Lu Bochen stood up to meet her, taking her hand and guiding her back to her seat.

“You did very well.” After helping her sit down, he leaned in to whisper a compliment in her ear.

“Thank you.” She looked up and gave him a small smile.

Their eyes met briefly, and she sensed a touch of warmth in his bright gaze.

“Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat? I’ll go get it for you.”

Tonight’s meal was a buffet, and guests had to serve themselves.

“I’m not hungry yet.” She shook her head lightly, the excitement and nervousness from her speech still lingering.

“At least have some soup to warm your stomach.” He wouldn’t let her skip a meal, and headed straight to the long table where the food was laid out.

She watched his tall figure as he walked away.

Wherever he went, he was always the center of attention. Along the way, countless people stopped him for a chat, and numerous socialites cast lingering glances in his direction.

“Your husband’s not bad.” A clear voice suddenly sounded beside Yin Tainyu.

She turned her head in surprise. “Haitang!”

The speaker was her cousin, Yin Haitang, who pulled out a chair and sat down beside her.

“You came to this charity dinner too?”

“Mm, I also heard your speech just now. Not bad.” Yin Haitang commented casually.

Yin Tainyu smiled.

“Your husband is quite impressive,” Yin Haitang said, her sharp gaze sweeping over Lu Bochen. “He’s become quite the golden boy in the Legislative Yuan—responsible in his duties, clear in his questioning, and dedicated to serving his constituents. Many influential figures have high hopes for him.”

“I know. He works really hard,” Yin Tianyu replied softly, her voice tinged with a depth of affection and concern she wasn’t fully aware of herself. “Whenever a voter calls, he never hesitates to respond, and he often stays up late reviewing legal texts.”

“Bochen is exceptional, you know? Many legislators don’t even bother to read the laws beforehand, yet they speak out at hearings. There are very few who, like him, study each clause thoroughly.”

“Is that how you do it too?” Yin Tianyu asked, looking at her cousin.

“Of course,” Yin Haitang’s tone was sharp. “You know how much I despise irresponsible politicians.”

“And to think you come from a political family,” Yin Tianyu teased.

“That’s because I’m the black sheep of the Yin family!” Yin Haitang shrugged indifferently. “My dad’s already disowned me out of anger.”

“That’s because you didn’t follow the path he laid out for you,” Yin Tianyu murmured.

Haitang’s rebellious nature was well-known within the family. She had gone as far as to break ties with her father and marry Mo Chuansen, reputed to be the biggest wastrel in Taiwan’s business circles, just to secure the Mo family’s wealth and connections to pursue her own political ideals.

Yin Tianyu had always admired her cousin. She knew she’d never be able to match Haitang’s strength and confidence.

In truth, Haitang was more like a true Yin family member than anyone else. The real black sheep was herself.

Yin Tianyu sighed inwardly, quietly trying to sort out her tangled emotions.

“I have to go. I still have a meeting with my assistant at the office later,” Yin Haitang said, standing up gracefully after chatting briefly with her cousin.

Yin Tianyu frowned slightly. “You’re always in such a rush. Do you ever stop to take a break?”

“Of course I do,” Yin Haitang replied nonchalantly.

“What about Chuansen? When was the last time you sat down and had a proper meal with your husband?”

At that, Yin Haitang’s eyes dimmed for a moment before she quickly responded in a lighter tone, “We haven’t spoken in a long time.”

“What?” Yin Tianyu was stunned.

Yin Haitang simply smiled faintly, waved her hand, and left with a carefree air.

Lu Bochen returned just then, carrying a tray with a bowl of hot soup, a small basket of bread, and a plate of various side dishes.

“Was that Haitang just now?” he asked as he sat down.

“Yes.”

“It’s been a while since you last saw each other. Why didn’t she stay to chat longer?”

“She said she has a meeting later.”

“That woman really is a workaholic,” Lu Bochen shook his head. “Every time I see her, she’s in a rush, like she’s racing against time.”

Yin Tianyu turned her face slightly, gazing at her husband with a half-smile.

“Alright, I know you’re going to say I’m the pot calling the kettle black,” Lu Bochen quickly caught on to the meaning behind her expression and laughed heartily. “But compared to her, I should be considered better, right? At least I have time to sit down and have a meal with you.”

He placed the bowl of soup in front of her, then lazily picked up a croissant from the bread basket, taking a bite. Seeing that she hadn’t moved, he urged her.

“Go on, drink it!”

Yin Tianyu nodded, picking up the spoon and taking a sip of the hot cream of pumpkin soup, feeling warmth spreading in her chest, just like the soup.

Indeed, compared to Haitang and Chuansen’s cold relationship, she could consider herself fortunate. At least Bochen was willing to bring her a bowl of hot soup and watch over her as she drank it.

By Bochen’s own definition, he probably did like her. Maybe not as much as she loved him, but at least he cared for her.

Could she really say her married life wasn’t good?

So, she really should be content—

He was quite satisfied with his life now.

His career was progressing smoothly. At a young age, he had already become a legislator. Besides utilizing his legal expertise to join the Judiciary Committee, he had also been nominated by his party to represent them in the Procedure Committee, working alongside thirty-five other members to set the agenda for various bills. At the end of the year, during the parliamentary elections, he was certain to be nominated by his party for re-election.

Not only was his career successful, but his marriage was also fulfilling. His wife’s family was a prominent political household, and she herself exuded elegance and grace. As the wife of a legislator, she frequently attended various charity events, further boosting his reputation.

Nowadays, if you randomly grabbed someone on the street, there was a good chance they would know that Lu Bochen was a rising star in politics. Invitations to social events hosted by political and business elites almost always included a spot for the two of them.

What more could a man under thirty ask for? He had fame, fortune, status, and a wife from a prestigious family who everyone envied. What more could he possibly want?

What could he be dissatisfied with?

He was very satisfied…

“Bochen, what’s going on with this case?”

A fellow legislator pushed open the door to Lu Bochen’s office, holding a document and frowning as if deeply displeased.

This colleague also served as the caucus whip for their party, likely sent by the party leadership to reprimand him.

Understanding the situation, Lu Bochen stood up, warmly invited the other to sit down, and offered a cup of fine oolong tea before smiling and explaining.