"Hold your tongue!" the Grand Madam snapped sharply. "You brought that Miss He into our home unprovoked—do you think we don't see through your intentions? Lili gave you a protective talisman out of goodwill, and what did you do? You tore it to shreds! Is that how little you regard your daughter-in-law? Just now, when you were possessed by something unclean, it may have been Miss He who placed the talisman on you, but that charm was Lili's. Without her, without her talisman, who knows how much worse off you'd be right now. Let me tell you, Shufen, don't be ungrateful. Your father and I both hold Lili in high esteem. You saw her capabilities just now—mind your words in the future, and conduct yourself like a proper mother-in-law!"
Lady Long was rendered speechless, chastised by her mother-in-law. Knowing she was in the wrong, she said nothing further.
"Mother, since it's clear there's something unclean in the house, why don't we ask Lili to help cleanse the space and dispel this yin energy?"
"Such spirits usually drift about and seldom cause harm unprovoked. It shouldn't be a big concern."
"You all have talismans to protect you, of course it's nothing to you. But what do I have…"
The Grand Madam snorted, "And whose fault is that? Reap what you sow. Fengxi, go to your brother's and ask your sister-in-law for another charm. Tell her your grandmother requested it personally."
"Yes, Grandmother."
Long Fengxi hurried to Qinyuan and retrieved another talisman from Gu Lili.
After washing up, the couple lay side by side in bed.
"You've been rather quiet since we got back. When Fengxi came to ask for another talisman, you gave it to him without a word. Are you upset?"
"Not at all." She smiled faintly. "I actually saw that unclean thing at the birthday banquet. I only intended for it to speak near your mother and give her a good scare. After all, she deliberately invited He Meiwei. But I didn't expect her to tear up the charm—only then did the spirit find an opening to possess her."
"I see."
She leaned over him, eyes crinkling with amusement. "Darling…"
"What's with that sly smile?"
"You're the sly one. I'm clearly smiling like a blooming flower."
He smirked. "More like blooming mischief."
"Scoundrel!" she feigned anger and made to hit him, but Long Yubei caught her wrist and flipped her beneath him in one fluid motion, raising a brow suggestively. "Little wife, let's see how your husband shall tame you…"
Gu Lili rolled her eyes and played along, "Let's see if you have the stamina to last till morning…"
"You doubt me? I'll wear you down to the bone."
"Ah! Be gentle…"
…
The night stretched long, and the couple found joy in each other again and again.
With her legs wrapped around his waist, Gu Lili bore the brunt of his relentless passion. Breathless sounds spilled from her lips in a delicate, continuous stream, stoking his desire even higher.
When the final wave of pleasure had passed, she curled into his arms, utterly spent. "Darling…" she murmured softly.
"Mm?"
"Which area in our city has the most promising property for investment?"
"Why do you ask?" he replied. "Planning to turn your money into real estate?"
"Money left in the bank only loses value. I figured buying a property might be a wiser move."
"You're not wrong," he said thoughtfully. "But don't buy a residential unit. Look for a commercial-residential hybrid—storefront property, preferably. Invest in Kangbei District. Choose a prime location. If you're serious, I'll have Qingli accompany you tomorrow. He's always had an excellent eye for these things."
"Alright." Gu Lili closed her eyes. "I'm tired."
"Sleep now. I've worn you out."
A smile curved her lips as she drifted peacefully into sleep.