Jiang Mian was a professional through and through. She’d spent a lot of money today, so naturally she felt obligated to provide good service, playing the part of an obedient stand-in for Shen Shiyan.

Without a second thought, she sat on the man’s lap and even began to act coy.

The man stiffened. The woman in his arms was soft and supple with a faint fragrance that reminded him of that morning.

At that time, she had been sound asleep, smiling widely as if dreaming of something pleasant. Her hand had unconsciously roamed over his waist and stomach.

For as long as he could remember, he had always slept alone—until the past few nights when Jiang Mian had shared his bed.

He couldn’t say he disliked it, though it wasn’t exactly comfortable, either. His sleep was light, and Jiang Mian’s movements frequently woke him up.

Just as she had warned, she wasn’t the most graceful sleeper. He would gently push her away, only for her to roll back toward him moments later as if she couldn’t settle down unless she was clinging to him.

If anyone looked up at him now, they would notice a slightly different expression from his usual one.

Shopping had taken its toll on Jiang Mian, she’d been walking for hours with barely a break.

She lowered her head, reaching down to rub her sore calf muscles. “Buying so much stuff… no wonder I’m exhausted!”

He Lai had already told him everything Jiang Mian bought, and as soon as he stepped in, he saw her spoils from the day, lined up neatly as if on display.

“Couldn’t you just buy a little less?”

It wasn’t about the money for him; he simply found it unnecessary. Shopping was just for fun—why exhaust herself like this?

But to Jiang Mian, his words sounded like he was criticizing her for spending too much.

She wasn’t happy. She worked hard to play his stand-in, and it wasn’t exactly easy!

Pouting, Jiang Mian lifted her head and looked up at Shen Shiyan, her expression turning instantly aggrieved, her eyes welling up with tears. “You’re busy working all day and don’t have time for me. I don’t have anything else to do but shop!”

The sight of her tearing up made Shen Shiyan feel helpless. She seemed to cry at the drop of a hat around him—was she made of water?

But Jiang Mian pretended not to notice his expression and continued. “If you think I’m buying too much, just stop giving me the card! Or, maybe I should just give it back.”

“Boo hoo…”

She blinked, her eyes swimming with tears but after two days of crying, she was almost out. So, she turned her head and buried herself in his chest to hide her face.

Inwardly, she was praying that Shen Shiyan would just break it off with her.

But it seemed heaven had turned a deaf ear to her silent pleas.

Shen Shiyan’s arm stiffly circled her slender waist. “That’s not what I meant!”

“Then what did you mean?” Jiang Mian grumbled against his chest, sounding frustrated. “You must think I’m just spending money recklessly!”

Shen Shiyan hadn’t meant that at all. After a pause, he clarified. “I meant, if you want to buy something, just ask Secretary He to get it for you. There’s no need to tire yourself out.”

Huh?

Did she hear him right?

He was suggesting she have He Lai run errands for her?

Today alone, He Lai had been nearly driven to the edge just from trailing after her. If she had to fetch things too, He Lai would probably collapse from frustration.

Jiang Mian muttered sullenly. “Better not. I can’t afford to be using your secretary like that!”

Shen Shiyan knew exactly what kind of person He Lai was. Seeing Jiang Mian’s somewhat fragile demeanor and sensing her slight grievance, his tone softened. “Then what would you like to do?”

Jiang Mian was even more surprised at his response.

She glanced up at him—was he actually trying to comfort her?

“Can I go shopping again tomorrow?” Jiang Mian sniffled. “The salesperson said they’re getting new stock in tomorrow!”

“Won’t you be tired?”

“Of course I will!” Jiang Mian replied. “That’s why… could you massage my legs for me?”

Before Shen Shiyan could react, she let go of him and stretched her leg toward him, hinting for a massage.

She was definitely pushing her luck now, thinking there was no way a man of his stature would actually give someone a leg massage!

She was already preparing to slip off him and sink back into the comfort of the sofa.

But Shen Shiyan’s actions were always unexpected.

Just as she was certain he’d never agree, Shen Shiyan took her calf in his hands almost without hesitation and began to press gently. “Is it sore here?”

Jiang Mian was stunned, staring blankly at Shen Shiyan. Was this still the aloof and untouchable male lead?

He was actually massaging her calf?

“Not here?” Shen Shiyan frowned slightly and adjusted his grip, kneading another spot on her calf.

Her leg was even more slender than it looked—his hand could almost encircle it completely.

She was really too thin.

Jiang Mian’s calf had genuinely been aching, and Shen Shiyan’s hands hit just the right spot. She couldn’t hold back a reaction and let out a small sound.

“Ah! Right there!”

Shen Shiyan’s pressure was a bit strong making Jiang Mian’s leg feel both sore and achy. She let a few more tears slip out, her voice laced with a plaintive tone. “Could you go easier? It hurts!”

“…”

Jiang Mian’s calf still felt sore, so she continued directing him. “It’s still too hard—move a bit lower; it hurts down there too!”

Shen Shiyan took a deep breath and eased his pressure, following her instructions as he kneaded her leg steadily. His technique quickly improved, becoming surprisingly adept.

It had to be said, a male lead was indeed a fast learner.

In no time, his massage skills were spot-on, and Jiang Mian, thoroughly relaxed, began to feel drowsy.

Yet, the moment he let go of her leg, he stood up and headed straight to the bathroom to shower.

Jiang Mian blinked, wondering if it was her imagination but he seemed to be leaving rather hastily.

Over the following days, Jiang Mian was back to shopping spree after shopping spree, spending money like water. She’d become a favorite at the mall with every salesperson lighting up like they’d seen their own lucky charm when she walked in.

Partly, Jiang Mian wanted to see Shen Shiyan’s reaction, and partly she just enjoyed provoking He Lai.

Shen Shiyan didn’t say much, while He Lai was both furious and helpless but here was nothing she could do.

Jiang Mian’s backer was Shen Shiyan, after all.

Within a few days, Jiang Mian had accumulated so many “spoils” that they filled an entire room.

Now, she needed to get all these items shipped out, but there was a problem with her current living situation.

The original Jiang Mian was still staying in a six-person dorm at school, where her relationships with her roommates were already strained.

People were already gossiping about her; if these packages showed up at the dorm, it would all but confirm the rumors that she was being “kept.”

Before she could think of a solution, someone else took care of it for her.

Her “sponsor” had arranged a new apartment for her and had all the items delivered there.

Shen Shiyan finally returned from his business trip, and they began their journey back together.

Waking up early, Jiang Mian could barely keep her eyes open, having slept fitfully on the plane.

After landing, Shen Shiyan had some business to attend to, so he instructed the driver to take her home first.

Jiang Mian had slept so long that her head felt fuzzy. She mumbled a reply and turned to get into another car when, for some reason, a sharp pain shot through her chest, jolting her fully awake.

What had she done to suddenly break character again?

Jiang Mian felt like she was about to collapse. She turned to see the man standing by the other car.

Was she expected to do something else?

But what could she possibly do?

The pain in her chest left her no time to think. In a burst of impulse, she dashed forward and threw herself into the man’s arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

She didn’t want to do this; she was being forced!

Shen Shiyan was on the phone when he saw Jiang Mian running toward him. Instinctively, he reached out to catch her. Her soft body pressed against him, and her fragrant scent enveloped him making him lose track of what the person on the other end of the line was saying.

Jiang Mian was genuinely afraid of the pain, but as soon as she touched the male lead, the ache in her chest began to ease.

She lifted her head from his embrace, her eyes shimmering with reluctant emotion. “I… I don’t want to say goodbye!”

Shen Shiyan: “…”

This woman had been sound asleep for the entire journey. Just a moment ago, she had turned away without a care when he said he was leaving, and now she was claiming she didn’t want to part?

Even the person on the other end of the line paused for a moment before hearing Shen Shiyan say. “I have something to attend to; I’ll hang up now.”

Shen Shiyan turned his gaze to her. “Be good and head back first.”

Jiang Mian clung to him, refusing to let go. “No!”

“Be obedient!”

“No!”

She wanted to be obedient, but her chest still hurt!

Jiang Mian pouted. “Unless you give me a kiss!”

A kiss?

Shen Shiyan raised an eyebrow at her audacity, glancing around at the bustling crowd, his frown deepening.

Just as he was about to refuse, Jiang Mian suddenly hopped up, wrapping her arms around his neck and stealing a quick kiss.

After the kiss, she even licked her lips, her expression smug like a little fox who had gotten away with something. With bright eyes, she said softly. “Well, I can kiss you too!”

Shen Shiyan was taken aback. After all these years, it was the first time someone had stolen a kiss from him, and the person doing it had the audacity to act so justified about it.

Surprisingly, after that kiss, the pain in his chest seemed to vanish completely!

Was the effect that immediate?

Jiang Mian remembered that the pain she felt would ease a bit whenever she was close to Shen Shiyan. Over time, it would eventually return to normal.

She was stunned. Did that mean every time she broke character and faced punishment, the only way to instantly relieve the pain was with a kiss?

After kissing him, she felt invigorated like she had just taken a revitalizing tonic, ready to tackle anything—even hauling bricks on a construction site.

Shen Shiyan had initially intended to scold her for being so bold, but when he looked down and saw her blushing shyly, his words caught in his throat.

Fine, just this once!

Jiang Mian gazed at him with yearning eyes. “Will you come tonight?”

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