Wrapped Up

Ling Miaohan couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her eldest brother, who had been so opposed to her being with Pei Qi, was now suggesting she actively pursue him and even talked about marrying into the Pei family to become the Pei family matriarch.

If Ling Miaohan had her way, she would have refused outright. After all, she was still young and not even of legal marriage age. Besides, her parents and three brothers had always said she could be their little princess forever, even if she never married and just stayed by their side.

Ling Miaohan couldn't voice these thoughts, so she just replied with some bitterness, "Big brother, I'm not even of legal marriage age yet..."

"No rush," her brother replied. "You can hold the wedding, get pregnant, and get the marriage certificate later. But you're still young, so take your time."

Hearing this, Ling Miaohan could no longer hold back her emotions and stormed upstairs. The butler watched her go with concern and said, "Young Master, aren't your words too harsh? Miss might not be able to handle it."

The eldest brother sighed, "She'll have to. In our circle, which family doesn't do this? We've already spoiled Miaomiao enough. She got whatever she wanted from a young age. When she wanted to study design, we let her. When she wanted to learn traditional Chinese medicine, we found her the best teachers. Later, she wanted to sing online, and we didn't stop her. Then she didn't want to go to college after her exams and insisted on joining the entertainment industry. Look at her now, not only has she achieved nothing, but she's also dragged the family into her mess."

The butler had nothing to say, so he just sighed deeply.

If Qin Ran were here, she wouldn't think the eldest brother was being too harsh because this was reality. In the upper echelons of society, many old-money families could be terrifyingly feudal. Only daughters like Qin Ran, even if their fathers didn't want them to, would eventually inherit the family business. But if there were brothers, like Miss Zhao's case, the family's daughters would often become tools for marriage alliances.

Women who had ambition, drive, and ability would be like Miss Zhao and seize any opportunity to fight for their place. Those without such opportunities would have to conform to their family's expectations, donning a wedding dress to marry into another family, essentially becoming tools. If they were lucky, they might get to manage a part of the business. If not, they'd end up like a trophy wife, playing mahjong and going to salons, bored out of their minds.

In the original novel, Ling Miaohan's future was depicted as marrying into the Pei family to become a wealthy lady. The various skills she acquired seemed only to add a layer of brilliance during her time in the entertainment industry and to make her resume look more impressive as part of her dowry. From the novel to the reality Qin Ran was witnessing, it was evident that while Ling family members seemed to disapprove of Pei Qi dating a much younger woman, they never stopped him from seeing Ling Miaohan because Pei Qi was, in fact, a suitable match.

Pei Qi coveted the Ling family's wealth, and the Ling family equally desired the Pei family's assets.

But could the proud heroine accept this harsh reality?

Time slowly passed, and by mid-April, Yu Shuman had completed her scenes for the drama. Since it wasn't the whole crew wrapping up, Yu Shuman had a simple meal with the crew. Since it was a weekday, Qin Ran couldn't attend, so Yu Shuman, though smiling, felt a bit down.

People inevitably offered drinks to Yu Shuman during the wrap party, and she couldn't refuse, so she ended up having a few glasses. When it was time to leave, Xiao An supported the slightly tipsy Yu Shuman as they headed to the parking lot.

By April, the weather had started to warm up. Yu Shuman was wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a light jacket over it. Her cheeks were flushed, but she obediently followed Xiao An, greeting others as usual, not appearing drunk at all.

That was until she saw Qin Ran standing in the parking lot, arms open towards her.

Yu Shuman's first reaction was that she was truly drunk, hallucinating Qin Ran's presence. She hadn't even drunk much, but she felt very tipsy. But when she turned to look again, Qin Ran was still there. She couldn't help but give Xiao An a gentle push, stood firm on her own, rubbed her eyes with her hands, and looked again. Qin Ran was still there, arms open wider than before.

Yu Shuman smiled, first walking quickly, then turning into a light jog before leaping into Qin Ran's embrace. It was the same posture she had during their New Year's break, holding onto Qin Ran tightly.

Longing was filled as Qin Ran held Yu Shuman, feeling her warmth with immense satisfaction. Although spring had arrived and summer was near, the night breeze was still a bit cold. Qin Ran feared that the wind might make Yu Shuman catch a cold tomorrow, so she gently coaxed her into the car.

Once inside the car, Yu Shuman started to act up, snuggling into Qin Ran's arms, asking for kisses. The driver in the front sat upright, and the bodyguard lady in the passenger seat kept her eyes straight ahead, pretending not to notice what was happening in the back. But even so, Qin Ran, who had social anxiety, couldn't just kiss Yu Shuman in front of others.

She could only hold Yu Shuman down to prevent any mischief. However, Yu Shuman was stronger and more energetic than her, still rubbing and kissing her, lips brushing against her neck. Fortunately, Yu Shuman's lipstick had faded during dinner; otherwise, Qin Ran's neck would be covered in red lipstick marks by now.

Qin Ran should be grateful that Yu Shuman forgot to touch up her makeup after getting drunk.

They went back and forth in the back seat several times, and Qin Ran couldn't control the drunkard at all. Yu Shuman whispered, "Xiao Ran, I just want a kiss. Why are you avoiding me?" As if Qin Ran would let that happen. If she didn't, Yu Shuman might not even have the face to sit in this car to the airport tomorrow. To save Yu Shuman's face, Qin Ran wrestled with her.

Yu Shuman's breath was fragrant, and she seemed a bit aggrieved. Her objection to Qin Ran's refusal was quite strong. In the end, Qin Ran couldn't beat Yu Shuman and was pinned to the back seat. At that moment, she realized why it's important to fasten your seatbelt even in the back seat.

At the last second, Qin Ran yelled to stop the car. Feeling the car stop, Yu Shuman finally settled down, subconsciously thinking they had arrived and that she shouldn't do such things after getting out of the car to avoid trouble. Seeing Yu Shuman being so obedient, Qin Ran felt a twinge of anger. Now she was playing coy? She was so disobedient just now.

Qin Ran buckled Yu Shuman into her seatbelt, who looked at her with innocent eyes. Qin Ran, unfazed by Yu Shuman's act, strapped her in and fastened her own seatbelt on the other side of the back seat.

— At least this way, she wouldn't be thrown off balance by Yu Shuman.

After a round of commotion, the car started again. Yu Shuman sat obediently but still reached out, inching toward Qin Ran. By the end, their fingers interlocked, feeling the softness of each other's hands.

The car finally arrived at the hotel. Qin Ran got out first, then walked to the other side to unbuckle Yu Shuman's seatbelt. After being confined for so long, Yu Shuman blinked her big eyes at Qin Ran with a pitiful look. Qin Ran was determined not to be swayed by her charm and just held her hand, leading her into the room.

Once inside, Yu Shuman broke free from any restraint, pinning Qin Ran against the door and showering her with kisses. Her kisses were fierce, as if to take revenge for the grievances suffered in the car. Qin Ran could feel Yu Shuman's tongue exploring her mouth, greedily taking every bit of air that belonged to her as if wanting to swallow her whole.

At the same time, Yu Shuman's hands weren't idle, roaming all over Qin Ran's body. But it wasn't like she was caressing; rather, she seemed to be searching for something.

When they finally broke apart, Qin Ran caught her breath and asked, "Mannmann, what are you looking for?"

Yu Shuman pouted, looking even more aggrieved, and finally spoke, "The little bottle."

Qin Ran smiled but still teased Yu Shuman, "Didn't you say you didn't like it?"

Yu Shuman paused, her face showing even more grievance, with a hint of innocence and confusion, "I like it."

Qin Ran felt like a big bad wolf tricking a little white rabbit. She took Yu Shuman's hand and kissed her on the corner of her eye. Yu Shuman squinted slightly, hearing Qin Ran ask, "How much do you like it?"

Drunk Yu Shuman was surprisingly honest. She answered every question, her voice soft, "I like it a lot because it lets me do happy things with Xiao Ran."

With Yu Shuman being so forthright, how could Qin Ran resist? She kissed Yu Shuman while gradually undressing them both. But Qin Ran didn't forget to grab the little bottle. As they fell onto the bed, Qin Ran said to Yu Shuman, "I'm going to use the little bottle tonight, okay?"

Yu Shuman obediently nodded.

Moments later, the scent of roses filled the room, the fragrance bursting forth. The rose essence, gifted by the perfume company owner, was rich and sweet, intoxicating. They used almost half a bottle in just one night. Qin Ran thought that at this rate, even several bottles wouldn't be enough.

That night, Qin Ran and Yu Shuman were both very happy. But the next morning, when Yu Shuman woke up to the lingering rose scent in the room, her face turned red. She covered her face with both hands, unable to utter a single word.

Early riser Qin Ran entered from outside, saying, "Mannmann, you're up! Hurry and have breakfast!"

"Mm..."

Yu Shuman sighed and looked at Qin Ran with a bit of resentment. She clearly remembered how Qin Ran turned her over and over last night. Although she had been very proactive, Qin Ran didn't refuse at all! Far from refusing, Qin Ran had thoroughly enjoyed it.

As a result, this morning, she not only overslept but also felt weak all over.

— Such things, it's not good to overindulge.