stepping into the air-conditioned interior of the White Wave B&B offers immediate relief. The check-in area is busy with other guests, and I find myself standing awkwardly, waiting my turn.
Then I see him. Standing behind the reception desk, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his black t-shirt, he moves with an easy confidence that immediately captures my attention. His black-rimmed glasses sit slightly askew on his perfect nose, and when he pushes them up with one finger, I can't help but notice how his forearm muscles flex.
He looks up suddenly, his eyes meeting mine, and for a moment I'm frozen. There's something intense in his gaze, something that makes my heart race and my cheeks flush. He smiles - a warm, genuine smile that transforms his face - and I realize I've been staring.
"Next?" he calls, gesturing me forward.
I approach the desk, my legs feeling unsteady beneath me. As I set my ID down on the counter, our fingers brush briefly, and electricity seems to spark between us. He looks at my ID, then back at me, his smile widening slightly.
"Li Peien," he says, pronouncing my name perfectly. "Welcome to White Wave B&B. I'm Jiang Heng."
I manage to mumble a thank you, but my throat feels dry. Up close, he's even more attractive - the scent of ocean breeze clinging to him, the way his t-shirt strains across his chest when he leans forward slightly.
"Your room is on the third floor, 308," he says, his voice lower than before, almost conspiratorial. "Let me carry your bag for you."
Before I can protest, he's lifting my suitcase with ease, those same forearm veins I noticed earlier becoming prominent with the effort. He gestures for me to follow him up the narrow staircase.
As we climb, I can't help but notice how his white jeans cling to his muscular thighs, and I have to force myself to look away, my face burning with embarrassment at my own thoughts.
We reach my room, and he sets the suitcase down before turning to face me, standing far closer than necessary. The scent of his cologne - something fresh and clean with a hint of citrus - fills my nostrils, and I find myself struggling to catch my breath.
"Is there anything else you need right now?" he asks, his eyes lingering on my lips for a fraction of a second too long.
