A man's heart is as unfathomable as the depths of the ocean.

Long Yejue's deep, brooding eyes softened with a faint glimmer of amusement as his lips curved slightly upward. His mood had significantly improved.

Tang Mianmian stayed in the kitchen for quite some time, waiting for the heat on her flushed face to dissipate. As she sliced the meat, she berated herself for her inappropriate thoughts.

Thank goodness I didn't say anything out loud, or I'd have been humiliated beyond repair.

She prepared a simple bowl of shredded pork noodles and had just brought it out when the man descended the stairs.

Still as strikingly handsome as ever, his appearance almost made her burn herself again.

"I made shredded pork noodles. I'm not sure if you'll like it," she said hesitantly.

Long Yejue sat down and glanced at the neatly presented bowl of noodles, his mood evidently better.

However, the layer of chopped scallions on top gave him pause.

Seeing him remain motionless, Tang Mianmian's heart leapt to her throat. "What's wrong? Don't like noodles? I can make something else."

"I don't eat scallions," he said flatly.

"...Can I pick them out for you?" she offered tentatively.

He gave a slight nod.

Eager to rectify the situation, Tang Mianmian rushed back to the kitchen, grabbed a pair of chopsticks and a small bowl, then hurried back to start picking out the scallions for him.

As she worked, she couldn't help but mumble, "You know, being picky about food isn't a good habit."

The man, chastised, merely lowered his gaze and watched her deft fingers removing the offending scallions. Strangely, he found this small act rather enjoyable.

When he didn't respond, Tang Mianmian grew bolder. "Honestly, scallions add a lot of flavor to noodles. Don't you think so?"

She looked up at him, her bright eyes meeting his cold expression. Realizing she might have overstepped, her cheeks flushed as she stammered an apology.

"I didn't mean to lecture you! I was just stating a fact... I mean... ugh..."

She couldn't seem to explain herself without making it worse.

Without a word, Long Yejue picked up his chopsticks and began eating.

"Wait, I haven't finished picking out the scallions!"

But he continued eating.

Fine, forget it, she thought.

Getting up, she prepared to leave. "Just leave the dishes in the kitchen when you're done. I'll clean up tomorrow. I'm heading to bed."

The man suddenly looked up, his deep eyes locking onto hers.

His gaze sent a shiver down her spine. Had she done something wrong again?

"I'm not finished eating," he said.

"I know," she replied cautiously.

"Wait here until I'm done."

"..."

Does he want me to keep him company?

Though she wanted to confirm, he had already lowered his head and resumed eating.

Resigned, Tang Mianmian returned to her seat and waited as he ate, one bite at a time. Only when he finished did she gather the dishes, wash them, and put them away.

When she came back, he was still sitting at the table, his intense gaze fixed on her.

The look in his eyes carried a dangerous glint, setting off alarms in her head.

Why does it feel like... a wolf staring at its prey?

While she pondered how to handle the situation, he stood up and silently walked upstairs, leaving her behind, bewildered.

What's up with this man tonight?

People always said women were enigmatic, but Tang Mianmian was convinced that Long Yejue was even more of a mystery.

When Long Yejue left for work the next morning, Tang Mianmian finally felt more at ease.

Her belongings had been delivered by An Yi, so she immediately called her best friend, Fu Ranyan.

The moment the call connected, a lion's roar nearly burst her eardrum.

"TANG MIANMIAN! YOU TRAITOR! How dare you abandon me like that?! Are you even human? Are we even friends anymore? Do you want me to end this friendship right now?!"

"Dear, my ears aren't deaf yet. Can you tone it down a bit? Don't scare the baby in your belly," Tang Mianmian replied sweetly, trying to calm the fiery Fu Ranyan.

Her soothing tactic worked, though Fu Ranyan still gritted her teeth. "You have thirty minutes to get your butt over here, or you're dead!"

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be there in no time."

Tang Mianmian hurriedly set out for Fu Ranyan's place, relieved that it was daytime and she could easily hail a taxi.

More importantly, she wasn't short on cash anymore.

That morning, she'd discovered her bag had not only been returned with everything intact but also included extra money—likely from Long Yejue.

Who knew that man could be so thoughtful?

Though spending his money felt a bit awkward, she had no other choice for now.

Fu Ranyan, taking a week off due to her pregnancy, was stewing in frustration at home.

The moment Tang Mianmian arrived, the complaints started pouring out.

"You heartless traitor! How could you abandon me at the accident scene and run off? What kind of friend are you? Who was so important that you ditched me, your faithful companion?"

Tang Mianmian scratched her head sheepishly. "I only left because I saw you were being taken care of. Otherwise, I wouldn't have let them drag me away."

"Dragged away?" Fu Ranyan's eyes widened.

Tang Mianmian nodded vigorously. "Yes, dragged away."

"Well, fine. I'll let it slide this time." Finally mollified, Fu Ranyan sat down beside her and scrutinized her carefully. "Now, tell me—who's your sugar daddy?"

"Pfft!"

Tang Mianmian nearly choked on air.

"What's with that reaction? You're acting way too suspicious," Fu Ranyan said, unimpressed.

Tang Mianmian sighed in exasperation. "It's not what you think."

"Then what is it? That Audi A8! Normal people can't afford that. Su Shijie could, but that stingy man never bought you anything decent and even cheated on you. Don't tell me that car is his breakup gift?" Fu Ranyan rattled off her analysis, then froze, her eyes widening. "Don't tell me... it is?"

"This is so off-track I don't even know how to respond!" Tang Mianmian exclaimed, thoroughly exasperated. "Stop guessing. That car belongs to... my husband."

Fu Ranyan: "..."

Did she hear that right?

Knowing Fu Ranyan would react this way, Tang Mianmian sighed and braced herself. "Fine, scream if you need to. But yes, I got married."

"Aaahhh!!!"

The piercing scream echoed through the room.

Tang Mianmian covered her ears, her expression saying, I knew it.

When Fu Ranyan finally calmed down, she grabbed her friend's shoulders and shook her. "Tell me everything! How on earth did you get married?!"

"Shouldn't you at least ask who I married first?" Tang Mianmian asked, exasperated.

"Who cares who it is? Anyone who owns an Audi A8 is good enough for me! I just want to know how you managed it," Fu Ranyan said bluntly.

Tang Mianmian rolled her eyes. "At this rate, I'm the one who should end our friendship!"

"Come on, spill it already!" Fu Ranyan's curiosity was practically clawing at her.