In such a rush to go home and make babies?

"Suxi, forget him." Hexi Jue came out after smoking and happened to bump into Su Xi in the hallway.

The echo in the corridor was strong, and since it was a quiet corner, everything was heard clearly by the two in the restroom.

Su Xi seemed to be choking back tears, soft sobs reaching Fu Ranzran's ears, making her glance questioningly at Tang Mianmian.

Hexi Jue continued, "You've waited so long. Aren't you tired?"

"Tired… how could I not be?" Her voice was weak and worn, like it came from nowhere. "Sometimes, I feel so tired that I can't even find myself anymore."

"I just don't get it. Is it worth it? Look at him now—marrying a stranger, ignoring you. Isn't that kind of hurt enough?" Hexi Jue was heartbroken for her, wishing he could hold her tightly and give her strength.

Su Xi only gave a bitter smile. "I've gotten used to it."

Just three words, and they explained everything.

Tang Mianmian clenched her fists tightly, a roar growing in her ears, as if she couldn't hear anything else in the world.

And yet, she could hear their conversation so clearly.

How ironic.

After a while, Hexi Jue let out a heavy sigh and said helplessly, "Come on, let's go. We'll drink later."

Su Xi agreed readily.

Because it was the only way she knew to forget her pain.

Once their footsteps faded, Tang Mianmian finally snapped out of it. It felt like an entire century had passed.

Fu Ranzran tugged her hand, asking, "What's going on? That woman's in love with Long Yejue?"

"Probably." She couldn't be sure.

But from what Hexi Jue had said, she could grasp a few things.

Married a stranger…

Wasn't that stranger her?

What a bitter term.

All the sweetness from before had turned into sorrow now. An inexplicable sadness swelled in her chest.

Fu Ranzran squeezed her hand in comfort. "Don't overthink. Maybe it's not what you're imagining. If Su Xi really had something with him, it wouldn't have dragged on until now."

And most importantly, Tang Mianmian could feel how much Long Yejue cared for her.

But even with all that, Tang Mianmian still felt heartbroken.

Ranzran didn't know what she'd felt at the waterside pavilion when she saw Su Xi, so she couldn't understand her mood now.

After all, someone who's been betrayed once will fear every shadow—a snake-bitten person dreads the well rope for ten years.

That's exactly how she felt.

Fu Ranzran wanted to say more, but Tang Mianmian had already stepped out of the restroom.

She sighed silently and followed her back to the private room.

The room was buzzing again, thanks to Hexi Jue's presence, the atmosphere was far from dull.

Su Xi and Hexi Jue were singing a duet. Her voice, though a bit cold, was surprisingly pleasant.

She sang the love song with just the right amount of emotion.

But she clearly wasn't singing it for Hexi Jue.

Tang Mianmian wanted to find an excuse to leave, but the moment she entered the room, Long Yejue pulled her into his arms and wouldn't let go for a second.

From an outsider's perspective, they looked nothing short of madly in love.

But Tang Mianmian felt like walking on thin ice.

Her distant demeanor slightly irked Long Yejue, so he cupped her face and kissed her right there.

Just then, Hexi Jue finished his line, and when it was Su Xi's turn to sing, she blanked out.

Everyone looked toward her.

Su Xi snapped out of it and quickly apologized, turning off the music. "My throat's a bit sore today."

She made up an excuse for herself.

"If your throat's sore, then don't sing." Hexi Jue said considerately.

Fu Ranzran commented sarcastically, "I thought it sounded great. Couldn't tell anything was wrong."

Qi Yunmo tugged her sleeve, hinting for her to stop talking.

She snorted and stayed quiet.

The atmosphere suddenly became stiff. Tang Mianmian quickly broke the silence, saying she was tired and wanted to go home and rest.

Being the wife-lover that he was, Long Yejue didn't hesitate. "You all go on. We're heading back first."

"So early? You two in such a hurry to go home and make babies?" Hexi Jue joked.

Only to feel the person next to him tremble again…

Tang Mianmian couldn't even raise her head anymore.

Long Yejue smiled faintly, his deep eyes shining, "Thanks for the blessing."

Hexi Jue: "…"

Damn it, the guy's really shameless now!

On the way home, she was quiet, eyes closed like she was exhausted.

Long Yejue figured it was just her period fatigue, so he didn't disturb her. He even pulled over and reclined her seat a bit.

Tang Mianmian opened her misty eyes, slightly startled by his action.

He gave her a warm smile. "This way, you can sleep more comfortably."

His considerate words eased a bit of her inner turmoil.

She closed her eyes again, pretending to sleep.

Soft music filled the car, mixed with the sound of his faint breathing.

The ride was smooth and steady, the car's suspension making her feel like she was floating in a dream.

As if everything happening was a beautiful illusion.

They arrived at the old mansion around eight. The lights were on, making the house look almost magical.

Tang Mianmian was about to get out of the car, but Long Yejue opened the door and scooped her up.

A textbook princess carry, leaving her a bit embarrassed. "I can walk."

"It's okay, I'll carry you inside." He didn't mind at all, walking steadily toward the electric car.

She didn't resist. Not because she couldn't—just because she didn't want to.

Back at Nianyuan, the usual medicinal meal was served.

Tonight she obediently drank it, no complaints.

But the man next to her seemed slightly disappointed.

When Tang Mianmian saw that look, her face turned red. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"I thought I might get some rewards tonight," he joked.

"In your dreams." She snorted. "The medicine's not as bitter as yesterday's. Actually kind of refreshing."

Long Yejue gave a small "Oh," slightly regretting last night's instructions.

Seems the medicine tasted better, so she didn't need him anymore.

What a misstep!

He should've told Uncle Xu to make it even worse—then he'd get more rewards.

Tang Mianmian went upstairs, took a quick shower, and lay in bed reading.

Long Yejue returned after a while and saw the book in her hands, momentarily stunned. "Where did that come from?"

"Oh, this? Found it in your study. Just something to kill time." She spoke casually, not noticing the subtle change in his expression.

He didn't say anything else and went into the bathroom.

She kept reading, but found herself unable to focus at all since he'd come in.

When he came out, steam wrapped around him, and his well-toned body exuded a wild, masculine charm.

She quickly looked away, pretending to read, not wanting to be distracted.

But Long Yejue didn't miss the blush on her cheeks. With a mischievous smile, he said, "Wifey, your book's upside down."

Startled, Tang Mianmian glanced at the book…

Only to find it wasn't upside down at all. Her flustered reaction played right into his hands. She glared at him, annoyed.

A low chuckle escaped his lips as he teased, "Guess you weren't really reading. I thought you were totally into it."

"I was reading seriously…"

She tried to explain, though she didn't sound very convincing.

Honestly, she had been focused before he walked in, trying to use the book to calm herself.

"Was?" Long Yejue's peach blossom eyes gleamed. "So you're saying I distracted you?"

"Yes!" she said, a little accusatory.

But Long Yejue only grinned wider. "I'm honored."

"…"

Honored, my foot!

She cursed silently, too scared to say it out loud.

"If the book isn't as interesting as me, then stop reading." He yanked it from her hands and tossed it aside.

Tang Mianmian failed to stop him. "Hey! Don't be so overbearing!"

She just wanted to read in peace.

But Long Yejue was already leaning over her, a devilish grin on his lips. "I can be even more overbearing."

One look at his eyes and she knew exactly what dirty thoughts were running through his mind, face flushing red as she tried to push him away.

But the strength difference between men and women was real.

Long Yejue easily captured her lips in a kiss…

Ever since they came back from the party, he'd sensed something was off.

Tang Mianmian wasn't in a good mood.

But she didn't say why. She just kept it to herself.

That bothered him. As her husband, shouldn't he be the first to know her feelings?

After the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily.

His tense muscles radiated a wild and unruly vibe.

Tang Mianmian felt the heat from his body and quickly looked away. "Your hair… it's still wet. Let me dry it for you."

He sighed and rolled off. "It's fine. I'll handle it. You rest if you're not feeling well."

Tang Mianmian happily stayed in bed, quiet now, but occasionally sneaking glances at him.

Even the way he dried his hair was outrageously sexy.

A man like him… there would never be a shortage of women chasing after him.

She had mentally prepared for that.

But now that it was all playing out in real life, she suddenly felt so fragile, as if her heart couldn't take it.

Was it because she cared too much, so her expectations were higher too?

Her thoughts were a mess, tangled and chaotic.

Long Yejue sensed her gaze, turned slightly, and smiled, "What's wrong? Like my body?"

"Huh?" She was caught off guard.

His eyes darkened, a flicker of fire lighting up within.

She's daydreaming?!

How could she zone out at such a romantic moment?!

He must've spoiled her too much.

Tossing the towel aside, he walked toward her in long, powerful strides.

Each step was full of dominance, his eyes glowing with a strange gleam, blood pumping with an urge to conquer.

"Long Yejue, what are you doing?"

Tang Mianmian panicked under his intense gaze and pulled the blanket up.

This felt… dangerous.

Like a little bunny trying to escape, only to find her legs weak, as if the big bad wolf had stolen all her strength.

"Wife, I've decided… it's time to take our relationship to the next level." His voice was low and magnetic, eyes blazing with desire.