Chapter 17.1

Lu Yi continued, “Don’t worry, I know my boundaries. We reached an understanding before we got married—to respect each other’s work. I was mentally prepared for this.”

If not for this agreement, she wouldn’t have chosen Lin Jinshen so decisively.

Under his sharp brows, Lin Jinshen’s gaze deepened. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely sure!”

Leaning against the car window, Lu Yi almost stuck her head out to meet his eyes directly, her tone firm. “As Mrs. Lin, I unconditionally support your work. Whether it’s business trips or being too busy to come home, I understand. I know it’s not easy for you.”

It wasn’t easy for her either!

She just hoped he wouldn’t overthink things.

“Got it, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Then, shifting gears, Lin Jinshen asked, “If you’re not upset about that, is it something else?”

His gaze asked the unspoken question: What else could it be?

By this point, Lu Yi wasn’t angry anymore—or rather, she didn’t dare to be. Her eyes lowered as she replied, “I wasn’t upset, just a little emotional after parting with my mom earlier.”

“I felt a bit reluctant, so I wasn’t in the best mood. If I made you misunderstand, I’m sorry.”

That was understandable.

Before their marriage, Lu Yi had always lived with her family. It was normal to feel this way after moving out to live on her own.

Lin Jinshen nodded. “When I’m less busy, I’ll accompany you back to visit.”

“…”

Her hand, which had just relaxed, tightened into a fist again. Forcing a smile, Lu Yi managed to say, “Sure.”

“It’s late. You should head inside.”

“Alright, drive safe.”

Lin Jinshen turned and walked into the brightly lit Huayu Group building, his tall figure transitioning seamlessly from the dark night to the illuminated lobby.

Lu Yi retracted her gaze, exhaling as though she had survived a near-death experience. She tapped “Start Navigation” and drove her car toward Chengxi Garden.

The issue this time still stemmed from KS.

Huayu had offered an astronomical price to acquire KS. After numerous rounds of negotiation, both parties reached an agreement at $120 million.

However, KS wasn’t a domestic brand. This cross-border acquisition faced significant challenges, especially in the internal operations and restructuring of governance. Any mistakes, even minor ones, could jeopardize the success of the acquisition.

The domestic and overseas teams worked through the night until the first light of dawn.

Lin Jinshen stayed as busy as his team, often finishing work late into the night and temporarily residing in a suite at a nearby company-owned hotel.

During breaks, his mind wandered back to the conversation he had with Lu Yi that evening.

They had been married for just over a month, with little time spent together. It was natural for them to feel distant, and leaving certain things unsaid was understandable.

Her words about understanding and respect reflected her thoughtfulness, but they weren’t an excuse for him to shirk his duties as a husband.

After some contemplation, Lin Jinshen summoned his assistant, Jiang Xun.

Jiang Xun, the liaison for this project with Yixing, was well aware of the exhibition schedule, as he had arranged for the exhibits to be sent in advance per his boss’s instructions.

“President Lin, are you planning to go?”

Lin Jinshen glanced at the time and location but didn’t confirm or deny. “Undecided.”

Jiang Xun couldn’t decipher his intent. After leaving the office, he exchanged looks with Shen Hong, the administrative assistant, and asked, “Does the boss have plans the day after tomorrow?”

“Isn’t that a given? Have you seen him take a break lately?” Shen Hong replied, clearly exasperated by their boss’s relentless work ethic, which left no room for their own.

Curious, Jiang Xun asked, “Do you think the boss would go to an exhibition just for Mrs. Lin?”

“The art exhibition?”

“Yeah.”

Shen Hong looked at him like he was an idiot. “You know what kind of person the boss is. Besides, he and Mrs. Lin met only twice before getting married. They got their marriage certificate during a work break, and he went back to the office right after. Art exhibition? Do you think he’s the type to appreciate art?”

“Good point,” Jiang Xun agreed.

Apart from a minor hiccup involving Xin Qi, the “Summer Rhapsody” project proceeded smoothly and was completed ahead of schedule.

The museum was highly satisfied and expressed interest in establishing a long-term partnership.

On the opening day, the number of visitors exceeded expectations.

Lu Yi and her colleagues worked tirelessly on-site. After hours of standing, her calves and ankles were sore, but no one complained. Everyone wore smiles, savoring the fruits of their hard work.

Yu Qian had already sneaked several glances in one direction. Nudging the colleague beside her, she exaggeratedly mouthed the words, So handsome!

“A handsome guy? Where?” her colleague asked, puzzled.

“Keep your voice down.” Yu Qian gestured with her eyes toward the entrance.

The man was tall, dressed in a standard dark suit with a crisp white shirt devoid of any embellishments. His broad shoulders filled out the suit impeccably. Even from the side, his high nose bridge and sharp jawline hinted that his full face wouldn’t disappoint.

“Who hired the male model?” Her colleague, who had spent too much time online, immediately assumed he was accompanying some wealthy visitor.

Whoever hired him must have good taste—and a deep wallet.

Her colleague even contemplated asking about his rates.

Yu Qian stifled her laughter. “Why is your first thought that he’s a model? Look at his clothes; they’re not cheap.”

“Doesn’t that just prove the point? Models rely on their looks and have to dress the part.”

“He’s turning this way!”

“His face is even better-looking head-on! How much would that cost?”

It wasn’t unreasonable for them to think he was a model. He seemed to be alone, scanning the room as if searching for someone.

Other colleagues also noticed him, speculating about his “fee.” A figure this striking must cost a fortune.

“Xiao Yi, come look—definitely top-tier male model material,” Yu Qian called out to Lu Yi as she approached, subtly pointing with her chin.

“What male model?” Lu Yi was confused, following Yu Qian’s gaze.

Her smile froze.

What male model? That was Lin Jinshen, standing there as though he’d materialized out of thin air.

“Tone it down; he’s looking this way!” Yu Qian quickly lowered her gaze. Even if he was a model, staring too blatantly wasn’t polite.

Lin Jinshen’s eyes passed over the crowd and landed on Lu Yi. He stood still, calm and composed, as though waiting for her to approach him.

“I’ll go over,” Lu Yi said to Yu Qian.

Yu Qian instinctively reached out to grab her hand but only brushed against her skin. Stunned, she asked, “Xiao Yi… did you hire him?”

Lu Yi was already walking over.

Yu Qian and the others watched as she approached the “top-tier male model.” They exchanged baffled looks, unsure if he was a friend or someone she had hired.

“What are you doing here?” Lu Yi asked, slightly flustered by his unannounced arrival.

Taking a few steps toward her, Lin Jinshen replied naturally, “I was working nearby and remembered your exhibition was around here, so I came to take a look.”

He added, “It seems to be a great success.”

“Better than expected,” she admitted.

Lu Yi knew her colleagues were watching. While she disliked mixing her personal life with work, she saw no reason to hide their relationship. After all, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Lu Yi said, “Shall I introduce you to my colleagues?”

Lin Jinshen nodded. “Sure.”

Turning back, Lu Yi led Lin Jinshen toward her colleagues.

At first, her colleagues tried to pretend they hadn’t noticed them, but when they realized the pair was walking directly toward them, they immediately straightened up, smiled warmly, and even raised their hands in small waves.

“This is Yu Qian, Sisi, Xiao Jian…” Lu Yi introduced them one by one, then turned to Lin Jinshen and said, “This is Lin Jinshen, my husband.”

“Hello,” Lin Jinshen greeted them calmly, his demeanor less distant than before.

“Hello, hello!”

Yu Qian caught the key phrase—my husband.

Her eyes widened as she looked at Lu Yi, blurting out a nickname she’d jokingly given before, “The stingy guy?”

Lu Yi coughed lightly.

Realizing her slip, Yu Qian quickly followed up with an awkward laugh. “I mean… it’s rare to see him in person. We’ve heard so much about you from Lu Yi.”

Catching only the last part, Lin Jinshen asked, “What has she said about me?”

“…”

Lu Yi turned stiffly toward Yu Qian, silently pleading for her to come up with something to gloss over the moment.

Panicking, Yu Qian rambled, “She said you’re a great person—gentle, considerate, and very family-oriented.”

“Yes, she really thinks you’re an amazing husband. We’re all envious.”

Lu Yi’s face turned pale. How could Yu Qian so accurately choose traits that were the complete opposite of Lin Jinshen’s personality?

“Really?” Lin Jinshen’s tone was unreadable.

Yu Qian kept nodding. “And seeing you today, you and Lu Yi really look like the perfect couple—talented and beautiful.”

“Let me show you around,” Lu Yi interjected, cutting off the conversation before it could spiral further. She’d had enough introductions for one day.

“Yes, yes, Lu Yi, take your husband around. There are some really great pieces here. If you see something you like, you could even buy it for your home.”

“Thanks for the suggestion.” Lin Jinshen’s response was polite but distant, the corners of his lips pressed into a reserved smile.

Used to their dynamic, Lu Yi gestured. “This way.”

The casual chatter between the two felt out of place—something about their interaction seemed slightly unnatural, even awkward, when viewed from the outside.

As Lu Yi guided him around, she introduced a few paintings halfheartedly. But midway through her explanation, she said, “Art is subjective; everyone interprets a painting differently based on their experiences. I’ll let you form your own impressions.”