QT: I hijacked a harem system and now I'm ruining every plot(GL)-Chapter 52: Bees

Chapter 52

Jiang Yuxi POV

I’ve never worn anything so revealing.

I tug lightly at the strings of my bikini top, the soft fabric barely enough to cover what needs to be covered. It’s not that I’m uncomfortable—just... unfamiliar. A little exposed. Vulnerable in a way I haven’t felt since stepping into the spotlight for the first time.

But I packed it for a reason.

The wrap clings around my hips like an afterthought, a decorative attempt at modesty that fools no one. The light blue fabric is soft against my skin, catching the glint of sunlight streaming in from the resort’s grand window.

And the other reason for all of this?

Well, it’s currently standing on the other side of the pool area.

Han Li.

Dressed in an effortlessly casual cream short-sleeved button-up and matching shorts, her tan skin glowing under the sun. A simple white tank top peeks through, the ensemble clean and tailored but undeniably relaxed. The way she leans against the bar, posture lazy but alert—it’s unfair.

She looks like every fantasy wrapped in skin.

Naturally, she’s surrounded.

It’s exhausting dating someone that attractive. You leave her alone for five minutes and the swarm arrives—like bees drawn to honey. I can’t really blame them. I’d be tempted too, if she weren’t already mine.

Some of them, I notice, didn’t even flinch when they realized she’s a woman. In fact, the moment they clock it, things only get worse—hips start swaying a little more, voices rise to a pitch that’s almost laughable, cleavage pushed just a little too high. Subtle in the way sharks circling blood are subtle.

Unfortunately for them, I’m not in the mood.

I flip my hair over my shoulder and stride forward. My walk is steady, deliberate. I may or may not purposely shoulder a blonde out of my way. Who’s to say?

I reach Han Li’s side and loop my arm around her bicep, anchoring myself to her as I lean in with a soft smile.

>"Let’s go."

I say, loud enough for everyone to hear.

>"I’m ready."

Han Li turns to look at me—and then does a double take.

Her lips part slightly. Her gaze drops, then rises again slowly, lingering on my body in a way that makes my breath hitch.

She swallows once, and then her face hardens—just slightly—as she redirects her attention to the group of women still circling.

>"Excuse us."

She says, cool and firm.

Her arm moves instinctively to wrap around my waist, guiding me away from the scene like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

I don’t try to hide the smirk I send over my shoulder.

I make sure it lands. Direct hit.

Han Li leans in close as we walk, her voice a low hum in my ear.

>"You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?"

She murmurs.

I grin, tilting my head up to meet her gaze.

>"I was getting bored."

She exhales sharply, shaking her head, but there’s laughter in her eyes. Something else, too—something sharper. Possessive.

>"Bored." she echoes.

>"Dangerous word, Yuxi."

We slip into one of the shaded cabanas by the water, the white linen curtains swaying gently with the ocean breeze.

Han Li tosses a towel across the plush lounger before sitting down, legs stretched out, and then, without hesitation, pulls me onto her lap like it’s the most casual thing in the world.

Her hands settle on my thighs, warm and steady, her thumbs drawing slow circles against my skin.

I cross my arms, pouting slightly as I look away.

>"I don’t like it "

I mutter.

She nuzzles against the side of my neck, her voice low and calm.

>"The women?"

I nod, lips pressed together.

>"You saw them. Hovering around you like moths to a flame."

>"I wasn’t entertaining them."

She replies softly, her breath brushing my skin.

>"You know that."

>"It’s your fault for being so attractive."

I say, still sulking—though I’m not really angry. Just... annoyed. And maybe a little possessive.

Han Li chuckles against my skin, her lips grazing the curve of my neck.

>"Well," she murmurs.

>"I did have a private island in mind for this trip. Secluded, silent, just us. No admiring fans, no bikini-clad distractions."

Her tone is teasing, but there’s a pointed edge to it.

I lean back slightly to look at her.

> "I know. But I wanted to plan something special for you—for your birthday. This place had great reviews, promised privacy, luxury. It was still in my budget range."

I say ’budget range’ like I didn’t spring for the upgraded VIP suite that nearly cost me my last endorsement paycheck.

Her hands tighten briefly around my waist, and she laughs—a rich, low sound that sends a warm flutter through my chest.

"You know," she says, kissing my neck, "the only gift I need is you."

I blink. And then, despite myself, smile.

She leans back just enough to look at me, her expression unexpectedly soft.

>"But thank you," she adds. "For thinking of me and putting so much effort."

I slide my fingers into her hair, gently combing through the soft strands. Her new haircut suits her—short, clean, a little tousled. It frames her sharp features and draws attention to her eyes.

She closes her eyes slightly under my touch, clearly enjoying the moment.

>"So, what’s the plan for today?"

I clear my throat, pretending not to be distracted.

>"Well, there’s a local tour guide waiting in the lobby. We’re going sightseeing—there’s supposed to be a waterfall nearby. Small but pretty. The brochure said it’s hidden, kind of tucked between cliffs."

Han Li opens one eye.

>"Is there a hike involved?"

>"Maybe a short one."

She groans, dramatic.

> "You brought me all the way to paradise to make me exercise on my birthday?"

I laugh.

> "You’ll survive."

She smirks.

>"Only because you’re cute."

I roll my eyes but rest my head against her shoulder anyway.

>"Besides," I add, "the waterfall is supposed to be romantic. Crystal clear water, lots of secluded space. Good lighting for photos."

Han Li raises a brow.

>"So this is a photo op disguised as a date?"

>"It’s both."

I say with a grin.

> "I’m an actress. It’s instinct."

She laughs again and presses a kiss to my temple.

>"Fine. But only because I plan to take full advantage of the fact that you’re wearing that bikini."

I swat at her playfully, cheeks heating up.

She catches my wrist and kisses the inside of it, lingering. "And afterward," she murmurs, "we’re coming back here. I don’t care how nice the waterfall is—this cabana has better views."

Her fingers trail slowly down my thigh again, deliberate and warm.

I bite my lip to keep from smiling too wide.