"Hey! Sunny? It's me, Meng Wei. We met at the clothing store, remember?" His deep, cheerful voice came through the phone.
"Oh! Of course," Sunny replied with a smile. "How do you have time to call me, Dr. Meng?" She teased him, absentmindedly playing with the phone cord.
"Of course, I wanted to tell you something fun," he said mysteriously.
Sunny's eyes lit up, and she stopped fiddling with the cord. "What's the fun thing?" Her curiosity was hard to conceal.
Meng Wei decided to play with her. "Guess!"
Sunny made a funny face and adopted a fierce tone. "Stop keeping me in suspense, just tell me!" She was generally an impatient person—except for when she was researching the time converter.
"Whoa… so fierce, I'm so scared!" Meng Wei's laughter rang out, loud and clear in Sunny's ear.
"Meng Wei!" Sunny warned him.
"Okay, okay!" He realized if he kept teasing her, she would definitely give him a hard time later. "I called to tell you that the puppy at my house had three little babies a few days ago," he announced with a smile.
"Wow! Congratulations! Tell me what they look like!" She asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling.
"They're all super cute, I guarantee that when you see them, you'll fall in love," Meng Wei continued excitedly. "Sunny, I called to ask if you want to come over and help name them."
"Name them?" Sunny asked, puzzled.
"Yeah! I saved the honor of naming them for you, hoping you can give them special names." Meng Wei paused for a moment. "Sunny, can you come over?" His voice was filled with hope.
"This…" Sunny hesitated, her brows furrowing. Although she really wanted to go, if Long Yang found out she was meeting Meng Wei again, it would definitely cause a storm. Not to mention that the Samsung team she wanted to meet was also coming today. Oh dear! What should she do?
To be honest, she really wanted to see the three cute puppies. In the 23rd century, due to rampant hunting and killing in the present day, almost all animals were on the brink of extinction. As a result, strict laws had been established to prohibit hunting and capturing animals, let alone keeping pets. She had always wanted a little dog of her own, but in her time, it was simply impossible.
Meng Wei sensed her hesitation and added, "Come on, Sunny! They're really cute! I promise you'll adore them when you see them."
"But…" She bit her lip.
"Don't hesitate any longer, just agree! Are you really not curious at all? Don't you want to hold them in your arms?" He coaxed gently.
This shattered the last bit of Sunny's rationality. She took a deep breath, as if making a significant decision. "Alright! I'll come over and take a look at them."
Forget it! She had never told Long Yang she wouldn't meet Meng Wei again, so that was not a valid reason. As for meeting the Samsung team, Sunny secretly stuck out her tongue; there would be chances in the future. What was most important right now was to see those three newly born puppies, the adorable little dogs. She excitedly thought, her mind entirely on the three puppies she had yet to meet.
"Okay, Sunny, wait for me for an hour. I'm heading out to pick you up now," Meng Wei said, his voice bubbling with joy.
"Sure! I'll wait for you at the main entrance of the building in an hour," Sunny replied with a bright smile.
"I still don't understand what I'm doing here!" A well-groomed, handsome man was half-leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window, murmuring to Lei Jie in frustration. "I'm a lawyer; I doubt there's anything here that needs me." "Comet" Lan Feng glanced humorously at the four people sitting in various postures.
"When did you become so humble, underestimating yourself like this!" Lei Jie teased with a faint smile. "Don't forget, it was Long who asked you all to come. He definitely has his reasons."
"Yeah! I say, Comet, look at your unwilling expression. Did you forget what floor this is? Do you need me to remind you?" Bai Haoran shook his drink, laughing mischievously.
"No, thanks for your unsolicited advice, Silver Fox. I just took the elevator up from the first floor, not flown in from the sky. Of course, I know what floor this is. But you two…" Lan Feng shot back, refusing to back down. "How did you both get so disheveled after just a few days? Did you get caught in the elevator doors or something?" He mocked without an ounce of sympathy.
Bai Haoran and Lei Jie both froze. Was this guy in cahoots with Sunny beforehand? How could he have the exact same mocking words? Suspicious! Very suspicious!
"What? Did I guess right?" Lan Feng asked with a smug grin.
Bai Haoran made a funny face and scoffed. "Who said that! You're way off!" This arrogant guy!
"Oh, I don't think so." The leader of the Samsung team, the tall and striking "Meteor" Xia Yun, smiled as he joined the lively banter. "Looking at the injuries on your faces, I think what Lan Feng said might be close to the truth!"
"May I ask what remarkable insight 'Meteor' has?" Bai Haoran snorted.
Xia Yun laughed gracefully. "Of course…"
"You're all here."
A sudden voice interrupted Xia Yun, who was about to launch into a long discussion. Everyone turned around to see Long Yang casually leaning against the door frame, wearing a relaxed smile.
"Hi, Long," the members of the Samsung team greeted in unison. They were surprised by the scars on his face but blinked in astonishment, maintaining their original postures.
Long Yang raised an eyebrow and stepped out of the bedroom, his eyes scanning the room. "Where's Sunny?" It was surprising how quickly she had vanished.
"She probably went out," Bai Haoran shrugged lazily in response.
"Did she say where she was going?" Long Yang frowned slightly and sat down on the sofa.
"Come on, Long, when did I become your babysitter? I have no idea," Bai Haoran rolled his eyes, finding the situation both amusing and frustrating.
"Sorry to interrupt!" Xia Yun, always smiling, interjected.
"Right! Can anyone tell us who this Sunny is?" Lan Feng raised an eyebrow, his face filled with curiosity. It was intriguing to see Long Yang, the leader of the Longmen Society, so concerned about someone.
"Hehe! Not telling you," Bai Haoran said with a teasing grin, clearly enjoying the moment.
"The fate of someone who keeps secrets is quite miserable!" The ever-silent "Shadow" Heiying, who had been quietly observing his brandy, finally spoke for the first time since entering the room.
Bai Haoran was momentarily taken aback. Was this guy inventing some new prank again?
"Alright, let's stop the off-topic chatter," Long Yang said, frowning. He turned to Xia Yun. "How's the investigation we discussed before you all came over?"
"Everything is under control." Xia Yun's usually humorous face turned serious. "It's right here." He walked over from the bar to the sofa, pointing at a map spread out on the table, filled with dense annotations. "Next month, Fang Yongsheng and Jiang Kunhong are scheduled to meet with people sent from Thailand at this location."
"Scheduled?" Long Yang looked at the place Xia Yun was indicating.
"Yes, but according to our investigation, this location will definitely not change," Xia Yun assured confidently.
Long Yang nodded grimly. "Mm, this place is indeed quite secluded and hard to discover," he studied the map closely.
"Long!" At that moment, Heiying, still sitting on the sofa, shifted slightly.
"What's up, Heiying?" Long Yang replied without looking up, his attention still on the map.
"It seems the authorities have noticed this matter as well," Heiying said, his gaze meaningful.
Long Yang raised his face, a cold smile forming. "Good, very good! If necessary, we can assist the police in solving this large-scale heroin smuggling case." He said nonchalantly.
"You mean to cooperate with the police?" Lan Feng raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Although they were no longer the small gang they once were, having transformed into a wealthy powerhouse, cooperating openly with the police was… well, it felt a bit strange.
"Exactly! However…" Long Yang's lips curled into a chilling smile, "obviously, you forgot to mention that it will be a covert collaboration." He added.
Lan Feng felt relieved at this, casting a contemplative glance out the window.
Meanwhile, Bai Haoran, who had been listening intently, locked eyes with Long Yang's deep gaze and asked, "You mean with Chief Zhang Yuanshan of the Police Department?" Zhang Yuanshan had a long-standing relationship with the Longmen Society, dating back seven years.
"Mm!" Long Yang affirmed, then turned his gaze to Lei Jie. "Contact Uncle Zhang when you have time and ask him to come here in three days. Other than that, don't say anything more." He ordered without lifting his eyebrows.
"Got it," Lei Jie nodded.
"Well, since we've finished discussing serious matters, let's talk about this Sunny person!" Lan Feng redirected his attention from the window, still filled with curiosity and clearly unwilling to give up on his interest.
Mentioning Sunny made Long Yang's brows furrow again. "Strange! Why hasn't she returned yet? She wouldn't have forgotten about the person she wanted to meet today, would she?" Although his tone was slightly displeased, a trace of worry appeared on his face.
"Hey, Long, look at you caring so much. This Sunny wouldn't happen to be your girlfriend, would she?" Lan Feng teased recklessly. After so many years as brothers, they had never seen Long Yang care for anyone like this, especially not a woman—it was quite unbelievable!
Lei Jie shot him an annoyed look, speaking up defensively. "Shut up! You're a lawyer, and yet you say such crude things about 'girlfriends.'"
"Right! If Sunny hears you say that, heh heh!" Bai Haoran chuckled mischievously. "You'll be in for it."
"Wait! If you guys say that, then it seems Lan Feng was right earlier, wasn't he?" Xia Yun asked, intrigued.
"You all saw it long ago; there was no need for me to say anything!" Bai Haoran smiled knowingly.
"Always with that cool expression and silent demeanor, even the elusive Heiying couldn't help but show interest and finally spoke up, 'When is it?'
'When is what? Brother Mingxing, could you please not be so brief when you speak? Spare a few drops of saliva; I promise you won't die of thirst,' Bai Haoran remarked sarcastically.
Heiying remained expressionless, exuding his usual coolness. 'I mean the wedding. When does Long plan to invite us to celebrate?' This was the longest sentence he had spoken today.
'That, I don't know! But he's right here, so why not ask him yourself?' Bai Haoran naturally shifted the focus onto Long Yang, who had been pacing nervously on the French balcony, seemingly lost in thought. Though he too was curious, he wasn't foolish enough to bring up this awkward topic when Long Yang was clearly in a bad mood. It would be like asking for trouble!
'Forget it!' Heiying said, returning to his usual ambiguous demeanor.
Clearly, Xia Yun, Lan Feng, and Lei Jie all agreed with this sentiment. They shrugged and exchanged glances, choosing to let the intriguing topic slide with a smile.
As the night deepened, silence enveloped the surroundings—
'Shh! Keep it down, Roast Duck! Don't yell so loudly; it's late, and do you want to get me caught?' Sunny whispered as she softly comforted the light beige puppy in her arms while stealthily entering the dimly lit hall without making a sound.
'Oh dear God, Jesus Christ, Holy Mary, Jade Emperor, and Guanyin Bodhisattva, please, I hope you all bless that Long Yang is asleep so that at least I can escape tonight without being scolded—' Before she could finish her sentence, all the lights in the hall suddenly flickered on.
Sunny jumped in shock and turned to see Long Yang sitting on the sofa, holding a remote control in one hand and a smoke-filled cigarette between his fingers, his cold gaze fixed on her. Her heart inexplicably tightened, and she felt uneasy all over.
Like a child caught misbehaving, Sunny stuck out her tongue and spoke softly, 'Uh… Long Yang, it's so late; you're still awake?'
She lowered her eyes, unable to meet his gaze, feeling as if the heavens were about to fall on her.
Long Yang let out a cold snort. 'You do realize it's this late? I thought you'd be lost and wouldn't find your way back after going out.'
His sarcastic tone cut deep.
A flush crept onto Sunny's face. 'I'm sorry! I didn't mean to.'
'Didn't mean to?' Long Yang's expression darkened further at her words. 'Do you think that phrase can brush my concerns aside?' He had nearly mobilized all the resources of the Longmen Society to find her when he was worried.
'That's not what I said,' she mumbled.
Long Yang suddenly roared, 'Fine! Then you'd better tell me exactly where the hell you've been all day!' He added sternly, 'Or should I say, including at this hour?'
Sunny cautiously peeked at his ominous face, startled. 'Um… A friend's dog just had three puppies, and he knows I love animals, so he invited me to see them. I didn't mean to worry you; I just lost track of time playing with the puppies, and that's why I'm back so late, Long Yang—' She stepped closer and playfully clung to him. 'Please don't be mad at me, okay?'
Long Yang narrowed his eyes. 'Is that really all it is?' His tone softened a bit.
'Yeah! If you don't believe me, look.' Sunny proudly presented the puppy in her arms to him. 'I even brought one back with me!' She said joyfully, teasing the sleepy puppy in her hands. 'Come on, Roast Duck, say hello! Huh? Why aren't you saying hello?'
The reason she was able to bring back one of the newborn puppies was thanks to Meng Wei's generous offer.
When he saw Sunny's affection for the three puppies, he had already decided to gift her one. Thus, when she heard his announcement, she was overjoyed, hugging her favorite puppy—Roast Duck—affectionately.
'Roast Duck?' Long Yang raised an eyebrow in surprise. Was that the name of the puppy that was yawning at him and seemingly ignoring his presence?
'Yes! That's the name I gave it. Isn't it special? Cool, right?' Sunny proudly boasted, unaware that a slow smile was starting to break across Long Yang's previously stiff face.
'It is indeed quite special!' Long Yang stifled a laugh that threatened to escape and gently agreed, though "cool" was a stretch. Naming a dog Roast Duck?! Only she could come up with something like that! Honestly, the name was bizarre.
Seeing his expression of appreciation, Sunny felt elated and eagerly said, 'So, do you want to know the names of the other two puppies?'
As she spoke, she placed the now-sleeping puppy on the nearby sofa and nestled against Long Yang, excitedly saying, 'I named them too!' She beamed, wanting to impress him.
Ultimately, it was still Long Yang who had taste and standards, capable of appreciating the elegant names she chose for the puppies, unlike the tasteless Meng Wei, who had gawked in shock and laughed uncontrollably when he heard the names she gave them, nearly driving her to walk out in frustration.
'Oh?' Hearing the name she had given the puppy in front of him, Long Yang genuinely wanted to know what the other two puppies were called.
'You don't know, Roast Duck is the smallest and most malnourished of the three. I liked it as soon as I saw it; as for the other two, they're also adorable! Especially one that's really chubby, with short legs. When it runs, it looks like a ball rolling! So, guess what I named it?' Sunny looked up at him.
'I can't guess,' Long Yang honestly replied, knowing he would be at a loss.
'Alright, then I'll tell you,' Sunny decided not to keep him in suspense. 'I named it something that suits its body shape.'
'What name?' Long Yang asked, following her lead.
'Ham!' she declared proudly.
'Ham?!' Long Yang was taken aback, then bit his teeth in frustration, avoiding her large eyes for fear of bursting out in laughter. 'What about the last one?' Who could help him? He was struggling to suppress the laughter bubbling up inside him.
'The other one…' Sunny seemed to ponder. 'Um… It may not be as round and plump as Ham, but it's pretty close…'
'What is it? Come on, just say it!' Long Yang bit down, interrupting her, trying hard to hold it in. He was reaching his limit but still had to hold back.
Sunny nodded in satisfaction, pleased he was so eager to know. Clearly, the names she had chosen were indeed very unique!
She made a funny face at him and proudly announced, 'Its name is Fried Egg.'
'Fried Egg?!' Long Yang was left speechless.
Unable to hold back any longer, he finally released the tension from his nearly shattered teeth and let the laughter burst forth like a flood, shaking the room with thunderous, deafening joy…
Sunny's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at him, then her expression darkened. She stood up in a huff.
"Laugh! Go ahead and laugh! You might as well laugh yourself to death!" she scolded, stamping her feet in annoyance.
She had expected him to praise her when he heard the final announcement, but instead… the result was beyond her expectations; he was laughing just as ungainly and without class as Meng Wei. Was everyone in this era like this? Ugh, it was enough to drive her insane!
After a while, Long Yang finally managed to stop laughing. He stood up and pulled the still-pouting, red-faced Sunny into his embrace.
"Sunny, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to laugh; it's just that when I think about the three puppy names together, it turns into a whole meal, and I can't help but laugh," he admitted, holding back his amusement and gently stroking her hair.
"Hmph, if you want to laugh, just laugh! What's with all the excuses?" Sunny complained, burying her face in his chest.
Long Yang shook his head, affectionately lifting her chin and placing a kiss on her ripe, rosy lips.
"Please don't be mad at me!" he pretended to sound aggrieved.
"Well, you brought it upon yourself," Sunny pouted, though her voice betrayed a hint of suppressed laughter.
"Alright! Then you tell me how I can be punished so you won't be mad," he said, resigned.
Sunny glanced at his pitiful, wronged expression and, suppressing her laughter, feigned seriousness. "I want you to say sorry to Roast Duck ten times, and then give it three kisses to show respect for its name!"
"What?" Long Yang grimaced at her demand.
Sunny could no longer contain herself and burst out laughing.
"Okay, you dared to trick me!" Long Yang playfully pinched the tip of her nose as a form of punishment.
"This is revenge," she shot back, still grinning.
Looking at her joyful face, Long Yang found himself utterly helpless.
"By the way, starting tomorrow, I'll be spending most of my time downstairs in the office with Lei Jie and the others."
"Why?" Sunny asked, puzzled.
"Of course, it's for work," Long Yang replied simply, not wanting her to know they were planning revenge against Fang Yongsheng and Jiang Kunhong.
"Do you need a computer?" she asked out of the blue.
Long Yang momentarily didn't grasp her meaning.
Sunny shrugged, explaining, "I'm really good with computers, you know!" After all, she was a scientist from the 23rd century and had grown up with technology; she was an expert.
Long Yang chuckled, "No need; I already have a computer whiz. You should—" He gently pinched her rosy cheek. "Don't steal someone's job."
Sunny frowned at his words. "Are you talking about Liuxing?" Based on the information she had received last time, she knew he was exceptionally skilled with computers.
"Who else could it be?" Long Yang shook his head with a smile.
"But didn't they all go back…" She suddenly paused, initially feeling regretful for not seeing the members of the Sanxing team today, but from Long Yang's words, could it be…
Sunny's eyes lit up. "Are you saying the Sanxing team hasn't left yet?"
"Yeah, they might stay here for a while until everything is settled before heading back," he gently caressed her face, speaking tenderly.
"Wow! Then I definitely can't miss out," Sunny pouted, playfully insisting, "I'm going to follow you to the office, no matter what!"
"No way!" Long Yang's expression immediately turned displeased.
"Why not?" Sunny exclaimed. Surely, there had to be an explanation!
"There's no reason," he said coldly, unwilling to elaborate.
Sunny's expression changed; she broke free from his embrace and, without saying a word, picked up the peacefully sleeping puppy and headed towards the door.
Long Yang's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly grabbed her, his voice trembling, "It's so late; what are you doing?" Seeing Sunny walk away without looking back made his heart race dangerously.
"Thank you for taking care of me these days, but I'm leaving," she said calmly, avoiding his gaze.
"I don't allow it!" Long Yang's heart raced as he held her tightly, afraid that if he let go, she would vanish as mysteriously as she had arrived.
"On what grounds?" Sunny remained expressionless.
"Because you are mine," he declared, his voice filled with emotion as he tightened his grip.
Sunny scoffed, "What a joke!"
"No, it's not a joke." As if determined to keep her, Long Yang held her even tighter.
"Let go!" Sunny said coldly.
"Not a chance!" Long Yang growled back, vowing he would never let her go!
"Do you really think you can stop me?" Her indifference remained unchanged.
"Do you really believe you can escape my grasp?" He looked at her in despair.
"Want to give it a try?" A bitter smile crept across Sunny's lips; as long as she pressed the controller on her wrist and connected to the time machine from the 23rd century, he would never see her again.
Long Yang's face drained of color. "Can you really be so heartless?" he whispered in pain.
"What else can I do?" She sighed, feeling a bit sentimental. In these past few days, she had nearly forgotten that she was from a different era and had been enjoying herself, even discussing love with Long Yang.
But the reality of their time difference—it was simply impossible! After all, she was not from this time, and that was a fact. She could not stay here forever without returning to the 23rd century.
"If you want to come with me to the office, then fine. But I won't allow you to have any thoughts of leaving me," Long Yang finally surrendered for the first time in his life, for the woman he had been waiting for and loved deeply.
Sunny continued to look at him coldly. "You're not lying to me, are you?"
Long Yang gently returned her a kiss filled with tender affection. "Of course! But I need you to promise me something," he said hoarsely, his gaze deep.
"What is it?" she asked, looking at him warily.
"I want you to stay far away from the men in the company and only be in my exclusive office." Even without the matters concerning Fang Yongsheng and Jiang Kunhong, his possessiveness was strong; Sunny was his, and he wouldn't allow her to talk to other men, especially not to let any men besides himself get close to her.
Hearing this, Sunny finally broke into a sweet smile. "What about Lei Jie and Bai Haoran? Are they included?"
"They're exceptions, but I'm quite worried about the three guys from the Sanxing team," Long Yang confessed without hiding his concerns.
Sunny found it both amusing and infuriating; she couldn't figure out what he was really thinking, even suspecting his own brothers?
"Do you have so little faith in me?" she raised an eyebrow at him.
Long Yang shook his head. "No, I have no confidence in myself," he admitted.
Sunny nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it." At least it meant he didn't think she was just a lovesick fool who fell for every guy she met.
Long Yang almost laughed. "I thought you would comfort me," he grumbled.
Sunny grinned mischievously. "Hehe! Coincidentally, my sympathy has just run out." She beamed and playfully made a face at him.
Long Yang felt like he was utterly smitten. He set the puppy he was holding aside and unexpectedly pulled Sunny into his arms, kissing her full, luscious lips forcefully and possessively, deepening the kiss as the heat and passion grew, eventually softening into gentle, lingering kisses that were no less passionate.
He was lost in a newfound paradise—her rich hair scent, sweet snow-white skin, soft waist, and the gentle murmurs from her throat…
Sunny focused on feeling his warmth as Long Yang's blood surged with desire, slowly intensifying. She allowed his hot but gentle hands to roam, her smooth skin making it hard for his fingers to resist slipping lower, and she soon sensed his muscles tensing.
"Sunny—" Long Yang gasped, his voice hoarse, as if pleading for her consent. He wouldn't force her, even as his desires flared and burned hotly. "I'm about to lose control, but if you don't want…" His words were silenced by her hand over his mouth.
Sunny understood what he meant. She covered his mouth, her cheeks flushed as she smiled at him, then without saying a word, her hands automatically wrapped around his neck.
This was like adding fuel to the fire; even Long Yang, with his strong self-control, had to give in.
He bent down to lift Sunny, resting her against his chest, kissing her soft throat and gently nibbling on her sensitive earlobe as he carried her away from the bright living room into his softly lit bedroom.
Sunny was lost in the strength of his embrace, floating like a cloud in the sky; his firm, warm embrace was sweeter than honey, richer than sugar, and more comfortable than silk.
With great care, Long Yang laid her on the soft bed, his eyes blazing with blue flames. With nearly impossible self-control, he pressed a kiss lighter and softer than a feather on her lips.
Their hearts pressed against each other, their hands entwined, Long Yang's muscles tensed with every movement, Sunny's delicate touch driving him almost to madness. The longing and delay were a sweet torment, tightly holding each other, feeling the storm of desire building inside them.
After a long wait, this moment finally arrived.
Long Yang slowly began to remove their clothing, his warm lips and hot, wet tongue kissing every inch of her body.
Sunny bit her lower lip, her entire body trembling and moaning involuntarily as waves of heat rolled between them, a dizzying sensation spreading, a mix of sweetness and pain, anticipation and struggle that left her breathless. She closed her eyes, her mind fading into unconsciousness.
As the surrounding silence enveloped them like a thick curtain, they were isolated in their world, a secret belonging only to lovers and love…