Chapter 29.1

“Didn’t sleep well last night, sweetheart?”

The makeup artist, applying the base foundation, had already seen Lu Yi apologize for yawning three times. Pressing gently on the faint blue tint under her eyes, she remarked, “The wind was really strong last night. It was noisy. A few of my colleagues also said they didn’t sleep well.”

“It was a bit like that,” Lu Yi replied, feeling a little guilty.

“It’s fine, though. Your skin is in great condition, sweetheart. You don’t even need concealer.” Lu Yi had naturally good skin, making her makeup application easier. However, since the camera required heavier makeup, the artist skillfully transformed her from soft and delicate to strikingly bold—both versions of her equally flawless and beautiful.

An assistant came over to help her put on earrings. As soon as they touched her left earlobe, they exclaimed, “Oh no, is this an allergic reaction? It’s a little red and swollen.”

“Let me see.” The makeup artist looked concerned and bent down to inspect it. “Hmm, it does look like it. Are you allergic to silver jewelry? It’s not serious, though—just mild. Does it hurt, sweetheart?”

The makeup artist gave her earlobe a light pinch.

“…”

Lu Yi’s expression almost cracked. “It doesn’t hurt. I don’t feel anything.”

“I think it was itchy last night, and I scratched it without realizing. Will it affect today’s shoot?”

“It won’t. The area is small, and the earrings will cover it up.”

“Good.”

Biting her lip, Lu Yi’s resentment grew a little deeper.

As she sat with her eyes open for mascara application, Lin Jinshen came downstairs, having changed into his outfit. His refined features were calm, and he was leisurely adjusting the cuffs of his shirt.

Two phrases popped into Lu Yi’s mind: hypocritical elegance and a refined scoundrel.

Noticing the aggrieved look thrown his way, Lin Jinshen, looking completely refreshed, greeted her casually, “Morning.”

Lu Yi grumbled under her breath, clearly not in the mood to talk.

The makeup artist and other staff responded enthusiastically, “Good morning, Mr. Lin.”

“Have you had breakfast?” Lin Jinshen walked closer to Lu Yi and asked casually.

“We’ve all eaten. The hotel’s breakfast was quite good,” the makeup artist replied, then asked, “Mr. Lin, have you eaten?”

Lin Jinshen nodded and mentioned asking the kitchen to prepare coffee and fruit pastries. His tone was calm—not overly warm, but softer than usual. The staff exchanged glances, noting how unusually good his mood seemed today.

Holding a cup of coffee, he sat down not far from Lu Yi. Through the makeup mirror, their eyes met.

Lu Yi pressed her lips together, her expression still full of resentment.

“Want some?” Lin Jinshen asked, as though nothing had happened the night before, as if they had merely shared a peaceful sleep.

“No,” Lu Yi snapped coldly.

Unperturbed, Lin Jinshen accepted her attitude with ease, even seeming to enjoy it.

The morning shoot was indoors, styled in a French theme. Lu Yi’s outfit was a strapless satin wedding dress with a structured skirt that flared out like a blooming flower. She wore white gloves, a wide-brimmed veil hat, and her hair was pinned up to expose her elegant neck. Pearl earrings dangled lightly against her skin. Lin Jinshen, in contrast, wore a simple black suit with a black bow tie—clean and dashing.

Having gained experience from the first shoot, today’s progress was much smoother.

However, on and off camera, Lu Yi’s attitude differed. In front of the camera, she smiled gently, but off camera, she didn’t even want to spare him a glance.

During a break, Lu Yi remained stationary due to the dress’s constraints. In one setup, she leaned against a small round table, seated on a wooden chair. Lin Jinshen turned his back, braced his hand on the table, and leaned in to whisper, “Still mad?”

“What would I be mad about?” Lu Yi asked knowingly.

It was about last night. Someone had promised it would be just a kiss, yet went back on their word. And she hadn’t expected him to be so… perverse!

He had kissed her ear, over and over, nibbling her earlobe, his teeth grazing it lightly, his breath amplified in the quiet room. It was unbearable—her body instinctively curled up in resistance, only for him to straighten her out again.

Even though the lights had been off, Lu Yi felt like she was under a glaring spotlight, her every vulnerability laid bare.

Secrets even she hadn’t known about herself—her weak spots—had been discovered by Lin Jinshen.

It hadn’t gone all the way last night because she was too tired. Yet, despite her lack of movement, she had clung to his arm, feeling the tautness of his muscles. Her lips were tightly pressed together, her face flushed deep red. His lips brushed against her ear as he called her name in a low, magnetic voice.

Amid her daze, there was a moment of silence, and she thought it was over—until his voice came again.

“Yiyi?”

Not “wife,” not “Mrs. Lin,” and not “baby.” It was the most intimate term this otherwise reserved man could think of.

Lu Yi let out a whimper, as though hit by a surge of electricity. Her mind blanked out as she leaned against his chest, her hand gripping his arm tightly. She trembled for a long time, her head bowed so low she never wanted to lift it again.

Now, recalling it all, she wasn’t sure if she had scratched him in her struggle. Then again, even if she had, he wasn’t innocent.

Looking her in the eye, Lin Jinshen, now perfectly composed, said, “It was my fault. I apologize.”

“…” He seemed sincere, but whether he truly recognized his mistake was questionable.

“Alright, Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin, let’s touch up your makeup and continue.” An assistant approached, checking if Lu Yi’s makeup was intact.

The shoot resumed.

As Lu Yi tried to stand, two assistants adjusted her skirt. Before she could react, Lin Jinshen reached out, holding her hand to help her up.

The shoot progressed even more smoothly. Their body language was far less stiff than the previous day—holding hands and embracing came naturally, and their eye contact was full of emotion. The photographer captured frame after frame, finally seeing the essence of a newlywed couple.

By late morning, the shoot was complete.

Lu Yi and Lin Jinshen thanked the staff. “Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” the photography team responded, efficiently packing their equipment.

As Lu Yi prepared to change, Mrs. Qin called via video chat. Likely checking in, since Mrs. Xu had already inquired the night before. Finding a seat, Lu Yi answered the call.

Mrs. Qin’s smiling face appeared on the screen. Noticing Lu Yi’s attire, she asked, “Yiyi, are you in the middle of a shoot? If so, I’ll call later.”

“We just finished. Mom, are you at home?” Lu Yi asked.

Mrs. Qin tilted her phone to show the background—a view of the living room. Bringing the camera back to herself, she remarked, “You look so beautiful today. It’s a pity your mothers couldn’t be there.”

Lu Yi flipped the camera to show her the set and the outdoor weather.

Mrs. Qin asked, “Did you two get to do some sightseeing?”

“We did,” Lu Yi replied.

Mrs. Qin didn’t quite believe her. Knowing her son’s nature, she asked, “Where’s Jinshen?”

Lu Yi looked up, spotting Lin Jinshen. Silently mouthing the word Mom, she caught his attention. He understood, came over, and took the phone from her. Mrs. Qin’s cheerful expression vanished upon seeing him. Her tone turned stern as she asked about their plans.

“We’re here to take wedding photos. What else could we be doing?” Lin Jinshen replied flatly.

“Take Yiyi on a vacation. You’re already there—what’s the point if all you do is take photos?” Mrs. Qin pressed, clearly having anticipated this answer. She knew he hadn’t brought the mothers along because he found them a nuisance.

Mrs. Qin kept talking, but her point was clear—don’t treat this like a checklist task. Life should be enjoyed, moments cherished.

Lin Jinshen’s expression remained unchanged. He listened patiently, though it was unclear how much he absorbed. When she finally finished, he ended the call and handed the phone back to Lu Yi.

Lu Yi raised her hand in a gesture of assurance. “I didn’t tattle.”

Lin Jinshen’s expression softened slightly. “I never said you did.”

Then he asked, “How about we change to shooting three outfits instead?”

“Three outfits?”

“Yes. One per day. It’ll give us more time, and you won’t be as exhausted.” He barely needed preparation—just a quick change of clothes and a bit of hairstyling. But she had to wake up early, sit through hours of makeup and hairstyling, and endure the day in heavy attire.

Lu Yi was naturally happy to reduce the number of outfits. Still, she hesitated. “But Mom might not be pleased about it.”

“I’ll explain to her. I’ll say it’s because I’m busy with work.”

“Alright.”

Lu Yi thought for a moment, then added, “If Mom and Aunt get too upset, you can tell them it was our joint decision.”