After such a “breakfast,” more than an hour had passed.
Tan Mo, innocent and flustered, felt as if she were walking on cotton, completely dominated and controlled by the thoroughly mischievous man.
At the end, exhausted, she was pulled up again. Xie Qichen glanced at his phone, which had stopped timing much earlier, and huskily murmured in her ear, teasing with a hint of laughter:
“Two minutes and twenty-eight seconds.”
“Why can’t you last even three minutes, baby?”
Thinking about how she had acted just now, Tan Mo blushed as red as watermelon juice, tearfully wishing she could bury herself:
“Wuwuwu Xie Qichen, I don’t want to get back together with you…”
The man bit her earlobe, his voice filled with intense possessiveness:
“Still think I’m old, huh?”
“Do those young boys you mentioned make you feel like this?”
His words made Tan Mo’s face flush again.
Why does he have such a strong competitive streak at times like this…
Too shy to respond, she was met with an even deeper smile from Xie Qichen, who gently coaxed her. Eventually, Tan Mo glanced at the wall clock and playfully pouted:
“It’s almost eleven o’clock, I’m starving…”
Realizing he hadn’t considered the little girl’s hunger, Xie Qichen felt remorse and patted her head, “Come on, let’s wash up and eat.”
Xie Qichen picked her up, carried her across the disheveled floor to the bathroom, and asked sincerely, “Are you tired? Does it hurt?”
Tan Mo wrapped her arms around his neck and softly hummed:
“What do you think? Who can handle how amazing you are, Mr. Xie…”
She had delicate, tender skin, and even a gentle pinch would hurt. From last night until just now, although he had been gentle at first, eventually he couldn’t help but get carried away.
What man wouldn’t be stirred by such words? He hugged her tighter, suppressing his thoughts, kissed her ear, and finally said apologetically:
“Sorry, let me check on you later.”
In the bathroom, Tan Mo was seated on the sink, enduring the embarrassment of being carefully examined. Fortunately, it wasn’t too bad, as long as someone didn’t get too wild again.
After taking a shower, Tan Mo thought again about the phone call she had overheard between Xie Qichen and Tan Zhiwan that morning, and worriedly said, “Xie Qichen, do you think Tan Zhiwan will come after you…”
“Why?”
“I just don’t want these things to affect your work.”
“Don’t worry, nothing illegal, just business competition,” Xie Qichen chuckled, “What can she do to me anyway?”
He continued, “If your parents contact me about this in the next few days, I’ll handle the communication.”
“Okay…”
Judging by Tan Zhiwan’s personality, she would surely cause trouble with their parents eventually.
But Tan Mo wasn’t a saint. She was grateful to her parents for raising her, but over the years, Tan Zhiwan had constantly belittled and insulted her. Especially that rainy night at the Tan family villa, when Tan Zhiwan had said such vile things. Right now, she couldn’t bring herself to ask for forgiveness for Tan Zhiwan.
As Xie Qichen had said, she had been too easy to bully, so Tan Zhiwan had no fear at all. Tan Mo could accept that Tan Zhiwan didn’t like her, but she couldn’t tolerate the repeated trampling of her dignity.
Now that Xie Qichen had decided to handle it, and they were married, she was willing to fully trust him to share all her burdens.
After finishing up in the bathroom, Tan Mo washed her face, then stood on tiptoe looking up at him, her eyes sparkling:
“Xie Qichen, kiss me.”
The man curled his lips, naturally pulling her into his arms and kissing her deeply.
After a while, she was pressed against the sink, sensing the atmosphere changing. Fearing he might get carried away again, her breath quickened, and finally she gently pushed him away, blushing:
“Xie Qichen, control yourself a little…”
Does this guy’s energy never run out QAQ?
Tan Mo knew Xie Qichen wasn’t a gentle, scholarly bookworm. Although he looked cool and calm on the outside, he was incredibly athletic.
When she first met him in high school, he was the captain of F University’s basketball team, excelling in various ball sports. On the court, his tight muscles exuded masculine charm, and he was clearly very strong physically, very playful.
At the time, she had heard many girls joking about how amazing Xie Qichen must be, and how they’d probably need to lean on a wall the next day if they ever spent a night with him.
But during the four years of college, no girl managed to achieve this dream, only fantasizing about it.
But now, Tan Mo had experienced it.
…And indeed, just as they had said qwq.
Xie Qichen looked down at her, his eyes fixed, his voice low:
“Don’t worry, I won’t tease you anymore.”
How could she possibly believe that…
Her wary expression provoked a low chuckle from the man, who then took her hand and said, “Come on, let’s go out.”
They returned to the bedroom, and Tan Mo noticed something, her long lashes fluttering:
“Um, don’t we need to change the sheets…”
Xie Qichen chuckled softly:
“With you around, of course I do.”
Remembering the timing from that morning, Tan Mo blushed completely:
“It’s all because of you…”
The man smiled and ruffled her hair, “I’ll take care of it.”
Tan Mo watched him tidy up, blushing so much she turned away, going to the side cabinet to put a box into the drawer, and finally counted.
There were quite a few missing from the box.
Suddenly, Tan Mo felt a dull ache in her waist.
They said men might start to decline after thirty, but how much strength had Xie Qichen been saving up! And some people say that men with bigger noses tend to be more… endowed.
Tan Mo silently turned to glance at the man’s prominent nose.
Yes, it’s true…
Too embarrassed to stay, Tan Mo quickly opened the bedroom door and rushed out.
When she reached the living room, she saw the housekeeper cleaning. The housekeeper, seeing her after a long time and knowing she would come back, wasn’t too surprised, smiling:
“Good morning, Mrs. Xie—”
Tan Mo smiled and greeted her, and the housekeeper couldn’t help but be curious:
“Mrs. Xie, were you and Mr. Xie…”
Tan Mo smiled, “We had a little disagreement before, but we’ve made up now.”
“It’s good that you’ve reconciled,” the housekeeper was happy for them, “Mrs. Xie, when you moved out a few days ago, we were all scared.”
Tan Mo smiled, and then Xie Qichen walked out of the room, half-hugging Tan Mo, and said to the housekeeper:
“Madam Zhao, later, please take the bedding out of the washing machine to dry, and then organize Momo’s things and put them in my room. That will be the master bedroom from now on.”
Madam Zhao caught sight of the red marks on Tan Mo’s neck and instantly understood what had happened. Considering it was nearly noon, she remained composed, guessing it was a case of “a brief separation making the reunion sweeter,” and promptly and calmly agreed:
“Okay.”
Tan Mo noticed Madam Zhao’s expression and blushed even more.
Wuwu, so embarrassing…
Then she was pulled by Xie Qichen, “Let’s go downstairs to eat.”
Tan Mo suppressed her shyness and followed him downstairs.
Looking at the house’s decor, she recalled the scenes from the villa. Now, she suddenly felt a stronger sense of belonging.
Because now, the thought of “only living here for two years” had been removed.
From now on, this would be her and Xie Qichen’s home, and it would never change again.
The reason Tan Mo had moved out of the Tan family villa before was because she had learned that Tan Zhiwan had secretly been telling their parents to ask her to move out after Tan Mo graduated from college. So over the years, even though she was in the Tan family, she couldn’t feel completely secure.
But now, with Xie Qichen beside her, she would never be afraid again.
Tan Mo’s dimples appeared, and the person beside her noticed and smiled as well:
“So happy?”
She smiled and shook his arm, “No, I just feel so comfortable being at home.”
They walked down to the restaurant downstairs. Tan Mo was about to sit opposite Xie Qichen when the man pulled her onto his lap. She panicked and wanted to stand up, but her body was held down:
“What are you shy about? Didn’t you just say you’re at home.”
She glanced at the chef busily working in the next room, then turned back to Xie Qichen’s smiling face, blushing:
“Xie Qichen, can you please behave a little…”
“I’m hugging my wife, is there a problem?”
She softly hummed, but since it was their home, she wanted to feel comfortable, so she finally obediently sat in his lap, being fed breakfast by him.
Even a simple meal felt as sweet as honey.
Indeed, being with the one you love makes every moment joyful.
After lunch, the weather outside was not hot in the afternoon, but it was sunny and clear.
As Tan Mo passed through the living room, she suddenly remembered something: “Oh, Xie Qichen, I remember you installed a swing for me?!”
The man lazily leaned on the sofa, smiling at the childish girl:
“Yeah, want to swing?”
She nodded eagerly, so he took her there.
For an ordinary person, having the always-busy Mr. Xie accompany them on a swing would be unthinkable, but he was always willing to do these small things with Tan Mo.
She sat down, and the man pushed her from behind. The breeze blew her long hair aside, and Tan Mo looked up at the blue sky, feeling especially sweet inside.
When she was little, the happiest times she remembered were when her parents often accompanied her on swings, so every time she played on a swing, she would feel happy.
Now, it was Xie Qichen by her side.
Everything was as beautiful as she had imagined.
When she was done playing, she jumped off the swing, and Xie Qichen took her to a bench under a shaded awning. The housekeepers brought fruits and drinks, and Tan Mo shyly enjoyed her afternoon tea.
Midway through, Xie Qichen received a call from a company employee and handled some business. After hanging up, Tan Mo looked at the person beside her:
“How is the cooperation between Yuntong and Aochuang progressing recently?”
Xie Qichen put his phone on the table and held her hand, “It’s on track now. Both parties are sharing technology to develop the third generation of Aochuang’s Air Play series. If the third generation can be successfully launched, it will surpass TOC’s products and become the most advanced civilian drone in terms of technology.”
Tan Mo was surprised, “Your competitive target is TOC?”
“Otherwise what?” The man’s tone was calm, “If you’re going to do it, you have to aim for the top, otherwise it’s better not to do it at all.”
This was indeed Xie Qichen’s boldness and pursuit.
Tan Mo smiled, “I believe in you. What’s TOC? In the future, the world’s top spot must be occupied by our Chinese drones.”
She always believed that Aochuang surpassing TOC was just a matter of time.
Xie Qichen said, “Since the beginning of this year, I have officially started the reform at Aochuang.”
Xie Qichen talked to her about the reform plan, mentioning that the internal environment of the group had become turbulent, as many people lacked the courage to bet on Aochuang’s development prospects after the reform. However, Xie Qichen’s approach was firm, and the reform would definitely be implemented.
After listening, Tan Mo’s delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed. She thought for a moment and said:
“I think the reform is quite necessary. Now, more of our domestic drone companies are like parts assemblers. Without good technology, we will always be at a disadvantage. To truly break TOC’s monopoly, we can only produce better technological products.”
Xie Qichen agreed, “TOC thinks they will always be world leaders, but it’s precisely because of their technology that they have the capital to be proud. So we can only start from the most difficult and important technological development.”
Tan Mo nodded, finally smiling, “Xie Qichen, I didn’t expect you to talk to me about the group’s affairs.”
“My wife is so smart, how can I not ask for your opinion?”
Tan Mo’s lips curled into a wide smile, and she firmly looked at him:
“You go ahead and do it boldly. I will always support you. I believe Aochuang will get better and better.”
Xie Qichen gently ruffled her hair, looking at her tenderly:
“Yeah, in a while, when the third generation of the Air Play series is officially launched, everything will be decided.”
After a while, the two finished their fruit and returned to the room.
Remembering something, Tan Mo quickly ran to get the handmade leather wallet she had prepared for him: “Here, I forgot to give you your birthday gift. The cake and dinner are gone, but this is just a token of my heart.”
Xie Qichen was very particular about his lifestyle, and the things he usually used were all exquisite. He could tell the quality at a glance: “Did you buy it for quite a bit?”
“Not too bad, almost six figures.”
Tan Mo’s eyes sparkled with laughter: “But I didn’t feel any pain, after all, I’m a rich lady.”
Xie Qichen was amused, “Thank you, I really like it.”
He used cash outside quite often, and the wallet matched his status well. But more importantly, it was a gift from the girl, so he liked it all.
She smiled brightly, “You’re welcome, this rich lady will support you in the future.”
“Yeah, supporting me with my own wallet.”
“No way, this is the money I earned from making videos…”
Tan Mo laughed and jumped into his arms. Remembering something, she turned serious for a moment, looking up at him:
“By the way, I need to go to school on Monday afternoon to meet with my advisor about my graduation thesis.”
“Okay, I’ll have the driver take you there.”
“I also need to go to the dormitory to pack some stuff. I still have some personal items to bring back.”
“Okay.”
Tan Mo smiled brightly, “My roommates all know about you now. They think you’re my boyfriend.”
“Miss Tan, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to lie like that?”
“Huh?”
“You’re clearly my husband, not a boyfriend.”
“Well… you were the one who told them that at first, so I just went along with it.”
She blinked her eyes at him, acting cute and flirtatious, “My boyfriend is the only one, and I’ll turn him into my husband after graduation, okay?”
Xie Qichen pulled her closer, his eyebrows lifting with helpless affection:
“Yeah, as long as there’s a title, it’s fine.”
–
The entire Sunday afternoon, Xie Qichen didn’t handle much business and basically stayed with Tan Mo.
The little girl, who had always lacked a sense of security since childhood, became more clingy when she was with someone she could truly let her guard down with. She had been worried that Xie Qichen might not like it, but to her surprise, the man was more than happy. He was even afraid she would be too independent and not rely on him like she used to.
The two of them together were like young lovers caught up in a passionate romance. After waiting for so many years, they cherished every moment they had together.
In the evening, after finishing their respective work, they returned to the bedroom to rest. Worried that Tan Mo might not be able to handle the physical strain, Xie Qichen simply held her in his arms to sleep. However, the playful girl took the initiative, teasing and playing in his embrace. Eventually, unable to contain themselves, they ended up making love twice—once on the carpet and once by the bathroom sink.
With no one else in the villa at night, they could be completely uninhibited. Each moment of the night felt intimate and endless.
Later, Xie Qichen carried her to take a shower. The girl, who rarely exercised and was as pure as a blank page at the beginning, couldn’t endure such treatment and fell asleep from exhaustion.
Tan Mo slept very well that night.
The next day was Monday, the start of a new week. Xie Qichen woke up early and prepared to head to the group company. After tidying up his appearance, he turned to look at the girl curled up on her side, sleeping peacefully. Her black hair was scattered, her pale skin almost glowing in contrast with the dark bedding. Her lips were red and moist, like a beauty just descended from heaven.
Xie Qichen swallowed hard, walked over to the bed, and gently kissed her cheek. Reluctantly, he whispered softly, “Momo, I’m off to the group now.”
Awakened by him, she mumbled, “Mmm, drive safely…”
She lay flat, revealing obvious light pink marks. His gaze darkened, and he leaned down for another kiss, leaving her dazed and breathless before finally letting her go.
After Xie Qichen left, Tan Mo felt embarrassed and silently scolded him in her mind, then lazily fell back asleep. She didn’t wake up again until around ten o’clock.
After brushing her teeth and washing up, she looked at the marks on her body and pouted.
Hmph, why is he like a wolf…
After finishing up, Tan Mo organized her graduation project materials. After lunch, at three o’clock, the family driver took her to F University.
Upon arriving at school, Tan Mo first visited her advisor. An hour later, their discussion concluded, and evening approached. Returning to the dormitory, her three roommates saw her and their eyes lit up: “Momo, you’re back!”
Tan Mo smiled: “I’m back…”
She carried a large bag containing local specialties bought from Anhui Mountain for her roommates: “I brought you some souvenirs, try them out…”
The three happily accepted and asked about her experience filming the show. Tan Mo shared the fun moments with them, chatting happily.
Eventually, Chang Yue thought of something and asked Tan Mo: “By the way, Momo, have you been in touch with Ye Yao from our class lately?”
At the mention of his name, Tan Mo felt it was somewhat unfamiliar.
The last time she had met him outside of class was when they went to the hot springs in Tongshan, which was also the day she registered her marriage with Xie Qichen. Not long ago, Ye Yao had invited her to celebrate New Year’s, but she politely declined. Later, he had sent her a New Year’s greeting text, and she had politely replied. Their communication had become very infrequent.
Tan Mo shook her head: “No, why?”
Chang Yue sighed: “I met him at the first cafeteria the other day, and he asked about your recent situation, saying he hadn’t seen you since the new semester started. I told him you’ve been busy with work. He seems to still have feelings for you. But you told us not to mention your boyfriend, so I didn’t tell him.”
A roommate beside her was surprised: “So Ye Yao still likes Momo? That’s quite persistent. To be honest, Ye Yao is indeed quite handsome. But ever since I saw Momo’s boyfriend, I think Ye Yao pales in comparison, like an arrogant young boy, lacking in masculine charm.”
At the mention of “young boy,” Tan Mo recalled the words Xie Qichen had whispered in her ear that morning, and her ears suddenly turned red.
Indeed, when that person was forceful and assertive, his masculine charm was fully displayed, making Tan Mo feel weak in the knees.
Her drifting thoughts were pulled back by Chang Yue’s voice: “I think so too. I also feel that Ye Yao has some inexplicable confidence. Haven’t there been rumors about you two outside? Every time Ye Yao hears the rumors, he doesn’t deny them but seems happy, as if he’s confident he can win you over.”
Tan Mo sighed, feeling helpless.
She didn’t know why, despite her obvious rejection, he never seemed discouraged and kept pursuing her tirelessly.
“Maybe he thinks you’ve always been single, so he believes he can eventually win you over. I once overheard him joking in the dormitory that if even he couldn’t get you, then no one else on campus would stand a chance.”
“That’s true. Momo’s boyfriend is indeed from outside the campus, haha. Besides, I always feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before.”
“Anyway, let’s not think about it. I’m starving. Let’s go eat? Momo, are you having dinner with us tonight?”
Tan Mo nodded: “Sure, let’s go together.”
“Great, let me pack my bag. Let’s go to San Tang for some spicy fish tonight…”
Tan Mo, holding her canvas bag, slowly walked out of the dormitory while replying to Xie Qichen’s message on her phone:
[No problem, you go ahead with your dinner engagement. I’m not going home for dinner tonight either; I’m having dinner with my roommates at the cafeteria.]
Earlier, Xie Qichen had sent her a message saying he had an unavoidable business dinner tonight and couldn’t go home to have dinner with her. Tan Mo thought it was a good opportunity to spend more time on campus.
His reply came: [Then I’ll pick you up from school tonight?]
Tan Mo happily typed back: [Okay.]
Knowing that Xie Qichen wouldn’t arrive until around 8:30 PM, after dinner, she went for a walk around campus with her roommates, bought some fruit jelly and milk tea, and eventually returned to the dormitory.
While packing her bag, Tan Mo received another message from Xie Qichen:
[Your dorm building doesn’t allow parking. Can I wait for you at the lakeside parking lot?]
Tan Mo zipped up her bag and replied:
[Okay, have you arrived yet?]
Xie Qichen: [I’ve entered from the east gate. You can come downstairs now.]
Tan Mo: [Do you know the way? Should I guide you?]
Xie Qichen: [Momo, do you even remember which university I graduated from?]
Tan Mo: “…”
Sorry, she had forgotten that.
She picked up her packed belongings and said goodbye to her roommates: “Guys, I’m leaving first.”
“Okay, go slowly tonight…”
As she came downstairs, Tan Mo walked out of the dormitory building with her bag and turned right.
Walking along the forest path, she slowly reached the lakeside on campus.
At this time, the evening was dark, the streetlights overhead extending forward, casting shimmering lights on the lake.
A cold breeze blew, causing the lake to ripple with dark golden waves. The surroundings were quiet enough to hear the faint chirping of insects, occasionally interrupted by students riding bicycles past.
Tan Mo hummed a tune as she walked forward. After a while, she spotted her familiar Rolls-Royce parked about twenty meters ahead.
Beside the car stood a tall man in a black coat. The light cast a long shadow, highlighting his upright posture and distinguished demeanor.
Although his face was not clearly visible, Tan Mo immediately recognized who it was.
Feeling his gaze in her direction and realizing he had seen her, Tan Mo’s eyes lit up with a smile. She quickened her pace, but suddenly, a gentle male voice came from her side:
“Tan Mo—”
Her steps halted abruptly.
She turned around and unexpectedly found herself face to face with Ye Yao.
He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, tall and wearing casual clothes, with sweat rolling down his forehead, as if he had been exercising.
Ye Yao was on a night run when he passed by and unexpectedly met the person he had been longing to see—Tan Mo.
What a coincidence. Tan Mo hadn’t expected that after just talking about him during the day, she would run into him now.
He approached with a smile, wiping the sweat from his face, surprised: “Tan Mo, you’re back? I heard from Chang Yue that you went out of town to film a show.”
Tan Mo hesitated for a moment, then politely replied, “Yeah.”
She wanted to leave, but Ye Yao’s gaze fixed on her, and he continued the conversation: “It’s been a whole summer since we last saw each other. How have you been? Have you been in Licheng all this time?”
“Yeah.”
Ye Yao raised his eyebrows slightly, leaned forward with his arms resting on his knees, and looked at her with a smile: “I’ve been wanting to invite you for a meal lately, but I felt like you’ve been quite busy. How about we go to the library together sometime on the weekend? We can study together.”
Caught off guard by his proximity, Tan Mo instinctively took a step back. Her gaze flickered slightly, and she noticed the man in the distance still standing there, staring directly in her direction.
Oh no, he must have seen everything…
Tan Mo felt an inexplicable sense of guilt, as if she had been caught doing something wrong. She lifted her gaze to Ye Yao and gave a faint smile: “Sorry, I’ve been really busy lately. I probably won’t be on campus during the weekends.”
“You’re that busy?”
The expectation in Ye Yao’s eyes dimmed again, and he couldn’t help but respond with a question. Tan Mo then said, “My boyfriend is waiting for me. I should go now.”
Ye Yao was stunned: “Your boyfriend?! You’re in a relationship?!”
Tan Mo smiled, composed and open, and nodded without hesitation: “Yes, I started dating recently.”
She said to him: “I’m leaving first. Goodbye.”
Then she turned around and walked directly toward the Rolls-Royce. Ye Yao stood rooted in place, watching her go in that direction.
As Xie Qichen’s familiar and handsome face came into view, Ye Yao suddenly realized something, and his mind snapped—wasn’t this the president of Aochuang Group?!
He remained motionless, his brows furrowing tightly.
On the other side, Tan Mo walked toward Xie Qichen. As the distance between them narrowed, she could now clearly see his face.
The man remained silent, his eyes lifting slightly, his gaze cold and indifferent toward Ye Yao’s direction. His jaw was tense, his eyes like ice.
Just like that evening when he came to get her to register their marriage.
Tan Mo felt a bit guilty and ran over to him slightly: “Xie Qichen…”
As she reached him, the man took her bag and casually placed it in the car. He looked down at her with a deep, meaningful tone: “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Tan Mo felt embarrassed: “I’m sorry. I just happened to run into a classmate…”
Xie Qichen took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, pulling her into his embrace. His icy gaze lifted slightly, focusing on the boy still watching them from a distance: “Does that guy still have feelings for you?”
“Maybe, but I haven’t been in touch with him for a long time…”
She bit her lip gently and looked at him: “Xie Qichen, are you jealous?”
His breath brushed against her face, his tone cold: “My wife is constantly desired by others. Tell me, would I be jealous?”
Tan Mo blushed. She felt a hand on her waist, pulling her tightly between his coat and his chest. She was acutely aware that Ye Yao was still watching, and her face flushed red.
“Xie Qichen…”
Before she could finish speaking, a passionate kiss full of possessiveness suddenly landed on her lips.
His breath was cool yet hot, slightly tinged with alcohol, overwhelming her senses and making her dizzy.
Tan Mo’s mind went blank. She didn’t know whether Ye Yao had left or not, but her face flushed with embarrassment, and she wanted to escape from his embrace:
“T-That person is still watching…”
Xie Qichen’s icy gaze slowly swept over the boy in the distance. He firmly held the girl in his arms, leisurely lifting her chin. His kiss hovered teasingly over her lips as he murmured in a hoarse voice: “Why hide?”
“Let him see clearly. You belong to me.”
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