Shen Shu knew Xiao Lin. They had met when they were young.

However, he was not very familiar with him, but he had some friendship with Xiao Lin’s brother Xiao Yuan.

They had worked together a few times, but they weren’t particularly close.

Shen Shu was good friends with Fu Silang, but Xiao Lin was only Fu Silang’s distant nephew. They weren’t deeply related, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask Fu Silang for help.

He lowered the car window further and lit a cigarette.

The ember flickered at his fingertips, and the faint smell of smoke drifted into the car.

Wei Ling, sitting in the front, smelled it and hesitated before glancing back at him. “Mr. Shen, should we move forward?”

His unspoken meaning was clear: if they didn’t move, they’d leave.

Shen Shu stayed quiet for a moment, then stubbed out his cigarette. “Head back.”

Wei Ling didn’t ask any more questions. Without a word, he shifted the car into reverse and began driving back.

Wei Ling could somewhat understand the feelings Shen Shu was experiencing at the moment.

After a long day, rushing around without even having a meal, he came to pick someone up, only to find out that Miss Yu already had someone to pick her up.

Although Shen Shu and Yu Xi were married, it was an arrangement made by the family. Even someone as strong-willed as Shen Shu wasn’t really sure about the authenticity of their feelings.

Shen Shu had never been proactive in situations where he was uncertain or lacked confidence.

“Do you need me to investigate Miss Yu’s schedule at Hai Rui recently?” Wei Ling asked at the right moment.

To his surprise, Shen Shu just waved his hand and closed his eyes to rub his brow.

He trusted Yu Xi and didn’t believe she would be involved with another man, especially someone from the same company.

What he was uncertain about was Xiao Lin’s intentions.

From that brief glance, he could tell that Xiao Lin seemed to have some interest in Yu Xi. He wasn’t sure whether Xiao Lin knew about his relationship with her.

Not knowing anything for sure, rushing in without understanding the situation could cause a scandal, making it difficult for her to maintain her position in the company.

People’s opinions could be daunting, and Yu Xi wasn’t exactly the outgoing type.

While a scandal might seem glamorous, it was always the woman who lost out. Moreover, Yu Xi was married.

…

This was Xiao Lin’s second time visiting Shouchuang Tianxi. However, this time he wasn’t as casual as before. He carefully examined the place.

He hadn’t asked about it before since it was none of his business, but now it felt a little odd.

The layout of the apartments in this area clearly couldn’t accommodate an entire family, so it must be for her alone—or for her and someone else.

He was aware of Yu Xi’s salary and knew she couldn’t afford a luxury home worth nearly 100 million.

“Yu Xi, do you have a boyfriend?” Xiao Lin suddenly asked, phrasing it delicately.

But what he really wanted to ask was something else.

Yu Xi was momentarily taken aback by his question, which seemed random. She instinctively shook her head.

Xiao Lin fell silent. His throat felt dry, and after a moment, he said, “Yu Xi, you… you’re too innocent. There are many bad people in this world, especially bad men.”

He thought carefully about his words, not wanting to sound too harsh, especially when facing her clear, bright eyes. “You need to learn to protect yourself. Don’t let people take advantage of you…”

At first, Yu Xi didn’t quite understand what he meant, but slowly, it dawned on her.

Her face darkened with discomfort. What was he trying to imply?

She didn’t want to argue with him, but her chest tightened with frustration.

Seeing her so upset, Xiao Lin regretted his words. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find the right words to defend himself. “I…”

Yu Xi didn’t want to engage any further. She turned and walked away.

To her surprise, as she turned around, she saw Shen Shu standing behind her. She stopped in her tracks.

Shen Shu was just like usual. He came over, took the bag from her hand, and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Why are you so late? Haven’t eaten yet? I had the chef make your favorite dishes.”

Xiao Lin’s face darkened, and his gaze was fixed on the hand Shen Shu had placed on Yu Xi’s shoulder. His expression kept changing.

He recognized Shen Shu, of course. In Beijing, hardly anyone didn’t know his name.

However, someone as successful and influential as Shen Shu, could he really be serious about Yu Xi?

But Xiao Lin couldn’t afford to quarrel with Shen Shu. His brother would never let him off.

“Mr. Shen,” Xiao Lin took a deep breath and greeted him.

Shen Shu simply nodded in acknowledgment, not showing any intention of engaging in further conversation. “Thank you for bringing Yu Xi back.”

Xiao Lin felt humiliated, but there was nothing he could do.

By all standards, he didn’t have the qualification to earn Shen Shu’s respect.

Both in ability and other areas.

Although Shen Shu appeared polite, his gaze at Yu Xi was gentle and calm, without any signs of suspicion, but a glance towards Xiao Lin still felt cold and dismissive.

— He truly looked down on him.

This perception left Xiao Lin feeling suffocated. He couldn’t say anything about it and hurriedly left.

…

In the elevator, Yu Xi noticed that Shen Shu seemed a little quiet. She hesitated for a while before nervously tugging at his sleeve.

Shen Shu paused and smiled at her. “What’s wrong?”

[I don’t know. It just feels like you’re not in a good mood.] she typed honestly.

“What do you mean I’m not in a good mood?” Shen Shu smiled, his mood lifting instantly.

Seeing her carefully watching him, afraid that he might be angry, made him feel inexplicably good.

Yu Xi was puzzled. How did his mood suddenly shift from cloudy to sunny?

Who said that women’s hearts are like needles at the bottom of the ocean? Men are the real mystery!

She was still lost in thought when the elevator arrived, and he stepped out first. “What are you standing there for? Let’s go.”

She quickly followed him.

For dinner, they had Hangzhou cuisine, with every dish being one that Yu Xi loved.

The chef’s skills were truly impressive.

Yu Xi’s eyes lit up as she picked up a piece of sweet and sour fish.

“Drink some soup,” Shen Shu served her a bowl of clear broth.

Though it was just cucumber and egg soup, it was fragrant without being greasy. It was smooth and refreshing when eaten.

Yu Xi took another sip.

Shen Shu loved watching her eat, and it made him feel good as well.

Yu Xi noticed that he was only watching her eat and not eating much himself. Confused, she typed: [Why aren’t you eating?]

Shen Shu replied, “You eat. I’m not very hungry.”

Sometimes, Yu Xi thought he was strange. He didn’t seem very interested in food, despite how delightful it was.

He wasn’t concerned with indulgence when it came to food.

Before meeting Shen Shu, Yu Xi couldn’t believe there were people who were so disciplined. He controlled his diet so thoroughly—no greasy food, no red meat, no sweets, and no carbonated drinks… And he even worked out more than three days a week.

[Shen Shu.] Yu Xi thought for a moment before typing.

“Go ahead,” he smiled gently, his eyes encouraging.

[Did you misunderstand something earlier?]

Shen Shu, who had been focused on picking his food, paused for a moment, then looked up. “Why do you ask?”

His expression was completely composed, and he even smiled at her.

Yu Xi’s cheeks turned red immediately.

She felt like she had done something foolish.

Why would she think that Shen Shu would feel jealous?

He’s such a proud and aloof person, how could he possibly feel jealous?

She was just being overly sentimental.

With this thought in mind, her face turned red in embarrassment, and she lowered her head, silently eating her meal. She couldn’t quite pinpoint why, but there was a vague sense of bitterness in her heart.

Actually, this was fine. She never expected him to care that much about their relationship. At least, on the surface, they maintained a respectful distance.

…

After Yu Xi went to the bathroom, Shen Shu’s expression softened.

He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and gazed into the distance.

The night view of Beijing was stunning. The lights twinkled like woven threads, traffic flowed like a dragon, and beneath the dark sky, neon lights flickered and shimmered, creating a scene of vibrant beauty.

Yet, a glass pane separated this lively world from the stillness inside, enclosing it in the darkness of the night.

Inside, all was quiet.

The ticking of the clock was the only sound breaking the silence.

The room was too warm, and a thin mist had formed on the window.

Faintly, he could see his own reflection, quietly mirrored on the glass.

Shen Shu’s mind was silent.

The image he had seen earlier flashed across his mind again.

Xiao Lin was using sign language to communicate with Yu Xi, and she responded with a smile, gesturing back. The two young people shared a natural understanding, like they were made for each other.

He stood at a distance, like an outsider, unconnected to them.

His expression changed slightly, and after a moment of hesitation, he took out his phone and sent a message to Wei Ling: [Find me a teacher, I want to learn sign language.]

Wei Ling, ever professional, didn’t ask for details. He simply replied: [Okay, I’ll arrange it for you.]

[When would you like to start?]

Shen Shu replied concisely: [As soon as possible.]

Wei Ling responded: [Understood. I’ll contact you as soon as I find someone.]

…

For the next few days, Shen Shu seemed very busy and didn’t return home for two days.

Yu Xi felt an inexplicable sense of loss.

Realizing this, she gazed out the window.

Her faint reflection appeared on the glass.

Her face was blurred, but she could still make out her features. It didn’t look good.

She stared for a while, almost not recognizing herself.

When did this happen? Why did she care so much about Shen Shu?

Why hadn’t she noticed this before?

This self-pitying version of herself wasn’t very lovable. She cupped her face in her hands and shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it.

Since she was going to her alma mater’s anniversary celebration this Sunday, she quickly put the matter out of her mind. Before leaving the next day, she made sure to contact Jiang Chuyi.

“Wait for a bit, I’ll come pick you up.” Jiang Chuyi arrived soon after, driving her newly bought little Polo.

Yu Xi was very worried about her driving skills. While in the car, she instinctively grasped the overhead handle.

Jiang Chuyi asked, “…Are you serious?”

Yu Xi just smiled and shrugged.

“By the way, where’s your husband?” Jiang Chuyi asked curiously. “Didn’t he arrange transportation for you? As a rich lady, you don’t even have a car? You still need me to pick you up? Who would believe that?”

Yu Xi could only smile.

Actually, she was quite independent. She didn’t like to trouble others, nor was she used to asking for help.

Especially with Shen Shu. She privately didn’t want him to look down on her.

It was a foolish, small, and a bit childish pride.

Yu Xi looked out the window, silently watching the endless flow of cars and pedestrians outside. In truth, she did feel a little wronged.Though she didn’t want to admit it.