Ye Li murmured, his actions growing bolder as he lowered his head to kiss the skin behind her ear and down her neck. His hand beneath her dress moved even more presumptuously, brushing against the tender flesh of her inner thigh. The stinging sensation made Niu Shurui gasp sharply.

The thought that he was the cause of this sensitivity sent a wave of satisfaction through Ye Li. He softened his kisses, now carrying a hint of comfort.

Niu Shurui wore a long dress today, the material close-fitting around her waist, leaving no opening for his hand to slip beneath. Frustrated, he cupped her through the fabric, his touch urgent.

Her core, still sensitive from Qiao Qi's attentions the night before, clenched. Niu Shurui instinctively reached down to stop him, but her attempt was futile. Instead, her hand, caught in his, moved with him, making the pressure of his fingers even more pronounced.

Ye Li pressed against her from behind. Niu Shurui couldn't push him away, not with any real force, and not because she didn't dare. His body heat intensified, radiating through the fabric and warming her skin. A thin sheen of sweat coated her back.

The heat at her lower back intensified. His strong arms held her tightly against him, and she could feel the distinct press of his arovsal against her. Just as she gritted her teeth, preparing to elbow him, an awkward cough sounded from behind them, followed by a low warning, "Ye Li."

They both froze. Ye Li, as if just remembering someone else was present, turned his head and glared coldly. "Get out."

Ye Yanhui found the situation ludicrous. Trapped as he was between Ye Li and the door, how could he leave? Besides, he wasn't there for a private show.

He stood his ground, lifting his chin slightly. "I need to speak with Dr. Niu."

"She's busy," Ye Li retorted without hesitation, tightening his hold on Niu Shurui, locking her in his embrace. He rested his head on her shoulder, his breath hot against her skin. Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, his eyes widening.

Niu Shurui steadied her breathing. "Wait outside. I need to talk to him too."

"No," Ye Li's voice was taut, laced with barely suppressed anger.

Niu Shurui, puzzled by his sudden shift in mood, turned her head to meet his hawk-like gaze. After a moment, she reached up and gently stroked the back of his head, just as she had the day before. "Be good, Ye Li. It's important... it's about you."

This seemed to appease him slightly, the tension easing from his face. "Then I'm listening too. You can't be alone with him."

Ye Yanhui, watching from a distance, found himself speechless, his expression darkening. He hadn't realized Niu Shurui held such sway over Ye Li.

He'd been skeptical when Zhao, his assistant, told him Ye Li had left the treatment center to find her. While Zhao had indeed brought Ye Li back, he'd assumed it wasn't entirely voluntary.

That's why he'd skipped work today, waiting in the lobby.

To his surprise, Ye Li had appeared shortly after, heading straight for the exit.

His pace was hurried, his hair disheveled as if he'd just woken up. Such carelessness was unheard of.

The whole scene was so unbelievable that Ye Yanhui wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.

And now this... Glancing at the paper bag he'd brought, he raised his voice. "I just want to ask Dr. Niu about your recent progress. I won't do anything to her."

"I promise, it won't take long. Just a brief conversation. Ten minutes at most, alright?" Seeing Ye Li remain unmoved, Niu Shurui gently kissed his forehead.

"If you're worried, you can take my phone. I have the office security feed on it. You can watch from outside." Ye Li remained silent, but there was a noticeable shift in his stance. Niu Shurui retrieved her phone from her bag and brought up the live feed.

He looked at the screen, then asked, "How do I rewind?"

Niu Shurui understood instantly what he wanted to see.

Reluctant, but wanting him to leave, she showed him. Ye Li finally released her, taking the phone. "Five minutes. Any longer and I'm coming back in."

He opened the door, then paused. "Don't lock it."

Niu Shurui raised her hand to the lock, then lowered it under his watchful gaze.

As the door closed, she let out a breath. Turning to face Ye Yanhui, she quickly made a silencing gesture towards the camera before he could speak.

Ye Yanhui, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, closed his mouth.

Niu Shurui opened her laptop, muted the microphone, and finally said, "Alright, Mr. Ye."

"Since we're short on time, I'll be blunt." Ye Yanhui offered her the bag he'd been holding. "A small token of my appreciation. Please accept it, Dr. Niu."