Chapter 27.2

Lu Yi had prepped by cleansing her face and applying a quick mask to facilitate makeup application. The makeup artist assigned to her was highly sought after by celebrity teams. Supported by a full team of assistants, the artist typically wouldn’t bother with smaller clients.

But now, she flattered and fussed over Lu Yi without the slightest air of superiority.

The entertainment world has always been a game of status and power—something everyone was accustomed to.

Lu Yi’s makeup and hairstyling took five to six hours. In contrast, Lin Jinshen’s preparations were minimal; his hair was quickly styled, and he was ready. By the time Lu Yi finished, it was already 4 p.m. The crew needed to rush to catch the sunset.

The location was impeccably chosen: waves lapped against the shore, the horizon merged with the sky, and the sun was beginning its golden descent, casting its warm light over the sea.

The shoot began, but things didn’t go smoothly.

Lu Yi’s wedding dress had a slightly long train, requiring her to lift it as she walked, making her movements slow and cumbersome. Lin Jinshen, dressed in a sharp suit with his hair slicked back, looked strikingly handsome. When she stepped on her dress, he bent down to lift the train and took her hand, guiding her to the designated spot.

The shoot commenced.

However, neither of them could fully immerse themselves. When they held hands and gazed at each other, there was no trace of romance—just an awkward stiffness, as if enduring the ordeal for the sake of the camera. The moment the photographer called “cut,” they averted their gazes immediately.

Their postures were equally rigid, like two planks of wood reinforced with steel rods, straight and utterly devoid of warmth.

The photographer, seasoned with countless shoots under his belt, had encountered many awkward couples but rarely such unnatural interactions between a married pair. Shot after shot, he was dissatisfied.

The sun wouldn’t wait; miss this moment, and they’d have to try again the next day.

Growing anxious, the photographer directed his assistants, “Go demonstrate the poses for Mr. Lin and his wife.”

“Got it!”

Two male assistants, accustomed to such tasks, stepped forward confidently. Upon the photographer’s cue, they struck a pose: one arm wrapped around the other’s waist, one leaning in, their faces close with tender smiles, brimming with affection.

“…”

“Just like that. Mr. Lin, ma’am, try it.”

“Okay.”

Lu Yi turned slightly to mimic the pose, leaning toward Lin Jinshen. She whispered softly, “Let’s just pretend we’re about to kiss.”

A poised, almost-kissing moment.

Lin Jinshen swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he lowered his voice to reply, “Alright.”

His gaze fell on her lips—full and soft, painted with a light lipstick that carried a faint fruity scent, like ripe berries tempting to be tasted.

He leaned in, their breaths mingling, so close their lips almost touched.

Lu Yi gripped his shirt tightly, her nerves betrayed by a slight swallow.

“Yes! That’s it! Perfect!” the photographer exclaimed, thrilled. “Let’s move to the next pose!”

The assistants demonstrated again, this time facing the sunset, bodies slightly turned, one planting a kiss on the other’s forehead.

Being quick learners, Lu Yi and Lin Jinshen replicated the pose with ease, though something felt different.

His large hand enveloped hers completely, warmth spreading as her palm began to sweat slightly.

As they grew more comfortable, the session flowed naturally, no longer requiring demonstrations.

Before the sun dipped below the horizon, they completed the shoot.

“Great work, everyone!” the photographer said with satisfaction.

Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, Lu Yi lifted her skirt to step off the rocks. But before she could steady herself, Lin Jinshen stepped down first. Just as she instinctively let go of his hand to avoid hindering him, he released hers at the same moment—only to scoop her up in his arms, carrying her off the rocks.

Her skirt fluttered like falling petals, unguarded.

One arm supported her legs while the other wrapped firmly around her waist. His hold was steady and strong, giving her a secure sense of safety.

Surrounded by so many people, Lu Yi couldn’t stop her cheeks from heating. She lowered her head, her face flushed, and reached to gather her skirt.

“This shot is the best of the day!” the photographer rejoiced, thankful he hadn’t turned off the camera, capturing the candid moment perfectly.

True emotions shone far brighter than any staged scene.

Lin Jinshen took a few strides and gently placed Lu Yi on solid ground.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“You’re welcome,” he replied calmly.

Nearby staff exchanged subtle glances. What was going on? The vibe between the two seemed no more intimate than that of coworkers.

Another staff member shrugged as if to say, Typical.

Marriages in high society were often rooted in interest and convenience, with many couples meeting for the first time before their wedding. By comparison, these two were already exemplary.

With the shoot wrapped, the team packed up and headed back to the hotel.

Lu Yi changed out of the cumbersome wedding dress into a halter-neck bohemian maxi dress that draped to her ankles, revealing her elegant back and slender figure. The dress highlighted her tall, lithe frame.

Lin Jinshen glanced at her outfit but refrained from any old-fashioned critique. While he didn’t entirely grasp fashion, he respected her choices.

They shared a car back to the hotel, accompanied only by the local driver.

The ride took about 30 minutes.

Lu Yi rolled down the window, enjoying the unexpectedly cool breeze. Exhausted from a sleepless flight and the long day, she dozed off to the gentle sway of the car.

Noticing this, Lin Jinshen asked the driver to slow down.

At one point, as an oncoming car passed, the vehicle swayed, causing its passengers to shift with the motion.

With a soft thud, Lu Yi tilted her head and lightly bumped against his shoulder. As her body leaned forward unsteadily, Lin Jinshen caught her in time, his hand pressing against her shoulder. After a moment’s hesitation, his fingers touched her forehead, gently adjusting her position so she could lean securely.

Lin Jinshen maintained this posture for the remainder of the ride.

A strange sensation stirred in his chest, as if his heart had been sprinkled with a fine drizzle. In the light, countless tiny droplets seemed to glisten.

But he thought nothing of it.

This was just part of being a husband. It was his duty, nothing more. Any husband would do the same for their wife.

Nothing unusual.

Yes, perfectly normal.

He breathed steadily, turning his gaze out the window. The sky darkened gradually, and streetlights flickered on, illuminating the road they had traveled.

When the car reached the hotel, it stopped in front of the villa they were staying in.

Lin Jinshen told the driver to step out, leaving the car keys behind. He didn’t really want to wake Lu Yi—sleeping in a car was never as comfortable as a proper bed—but when he glanced down, he saw her long, curled lashes. Under the car’s soft lighting, her fair face appeared to have a gentle glow. Her lipstick had worn off, revealing her natural lip color, soft and fragile without the artificial sheen of makeup.

His chest tightened slightly.

Lin Jinshen forgot to wake her. He sat in silence, noticing for the first time a faint brown mole near her nose, subtle and easily missed.

He wasn’t sure how long had passed when Lu Yi’s lashes fluttered—a sign she was waking. The moment was brief, giving him no time to react. She opened her eyes and realized she was leaning against someone’s shoulder. Startled, she lifted her head and locked eyes with Lin Jinshen.

She blinked, her lashes fluttering like butterflies about to take flight.

“You…” she murmured in confusion.

Lin Jinshen maintained a calm expression, his gaze lowering slightly. After half a second, he raised his hand and pressed his thumb gently against the corner of her eye, rubbing lightly in a downward motion. His voice was low and steady as he said, “There was something there.”

“Really?” Her voice was husky from just waking up.

Lu Yi straightened up, rummaging through her bag for a mirror. She checked her reflection repeatedly.

Meanwhile, Lin Jinshen opened the car door and stepped out, rubbing his thumb against his fingertips, where the warmth of her skin lingered faintly.

As Lu Yi inspected the corner of her eye, her brows furrowed slightly. Lowering the mirror, she spoke in a tone that was polite but edged with skepticism, addressing him from inside the car:

“Mr. Lin, is there a chance that it was just my eyeliner?”