Chapter 46.1

“Wait.”

Lin Jinshen stood up, and the phone’s camera shifted downward from his face, moving past his defined jawline, long neck, and down to his collarbones, revealing an almond-white loungewear top.

It wasn’t the old-fashioned pajama set that matched her father’s style. He had just taken a shower as well, looking fresh and clean, almost… appetizing.

Resting her chin on her hand, Lu Yi watched as he walked out of his bedroom and headed downstairs, based on the background movement.

The camera wobbled, never focusing directly on his face. Yet she kept watching, persistently. For a moment, the camera briefly dipped, catching a glimpse of his legs. Those pants—she recognized them immediately.

Oh, he only changed his top.

So, he specifically changed clothes just for a video call? He’d taken so long to answer—was it because he was getting ready?

Realizing this, Lu Yi couldn’t help but smile. She never imagined a day when Lin Jinshen would care so much about his appearance. Was he feeling self-conscious, or was his “idol image” weighing on him?

Lin Jinshen reached the first floor and raised his phone again. “Puff is asleep.”

The next second, a soft voice meowed, “Meow?”

Lin Jinshen: “Awake now.”

Hearing the sound, Lu Yi perked up. “Let me see her!”

Lin Jinshen squatted down, hesitating for a moment before switching to the rear camera. The screen now showed Puff bounding into view. From this low angle, Lu Yi got a whole new perspective—Puff really was like a fluffy little caterpillar!

It wasn’t just because she was chubby; her long, soft fur gave her a puffy, doll-like appearance. No wonder Lin Jinshen mistook her for a ragdoll cat at first sight.

“Puff, Mommy’s here!” Lu Yi’s heart melted.

Such divine looks, such a good temperament—Puff seemed like a professional cat café mascot, friendly and open to cuddles.

Hearing Lu Yi’s voice, Puff paused mid-run, looking around in confusion. She could hear but not see the source of the voice, proving herself to be a little silly.

“Come here,” Lin Jinshen called.

Puff immediately resumed her little dash, running straight toward him.

Just as she got close, a large hand reached down from above, scooping her up from under her legs. Puff instantly disappeared from the screen. A second later, the camera switched back to the front view. Puff was now obediently nestled in Lin Jinshen’s arms.

Lin Jinshen raised the phone, framing himself and Puff in the shot.

The cat, adorable and round, looked like a tiny fluffy ball. Meanwhile, Lin Jinshen, elegant and striking, could easily pass as a wallpaper model. Lu Yi thought so and didn’t hesitate to capture a screenshot.

“My sweet baby,” she murmured.

Puff sniffed curiously at the camera, her little nose twitching.

Lin Jinshen’s large hand gently covered her face and pulled her back, making her settle down quietly in his arms, as docile as if she were a plush toy. He remarked, “Aunt Fang said she’s been doing well recently.”

“Eats, sleeps, and when she’s in a good mood, she might even move a little.”

His tone was flat, emotionless, even a little exasperated. A few months ago, he couldn’t have imagined tolerating such a silly, clumsy cat. Letting her near him was unthinkable, let alone updating Lu Yi on her condition during a video call.

It’s just a cat—what could possibly be going on with it besides eating and sleeping?

Lu Yi nodded, reaching toward the screen to tap Puff’s head. She sighed at the barrier of the screen, wishing she could pet her directly. As she tapped, she clearly caught another glimpse of Lin Jinshen’s pajama pants in the frame. She hadn’t been mistaken.

Her gaze shifted to his face. “And you? How are you doing?”

“Meow?”

Just as Puff made a sound, Lin Jinshen’s hand came down again, casting a shadow over her.

“Who?” Lin Jinshen asked.

“Who else could it be?” Lu Yi teased with a playful smirk. “Obviously Aunt Fang.”

“…”

Lu Yi caught the brief moment his expression froze. She chuckled quietly, feeling triumphant. Holding her phone, she walked over to her bed, lifted the covers, and slid in.

The hotel’s lighting was warm and gentle. She hugged the soft blanket. Despite the awkward video angle, her features remained strikingly beautiful.

Lin Jinshen stared at the screen.

Though he had felt somewhat neglected lately, he could understand her focus on work.

For a moment, his usual irritability seemed to dissipate.

“How are things over there? Busy?” he asked.

“Busy, but fulfilling. I’d never been involved in this before. Looking at design from a production perspective has shown me there’s so much more to consider. I used to think aesthetics were enough, that designers could dream freely, and production would make it real.”

Her eyelashes fluttered as she spoke, her excitement evident. “But in reality, you have to consider comfort, material choices, and craftsmanship—there’s so much to think about.”

“Mm.”

Lu Yi kept talking while Lin Jinshen listened attentively.

At some point, he let Puff return to her little bed and climbed back upstairs to his own room, lying down as well.

Lu Yi was in her beginner’s phase, brimming with enthusiasm. Everything seemed interesting and novel to her. She shared all her thoughts and experiences.

“Am I boring you?” she suddenly asked, realizing she’d been rambling.

Lin Jinshen replied softly, “No, go on.”

Relieved, Lu Yi continued chatting.

At some point, she noticed Lin Jinshen’s eyes were closed. To make it easier for the video call, he had shifted to lie on his side, showing only half his face. His eyelids bore faint shadows, with soft creases adding depth.

Lu Yi: “…”

Was she so soothing that he’d fallen asleep?

A quick glance at the time revealed it was past 11 p.m.

She could forgive him—after all, someone had always adhered to the bedtime routine of an elderly man.

Lu Yi whispered a gentle goodnight, ended the call, and set her phone aside, turning off the light as well. Snuggling under the covers, she thought back to the video call and couldn’t help the habitual upward curve of her lips.

On the other side, Lin Jinshen slept soundly for the first time in days.

When he woke up, he noticed the call had ended at 11 p.m. Lu Yi must have hung up after realizing he’d fallen asleep.

He sent her a quick apology text. Seeing no reply, he figured she wasn’t awake yet.

Lin Jinshen didn’t know when Lu Yi would return, but he felt he had found a solution to his insomnia.

Tonight, he could always call her again.

Since he had enough sleep, the fatigue from the past few days disappeared entirely. After changing clothes, Lin Jinshen ran five kilometers, freshened up, and then headed to the office.

At the company, Jiang Xun had already prepared coffee. Knowing his boss had been drinking three cups daily to stay alert, he thoughtfully chose a half-decaf blend to prevent overconsumption of caffeine.

“Good morning, President Lin,” Jiang Xun greeted out of habit as Lin Jinshen approached.

Before entering his office, Lin Jinshen responded with a brief glance, “Morning.”

Jiang Xun looked up to observe his boss’s demeanor. Compared to the previous days, there was a noticeable improvement—his energy was restored, perhaps even overly so. Though Lin’s expression remained composed, the relaxed look in his eyes suggested a better mood.

Is the boss feeling better?

It was puzzling. Jiang Xun hadn’t understood the cause of Lin’s earlier withdrawal symptoms, and now, he couldn’t identify the reason for his recovery either.

Left with no answers, Jiang Xun scribbled in his observation notebook: Reason unknown. Psychological evaluation pending.

Lin Jinshen resumed his regular work routine.

That afternoon, Lin Wenyun visited to discuss project progress.

The primary issue with Huayu Group lay in its rapid external expansion under Lin Jinshen’s leadership, which had increased management challenges, raised costs, and temporarily reduced profits. These concerns had begun to draw murmurs among the board members.

Moreover, the rise of local hotel brands had intensified competition, creating external threats in addition to internal struggles. This was far from a time to relax.

Lin Jinshen was well aware of this. His expansion strategy wasn’t a rash move; it was calculated, supported by contingency plans, and launched only after forming an alliance with the Lu family through marriage.

The acquisitions and expansions were, in fact, a countermeasure against the encroaching local brands.

The principle of “progress or regress” was universally understood. For now, the results would only reveal themselves over time.

After collecting the signed documents, Lin Wenyun nodded approvingly. “As long as you have it under control. By the way, isn’t Xiaoyi back? When do you both have time for a meal?”

Lin Jinshen paused mid-action while capping his fountain pen. “She’s back?”

“Yes, she arrived on a noon flight. Didn’t you know?” Lin Wenyun asked, surprised. As the one liaising with Anyi Furniture, she had been in frequent contact with Lu Yi, who had informed her of her return.

The cap clicked into place as Lin Jinshen replied, “I’ll discuss the meal with her.”

Realizing she might have misspoken, Lin Wenyun hesitated. Her nephew wasn’t even aware of his wife’s return. However, in her opinion, this reflected a larger issue.

Seriously, how does he even function as a husband?

Frowning, Lin Wenyun assumed her elder’s authority. “You can’t just focus on work all the time. Make an effort to care about your wife too. At least know when she’s coming back from a trip.”

Lin Jinshen remained silent, thinking that if his aunt had time to lecture someone, she should direct it elsewhere.

His tone cooled. “I understand.”

After leaving his office, Lin Wenyun sighed inwardly. When will this nephew of mine ever get it?

Once she was gone, Lin Jinshen glanced at his phone. He debated sending a message but decided it was unnecessary—her return was already a fact.

Half an hour later, his phone screen lit up with a new notification. Without much reaction, he picked up the phone. Upon seeing the sender, however, his brows furrowed deeply.

It was from Aunt Fang.

Aunt Fang: [President Lin, the Madam arrived home today. She’s craving spicy poached beef and fried crab with garlic. Will you be coming home for dinner? Is there anything you’d like to eat?]
Aunt Fang: [I’ll head to the market now to pick up fresh ingredients.]

Great. Even Aunt Fang knew.

—

In Lu Yi’s absence, her colleagues in the design department had taken to pointing at her office whenever they walked past, exchanging knowing smiles. Their gestures practically screamed: So what if she’s playing princess and skipping work?

They had anticipated this behavior from the start. Before she even took the role, some had made predictions.