Chapter 35

Against such audacious behavior, Tang Ruan was powerless to resist.

Of course… she wasn’t entirely without enjoyment.

By the time Ji Jing finally left her room, she had no idea how long they’d been kissing.

Lying on her bed and staring at the ceiling, Tang Ruan sighed. After last night’s bout of insomnia, tonight was shaping up to be another restless night.

His words echoed in her ears as if they were etched into her mind, impossible to shake off. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him kissing her—more tenderly, more confidently than the night before.

She covered her face with her hands, her cheeks burning.

Clearing her throat, she patted her flushed face to regain composure. It was just a kiss. They were adults. What was there to get so flustered about?

Calm down. Don’t act like a giddy teenager.

Even if… she was basically a romantic novice.

That night, it took her until the early hours to finally fall asleep.

…

Meanwhile, Ji Jing was still working late into the night, reviewing documents. His emotions were calm on the surface, but anyone nearby would have sensed that his mood was unusually good.

After finishing the last document, he finally went to rest.

The night seemed gentler, the scenery more beautiful than usual.

The next morning, Tang Ruan couldn’t bring herself to get up.

Ji Jing knocked on her door. Hearing no response, he called softly, “Tang Ruan?”

Still no answer.

He chuckled quietly and shook his head before heading downstairs.

Tang Ruan was trapped in a dream, struggling to wake. She often dreamt of her former self whenever she made significant decisions, and last night was no exception.

In her dream, her past self told her this was the right choice—that she should live well with Ji Jing. He might not have liked her before, but things were different now. She should seize the chance and never let him go.

When she finally woke, sunlight was pouring in through the window.

Blinking, she glanced at the clock. It was already past eight.

Rubbing her temples, she stretched, then slowly got out of bed to freshen up.

As she made her way downstairs, the butler, Mr. Li, greeted her with a beaming smile. “Good morning, Young Madam.”

Tang Ruan felt a bit overwhelmed by his enthusiasm. She nodded and cleared her throat. “Good morning, Mr. Li.”

“What would you like for breakfast?”

“Anything is fine.”

She wasn’t picky about food.

The butler, Mr. Li, smiled. “I’ve prepared soy milk and fried dough sticks for you. The young master said you would probably like that.”

Tang Ruan froze for a moment, her face flushing slightly when she heard the words “young master.” She nodded. “Alright.”

She glanced at her phone and saw a message from Ji Jing reminding her to have breakfast after waking up. Smiling, she replied with a simple “okay.”

Just as she sent it, Ji Jing’s reply came almost instantly:
Ji Jing: Awake?
Tang Ruan: In the dining room now.
Ji Jing: Okay.

Tang Ruan stared at the screen and couldn’t help but think, this is exactly how a straightforward man texts. She chuckled softly, set her phone aside, and began eating.

The soy milk and fried dough sticks suited her tastes perfectly. It reminded her of simpler times when breakfast often meant a modest meal of small steamed buns or soy milk with fried dough—an affordable, satisfying choice. Sometimes, she’d have a pancake roll. The flavors now felt nostalgic and particularly delicious.

Thinking back, she hadn’t requested fried dough sticks often here. Maybe once or twice she had mentioned it to Mr. Li, who had gone out of his way to learn how to make them. Ji Jing, however, rarely ate such things, preferring healthy, balanced meals. The fact that Ji Jing had remembered her casual preference surprised her.

Feeling satisfied after breakfast, Tang Ruan took her phone and headed upstairs. She hadn’t yet unpacked the makeup Ji Jing had sent over last night. Now seemed the perfect time to unbox and arrange it.

Although Ji Jing wasn’t great at choosing makeup himself, everything he bought was high-end. All luxury brands.

Tang Ruan had to admit—expensive things really did have their charm.

…

While she was dawdling in the small attic room, Cheng Mushi called her.
“Hello?”

“What are you up to?”

Tang Ruan thought for a moment. “Just looking at makeup in the attic. What’s up?”

Cheng Mushi chuckled mischievously. “I wanted to ask about that friend of yours. How are things with your husband?”

Tang Ruan regretted ever confiding too much in her friend. Huffing lightly, she said, “It’s fine. Pretty good.”

“You two talked it out?”

“Yeah.”

Cheng Mushi grinned. “That’s great! Let me tell you—your husband is good-looking, talented, wealthy, and, most importantly, doesn’t seem to have any bad habits. Treasure him.”

“How do you know he has no bad habits?”

“Come on, he’s our school’s famous senior! I know a little about him.”

Tang Ruan sighed. “…Oh, I guess you’re right.”

The two of them laughed and chatted for a bit longer before Cheng Mushi brought up something new. “By the way, there’s something you might be interested in.”

“What is it?”

“Would you like to join a film crew as a makeup artist? I heard a few people were impressed with you. I just got involved in a new project—it’s a historical drama—and they’re looking for a makeup consultant.”

Tang Ruan’s eyes lit up. “Really? They need a makeup artist?”

“Yeah! And here’s the scoop—it’s set in the Tang dynasty, and one of the makeup designers is someone you admire.”

“An Xun?”

“Exactly!”

Tang Ruan was thrilled. She took a deep breath. “Are you sure?”

“That’s the insider info. But if you’re not certain, you can look into it. I’ll ask around for you, too.”

“Alright.”

An Xun was a makeup expert she greatly admired. Specializing in historical makeup design, An Xun was renowned for her research on ancient beauty techniques, like the original lip-biting makeup style. Modern makeup borrowed from ancient traditions, but much of the knowledge had been lost over time. Tang Ruan was proficient in modern makeup but still had room to grow when it came to historical styles. She had always wanted to learn, initially planning to study on her own. But if there was a chance to be taught directly, she certainly wouldn’t pass it up.

After the call, Tang Ruan thought for a moment before sending Ji Jing a message. Then, she went downstairs.

Ji Jing had a busy morning. He was still discussing unfinished business from the previous night with his father when he arrived at the office.

After a brief, private meeting, just as they were wrapping up, his father stopped him. “Wait.”

“What is it?”

His father looked at him thoughtfully. “How are things between you and Tang Ruan now?”

Ji Jing chuckled, meeting his father’s gaze. “Dad, Tang Ruan is doing well. Stop bringing up the tea incident.”

His father’s expression tightened, and he shot him a glare. “I’m not that petty. This isn’t about tea.” He sighed. “I didn’t fully agree with your marriage at first. But your grandfather always insisted she was right for you. So now I’m asking—do you think she’s right for you?”

Ji Jing paused for a moment, his expression serious. Then, he nodded. “Life with Tang Ruan is good. I like her very much.”

His father fell silent for a moment. Hearing that, his worries eased.

He wasn’t the type of father who meddled in his children’s personal lives. But marriage was no trivial matter. If two people intended to spend a lifetime together, compromises would have to be made. Someone had to change—whether it was Ji Jing or Tang Ruan didn’t matter.

Judging by the progress he had witnessed, he believed both of them were growing. That was why he had felt compelled to ask.

Since he had admitted his feelings, Ji Jing’s father felt assured there would be no major issues with the marriage.

“That’s good.”

“Mm.”

Ji Jing glanced at his phone. “I have things to do, so I’m hanging up now.”

His father was left speechless.

Ning Ming entered carrying a stack of documents. “Mr. Ji, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the real estate project in the neighboring city is at 8 a.m. tomorrow. We’ll need to leave in advance.”

Ji Jing calculated the timing. “We’ll head out after work tonight.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll send you the details later.” He paused. “I’ll check with Tang Ruan first.”

Ning Ming blinked, surprised that Ji Jing intended to bring his wife along. He nodded quickly. “Understood.”

After delivering his report, Ning Ming left.

Ji Jing was about to call Tang Ruan when he noticed she had already messaged him.

Tang Ruan: Husband, are you busy?

He raised his brows, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Ji Jing: Need help with something?

Tang Ruan: …Can’t you pretend not to know?

Ji Jing chuckled. He had Tang Ruan figured out. Whenever she needed help, she would soften her voice and act sweet.

And truthfully, he loved it when she did.

Ji Jing: Tell me. What do you need help with?

Tang Ruan: Are you busy this afternoon? I’ll bring you lunch.

At eleven o’clock, Tang Ruan was busy in the kitchen, much to the butler’s surprise. He chose not to ask questions, only smiling as he watched.

The affection between the young master and his wife delighted him. Calculating the odds, he felt optimistic that he might live long enough to see a little Miss or a young Master running around, which filled him with quiet joy.

“Madam, would you like some help?”

“No, thank you.” Tang Ruan shook her head. “I’ll handle it myself.”

Since she had a favor to ask, she needed to show sincerity. Although, truthfully, Tang Ruan suspected Ji Jing would have helped even if she hadn’t.

Ji Jing wasn’t a picky eater—he simply avoided organ meats. She prepared braised fish, stir-fried pork, a vegetable dish, and a soup. It wasn’t a large meal, but she packed everything neatly into insulated containers, ready to take to his office.

“Shall I arrange a ride for you?”

“Yes, please.” Tang Ruan smiled. “Thank you for finding a driver for me.”

“No trouble at all. It’s my pleasure.”

She grinned. “I won’t be home for lunch, so enjoy your meal without me, alright?”

“Don’t worry, madam. You and the young master enjoy your time together.”

Tang Ruan was momentarily speechless before bursting into laughter.

When she arrived outside Ji Jing’s office building, she had barely stepped out of the car when she spotted a familiar figure waiting at the entrance.

Ever since her impromptu “performance” in the lobby last time, many employees had recognized her. Now, as she walked inside, curious gazes followed her, wondering what surprise she might deliver this time.

Tang Ruan’s eyes sparkled mischievously. As she drew closer, she coughed lightly to catch Ji Jing’s attention.

Ji Jing had been talking with someone but turned instinctively at the sound of her voice. Without warning, Tang Ruan threw herself into his arms, her voice bright and playful. “Husband, I missed you so much!”

Ji Jing staggered slightly before steadying her with a smile. “Oh? How much did you miss me?”

Tang Ruan blinked, wide-eyed. Why did he have to ask that?

She cleared her throat. “I’ve lost my appetite and sleep from thinking about you!”

Ji Jing chuckled.