As soon as she finished speaking, Shang Xinglu’s face turned bright red, and she quickly covered her face with both hands.

Oh my God! What was I even joking about at this point?!

Am I some kind of comedian reincarnate?!

Shang Xinglu lowered her head, feeling a bit ashamed.

… Well, that only lasted for a few seconds.

Then she thought to herself.

Why should I be ashamed?

Why should I feel guilty?

Didn’t I cause this all by myself?

The culprit is standing right in front of me!

Shang Xinglu lifted her head, full of determination, only to find… Lin Heng was frozen too.

Lin Heng looked at the pregnancy tests in his hand, then at Shang Xinglu.

What had once been the stern Director Lin, was now gazing at her with softer eyes, gradually—very gradually—a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Shang Xinglu, standing close enough to see it clearly, thought to herself: So this is what they mean by a smile creeping up the corner of someone’s mouth?

Although Lin Heng didn’t shout with joy, his happiness was obvious, wasn’t it?

The way he looked so pleased made Shang Xinglu feel a bit awkward.

She pushed him gently.

… But she didn’t push him at all.

Shang Xinglu said, “I’m not sure yet… but my period is six days late.”

Lin Heng pulled her into his arms, “This test isn’t reliable, let’s go to the hospital for a proper check.”

“I was planning to wait until we’re back in the country to go to the hospital.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“What if it’s not true…” At this point, Shang Xinglu nervously added.

Lin Heng softly said, “Are you stupid? Whether it’s true or not, you can always tell me.”

Knock knock—

Assistant Yuan knocked on the door from outside, saying, “Mr. Lin, it’s time to go.”

Lin Heng let her go and said, “I have a dinner meeting. It won’t take long, just a quick meal. Do you want to come?”

Shang Xinglu thought for a moment and nodded.

Lin Heng didn’t know it yet, but now that he did… leaving her alone would only make her overthink.

She changed into a new outfit, and the two of them left together.

Lin Heng held her hand the entire way.

Shang Xinglu’s anxious heart gradually calmed down.

Well, if he knows, he knows… I was going to tell him eventually anyway…

The dinner was at a well-known Japanese kaiseki restaurant, with a large area designed to resemble traditional Japanese architecture, complete with a small bridge and flowing water.

The aesthetics were elegant, though the interior was equipped with modern facilities.

The servers, dressed in kimonos, led them to a private room.

By the time they entered, most people had already arrived. Most of them were unfamiliar to Shang Xinglu, with the exception of Lin Yan.

Lin Yan waved at her.

Shang Xinglu smiled back, just a simple greeting.

She wasn’t hungry since she had already eaten, so she sipped her tea and listened to their conversation.

It was mostly business talk, but rather casual, more like chit-chat. Based on the introductions, Shang Xinglu guessed that Lin Heng was here to meet with the management team of their Japanese branch.

… But why was Lin Yan here?

She couldn’t figure it out.

But she didn’t feel like thinking about it anymore.

Wealthy families are complicated.

It seemed that everyone knew Lin Heng didn’t like socializing, so just as he said, they finished the meal and left. A few people left first, and one or two stayed behind to chat with Lin Heng in Japanese. Lin Yan came over at some point and said, “Louise, we meet again.”

Shang Xinglu looked at him suspiciously, “Your family has so many people, huh? Why is it every time I look for Lin Heng, I always run into you? Are you…?”

Lin Yan replied, “I came a week ago. I have no ulterior motives.”

Shang Xinglu: “Uh… I just wanted to ask if you’re a little obsessed with your younger brother?”

Lin Yan: “…”

What was there to be obsessed with? A younger brother who was richer but still so unlikable?

Shang Xinglu: “Why does every explanation from you sound like you’re up to no good, like you really are scheming something…”

Lin Yan smiled, “You guess?”

Shang Xinglu gave him a cold look, “I’m not guessing.”

Who cares about your family’s schemes? According to gossip from marketing accounts, I’m already a neglected wife of a wealthy family!

Then, those two left. At that moment, Lin Heng walked over. When his gaze met Lin Yan’s, nothing special happened. It was pretty bland, and Lin Heng just said, “We’re leaving now. What about you?”

Lin Yan replied, “The driver brought me, no need to send me off. But you can’t escape me as your third wheel on the way to the door.”

A server opened the door for them, and just as they were about to leave, they bumped into another group of people.

This new group looked like elite professionals, all wearing suits, with one tall man in the middle. He had deep-set eyes, a strong nose, and thin lips, giving off a cold demeanor. As he glanced over at them, his gaze deepened like a dark pool, and his smile quickly faded.

He had an attractive face, but his presence made everyone feel unnerved.

The atmosphere grew tense.

As the man approached, the tension only grew stronger.

Lin Yan was the first to speak, “Uncle.”

Shang Xinglu, who had been wondering why the Lin family was all gathering around Christmas, thought, “What? Wait a minute, are you all planning to save the world like high school heroes or something?”

Lin Yan called out first, and then Lin Heng paused and also said, “Uncle.”

The man, Lin Heng and Lin Yan’s uncle, Lin Maosen, scanned them with a sharp, hostile gaze, briefly looking at Shang Xinglu, before his gaze finally settled on Lin Heng.

Shang Xinglu only caught a quick look from him, but for some reason, she got goosebumps.

Lin Maosen made a faint snorting sound from his nose, filled with disdain, and then said, “Bastard.”

Shang Xinglu: “???”

Did he just call Lin Heng a bastard?

Did he just call my husband a bastard?!

Did he get my permission to insult him?!

Lin Heng’s expression remained calm, and he didn’t get angry, as though he didn’t even hear Lin Maosen’s insult. Someone from the crowd around Lin Maosen couldn’t hold back and snickered, but quickly suppressed it.

Lin Maosen withdrew his gaze, avoiding looking at them, and walked past.

Since they were positioned before him, Shang Xinglu stepped forward to block his way.

She was pretending to make a phone call.

In fact, she was “accidentally” blocking his path.

As Lin Maosen took a few steps closer, Shang Xinglu tilted her head and glanced at him sideways. She spoke into her phone bluntly, “Hello, is this the Sino-Irish Purebred Dog Culture Development Center? I’d like to ask about something. I have a dog here, and I want to test its pedigree. Everyone around me says it’s mixed, but I believe it’s purebred. How can I get it tested and certified as a purebred? Don’t be fooled by its appearance—deep down, it’s very sensitive and cares a lot about its lineage. I’m afraid if I don’t get it a certificate soon, it’s going to fall into depression!”

Among the people present, the only ones with mixed-race features were Lin Yan and Lin Maosen.

The target of her mockery was pretty obvious.

And honestly, Shang Xinglu wasn’t just hinting—she was blatantly ridiculing him. Her eyes were fixed on Lin Maosen as she spoke, leaving no doubt: Yes, I’m talking about you!

“What? I have to bring the dog in for testing? I can’t just pay for a certificate? …Alright then, I’ll give it a try. But this dog is really aggressive—it barks wildly and bites people. I’ll do my best to drag it over. Oh, thanks!”

As Lin Maosen’s face darkened, the people around him… remained motionless for a moment.

Because they were stunned!

It was the first time they had ever seen someone dare to mock Mr. Lin to his face…

But they quickly snapped out of it. A short, chubby man with a garlic-shaped nose stepped forward and said rudely, “Who do you think you’re talking about?!”

Shang Xinglu put on an innocent expression as she hung up the phone. “Brother, am I not allowed to make a phone call in a public place?”

Garlic-Nose: “Don’t think we can’t tell who you’re mocking! You’re being incredibly rude—apologize to Mr. Lin now!”

This man wasn’t even as tall as Shang Xinglu. Hearing his words, she lifted her chin slightly, her gaze cold and impatient, as if to say: Oh? So you guys can tell who I was mocking? Not bad, not bad. My efforts weren’t wasted.

Garlic-Nose: “!”

His face turned red and white in embarrassment. He suddenly realized that instead of helping, he had only made Lin Maosen lose more face… Furious, he lashed out, “Watch your mouth!” and shoved Shang Xinglu’s shoulder.

She had rushed over earlier and was already standing sideways, turning her neck to look at him. It was uncomfortable. She had just started to shift her stance to properly face them when, right as she lifted her foot, she lost her balance…

And then, she fell.

She actually fell…

She fell!

Garlic-Nose: “???”

Holy crap, is she faking an injury?!

There were so many witnesses here! Lin Heng was standing right next to the woman, staring at him with an oppressive gaze. Garlic-Nose hadn’t even meant to really use force—it was just an instinctive reaction in the heat of the moment.

And yet, she fell?!

With a loud thud, Shang Xinglu hit the floor: “???”

So humiliating!

How could I fall at a time like this?

I just wanted to look cool until the very end—I swear I wasn’t trying to fake an injury!!!

But damn, falling onto a hard floor hurt…

She quickly sat up, clutching her reddened knee. Just then, Lin Heng hurriedly squatted beside her, holding her up and asking anxiously, “Where does it hurt? Does it hurt a lot? Come on, let’s go to the hospital.”

Everyone could clearly see how nervous Lin Heng was.

Even though Shang Xinglu had clearly fallen due to her own “fake-injury” act, he had still lunged forward the moment she lost balance, though he hadn’t managed to catch her in time. Now, he was crouched beside her, and for someone who usually kept his emotions unreadable, he looked downright distressed.

It was just a fall… did she really need to go to the hospital?

By the time they reached a hospital, even a scrape would have scabbed over!

Everyone: “…”

Shang Xinglu, the supposed “fake-injury queen,” wasn’t even embarrassed—she pouted, eyes teary. “It hurts. My knee really hurts. And my hand hurts too. Someone pushed me just now!”

Garlic-Nose: “?!”

You’re really going through with this fake-injury act?!

Lin Heng gently rubbed her knee and blew on it before helping her up. But as she stood, everyone suddenly noticed a dark red stain spreading on the inside of her white dress…

Everyone: “…………”

Sis, you’re bleeding.

She kept saying her hands and knees hurt, but how come she never mentioned the actual injury?!

And combined with how panicked Lin Heng had been earlier… Could it be… could it be that kind of situation?

Following their gaze, Lin Heng’s expression changed.

His pupils shrank slightly.

He narrowed his eyes and turned his head, his gaze turning cold and piercing. He first glared at Garlic-Nose, then shifted to Lin Maosen. His entire aura grew icy and oppressive. Under his chilling stare, the crowd felt their scalps tingle.

Lin Maosen sneered. “What’s with that look? I haven’t even settled the score with you, and now you’re acting like I’m the one at fault?”

Lin Yan interjected, “Uncle, Clemens is under Lin Heng’s control now. Even as an elder, you should show some respect.”

Lin Heng’s expression was terrifyingly dark. Without warning, he grabbed Lin Maosen’s collar and punched him in the face, making his nose bleed!

Lin Maosen was stunned for a second before flying into a rage and striking back.

Chaos erupted, and people scrambled to pull them apart.

Shang Xinglu hurriedly rushed forward and grabbed Lin Heng’s arm.

Only then did Lin Heng’s fury slightly subside. “…We’re going to the hospital.”

Shang Xinglu blushed, stumbling over her words. “N-No need…”

Lin Heng coaxed her gently, “Be good. Listen to me.”

Shang Xinglu: “Really, trust me… I don’t need to go to the hospital…”

Lin Yan chimed in, “Don’t downplay your injuries. You’re not a doctor—how would you know if something’s wrong?”

Shang Xinglu: “…”

Even Garlic-Nose started persuading her, “I shouldn’t have pushed you—just go get checked, alright, auntie?”

“Yeah, how can you be sure nothing’s wrong?”

Voices buzzed all around her, making her increasingly annoyed.

Her frustration boiled over—probably thanks to hormones—and she couldn’t hold back anymore.

“How do I know?!”

I just don’t want to embarrass myself!

…But you all won’t let me live with dignity!!!

Exasperated, she finally burst out, “Because I’ve had my period for over ten years!”

“Over ten years! Every month! Who here has more experience than me?!”

The crowd: “………………”

Silence.

Lin Heng: “Cough…”

Lin Yan: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

Shang Xinglu: Waaah! 😭