As the saying goes, a pear blossom atop a plum blossom.
The heat from the bottom of his heart, lingering and indelible, intensified with every sensation, making it impossible to extricate himself.
Not knowing how much time had passed, strands of damp hair clung to his forehead like a serene ink wash painting.
After a long while, accompanied by a low growl, the storm finally ceased.
Ye Longlin leaned against the bedside, a cigarette between his fingers, a hint of melancholy etched on his face.
He couldn't help but wonder if he had gone mad to commit such a preposterous act.
The burden on his shoulders had grown even heavier.
Mu Hanqi rested against his chest, her fingers gently tracing the scarred landscape of his body.
"If there's a chance later, can you tell me about it?"
She was referring to the stories behind the ferocious scars on his body.
These were the glories of Ye Longlin's many years of military service, his medals!
"Okay!"
Ye Longlin nodded, one hand stroking her smooth back, a rare tenderness flickering in his eyes.
Meanwhile, in Star City.
Murong Yuze sat cross-legged on the sofa, eating fruit and playing with his phone. Perhaps finding the posture uncomfortable, he promptly lay down on the sofa.
He resembled a prodigal son who had accomplished nothing, not a young council member wielding power.
"Uncle, the family is holding a clan meeting next month, and many people from Jinling are proposing marriage, wanting to wed Mu Hanqi. What are your thoughts on this matter?"
Logically, this matter shouldn't have required his personal intervention. After all, in the Murong family, he held a certain standing, and he was also a member of the council.
However, given Ye Longlin's current deep connection with Mu Hanqi, he had no choice but to come in person to ascertain the situation.
"I'm not sure either, don't ask me. Those Jinling families are old families with hundreds of years of lineage; even the Murong family cannot afford to offend them. Moreover, several families have produced high-ranking generals. Most importantly, Xiao Qi's current relationship with Ye Longlin... Can't this matter be postponed?"
Mu Ye also found the situation troublesome. After all, his daughter was currently involved with the current Heavenly King, a fact that no one could ignore.
Murong Yuze rubbed his temples, a headache forming. "Third Uncle, as you know, they've been gradually proposing since the beginning of this year. The old patriarch has already refused several times. The most troublesome thing isn't this; it's that the old patriarch has agreed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come. I also have to go to Southern Province tomorrow."
The Murong family originally hailed from Jinling, a second-tier family. However, they had seized an opportunity back then, and with the collective effort of the entire clan, they elevated the Murong family to its current status.
Consequently, after that period, the Murong family split into two.
One was the Jinling Murong family, and the other was the Capital Murong family.
Regardless, these two families shared the same origin.
The triennial ancestral worship ceremony would require everyone from the Capital to return to Jinling.
Their current concern was that Ye Longlin and Mu Hanqi had confirmed their relationship, and the old patriarch had already accepted the marriage proposals. This was the crux of their headache.
The key point was whether Ye Longlin and Mu Hanqi had confirmed their relationship.
Whether they had confirmed their relationship or not, the old patriarch had already agreed!
"We should pray that they haven't confirmed their relationship yet, otherwise... no one can bear the guilt of coveting the Heavenly King's wife."
This was also their worry, making it impossible to predict how this matter would unfold.
"I'll go to Southern Province tomorrow to meet him and see what he says. The old man has already agreed to them. If they offend them, the old man will lose face, and it will be embarrassing at the ancestral worship ceremony."
The two men exchanged glances and sighed.
Who knew the old man would suddenly agree to this matter!
The Jinling Murong family's influence was immense. Unlike the Tian family, who claimed to be royalty, the Murong family's influence was even greater than that of royalty.
"If they are truly together, how should it be resolved?"
...
The sunlight outside cast golden streaks, filtering in through the window.
Inch by inch, from top to bottom, it fell upon Mu Hanqi's delicate body, as if gilding her with a divine radiance.
Ye Longlin's large hand roamed, his touch finding softness.
"I'm not getting up. I want to sleep more."
She hadn't slept well last night. This big pig's hoof had been too enthusiastic, and since it was her first time, they had explored until the late hours.
After leaving a good morning kiss, Ye Longlin got up to shower.
"Boss, we have a visitor today."
Upon reaching the living room, Yuan Gang reported. His habit of waking up early, cultivated over many years, remained unshakeable.
"Lin Langsheng?"
Ye Longlin asked, stroking his chin. The only person who could prompt Yuan Gang to remind him in Southern Province seemed to be Lin Langsheng. However, he had also been working hard these past few days, cleaning up all the messes.
"No, it's Murong Yuze. He said he's coming today regarding Miss Mu's matter."
Yuan Gang continued his report. This was the news received this morning. The visitor was already en route and was expected to arrive around noon today.
Ye Longlin nodded, hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "From now on, call her sister-in-law."
A smile played on his lips as he said this.
Yuan Gang froze in place, also breaking into a smile. "Understood."
It seemed a beautiful story had unfolded last night.
"After our business is concluded, it should be around two o'clock. Then I'll go to the hospital to see Xiao Xiao. The special task force is already in operation. Furthermore, Zhao Wuji has confessed that this matter was instigated by the Tian family.
The Tian family patriarch has one son and one daughter. His wife was involved in a car accident that led to a premature birth. Tian Shishi, born at eight months, was also affected. Since birth, she has been dependent on various medical equipment, suffering from congenital eyelid adhesions, underdeveloped limbs, and organ problems. Due to organ issues, finding a suitable match has been difficult, and her rare blood type further complicates matters.
Therefore, many years ago, the Tian family patriarch decided to resolve this issue at its root. A year ago, Tian Shishi was discharged from the hospital after recovering, and he has not paid attention to this matter since, allowing them to develop freely.
Zhao Wuji confessed that these actions were not theirs. They are merely trying to profit from the physical disabilities of these young children; that's all."
Ye Longlin nodded slowly. "In that case, I will handle this matter. What is the progress on the remaining S-class war criminals?"
Yuan Gang reported, "Since the previous battles, there have been no traces of any war criminals in Southern Province. According to the latest intelligence from the Dragon Pavilion, their presence has been detected in Qing City."
This meant that Qing City was unavoidable; all signs pointed there.
"In that case, let's head to Qing City."