First, then, love.

This expensive solid oak door is very sturdy.

Even if the furry kids outside screamed their lungs out and scratched away the wood chips, the ferocious plundering inside didn't stop.

Until the sun was high in the sky.

10:30 a.m.

The master bedroom bed was a mess.

Shu Yao was abruptly awakened by the aches and pains all over her body.

She opened her eyes, stared at the ceiling, and remained dazed for a full minute.

My brain felt like it was filled with water, and my body felt like it had been run over three times by a truck.

My waist no longer feels like my own.

Her legs were as soft as two noodles.

The skin on my inner thighs was rubbing against the sheets, and it burned painfully.

The space next to it is empty.

He Zheng had already gotten up long ago; the biological clock of a special police officer is unwavering.

Even though he was up until 3 a.m. last night, he was still able to get up at 7 a.m. full of energy, go for a morning run, take a shower, and even had time to go to the kitchen to cook her a pot of pumpkin and millet porridge.

There was a note on the bedside table.

The handwriting was bold and vigorous, penetrating the paper and carrying an arrogant, bandit-like air.

The porridge is in the pot, keeping it warm. The brigade has a shooting test today; I'll deal with you when I get home tonight. —Husband

Upon seeing the last three words, Shu Yao angrily grabbed the note, crumpled it into a ball, and slammed it into the trash can.

"Beast, bastard, caveman."

She cursed through gritted teeth, her voice dry and hoarse, like a duck's.

I pulled back the covers, and a blast of cold air hit me.

She looked down at herself.

On her fair skin, from her collarbone to her chest, then to her waist and thighs.

The area was covered with a dense, bruised and purple mark, all of which were teeth marks and hickeys left by that scoundrel. It was a shocking sight, like a large-scale crime scene.

"hiss--"

Shu Yao gasped, and with her legs aching, she got out of bed.

The moment my feet touched the carpet, my knees buckled and I almost collapsed to my knees.

She held onto the wall and slowly made her way into the bathroom.

After washing up, I stood in front of the large makeup mirror.

Shu Yao held the concealer in her hand, her face ashen.

She has two cello lessons at the Starry Sky Art Center this afternoon and cannot take leave.

But how can I face people with this neck and collarbone?

She used her fingertips to apply thick layers of concealer to her neck.

It was covered with a layer, so the color was a bit lighter.

Even after adding another layer, the outline is still visible.

This man is so ruthless; he's practically treating her like a bone to be devoured.

Shu Yao was so angry that she kept throwing her makeup brushes, and finally gave up altogether.

She turned around, opened the wardrobe, and pulled out a beige turtleneck cashmere sweater, putting it on to cover her neck completely.

She wore a long khaki trench coat over her clothes, and her long hair was draped down to cover her face slightly.

I walked into the living room.

The God of War was lying on the edge of the sofa chewing on a toy. He glanced at her but didn't move.

The princess was squatting on the coffee table, frantically licking her paws to wash her face.

This cat is acting a bit strange today.

Normally he's incredibly aloof, but today he was pacing restlessly around the house, occasionally letting out drawn-out "ooh" sounds.

They also like to roll around on the ground, sticking their butts out and holding their tails high.

Although Shu Yao hadn't raised many cats, she still had some common sense.

She's in heat.

While autumn mating is rare, it's common for cats to experience irregular menstrual cycles due to high indoor temperatures.

"Stop yelling, it's so noisy," Shu Yao said, rubbing her aching temples.

She walked over, grabbed the princess by the scruff of her neck, and lifted her up.

The cat kicked its legs reluctantly.

"Perfect timing, I'll take you to get a bath on the way today, and then I'll take you to get neutered this weekend to get rid of this wild side of you."

The princess meowed.

Shu Yao put the princess into the airline crate and locked it.

Carrying my suitcase and holding my car keys, I went out.

*

Twelve o'clock.

The Porsche was parked in the underground parking garage of the Starry Sky Art Center.

Shu Yao carried her airline case, wearing flat shoes, and headed towards the elevator.

I didn't dare wear high heels today; my legs just couldn't take it.

Stepping into the lobby of the art center, the heating was on full blast.

Xiao Lin, the receptionist, greeted her warmly, "Hello, Ms. Shu! Oh, you brought your cat today?"

"Okay, I'll take it to the pet shop next door for a bath later."

Shu Yao smiled, picked up her suitcase, and headed straight for the teachers' lounge.

Push open the door.

The lounge was filled with the rich aroma of coffee.

Qiaoqiao was sitting on the sofa, holding a hot latte in her hand.

There was also a luxurious cat carrier at her feet.

Inside lay a huge tabby cat with glossy fur, imposing stripes, a large face, and round, green eyes that gave it a silly look.

She is usually spoiled and has a very small heart.

"Yaoyao! You've finally arrived! Oh, and you've brought the princess with you too."

When Qiaoqiao saw Shuyao, her eyes lit up and she quickly waved.

"Quickly, let the princess out. My prince just had a bath today and smells wonderful. Let them play together."

Shu Yao walked over and placed the flight case on the ground.

"What are you playing around with? The princess is in heat and I'm annoyed. I'll take her to get a bath later, and then I'll take her to the dog station tomorrow."

As she spoke, she unbuttoned her trench coat.

It was too hot inside; her turtleneck sweater made her neck sweat profusely.

She put down her bag and went to the water dispenser to get some water.

The movements were somewhat slow, the back was held very straight, and there was no time to bend over, as it would cause pain.

Qiaoqiao's gaze swept back and forth over Shuyao like a radar.

Something's really wrong.

That walking posture, that stiff waist.

And that face, even with light makeup, the allure in her eyes and the rosy glow emanating from beneath her skin were impossible to hide.

She looked completely smitten by love, no, by a man.

Like a ripe peach that has absorbed a lot of water and is almost dripping with juice.

Shu Yao turned around, holding the paper cup.

Because of the action of catching water, the neckline of the turtleneck sweater drooped down slightly.

Above the left collarbone, a thick, unnaturally colored patch of concealer was exposed to the air.

I applied too much concealer, and it caked up.

At the edge, a glaring purplish-red hue was faintly visible.

Qiaoqiao's eyes widened instantly, like copper bells.

Holy crap.

Qiao Qiao put down her coffee cup and rushed over in one stride.

He reached out and ripped open the high collar of Shu Yao's sweater.

"What are you doing!"

Shu Yao was startled and quickly reached out to cover it, but it was too late.

Qiaoqiao gasped.

The neck and collarbone were covered with dense red marks, forming a continuous patch; it was utterly inhuman.

"Hey, you've been 'practicing' a lot lately, huh?"

Qiaoqiao withdrew her hand, crossed her arms, circled around Shuyao, and made a series of "tsk tsk tsk" sounds of amazement.

Gossip-worthy eyes.

"This battle is fierce! Even a turtleneck sweater can't stop it. Is Captain He a dog? He's biting so hard."

Shu Yao's cheeks flushed bright red instantly, and she quickly pulled her collar back up.

"Don't talk nonsense, this is... this is something I scratched myself yesterday, it caused an allergic reaction."

She blurted out a ridiculous lie, her eyes darting away, not daring to look at Qiaoqiao at all.

"Allergic reaction? Do you think I'm blind or stupid?"

Qiaoqiao sneered and exposed her without any mercy.

"These teeth marks could be used for forensic examination! And that bruise on your neck, a glaring hickey, you're saying it's an allergy? Can you grow teeth if you have an allergy?"

Shu Yao was speechless after being rebuked, her face turning as red as a boiled shrimp.

She walked to the sofa and sat down, still moving very carefully, afraid of aggravating her sore muscles.

Qiaoqiao sat down next to her, nudged her with her elbow, and grinned mischievously.

"Hey, Shuyao, I remember someone was telling me this with absolute certainty in this lounge before."

Qiao Qiao cleared her throat, mimicking Shu Yao's tone at the time.

"He sleeps like a log every night."

Qiao Qiao raised an eyebrow, her tone smug.

"Who said Captain He wasn't good enough? Huh? Doesn't your face hurt now? Doesn't your back ache?"

Shu Yao gritted her teeth in anger and reached out to pinch Qiao Qiao's arm.

"Shut up! If you keep talking nonsense, I'll tear your mouth off!"

"Ouch! Ouch! Let go!" Qiaoqiao laughed and dodged away. "I'm just concerned about your sex life, okay!"