“Really? Okay, I’ll play for you every day.” Lan smiled charmingly, her mood recovering as she looked at him.
Sometimes she found herself amusing. When with Ling Feng, she hadn’t felt such longing. Now that he was gone, she often thought of him. Was this “what cannot be obtained is the best”? Great Grandfather said he would return, so she should cherish the person before her and grasp the present happiness. Recently, her low emotions had impacted Long Junhao, who felt a constant sense of failure in making her happy.
“Are we going to Long Yi’s place tomorrow?” Long Junhao asked, gently stroking her hair.
“Mm, we’ve already made plans.”
Lan lazily leaned against Long Junhao, closing her eyes to experience his tenderness.
“I’ll accompany you. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a drink with Long Feng. It’s a good opportunity to gather,” Long Junhao said, kissing her.
“Okay!” She agreed, rarely seeing him show such interest, and nestled against him.
Suddenly, a crisp voice broke the silence. “What are Mom and Dad doing?” Behind the rockery, two little ones were peeking out.
“Shh, they’re hugging. Brother, I want a hug too!” Their innocent chatter startled the couple.
“Zhen, Xin, what are you doing?” Lan called to the siblings.
“Oh no, Mom discovered us! Xin, run!” Zhen pulled Xin away, their laughter echoing. Lan smiled, her heart filled with happiness.
The next day, Lan rose early. The family of four, including little Yue, set off towards Long Yi’s residence, about two li from the palace. Chatting and laughing, they quickly arrived at an elegant residence marked by a plaque reading “Fu Ma Fu” (Consort’s Mansion). Before they could knock, the door opened with a creak. A portly Long Yi emerged with a warm smile, accompanied by the suave Long Feng, whose gentle demeanor warmed hearts.
Long Feng held a cute, chubby-faced boy with big eyes who resembled Long Yi, presumably their son, Long Lei.
“Zhen’er, Xin’er, go call Brother Lei and Aunt Xiaoyue; we’re going shopping.” After days at home, the children had been restless. With nothing else planned, Lan Lan decided to take them out. Long Lei was only a month older than siblings Long Zhen and Long Xin, and they were always together.
