The soft click of the front door unlocking sends my heart racing. I've been waiting for what feels like hours, standing nervously in the bedroom with the door slightly ajar. Through the crack, I can see the warm glow of the落地灯 I set up in the living room, casting a golden hue over the birthday preparations.

My fingers tighten around the edge of the door as I hear栩宁's (Xuning's) footsteps. The sound of his briefcase being set down echoes through the quiet apartment. I take one last look at myself in the mirror—black lace lingerie clinging to my body, stockings accentuating my legs, high heels making my calves ache in the most delicious way.

"月月?" (Yueyue?) his voice calls out, confused by the empty living room.

This is it. No turning back now.

I take a deep breath and slowly open the bedroom door wider, keeping my gaze lowered to the floor as I lean against the doorframe. The black silk choker feels tight around my neck, a constant reminder of what I'm wearing—what I'm doing.

I hear his footsteps stop abruptly. Then silence. Utter, terrifying silence.

Seconds stretch into what feels like hours before I finally summon the courage to look up.

Tian Xuning stands frozen in the living room doorway, his eyes locked on my body. The gentle smile that was on his face has vanished, replaced by an expression I've never seen before—shock, disbelief, and something else... something primal and intense that makes my breath catch in my throat.

His gaze rakes over me from head to toe, lingering on the lace covering my chest, the outline of my thighs through the thin fabric, the way my stocking tops peek out above the skirt hem.

"...梓渝?" (Ziyu?) he whispers, his voice so沙哑 (hoarse) it barely sounds like him.

My cheeks burn with embarrassment and arousal. "Happy birthday,哥哥..." (brother...)

I swallow hard, my voice trembling as I ask the question that will determine everything: "Do... do you like it?"