New Love No. 1: Have you kissed me enough, President?

He Meiwei reached out to Madam Long. Since their last meeting at the Long residence, neither had made contact. She expressed a desire to see her, and Madam Long, still lingering from a night-long mahjong game, told her to come to the mahjong parlor.

He Meiwei hurried over by taxi, arriving just as Madam Long was stepping out. She quickly followed her into the car.

"Auntie, you really shouldn't stay up all night playing mahjong—it's not good for your health."

"It's nothing serious. I don't play every day," Madam Long replied casually, before her gaze dropped to Meiwei's wrist. "What happened to your hand?"

"I... I attempted suicide. They managed to save me."

Shock flickered in Madam Long's eyes. "Suicide?"

"I just quit my job," He Meiwei said, lowering her voice. "I know it sounds pathetic, Auntie, but I feel completely useless. I can't earn real money, I struggle just to survive. And I have no friends—no one to confide in."

"Don't think that way. I'll cover your medical expenses—don't turn me down. It's nothing to me. But now that you've resigned, what's your plan? Don't tell me you're still thinking about ending your life. That's foolish, truly. Life is precious, especially when you're still so young."

"I've thought about marrying someone decent, but... I doubt anyone would want me now." Her gaze dropped, lashes damp with the glint of tears. "Sometimes I wonder what's the point of going on."

"You're just unwell right now. You're beautiful—of course someone will want you," Madam Long offered gently, then added with a note of suggestion, "Would you like me to ask around among our bodyguards? Quite a few of them are still single."

At that, a flicker of displeasure crossed He Meiwei's heart. The Long family's bodyguards?

No matter how good they were, they simply wouldn't do.

What would Long Yubei and Gu Lili think of her then?

How would they mock her?

It would be a humiliation. A fall beneath their feet.

But outwardly, she showed no sign of disdain. "They're all young and strong... I wouldn't want to burden them with someone as sickly as me. Auntie, I know your son told me never to return to your home, but... may I visit the place where Mr. Long grew up, just this once?"

Madam Long hesitated, then relented. "Very well. But you mustn't let Yubei's grandparents see you."

"I'll follow your lead."

And so, He Meiwei once again stepped into the old Long estate, accompanied by Madam Long.

As it happened, the elder Mr. and Mrs. Long weren't home. Upon learning this, Madam Long sighed in relief. "Feel free to look around. I stayed up all night—I need to rest."

"Of course."

To her surprise, Madam Long still showed her such kindness.

Instead of wandering the grounds, He Meiwei headed upstairs, almost unconsciously finding herself outside the study door.

She pushed it open—only to see Long Yubei's father seated inside. And in that split second, He Meiwei felt as if fate had handed her a golden opportunity.

Without hesitation, she stepped in and closed the door behind her.

"Uncle."

Seeing her, Long's father frowned in astonishment. "Why are you here again?"

"I just wanted to see the place where Mr. Long grew up, one last time. Auntie gave her permission. Uncle..." She walked swiftly to the desk. "Please don't be angry. I'm only here to look around. I mean no harm."

Seeing the tears welling in her eyes, he said nothing for a moment. "Then look outside. Don't wander around in here."

"Yes, Uncle. But there's something on you…"

She stepped closer, reaching for his clothes, then deliberately stumbled—falling directly into his arms.