Ruthless

Su Wanru's already pale face turned ghostly white as she clung desperately to Long Yejue's leg, pleading, "Brother Long, please, I'm begging you—don't do this to me."

If he really went through with it, her scandal would spread all over Jiangcheng.

How could she ever get married after that? How could she ever face her friends and family again?

No—she couldn't let that happen!

She kowtowed over and over, voice hoarse with desperation. "Please, please… just let me go this time."

Even Xu Quan felt the punishment was too severe. He opened his mouth to speak, but one look at Long Yejue's expression and he backed off.

This… was truly a case of self-inflicted ruin.

The Su family was prestigious—if this blew up, the consequences would be devastating.

But Long Yejue was merciless. He lifted his leg and kicked her away.

Normally, he'd never raise a hand to a woman. But some women weren't worthy of that restraint.

"It's too late to beg now. Uncle Xu, take care of it." His tone was cold and commanding.

Xu Quan dared not disobey. He quickly called for staff to drag Su Wanru downstairs.

Still, he phoned the old master.

Though it was late, Long Zhenfei rushed over from Huayuan the moment he got the call.

What he saw was a sobbing, nearly naked Su Wanru—utterly broken.

After hearing the full story from Xu Quan, he originally planned to be lenient. But now… he had changed his mind.

He silently approved of Long Yejue's decision.

Seeing that even the old master wouldn't help her, Su Wanru slumped to the ground in despair, her face drained of all color.

Long Ruoshui rushed over in a panic. Seeing her best friend in such a humiliating state, she was frantic inside but didn't dare comfort her.

Her grandfather's gaze was sharp and full of warning. If she dared interfere, he would punish her even more harshly.

All Long Ruoshui could do was cast a regretful glance at Su Wanru.

This… might be the most humiliating lesson of Su Wanru's life.

And the one who sentenced her—was the man she'd secretly loved for years.

That love had now twisted into hatred.

And the look of shame on her parents' faces etched that hatred deep into her bones.

——

Things eventually quieted down. Su Wanru was thrown out and became the joke of the city.

Even though Long Ruoshui didn't say a word, she was still punished by the old master—forced to kneel in the ancestral hall all night. Her legs were nearly ruined by morning.

Everyone in the Long household now understood one thing:

Tang Mianmian, thanks to the baby in her belly, was untouchable.

She was favored by the two most powerful men in the family.

No one dared provoke her again.

Xu Quan, following orders, remained stationed outside Nian Garden around the clock.

——

Inside the master bedroom of Nian Garden, peace reigned.

Long Yejue gently lifted Tang Mianmian out of the gift box. She murmured sleepily and nuzzled into his arms, quickly falling back asleep.

Where was the romantic, sensual gift Qi Yunmo had teased about?

This little woman slept like a pig—no matter how he touched or teased, she slept right through it.

Poor Long Yejue.

Even his birthday was turning into a struggle between desire and restraint.

He could look, he could touch—but he couldn't eat.

And she hadn't even given him the "special birthday gift" she'd promised!

He actually felt… a little wronged.

The mighty Young Master Long, feeling wronged? That would be the laugh of the century.

Worse still, the drug he'd been slipped was doing its work.

After stealing a few kisses and failing to hold back his frustration, he had no choice but to rush to the bathroom for a cold shower.

But cold showers only bought time.

Coming back to the bed and seeing her curled up again didn't help at all.

Usually, she already had him on edge—now, his body was burning with need.

Tang Mianmian stirred, parched and restless. "Water… water…"

Long Yejue quickly fetched a glass for her. She downed it in gulps, then blinked her sleepy eyes at him. "Why aren't you sleeping yet?"

Then she froze.

That… was her voice?

Why did it sound so… sultry?

She wondered if she'd misheard. "Long Yejue?"

His name on her lips made him tremble, eyes burning like fire. His Adam's apple bobbed. "Wife, you're awake?"

"Yeah… why does your voice sound…" She blinked again.

Not only did she sound strangely seductive—he sounded deeper and sexier than usual.

"Since you're awake, let's do something meaningful," Long Yejue said, grinning with clear intent.

The look in his eyes told her exactly what he meant.

And her body… it felt too hot. That strange heat was crawling over her skin, making her unconsciously swallow.

"W-what do you mean by 'meaningful'?"

"For example… this lovely sleepwear you're in…" He tugged gently on the sheer fabric.

Tang Mianmian looked down—what?!

She was wearing the lingerie she had hidden in her bag!

When did she put that on?

She came upstairs to sleep—then what? She couldn't remember anything afterward.

Sleepwalking?! The thought horrified her.

She scooted back, panicked. "I-I… this sleepwear, I didn't…"

Her words stumbled, and her flustered look made her all the more irresistible in his eyes.

Without letting her finish, Long Yejue pounced. "We'll talk about it tomorrow. Right now, let's talk about making Grandpa's dream come true."

"Mmph—" Her protest was silenced as he kissed her—hard.

She covered her lips, wincing. "What dream?"

"To make you a mother," he whispered wickedly.

"No!" she gasped.

"Be good."

"Mm… Long Yejue, I… it's my first time…" Her voice trembled with fear, despite knowing resistance was useless.

She had brought the lingerie herself—deep down, she had thought about giving herself to him.

It was the natural next step.

Long Yejue paused, stunned.

She'd had a previous relationship—he thought…

Seeing his shocked expression, Tang Mianmian was overwhelmed with shame. She covered her face, then changed tactics—covering his eyes instead, whining, "Don't look!"

The sheer joy that surged through Long Yejue couldn't be put into words.

He didn't care about "purity," but knowing she was still his alone—what man wouldn't be thrilled?

Ecstatic, he kissed her deeply. "Wife… thank you for coming into my world. I'll be gentle."

"Mm—" Whatever she wanted to say, he had already kissed her into silence.

The rest… needs no words.

——

The next morning…

To Long Yejue, mornings used to be bittersweet torture.

But now—it was pure satisfaction.

The woman in his arms slept soundly, even with faint dark circles under her eyes.

He might've overdone it.

After all, he'd been holding back for so long… and then Su Wanru's drug…

cough cough

He cradled her tightly, cherishing this perfect start to the new year.

Though it was already noon, he didn't want to let go. He just wanted to hold her until the end of the world.

He skipped the usual family breakfast, and while other branches of the family grumbled, Long Zhenfei said nothing—his silence was as good as approval.

Madam Wang was furious. But knowing Tang Mianmian now carried the Long family's first great-grandchild, she could only stew in resentment.

She glanced at Long Yecheng, who was calmly sipping porridge. "You too—give your mother some face, will you?"

Long Yecheng shrugged. "If you like, I'll find a woman to give you a child."

"You brat! A child out of wedlock will never be recognized by your grandfather. Find a proper wife!"

He smirked and let the topic drop.

Meanwhile, Long Zhenfei told Xu Quan to prepare meals for Long Yejue and Tang Mianmian at any time.

Xu Quan obeyed.

No one dared mention Su Wanru again—she brought it on herself. Even Long Ruoshui had been punished, forced to kneel all night in the ancestral hall.

Now, everyone in the Long household understood:

Tang Mianmian was royalty.

Untouchable.

Xu Quan remained on standby at Nian Garden.

Long Yejue finally got up around noon. Tang Mianmian, however, was still out cold from last night's "torture."

After eating, he asked for a tray to be brought up, carrying it to her room himself.

The room was warm and quiet.

She was still fast asleep.

He set the tray down and gently tried to wake her. "Wife…"

No response.

He pinched her cheek lightly, his voice soft, "Mianmian?"

Still nothing.

She was clearly exhausted.

Sighing, he leaned in and kissed her gently. "Mianmian, time to eat…"

"Mmm…" she mumbled, rolling over.

Her lazy, sleepy look melted his heart. His cold edges softened completely. "Wife, wake up. Eat something, then you can sleep more, okay?"

"…Don't want to…" she mumbled, half-asleep.

God knew how tired she was.

"Come on, be good." He coaxed softly.

But Tang Mianmian was already drifting back to dreamland.

With no other option, Long Yejue brought out his trump card—he bit her ear and whispered, "Wife, if you don't get up… I'll have to continue what we started last night."

Tang Mianmian: "…"