“I’ve been holding back so hard…”

Shen Xiao'ai walked over with a frosty expression, casting a disdainful glance at Tang Mianmian before lifting her chin and mockingly asking, "Jue, who is she?"

Tang Mianmian, who'd just been insulted over her modest chest, was fuming. She reached out and pinched the man's waist hard.

Long Yejue's handsome face twitched. He clenched his teeth to endure the pain, but still managed to smile as he introduced, "Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Tang Mianmian."

Then he turned to Tang Mianmian. "This is Shen Shaogong's younger sister, Shen Xiao'ai."

Shen Shaogong?

Wasn't that the "doctor with potential" everyone was talking about?

Shen Xiao'ai was clearly stunned by Long Yejue's words.

She blinked, stunned. "What… what did you say?"

"I said—"

"I'm his wife!" Tang Mianmian cut in loudly, beating Long Yejue to the punch.

That declaration made Long Yejue's lips curl upward in delight, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Shen Xiao'ai was visibly crushed. Tears welled in her eyes. "Jue-ge, didn't you say you'd wait for me?"

"I…"

"Is it because you couldn't wait anymore, so you just settled for some random woman?" she cried, the full force of her spoiled-princess syndrome flaring up.

Tang Mianmian raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by the drama.

Long Yejue rubbed his temple. "When did I ever say I was waiting for you?"

"I get it. You just can't say it in front of her, right? It's fine—we can talk in private later," Shen Xiao'ai insisted.

Long Yejue: "…"

Stop making stuff up, please…

Tang Mianmian's smirk deepened.

Shen Xiao'ai couldn't handle the blow and stormed out of the office, leaving behind a speechless Long Yejue and a smug-faced Tang Mianmian.

After a moment of silence, Long Yejue said earnestly, "I can explain."

How familiar that line sounded!

Tang Mianmian snorted coldly. "I don't listen to explanations."

Long Yejue: "…"

Great. She's throwing my own words back at me.

"It's not what it looked like—"

Oh no. That one was just as familiar.

He finally knew what it felt like to be totally misunderstood and unable to talk his way out of it.

Tang Mianmian shook off his hand, placed the food box on the coffee table, and said with a cold smile, "Looks like this meal is ruined. Enjoy it alone. I'm leaving."

"Mianmian—"

"Let go!" she snapped, yanking her arm from his grasp.

"Mianmian…" he called again, clearly helpless.

She huffed, determined to stay mad.

Left with no choice, Long Yejue played his trump card—he pinned her to the wall in one swift move.

His hands clasped her wrists above her head, his body pressing close as he leaned in and captured her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss.

Sure, jealousy was cute, but her ignoring him? That was dangerous.

He had to keep her here—no matter what.

"Mm-mm—Long Yejue… you… you're shameless—"

She barely managed to mumble a few words through the intense kiss.

But he didn't let up at all, kissing her with heat and hunger, his desire to dominate written in every movement.

Her resistance faded quickly—his kisses had always been her weakness. After a while, she was dazed, completely forgetting why she was even mad in the first place.

Shameless man!

Using seduction tactics again!

Tang Mianmian raged in her head, but her body betrayed her, melting into him.

When the kiss finally ended, both were breathing heavily.

Long Yejue's dark eyes burned with desire. He released her wrists and cupped her flushed face, murmuring, "Still mad?"

Tang Mianmian bit her lip, dizzy. "Shameless!"

"Wifey," he whispered, burying his face into the curve of her neck, voice low and hoarse, "I've been holding back so hard…"

"…"

Ahhhhh!

I'm supposed to be mad at him—why is he saying stuff like that again?!

Panicked and desperate to change the subject, she weakly pointed to the neglected food box. "I'm hungry…"

"So am I," he replied, voice layered with meaning.

Her face turned bright red. "I meant my stomach is hungry!"

His smoldering gaze swept over her, setting every inch of her skin on fire. Finally, he relented with a low chuckle. "Fine. I'll feed you first—so I have the energy to feed myself later."

"…!"

Tang Mianmian almost burst into tears.

Wasn't she just angry a moment ago? How did things spiral into this?

Looks like Fu Ranjan might need to hand over her title as "Queen of Topic Derailment."

"You really came just to bring me lunch?" Long Yejue pulled her to the sofa, one arm wrapped tightly around her waist as he opened the food box.

Tang Mianmian huffed. "No. I just happened to be nearby. I thought Ranran was working today."

"Is that so?" He clearly didn't believe a word of it.

"She wasn't, so I figured you could have it. But since you don't seem very grateful, maybe I should just take it back."

She moved to close the box.

Long Yejue quickly pressed her hand down. "I'll eat. Even if it's poison, I'll eat anything you give me."

This man's mouth!

Tang Mianmian grumbled inwardly but pulled her hand back. "Guess I need to start knocking before coming into your office."

"Nope! Definitely not! Not even in the office—or the bathroom. You don't ever need to knock."

Long Yejue said it on purpose.

Tang Mianmian's face flushed red again.

Can we please just eat in peace?!

Just as the two were feeding each other sweetly, completely reconciled and lost in their own world of affectionate spoonfuls and shared bites, An Yi knocked and entered the office.

Instantly blinded by this disgustingly sweet display of PDA, he sank into silent depression.

Do they ever consider the feelings of a single guy before flaunting like this?

Suppressing his sour mood, he cleared his throat and regained his professional tone. "Young Master Jue, weren't you scheduled to have lunch with Shenghua's CEO? The car is ready."

"Cancel it," Long Yejue replied casually without even looking up.

An Yi's mouth twitched. He knew he shouldn't interrupt this lovey-dovey scene, but duty called. "You've already postponed twice. A third time might not be very… appropriate."

Twice?

Long Yejue didn't even remember.

Tang Mianmian, being considerate, chimed in, "Why don't you go? I don't mind eating alone."

"I'm not going. Reschedule it—tell them we'll meet another time."

Lunch with an old man vs. lunch with his beloved wife?

It wasn't even a question.

An Yi drifted out of the office like a soul leaving its body, silently wondering what excuse to use this time…

Shenghua might not be as big as Jue Corp, but still—a partner is a partner! Boss, you ghosting them like this is seriously not okay!

He grumbled internally, knowing he had to be the one to deliver the bad news again. The real victims of rejection? Always the assistants.

Cindy spotted his defeated look and smirked. "Told you it was pointless to go in there. Should've just canceled from the start—the result's the same anyway."

An Yi stared up at the ceiling in silence. "How long can one assistant survive in this job…"

Back in the office, the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Long Yejue was thoroughly enjoying the lunch his wife had brought, as if he were savoring a five-star meal.

After they finished eating, they curled up on the sofa. He held her tightly, feeling ridiculously content.

Tang Mianmian, lulled by the comfort, began to doze. "You still have work to do. I should head back."

"Stay a little longer."

He didn't get many chances like this—no way he'd let her leave so easily.

"You've got work to do," she reminded him. "And I'm really tired."

"How come? You walked a lot today?"

She shook her head. "No, I stopped by the hospital to see Ranran before coming here. That's why I'm a little drained."

"But didn't you say the lunch was for Ranran? That you thought she came to work? So how'd you end up at the hospital?"

"…"

Oops. Slip of the tongue.

Why is my mouth like this? Ugh, hopeless!

And this man—how is he this sharp? Can a girl not catch a break?!

In the end, Long Yejue tucked her into the rest room for a nap and, after stealing a few kisses, went back to work in high spirits.

Cindy, noticing the boss's unusually good mood, rushed out to notify all departments: If you've got documents that need approval, get them in now—while the sun is still shining!

Tang Mianmian woke up around 3 PM. The outer office was still a hive of activity. She cracked the rest room door open and watched the man at work.

Even just sitting there, Long Yejue exuded charm.

Especially when he worked—focused and precise—it was an irresistible kind of masculine allure.

Serious men were always attractive.

She smiled softly. Even that tiny sound drew his attention—he looked over immediately.

Startled, she turned her head away.

He didn't call her out, simply asked, "You're awake?"

She strolled out like nothing happened. But as soon as she reached the desk, he pulled her into his lap and hugged her tight.

She made a token struggle, then gave in.

"Wait for me a bit. I've just got a few more deals to wrap up, then we can go."

She nodded. "I'll make you some coffee then."

The moment she offered, his face stiffened. "Instant… is fine too."

Ouch.

Clearly, he remembered the tragedy that was her last attempt.

Feeling slightly wounded, she pouted, "You don't trust me? That hurts."

"…No, no—go ahead. I'll drink whatever you make."

"That's more like it!"

She practically skipped off to the bar, full of enthusiasm.

Despite his hesitation, she really wanted to get it right. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach—what better start than coffee?

Compared to the Long family chefs' extravagant meals, making coffee was more personal and doable.

With her by his side, even work felt easier—his productivity soared.

When Qi Yunmo received the latest batch of files, he couldn't help teasing: "You two really are the dream team. Looks like I should bring Ranran into my office too."

Long Yejue didn't even look up. "Don't forget—Ranran's under Jue Corp. Without my permission, she's not going anywhere."

A string of curses came from the other end of the call.

Long Yejue calmly ended the video chat, completely unbothered.

Meanwhile, Tang Mianmian brewed four whole batches before she was finally satisfied. She proudly placed the cup in front of him, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

He looked at it—this required serious courage—but seeing her so hopeful, he braced himself.

Even if it was poison, he'd drink it.

He took a sip.

A slight frown tugged at his brows…

Tang Mianmian instantly tensed. "Well? Still awful?"

He didn't answer right away. Just looked at her, then slowly smiled. "Improving."

Her eyes lit up with pride. "Of course! Something this simple can't beat me!"

The way she glowed with confidence tugged at his heart again. He reached out, pulled her into his arms, and smirked. "Since you've improved, I've got to reward you somehow."

That look in his eyes made Tang Mianmian blush hard.