Chapter 33

After hanging up the phone, Lu Yi sent a message to the group chat, saying she couldn’t make it on Saturday due to a last-minute commitment.

The gathering had been a spur-of-the-moment decision after someone lamented that Saturday was Valentine’s Day, and they’d be subjected to endless couples flaunting their love. Since most group members were single, they decided to band together to celebrate and avoid the agony of public displays of affection.

Initially, Lu Yi wasn’t even considered since she was married. However, given that her husband was Lin Jinshen—whose presence was often negligible—they extended an invitation anyway.

Wu Sidong was the first to reply, sending a GIF of a rabbit perking its ears in suspicion.
[What, are you two going to celebrate Valentine’s Day together?]

He made it sound like she was a traitor abandoning the group.

Lu Yi: [No, we’re attending a charity gala together.]

She added: [It’s fairly important.]

Marriage came with responsibilities—both internal and external. Having chosen this path, Lu Yi knew what to expect.

Wu Sidong: [Boring!]

Yu Yin: [That’s just like the impression I have of President Lin. He probably doesn’t even know it’s Valentine’s Day.]

Charity galas were dreadfully dull. Instead of feeling betrayed, the group pitied Lu Yi.

The chat’s tone shifted when Yu Yin asked:
[So, can we hire male models now?]

Since Lu Yi, a married woman, wasn’t attending, hiring male models wouldn’t lead to misunderstandings. The rest of the group, being single, could order as many as they wanted without issue.

Wu Sidong: [What about me? Am I not enough for you?]
Yu Yin: [You’re more than enough… too much, actually.]

The discussion quickly devolved into a debate over which agency had the most attractive and professional male models. Yu Yin even changed the group name to “Shh! Adults Only.”

Lu Yi chuckled as she covered Puffs’ eyes. “Our little kitty can’t see this kind of thing.”

Puffs blinked in confusion and meowed softly: “Meow?”

At the same time, Lin Wenyun received a message from Lin Jinshen while she was at home. Her five-year-old son, Lin Ya, was at the adorable age of chubby cheeks and sparkling eyes. No matter how busy she was, she always made time to play with him.

After reading the message, she smiled and put her phone away.

“Something from work?” her husband asked as he handed her a cup of warmed milk.

Taking the cup, Lin Wenyun replied, “You can start making arrangements for Saturday.”

“Haven’t you got an auction to attend?”

“No need. Jinshen and Lu Yi will go instead.” She pinched her son’s cheek, enjoying the softness as she mused, “Some people are already deeply trapped without realizing it.”

“Who’s trapped?” her husband asked, puzzled.

“Me.” She looked up at him with a teasing smile.

Her husband chuckled. If only she put half the effort into him that she did her work. Shaking his head, he went off to look up restaurant recommendations online.

—

The wedding date was fast approaching, and the ties between the Lin and Lu families grew even closer.

Privately, Lu Yi and Lin Yumo occasionally chatted, mostly about studying abroad. Lu Yi would share tips on good Chinese restaurants, fun places to visit, and markets where one could find quirky items.

Last week, Lin Yumo followed one of Lu Yi’s recommendations and was surprised the shop was still open.

The owner, originally from Beijing, even made her a special serving of tofu pudding, which tasted so nostalgic it brought her to tears.

Lin Yumo: [I miss home! I can’t wait for the wedding!]
Lu Yi: [Come back a few days early. Your parents really miss you.]

Their chats grew lively, and the more Lin Yumo spoke with her sister-in-law, the more she liked her. She couldn’t help but wonder why Lu Yi chose her brother. Lin Yumo even joked that she always thought her elder brother would end up alone.

Worried Lu Yi might misunderstand, she quickly clarified:
[I’m not saying you have bad taste! Quite the opposite—you have amazing judgment. My brother’s a great guy underneath it all.]

She paused and added:
[Though he’s a bit stiff and boring…]

Strict and stern, Lin Jinshen’s demeanor had always intimidated her more than anyone else in the family.

Lu Yi teased: [So the surface isn’t great?]
Lin Yumo scrambled: [No, no!]

[But doesn’t my brother remind you of a strict headmaster? Like the kind who catches latecomers and loiters with his hands behind his back, scaring you with just one look?]

Lu Yi thought about it and replied: [A little?]

Lin Yumo sent a laughing emoji and continued spilling family gossip until she let slip:
[The family used to arrange dates for him, but my brother was always too stubborn, so nothing ever worked out.]

Realizing her mistake, she froze. Lu Yi immediately picked up on it: [So there were previous attempts?]

Lin Yumo: “…”

This felt like mentioning an ex in front of the current partner. She sent a cat emoji covering its face in embarrassment.

Sensing her panic, Lu Yi reassured her:
[It’s normal. I’ve had past relationships too. I was just curious since your brother never mentioned it.]

[I’m not upset, really.]

Lin Yumo explained:
[It wasn’t much. Most of them never even met him, and the ones who did didn’t work out.]

Lu Yi: [Oh, so who did he meet?]

Lin Yumo: […]

[I’m sweating here, sister-in-law.]

[Do you think I’ll still be allowed to attend the wedding?]

That evening, when Lin Jinshen returned to the bedroom from his study, Lu Yi was half-lying on the bed, playing on her phone. As he lifted the covers, he casually asked what had her smiling so happily.

“Chatting with Yumo,” Lu Yi replied, ending the conversation with a goodnight message before setting her phone aside. Her schedule had gradually adjusted, and she now aimed to sleep by 11 p.m.

“If she ever becomes a bother, you don’t have to entertain her,” he said, referring to the idea that Lu Yi shouldn’t feel compelled to integrate into his family just because of their marriage.

“She’s not a bother. We get along well,” Lu Yi said contentedly. Having a mutual subject to poke fun at gave them endless topics to discuss.

As she settled in, she made sure not to fold her hands over her chest—otherwise, the “headmaster” would undoubtedly correct her posture again.

Ten minutes before 11, Lin Jinshen, rarely seen on his phone in bed, opened a chat labeled “Little Sister” and asked about Yumo’s recent activities.

When Lin Yumo received the message, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly composed herself, doubting he knew she had just been badmouthing him. His usual demeanor was far from this polite.

Maintaining a respectful tone, she replied that everything was fine.

Lin Jinshen gave her a few reminders, playing the role of a caring older brother. Overwhelmed by the uncharacteristic concern, she suspected his account had been hacked.

Then came the clincher:
[Stop using your phone so much. Limit your chatting, or I’ll cut your credit card limit.]

Lin Yumo: [?]

Her guilt vanished, replaced by indignation. She laughed coldly at her screen—clearly, she hadn’t spilled enough secrets yet!

This was just the beginning. Once they got more carried away, who knew what else they might post.

Lu Yi decided to mute the group chat notifications.

After finishing her preparations, she descended the stairs, carefully lifting the hem of her gown. She hadn’t expected Lin Jinshen to be downstairs. His suit jacket hung neatly on the coat rack, leaving him in a crisp white shirt with a tie. He sat on the couch, legs crossed casually, his head lowered. Puff circled around his legs, rubbing against his trousers, clearly begging for attention.

Unlike Lu Yi, Lin Jinshen was unmoved by the cat’s attempts at affection. A mere tap on its head with his fingertip was enough to make Puff let out a restrained “meow” and give up—for now.

“…Traitor,” Lu Yi muttered.

Over the past few days, she’d grown suspicious that Lin Jinshen was secretly giving Puff treats, though she lacked evidence.

When Lin Jinshen heard her footsteps, he lifted his head, his dark lashes casting shadows under his clear, focused gaze.

There was always a certain paradoxical quality to him.

He carried the poise and maturity of a seasoned professional, tempered by years in the cutthroat world of business. Yet he seemed entirely untouched by its cynicism. Stripped of titles and context, one might mistake him for a refined university professor—scholarly and ascetic.

“What are you doing upstairs?” Lu Yi asked as she reached the bottom step. “You didn’t even send a message.”

“There’s still time. No rush.”

Puff, having been ignored by Lin Jinshen, turned its attention to Lu Yi. She wanted to scoop the cat up, but knowing her dress fabric could easily snag—and remembering the last mishap—she resisted.

“Let’s go.”

Lin Jinshen retrieved his jacket but didn’t put it on, instead draping it over his arm.

In the elevator, their reflections were mirrored back at them. The height difference was apparent, with their shoulders barely a finger’s width apart.

Lu Yi thought back to their second meeting when they had ridden the elevator together. There had been hotel staff present, forcing her to stand closer to him. Even then, the distance was greater than it was now. Her posture had been stiff, and the seconds felt endless.

How long had it been since then? Less than two months.

“Hold on,” his low voice suddenly broke the silence.

Lin Jinshen shifted slightly, turning to face her. His tall figure loomed, his presence so palpable it felt like a heavy cloud pressing down on her, momentarily taking her breath away.

He leaned in.

Lu Yi instinctively pressed her lips together. There was a security camera in the elevator. She took a small step back, only for Lin Jinshen to steady her by her waist and pull her forward.

“Don’t move.”

His tone was calm yet firm. His focus seemed entirely elsewhere.

The next moment, he plucked a long, fine strand of hair from her shoulder, twirling it between his fingers.

Lu Yi: “…”

She had a feeling that if she were to remark, Oh, it was just a hair? he would respond with a puzzled look and ask, What else could it be?

The strand was so fine it amazed her he’d even noticed it.

The elevator doors opened on the ground floor, fresh air rushing in to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

Lu Yi stepped out first, followed closely by Lin Jinshen. Two steps later, they were once again walking side by side.

On the way to the charity gala, Lin Jinshen briefed her about the evening’s host, the Wu family. Mrs. Wu, in particular, was passionate about philanthropy, with her foundation dedicated to funding educational initiatives in rural areas. Many women from prominent circles participated in the foundation’s activities, either for status or genuine interest in charity work. Regardless of motives, the foundation had made significant societal contributions.

“Do I need to join the foundation?” Lu Yi asked, furrowing her brow.

Lin Jinshen glanced at her, his deep eyes calm and steady. “No, only do what you’re comfortable with.”

But given the current situation—her accompanying him to an event she had no real interest in—his words felt somewhat hypocritical. He added after a pause, “Just show up with me occasionally.”

Lu Yi smiled graciously. “Understood.”

“The moment the auction ends, we can leave.”

“Alright.”

When they arrived at the venue, Lu Yi walked in while holding Lin Jinshen’s arm. The room was partially filled, with small groups of attendees mingling and exchanging pleasantries.

Not familiar with the crowd, Lu Yi relied on Lin Jinshen to subtly identify people as they approached, sparing her the embarrassment of responding to greetings with nothing but a polite smile.

Amid the clinking of glasses and light laughter, Lu Yi sensed someone’s gaze. She scanned the room discreetly and locked eyes with a woman in a bright yellow strapless gown.

The woman was in conversation but seemed to glance at Lu Yi repeatedly. When Lu Yi turned her way, she looked away, resuming her lively chat with friends.

She was striking—a radiant, glamorous socialite.

Lu Yi didn’t recognize her.

If the woman wasn’t someone she knew, then the connection must be with the person standing beside her.

And when it came to women associated with Lin Jinshen, the possibilities were limited to professional or personal contexts.

Lu Yi pressed her lips together and idly toyed with the pearl on her earring. In a soft voice, she asked, “Is that your ex-girlfriend?”

Women sometimes had a sixth sense about these things, even without prior knowledge.

“What?” Lin Jinshen bent slightly to hear her better, clearly not catching her words.

He looked at her with quiet patience, his dark lashes casting faint shadows over his eyes.

Realizing her slip, Lu Yi corrected herself, speaking even softer, “Sorry, I meant, is that one of your previous matchmaking prospects?”

Then, almost to herself, she murmured, “The one who rejected you because of your personality mismatch.”

This was what Lin Yumo had told her—how Lin Jinshen had once met a young woman but failed to win her over. The official reason was “incompatible personalities,” but everyone suspected it was due to his rigid, no-nonsense demeanor.

Only those involved would know the full story, but Lu Yi couldn’t help her curiosity. Based on her own experience, Lin Jinshen must have made quite an impression.

Lin Jinshen followed her gaze to the woman in question. He seemed to take a moment to recall, his expression neutral. Then he looked back at Lu Yi. Her lips were faintly curved, and her eyes shimmered with suppressed amusement.

She wasn’t upset. She was genuinely delighted.

The hand he’d kept politely resting on her back shifted to her waist, his fingers pressing more firmly. The warmth seeped through her gown and into her skin, quickening her pulse.

He didn’t confirm or deny her guess. Instead, his gaze locked onto hers, and he asked, “Even if she is, why are you so happy about it?”

Caught off guard, Lu Yi blinked in confusion. She thought she’d hidden her feelings well. “Am I?”