The news of Long Yubei's sudden marriage to an orphan girl ignited a fervent public debate.
On their way back to Qinyuan Residential Complex, they stopped by a jewelry store and purchased the wedding rings.
Upon arriving home, the wedding dress designer swiftly arrived to tailor gowns to their measurements, while Tang Qingli promptly booked a renowned studio in City A for their bridal photoshoot. The rest of the arrangements were entrusted to the Long family's staff.
After all, there were scarcely a few days left until the end of February.
During dinner with Long Yubei, Tang Qingli's servants delivered several large crates upstairs. When she went to inspect after the meal, she was utterly astonished.
An entire collection of attire—clothing, shoes, hats, masks, watches, jewelry, and cosmetics—was meticulously arranged by a dozen or so servants.
Opening the wardrobe doors revealed a dazzling array of exquisitely beautiful garments.
Their value was plainly exorbitant.
"Do you like them?" he asked, leaning casually against the doorway.
Recalling how Gu Xichen had once disparaged her attire, she nodded. "Who wouldn't delight in such exquisite clothing?"
"As long as you like them."
He turned and went to pour himself some tea.
She ran her hands over the garments one by one, eventually selecting a dress she wished to try on.
Without hesitation, she changed into it, not yet glancing at her reflection when he reentered.
"How does this dress look?"
Long Yubei's eyes gleamed darkly, fixed on the delicate expanse of her exposed white décolletage—irresistibly alluring.
His hand reached out and caressed her, the softness beneath his touch compelling. With a long arm, he drew her into his embrace, his voice a low murmur, "Are you doing this on purpose?"
"Doing what on purpose?"
"Tempting me." He lowered his head to claim her slightly parted lips, pressing her against the wall and indulging in unrestrained passion.
The dress Gu Lili had just donned soon lay in ruin under his fervent ministrations.
Now truly his wife, Long Yubei grew ever more bold, lavishing himself upon her without concern that their newfound life might end come morning.
After a night of abandon, Gu Lili was roused by Long Yubei's call well past dawn.
"Time for breakfast."
"What time is it?"
"Nine o'clock."
She half-opened her eyes, her voice tinged with reproach. "If you hadn't worn me out so thoroughly last night, I would have been up long ago."
"I distinctly remember someone kept shouting how amazing it was."
She buried her face beneath the covers, denying fiercely, "That definitely wasn't me."
Long Yubei drew back the blanket and kissed her cheek. "Get up quickly. We have the bridal photoshoot today."
Struggling, she rose, dressed, and freshened herself.
She unplugged her charging phone and powered it on.
Taking it with her, she went downstairs.
At breakfast, she ate while he sat silently watching.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
"Early this morning, Gu Xichen of the Gu family came asking for you. I didn't let him in."
"I really don't know what he wants," Gu Lili muttered between bites. "He was the one who called off the engagement and already has a girlfriend. We agreed to sever ties—no one should meddle. If it weren't for him being my master's son, I'd have beaten him to a pulp by now."
Just as she spoke, the phone rang—it was Gu Xichen.
She set down her spoon and answered, "Hello?"
"When did you and Long Yubei meet?"
"That's none of your business."
"Did you break off our engagement so easily because you met him?"
Gu Lili wished she had a hammer to smash his head. "Gu Xichen, you were the one who proposed calling off the engagement. I merely agreed. I only met him after breaking off with you."