Chapter 03

Lu Yi felt dazed.

Having only met once before, it took her a moment to connect the face before her with the name Lin Jinshen.

“Hello, Mr. Lin. I’m Lu Yi.”

“Lin Jinshen.”

A perfect reenactment of their first exchange on WeChat.

Online conversations could be paused at any time; face-to-face interactions, however, could not.

Lu Yi held her breath. Her line of work required her to deal with people constantly, yet she had never encountered such an awkward silence. She forced a smile and asked, “How did you recognize me, Mr. Lin?”

Hoping to use a question to break the ice.

But this tactic clearly didn’t work on Lin Jinshen. His reply only made the atmosphere colder:

“I’ve seen your photo.”

“You look exactly like it.”

There was no softening of tone or attempt to add polish—his words were as blunt and unyielding as a stone. Perhaps that was just his speaking style.

Lu Yi wasn’t used to this yet. Rarely did she find herself at a loss for words, unsure whether “You look exactly like your photo” was a compliment or a critique.

She bit her lower lip subtly and responded, “You have sharp eyes, Mr. Lin.”

“You’re distinctive. Easy to recognize.”

“…”

The conversation was dead again, and Lu Yi decided she wasn’t going to resuscitate it.

“Mr. Lin.”

The hotel manager hurried over. He had been notified of the prince’s arrival and, fearing it might relate to an issue from the previous day, had double-checked everything in a panic. Learning it was just a meeting reassured him, though his nerves remained taut.

“Since the exhibit is currently closed, the gallery is locked. I’ve brought the key.”

The manager was accompanied by several staff members, standing by and ready to assist. The scene resembled yesterday’s encounter—tense and bustling.

“Please,” Lin Jinshen said.

“Of course.” Lu Yi pressed her lips together slightly.

The manager gestured politely. “This way, Ms. Lu.”

Having worked with the exhibition for over a month, the manager was already acquainted with her. He hadn’t expected that this polite woman he greeted daily might one day become the future lady of the house.

He silently reflected and felt relieved he’d always treated her respectfully.

“Thank you,” Lu Yi replied.

They used the staff passageway. Besides the manager, a group of employees followed behind them. Lu Yi wondered how long they planned to stay—if they tagged along for the whole duration, the situation would feel absurd.

It no longer resembled a blind date but more of an inspection.

Lin Jinshen, however, seemed accustomed to having an entourage. His indifferent demeanor showed no discomfort.

Lu Yi, on the other hand, looked ill at ease, like a reluctant tour guide about to explain the exhibition to the CEO.

She entered the elevator after Lin Jinshen, followed by the manager. When the button for the third floor lit up, the cramped space forced Lu Yi to move toward the side. Her position wasn’t just at the edge but also closer to Lin Jinshen.

The lack of personal space made her uncomfortable. She lowered her gaze, and her field of vision settled on his long, straight legs encased in tailored trousers. The defined lines hinted at the strength of the muscles beneath.

The proximity allowed her to catch his scent.

It was distinctive—a cold and clean aroma, like a piece of agarwood buried in the snow. Initially, it carried a crisp chill, followed by a faint yet lingering woody fragrance.

Though subtle, the scent felt invasive.

Instead of merely entering her lungs, it seemed to reach her mind, leaving her wondering which cologne on the market carried such a scent.

None, at least none she could identify.

Subconsciously, she slowed her breathing. When the elevator doors opened and fresh air dispersed the confined smell, she took a discreet deep breath.

Walking down the corridor, the manager began speaking about the exhibition’s success, noting the positive feedback from guests. He praised the theme and experience as refreshing.

“Ms. Lu has both creativity and talent. It’s been a pleasure working together on this project, and I hope we’ll have the chance to collaborate again in the future.”

Lu Yi knew these words were mere formalities. She smiled lightly and replied, “You’re too kind, Manager Chen. I should be thanking Mr. Lin for still making space for art in these times.”

She glanced up and briefly met Lin Jinshen’s gaze—cold and unwavering, unaffected by her polite flattery.

The manager chuckled and echoed her sentiment, “Indeed, Mr. Lin has always valued the cultural aspects of our hotel. It’s something he emphasizes with us as well.”

The group reached the gallery.

The manager unlocked the door and stepped aside. Once the door opened, Lin Jinshen dismissed him and the other staff, saying he’d call if they were needed.

“Of course, Mr. Lin. Ms. Lu.” The manager gave a polite nod before leaving.

Now, only the two of them remained.

Lin Jinshen didn’t step in immediately, standing aside to let her go first. His tall frame exuded an imposing presence, and his direct gaze added pressure. Just as Lu Yi was about to step forward, his low voice stopped her:

“There’s something you might have misunderstood, Ms. Lu.”

“…What is it?”

“I don’t understand art. The space at Huating isn’t a concession of profit to art—it’s purely a consideration of the hotel’s positioning.”

“…”

Lu Yi unconsciously bit her lower lip. The plump contours of her lips subtly indented. She had only made a casual, polite remark, never expecting him to take it seriously. His explanation clarified that his choices weren’t guided by taste or culture but by business pragmatism.

As a luxury hotel brand, Huating aimed to provide guests with a premium experience, which included refined aesthetics.

Art exhibits were merely part of that premium package.

His tone was flat and devoid of emotion, making Lu Yi feel like she was in a meeting, with a boss bluntly pointing out flaws in her proposal.

She began to wonder how she’d endure the rest of the evening.

Should she fake a phone call, claim an urgent company issue, and excuse herself to escape the foreseeable awkwardness?

The answer was no.

That tactic would be far too obvious.

Stepping into the gallery, the familiar setting helped her relax slightly.

“Shall we begin?” Lin Jinshen’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked puzzled. “Begin what?”

He clarified, “This is my first time. I’m not sure of the procedure. Do we chat a bit more, or should we get straight to the point?”

“This is my first time too, but I think we can proceed.”

The sooner it started, the sooner it would end.

Lin Jinshen nodded.

Standing not far apart, she noticed his lashes—dark and thick—giving the impression of intense focus when he looked at someone.

“Our basic information is already clear to one another. I’ll briefly add a few points: I don’t have bad habits. I smoke and drink occasionally but am not addicted. I don’t gamble. I have no inappropriate relationships. My family is harmonious, and my parents are open-minded. Post-marriage living arrangements can be discussed based on your preference. I’ll strive to be a responsible husband. If you have any needs, you may raise them, and I’ll fulfill them within reason.”

Lu Yi was stunned. She hadn’t expected a blind date to include such an extensive self-introduction. Lacking experience, she hadn’t prepared anything.

“Do you have any questions for me?” Lin Jinshen asked after his detailed speech, delivered so smoothly it seemed rehearsed.

“…No, not at the moment.” It was the truth—partly because her mind was blank, and partly because she wasn’t naturally curious about others.

She couldn’t help but imagine what Lin Jinshen must have been like as a student. Would he have answered questions with the same solemn precision?

Unaware of her thoughts, he nodded. “If you have questions in the future, feel free to ask.”

The phrasing sounded familiar, akin to the concluding remarks of a work meeting. Perhaps this sense of professionalism made her more reserved, her tone similarly formal:

“Mr. Lin, do you have any questions for me?”

“No,” he replied.

He explained, “Everything I wanted to know is already in your profile.”

“Alright.”

They walked forward, stopping before an exhibit titled Breath. It was a piece by an avant-garde artist, hung on the wall. The installation, composed of pipes arranged like a maze, featured red liquid coursing through them, resembling blood. Even without understanding its intended message, the work evoked strong emotions.

After a moment of silence, Lu Yi spoke up: “I’ve been in a relationship before.”

“That was in the profile,” Lin Jinshen reminded her.

“Does that bother you?”

“Should it?” he countered.

Lu Yi explained, “Because you’ve never been in one. Maybe you think it’s only fair if neither of us had.”

Lin Jinshen paused briefly before saying, “There’s no need for fairness in matters like this.”

“All right.”

They continued walking, likely to finish touring the entire exhibit.

She assumed the next topic would involve him casually mentioning his work, slipping in insights about his field that she wouldn’t understand, crafting an air of sophistication and earning her insincere admiration. But no—aside from his initial self-introduction, he didn’t talk about himself at all. Instead, the conversation remained focused on the exhibits.

Lin Jinshen was upfront about his inability to grasp the themes of some artworks. He didn’t feign understanding or flaunt knowledge. As he’d said himself, he wasn’t well-versed in art.

Lu Yi shared her interpretations, and occasionally, he nodded. Though he didn’t fully understand, he showed respect.

Being with him wasn’t as awkward as she had initially feared.

To be honest, Lin Jinshen’s appearance was her type: sharp features, deep-set eyes, exuding an air of elite professionalism. Yet his demeanor was subdued, lacking aggression. This combination was pleasant and non-offensive.

If their families were to proceed with the arranged marriage, she thought seriously for a moment—it didn’t seem entirely objectionable.

Lin Jinshen looked at her and said, “There’s something else I should clarify with you in advance. My work keeps me busy, and I travel frequently. I might not be able to devote much time to family life and fulfill all the duties of a husband.”

Lu Yi’s eyes lit up slightly. That was the most appealing thing she’d heard all evening.

A wealthy but often-absent husband? That would allow her to maintain her current lifestyle. In that case, marriage would be little more than a formality.

Not getting a response from her, Lin Jinshen assumed she minded. After a moment’s silence, he added, “But after marriage, I’ll try to adjust my priorities and make more time…”

“That’s unnecessary,” Lu Yi interrupted—a rare occurrence for her. Realizing her impoliteness and how revealing she sounded, she clarified, “It’s fine. Focus on your work.”

“Do you have any requests?” Lin Jinshen asked.

Lu Yi had given this serious thought when she agreed to her family’s plan for an arranged marriage. She said, “After marriage, I’d like us to live separately from our parents.”

Lin Jinshen nodded. “That’s fine.”

“I enjoy my current job and have no plans to change careers anytime soon. My work can be demanding, and I may not fit the role of a stay-at-home wife.”

“Understood.”

“I dislike socializing in elite circles. I might not attend certain events with you, though I’ll join family-related ones.”

“That’s okay.”

“…”

“Anything else?” he asked.

Lu Yi smiled faintly and added, “One last thing—I don’t want children for at least five years.”

“May I ask why?” Lin Jinshen furrowed his brows slightly. This was clearly outside his expectations; marriage and children were typically viewed as a package deal.

“No particular reason,” Lu Yi replied. “I just don’t feel ready yet—not for the process of childbirth or the responsibility of raising a child.”

She looked up at him and asked, “If that’s unacceptable to you, I’ll understand.”

“That’s fine,” Lin Jinshen said after a brief moment of thought. “It’s your body, and I respect your decision.”

Lu Yi was momentarily stunned. He had agreed so quickly and easily that she wondered if he had truly understood or if he simply didn’t care.

Perhaps noticing her hesitation, he explained, “If you feel our conversation tonight isn’t thorough enough, we can have a lawyer draft a prenuptial agreement. All your requests can be included.”

A prenuptial agreement?

They were already at such a formal stage?

The evening had been overwhelming, and Lu Yi hadn’t yet sorted her thoughts.

After finishing the tour, Lin Jinshen draped his jacket over his left arm and thanked her, remarking that he had learned a lot tonight.

His tone reminded Lu Yi of the times she had taught her grandfather how to use a smartphone.

Her grandfather would also say, I’ve learned something.

Lu Yi couldn’t help but feel amused.

Before leaving the exhibit hall, Lin Jinshen offered to drive her home. She declined, explaining that she had driven herself. He then arranged for someone to bring her car from the parking lot.

During this brief lull, Lu Yi glanced at her phone.

A new friend request had appeared:
“Hello, Miss Lu Yi. I’m Zhong Wenlun.”

Zhong Wenlun—the youngest son of the Zhong family, who owned a shipping business—was another candidate her parents had chosen for an arranged marriage.

Lin family or Zhong family, the choice was hers to make.

Ms. Xu, her mother, sent a message:
[I asked Xiao Zhong to add you. Start chatting with him.]

Lu Yi replied:
[No need. I met Lin Jinshen today. Let’s just go with him—no need to complicate things.]

Ms. Xu:
[You compare options before buying something. How can you settle on one person for marriage without exploring?]

Ms. Xu:
[I think Xiao Zhong is better.]

Ms. Xu: smiling emoji

“…”

Lu Yi thought her mother didn’t realize how threatening that emoji looked.

She relented and replied, [Okay.]

A green Mini Cooper was soon parked at the front entrance. She took the keys, said her goodbyes, and got into the car.

As the car pulled away, Lu Yi glanced in the rearview mirror. The tall figure she left behind stood conversing with someone, likely about work. He leaned slightly forward, cooperative.

Before meeting him, their paths had never crossed.

Would things change after this meeting? Even Lu Yi wasn’t sure.

The car hadn’t yet exited the roundabout when her phone rang. The screen displayed an unfamiliar number without a saved contact name.

Hesitating for half a second, she chose to answer, putting the call on speaker and placing the phone in the console.

“Hello.”

“Lu Yi.”

“Drive safely.”

The deep, magnetic voice reverberated through the car.