Chapter 48

When they woke again, sunlight bathed the room in golden light.

Tang Ruan stirred first. Though she hadn’t slept long, her eyes fluttered open to find Ji Jing still deep in slumber.

She shifted carefully, observing him. His exhaustion was evident in the dark circles under his eyes and the fatigue etched on his face—so unlike his usual composed self.

She had missed him so much.

Tang Ruan gazed at him quietly for a long time before quietly slipping out of bed.

She was feeling a bit hungry.

After freshening up, she headed downstairs, where Butler Li was basking in the winter sun. The sunlight felt warm and pleasant, as long as the wind wasn’t blowing.

As soon as he saw her, he greeted her warmly, “Young Madam, you’re awake! Are you hungry?”

Tang Ruan nodded. “A little.”

“I’ll whip up something fresh for you,” he offered immediately. “The breakfast I made earlier has gone cold.”

Tang Ruan waved her hand, declining politely. “No need, I’ll make something myself.”

“How about Young Master? Is he up?”

Tang Ruan thought for a moment and then asked softly, “Ji Jing got home around five in the morning, right?”

“Yes,” Butler Li confirmed.

“What time did he and Ji Ling get up? Why didn’t they sleep a little longer?” She was curious. Based on the timing, Ji Jing probably hadn’t rested much at all.

Butler Li explained earnestly, “He was up briefly around eight. It’s just his usual routine. He had a quick breakfast before going back to his room and happened to run into Miss Ji Ling. She’s quite afraid of him.” He chuckled at the memory.

Tang Ruan laughed at that. “Ji Jing isn’t that scary.”

Butler Li nodded in agreement. “It’s mostly because she shared a bed with you last night, and the Young Master got a bit jealous.”

Tang Ruan blushed and coughed lightly. “I’ll go cook something. You should rest—Ji Jing will probably wake up soon.”

“Need help?”

“No, I’ve got it.”

Understanding her intent to personally cook for her husband, Butler Li didn’t insist. He returned to the sunlit courtyard, leaving the space for the young couple to enjoy.

–

Tang Ruan felt refreshed after a full rest, her energy fully restored.

She genuinely wanted to cook something for Ji Jing. Though the timing was odd, neither too early nor too late, it seemed fitting to make him a meal. He hadn’t been home for a while, and she figured he might be craving the flavors of home. Aside from delivering him food once, she hadn’t often cooked for him. Today seemed like a good opportunity to change that.

The refrigerator was stocked with fresh ingredients delivered that morning. Every day, only enough organic produce was sent to meet the day’s needs. She didn’t know much about the specifics but could tell the taste was superior.

She scanned the contents and pulled out fish, ribs, and a small potato. She decided to make a soup, stir-fry a few dishes, and call it a meal.

Completely absorbed in her work, she didn’t notice when someone appeared in the doorway. It wasn’t until she stood on her toes, reaching for something, that a hand suddenly extended behind her to grab it.

Startled but delighted, she turned and asked, “When did you wake up?”

Ji Jing rubbed her head affectionately. “A little while ago. Why are you cooking now?”

“Are you not hungry?” she asked, focused on slicing vegetables. “Did you sleep well?”

He gave a quiet “mm” and wrapped his arms around her. “Need help?”

“No.” She laughed. “You go sit down—I’ll handle this.”

She hadn’t forgotten that Ji Jing was no cook. He rarely even stepped into a kitchen. Letting him help? She wouldn’t dare.

He kissed her cheek softly. “How many dishes left?”

“This is the last one.” She gestured to the pan. “That braised fish is almost done. How does it look?”

Ji Jing glanced over with half-lidded eyes. “Not bad.”

Tang Ruan’s cooking always looked vibrant and flavorful, each dish bursting with color and aroma. Even if he wasn’t hungry, the sight alone could stir his appetite.

After a bit more playful banter in the kitchen, they carried the dishes out to the table.

“Let’s eat.”

Ji Jing gazed at the spread before him, then lifted his eyes to the woman sitting across from him. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Tang Ruan beamed. “Eat up!”

The two ate in companionable silence, occasionally exchanging a few words. The scene was serene and heartwarming.

–

After their meal, they returned to their room to rest.

Tang Ruan sighed. “I shouldn’t have stayed up so late last night. It makes me feel sluggish all day.”

Ji Jing, looking much more refreshed, had already shaken off his fatigue. His complexion had returned to normal.

“How do you recover so quickly? Aren’t you tired anymore?”

He gave a slight nod. “I’m used to it.”

When he first took over the company, his sleep rarely exceeded five hours a night. The workload was immense, and as a new leader, he had to prove himself. He poured all his energy into stabilizing Ji Group, earning the board’s respect.

Later, when he had the luxury of rest, he found it hard to relax.

A short nap was all he needed to feel fully restored.

Tang Ruan yawned. “I really shouldn’t have stayed up last night.”

Ji Jing glanced at her and pinched her cheek lightly. “Spend less time with Ji Ling. She’s a bad influence.”

Tang Ruan chuckled.

She wrapped her arms around him. “What kind of brother talks like that about his own sister?”

He merely smirked but held her tighter.

What use was it to share his wife with anyone else?

They lounged together on the sunlit balcony, lazily soaking in the warmth of the afternoon.

Tang Ruan raised her hand to block the sunlight from her face and half-opened her eyes to glance at Ji Jing, who was reading a book. She was momentarily lost in thought.

Ji Jing’s excellence was understated, something not easily visible to others.

She didn’t quite know how to describe the man in front of her. It amazed her that, instead of lazily napping or playing on his phone like most people might, Ji Jing was engrossed in a book even in this setting.

Tang Ruan silently reflected on her own fondness for leisure and play. No wonder there was such a gap between them.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Hmm?” Tang Ruan shifted slightly, lying on his lap. “I was thinking about how big the gap between people can be.”

Ji Jing: “…”

He smiled helplessly and glanced at her. “How did the interview go?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you.” Tang Ruan had genuinely forgotten, distracted by the excitement with Ji Ling yesterday. She had completely neglected the most important thing.

“I passed,” she said softly. “I’ll start working on Monday. We’ll have about half a month of training before joining a team.”

She looked at Ji Jing. “Are you really busy toward the end of the year?”

“A little busier than usual.”

Tang Ruan hugged him and nuzzled against his chest. “I’m going to nap a bit longer.”

Ji Jing chuckled softly, “Alright.”

–

In the blink of an eye, Monday arrived.

An Xun Studio started work at 9 a.m. It wasn’t a big team—fewer than ten people, including Tang Ruan and Xu Ya, who were the newest members.

Both arrived punctually. An Xun glanced at them and said gently, “Today will just be an introduction to some basic concepts. Here are some materials for you to study.”

Classical makeup design focused heavily on research. Women in ancient times had a far deeper understanding of beauty techniques than modern women, with a broader variety of styles. Many contemporary looks actually originated from those eras, though few people realized it. A deep dive into historical texts could reveal these insights.

Tang Ruan and Xu Ya sat quietly in the lounge, studying their materials. Every so often, Xu Ya sneaked a glance at Tang Ruan, seeming hesitant to speak.

Tang Ruan, fully absorbed in reading and taking notes, didn’t notice.

“Ruan Ruan,” Xu Ya finally said, “Can I call you that?”

Tang Ruan blinked, then smiled. “Of course!”

Xu Ya grinned. “You can call me Sister Ya.”

“Alright.”

The two chatted a bit. Their spacious workstation offered a relaxed atmosphere quite different from other workplaces, allowing more freedom.

“What made you decide to switch careers so suddenly?” Xu Ya asked, curious.

Tang Ruan paused, then smiled. “I’ve always liked classical makeup, and Teacher An Xun is an expert in this field.”

Xu Ya nodded. “That’s true. I’ve seen your videos before.”

“Really?” Tang Ruan was surprised.

Xu Ya nodded. “Your makeup tutorials are very popular.” Her eyes filled with curiosity. “Honestly, I thought livestream makeup artists like you wouldn’t be interested in this kind of work.”

Tang Ruan’s lips curved slightly into a smile. “Maybe I’m just an exception.”

Their conversation ended when An Xun returned, and the three of them spent a while discussing makeup techniques together.

–

Work at An Xun Studio was flexible, and the day passed quickly.

Tang Ruan hadn’t worked a full day in a long time. Sitting for nearly ten hours left her sore and stiff.

At 5 p.m., An Xun dismissed them.

Xu Ya left in her car, while Tang Ruan—wanting to keep a low profile—had been dropped off by a driver earlier and discreetly exited the vehicle one block away. She thought about driving herself but realized that none of the cars in her family’s garage were suited for commuting to work. Driving one of those would only spark gossip about her being a wealthy heiress or a rich wife playing at having a job.

An Xun smiled faintly at her. “Need a ride home?”

Tang Ruan shook her head with a laugh. “No, I’ll call a cab.”

An Xun studied her for a moment, then replied softly, “Alright.”

Before Tang Ruan could hail a ride, her phone buzzed with a call from Ji Jing.

“Done with work?”

She smiled. “You have perfect timing. I just walked out and was about to head home.”

“Don’t go home yet,” Ji Jing said in his low voice. “I’m coming to get you. Wait inside; it’s cold outside.”

“Where are we going?”

“That’s a surprise,” Ji Jing said with a hint of mystery.

Tang Ruan: “…Alright.”

She headed to a nearby bubble tea shop, bought two drinks, and was waiting when Ji Jing pulled up.

Hopping into the car, she urged him to drive, not noticing a familiar vehicle that had pulled up behind them. Someone inside watched her with curious eyes, emotions flickering that were impossible to read.

…

Inside the car, Tang Ruan set the bubble tea aside and looked at the elegant man beside her. “How did you have time to leave work just to pick me up?”

Ji Jing turned his head slightly, his sharp features calm. “To pick you up.”

She chuckled, poking her straw into her drink. “I got you one without sugar.”

Ji Jing wasn’t fond of sweets—a detail she remembered well.

He glanced at the drink but focused on her lips as she sipped from her cup. Her lipstick left a faint trace on the straw, subtle but alluring. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “I don’t feel like drinking the unsweetened one.”

“Huh?” Tang Ruan blinked in confusion, raising her own cup. “Do you want this one with sugar?”

“It’s not impossible,” Ji Jing replied casually.

Tang Ruan: “…”

Why did that sound so reluctant?

As she mulled over his tone, the light ahead turned red. Ji Jing stopped the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and leaned toward her. He took a sip through her straw and remarked, “Very sweet.”