A Zoo of Pajamas

Long Zhenfei put down his calligraphy brush, admiring the freshly completed painting with a hearty laugh. "Of course it's good. He's my grandson, after all. I know him best."

Only then did Xu Quan feel at ease, carefully tidying up the items the old master had used.

Long Zhenfei's smile lingered, clearly in high spirits. "He's always been a reserved child. Maybe it's because he's been raised as the heir, which made him a bit cold and unfeeling. You can tell from the way he founded Jueshi; he never asked me for help, even when things were so difficult in the beginning."

"The young master has a strong, proud personality—somewhat aloof," Xu Quan sighed in agreement.

"That's why Tang Mianmian is such a good match for him." Long Zhenfei chuckled, his tone dripping with satisfaction as he spoke of Tang Mianmian, his approval evident without needing further words.

Xu Quan shared similar sentiments. The young mistress was different from other women from prominent families. She was neither arrogant nor overbearing, but instead, approachable and pure-hearted.

Such a personality was a perfect complement to the young master's disposition.

Still, Xu Quan had a lingering question. "The other masters' wives were all carefully selected—either daughters of noble families or heiresses of great wealth. The young mistress is more of a modest beauty. She doesn't seem like she could contribute much to the young master's business, does she?"

"My grandson needs no marriage alliance to help him. If he did, he wouldn't have separated from the Long Foundation back then." The old master's pride was evident.

Xu Quan thought about it and had to agree. With the young master's personality, he would never accept a marriage of convenience to advance his career. "So, all these years, you didn't pressure him into marriage because of that?"

"That's not the only reason. What happened eight years ago was a blow to him. I wanted to let him work through it on his own."

At this, the old master sighed. "Don't you think Mianmian resembles her in some ways?"

Xu Quan was stunned by the question but then nodded thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, there is a resemblance."

"That's my only concern." Long Zhenfei stood by the window, gazing toward Nianyuan, his expression distant and full of unspoken worry.

Xu Quan sighed as well. "Perhaps there's no need to be so pessimistic. The fact that the young master is changing shows that the young mistress has her charm, and it's not just her appearance."

"Let's hope so." Long Zhenfei sighed sincerely, turning back to give instructions. "It's rare for him to come back to the family estate willingly. I'd like to host a banquet this weekend. Inform all the family branches and invite some close friends of the Long family to formally introduce Mianmian."

Xu Quan agreed promptly.

The Pajama Incident

The most awkward time of the day had arrived once again.

Fresh out of the shower, Tang Mianmian saw that the man was still lounging on the bedroom sofa, casually reading news on his tablet. Uncomfortable, she said hesitantly, "I'm done. You can shower now."

Long Yejue glanced up at her. Unlike last night, she wasn't in a bathrobe but rather her adorable marine-animal-themed pajamas.

Yellow and cheerful, she looked like…a duck.

He coughed lightly, raising an eyebrow. "Don't you have any other pajamas?"

"Of course I do," she answered, puzzled by the question but still nodding. "I have lots of pajamas."

"Let me see."

"…"

Was the boss seriously interested in other people's pajamas?

Tang Mianmian was dumbfounded.

Her eyes darted around as her mind raced, filling with wild speculations—did he have some kind of pajama fetish?

But under the calm and composed gaze of the man, she felt she might have been overthinking it. Maybe he was just asking casually.

Resigned, she went to her wardrobe and pulled out all her pajamas, showcasing them one by one. "This one has a pink piglet design. This one is Teddy Bear-themed. Here's a Bunny Sister one. Oh, and this is my Doraemon set."

The corners of Long Yejue's mouth twitched as a dark line metaphorically appeared on his forehead. "Your pajamas could fill a zoo."

"Uh…"

She stood there, dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, Long Yejue had already gone into the bathroom, leaving her to stand there awkwardly, utterly confused.

Inside the bathroom, the man thought seriously about how to replace her zoo-themed pajamas with something he'd prefer.

After putting the pajamas away, Tang Mianmian noticed another item in her bag—a dress Long Yejue had given her previously. She had it dry-cleaned and neatly stored it in her suitcase. Hesitating for a moment, she took it out and placed it on the bed, planning to give it to him later.

Compared to her, Long Yejue showered much faster. He emerged with only a towel wrapped around his waist, exuding a damp, magnetic allure.

Whatever words Tang Mianmian had planned to say got stuck in her throat as she stared at him, utterly tongue-tied.

The phrase "Why aren't you wearing clothes?" was swallowed back because she was afraid he'd tease her again.

She deliberately averted her gaze to the ceiling, pretending to study its patterns in an attempt to escape the awkwardness.

But Long Yejue clearly had no intention of letting her off the hook. With his long legs, he strode over, tossing a towel into her hands and saying nonchalantly, "Help me dry my hair."

Tang Mianmian held the towel, wishing she could just hit a wall and end it all.

But the most unbearable part was yet to come. He leisurely lay down on the bed, resting his damp hair on her lap, clearly waiting to be attended to like a king.

Tang Mianmian's face turned so red it could almost ignite. She stammered, "My pajamas…they're getting wet."

"It's fine," he replied indifferently.

How could it be fine? Wet pajamas meant she couldn't sleep!

But seeing that he had closed his eyes, making it clear the topic was not open for discussion, she had no choice but to swallow her frustration and start drying his hair.

Even though she'd done this once before, this time felt completely different.

After all, there was a big difference between sitting in a chair and lying on her lap.

Tang Mianmian worked cautiously, silently praying that he wouldn't move or say anything to make this moment even more awkward.

A Kiss Under the Winter Moonlight

Unfortunately, this time, God didn't hear her prayers.

After a short moment, Long Yejue shifted, turning his body so that his face rested against her stomach.

Tang Mianmian was so startled she nearly tossed the towel onto his handsome face. But considering the consequences of such an act, she restrained herself.

Finally, after finishing drying his hair, she felt as though she had lost half her life in the process.

The one being attended to, however, opened his deep, mesmerizing eyes with a refreshed expression and a devilish smile. "Since you so kindly dried my hair, I think I should repay you."

Before she could figure out what he meant, Long Yejue extended his long arm to grab a tube of aloe vera gel from the nightstand. His smile grew lazier yet more teasing. "Let me help you with your wounds."

"…" Why did she forget to apply the medicine herself earlier?!

Tang Mianmian was so regretful she wanted to punch the bed.

She had been too distracted by her wild thoughts and completely overlooked this critical task. Now it was too late to refuse.

Lacking the courage to reject him, she obediently extended her injured knee.

Long Yejue, however, raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't we start with the wound on your back? Your knee is almost healed."

Tang Mianmian: "…"

After squirming awkwardly for a while, she eventually gave in to his overwhelming presence, lying on the bed and letting him apply the medicine.

What should have been a moment of care turned into pure torment for her.

For him, however, it was sheer enjoyment.

He relished quietly teasing her, watching her simmer with anger she didn't dare to express. Her helplessness as he toyed with her was utterly entertaining.

With deliberate care, Long Yejue applied the aloe vera gel to her back.

The wound had already reduced in swelling and looked far less frightening—whether due to the effectiveness of the ointment or her quick recovery was unclear.

As he worked, his deep-set eyes couldn't help but wander over the beautiful sight before him.

To Tang Mianmian, however, the process seemed to drag on endlessly.

"Are you done yet?" she mumbled into the pillow.

"Not yet," he replied plainly.

What exactly wasn't "done yet"? She could only guess.

Blushing furiously, Tang Mianmian tried to sneak a glance back, but he immediately stopped her. "If you keep moving, you'll irritate your wound."

"I just wanted to check if you're finished. Nurses never take this long to apply medicine," she muttered softly, hoping to hurry him up.

But alas, the sly fox was always one step ahead.

With amusement flickering in his eyes, Long Yejue quipped, "Nurses are professionals. I'm just an amateur. Naturally, it takes longer."

"…"

Fine. That actually made sense.

She had no choice but to endure once again.

By the time he finally finished, Tang Mianmian felt like she had melted into the bed.

Her cheeks were as red as apples, tempting enough to make someone want to take a bite.

Unable to resist, Long Yejue pinched her cheek gently.

"Ow! Why are you pinching my face? It hurts!"

Tang Mianmian grabbed his wrist, her face scrunched up in pain.

Only then did Long Yejue release her, his devilish smile deepening. "Your pajama pants are wet. Go change into another pair."

Fuming but unable to argue, Tang Mianmian bit her lip and headed to the wardrobe.

Long Yejue's smile grew even more wicked.

Having such a delightful little toy by his side every day, life was anything but boring.

When she returned, she had swapped her SpongeBob pajamas for a set featuring Peppa Pig. Her pink outfit made her look even more adorable—and utterly tempting.

The flames Long Yejue had barely suppressed flared up again, threatening to consume him.

Clenching his jaw, he gestured for her to come closer. "Your knee is healing well. Skip the ointment for now; it'll help the wound breathe."

Relieved, Tang Mianmian exhaled quietly. She picked up a neatly folded dress from the bedside and handed it to him. "Here's the dress you gave me last time. I had it dry-cleaned. I'm returning it now."

His playful gaze darkened slightly. Taking the dress without a word, he tossed it directly into the trash can.

"Why bother washing something you've worn? Just throw it out."

"But…" That dress was designer!

Even after all these years, it was still incredibly valuable.

"No buts. Right now, your only job is to sleep with me. Got it?" With that, he pulled her onto the bed, ready for another cozy night of innocent pillow talk.

As he held her tightly, the embrace felt warmer than the night before.

Tang Mianmian struggled slightly, feeling almost suffocated, but she dared not protest. She let him hold her as he pleased.

Outside, the winter moon hung in the quiet night sky. The soft yellow glow of the bedside lamp bathed the room in warmth.

The cozy embrace, combined with the tranquil atmosphere, soon lulled Tang Mianmian into drowsiness.

Just as she was about to turn and wish him goodnight, Long Yejue gently lifted her chin.

His warm lips captured hers, silencing her startled gasp.

This kiss—one he had been longing for—left him intoxicated.

And as he kissed her, Tang Mianmian, too, found herself completely lost in the moment.