Chapter 20

Lin Jinshen clung to Lu Yi like a branding iron, tightening inch by inch. The searing heat left its mark on her; even without touching her face, she knew it was flushed.

Except during “missions”, they had never embraced like this.

Skin pressed against skin, warmth seeping through.

“Don’t move.”

“Let me hold you like this for a while,” Lin Jinshen said, his voice hoarse as though he were fragile. His body leaned against hers, his head buried in the crook of her neck, cheek pressed close. After losing his sense of smell due to his cold, it now seemed to return, and he caught her sweet scent—a faint fragrance emanating from her skin.

She was small, like a soft pillow. Though she looked slender, she wasn’t bony to hold—likely because of her petite frame.

It felt strange.

His mind was hazy, something precariously teetering within him.

Lu Yi lay stiff as a wooden plank, her limbs frozen.

She clutched a small fold of fabric on his shoulder, her voice soft. “Eat something before you sleep. Aunt Fang made porridge—don’t waste her effort.”

Lin Jinshen didn’t move. Instead, his arms tightened, pulling her closer.

The delicate skin of her neck was sensitive, and his hot breaths made her uncomfortable.

After a long pause, Lin Jinshen finally said, “Okay.”

Lu Yi patted his arm, signaling him to let go.

He leaned back, moving his arms away but not entirely. They lay side by side, facing each other.

In the depths of his dark, shiny eyes, there was an unfathomable emotion, like a deep lake.

She was momentarily captivated.

Lin Jinshen lowered his lashes, his gaze sweeping down her delicate nose and landing on her full lips, their bright red color reminiscent of sweet summer berries.

He had tasted them before—they were sweet.

But it had been a long time, a whole month. They hadn’t been intimate in a month.

As if entranced, Lin Jinshen suddenly felt an uncontrollable urge to taste them again. He leaned in closer, lashes lightly closing and reopening. They were so close his nose almost touched hers.

Lu Yi’s chest felt as if a restless butterfly had been trapped inside, its wings flapping erratically.

At the last moment, Lin Jinshen blinked and pulled back, returning to his original position. He placed a hand over her lips.

His large hand easily covered half her face, leaving only her attractive eyebrows visible. They furrowed slightly, reflecting an expression she couldn’t understand.

He almost forgot—he was still sick.

“I’m still running a fever,” he said. “Exchanging saliva could spread the infection.”

“?”

Exchanging saliva.

That’s what he called kissing?

“Come downstairs for dinner,” Lin Jinshen said, removing his hand. Without looking at her again, he got up from the bed and straightened his clothes.

Lu Yi coughed lightly to cover her embarrassment. She hadn’t even been thinking about kissing him. The moment had simply brought on an atmosphere where a kiss wouldn’t have been out of place—but not kissing was fine too.

She put on her slippers and followed him downstairs.

Aunt Fang heard the commotion and came over from the kitchen island, holding a ladle in her hand. She teased, “Mr. Lin really does listen to Mrs. Lin.”

Lu Yi deliberately ignored the comment and asked, “Aunt Fang, is there anything I can help with?”

“No need. Everything is ready; I’ll bring it over now.” Aunt Fang paused, studying Lu Yi’s face. “Why is your face so red? Are you running a fever too?”

Instinctively, Lu Yi touched her face—it was hot. She knew the reason but shook her head. “I’m fine.”

When she turned, she saw Lin Jinshen drinking water from a clear glass.

Their gazes met, lingered for a moment, then both subtly looked away as if avoiding something.

Dinner was porridge accompanied by light side dishes, perfect for a sick person or anyone with a poor summer appetite.

After eating, Lin Jinshen needed to go to Changxin Private Hospital for an IV drip. Recalling the dull experience from yesterday, she politely asked if he needed her to accompany him.

“No need,” Lin Jinshen replied. He went upstairs, and when he came back down, he was dressed in a suit. If not for his pallor, he looked as if he were heading straight to work.

In fact, that was exactly his plan.

Rather than wasting time lying at home, he’d rather oversee things at the company, where his presence would keep everything in order.

Pulling on his suit jacket, he said, “I’ll stay at Huayu tonight. It’s closer to the hospital.”

Sharing the same bed might increase the risk of spreading the illness.

Not to mention, unexpected situations could occur.

Lu Yi paused. “Take care and don’t overwork yourself. You’re still sick.”

“Okay.”

After he left, Aunt Fang sighed. “Mr. Lin has it hard—working even when he’s so sick.”

“Yeah.”

Perhaps he had always lived like this, all these years.

Lu Yi reflected for less than a minute before her attention shifted to messages in her university group chat.

It was a close-knit group of overseas students who had supported one another while abroad. Their bond ran deeper than most college friendships and had continued over time.

Lying on the sofa, she replied to the messages.

The group was abuzz with the news that Wu Sidong—nicknamed “Guess”—was returning to China. A free-spirited playboy, he had been traveling extensively, but this time he was coming back to help manage his family’s business. It had been three months since he first mentioned his plans, and now, it was finally happening.

This brought the number of group members in Beijing to seven.

They discussed where to meet, rattling off the names of high-profile clubs, only to dismiss them all—nothing seemed fresh anymore.

Yu Yin suggested: [How about my place?]

This was immediately vetoed: [Even Guess has been there. It’s practically a second home for the rest of us. No, no.]

After much deliberation, someone brought up Lu Yi’s new home—a duplex penthouse in Chengxi Garden, spanning 500 square meters in a prime location with spectacular nighttime views.

Yu Yin chimed in: [Now that you mention it, I haven’t been there either. We must go this time!]

[What’s the decor like?]

[I’m guessing minimalist chic.]

[You’re probably right—black, white, and gray. Typical Lin style.]

[…]

Wu Sidong sent a shy emoji: [Am I fortunate enough to be invited to Miss Lu’s home?]

The chat erupted with copy-pasted replies.

Lu Yi chuckled softly. They’d discussed this before—Lin Jinshen had told her she could invite friends over when he wasn’t home.

She opened her pinned chat with her husband and cautiously asked: [You’re really not coming back tonight?]

About half an hour later, Lin Jinshen replied: [No.]

With confirmation, Lu Yi reassured the group: [Come to my place tonight. I’ll send the address.]

The chat erupted in cheers.

She set down her phone and began planning what to prepare.

—

Lin Jinshen received her message after finishing his IV drip and returning to the company. During an online meeting with overseas partners, his phone buzzed.

[You’re really not coming back tonight?]

[No] he replied.

After sending the message, he paused, unlocked his phone again, and stared at her words.

Did she want him to come back, or did she not want him to come back?

Lin Jinshen recalled mentioning he’d stay at a hotel, and she had agreed.

Why was she asking again now?

“No.” Were those words too cold?

Lu Yi didn’t reply further.

Lin Jinshen felt a tightness in his chest, unsure if it was a symptom of his cold. The more he thought about it, the deeper his brows furrowed. This was harder to figure out than any work problem.

After some contemplation, he decided that going back might not be such a bad idea after all.

But since the previous message had already been sent and exceeded the time limit for retraction, he refrained from sending another one—it would make it seem like he’d been dwelling on the issue.

—

Following Wu Sidong’s request as a returning expatriate, the evening meal was hotpot. Lu Yi had already ordered from a restaurant; it would be delivered on time, saving Aunt Fang the trouble.

Still, Aunt Fang prepared fruit platters and hangover soup in case they drank too much and suffered the next morning.

As Yu Yin and the others arrived one after another, Lu Yi personally went to greet them.

Disposable slippers were provided at the entrance.

As soon as a friend stepped inside and glanced at the interior, they exclaimed, “Luxurious.”

It wasn’t that the décor was overly extravagant; rather, it was the lavish use of space and square footage. The overall aesthetic was elegant and streamlined, clearly showcasing the owner’s refined taste.

“Come on in, don’t block the doorway. Later, you’ll have to write a 500-word essay praising every inch of the house so Yi Bao can send it to her husband. Make sure to commend his taste.”

Yu Yin, clutching her purse, found herself stuck outside by this exchange.

“Didn’t Lu Yi design it herself?”

“Are you a real friend or a fake one? They went from meeting to getting married in less than a month—do you think there was time to design the house?” Yu Yin swatted his arm loudly.

The friend rubbed his sore arm and laughed. “Then I guess we misunderstood Mr. Lin.”

“You’re ready to forgive him over one house? All this shows is money—he must’ve hired a top designer on a whim.”

“Mr. Lin hasn’t returned tonight, right?”

“Confirmed, I asked.”

“Good, good.”

“…”

The two bantered from the entrance into the living room, where the others, including Lu Yi, were already used to such antics.

Wu Sidong arrived last, delayed by traffic after landing. He carried his luggage, and upon seeing everyone, dropped his bag and suitcase and opened his arms wide. “Guys, I came straight here without even visiting my parents first. Are you moved?”

“Guess Who! It’s been ages!”

Yu Yin nearly laughed to tears. “You look like you’ve hitchhiked all the way from England!”

Lu Yi hugged him lightly. “Welcome home.”

Wu Sidong patted her back and sighed. “It’s great to see you all again. Honestly, you guys were ruthless, heading back right after graduation and leaving me stranded overseas all by myself.”

“More like partying to your heart’s content.”

The seven of them gathered around the table, steam rising from the hotpot, chatting and eating as if they’d returned to their university days. Back then, they’d often cooked hotpot in their cramped apartments to escape the monotony of local cuisine.

Wu Sidong shared his recent escapades—several relationships, breakups, and short-lived romances.

The others pulled disgusted faces and suggested he get a health check before pursuing anyone further.

“Should I distribute copies of my medical report? I’m perfectly healthy!”

Lu Yi leaned against Yu Yin, smiling softly at their absurd conversations.

Once they’d eaten their fill, the group switched to games. Losers drank as punishment. Lu Yi, clueless about most game rules, found herself drinking the most.

Resting her chin on her hand, her cheeks flushed pink, she was clearly tipsy.

“Another round!”

“Can you handle it?” Wu Sidong teased.

Lu Yi nodded confidently. But Yu Yin, familiar with her drinking tolerance, intervened with a laugh. “That’s enough. She’s nearing her limit.”

Just then, a click sounded—the door unlocking.

A tall figure, clad in black, appeared at the entrance. Before stepping in, he adjusted his tie, pulling it loose. His tailored suit was immaculate, and his face bore an austere expression.

Everyone inside turned to look in unison, their expressions freezing.

The man stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the scene with calm detachment.

“Who’s here?”

Lu Yi, supporting herself on the table, stood up unsteadily. Her cheeks were a deep shade of red, and she squinted, seemingly trying to identify the newcomer. After a few seconds, she broke into a small smile.

“Oh, it’s my husband.”

Lin Jinshen: “…”