As Long As You Need Me

When Zhou Yi asked this question, You Man's face turned even redder. She buried her face in his chest, clutching the fabric of his shoulders with her hands, and fell silent.

"If Sister Man doesn’t say anything, I’ll take it as a yes."

After Zhou Yi spoke, You Man finally raised her head, biting her lip shyly. "But... it's still daytime. Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?"

Her voice was soft and delicate, her timid demeanor making it hard to believe she was a 30-year-old woman—instead, she seemed like a young girl.

Just looking into her eyes, brimming with affection, Zhou Yi felt she resembled an 18-year-old girl—flustered with shyness and unable to suppress the pounding of her heart when gazing at someone she loved.

Those eyes were utterly captivating. Nothing in the world could compare to the beauty of a lover’s gaze.

Suddenly, Zhou Yi recalled a poem from his past life.

"A lover’s eyes are the eighth ocean."

"I once sought a reflection of myself in your beautiful eyes."

"Yet your eyes held a thousand versions of me."

Zhou Yi slowly recited these lines while gazing into You Man’s eyes. She stared back at him, mesmerized, murmuring along, "A lover’s eyes are the eighth ocean..."

Puzzled, she asked shyly, "Xiao Yi, what does this mean? I haven’t read much, so I don’t really understand."

Zhou Yi smiled and continued:

"A lover’s eyes are the eighth ocean—holding ruins, preserving beauty, boiling with all the fervor of this world. I wander through the thickets, counting the remnants of my soul..."

His voice, elegant and deep with a magnetic charm, made You Man instantly lose herself in the romantic atmosphere.

With a smile, she asked, "So it’s saying my eyes are as beautiful as the ocean, right?"

Zhou Yi nuzzled her forehead with his chin. "Yes, like the ocean—deep, beautiful, embracing all things."

You Man cupped his face, kissed him, and said with curved eyes, "But I think these words suit you better. That’s how I see you."

When their eyes met, each could see their own reflection in the other’s gaze.

To them, their lover’s eyes were the most beautiful oceans in the world.

With love, even the most ordinary eyes could become breathtaking.

After this romantic interlude, Zhou Yi successfully coaxed her into bed.

You Man was so swept up in his sweet words that she no longer cared whether it was day or night—her heart and mind were completely occupied by him.

This time, she was unusually passionate and proactive, allowing Zhou Yi to thoroughly enjoy himself.

"Are you tired? Should I take over?" Zhou Yi asked considerately, watching the woman above him glistening with sweat.

"N-no... I want to make Xiao Yi happy."

Zhou Yi brushed a stray lock of hair from her temple and kissed her tenderly.

"Are you happy too?"

"I am. As long as Xiao Yi is happy, so am I."

"Sister Man, you’re so good to me."

"Xiao Yi... I really, really like you..."

She hugged him as if holding her entire world.

For her, this intimacy wasn’t just physical pleasure.

She loved the thrill of souls touching, the way Zhou Yi’s eyes gazed at her, softening with tenderness.

She thought to herself—perhaps she would spend her whole life entangled with this young man. Whatever their future held, good or bad, she only hoped Zhou Yi would find happiness and joy with her.

Her love was pure, untainted, and deeply moving.

The room brimmed with passion, and their bliss continued unabated.

......

An hour later.

Zhou Yi lay against the headboard with You Man in his arms, discussing company matters.

"Sister Man, from now on, you’ll handle the employee meals for Huanyu. I don’t trust anyone else with something as important as food."

You Man nestled against him, savoring the warmth of the moment. "Of course. Whatever you need, I’ll do it."

Secretly, she felt uneasy. The gap between her and Zhou Yi seemed to be widening, and she feared becoming useless in his life.

His request reassured her.

While Zhou Yi had been busy establishing his company, You Man had already scouted locations for her restaurant, always keeping his words close to heart.

"Xiao Yi, I’ve found a spot near the university district’s commercial street, not far from your company. What do you think?"

"If you’ve chosen it, then it’s perfect. This is your shop, Sister Man. I’m just an investor—you don’t need my approval for everything. I trust your judgment."

Zhou Yi gave her full autonomy, even though he funded the venture. He wanted this to be her foundation, ensuring she wouldn’t struggle in the future.

For a woman as resilient as You Man, outright financial support would have been unacceptable.

Gifting her a business she could nurture herself was far more meaningful.

Hearing this, You Man beamed. "Then it’s settled—the restaurant will be on the commercial street. I’ll call it ‘Man Yi Eatery.’"

"Man" echoed her name, while "Yi" mirrored his—a simple yet heartfelt tribute.

Zhou Yi immediately grasped the significance and praised, "It’s lovely, and the meaning is perfect."

Soon after, he prepared to return to work.

After transferring several million into You Man’s account, he headed downstairs for a quick meal.

Old Hai, sitting across the way, grinned knowingly. "Kid... make time to visit your Sister Man more often. She’s always glancing at the door, missing you but too stubborn to say so. I’ve told her to reach out, but she won’t listen."

Zhou Yi paused, glancing at You Man still bustling in the kitchen, and nodded. "Understood, Uncle Hai."

Old Hai patted his shoulder—a man of few words but good intentions, wishing them both happiness.

Before leaving, You Man handed Zhou Yi a large bag filled with containers.

"Xiao Yi, these are some desserts I made. If you get hungry at work, eat these. Homemade is cleaner, and I used quality ingredients."

"Thank you, Sister Man. I didn’t even know you could bake. Impressive."

The original Zhou Yi had never seen her make sweets before.

You Man smiled without explaining, simply urging him to hurry back.

"Go on, you’ve got interviews this afternoon. Don’t keep your employees waiting."

Mention of employees reminded her of the elegant woman standing beside Zhou Yi in those viral photos.

Though questions about Jiang Ruolan swirled in her mind, she never voiced them to Zhou Yi.

As for the desserts—she had only recently learned to make them. Old Hai had watched her tirelessly practicing cakes in her free time, knowing full well they were meant for Zhou Yi.

After Zhou Yi got into the car, You Man remained standing at the doorway, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Old Hai couldn’t help but say, “You went out of your way to learn baking for him—why didn’t you tell him? He’d be even happier if he knew. Men love seeing a woman put in effort for them.”

You Man shook her head. “I did it willingly. If he knew how much I’ve sacrificed, he’d feel burdened. Someone like Zhou Yi is responsible and sentimental. If he realized how much I’ve given, he might stay even if his feelings faded, out of guilt. But I don’t want that. I know I can’t keep him. He doesn’t belong to someone like me.”

It had never crossed You Man’s mind that Zhou Yi would be hers alone. So no matter if he eventually married, had children, or left her, she wouldn’t utter a single word of resentment.

As long as Zhou Yi was happy when they were together, that was enough. At least she would still have those memories.