"I…"
He brought it up again. Tang Mianmian's cheeks flushed crimson, and she wished she could disappear into a hole in the floor.
But the man had no intention of letting her off the hook. He pulled out a flimsy little nightgown and dangled it in front of her with a teasing glint in his eye. "This color really flatters your skin tone. It's been cleaned already, so what excuse do you have now?"
"When did you even get it cleaned?" She couldn't imagine someone handing that over for dry cleaning. The mental image was too horrifying.
"Had it picked up this morning," Long Yejue said matter-of-factly.
Tang Mianmian felt her brain explode. He actually had someone from the dry cleaners come to the house to take this stuff?!
Unbelievable.
How was she supposed to ever show her face again?
"This is so embarrassing! What if the delivery guy told the security guards what he picked up?" She covered her face, body burning with shame.
It was winter, yet she felt hotter than a summer's day. Maybe the heat was too high? Or…
Long Yejue's eyes narrowed as he smiled devilishly. "They're professionals. They have discretion. Don't worry."
Don't worry? Easy for him to say!
She gave up arguing—it was hopeless against this man.
"I'm going to shower!" She pushed past him and fled the room.
No way was she putting on that nightie.
He watched her escape again, a little frustrated but mostly amused, eyes full of doting warmth.
As he passed the full-length mirror, he caught sight of his reflection and froze.
Was that really him?
If he told anyone, they wouldn't believe it. The world knew him as cold and emotionless.
But now? There was a smile on his face… and something more—happiness.
All because of Tang Mianmian.
Her fierce declaration at the bar last night still echoed in his heart.
He'd been confessed to countless times before, but none had touched him like hers did.
Even though the words weren't meant for him, it moved him deeply.
A beautiful feeling.
—
Mianmian stepped out of the shower as he ended a call—probably with Mo Chengyu about his birthday plans.
Drying her hair, she asked, "Are you really not going to invite anyone to celebrate?"
"No." He wrapped an arm around her, took the towel from her hands, and began drying her hair for her.
She was used to his help now—and truthfully, enjoyed it.
Clearly, women shouldn't be spoiled. Once spoiled, they become hopelessly dependent.
Her head bobbed slightly under his care, big eyes blinking at him.
He caught her gaze, smirking. "What? Thinking about what to get me?"
"I already got you something," she muttered under her breath.
Ugh, this man never forgets.
His long fingers weaved through her damp hair. "But you know what I really want."
Her heart skipped a beat, face heating. She quickly dodged, "I'll get you another gift tomorrow!"
"Still not planning to give yourself to me?"
"Ah—!" Mianmian snatched the towel back, flustered. "Don't change the subject. I have something serious to tell you."
He leaned in, drawn by her scent. "What is it?"
"Grandpa called. He wants you to come home for your birthday and liven the old house up."
His eyes darkened slightly, clearly not thrilled. "Sounds like a hassle."
"I know, but he said you haven't celebrated at home in years. He even said you only need to invite close friends—he just wants the house to feel festive again. Don't be so heartless, okay?" She pouted.
That look… how could he say no?
"Fine. You're my wife. Whatever you say goes. Happy now?"
"You sound so unwilling," she teased with a grin.
Suddenly, he flipped her onto the bed, making her squeal in surprise.
"Long Yejue! What are you doing?!"
His black eyes glinted, lips curving in a devilish smirk. "Want me to be willing? Easy—make me surrender… body and soul."
"…!"
Even an innocent lamb like her could tell what that meant. Her heart raced wildly. "I… I'm sleepy!"
"I'm sleepy too," he said meaningfully.
She had a bad feeling.
Then he whispered, "I want to sleep with you."
"…..!!!"
She'd walked right into it again!
"T-then maybe… tomorrow night… we can…"
Before she could finish, he sealed her lips with a kiss.
Tomorrow night? Tomorrow could wait.
—
Grandpa Long Zhenfei was overjoyed that Yejue agreed to celebrate his birthday at home. His mood was amazing all morning.
The rest of the Long family was surprised—Yejue hadn't celebrated at home in years. Normally, it was just a small gathering with friends.
Now that he'd agreed to come home, people were buzzing.
Long Ruoshui, who'd been scolded last time, dared not act up again. But hearing about the party, she immediately ran over.
"Big Brother! Since you're celebrating, I need to buy you a gift—so don't freeze my credit card, okay?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Behaving is the best gift you can give me."
Ruoshui huffed and stormed off. "Are you even my real brother?! So mean!"
Mianmian noticed Ruoshui glaring at her and wondered if she had somehow offended her.
Could it be Yejue punished her because of that incident? No way… right?
She didn't dare ask, just silently speculated.
Su Wanru was more cheerful. "A party sounds great. It's been ages since this house felt lively."
Even Zhu Wenyi, who'd always been cold to Mianmian, seemed pleased. "I'll start planning the party. How many guests?"
"Just close friends. No need for extravagance," Yejue said calmly.
Zhu Wenyi looked disappointed. "I wanted to invite some of my friends…"
She was proud of Yejue—people always praised her for raising such a successful man. This was a rare chance to show off, but he had shot it down.
Old Master Long, however, was all for it. "Keep it small. Soon, we'll have something big to celebrate."
Ruoshui was curious. "Something big, Grandpa? Like what?"
Zhu Wenyi looked puzzled too.
Yejue, however, had already guessed the reason.
Zhenfei smiled and looked at Mianmian. "Mianmian and Yejue have been married for a while now. A baby can't be far behind, right?"
Everyone paused.
So that's what he meant!
Ruoshui's face instantly dropped, eyes darting toward Mianmian's belly.
Mianmian hadn't expected this at all. She was so embarrassed she nearly fainted, fidgeting with her skirt and silently praying.
Please don't look at me… There's nothing in my belly!
Su Wanru subtly clenched her fist, hiding the flash of rage in her eyes.
Even Zhu Wenyi's cold gaze softened slightly. "Yejue, is that true?"
"…No—"
"Yes." Yejue cut in smoothly, pulling Mianmian into his arms with a pleased smile. "So don't give my wife a hard time."
Everyone blinked.
Who's giving her a hard time?!
Zhu Wenyi nodded, finally smiling. "Fine. We'll just invite your friends tonight. The real celebration can wait till the baby comes."
Ruoshui pouted and stomped off.
Su Wanru quietly set down her teacup. "I'll go check on her."
Long Yecheng came in from working out and raised a brow. "What's going on now? Who upset our princess again?"
Mama Wang spoke up, "It's your brother. He said Mianmian's pregnant."
Yecheng paused, a glint flashing in his eyes. "Really? That's great news."
"Exactly! So your aunt said no big party for now—we'll save it for later."
He nodded, glanced at the couple on the sofa, and smirked. "Congrats, big bro, sis-in-law."
"Thanks." Yejue accepted the congratulations like it was the truth.
Poor Mianmian just sat there, speechless and suffocating with embarrassment.
God knows there's nothing in her belly!
Was Yejue planning to ruin her reputation?
Of course, Mianmian had no clue what he was actually thinking.
There's nothing now, he thought smugly, but if I say there is, she'll definitely feel pressured to make it true.
Just the thought made life feel extra sweet.
Poor little lamb—so easy to trick and trap.
Zhu Wenyi, satisfied, went off to plan the party.
Mianmian offered to help but was immediately turned down.
"You should rest," they all said. "Let Yejue accompany you. The old house has great energy—it'll be good for you and the baby."
Zhu Wenyi was suddenly so kind it left Mianmian speechless.
But I'm not pregnant! she wanted to scream.
She cast a pitiful look at the man next to her—the true culprit of this mess—hoping he'd show a hint of remorse.
But nope. He looked completely relaxed.
The nerve!
"Go on, take a walk with her," Grandpa urged.
Yejue finally stood up and draped an arm over her shoulder. "Come on, let's go be romantic."
"…"
Mianmian's face turned scarlet.
She really needed a hole to hide in.