For Your Own Good

"Go to the old house," Long Yejue replied without hesitation.

Tang Mianmian was speechless. They were clearly going to be late for work, yet he was still fooling around. Truly a childish man.

"We have work! You're going to be late like this!"

"I'm the boss." That short sentence said it all.

Fine. She gave up trying to convince him.

After all, this man always did whatever he wanted. She couldn't stop him even if she tried, so she could only let him do as he pleased.

Still, she couldn't help but mutter, "I could've gone to get it myself. Why rush over there like it's an emergency?"

"It's different," Long Yejue said with a sidelong glance, his tone certain.

She didn't get it. What was so different?

Was it because she picked the gift, so it felt special to him?

Of course, she was too embarrassed to ask out loud and could only keep her curiosity to herself.

When they arrived at the old estate's parking lot, Long Yejue told her to wait there while he went in to get the item.

Since they were pressed for time, she agreed.

He drove the electric cart into the inner courtyard, while she waited outside.

But instead of Long Yejue, it was Long Yecheng who appeared first.

"Sister-in-law?" Long Yecheng looked surprised to see her there. "What are you doing here? When did you come back?"

Seeing that she was leaning on Long Yejue's car, he quickly figured out who she came with and smiled. "Waiting for my brother?"

"Yeah, he came back to get something." She returned the greeting with a polite smile.

Long Yecheng nodded. He seemed like he wanted to say something but didn't know how to start. He just asked, "Are you feeling better? You scared me when I found you passed out in the bathroom last time."

Tang Mianmian frowned, confused. "Last time… how did you find me?"

Before he could answer, Long Yejue returned.

Seeing the two of them from afar, his mood immediately shifted, and he sped the cart toward them, the screeching brakes cutting through the air. Tang Mianmian didn't even hear Long Yecheng's answer.

She was about to ask again when Long Yejue barked, "Tang Mianmian, you still have time to chat? Do you even realize we're late?!"

"Oh, right." She glanced at the time, then said apologetically, "I'm rushing to work. See you."

Long Yecheng smiled gently, waved, and watched her get into the car.

Long Yejue slammed the door hard, making Tang Mianmian feel completely baffled.

Why was his mood swinging like this?

He was as unpredictable as the weather.

The Aston Martin roared out of the estate, leaving a trail of exhaust in Long Yecheng's face.

His once-smiling expression slowly faded.

His dark eyes stayed locked on the disappearing sports car, a glint of something cold flashing in them.

Long Yejue examined the belt she had bought and gave a nod of approval. "Nice. Not bad taste."

Tang Mianmian chuckled sheepishly. Like I'm going to tell him I only bought it because it was labeled 'limited edition.'

He put the belt back into the box and told her, "When we get to the office, you have to put it on for me."

"…"

Tang Mianmian immediately pretended to die.

She thought she'd dodged the bullet, but once they were in the office, he seriously expected her to put it on him.

She really regretted her life choices—why had she picked such a gift?!

Long Yejue sat there waiting to be served. "A birthday gift from my wife should be fastened personally. That's what makes it meaningful."

"It's not even your birthday today," she tried to deflect.

He raised an eyebrow wickedly. "Then this doesn't count as a birthday gift. You'll have to get me another one. This one will count as your belated welcome gift to me."

"!!!"

Shameless! Completely shameless!

"Shouldn't you be giving me a welcome gift? Why do I have to give you one?" she grumbled. But since he'd already taken off his old belt, and if someone like Cindy walked in now, it'd look seriously inappropriate, she had no choice but to help him.

He was clearly enjoying himself. "I did give you one. Don't tell me you didn't see it?"

"You call yourself a gift?" she groaned, face flushed with embarrassment because of their suggestive posture.

He smirked and looked down at the lovely view before him. "Of course I'm a gift. But I wouldn't mind if you gave yourself to me either."

…Die!

"But, seeing this belt, I understand your intention now." His low, sexy voice grew husky. "When a woman gives a man a belt, it means she wants to tie him down. I didn't realize you cared this much."

Cared your ass!

Tang Mianmian's teeth were grinding. She had no words for his overconfident nonsense.

He seemed to be enjoying this way too much. "Of course, it could also mean you want to tie yourself to my waist."

…Die, die, die! Tang Mianmian was fuming.

She tightened the belt with force, wishing she could strangle him with it.

Long Yejue gasped, frowning slightly. "Wife, a man's waist is fragile. For your future happiness, be gentler."

"…"

AAAAHHH!

She was going insane. This man—did he have no shame left at all?

Watching her blushing and flustered, Long Yejue loosened the belt slightly and smiled like a satisfied fox. "Thanks for the welcome gift. I should return the favor."

He cupped her face, clearly intending to kiss her.

The little lamb flung his hand away and bolted from the office.

Long Yejue only chuckled indulgently and returned to his desk, beginning his day in a splendid mood.

Meanwhile, Tang Mianmian felt her professional image had been completely destroyed by him.

First day back and she was already asking for leave and showing up late...

If her track record ever got evaluated, it would be a permanent black mark on her career.

Her gloomy expression only made Long Yejue more amused.

As he'd once said, "Working in your husband's company means you're second only to me. No one would dare fire you."

Tang Mianmian shot back coldly, "Why can't I be above you? Why do I always have to be under you?"

Long Yejue had frozen for a second, then leaned in and whispered, "I don't mind you being on top. That way feels even better."

She didn't understand at first, but once he walked out of the elevator and into his office, the meaning hit her.

Her cheeks burned like fire. She wanted to bite him to death.

This man never missed a chance to tease her!

Later, Fu Ranran showed up late too.

Best friends indeed.

The moment they saw each other, the complaints started pouring out.

Fu Ranran was fuming. "I need to find a new place to live."

"You're not living comfortably now? Why move?" Tang Mianmian asked, puzzled.

Fu Ranran looked fed up. "Some pervert's taken over my home."

Pervert?

Tang Mianmian was full of question marks.

With Ranran's fierce personality, what kind of pervert could possibly handle her?

Then it clicked—it must be Qi Yunmo.

She burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Looks like Qi Yunmo still hasn't given up on you."

"Ugh, he's like a cockroach—just won't go away." Fu Ranran's voice dripped with venom.

He'd completely taken over her place and arrogantly claimed he was there to take care of his future son.

Pfft!

That child is mine! Has nothing to do with him!

Tang Mianmian laughed helplessly. "I can tell your life is hard."

"My bonus this month is gone—all thanks to that damn pervert," Fu Ranran wailed, pounding her chest.

Tang Mianmian joined in miserably, "Mine's gone too."

"Please. You're the boss's wife. You could get a bonus whenever you want," Fu Ranran glared at her. "And stop showing off in front of me, you rich lady!"

Tang Mianmian rolled her eyes and turned to leave.

Just then, Long Yejue was heading out for a business meeting.

Her gloomy mood immediately lifted.

Did that mean she could be free of him for the afternoon?

Oh, that thought—bliss!

She waved cheerfully. "Boss, safe travels! See you later, boss!"

Long Yejue had already walked ahead, but hearing her tone, he turned right back around, his sharp eyes narrowing.

Tang Mianmian instantly sensed danger.

"Secretary Tang, join me for this lunch meeting," he said smoothly.

She hadn't even had time to escape and stood frozen in place before reluctantly replying, "Boss, I wasn't involved in this case. Maybe Cindy or Coco would be better…"

"You questioning my instructions now? Since when do you get to assign others?" His smile was faint, but his tone was icy.

Immediately, she felt several curious gazes from the other executives. She gulped and finally nodded, "Okay, boss. I'll go."

The last few words were practically ground out from between her teeth.

"We'll wait in the parking lot. Secretary Tang, don't keep us waiting," he said brightly and left with the others.

Tang Mianmian stood there full of regret.

Why did I open my big mouth earlier?!

She'd completely dug her own grave.

Dragging herself back to her office, she grabbed her coat and bag. But something didn't feel right.

She turned around and headed to the CEO's office.

"Ranran, let's swap coats," she whispered.

"Why? Mine's cheap. Yours are all designer. You rich now, throwing money away for fun?" Fu Ranran looked suspicious.

Tang Mianmian winced. This girl's imagination…

"Just do it! Why ask so many questions?! Hurry up!"

Fu Ranran looked at the lavender coat in Tang Mianmian's hand and reluctantly handed over her light brown wool one.

Tang Mianmian put it on with a satisfied smile. "Thanks, bestie!"

Fu Ranran gave her a one-word response: "Scram!"

And so she "scrammed" to the parking lot.

The moment Long Yejue saw her new outfit, his face darkened again. "Secretary Tang, I remember you wore something else this morning."

Tang Mianmian hadn't expected him to point it out so directly.

And the looks on the other execs' faces—like their jaws had dropped.

Their boss… is paying attention to a secretary's coat?!