Chapter 41.2

The silence was almost surreal, like a delicate sketch.

Lu Yi wondered for a moment whether he was truly drunk—until he let slip the word “wife,” which betrayed his condition.

She approached, moving as quietly as she could. Yet, even when she was a few steps away, he heard her and opened his eyes, locking gazes with her from across the room.

A moment of silence passed.

His gaze seemed unsure at first, as though he hadn’t recognized her. But after staring for a while, he appeared to confirm her identity.

“Your friends said you drank too much, so I came to get you,” Lu Yi said, feeling slightly awkward under his scrutinizing eyes. “Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

The smell of alcohol on him was unmistakable.

“How much have you had to drink?”

“…Not much,” Lin Jinshen replied.

Lu Yi knew that being drunk was an uncomfortable experience—your whole body felt hot, your head heavy, and your thoughts fragmented, as if weighed down by lead.

“No,” Lin Jinshen said again, his voice low and thick with a nasal tone.

Before she could sit down, his arm suddenly extended, pulling her into his embrace. He held her tightly like a doll, his chin resting on her shoulder.

“Are you mad at me?” he asked in a voice laced with a sigh.

“No, I’m not.” Lu Yi was nearly intoxicated by the overwhelming smell of alcohol.

Thinking he might still need time to recover, she didn’t rush him.

“Really?” he asked again.

“…”

Lu Yi sighed helplessly. “Really. Can you let me go? I can’t breathe.” He was hugging her too tightly.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Lu Yi took a deep breath and straightened her wrinkled clothing, trying to dispel the awkwardness.

Lin Jinshen released her, and she sat down on the nearby seat, coughing lightly.

“Would you like some tea?” he asked, looking at her suddenly.

“Tea? Now?”

“I’ll make it for you,” he offered, gesturing to the nearby tea set. “I know how.”

“…Sure.”

Lin Jinshen knelt down and began preparing the tea. He washed and dried his hands before starting. Over the years, he had picked up various skills to cater to potential business partners. Though he no longer needed to do such things, he still remembered the techniques.

He moved with precision, warming the teapot, rinsing the cups, adding tea leaves—all with steady hands. After brewing the tea, he poured her a cup and said, “Try it.”

Having grown up around people skilled in tea-making, Lu Yi could tell he truly knew what he was doing. Despite the intricate steps, he remained calm and composed, showing no sign of inebriation.

Lu Yi sipped the tea—it was excellent, brewed by a practiced hand.

The room was filled with a faint, pleasant aroma of tea leaves.

Setting down her cup, she asked, “Are you sure you’re drunk?”

“I’m not drunk,” Lin Jinshen replied with conviction. Placing the teapot down, he looked toward the pool table behind her. “Do you know how to play?”

“No.”

“I’ll teach you.”

“…”

Lu Yi wanted to refuse, but Lin Jinshen seemed genuinely enthusiastic.

He grabbed a cue stick, dusted it with chalk, and handed it to her. Standing behind her, he guided her movements—one hand on her arm, the other pressing the cue stick down.

“You need to lower your posture,” he instructed, positioning her so her hip rested lightly against the table edge. “Relax your fingers.”

As he leaned in closer, his breath brushed her cheek, and the warmth of his hand seemed to seep into her skin.

The heat reminded her of the time he’d had a fever.

Momentarily dazed, Lu Yi lost focus, the pool balls before her blurring into obscurity.

“Concentrate,” Lin Jinshen reminded her gently. He adjusted her aim and directed her to strike the cue ball, sending it rolling toward the colored ball to sink it into the pocket.

“Lower your posture a bit,” Lin Jinshen said, pressing down lightly on her back.

Under his hands-on guidance, Lu Yi took her first shot. The cue ball struck the nine ball, missing the pocket but triggering a chain reaction as it ricocheted into several others.

Lin Jinshen straightened up and said, “Not bad. Try again.”

Lu Yi gradually found herself enjoying the game. Lin Jinshen proved to be a patient teacher, demonstrating and explaining step by step. Even though she failed to sink a single ball all evening, he showed no trace of impatience.

As the game concluded, Lin Jinshen cleared the table with effortless precision, sinking every ball in a seamless display of skill.

“Wow!” Lu Yi exclaimed, clapping her hands in admiration.

Lin Jinshen’s lips quirked up, unable to hide his smile.

Lu Yi simply watched him play, occasionally participating as directed. She realized that some people, like herself, became quiet when drunk, while others, like Lin Jinshen, seemed to grow more energized. She was relieved he chose to expend that energy here instead of at home.

Still, she had to admit that tonight, Lin Jinshen felt like both himself and someone else entirely.

Sober, he was composed and restrained, with a maturity that rarely wavered. Yet, inebriated, he revealed a side of himself that was open, unguarded—a glimpse of another version of him.

Eventually, they moved to the indoor golf setup.

Lin Jinshen stood behind her, guiding her grip on the club, adjusting her posture, and striking the ball with her. His chin rested lightly on her shoulder, and the familiar scent of him stirred something deep within her.

It felt as though he wanted to say something but didn’t know how to begin.

…

Outside, Lu Yi’s friends waited, exchanging uncertain glances.

“They’ve been in there a while,” someone said.

“Think he might’ve passed out?”

“If he did, Lu Yi won’t be able to carry him out on her own.”

“…Good point.”

Seeing the logic, Ji Changming led the group to the door. A staff member opened it for them, revealing the scene inside.

The drunken man they expected was nowhere to be seen. Instead, they were met with the sight of Lin Jinshen in high spirits, not resembling someone drunk but rather someone on a caffeine high.

“Well, everything seems fine here,” Ji Changming coughed, clearly embarrassed. “Let’s leave them to it.”

He promptly closed the door, pretending they hadn’t seen anything.

“Let’s go back to our own fun.”

Elsewhere, another drunken individual lay sprawled on a sofa, sound asleep and utterly alone. Compared to the lively energy in Lin Jinshen’s room, it was a stark contrast—and likely an unbearable sight for him if he’d been awake.

About half an hour later, Lu Yi and Lin Jinshen emerged.

The atmosphere outside was as lively as ever, with music pounding like ocean waves, engulfing everyone in its rhythm.

Lin Jinshen held onto Lu Yi’s hand, refusing to let go, his body leaning heavily against hers. Ji Changming noticed and stepped forward to help but stopped short when Lin Jinshen subtly avoided his touch.

With no other choice, Ji Changming opened the door of a Bentley and coaxed Lin Jinshen into the passenger seat.

“Thank you, Lu Yi,” he said, smiling apologetically.

“It’s no trouble,” Lu Yi replied.

Ji Changming hesitated, then said, “If he says anything weird, don’t take it to heart. He’s… not himself when he drinks.”

“Got it,” Lu Yi promised, amused but sincere.

She climbed into the driver’s seat, adjusting herself before starting the car. Noticing Lin Jinshen wasn’t buckled in, she asked him to fasten his seatbelt. He stared at her with clear, unwavering eyes but didn’t move.

Realizing she’d have to do it herself, Lu Yi leaned over to secure the belt.

Lin Jinshen remained still, letting her work. As she leaned closer, he reached up to toy with a strand of her hair, wrapping it around his fingers like a soft thread.

When the seatbelt clicked into place, the hair slipped away from his grasp.

The drive home was smooth. Despite his intoxication, Lin Jinshen was quiet, making him an easy passenger.

At home, Puff crouched at its usual spot, waiting to greet them.

Lu Yi set down her keys and bag, preparing to pet the cat, only to find Puff already cradled in Lin Jinshen’s arms.

The ten-pound feline seemed like a tiny plush toy in his hands, dangling comfortably.

“Meow?” Puff tilted its head, its confusion melting into pure bliss as Lin Jinshen stroked its head.

Lu Yi couldn’t help but laugh. Pulling out her phone, she snapped a picture, already imagining his reaction when she showed it to him tomorrow.

Lin Jinshen finally put the cat down and started shedding his jacket and tie. With a couple of buttons undone, he suddenly loomed closer, shadowing Lu Yi.

The house felt smaller with him following her everywhere, his presence persistent.

“Shouldn’t you shower before bed?” she suggested, noticing his disheveled state.

Lin Jinshen paused, sniffing at his shirt. “Do I smell bad?” he asked, his tone faintly aggrieved.

“No,” Lu Yi replied gently, treating him more like a child than an adult. “But isn’t it nice to shower before sleeping?”

“Mm.” He grabbed a towel but hesitated at the bathroom door.

“Can you manage on your own?” she asked lightly, half-teasing.

He turned back, his expression solemn. “What if I can’t?”

“…Then I’ll bring Puff to help,” she quipped, starting to leave, only to be pulled back by his firm grip.

One arm encircled her waist, and his lips brushed hers—a soft, fleeting kiss that barely lingered, as if mindful of the alcohol on his breath.

“Can I choose my helper?” he murmured.

“There’s only one choice,” she replied, meeting his intense gaze.

His breath carried the faint scent of liquor, heady but not unpleasant. Under his unwavering stare, Lu Yi felt as though she might melt.

Every kiss landed like a raindrop, her heartbeat echoing in the storm.

“Mine,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“What?” she asked, confused.

“My bride,” he answered, his gaze filled with a depth that left her speechless.