Chapter 13

Lu Yi froze entirely, her mind collapsing like an old, decrepit building on demolition day, crumbling amidst an explosive boom, sending up a massive mushroom cloud of dust.

After knowing Lin Jinshen for some time, she had realized something—he could say anything, with a tone so composed and proper it left no room for any indecent thoughts.

All business.

Even when it came to marital obligations, they had to be fulfilled.

Three times a day… Could he really do it?

Lu Yi dared not ask, afraid that he might actually manage it.

Her burning face tensed tightly as she forced herself to stay calm and asked, “So… do we need to do it tonight?”

After all, she couldn’t sleep anyway. Finding something to occupy her time wasn’t a bad idea.

“Do you need the lights on?” Lin Jinshen countered.

“No!”

But… how would they start?

Lu Yi felt the bed sink slightly on one side as Lin Jinshen moved. He leaned over, pulling at the neckline of his sleepwear, which he removed, revealing a lean, toned waist.

She didn’t look, but the sounds and faint scent were enough to let her imagination fill in the gaps.

Lin Jinshen had always been disciplined with his workouts. Earlier, when his soaked sleepwear clung to his skin, she could vaguely make out the defined contours of his muscles—clear but not exaggerated, just right.

“Do you need my help?” His deep voice startled her.

Lu Yi snapped out of her thoughts and declined hastily, lifting her hands with deliberate slowness to unbutton her top.

Since the incident where he’d insisted she put on an extra layer over a slip dress, she’d avoided wearing skirts to bed, switching to modest tops and shorts instead.

Each of them focused on their own preparations, creating an oddly tense atmosphere.

When they were ready, Lin Jinshen leaned in, hovering over her. In the dim light, his features weren’t entirely clear, but the high bridge of his nose and the hollows of his eyes were unmistakable.

Lu Yi stiffened, arms and legs straight like a plank.

“Do you prefer a longer foreplay or a shorter one?” he asked.

“…”

She blinked, utterly clueless. In a small voice, she answered, “I don’t know… It’s my first time. What do you think?”

“It’s my first time, too,” he replied.

“…”

Two novices at work.

Lu Yi tentatively suggested, “How about we… figure it out as we go?”

“Okay.”

Lin Jinshen lowered his head, his prominent nose nearly brushing hers. He paused and said, “If anything feels uncomfortable, you can tell me to stop at any time.”

If she didn’t stop him, did that mean she was fine with it? Was that the logic?

Before she could delve into this thought, her vision darkened as her lips were gently captured. His movements were stiff, unskilled, but slow and deliberate.

She clenched her hands, as though gripping her own heart.

Their kiss deepened as they pressed closer together, every bit of warmth from his body making her curl up instinctively. The heat was unbearable—she couldn’t stop trembling.

Midway, Lin Jinshen paused, his lips still against hers, exhaling deeply as though catching his breath. He resumed, this time suckling her lips with more intent.

He tasted sweetness for the first time.

With his broad palm against her back, he guided her forward, and she instinctively clung to his neck.

Every sound was amplified: the wet noises, the swallowing, the panting—an orchestral performance reverberating in her ears.

Lu Yi felt like she was about to faint from the heat.

A whimper escaped her lips, catching Lin Jinshen’s attention. He stopped, his deep, shadowy eyes locking onto hers.

“Uncomfortable?” he asked, his voice raspy, tinged with a maddening allure.

Lu Yi covered her lips with the back of her hand, shaking her head slightly. Then again, she couldn’t bring herself to nod either. Instead, she gripped his taut, muscular arm, her fingers digging in.

Despite their efforts, a few mishaps occurred.

Propped up on his elbows beside her, Lin Jinshen suddenly leaned to one side, his long arm reaching out to the bedside drawer. She lay there, drenched in sweat, panting heavily.

As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she cracked them open just enough to catch sight of him. Kneeling, his gaze focused on a small plastic package in his hands.

Then came the sound of the wrapper being torn open.

Lu Yi immediately shut her eyes, her face flushing even hotter.

But nothing happened.

Curious, she peeked again and saw Lin Jinshen frowning. Their eyes met, and he explained, “It’s inside-out.”

“…”

“Fixed it.”

Lin Jinshen leaned down, capturing her lips again.

To Lu Yi, it felt like biting into cotton candy on a summer day. Initially delightful, bursting with sweetness, but soon melting away under the heat, leaving nothing but a sticky puddle of syrup.

In her distraction, her hand accidentally brushed against her phone beneath the pillow. The screen lit up briefly, casting a faint glow.

It wasn’t bright enough to illuminate the space fully, but in those few seconds, she caught sight of Lin Jinshen’s eyes—dark and predatory, like a deep-sea hunter closing in on its prey.

Before marriage, she’d doubted his capability. Now, she realized he was far more than capable.

Lin Jinshen was like an academic monster. For him, it wasn’t just about doing something—it was about understanding why, the intended effects, the underlying principles, the limits, and the optimal triggers. He experimented, analyzed, and adapted, then delivered a result that surpassed expectations.

The conclusion?

The subject of his experiment was fragile and sensitive, showing intolerance to excessive stimulation. A slower pace was required, allowing ample response time. Moreover, with limited prior experience, the subject surrendered before the experiment concluded.

However, with such a small sample size, the results were inconclusive.

Further testing was necessary.

The light switched on. Lu Yi shielded her eyes with her arm, then grabbed the blanket to cover herself. Her sweat-dampened hair clung to her flushed cheeks.

Lin Jinshen, still kneeling, his sculpted features illuminated like a marble carving, inspected everything carefully before discarding the tissue-wrapped item into the trash.

He got out of bed, sparing a glance at the curled-up figure on the bed. His voice, raspy from exertion, reminded her to wash up.

“You go first,” Lu Yi mumbled into the blanket, her throat dry.

Considering her earlier weakness, Lin Jinshen offered thoughtfully, “Need me to help?”

“No!”

“I’ll manage myself!”

Lu Yi bolted upright, grabbing a clean set of pajamas and retreating to the bathroom, her gaze fixed straight ahead to avoid any lingering thoughts of what had just happened.

The door closed and locked.

Leaning against the door, her legs still shaky, Lu Yi took a moment to steady herself. When she finally stepped into the shower and applied body wash, she noticed the red marks on her chest.

A scene flashed by in her mind.

He bent down, his soft, tousled black hair brushing against her. Pale fingers pressed into his scalp, tugging lightly but unable to restrain the beast’s fervent exploration and devouring.

“…”

When did he become so self-taught?

The shower drained more than just water—it left Lu Yi feeling utterly parched.

By the time she came out, Lin Jinshen had already changed the bedsheets. The crumpled, discarded ones were piled haphazardly on the sofa. The deep blue fabric bore darker patches that were hard to ignore.

Lu Yi averted her gaze in silence.

Lin Jinshen, now casually draped in a bathrobe, stood waiting. Once she emerged, he walked straight into the bathroom.

Five minutes later, he reappeared.

Lu Yi, who had climbed into bed two minutes earlier, quickly shut her eyes at the sound of the door opening. However, her fake-sleeping skills were far from convincing—her eyelashes gave a faint, involuntary flutter.

She heard the sound of Lin Jinshen turning off the lights and lying down beside her.

In the dark, a shared sanctuary emerged, enveloping both their defenses and lingering embarrassment.

They lay apart, maintaining the same distance as on previous nights. Despite what had transpired earlier in that very bed, the routine between them seemed unchanged.

Lu Yi tried to force herself to sleep, only to hear Lin Jinshen’s clear, composed voice break the silence. He mentioned he had work on Saturday morning and a business banquet that evening. Dinner would need to be rescheduled to 5 PM, wrapping up by 7.

This was part of their agreement—to share at least one meal together each week.

“It’s fine,” Lu Yi responded earnestly. “If you’re busy, we don’t have to eat together.”

“Since it’s a rule we set, it should be observed,” Lin Jinshen replied matter-of-factly.

“…Alright.”

After a moment, Lu Yi asked, “Will you have a date for the evening banquet?”

“No, I don’t need one,” Lin Jinshen said. He was accustomed to attending such events with an assistant rather than a companion.

“How about I go with you? That way, we can skip dinner, and you can focus on your work.” Lu Yi’s true intention was to avoid an intimate, one-on-one dinner—an ordeal that sounded disastrous in her mind.

Lin Jinshen considered it and agreed. “But don’t you dislike attending these kinds of events?”

Lu Yi opened her eyes, her expression calm. “I can be flexible when necessary, especially if it helps save time.”

There was a slight pause before Lin Jinshen replied, “Thank you.”

“It’s me who should thank you—for tonight,” Lu Yi added, referring to his effort to pick her up in the rain. Though she was independent and fully capable of solving her own problems, his appearance had softened a part of her heart.

“There’s no need to thank me. I’m just doing what a husband should.”

“Well, I’m just doing what a wife ought to do,” Lu Yi countered.

“…”

“Get some rest. It’s late,” Lin Jinshen reminded her. In just two hours, it would be time for him to wake up again. His strict routine of over a decade had been disrupted tonight, yet he felt anything but drowsy—if anything, he was wide awake.

Even a cold shower had failed to cool him down.

“Alright.”

“I’ll have someone send over some medicine tomorrow,” Lin Jinshen said, his tone calm. “Since you didn’t let me check, I don’t know if it’s swollen.”

Lu Yi, still pretending to be asleep, couldn’t take it anymore and interrupted, “Stop talking!”

She had no idea where Lin Jinshen had gotten his information, but he seemed convinced that a woman’s first time was inherently uncomfortable. Words like “tearing” made her suspect he’d been reading cheap romance novels. She had flushed with embarrassment earlier, trying to explain that with proper preparation, it wouldn’t be so bad. Had all that kissing been for nothing?

But he’d remained skeptical, and now he was bringing it up again.

Inappropriate images threatened to resurface.

“Sleep!” Lu Yi raised her voice, putting an end to the conversation.

—

After staying up late and exerting herself, Lu Yi, without setting an alarm, slept straight through to noon.

When she finally checked her phone, there was a message from Yu Yin, who hadn’t known about the car trouble. The delayed response had prompted her to send a question mark.

Yu Yin: [“Off sleeping with a man?]

Lu Yi: “…”

She was starting to think Yu Yin had a talent for prophecy.

Lu Yi replied, explaining the car trouble and how she’d only gotten home late at night, hence the late wake-up.

Yu Yin: [Drink some ginger tea or something. Getting sick in summer is the worst.]

Lu Yi: [Okay.]

She put down her phone, tied up her hair, and went to wash up. When she came downstairs, Aunt Fang was cleaning the living room. Spotting Lu Yi, she paused to greet her.

“Good afternoon, Aunt Fang.”

“Mr. Lin always said you got caught in the rain yesterday. I’ve prepared some ginger soup to ward off the chill. I’ll heat it up for you—it’s best to drink it warm.”

“Thank you for the trouble.” A subtle warmth flickered in Lu Yi’s heart.

“Meow, meow, meow!”

Puff, their cat, eagerly dashed over, circling her legs and meowing as if it had suffered a great grievance.

Lu Yi picked it up. “What’s wrong? Who’s my little drama queen?”

The ten-pound fluffball was heavy in her arms, but she cradled it lovingly.

Puffball let out a soft meow, nuzzling into her chest like a pitiful, wronged child.

Aunt Fang brought out the ginger soup, her own recipe. The vibrant red broth contrasted against the white porcelain bowl. Lu Yi blew on it before taking a sip.

“What’s that on your neck? A rash?” Aunt Fang squinted at her, her aging eyes catching something on the side of Lu Yi’s neck.

“Here?” Lu Yi reached up to touch the spot. There was no noticeable bump—no pain or itch—but then she remembered the likely cause. Tugging her hair forward to cover the area, she said vaguely, “A little bit, I guess.”

“Did you come into contact with something dirty?”

“…”

Lu Yi braced herself and muttered, “Maybe.”

That “dirty thing” was Lin Jinshen.

Was he part dog? Why did he have to bite everywhere?

—

For lunch, Lu Yi stayed home. Mrs. Qin had sent over some fresh seafood that needed to be eaten immediately. To avoid wasting such fine ingredients, Aunt Fang steamed a selection with garlic and made a plate of crab in garlic butter.

It was too much for one person, so Lu Yi shared the meal with Aunt Fang.

Afterward, Lu Yi began preparing for the evening banquet.

Though she didn’t often attend such events, she had grown up in a wealthy family, surrounded by socialite culture. She was more than capable of navigating these occasions.

The marks on her neck complicated her choice of outfit. Concealing them with foundation or concealer proved futile—the marks were too dark, her skin too pale. In the end, she opted for a matching silk scarf.

She chose a floor-length gown with an open back. Its satin material and asymmetrical design emphasized simplicity and elegance, accentuating her slender figure.

To complement the minimalist dress, she selected a more intricate necklace, its delicate lines cascading downwards.

Once she was ready, she waited for Lin Jinshen to finish work and pick her up.

As Aunt Fang prepared to leave for the day, she praised Lu Yi’s appearance, remarking on how stunning she looked. “Mr. Lin probably won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

Minutes later, Lin Jinshen sent a message saying he had arrived.

Descending the stairs, Lu Yi got into the car, only to find that Aunt Fang’s words had only been partially accurate. Lin Jinshen indeed couldn’t take his eyes off something—but it was the reports on his laptop.

Even during the drive, he remained absorbed in his work, alternately reading documents and making phone calls.

When an error arose in one of the reports, his voice turned cold, sharp, and unrelenting as he questioned the person on the other end.

The tension in the car was palpable.

The driver and assistant, clearly accustomed to such moments, sat silently, expressions neutral as stone.

After the call, Lin Jinshen seemed to remember Lu Yi’s presence. Glancing at her, he said, “My aunt will also be at the banquet tonight.”

“Alright.”

Lin Jinshen’s gaze lingered on the scarf tied around her neck. “Aren’t you feeling hot?”

“…” Lu Yi replied, “I’m cold.”

“If you’re cold, why wear so little? Do you need a jacket?”

“… Not that cold.” With others in the car, Lu Yi maintained her composure and grace.

When the car stopped at their destination, the doorman opened the door.

Lu Yi took Lin Jinshen’s arm as they entered. The banquet hall was already filled with people. As soon as they stepped in, Lu Yi could feel eyes turning toward them from all directions. She straightened her back and maintained an elegant smile.

This was their first public appearance as a couple after marriage.

From Yu Yin, Lu Yi had heard the rumors about their marriage. The talk about the Zhong family had passed, but speculation about her and Lin Jinshen’s seemingly hollow relationship had become regular gossip.

Most believed their marriage was purely transactional—she, as Mrs. Lin, was merely a decorative figure, a symbol of the powerful alliance between the Lin and Lu families.

A sacrificial lamb in the name of profit.

Lu Yi accepted a glass of champagne from a waiter.

Lin Jinshen introduced her to a few people, and she greeted them gracefully, responding with perfect politeness.

After some socializing, Aunt Lin Wenjun approached them. Lu Yi had met her before and greeted her warmly.

Lin Jinshen, having business matters to attend to, left Lu Yi to talk with his aunt.

“I heard you’re organizing an art exhibition this time?” Lin Wenjun asked, holding Lu Yi’s arm and smiling warmly like a caring elder. She seemed pleased with Lu Yi.

“Yes, Aunt. How did you know?”

“Your uncle enjoys painting, even if he’s not very good at it. But he has some influence in the field. Jinshen rarely asks him for anything, so your uncle was happy to help out this time.”

Lu Yi felt confused.

Ask? Help with what?

But the situation didn’t allow her time to ask further, as business associates and partners of the Lin family kept coming by to greet them.

“This is Lu Yi, my nephew’s wife,” Lin Wenjun introduced her to others.

“She’s so beautiful! You should come out more often. Don’t just stay hidden at home after marriage,” someone joked.

Lin Wenjun responded with ease, “Our Lu Yi works at Yixing, focusing on curatorial projects. You might’ve attended one of her exhibitions without realizing it. She’s not someone who likes to stay home, you know. She’s dedicated and focused on her work. It was Jinshen who insisted on bringing her here tonight to meet everyone.”

“…”

Under prying eyes and subtle implications, Lin Wenjun shielded Lu Yi without missing a beat.

After sipping half her champagne, Lin Wenjun leaned in and said, “It must be tough for you. Jinshen is such a reserved person, not very romantic, let alone someone who understands women. Being married to him must be hard.”

“No, Aunt. I knew what to expect before we married, and it’s turned out just as I anticipated. It’s not difficult at all.”

Lin Wenjun regarded her with an understanding look, as though she thought Lu Yi was just trying to reassure her. “You’re a very considerate child.”

“…”

In this marriage, Lu Yi had unwittingly become the one people sympathized with.

The worst part was, no matter how she explained, no one would believe her.

Midway through the banquet, Lin Wenjun left early, saying she wanted to be home in time to spend with her son before bedtime.

“Go find Jinshen; he should be about done with his business discussions.”

“Goodbye, Aunt.”

Lu Yi didn’t seek out Lin Jinshen. Instead, she grabbed a fresh glass of champagne and decided to spend some time alone, waiting for the event to conclude. Once the banquet ended, their weekly interaction would be over.

She wandered out to the central garden, where a dry fountain stood unused. Around it were benches, tucked away in dim light, making it a secluded spot few visited.

Sitting quietly for a moment, she tilted her head back. The necklace around her neck snagged on the fabric of her dress. She looked down. The necklace had torn into the dress, with its delicate chain caught in the material.

“…”

Out of options, Lu Yi messaged Lin Jinshen for help.

When Lin Jinshen received her message, he was in conversation. After excusing himself and finding out where she was, he made his way to the back garden.

Under the faint light, Lu Yi sat on a bench. The satin of her dress shimmered faintly, and when she looked over at him, her face was tinged pink, her eyes bright.

She looked like a fallen moon that had landed in a forgotten, overgrown garden.

And he had the privilege to see it.

Walking over, he towered over her as he asked, “What are you doing here?”

“Save me,” Lu Yi said, clutching the front of her dress. “My necklace got stuck, and I can’t get it out.”

She had tried to unclasp the necklace but only made it worse. Now, in her fluster, her fingers kept slipping.

Lin Jinshen’s gaze dropped to where the necklace was tangled. He crouched down and said, “Let me try.”

“Okay!”

“Lower your head,” he instructed.

Lu Yi complied, her head accidentally brushing against his chest. She stayed still, feeling his fingers lift the necklace as his touch grazed her skin. It reminded her of last night.

Unfamiliar with the delicate accessory, Lin Jinshen studied it briefly before successfully unclasping the necklace.

The next step was freeing it from the fabric.

Half-kneeling in front of her, Lin Jinshen focused on the snag. Lu Yi, now freed from the necklace, lifted her head. Her gaze drifted from his hands to his face.

His nose was incredibly straight; she remembered how it had pressed against hers when they kissed.

But his fingers were too large for the fine chain. After several attempts, he hadn’t succeeded.

The proximity brought with it the faint scent of her perfume, clouding his thoughts. He pressed his lips together, forcing himself to concentrate.

Both of them unconsciously slowed their breathing.

A strange tension filled the air.

“Lin—oh, sorry! Wrong place! Please continue!” A man’s sudden voice shattered the silence.

Startled, Lu Yi turned to see a retreating figure. Looking back at Lin Jinshen, she noticed he hadn’t moved, still holding onto the fabric near her chest.

From an outsider’s perspective, it must’ve looked like…

Like they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

She felt a burning heat rise in her cheeks. Would that person think they were passionately making out in the shadows?

“He’s misunderstood! Go explain it to him!” Lu Yi hissed, her voice sharp but quiet.

Lin Jinshen didn’t seem bothered, staying focused on untangling the chain.

“Let me do it myself! Go tell him we were just fixing my necklace, not…” Lu Yi reached for the necklace.

Lin Jinshen didn’t let her take it.

“Let him think what he wants.”

A few deft movements later, he freed the fabric, handed the necklace back to her, and stood up, smoothing his suit.

“We’re legally married, not some secret lovers hiding in shame.”

He clearly knew how their earlier posture might’ve looked.

Lu Yi was left speechless, unable to find a rebuttal.

Glancing at the nearly empty glass of champagne beside her, Lin Jinshen advised, “Drink less. There’s still something to do tonight.”

“To do? What?”

He cast her a sidelong glance.

In his dark eyes was a single unspoken word.

You.