Whenever time permitted, she immersed herself in reading and studying the intricate customs and etiquette befitting a prestigious aristocratic family. Moreover, she devoted herself daily to practicing yoga, nurturing her mind and body alike—a paragon of refinement and grace, embodying the very essence of a noble lady.
Such unyielding ambition and composure truly earned Tang Qingli's newfound admiration.
"Young Madam, a department at the company achieved a notable success today. Usually, in such cases, the Young Master rewards those who attended the celebration. I imagine tonight will be no exception."
Gu Lili nodded gracefully. "Indeed, that is only fitting."
No sooner had she spoken than her phone rang—it was Long Yubei.
"I'll be home late tonight."
"I just heard from Qingli. I have only one request: don't drink too much."
From the other end came his quiet acknowledgment, "Understood."
Yet as the clock edged toward nine, Long Yubei had yet to return.
Unable to sit still, Gu Lili dialed him once more. His voice bore the unmistakable weight of intoxication as he assured her the party was nearly over.
Nonetheless, she rose from bed, hastily dressing, tying her hair back into a simple ponytail, and swiftly descending the stairs.
Chef Chang Tai, preparing to retire for the night, observed her urgency. "Young Madam, are you going out?"
"Yes, just stepping out for a bit."
Grasping her car keys, she fetched the vehicle from the garage and invited Tang Qingli along as they headed toward the venue where Long Yubei was—The Imperial Palace.
Upon arrival, they inquired at the first-floor bar for the private room he occupied. Together, they ascended in the elevator to the opulent upper levels.
Reaching the door of the grand suite, Gu Lili paused, peering through the window to confirm Long Yubei's whereabouts.
What she saw ignited a blaze of fury within her.
Long Yubei reclined on the sofa, flanked on both sides by a bevy of female employees who, judging by their manner and presence, seemed less like colleagues and more akin to companions of the night. The male staff were clustered across on the opposite sofa.
The scene was unmistakably inappropriate.
Tang Qingli swallowed nervously, sensing her mistress's rising displeasure, holding his breath in deference.
Gu Lili restrained herself from barging in impulsively; instead, she composed her thoughts before grasping the door handle and entering.
The lively atmosphere instantly stilled at her sudden arrival.
The women seated beside Long Yubei all paled, rising hastily to leave, but Gu Lili waved them off with a composed smile. "Please, remain seated. Let us not spoil the mood just because I have arrived."
The young, attractive women reluctantly resumed their places, visibly uneasy.
"Young—Young Madam, Mr. Long has perhaps had too much to drink," the male department head offered an explanation. "We were just about to call it a night."
Gu Lili smiled faintly. "The evening is still young—just past nine. You should continue to enjoy yourselves as you please. But I must take Mr. Long home now."
Tang Qingli promptly helped Long Yubei to his feet. Observing his drunken state, Gu Lili silently surmised these people must have plied him with copious amounts of liquor.
"Lili…" Long Yubei's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, eyes glazed as he leaned into her embrace.
He murmured into her neck, arms encircling her. "Wife, you came for me."
Gu Lili returned his smile, waving a graceful farewell to the staff. "We shall take our leave now. Please, carry on and enjoy the rest of your evening."
"Of course, of course. Take care," they chorused, rising to escort them to the door.