A Quiet Mrs. Long

In the end, she mustered up her courage and said, "Boss, it's time to eat."

Everyone was stunned.

The office fell silent as all eyes turned to her.

Tang Mianmian's heart was pounding out of her chest, but she stood firm and repeated, "Boss, you should eat."

The department heads looked at her with a mix of sympathy and disbelief.

Sympathy—because she had just interrupted the boss's meeting. Surely, she was about to be kicked out.

Disbelief—because did she not know that the boss had zero tolerance for interruptions?

Especially at work, he never gave anyone a second chance when it came to mistakes.

Had this little secretary grown a lion's heart overnight?

Several people were already thinking about how to dodge the incoming firestorm and even came up with excuses to leave.

But the storm never came.

Instead, Long Yejue nodded. "Alright, meeting paused. You all go eat too."

Everyone was shook.

What kind of alternate universe was this?

The boss didn't get angry?

They couldn't understand it, but none dared question him. They all silently shuffled out of the office, casting each other bewildered glances.

Who the hell is that woman? they all wondered.

But no one had an answer.

Tang Mianmian calmly placed the lunch box on the table. "Hurry and eat," she urged.

Long Yejue, eating with ease, glanced at her. "If I didn't remind you to eat today, would you have forgotten me entirely?"

"…I'm sorry." She didn't deny it.

She had indeed messed up today.

To her surprise, he only smiled, pulled her over, and shoved the chopsticks into her hands. "As punishment for neglecting your duties, you'll feed me."

"…"

This man...

Fine. She picked up the chopsticks and began feeding him.

Long Yejue clearly enjoyed this moment of intimacy. He held her in one arm while eating, visibly more relaxed than he had been all morning.

When she finished tidying up, he was already napping on the sofa.

He must have been exhausted.

She didn't disturb him. Instead, she fetched a blanket and gently covered him.

Just as she was turning to leave, he pulled her into his arms.

She struggled briefly.

A deep voice murmured, "Sleep with me for a bit."

Tang Mianmian froze, then stopped resisting.

The afternoon sun poured warmth across the room.

When Candy walked in, she was greeted by a scene that took her breath away.

The cold and emotionless boss, Long Yejue, was asleep, holding Tang Mianmian in his arms.

It was the gentlest version of him she had ever seen.

And Mianmian, also asleep, nestled peacefully in his embrace.

A picture so beautiful, it made one hold their breath.

On impulse, Candy took out her phone and snapped a photo before quietly closing the door with a soft smile.

She knew better than anyone how tired he had been lately—and was glad he could finally rest.

Tang Mianmian was doing her best to adapt to her new job and could clearly see how much work weighed on Long Yejue. She sincerely wished she could help him more.

That seaside land project must be important—he wouldn't be working day and night if it weren't.

She couldn't help much with business, but at least she could take care of everything in his life with perfection. And she was getting better at it every day.

That evening, Qi Yunmo showed up at Jue Group.

Seeing him reminded her of his conflict with Fu Ranyan.

From his expression, it looked like things still weren't resolved.

Fu Ranyan hadn't mentioned it that day, but her mood clearly suggested otherwise.

Qi Yunmo came with a clear goal—he wanted Long Yejue to have Fu Ranyan resign.

Ye Jue gave him a cool look and said, "Have you thought about the trouble you're causing her?"

Qi Yunmo flinched, his fists clenched.

"You make a scene like this—do you think your family doesn't know about her by now? Have you considered the pressure you're putting on her?" Ye Jue's words cut to the bone.

Mianmian stared in shock.

How did he know? She hadn't said a word—she swore!

Qi Yunmo's confidence began to crumble.

"She's not accepted by my family, yes—but I'm trying," he said, voice heavy with defeat.

This wasn't the man Tang Mianmian remembered.

That version of Qi Yunmo was always smiling, always unfazed.

This… was someone worn out by love.

She sighed inwardly. Love was never just between two people.

"Is your effort helping?" Ye Jue's voice was sharp. "She has her own goals now. What you're doing only distracts her. If I were you, I'd wait until I could truly protect her before stepping up."

Qi Yunmo's pupils contracted. "I'm afraid… that by the time I can protect her, she'll be gone."

"You? Afraid?" Ye Jue's lips curled. "Then give up now."

"I won't." Qi Yunmo's tone was firm.

"Then show us some results," Ye Jue said, voice as calm as ever.

Qi Yunmo was stunned, then suddenly understood—Ye Jue's words cleared his mind like cold water.

"I get it now."

"Good. And don't treat Jue Group like your home. You come and go too freely."

It sounded like a jab, but those who knew him understood the weight behind the words.

Qi Yunmo gave him a serious look. "What if I said I want to compete for that seaside land too?"

"Fair competition. Why not?" Ye Jue said lightly. "Competing with you doesn't lower my value."

Qi Yunmo finally smiled. "Then I hope this time, you still win."

"I will," Ye Jue said confidently.

Qi Yunmo didn't disturb Fu Ranyan. He left as quietly as he came.

Tang Mianmian, unable to hold back, asked, "That land—why invite him to compete? Aren't you just adding to your own competition?"

Who does that?

Ye Jue chuckled. "What, don't you trust your husband's abilities?"

"That's not it… It's just that most people want fewer competitors."

"You think I brought him in just to compete with me?" he asked, smirking.

Her eyes blinked, then widened. "You're bringing in an ally?"

"Not exactly. But it's more of a partnership," he said, eyes gleaming.

Alright. She was starting to get it. Her admiration for him only grew. "With you being so capable, I feel useless."

"You just need to quietly be my wife," he teased.

She laughed. "Still, what woman doesn't want to help her husband? Unfortunately, I studied jewelry design—this business stuff is out of my league."

"You just need to understand me," he murmured, burying his face in her neck.

She was used to his intimate gestures now and didn't resist, though her heart pounded. "But I still don't understand you very well."

"Then here's your chance to learn," he said huskily.

A shiver ran through her.

Then she felt his hand slipping into her clothes—

She smacked it away, breathless. "This is how I 'learn'?"

"Understanding my body," he replied, eyes blazing.

She flushed. "Aren't I supposed to understand you?"

He grinned. "Then I'll let you feel around."

"…"

Ughhh!

She'd fallen for it again!

"This dark side of yours—can you not?" she wailed.

Saturday was Long Yejue's birthday. On Friday, Tang Mianmian got a call—not from him, but from his grandfather, Long Zhenfei.

The old man sounded spirited and direct. "What's the plan for his birthday? At home or something low-key?"

"I think… he said he'll keep it low-key," she glanced toward the bathroom, replying softly.

The old man snorted. "Doesn't even treat home as home. I was hoping to use the party to officially introduce you."

"Grandpa… I don't want to go public." She dreaded the storm that might follow.

She liked the way things were now—simple, peaceful, and warm.

Like she once said—

Just a quiet Mrs. Long.

But Long Zhenfei disagreed. "He's the heir of the Long family. Keeping it secret will only create problems. Better to announce it early."

"But…"

She still wasn't sure. She had no status, no background—who wouldn't laugh at her?

Sensing her hesitation, the old man chuckled. "Worried what people might say? Then give them something else to talk about—make me a great-grandpa."

"Grandpa…"

She blushed furiously.

Why always this topic?!

"You're married. It's only natural."

"…"

She didn't know what to say.

If he found out she and Ye Jue were still just "pillow-talking" kind of married, would he kick her out?

"Well, talk to him and see. Even if we don't announce it, at least make the house lively for once."

That hit her heart somehow. She nodded. "I'll try to convince him."

"Good! You remember your promise!" the old man said decisively.

Something felt off though… like she'd just been tricked.

After hanging up, Ye Jue emerged from the bathroom. "Shower early. We're heading to the old house tomorrow."

She planned to discuss it after her shower.

But as she reached for her loungewear and tried to head into the bathroom, he suddenly blocked her way.

"What are you doing?" she blinked, confused.

With a half-smile, he led her back to the walk-in closet and murmured in a low, teasing voice, "When are you planning to wear those nightgowns?"