However, the one she was wearing was her latest creation—a honey tangerine color that was moisturizing and gave a youthful, dewy appearance, enhancing her complexion with a slight fruity scent.

After she applied it that morning and left, Su Cheng had been staring at her lips. He tried to resist but couldn’t hold back and asked her what she had put on.

His gaze was intense, like he was about to pounce and take a bite at any moment.

But they were outside, with Qiuqiu and Qingyu around, so neither of them dared to do anything.

Ji Meng also didn’t want to act affectionate in front of the kids, so she just laughed. After a while, she replied to him with two words: “It’s a secret.”

“Earlier, didn’t you ask me what I put on my lips? Do you want to try it?”

Feeling the fruity scent on her tongue, Ji Meng suddenly recalled their earlier interaction. Her heart stirred as her hands, which were wrapped around Su Cheng’s waist, began to fidget. She poked him with her fingers and suddenly asked,

“Do you want to try it?”

Su Cheng’s grip on the vegetables suddenly faltered, and green vegetable juice splattered all over his hands as her question echoed in his ears.

The heat surging from his lower abdomen shot up, tightening his waist and belly due to her teasing touch.

He stiffened his body, dropped the vegetables he was holding, and ignored the bits of vegetable juice covering his hands. Instead, he turned his head to look at the person behind him.

She was leaning against his shoulder. When she noticed him glance over, her eyes blinked lightly, seemingly unaware of the astonishing words she had just said.

Ji Meng was well aware that she had momentarily been caught up in the moment and said something impulsive. However, as Su Cheng’s dark and deep eyes fixed on her, she couldn’t help but feel her face heat up, feeling that she was being reckless again.

But the words had already left her mouth, and Ji Meng rarely backed down. She disregarded her inner embarrassment and the warmth creeping up her neck, pretending it was no big deal as she casually said,

“What’s wrong? Don’t want to? It has a fruity scent, it shouldn’t taste bad?”

“Fruity scent?”

Su Cheng stared at her, noticing her eyes flickering as if trying to evade his gaze. He swallowed hard and asked in a hoarse voice.

“Yes.” It was too embarrassing, she felt like she was rambling about something ridiculous. Ji Meng didn’t dare to look directly at Su Cheng, instead shifting her gaze around, her fingers unconsciously tapping on his taut waist and abdomen, but she couldn’t resist sneaking glances at him.

She saw him gazing deeply at her, and suddenly, the corners of his lips curled up: “Then I’ll give it a try…”

As soon as the man’s hoarse voice fell, Ji Meng felt a tightening around her waist as a pair of large hands suddenly wrapped around her slim waist. In the next moment, the back of her head was also caught, and she felt a sharp pain on her lips as her fruity scent was completely swallowed by the man.

Men are often able to learn kissing without a teacher, continuously improving their technique.

However, in just a few short days, he had pinpointed Ji Meng’s sensitive spots and mastered all the ways to elicit pleasure from her.

His calloused hands gently caressed the back of Ji Meng’s neck while his mouth relentlessly took and plundered.

In an instant, Ji Meng felt a wave of tingling pleasure course from the top of her head down her spine. She uncontrollably pressed into the man’s embrace, her arms wrapping around his shoulders.

Her head was cradled, and she felt her height was insufficient, her legs also uncontrollably wrapped around the man’s.

His lips and tongue continuously devoured her.

It felt like encountering an irresistible beast, ready to be swallowed whole.

The saliva in her mouth had no chance to form before it was consumed.

The kitchen door was open, with light and shadows flickering in and out.

When Ji Qinghe returned, fine rain began to fall outside. Not seeing the two little ones in the yard, which was quiet and serene, he was about to go out to look for them when he noticed the kitchen door was open.

As Ji Qinghe took a couple of steps toward the kitchen, he saw a pair of tightly embraced lovers.

The man, dressed in a white shirt and black pants, was tall enough to completely block the woman in his arms from view, all that could be seen were her feet hooked around his leg and her hand wrapped around his arm.

Ji Qinghe’s old face showed no expression as he turned around and left, pretending as if he had never returned.

“It’s late, Dad should be back soon. Go rest in your room, and I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

On a rainy day, night fell early, and outside gradually darkened. Su Cheng gently released the person in his arms, raised his hand to brush away the blush at the corners of her eyes, and looked into her glistening eyes, his voice slightly hoarse as he said, “You should rest while I cook.”

“Oh,” Ji Meng replied softly, casting a quick glance at Su Cheng but not moving.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to move, she simply couldn’t. Her toes had been cramped for too long, and she had no strength left. Moreover, she felt a bit awkward, as her bra clasp was still loose.

Su Cheng clearly realized this as well. He awkwardly cleared his throat and reached out to fasten the clasp for her.

He didn’t mention sending her back to her room but instead carried her to the small fire bench by the stove, gently brushing her soft cheeks, which were flushed either from lack of oxygen or warmth. He said, “You can rest while I cook.”

The fire bench was low, and Ji Meng couldn’t straighten her legs while sitting, but she remained silent, staring into Su Cheng’s questioning eyes. She bit her lip and made a request: “I want to eat pepper salt ribs for dinner.”

“Okay.” Su Cheng chuckled lightly in response, caressing her cheek before moving to the stove to prepare the vegetables, his gaze occasionally glancing back at her.

He occasionally glanced over, and Ji Meng certainly noticed, she quite liked it. She enjoyed being cared for and watched by him, but meeting his gaze too often made her feel uneasy. After a moment, she bit her lip to suppress a laugh and buried her head in his chest, only occasionally lifting her gaze to meet his.

With no one to disturb him, Su Cheng cooked quickly, and by six o’clock, a table full of dishes was ready.

Ji Qinghe had just returned not long ago, carrying a box of items. Seeing that the food was almost done, he went to the well to fetch some water and wash his hands.

Qiuqiu and Qingyu, having grown tired of playing indoors, came out when they smelled the food, helping to serve the dishes and set the table.

“Do you and Mengmeng have plans for a second child?”

Qiuqiu and Qingyu had eaten a lot of fruit and snacks in the afternoon, so they didn’t eat much dinner. After finishing, they got down from the table to play. Ji Qinghe had also eaten enough, he put down his chopsticks and glanced at his son-in-law, who was still serving food to his daughter.

“The clinic came by the street today and inquired about your situation. Family planning has started, and I heard they’re going to issue a document. If you plan to have another one, you should prepare early.”

Ji Meng was just about to eat the spare ribs that Su Cheng had served her when she heard this. Her chopsticks paused slightly, and she placed the ribs back into the bowl.

They had discussed this issue the night before.

Previously, they had been close and somewhat restrained, but things had gotten a bit out of hand last night, almost leading to the final step.

In the moment, Ji Meng had asked Su Cheng about it.

When feelings run deep, Ji Meng doesn’t oppose taking a further step.

But whether to have another child requires careful consideration.

Ji Meng doesn’t dislike children, but she fears pregnancy and childbirth.

After Ji Meng expressed her thoughts, Su Cheng said they wouldn’t have another child, which is why the two of them didn’t do anything further last night and spent a quiet night sleeping together.

“No, we have Qiuqiu, that’s enough. We don’t plan to have another one,” Su Cheng replied to Ji Qinghe as he put down his chopsticks.

He couldn’t let Ji Meng respond to such a question.

Hearing this, Ji Qinghe breathed a sigh of relief, he was actually quite worried that his son-in-law wanted another child.

He knew that Su Cheng’s family only had him as a son, so wanting a son to carry on the family name was completely normal.

But personally, he didn’t want his daughter to have a second child. Pregnancy and childbirth can be tough on the body, even though she’s still young, there’s no guarantee there won’t be any complications. He only had this one daughter, whom he valued greatly, and he hoped nothing unexpected would happen.

“Hmm, that sounds good. Qiuqiu is very sensible, if you focus on raising her, she will turn out well,” Ji Qinghe said, hesitating for a moment as he took two paper bags out of his pocket, which had the word “Kangle” written on them.

“These were sent by the street. I heard you didn’t pick them up, so I brought two for you.”

Ji Qinghe placed the items on the table and stood up. Just as he was about to leave, he paused his steps, cleared his throat, and couldn’t help but say, “You two are affectionate, and Dad is very happy, but when there are two children at home, just pay a bit more attention…” at least close the door.

“What do you think Dad meant by that last remark? Have we not been careful in front of Qiuqiu and Qingyu lately?”

After dinner and a shower, Ji Meng returned to the room and kept thinking about this matter. When Su Cheng finished his tasks and came in, she pulled him to ask.

Ji Qinghe rarely interfered in their matters, he wouldn’t have said anything if he didn’t think they were being a bit too much.

However, in front of the children these past few days, they had been quite cautious and rarely held hands in public.

Except for that afternoon…

“You say, that afternoon when we were in the kitchen…” Ji Meng suddenly turned to look at Su Cheng.

Su Cheng paused slightly, meeting Ji Meng’s gaze.

“That’s not right, Dad wasn’t back then,” Ji Meng shook her head before Su Cheng could speak.

“Could it be that the two little ones came out this afternoon?” Ji Meng’s eyes widened as she suddenly looked up.

“No, they didn’t come out.” Seeing her about to put on her shoes to go outside, Su Cheng quickly grabbed her.

“Really?” Ji Meng confirmed with Su Cheng. It wasn’t such a big deal if they were caught, although things had been intense, Su Cheng had been mindful and hadn’t gone too far.

But being caught by the children wasn’t exactly a good example.

“Really.” Su Cheng nodded without hesitation.

The kids indeed didn’t come out, but it was very possible that his father-in-law had returned early.

Su Cheng speculated in his heart, but he couldn’t tell Ji Meng this, if she knew, she would be so embarrassed.

He also didn’t want to lose certain benefits in the future.

Yes, benefits.

Her occasionally bold words and actions were all benefits for him.

“Alright, let’s not think about it anymore. I have something to tell you.”

Su Cheng followed her hand, sat down, and pulled her onto his lap as he spoke to her.

“Hmm? What is it?” Ji Meng turned to look at Su Cheng.

Su Cheng paused for a moment: “I have to go back to the army tomorrow, I might be gone for four or five days.”

“Going back tomorrow?”

Ji Meng was slightly taken aback.

She wasn’t surprised that Su Cheng had to return to the army, in fact, he had been postponing it for a long time, but hearing the news still felt a bit sudden.

For people in love, parting suddenly brings about a sense of reluctance.

“Yeah, the leaders contacted me, and my transfer application has been approved. I need to go back and hand over some things,” Su Cheng said, wrapping his arms around Ji Meng, squeezing her hand, and leaning down to kiss her hair and the edge of her ear.

He actually didn’t want to part from her at this moment, even if it was just for a few days, but there was no way to delay this matter any longer.

“Oh, what time are you leaving tomorrow? Have you told Qiuqiu?”

“I’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning. I’ve already told Dad and Qiuqiu while you were in the shower tonight. Dad will take Qiuqiu and Qingyu to school tomorrow, so you’ll have to go to work on your own.”

It seemed she was the last to know.

Ji Meng felt a bit unhappy about it, but since they were about to be apart for a few days, she didn’t want to get upset over small matters, so she said, “Be safe on the road.”

Her tone had a hint of stiffness.

Su Cheng noticed the change in her tone and could roughly guess the reason. He shifted her body slightly to the side:

“Are you angry? I didn’t mean to be the last to tell you, I just couldn’t find the right moment.”

He received the telegram in the morning and originally planned to tell her in the kitchen, but given the atmosphere at the time, he really didn’t want to dampen the mood.

“No,” Ji Meng shook her head.

He explained, and it made her feel a bit better. She actually understood why he was the last to tell her, their previous atmosphere had been so good that he couldn’t find the right moment to bring it up.

Moreover, parting is never a good thing, and being the last to know about the sorrow of separation would always make it a bit more bearable.

“Just finish up and come back early.” After a moment, Ji Meng looked up at Su Cheng and said.

Perhaps because it had been so long since she had been in a relationship, she felt a bit anxious.

It was only a matter of four or five days, and he hadn’t even left yet, but she was already starting to think about it.

She was now very grateful that Su Cheng was transferring, otherwise, she couldn’t imagine what it would be like for him to be gone for a year and a half.

Ji Meng liked her hot bath, and the hot water turned her skin a rosy red. At this moment, the redness was fading, and her skin glowed with a soft pink hue. Her eyes, perhaps from being in the steam for too long, still had a misty, dewy look, and she was staring at him with an expression of reluctance that warmed his heart and made it flutter.

Her red lips glistened, enticing him closer.

“I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

Su Cheng softly responded to her and couldn’t help but lower his head to kiss her as she looked up.

It was like a pair of mandarin ducks entwined, and soon they found it hard to part again.

With the impending separation, they both felt a sense of reluctance.

This kiss gradually became more passionate.

That evening, Ji Meng wore a silk shirt-style dress made from new fabric brought in from Shenzhen by the big collective. The material was smooth and soft like satin, lighter and thinner. During the cutting process, the tailor accidentally cut a piece wrong, but Ji Meng liked the fabric and bought it, asking the tailor to make it into a nightgown-style shirt dress.

The dress was a vibrant red color with a ruffled V-neck that was slightly low-cut. With the dim yellow light in the room, her creamy skin appeared to have a glaze-like sheen, smooth and glossy, so tender that it seemed one could almost squeeze water from it.

Su Cheng held her face, and kissed her eyes, her nose, and her ears gently.

Gradually, his desire grew.

He gazed at her long, fair neck, which resembled a swan, then moved to the delicate collarbone that was deep and exquisite like jade, and the gentle rise and fall of her curves.

His eyes darkened slightly as he locked his gaze on her, voice husky: “Mengmeng, I want to look at you properly.”

“Is that okay?”

At this moment, Ji Meng seemed like a person made of water, her whole body soft and limp, her eyes shimmering with tears, veiled in a light mist.

She lay on the white floral pillow, gazing at him with tearful eyes.

In his dark, deep gaze, there seemed to be a fire, burning her. Her heart felt slightly warm, as if a stream of heat was flowing through her.

She lightly licked her slightly stinging lips.

Seeing the change in the color of his deep eyes because of her actions, and the way his sensual Adam’s apple kept sliding up and down, she felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

It was as if she had conquered this man.

After all, they could try to take it to the end, couldn’t they?

She also wanted to taste what it felt like.

The problem that had troubled her for 28 years should finally get a perfect answer.

The first two times, once she wasn’t ready, and the other time, there was no preparation.

But those two bags from the evening had removed all obstacles…

Various thoughts flashed through Ji Meng’s mind as she focused on the fine beads of sweat on the man’s forehead. She gently bit her lip and, after a moment, reached out to take his large hand, placing it over the first button of her collar.

“Mengmeng.”

Su Cheng’s Adam’s apple rolled up and down, and he murmured her name as he leaned down.