Shou Anyi felt a chill run through him—it was the first time he had seen the young master, Long Yejue, with such a bloodthirsty expression.
Having followed him for so many years, he was thoroughly familiar with Long Yejue's temperament.
Always cold and composed, he approached everything with an unflappable demeanor but had the ability to deliver a fatal blow to his enemies at just the right moment.
It was this brilliance that allowed Long Yejue's conglomerate, Jueshi, to grow steadily in Jiangcheng's fiercely competitive business circle.
Today, Jueshi had nearly freed itself from the control of the Long family's fund and established its own empire.
Such skill and tactics had turned him into a symbol of excellence in Jiangcheng's upper society.
Whenever people mentioned the eldest son of the Long family, Long Yejue, there was always an air of admiration.
Many businessmen went to great lengths, scheming to marry their daughters off to him.
So, when this diamond bachelor chose to marry someone like Tang Mianmian, a woman from the lower class, Shou Anyi had been genuinely shocked.
"Master Jue, are you going home this weekend?" Shou Anyi asked after finishing his briefing, unable to resist his curiosity.
He knew that Long Yejue returned to the Long family estate every weekend. What intrigued him was whether the young master had brought his wife along.
Long Yejue's cold eyes lifted. "You seem to have too much time on your hands?"
Shou Anyi's scalp tingled, and he quickly shook his head like a rattle drum. "No, no! I'm extremely busy!"
He was swamped, hadn't taken a vacation in years, and was practically drowning in work! Couldn't someone satisfy his little bit of curiosity?
Just then, Cindy knocked on the office door. "Boss, Mr. Qi is here."
Long Yejue glanced at the door, where Qi Yunmo stood with a mischievous smile. His thin lips curved slightly. "What brings you here?"
Qi Yunmo strolled in leisurely, flirting with Cindy along the way. "Cindy, you're getting more beautiful each time I see you. My heart can barely take it."
Cindy blushed, lowering her gaze. "Boss, I'll get back to work."
Long Yejue nodded and motioned for Shou Anyi to leave as well.
Now, the office was left with just the two men. Long Yejue poured two glasses of red wine and sat on the sofa. "Every time you come, you flirt with my secretary. Is that really appropriate?"
"Appreciating beauty is human nature. Besides, you're a married man now. These resources should naturally be passed on to me, your good friend," Qi Yunmo quipped, clinking glasses with him.
Long Yejue took a sip of wine, his expression calm. He didn't believe for a second that Qi Yunmo was here just to flirt with Cindy.
"Out with it. What's the matter?"
"Straightforward as always!" Qi Yunmo snapped his fingers, then said, "I want to know who the woman was—the one who got into that car accident with your wife last time."
The previously composed look in Long Yejue's eyes darkened, becoming unfathomably deep. His gaze, long and narrow, carried a hint of danger as it fell on Qi Yunmo. A faint smile played on his lips. "The first time I see you asking about a woman."
Qi Yunmo snorted. "Just say if you'll help or not. Why all the unnecessary talk?"
"If she's not a friend of my wife's, then it doesn't matter," Long Yejue said, his eyes lowered as his smile grew. His naturally flawless features were strikingly superior.
A flicker of something passed through Qi Yunmo's eyes, gone as quickly as it came. "Have you become a wife-lover now?"
Long Yejue merely smiled faintly, sipping his wine without answering.
Qi Yunmo sighed. "Fine, since you're so protective, I won't push you. I'll look into it myself."
With that, he stood and left, as carefree as ever.
The office quieted again. Long Yejue got up, walked to the window, and looked down at Jiangcheng's towering skyline.
He used to enjoy this bird's-eye view.
But now, he found that something else had caught his attention.
Taking out his phone, he instinctively dialed the number of his little lamb. After a few rings, the call connected, and her slightly breathless voice came through. "What's up?"
"Just got back from a friend's house, now at the market buying groceries," Tang Mianmian said, juggling her phone and cart. "I bought your favorite dishes. Will you be home for dinner tonight?"
A smile unknowingly tugged at the corners of his mouth, and his voice softened. "Yes, I'll be home."
"What time? I'm at the market now and might be a bit late getting back. It's hard to catch a taxi here." She casually grabbed two boxes of cucumbers. They were his favorite.
"Which market?"
"Hmm, the East District's Jingse commercial area."
With her right hand, she picked up a box of carrots but hesitated before putting it back.
The man didn't like carrots.
"Alright, take your time," he said, hanging up the phone with an even wider smile. Grabbing his jacket, he headed out the door.
Cindy noticed he was leaving and hurriedly asked, "Boss, you have a meeting with Mr. Yan from YL Group later. Where are you going?"
"Cancel It, Tell Him I'll Reschedule"
Without turning back, Long Yejue instructed coldly.
Cindy was momentarily stunned but eventually picked up the phone to cancel the meeting.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder—what could make the boss so eager to leave?
Coincidentally, Shou Anyi was walking over with some documents. Cindy waved him down and asked conspiratorially, "Assistant Shou, you've worked with the boss the longest. Tell me, what's behind his strange behavior lately?"
"You noticed it too?" Shou Anyi's expression grew awkward.
Cindy pointed at the already-departed Long Yejue. "He just canceled his meeting with President Yan and left before office hours. This is the first time I've seen him leave so early without work as an excuse."
Shou Anyi seemed to understand, giving a knowing smile. "Boss's unusual behavior? Don't worry—you'll find out soon enough."
Cindy rolled her eyes. "Another one keeping secrets. I can't stand it!"
Shou Anyi chuckled and handed over his documents. "Help me get these signed by the boss tomorrow, thanks."
"Not unless you spill the reason for his strange behavior."
"Cindy~"
"Still not telling me? Forget it!"
"Cindy~"
"... Fine, leave them here!"
A Chance Encounter in the Rain
Tang Mianmian emerged from the market with two heavy bags, drenched in sweat.
Living alone, she'd rarely cooked or bought groceries. But now, determined to become the ideal wife, she decided to put in the effort. After leaving Fu Ranyan's place, she came straight here.
Her only thought while picking ingredients was to get all of Long Yejue's favorites. By the time she realized, her cart was half full.
Their double-door refrigerator could hold everything, but carrying it all home was another matter.
Ever since the car accident, she'd been too scared to drive.
Standing by the roadside trying to hail a cab, she hadn't expected light rain to start falling. It made finding a taxi even harder.
After several frustrating minutes, a sleek Maybach pulled up in front of her.
She hesitated, wondering who it could be, only to see the man himself stepping out and walking straight toward her.
His handsome brows were furrowed, and his expression was as cold as ever, revealing no trace of his mood.
Long Yejue had rushed over and happened to see the little woman standing in the rain, struggling to hail a cab. His grip on the steering wheel tightened.
Doesn't she know to find shelter?
When Tang Mianmian saw it was him, she lit up with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
He silently took the shopping bags from her hands and said curtly, "Get in the car."
She obediently climbed into the car, puzzled by his tone.
After placing the bags in the back, he returned to the driver's seat. His tailored suit was damp, but it was far better than her state.
Her white chiffon blouse, soaked from the rain, had become semi-transparent, revealing everything underneath.
His gaze darkened as he removed his jacket and tossed it onto her lap. "Put this on."
"Thank you." Tang Mianmian quickly complied, grateful for the warmth as she was feeling chilly.
Her heart swelled—this man was thoughtful despite his cold exterior.
Moments like when he silently held her hand at the Long family estate, or shielded her from a teacup in the study, came to mind.
These understated gestures carried an irresistible charm.
Not to mention, he was already a heartthrob by nature.
Suddenly, Tang Mianmian realized she'd struck gold. She'd married a man who was both rich and handsome—a true treasure.
"If you need groceries next time, call my assistant," Long Yejue said in his naturally magnetic voice, a hint of authority laced within.
Tang Mianmian felt a bit embarrassed. It was just grocery shopping—wasn't that too extravagant?
"I can handle it myself," she mumbled.
"Then why are you in such a sorry state?" he countered, raising an eyebrow.
She fell silent, inwardly grumbling that it was just bad luck. Who could've predicted rain or a taxi shortage?
Feeling chastised, she fiddled with her skirt like a scolded child, her head lowered.
Her endearing demeanor softened something in his heart. He reached out to turn up the heater, letting warmth fill the car.
Tang Mianmian looked up at him with gratitude. She'd been about to mention she was cold, likely from her damp clothes. Even with his jacket, the chill lingered.
Back at Home
When they arrived at their seaside residence, Long Yejue took the bags to the kitchen while Tang Mianmian trailed behind like a shadow.
"Go upstairs and take a hot shower to avoid catching a cold," he instructed while unpacking the groceries.
Tang Mianmian cheerfully headed upstairs.
But when she stood in front of the bathroom mirror holding her clothes, she finally noticed something. Her white blouse was nearly transparent!
Oh no!
Her face turned crimson as she covered it in embarrassment, lightly knocking her head against the bathroom door. "So embarrassing, so embarrassing!"
Her modest chest had been completely exposed. No wonder his gaze earlier felt... different.
Can time rewind, please?
Feeling utterly mortified, she scratched at the bathroom wall like a regretful puppy.
Post-Shower Embarrassment
After a long delay, she finally finished her shower and emerged looking like a freshly steamed bun—rosy, soft, and utterly adorable.
Long Yejue had also showered and was waiting for her. When he saw her, his dark eyes grew even deeper.
Her heart raced, and she fidgeted nervously. "Did I take too long?"
"Mm, you did," he replied coolly, though not unkindly.
Her cheeks reddened further as she thought, Would it kill him to be polite?
"I'll go make dinner now. Please wait a moment," she stammered, worried he might grow impatient.
After all, these upper-class heirs were known for their temperaments. Even Su Shijie used to throw fits if she was late for a movie.
"Take your time," Long Yejue said, his voice unexpectedly gentle.